Disclaimer: Don't own anything.
Please, please review. I am sad, my little Prince isn't getting much reviews. Little Prince might go on strike if he thinks you don't love him anymore... We don't want that now, do we =)
R rating here, sexual content! Be warned.
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Chapter 6: Memories
DAY 8, REALM OF TIRN UIPIRA
They had been waiting for Glorgalad in the throne room for the past four hours. It was not like the young Prince to be this late, especially for an important meeting. Both Alagos and Celegîl were becoming worried.
"Father, please let me go get the little one," suggested the oldest Prince.
"No, we'll just all go together," said the King as he rose from his throne.
When they arrived at the door of Glorgalad's chambers, the King knocked, "Son, open the door if you are in there."
They waited a few minutes. But there was still no response. "Alright then, we are coming in," announced Alagos as he opened the door.
The sight inside chilled the three older Watchers to their bones. Morn- ndúath had learnt of their plans and attacked the youngest prince. The furniture in the room was shattered, littering the floor. Almost entirely concealed by the rubble, Glorgalad lay unconscious. The young Watcher suffered numerous cuts and bruised from the dark one's mental assault.
The Prince's powers were strong, closely matching his father and the evil Watcher. They could not understand why the golden one had not defended himself against Morn-ndúath's attack. It suddenly dawned on Alagos that the communication spell had drained his son's energy to the point of exhaustion, rendering the young Watcher completely defenseless to anything outside the dream. Given the extent of Glorgalad's injuries, Alagos was grateful that the young one had survived the assault. The King of the Tirn Uipira swore he would never allow his son to endanger himself again in the same fashion.
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"How could Morn-ndúath carry out a directed attack without our notice?" asked Celegîl. The evil one was powerful, but even he could not shield an open assault inside the palace under their very eyes.
"The only way is through the bond between Glorgalad and his human lover," replied Mallos.
"That's not possible. We may not think much of Men, but Aragorn will not betray my little brother," answered Celegîl shaking his head.
"It does not have to be the Man himself, Celegîl. Someone with Morn-ndúath powers can use that bond as long as they share the same roof," answered Mallos.
"That's it then!! The Dark One had taken the body of someone close to Aragorn," exclaimed the oldest Prince.
"Of course! We should have thought of it. Even with his evil powers, Morn- ndúath cannot revive Morgoth without knowing the location where his soul was sealed. That is something sacred to Arda and protected from the sight of Eternal Watchers. He needs the crystal to find the seal. He planned this all along. He knew of our Prince's connection to the Man and guessed we would turn to his Human lover for help. He knew Glorgalad would tell the King of Men about the crystal. He wants to let Aragorn do all the work in obtaining it. Since he is in the form of one of the Man's companions, it will be easy for him to catch our allies off guard. We must warn the Man at once!" cried Mallos.
"There will be no more communications between them. I will not allow it," thundered the King.
"But your majesty..."
"No. We are lucky that Glorgalad survived. This connection requires too much magic from my son. It leaves him vulnerable with the Dark One on the loose," continued Alagos.
"Father..."
"Do not argue with me in this. Besides, given his injuries, it will be at least another week before Glorgalad is strong enough even to walk again," said the King as he left the throne room and headed towards his son's chambers once more. He would not leave his golden child unprotected again.
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DAY 8, GONDOR CASTLE
The council convened at the breakfast table. When Elrond noted the way the royal couple of Gondor entered the dining room arm in arm and his daughter's genuine smile, he was glad he had given Elessar permission to wed Arwen. Though it hurt to know that one day he would lose her, the Elf- Lord found consolation in seeing his daughter so happy in love.
As Aragorn took his seat at the head of the table, all eyes were upon him as they waited for the Man to speak. "I was told in my dream about a magic crystal that could help us identify the evil Watcher. It is hidden in the forest beyond the sea of Rhûn. We must find it in order to stop the Dark One. A group of us will recover the crystal, while the others remain in Gondor to prepare for battle with Morn-ndúath when we find him," said the King.
"This is folly. No one had ever ventured close to that area and returned. There are monster there like none on Middle Earth has seen. Not even with our armies combined can we do this," commented Èomer.
"It is our only hope, my friend. We must give it a try. I will go, my liege, if you give me permission," volunteered Faramir.
"No, you will stay here and look after Gondor on my behalf. I am going on this Quest," replied Aragorn.
Everyone at the table looked in surprise at the King. They had expected the Man to remain in Gondor. The mission was too dangerous. If Aragorn were lost in this new Quest, the link with their Tirn Uipira allies would be gone. It was something they could not allow.
"You should stay, Elessar," said the Lady Galadriel, voicing the thoughts of all those present, as she was the wisest and most powerful. They knew Aragorn was very stubborn once his mind was set; but the Man respected the Elf Witch deeply and was likely to heed her advice.
"No, my Lady. I was a Ranger and my experience in the Wild would be useful in this expedition. I will go on this mission," said Aragorn resolutely, with quiet authority that allowed no argument, even from the ancient Elves.
"I will help you on this journey, Elessar," offered the wizard.
"I guess, for old times' sake, I am going too," said Gimli gruffly.
The Hobbits looked at each other and gave a collective nod before saying, "We are all going."
"Please reconsider, little ones. There is no need for you to endanger yourselves this time. You will be safer in Gondor," said the King.
"No, we were part of the Fellowship that defeated Sauron. We will be part of this new Fellowship to save Middle Earth too," said Frodo bravely.
"I guess I will have to join since Faramir has to remain here. I certainly hope fate will be kinder to me than the previous eighth member of the Fellowship though," added Èomer quietly. The King of the Mark knew that even after eleven years, Faramir still grieved for his lost brother. He did not wish to bring up Boromir's name.
