Gackt no Hime: Thanks do much for your comments, I'm really glad you liked
the start. Here's chapter 2, hope you enjoy it!
Bammers: Thanks, it's really great to get positive reviews!!!
Nightshade3: Guess I'm not the only AL forever person out there!! I have nothing against Arwen Legolas is just, well better!!!!
Draconic Lupine Moon: I didn't know that about the cartoon, but I think I'll go rent it if I can. I'm hoping to go the whole way through the story with this (if I pass my exams!!!) Thanks for reviewing and the good advise, here's more.
Golden Leaf: You really hate Arwen??? Lol! Oh well, guess that's why you read this huh?! Well here's the start of the rest!
Legolas19: Here comes chapter 2, hope you enjoy as much as the first! Thanks for reviewing!
Disclaimer: Nope, still not mine! (But if anyone offered me a perfectly groomed, blonde Orlando, I would be forced to accept- it would just be plain rude to refuse.)
Wow just reread chap one, I really need to get a new word for beautiful huh???!!! Again, forgive the very awful Sindarin. And does anyone out there know the symbols of the Woodland Realm? What would their banners look like? Please R&R! Here it is chapter 2! Just realised I've thrown in some Shakespeare; you really can't escape secondary school English!
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"Why do you fear the past? You are Isildur's heir; not Isildur himself. You are not bound to his fate." The elf stood just to the left of Aragorn, peering at him; his bright blue eyes were full of knowledge that belied his young demeanour.
Aragorn sighed, his face was grim, and his own eyes a reflection of sadness, "the same blood flows in my veins, the same weakness." He hissed those final words, and his voice was filled with a hatred Legolas was most unused to hearing from the man. It was his turn to sigh, long had he known Aragorn's feelings towards men, whom he deemed responsible for the plight they now faced. He had known the man's desire to distance himself from that race was great, but never before had he heard it voiced with such shame and loathing.
"Your time will come.you will face the same evil, and you will defeat it." The words were spoken softly, yet resolutely, and with an open honesty that would force any who heard it to believe unconditionally. The striking elf now stood before Aragorn, and took his strong hands in his own. In a voice barely heard, he whispered serenely, "I dae ú kwara am'naia. Ú or lle.ú or nin." [The shadow does not hold sway yet. Not over you.not over me.] With that he placed his forehead gently against that of the man, and smiled softly.
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The moon now showed his true and full face. Gliding through the sky, he cast his pale light over the rich woodland, and bathed the grounds of Rivendell in a heavenly glow. He threw a bright reflection onto the water's surface, so clear that Aragorn could see his own features stare back at him from the calm stream. He could also see the tall figure glide towards him on the bridge, though he heard no trace of him. He turned silently to meet the slender form of Legolas. A smile formed on his face, though he did not notice, he looked tenderly at the elf, and saw why it was the elves of the Mirkwood called him jewel. Legolas smiled warmly back at the Ranger, and moved to stand close to him. They said no words. Aragorn raised his right hand to touch the elf's pale cheek and ran his finger lovingly along the perfect bone, towards the prominent point of his elvish ear. Legolas's eyelids fluttered at the touch, at which they both smiled. Aragorn moved his hand to caress the soft strands of golden hair, loosed from their small braids behind his ears, if only for a short while. He ran his fingers through the silken wisps and followed their line all the way down to where the ends rested delicately above the elf's heart. Aragorn's brow furrowed when he touched that spot, and his eyes were filled again with a sadness untold. He laid his hand affectionately over Legolas's heart, and closed his eyes, feeling the soft steady rhythm with his palm. Legolas smiled sadly at Aragorn's face, and breathed softly in and out, letting a small sigh escape his lips.
"Let not my heart's piercing trouble you Estel, can you not feel it recovered. All is well my love."
"You should not have stepped so eagerly to my rescue. I am not of great enough consequence, to have caused your death." His hand rested still on Legolas's chest, and his fingers stroked the silk tunic fondly.
"So easily forsaken, you deem yourself. It was lucky then, that I was there, Hope of Men." He smiled blithely, his head cocked to the right, and his eyes resting lovingly on Aragorn.
"Use not such words for me Melamin."
Legolas dropped his shoulders. His head he raised now in pride, an image of the splendour of the Eldar. He looked now directly at Aragorn, and it seemed that the sapphire colour had left his eyes, and was replaced instead with a silver gleam. He spoke again, with command and authority, and yet with love and ardour also, "You cannot forever hide from destiny Estel. Your path is set, and you will be led upon it, whether you will or no. As I will on mine." He sighed again, and looked to his left, into the cool waters of the stream. "Let us not argue melamin, this night was not meant for such things."