"Don't you think something is wrong with this Fellowship?" asked Thranduil quietly.
"What do you mean?" inquired Elrond, wanting the Elven King to elaborate.
"Each Race of Middle Earth is represented except the Elves. Don't you think that the keen senses of an Elf will be a very important asset on a Quest such as this?"
All knew the King of Mirkwood was right and were perplexed by this strange oversight. Their pondering was interrupted when the Guardian of Lòrien offered, "You have my bow."
The rest of the meeting was lost to Aragorn as memories of the Council of Elrond eleven years ago took over his mind.
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FLASHBACK:
YEAR 3018, THIRD AGE, RIVENDELL
The Council had begun. Boromir was speaking of using the Ring against Sauron. The Man knew from the failure of his ancestors that such talk would only result in more suffering and bloodshed.
"You cannot wield it. None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master," said Aragorn, no longer able to keep quiet.
When the Steward of Gondor insulted him, his beloved had jumped to his defense, announcing his birthright to the entire council. Being Isildur's heir was not something Aragorn was particularly proud of. The embarrassed Man commanded the Elf to sit before the Prince could say more. However, when he noticed the traces of hurt on Legolas' face, he regretted his harsh tone and made a mental note to apologize to the Elf later.
Aragorn watched as an argument broke out between the Elves and Dwarves, with Legolas trying to prevent his friends from raising arms against Gimli, the offending Dwarf. The hostility soon spread to the Wizard and Steward of Gondor, who quarreled vehemently in the center. All fell silent, however, when Frodo offered to take the Ring to Mordor.
The Man knew this was his chance to help Middle Earth, his chance to correct the past mistake of his ancestor. Legolas believed in him, thinking that he could face this evil and defeat it. After the Grey wizard volunteered to guide Frodo to Mount Doom, Aragorn walked up to the Hobbit and knelt on one knee to pledge his allegiance. "If by my life or death, I can protect you, I will. You have my sword."
What Aragorn did not expect to hear was his beloved's lilting voice singing "And you have my bow" immediately after he finished his pledge. Before the Man could protest, Gimli spoke to offer his axe. Aragorn knew he could no longer question Legolas' decision in front of the council without objecting to the Dwarf's offer as well. It would be taken as an insult by the Elves, since very few knew of relationship between the Man and the Golden Prince. He would have to wait until nightfall for the opportunity to convince his love not to join the perilous Quest.
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Aragorn had sent a message asking the Elf to meet him at a small, secluded bridge in Rivendell at dusk. Before his beloved arrived, the Lady Arwen found the Man alone and approached him. The Evening Star offered her immortality in exchange for a single lifetime with him. As his heart belonged to Legolas alone, the Man rejected her. He told her that he could not accept her gift, but he never told her why.
Only Elrond, Gandalf and Thranduil knew of his involvement with the golden Elf; of the three, the King of Mirkwood alone knew the depth of Aragorn's love and his true intentions. It was the ancient Elves' and wizard's idea to keep the relationship between Aragorn and Legolas a secret. They knew that the Crown Prince was the most sought after Elf in Middle Earth; if others were to know that Legolas had fallen for Human Ranger, the Man would suffer much jealousy-induced antagonism. Under the looming shadow of darkness, Estel must soon rise to meet his destiny. He could not do so with the animosity of the Elves against him.
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His beloved arrived as the last rays of the sun disappeared from the horizon. The Elf glowed softly, casting a golden light upon their surroundings and gave the whole scene a surreal quality. The Prince wore a pale green shirt and forest-green leggings. The color of his garments enhanced his brilliant azure eyes, tinted in the shades of emeralds by the yellow light. The Elf's smooth fair hair was unbound, flowing freely in the gentle caress of the wind. His delicately sculpted face was brightened by an enchanting smile; his delectable rosy lips so supple and exquisitely shaped that the Man was torn between the desire to taste them immediately and singing praises of their perfection. The Prince was so ethereally beautiful that he resembled a magical being from a fairytale. Though Aragorn had known the Elf for over ten years, the Man found himself staring in awe of Legolas' breathtaking beauty.
"You wanted to see me?" asked the Prince gently. He had a good idea of what the Man wished to say. But he also knew that he would not change his decision. He would stay by the side of the Man he loved, danger or not.
"Legolas, please stay here in Rivendell, where it is safe. The Quest is too dangerous. I cannot bear the thought of anything happening to you," pleaded the Man. He knew how stubborn his beloved was; he had yet to win a single argument of this sort with the Elf.
"Sauron's powers are increasing. Soon war will find us, no matter where we hide. Nowhere is safe until the Dark Lord is defeated. Besides, you know I can take care of myself in battle," argued the Elf.
"Yes, but I just want you to be safe. I love you so much. I cannot lose you."
"I feel the same way for you, Aragorn. That is why I must go. I cannot help you if I stay. I will fight by your side. And if destiny will have it, I will die by your side," vowed the Prince.
"Legolas..."
Aragorn never finished his argument as the Elf kissed him passionately, robbing him of all thought. Within moments, the Man was returning Legolas' kisses with the same fervor, his hands drifting downwards to cup the Elf's buttocks.
In the past, the Prince would have hesitated at the contact and Aragorn would break the kiss. But tonight, the Elf merely moaned in pleasure and pressed himself closer to the Man. Aragorn groaned when his manhood grew even harder, almost to the point of pain. As the Prince's hands roamed the planes of his hard chest freely, the Man knew Legolas intended to bestow upon him the gift of his innocence.