Aragorn smiled and blinked slowly, and all trace of annoyance was gone from him, with just the sight of his exquisite companion. He gazed longingly at Legolas. "Do you remember when we first met?" Legolas looked questioningly into his eyes, his brows furrowed slightly in confusion. Aragorn loved him then, that look of innocence, and youth spread across his striking face. He smiled, "I thought I had strayed into a dream ", he said softly, stepping closer to the elf." I was but a child. and you." He held Legolas's face in his left hand, and let his fingers run lightly over his brow. ".I thought you an angel. And ada laughed at me, for I could not speak for fully five minutes after laying eyes on you. And all my life since have I desired you, and I thought my heart would burst smilingly, when I saw love in your eyes also." He held both the elf's hands in his own, and brought them slowly upwards. And softly he placed a kiss upon the pale skin. "Amin mela lle Legolas." The elf smiled deeply, and in his eyes, dancing like flames, the moonlight shimmered and sparkled. Aragorn clutched his hands as though they were something precious, and together they leaned in and kissed gently, passionately, lovingly upon the moonlit bridge.
As one they broke off, their hands were still entwined, but now Aragorn held not only the elf's hands in his, but something else also. He clasped a small silver ring, wrought in the fashion of the elves. Its appearance was of two interwoven vine strands, wriggling quickly about each other in a strange never ending race. And studded intermittently along the spaces provided between the backs of the vines tiny jewels ran, of colours green and white. So small and carefully placed, the work of miniature elven smiths it looked. And threaded through the band was a fine silver chain, with a simple clasp at the ends. Even as Aragorn peered at it he saw beneath the silk tunic of his love, hung its mate. A perfect copy; and he noted that they would fit together seamlessly if placed side by side in the correct manner. He stared at Legolas, his lips parted slightly, even as he fingered the delicate piece of jewellery in his hand.
"You must forgive its appearance Estel. I fear I possess only the hands of a warrior and not of a great elven smith." Legolas smiled sadly, clearly troubled by some flaw in the rings no one but he himself could see. Aragorn stood motionless for some minutes, staring intently at the ring in his palm.
"You forged this?"
"Yes, for what it is. It is no great dwarf piece nor indeed would an elf smith be proud of it, but it contains that which nothing else in this world or any can boast." Aragorn now looked deeply into Legolas's eyes ".my heart."
"Lin ind nin Estel, melamin." [My heart is yours Estel, my love] "Will you keep it?"
"You cannot give me this." Aragorn whispered gently.
"It is mine to give to whom I will." Legolas looked expectantly into the Ranger's eyes, waiting for an answer he already knew.
Aragorn smiled and placed the chain around his neck, fingering the ring lightly as he did so. "I would never leave it off." He grasped it tightly within his hand, and leaned in to kiss the elf once more. Legolas pulled away gently after only a few seconds, his eyes focused on the path behind Aragorn.
"Your ada approaches. I fear I must take my leave of you this night Estel, somewhat earlier than I had hoped." He held Aragorn's hand in his own, "fuin vain melamin." [Good night] ".keep safe my heart." He added softly as he turned to leave. Aragorn watched as the golden hair disappeared into the woods.
He now heard the soft footsteps of Lord Elrond's approach, and turned to greet his foster father. "Good evening ada. You go late abroad."
"I have sought you out ion nin [my son], for there is much we would speak of. But I fear another matter must take precedence this night."
Aragorn looked uneasy at this statement; he knew the look in his father's eyes to be one of woe, over what he could not yet tell. "Fear not ada, the council shall decide what must be done, and I, for my part, shall see it through."
"Though I would speak with you of the matter of the Halfling's object, a more pressing matter has come to my attention of recent." He glanced behind Aragorn, into the woods and then furrowed his brow strongly when he glimpsed the small silver ring underneath the man's clothing. "Tell me ion nin, of what did you and the Prince so secretly speak?"
Aragorn adjusted his stance slightly, confused and worried by his father's tone. "Of nothing secret ada. Or is there need now to skulk in the shadows, even in Imladris? It is no secret, and I thought you untroubled by our love."
"Love? Nay Aragorn, you have but a childish infatuation with the Prince of Mirkwood. Do not speak so lightly of love, you know it not."
"Why do you say such things ada?" Aragorn stood now closer to the old elf, his face a picture of anger and confusion.