He knew he should be ecstatic, but Aragorn could not help feeling that he did not deserve the golden Elf. Boromir was right in saying he was still a mere Ranger. Until he proved his worth by overcoming the temptation of the Ring and become King, he would not be good enough for his exquisite beloved. When the Prince's hands moved lower and touched his throbbing heat, he groaned aloud and froze.
Perplexed, Legolas stopped his movements. He took a step back to watch the Man he loved. After a long while, he said quietly, "I want us to become one tonight. I don't know what lies ahead of us; I want us to have at least one night together, where we are truly joined as one. But I do not want it if you are going to feel guilty about touching me."
The Man looked dejectedly at his Elf. He loved and wanted Legolas so much. He whispered softly, "I am not good enough for you, not yet."
"Aragorn, remember what I said when I pledged my love to you. I love you as a Man; being King will not change who you are. A crown will not make you more worthy of me than you are now," replied Legolas.
The Man was about to retort, but the Prince silenced him by placing a slender finger on his lips and continued, "Besides, I am not as wonderful as you think. I am stubborn, willful to a fault, arrogant and judgmental at times, not to mention I snore. And then....."
Legolas found himself on the receiving end of a silencing kiss. When the Man pulled away, he shook his head at the Elf with disapproval and said, "I never want to hear you speak ill of yourself again."
"I would say the same to you. You are not the only one who is allowed to feel insecure, Aragorn," pouted the Prince.
The Man studied his beloved for a long moment. His brains were beginning to recover from the aftermath of the Elf's passion and were starting to function again. "Is this why you held back the previous times we were together? Because you were not sure if I truly loved you and wanted you?"
Refusing to meet the Aragorn's intense grey eyes, the Elf gave an almost imperceptible nod. The Man had the answer he needed. Before Legolas could make another move, Aragorn gathered the golden Elf in his arms and headed back to his chambers.
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The Man awoken to the sensation of smooth, warm skin pressed tightly against him. They had made love for the first time the previous night and had fallen asleep in each other's arms. He should wake Legolas before the rest of the household arose. Their relationship was supposed to be a secret; it would not do for the Prince to be found sleeping in his room.
Aragorn was about to move away from the Elf when the golden beauty shifted in his sleep, pressing his firm buttocks hard against the Man's groin. Aragorn groaned in pleasure and decided that he would make good use of their time together since they would not be able to share such intimacy during the Quest. The Man caressed the Prince's side softly, making the Elf moan blissfully in his slumber. Aragorn proceeded to slip his hand under the sheets between them and Legolas was soon startled out of his sleep by a jolt of unexpected pleasure.
"Ai, what was that for, my love? You should know that I needed the rest," said the Elf, feigning annoyance.
"For lying to me," replied the Man softly as he breathed against his beloved sensitive ear.
"Lying?" asked Legolas in a soft murmur of pleasure as Aragorn's hands continued their administrations, while the Man's tongue stroke the most sensitive point of his ear.
"You don't snore."
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DAY 8, GONDOR CASTLE
Aragorn sat alone in his room in silence. He was supposed to be making preparations for the Quest, but he was unable to concentrate on his task. When he realized that he had placed pipe-weed into his medicinal pouch instead of athelas, he decided he was doing more harm than good. He needed to stop and clear his head.
The memories of joining with Legolas haunted him. They were no longer hazy dreams of the night, but solid recollections that would not be dispelled. The softness of that hot velvet skin, the sweetness of those lush pink lips, the smoothness of that silken golden hair, Aragorn remembered it all; they were seared into his heart and mind from one single night of shared passion eleven years ago. He had felt complete that night when he was with the Elf, as if they were two parts of a whole that were meant to be together.
Though he could recollect only a single day of their past together, Legolas was no longer a stranger to him. Aragorn knew that the Elf's physical perfection was only matched by his inner beauty and light. He remembered enough to be touched by the Prince's selfless loyalty and unconditional love, enough to wish that it was Legolas who ruled Gondor by his side.
The Man knew that no matter how hard he try, he could never forget the special bond that he and the golden Elf shared. He could no longer delude himself into believing that he truly loved Arwen as he realized the depth of his emotions for the Prince. What he felt for his wife did not compare to even a small fraction of his love for Legolas.
If such as small piece of their past held so much power over him, Aragorn hated to think what more memories would do. He had made up his mind the night before to move on from his past. But he had done so without a full understanding of what he was about to give up. There was no taking back what was said. The Man knew it was something that he would regret for the rest of his life.
Aragorn's only consolation was the knowledge that even if his memories were to return entirely, he would probably still make the same decision. Too much had happened in the past eleven years that could not be undone. He was not only King, but also a husband and a father now. His responsibilities must come before his needs. The Man loved his family too much to hurt them for the sake of his own happiness.
His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. The Man sincerely hoped that his visitor was not Arwen. He could not spend the night with her when the memories of making love to Legolas was so fresh on his mind. It would be a betrayal to both the Lady and the Watcher. To his relieve, he found the King of Mirkwood at his door.
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"May I have a word alone with you, Aragorn?" inquired the Elf.
The Man frowned as that question triggered yet another memory in his befuddled mind.
"You are my son's lover, aren't you?" asked Thranduil quietly, causing the King of Men to groan as memories overtook him once more.
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FLASHBACK:
YEAR 3010, THIRD AGE, MIRKWOOD
Legolas was supposed to attend the gathering but was delayed due to an emergency at the borders. The Man sat through entire proceedings with a dreamy lovesick look on his face; his mind clearly elsewhere, thinking about the Prince.
Though his son was very tight-lipped about his relationship with the Ranger, Thranduil had suspected that the young Elf was in love with the Man. Legolas seldom spoke so highly of another; when he talked about Estel, his eyes would light up and beautiful poetic words would pour forth, singing praises of the Man. What Thranduil needed to know was whether Aragorn returned his child's feelings. Anyone would be more than glad to take advantage of Legolas' affections. The King was not about to let his favorite child be treated as nothing more than a toy for physical gratification. He would confront the Man as soon as the meeting ended.
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As the delegates left, the King of Mirkwood laid a gentle but firm hand on the Man's shoulders and said, "May I have a word alone with you, Aragorn?"
The Man nodded and followed Thranduil to a private study. The Elf gestured for Aragorn to take a seat opposite him and offered him some wine.
"You are my son's lover, aren't you?" asked the King of Mirkwood.
The Man, who was sipping his wine, choked and spluttered for a few minutes before he recovered enough to stare at the Elf in shock. The King returned his stare and folded his arms across his chest as he waited for Aragorn to answer.
After the initial surprise, the Man found his tongue and replied, "No, your majesty. I am but a mere Ranger, I would never dream of touching Legolas in such fashion."
"Let me see if I understand correctly. You want my son, but you think you are not good enough for him until you are King. That was why you haven't bedded him yet though you were offered the opportunity. Putting it all together, it can only mean you are completely in love with him," reasoned the Elf.
Aragorn again looked at the Elven King in surprise. He knew Legolas was gifted in seeing into the hearts of others; he wondered if Thranduil could do the same. Unable to find words, the Man merely nodded to agree with the Elf's assessment.
"Well then, I give you permission to court my son. When the time comes for you to ask for his hand in binding, I will grant your wish. But Legolas does not care whether you are King and it would be cruel of you to make him wait too long. He is as besotted with you as you are with him," said the King of Mirkwood.
After fifteen minutes, the information in Thranduil's words finally sank into the Man's bemused mind. He could scarcely believe that the King of Mirkwood had accepted a mortal as his son-in-law, a match for the golden Crown Prince. He embraced the Elf firmly as he whispered a very grateful 'Thank You'.
"There is no need to thank me, son. Just take good care of Legolas," replied the King with a smile.
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DAY 8, GONDOR
When the Elf watched Aragorn during breakfast, the Mirkwood King had recovered the memory of that particular conversation with the Man from twenty years ago. It was love-struck vacant look on Aragorn's face that prompted the Elven King's memories. He recognized it at once and knew he had seen it before during one of their meetings to discuss Mirkwood's alliance with the Dunedains. The Elf thought Aragorn would like to remember for himself that the Man and Legolas were practically betrothed before the War.
Thranduil helped the Man to a chair and watched over him until Aragorn stopped rubbing his head in pain. The Elf knew how uncomfortable the effects of returning memories were. But he was willing to suffer much more of that if it meant recalling more details about his lost son.
When Aragorn recovered from the shock of yet another revelation, he repeated Glorgalad's entire tale to the Elven King. Thranduil listened to the Man's words attentively; but since the story did not pertain much to Legolas' time in Mirkwood, nothing new came to the Elf's mind. However, he was confident that he would eventually remember everything. He believed that no matter how strong Alagos' magic was, in the end, it would not defeat the power of love. He knew his love for his child was strong enough. Given time, Legolas would live again forever in his memories and his heart as the golden son he was so proud of.
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Aragorn was once again alone in his chambers. He knew he must start packing; the hour was becoming late. They planned to start their Quest at first light tomorrow. But the knowledge that he had intended to take Legolas as consort tormented him.
In order to ascend to the throne of Gondor, Aragorn needed a consort of noble birth. In the tough times after the War, his People needed leadership to rebuild their lives. As the last in the line of the Great Kings of Old, it was his duty to provide them guidance. When the Evening Star offered her love again after Sauron's fall, the Man had reluctantly agreed. He knew his love for the Lady was more like the chaste affections between siblings than the passion between lovers. But, Gondor needed a King and his Queen. Despite the doubts in his heart, Aragorn had done what was right.
Now, the Man understood why guilt followed him every time he bedded his wife. Aragorn had not only pledged his love to the Elf, but also promised Legolas that they would be properly wed once the War ended. Though the Man did not remember proposing to the Prince, he knew it was something he had done. It was a matter of time before the unwanted memory returned to him when he least expected. He should never have married Arwen.
Aragorn knew he had broken every promise he made to the Elf; he had betrayed his true love in every way possible. It must hurt so much for Legolas to watch him with another. The Man wondered if he would go insane with jealousy, if the Prince were to take another lover now. Aragorn loathed himself for not having enough faith to trust his heart. He had caused the golden beauty so much pain; no one should ever suffer the way his beloved had by his hands. If only he had waited....If only there were a way to make things up to Legolas....
"All that moping does not become you, Aragorn," commented Faramir.
"Don't you know that it's common courtesy to knock before you enter," snapped an already frustrated Aragorn.
"Sorry, my liege," said the Steward with fake repentance and a small bow, which elicited a scowl from the King.
"Please remember what I told you before, my King. Your true love is depending on you to save both his realm and ours. No matter what happens between you two personally, you should at least make sure that his faith in you is not misplaced," said Faramir before leaving the Man to his thoughts.
The King stared after his friend for a while as he cleared his mind. He knew Faramir was right. Nothing would be accomplished by thinking about what could have been. Legolas came to him to ask for help. He had failed his golden Elf before, he vowed never to do so again.
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Cheysuli: In this alternate universe, there is a special class of beings that shared a strong bond with the Watchers naturally. This is required for the Tirn Uipira to influence or possess someone on Middle Earth. But this bond cannot be used for communication since these people are not aware of the Watchers' presence. If they are possessed, they won't remember. If they are influenced, they will just feel a compulsion but not know why. Elrohir is one of them. There are others, so that's not saying Morn-ndùath took possession of the younger twin =)
Please, please review. I am sad, my little Prince isn't getting much reviews. Little Prince might go on strike if he thinks you don't love him anymore... We don't want that now, do we =)
R rating here, sexual content! Be warned.