"Aragorn.Estel." Elrond's face softened as he looked upon the hurt expression the Ranger now showed. ".I fear I have let this go far too long."
"Ada?"
".this must end Estel. You and Legolas- it_ can_ not_ be." He stared now directly into Aragorn's confused eyes. "The Prince is promised elsewhere Aragorn, the pairing has long been foreseen, ere his birth was it known that Legolas Thranduilion would form the last alliance of elves. He would forge a new allegiance between the houses of Imladris and the Woodland Realm, in the last age of our being. He will marry one of my house, uniting forever the world of elves."
"You lie!" the words were almost spat out, "naught has he spoken of such an arrangement. Why do you seek to separate us? Have you simply succumb to the feelings of the woodland elves, those who would not see their 'Jewel' Prince, matched so beneath his station. Do you too now think upon me as unworthy of such a fair being?" Aragorn was seething, his wrath was spoken before it was thought, and only once he had said it, did he realise to whom he was speaking. He bowed his head in shame, but could not bring himself to apologise, for the pain in his heart was too great.
Elrond looked sadly upon his foster son. "Forgive me Estel. I know that you carry each other within your hearts, my words were harsh. But I speak the truth, Legolas knows naught of it, his father speaks also with him this very eve. It is the King's wish that this marriage take place Aragorn, indeed neither of us rightly knew the depth of your feelings for each other. Had we but known."
"You should never have let such an affair take place?"
"For the Prince to engage in any activity, which would call into question his purity.it would bring great shame on both our houses."
"Do not let yourself be troubled ada; the fair Prince maintains his integrity, his purity." Aragorn hissed the words; he felt as though he had been slapped across the cheek, and he bade his heart stop beating, that it may ease his pain. ".I felt myself too unworthy of such a gift."
"Aragorn." Elrond placed a hand on the man's shoulder, ".I meant no offence to you my son. But you understand that this cannot continue, I beg of you ion nin- end it now, before it is too late."
"You would have me give up that which is dearer than the very soul I bear. He cannot be so easily cast aside ada, and why should he be, what pray tell makes you think that he would agree to such a marriage? He has already pledged himself to me, or does that mean nothing?"
"It is his father's wish Aragorn, you know him too well to doubt his compliance; he will act in the best interests of his people."
"Why would the King have his son enter such an arrangement, why would he see his favourite so melancholy?"
"I cannot answer for the King, Estel, but if you will not freely give up this fruitless endeavour, then I beg you to think of your charge. Break not his heart Aragorn."
Aragorn was turning to leave when those words pierced his very fibre, "that is not my intention ada."
"And yet so will it be, if this is left unchecked. It may not yet be too late, but if you wait any longer.Aragorn this marriage, however wrong you may view it, will take place. And if he loves you still and must marry another. he will succumb to his grief." Aragorn shook his head violently; he turned on his heel now to face the elf.
"You are wrong. You would think his heart weak, it is not." He stood now very close to Elrond, almost challenging the older one with his actions.
"Indeed! I thought it no stronger than that ring about your neck!" Aragorn had never heard the old elf shout so; he had never heard him so angry. "Do you forget your place Estel?" He paused, seeing the look in Aragorn's eyes as he held the small silver hoop in his left hand. His own eyes softened, gone was the anger at the boldness of his son's outburst, and it was replaced with concern and sympathy. He sighed deeply and stepped back from the man. Aragorn stood now as still as stone, his eyes brimmed with unshed tears. Elrond looked out onto the water.
"I would not wish you unhappy my son; remember that you too must marry. Once you are King, there will be many that would give their hand in marriage. Let it be out of love Estel, and not forced upon you as it is with Legolas. Like a son has he been to me also, perhaps that is at fault, too fond of you both was I, too concerned with your own happiness. Legolas must marry- Aragorn. You must give up your love, lest it break both your hearts. " Aragorn's eyes now welled up, and a single tear ran slowly down his cheek.
"Ada." he pleaded with his eyes.
"I will say no more this night."
With that he left the man standing quite alone on the bridge. He clasped still the piece of silver metal with his left hand; with his right he clutched the rail of the bridge, for he might have fallen at that spot without its support. And he wept. And he still did not notice two young hobbits look on in sadness from their perches among the trees.
Bammers: Thanks, it's really great to get positive reviews!!!
Nightshade3: Guess I'm not the only AL forever person out there!! I have nothing against Arwen Legolas is just, well better!!!!