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Chapter 6: Memories
DAY 8, REALM OF TIRN UIPIRA
They had been waiting for Glorgalad in the throne room for the past four hours. It was not like the young Prince to be this late, especially for an important meeting. Both Alagos and Celegîl were becoming worried.
"Father, please let me go get the little one," suggested the oldest Prince.
"No, we'll just all go together," said the King as he rose from his throne.
When they arrived at the door of Glorgalad's chambers, the King knocked, "Son, open the door if you are in there."
They waited a few minutes. But there was still no response. "Alright then, we are coming in," announced Alagos as he opened the door.
The sight inside chilled the three older Watchers to their bones. Morn- ndúath had learnt of their plans and attacked the youngest prince. The furniture in the room was shattered, littering the floor. Almost entirely concealed by the rubble, Glorgalad lay unconscious. The young Watcher suffered numerous cuts and bruised from the dark one's mental assault.
The Prince's powers were strong, closely matching his father and the evil Watcher. They could not understand why the golden one had not defended himself against Morn-ndúath's attack. It suddenly dawned on Alagos that the communication spell had drained his son's energy to the point of exhaustion, rendering the young Watcher completely defenseless to anything outside the dream. Given the extent of Glorgalad's injuries, Alagos was grateful that the young one had survived the assault. The King of the Tirn Uipira swore he would never allow his son to endanger himself again in the same fashion.
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"How could Morn-ndúath carry out a directed attack without our notice?" asked Celegîl. The evil one was powerful, but even he could not shield an open assault inside the palace under their very eyes.
"The only way is through the bond between Glorgalad and his human lover," replied Mallos.
"That's not possible. We may not think much of Men, but Aragorn will not betray my little brother," answered Celegîl shaking his head.
"It does not have to be the Man himself, Celegîl. Someone with Morn-ndúath powers can use that bond as long as they share the same roof," answered Mallos.
"That's it then!! The Dark One had taken the body of someone close to Aragorn," exclaimed the oldest Prince.
"Of course! We should have thought of it. Even with his evil powers, Morn- ndúath cannot revive Morgoth without knowing the location where his soul was sealed. That is something sacred to Arda and protected from the sight of Eternal Watchers. He needs the crystal to find the seal. He planned this all along. He knew of our Prince's connection to the Man and guessed we would turn to his Human lover for help. He knew Glorgalad would tell the King of Men about the crystal. He wants to let Aragorn do all the work in obtaining it. Since he is in the form of one of the Man's companions, it will be easy for him to catch our allies off guard. We must warn the Man at once!" cried Mallos.
"There will be no more communications between them. I will not allow it," thundered the King.
"But your majesty..."
"No. We are lucky that Glorgalad survived. This connection requires too much magic from my son. It leaves him vulnerable with the Dark One on the loose," continued Alagos.
"Father..."
"Do not argue with me in this. Besides, given his injuries, it will be at least another week before Glorgalad is strong enough even to walk again," said the King as he left the throne room and headed towards his son's chambers once more. He would not leave his golden child unprotected again.
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DAY 8, GONDOR CASTLE
The council convened at the breakfast table. When Elrond noted the way the royal couple of Gondor entered the dining room arm in arm and his daughter's genuine smile, he was glad he had given Elessar permission to wed Arwen. Though it hurt to know that one day he would lose her, the Elf- Lord found consolation in seeing his daughter so happy in love.
As Aragorn took his seat at the head of the table, all eyes were upon him as they waited for the Man to speak. "I was told in my dream about a magic crystal that could help us identify the evil Watcher. It is hidden in the forest beyond the sea of Rhûn. We must find it in order to stop the Dark One. A group of us will recover the crystal, while the others remain in Gondor to prepare for battle with Morn-ndúath when we find him," said the King.
"This is folly. No one had ever ventured close to that area and returned. There are monster there like none on Middle Earth has seen. Not even with our armies combined can we do this," commented Èomer.
"It is our only hope, my friend. We must give it a try. I will go, my liege, if you give me permission," volunteered Faramir.
"No, you will stay here and look after Gondor on my behalf. I am going on this Quest," replied Aragorn.
Everyone at the table looked in surprise at the King. They had expected the Man to remain in Gondor. The mission was too dangerous. If Aragorn were lost in this new Quest, the link with their Tirn Uipira allies would be gone. It was something they could not allow.
"You should stay, Elessar," said the Lady Galadriel, voicing the thoughts of all those present, as she was the wisest and most powerful. They knew Aragorn was very stubborn once his mind was set; but the Man respected the Elf Witch deeply and was likely to heed her advice.
"No, my Lady. I was a Ranger and my experience in the Wild would be useful in this expedition. I will go on this mission," said Aragorn resolutely, with quiet authority that allowed no argument, even from the ancient Elves.
"I will help you on this journey, Elessar," offered the wizard.
"I guess, for old times' sake, I am going too," said Gimli gruffly.
The Hobbits looked at each other and gave a collective nod before saying, "We are all going."
"Please reconsider, little ones. There is no need for you to endanger yourselves this time. You will be safer in Gondor," said the King.
"No, we were part of the Fellowship that defeated Sauron. We will be part of this new Fellowship to save Middle Earth too," said Frodo bravely.
"I guess I will have to join since Faramir has to remain here. I certainly hope fate will be kinder to me than the previous eighth member of the Fellowship though," added Èomer quietly. The King of the Mark knew that even after eleven years, Faramir still grieved for his lost brother. He did not wish to bring up Boromir's name.