Draconic Lupine Moon: I didn't know that about the cartoon, but I think I'll go rent it if I can. I'm hoping to go the whole way through the story with this (if I pass my exams!!!) Thanks for reviewing and the good advise, here's more.
Golden Leaf: You really hate Arwen??? Lol! Oh well, guess that's why you read this huh?! Well here's the start of the rest!
Legolas19: Here comes chapter 2, hope you enjoy as much as the first! Thanks for reviewing!
Disclaimer: Nope, still not mine! (But if anyone offered me a perfectly groomed, blonde Orlando, I would be forced to accept- it would just be plain rude to refuse.)
Wow just reread chap one, I really need to get a new word for beautiful huh???!!! Again, forgive the very awful Sindarin. And does anyone out there know the symbols of the Woodland Realm? What would their banners look like? Please R&R! Here it is chapter 2! Just realised I've thrown in some Shakespeare; you really can't escape secondary school English!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Why do you fear the past? You are Isildur's heir; not Isildur himself. You are not bound to his fate." The elf stood just to the left of Aragorn, peering at him; his bright blue eyes were full of knowledge that belied his young demeanour.
Aragorn sighed, his face was grim, and his own eyes a reflection of sadness, "the same blood flows in my veins, the same weakness." He hissed those final words, and his voice was filled with a hatred Legolas was most unused to hearing from the man. It was his turn to sigh, long had he known Aragorn's feelings towards men, whom he deemed responsible for the plight they now faced. He had known the man's desire to distance himself from that race was great, but never before had he heard it voiced with such shame and loathing.
"Your time will come.you will face the same evil, and you will defeat it." The words were spoken softly, yet resolutely, and with an open honesty that would force any who heard it to believe unconditionally. The striking elf now stood before Aragorn, and took his strong hands in his own. In a voice barely heard, he whispered serenely, "I dae ú kwara am'naia. Ú or lle.ú or nin." [The shadow does not hold sway yet. Not over you.not over me.] With that he placed his forehead gently against that of the man, and smiled softly.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The moon now showed his true and full face. Gliding through the sky, he cast his pale light over the rich woodland, and bathed the grounds of Rivendell in a heavenly glow. He threw a bright reflection onto the water's surface, so clear that Aragorn could see his own features stare back at him from the calm stream. He could also see the tall figure glide towards him on the bridge, though he heard no trace of him. He turned silently to meet the slender form of Legolas. A smile formed on his face, though he did not notice, he looked tenderly at the elf, and saw why it was the elves of the Mirkwood called him jewel. Legolas smiled warmly back at the Ranger, and moved to stand close to him. They said no words. Aragorn raised his right hand to touch the elf's pale cheek and ran his finger lovingly along the perfect bone, towards the prominent point of his elvish ear. Legolas's eyelids fluttered at the touch, at which they both smiled. Aragorn moved his hand to caress the soft strands of golden hair, loosed from their small braids behind his ears, if only for a short while. He ran his fingers through the silken wisps and followed their line all the way down to where the ends rested delicately above the elf's heart. Aragorn's brow furrowed when he touched that spot, and his eyes were filled again with a sadness untold. He laid his hand affectionately over Legolas's heart, and closed his eyes, feeling the soft steady rhythm with his palm. Legolas smiled sadly at Aragorn's face, and breathed softly in and out, letting a small sigh escape his lips.
"Let not my heart's piercing trouble you Estel, can you not feel it recovered. All is well my love."
"You should not have stepped so eagerly to my rescue. I am not of great enough consequence, to have caused your death." His hand rested still on Legolas's chest, and his fingers stroked the silk tunic fondly.
"So easily forsaken, you deem yourself. It was lucky then, that I was there, Hope of Men." He smiled blithely, his head cocked to the right, and his eyes resting lovingly on Aragorn.
"Use not such words for me Melamin."
Legolas dropped his shoulders. His head he raised now in pride, an image of the splendour of the Eldar. He looked now directly at Aragorn, and it seemed that the sapphire colour had left his eyes, and was replaced instead with a silver gleam. He spoke again, with command and authority, and yet with love and ardour also, "You cannot forever hide from destiny Estel. Your path is set, and you will be led upon it, whether you will or no. As I will on mine." He sighed again, and looked to his left, into the cool waters of the stream. "Let us not argue melamin, this night was not meant for such things."