"Don't you think something is wrong with this Fellowship?" asked Thranduil quietly.
"What do you mean?" inquired Elrond, wanting the Elven King to elaborate.
"Each Race of Middle Earth is represented except the Elves. Don't you think that the keen senses of an Elf will be a very important asset on a Quest such as this?"
All knew the King of Mirkwood was right and were perplexed by this strange oversight. Their pondering was interrupted when the Guardian of Lòrien offered, "You have my bow."
The rest of the meeting was lost to Aragorn as memories of the Council of Elrond eleven years ago took over his mind.
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FLASHBACK:
YEAR 3018, THIRD AGE, RIVENDELL
The Council had begun. Boromir was speaking of using the Ring against Sauron. The Man knew from the failure of his ancestors that such talk would only result in more suffering and bloodshed.
"You cannot wield it. None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master," said Aragorn, no longer able to keep quiet.
When the Steward of Gondor insulted him, his beloved had jumped to his defense, announcing his birthright to the entire council. Being Isildur's heir was not something Aragorn was particularly proud of. The embarrassed Man commanded the Elf to sit before the Prince could say more. However, when he noticed the traces of hurt on Legolas' face, he regretted his harsh tone and made a mental note to apologize to the Elf later.
Aragorn watched as an argument broke out between the Elves and Dwarves, with Legolas trying to prevent his friends from raising arms against Gimli, the offending Dwarf. The hostility soon spread to the Wizard and Steward of Gondor, who quarreled vehemently in the center. All fell silent, however, when Frodo offered to take the Ring to Mordor.
The Man knew this was his chance to help Middle Earth, his chance to correct the past mistake of his ancestor. Legolas believed in him, thinking that he could face this evil and defeat it. After the Grey wizard volunteered to guide Frodo to Mount Doom, Aragorn walked up to the Hobbit and knelt on one knee to pledge his allegiance. "If by my life or death, I can protect you, I will. You have my sword."
What Aragorn did not expect to hear was his beloved's lilting voice singing "And you have my bow" immediately after he finished his pledge. Before the Man could protest, Gimli spoke to offer his axe. Aragorn knew he could no longer question Legolas' decision in front of the council without objecting to the Dwarf's offer as well. It would be taken as an insult by the Elves, since very few knew of relationship between the Man and the Golden Prince. He would have to wait until nightfall for the opportunity to convince his love not to join the perilous Quest.
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Aragorn had sent a message asking the Elf to meet him at a small, secluded bridge in Rivendell at dusk. Before his beloved arrived, the Lady Arwen found the Man alone and approached him. The Evening Star offered her immortality in exchange for a single lifetime with him. As his heart belonged to Legolas alone, the Man rejected her. He told her that he could not accept her gift, but he never told her why.
Only Elrond, Gandalf and Thranduil knew of his involvement with the golden Elf; of the three, the King of Mirkwood alone knew the depth of Aragorn's love and his true intentions. It was the ancient Elves' and wizard's idea to keep the relationship between Aragorn and Legolas a secret. They knew that the Crown Prince was the most sought after Elf in Middle Earth; if others were to know that Legolas had fallen for Human Ranger, the Man would suffer much jealousy-induced antagonism. Under the looming shadow of darkness, Estel must soon rise to meet his destiny. He could not do so with the animosity of the Elves against him.
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His beloved arrived as the last rays of the sun disappeared from the horizon. The Elf glowed softly, casting a golden light upon their surroundings and gave the whole scene a surreal quality. The Prince wore a pale green shirt and forest-green leggings. The color of his garments enhanced his brilliant azure eyes, tinted in the shades of emeralds by the yellow light. The Elf's smooth fair hair was unbound, flowing freely in the gentle caress of the wind. His delicately sculpted face was brightened by an enchanting smile; his delectable rosy lips so supple and exquisitely shaped that the Man was torn between the desire to taste them immediately and singing praises of their perfection. The Prince was so ethereally beautiful that he resembled a magical being from a fairytale. Though Aragorn had known the Elf for over ten years, the Man found himself staring in awe of Legolas' breathtaking beauty.
"You wanted to see me?" asked the Prince gently. He had a good idea of what the Man wished to say. But he also knew that he would not change his decision. He would stay by the side of the Man he loved, danger or not.
"Legolas, please stay here in Rivendell, where it is safe. The Quest is too dangerous. I cannot bear the thought of anything happening to you," pleaded the Man. He knew how stubborn his beloved was; he had yet to win a single argument of this sort with the Elf.
"Sauron's powers are increasing. Soon war will find us, no matter where we hide. Nowhere is safe until the Dark Lord is defeated. Besides, you know I can take care of myself in battle," argued the Elf.
"Yes, but I just want you to be safe. I love you so much. I cannot lose you."
"I feel the same way for you, Aragorn. That is why I must go. I cannot help you if I stay. I will fight by your side. And if destiny will have it, I will die by your side," vowed the Prince.
"Legolas..."
Aragorn never finished his argument as the Elf kissed him passionately, robbing him of all thought. Within moments, the Man was returning Legolas' kisses with the same fervor, his hands drifting downwards to cup the Elf's buttocks.
In the past, the Prince would have hesitated at the contact and Aragorn would break the kiss. But tonight, the Elf merely moaned in pleasure and pressed himself closer to the Man. Aragorn groaned when his manhood grew even harder, almost to the point of pain. As the Prince's hands roamed the planes of his hard chest freely, the Man knew Legolas intended to bestow upon him the gift of his innocence.
He knew he should be ecstatic, but Aragorn could not help feeling that he did not deserve the golden Elf. Boromir was right in saying he was still a mere Ranger. Until he proved his worth by overcoming the temptation of the Ring and become King, he would not be good enough for his exquisite beloved. When the Prince's hands moved lower and touched his throbbing heat, he groaned aloud and froze.
Perplexed, Legolas stopped his movements. He took a step back to watch the Man he loved. After a long while, he said quietly, "I want us to become one tonight. I don't know what lies ahead of us; I want us to have at least one night together, where we are truly joined as one. But I do not want it if you are going to feel guilty about touching me."
The Man looked dejectedly at his Elf. He loved and wanted Legolas so much. He whispered softly, "I am not good enough for you, not yet."
"Aragorn, remember what I said when I pledged my love to you. I love you as a Man; being King will not change who you are. A crown will not make you more worthy of me than you are now," replied Legolas.
The Man was about to retort, but the Prince silenced him by placing a slender finger on his lips and continued, "Besides, I am not as wonderful as you think. I am stubborn, willful to a fault, arrogant and judgmental at times, not to mention I snore. And then....."
Legolas found himself on the receiving end of a silencing kiss. When the Man pulled away, he shook his head at the Elf with disapproval and said, "I never want to hear you speak ill of yourself again."
"I would say the same to you. You are not the only one who is allowed to feel insecure, Aragorn," pouted the Prince.
The Man studied his beloved for a long moment. His brains were beginning to recover from the aftermath of the Elf's passion and were starting to function again. "Is this why you held back the previous times we were together? Because you were not sure if I truly loved you and wanted you?"
Refusing to meet the Aragorn's intense grey eyes, the Elf gave an almost imperceptible nod. The Man had the answer he needed. Before Legolas could make another move, Aragorn gathered the golden Elf in his arms and headed back to his chambers.
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The Man awoken to the sensation of smooth, warm skin pressed tightly against him. They had made love for the first time the previous night and had fallen asleep in each other's arms. He should wake Legolas before the rest of the household arose. Their relationship was supposed to be a secret; it would not do for the Prince to be found sleeping in his room.
Aragorn was about to move away from the Elf when the golden beauty shifted in his sleep, pressing his firm buttocks hard against the Man's groin. Aragorn groaned in pleasure and decided that he would make good use of their time together since they would not be able to share such intimacy during the Quest. The Man caressed the Prince's side softly, making the Elf moan blissfully in his slumber. Aragorn proceeded to slip his hand under the sheets between them and Legolas was soon startled out of his sleep by a jolt of unexpected pleasure.
"Ai, what was that for, my love? You should know that I needed the rest," said the Elf, feigning annoyance.
"For lying to me," replied the Man softly as he breathed against his beloved sensitive ear.
"Lying?" asked Legolas in a soft murmur of pleasure as Aragorn's hands continued their administrations, while the Man's tongue stroke the most sensitive point of his ear.
"You don't snore."
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DAY 8, GONDOR CASTLE
Aragorn sat alone in his room in silence. He was supposed to be making preparations for the Quest, but he was unable to concentrate on his task. When he realized that he had placed pipe-weed into his medicinal pouch instead of athelas, he decided he was doing more harm than good. He needed to stop and clear his head.
The memories of joining with Legolas haunted him. They were no longer hazy dreams of the night, but solid recollections that would not be dispelled. The softness of that hot velvet skin, the sweetness of those lush pink lips, the smoothness of that silken golden hair, Aragorn remembered it all; they were seared into his heart and mind from one single night of shared passion eleven years ago. He had felt complete that night when he was with the Elf, as if they were two parts of a whole that were meant to be together.
Though he could recollect only a single day of their past together, Legolas was no longer a stranger to him. Aragorn knew that the Elf's physical perfection was only matched by his inner beauty and light. He remembered enough to be touched by the Prince's selfless loyalty and unconditional love, enough to wish that it was Legolas who ruled Gondor by his side.
The Man knew that no matter how hard he try, he could never forget the special bond that he and the golden Elf shared. He could no longer delude himself into believing that he truly loved Arwen as he realized the depth of his emotions for the Prince. What he felt for his wife did not compare to even a small fraction of his love for Legolas.
If such as small piece of their past held so much power over him, Aragorn hated to think what more memories would do. He had made up his mind the night before to move on from his past. But he had done so without a full understanding of what he was about to give up. There was no taking back what was said. The Man knew it was something that he would regret for the rest of his life.
Aragorn's only consolation was the knowledge that even if his memories were to return entirely, he would probably still make the same decision. Too much had happened in the past eleven years that could not be undone. He was not only King, but also a husband and a father now. His responsibilities must come before his needs. The Man loved his family too much to hurt them for the sake of his own happiness.
His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. The Man sincerely hoped that his visitor was not Arwen. He could not spend the night with her when the memories of making love to Legolas was so fresh on his mind. It would be a betrayal to both the Lady and the Watcher. To his relieve, he found the King of Mirkwood at his door.
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"May I have a word alone with you, Aragorn?" inquired the Elf.
The Man frowned as that question triggered yet another memory in his befuddled mind.
"You are my son's lover, aren't you?" asked Thranduil quietly, causing the King of Men to groan as memories overtook him once more.
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FLASHBACK:
YEAR 3010, THIRD AGE, MIRKWOOD
Legolas was supposed to attend the gathering but was delayed due to an emergency at the borders. The Man sat through entire proceedings with a dreamy lovesick look on his face; his mind clearly elsewhere, thinking about the Prince.
Though his son was very tight-lipped about his relationship with the Ranger, Thranduil had suspected that the young Elf was in love with the Man. Legolas seldom spoke so highly of another; when he talked about Estel, his eyes would light up and beautiful poetic words would pour forth, singing praises of the Man. What Thranduil needed to know was whether Aragorn returned his child's feelings. Anyone would be more than glad to take advantage of Legolas' affections. The King was not about to let his favorite child be treated as nothing more than a toy for physical gratification. He would confront the Man as soon as the meeting ended.
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As the delegates left, the King of Mirkwood laid a gentle but firm hand on the Man's shoulders and said, "May I have a word alone with you, Aragorn?"
The Man nodded and followed Thranduil to a private study. The Elf gestured for Aragorn to take a seat opposite him and offered him some wine.
"You are my son's lover, aren't you?" asked the King of Mirkwood.
The Man, who was sipping his wine, choked and spluttered for a few minutes before he recovered enough to stare at the Elf in shock. The King returned his stare and folded his arms across his chest as he waited for Aragorn to answer.
After the initial surprise, the Man found his tongue and replied, "No, your majesty. I am but a mere Ranger, I would never dream of touching Legolas in such fashion."
"Let me see if I understand correctly. You want my son, but you think you are not good enough for him until you are King. That was why you haven't bedded him yet though you were offered the opportunity. Putting it all together, it can only mean you are completely in love with him," reasoned the Elf.
Aragorn again looked at the Elven King in surprise. He knew Legolas was gifted in seeing into the hearts of others; he wondered if Thranduil could do the same. Unable to find words, the Man merely nodded to agree with the Elf's assessment.
"Well then, I give you permission to court my son. When the time comes for you to ask for his hand in binding, I will grant your wish. But Legolas does not care whether you are King and it would be cruel of you to make him wait too long. He is as besotted with you as you are with him," said the King of Mirkwood.
After fifteen minutes, the information in Thranduil's words finally sank into the Man's bemused mind. He could scarcely believe that the King of Mirkwood had accepted a mortal as his son-in-law, a match for the golden Crown Prince. He embraced the Elf firmly as he whispered a very grateful 'Thank You'.
"There is no need to thank me, son. Just take good care of Legolas," replied the King with a smile.
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DAY 8, GONDOR
When the Elf watched Aragorn during breakfast, the Mirkwood King had recovered the memory of that particular conversation with the Man from twenty years ago. It was love-struck vacant look on Aragorn's face that prompted the Elven King's memories. He recognized it at once and knew he had seen it before during one of their meetings to discuss Mirkwood's alliance with the Dunedains. The Elf thought Aragorn would like to remember for himself that the Man and Legolas were practically betrothed before the War.
Thranduil helped the Man to a chair and watched over him until Aragorn stopped rubbing his head in pain. The Elf knew how uncomfortable the effects of returning memories were. But he was willing to suffer much more of that if it meant recalling more details about his lost son.
When Aragorn recovered from the shock of yet another revelation, he repeated Glorgalad's entire tale to the Elven King. Thranduil listened to the Man's words attentively; but since the story did not pertain much to Legolas' time in Mirkwood, nothing new came to the Elf's mind. However, he was confident that he would eventually remember everything. He believed that no matter how strong Alagos' magic was, in the end, it would not defeat the power of love. He knew his love for his child was strong enough. Given time, Legolas would live again forever in his memories and his heart as the golden son he was so proud of.
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Aragorn was once again alone in his chambers. He knew he must start packing; the hour was becoming late. They planned to start their Quest at first light tomorrow. But the knowledge that he had intended to take Legolas as consort tormented him.
In order to ascend to the throne of Gondor, Aragorn needed a consort of noble birth. In the tough times after the War, his People needed leadership to rebuild their lives. As the last in the line of the Great Kings of Old, it was his duty to provide them guidance. When the Evening Star offered her love again after Sauron's fall, the Man had reluctantly agreed. He knew his love for the Lady was more like the chaste affections between siblings than the passion between lovers. But, Gondor needed a King and his Queen. Despite the doubts in his heart, Aragorn had done what was right.
Now, the Man understood why guilt followed him every time he bedded his wife. Aragorn had not only pledged his love to the Elf, but also promised Legolas that they would be properly wed once the War ended. Though the Man did not remember proposing to the Prince, he knew it was something he had done. It was a matter of time before the unwanted memory returned to him when he least expected. He should never have married Arwen.
Aragorn knew he had broken every promise he made to the Elf; he had betrayed his true love in every way possible. It must hurt so much for Legolas to watch him with another. The Man wondered if he would go insane with jealousy, if the Prince were to take another lover now. Aragorn loathed himself for not having enough faith to trust his heart. He had caused the golden beauty so much pain; no one should ever suffer the way his beloved had by his hands. If only he had waited....If only there were a way to make things up to Legolas....
"All that moping does not become you, Aragorn," commented Faramir.
"Don't you know that it's common courtesy to knock before you enter," snapped an already frustrated Aragorn.
"Sorry, my liege," said the Steward with fake repentance and a small bow, which elicited a scowl from the King.
"Please remember what I told you before, my King. Your true love is depending on you to save both his realm and ours. No matter what happens between you two personally, you should at least make sure that his faith in you is not misplaced," said Faramir before leaving the Man to his thoughts.
The King stared after his friend for a while as he cleared his mind. He knew Faramir was right. Nothing would be accomplished by thinking about what could have been. Legolas came to him to ask for help. He had failed his golden Elf before, he vowed never to do so again.
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Cheysuli: In this alternate universe, there is a special class of beings that shared a strong bond with the Watchers naturally. This is required for the Tirn Uipira to influence or possess someone on Middle Earth. But this bond cannot be used for communication since these people are not aware of the Watchers' presence. If they are possessed, they won't remember. If they are influenced, they will just feel a compulsion but not know why. Elrohir is one of them. There are others, so that's not saying Morn-ndùath took possession of the younger twin =)