Aragorn smiled and blinked slowly, and all trace of annoyance was gone from him, with just the sight of his exquisite companion. He gazed longingly at Legolas. "Do you remember when we first met?" Legolas looked questioningly into his eyes, his brows furrowed slightly in confusion. Aragorn loved him then, that look of innocence, and youth spread across his striking face. He smiled, "I thought I had strayed into a dream ", he said softly, stepping closer to the elf." I was but a child. and you." He held Legolas's face in his left hand, and let his fingers run lightly over his brow. ".I thought you an angel. And ada laughed at me, for I could not speak for fully five minutes after laying eyes on you. And all my life since have I desired you, and I thought my heart would burst smilingly, when I saw love in your eyes also." He held both the elf's hands in his own, and brought them slowly upwards. And softly he placed a kiss upon the pale skin. "Amin mela lle Legolas." The elf smiled deeply, and in his eyes, dancing like flames, the moonlight shimmered and sparkled. Aragorn clutched his hands as though they were something precious, and together they leaned in and kissed gently, passionately, lovingly upon the moonlit bridge.
As one they broke off, their hands were still entwined, but now Aragorn held not only the elf's hands in his, but something else also. He clasped a small silver ring, wrought in the fashion of the elves. Its appearance was of two interwoven vine strands, wriggling quickly about each other in a strange never ending race. And studded intermittently along the spaces provided between the backs of the vines tiny jewels ran, of colours green and white. So small and carefully placed, the work of miniature elven smiths it looked. And threaded through the band was a fine silver chain, with a simple clasp at the ends. Even as Aragorn peered at it he saw beneath the silk tunic of his love, hung its mate. A perfect copy; and he noted that they would fit together seamlessly if placed side by side in the correct manner. He stared at Legolas, his lips parted slightly, even as he fingered the delicate piece of jewellery in his hand.
"You must forgive its appearance Estel. I fear I possess only the hands of a warrior and not of a great elven smith." Legolas smiled sadly, clearly troubled by some flaw in the rings no one but he himself could see. Aragorn stood motionless for some minutes, staring intently at the ring in his palm.
"You forged this?"
"Yes, for what it is. It is no great dwarf piece nor indeed would an elf smith be proud of it, but it contains that which nothing else in this world or any can boast." Aragorn now looked deeply into Legolas's eyes ".my heart."
"Lin ind nin Estel, melamin." [My heart is yours Estel, my love] "Will you keep it?"
"You cannot give me this." Aragorn whispered gently.
"It is mine to give to whom I will." Legolas looked expectantly into the Ranger's eyes, waiting for an answer he already knew.
Aragorn smiled and placed the chain around his neck, fingering the ring lightly as he did so. "I would never leave it off." He grasped it tightly within his hand, and leaned in to kiss the elf once more. Legolas pulled away gently after only a few seconds, his eyes focused on the path behind Aragorn.
"Your ada approaches. I fear I must take my leave of you this night Estel, somewhat earlier than I had hoped." He held Aragorn's hand in his own, "fuin vain melamin." [Good night] ".keep safe my heart." He added softly as he turned to leave. Aragorn watched as the golden hair disappeared into the woods.
He now heard the soft footsteps of Lord Elrond's approach, and turned to greet his foster father. "Good evening ada. You go late abroad."
"I have sought you out ion nin [my son], for there is much we would speak of. But I fear another matter must take precedence this night."
Aragorn looked uneasy at this statement; he knew the look in his father's eyes to be one of woe, over what he could not yet tell. "Fear not ada, the council shall decide what must be done, and I, for my part, shall see it through."
"Though I would speak with you of the matter of the Halfling's object, a more pressing matter has come to my attention of recent." He glanced behind Aragorn, into the woods and then furrowed his brow strongly when he glimpsed the small silver ring underneath the man's clothing. "Tell me ion nin, of what did you and the Prince so secretly speak?"
Aragorn adjusted his stance slightly, confused and worried by his father's tone. "Of nothing secret ada. Or is there need now to skulk in the shadows, even in Imladris? It is no secret, and I thought you untroubled by our love."
"Love? Nay Aragorn, you have but a childish infatuation with the Prince of Mirkwood. Do not speak so lightly of love, you know it not."
"Why do you say such things ada?" Aragorn stood now closer to the old elf, his face a picture of anger and confusion.
"Aragorn.Estel." Elrond's face softened as he looked upon the hurt expression the Ranger now showed. ".I fear I have let this go far too long."
"Ada?"
".this must end Estel. You and Legolas- it_ can_ not_ be." He stared now directly into Aragorn's confused eyes. "The Prince is promised elsewhere Aragorn, the pairing has long been foreseen, ere his birth was it known that Legolas Thranduilion would form the last alliance of elves. He would forge a new allegiance between the houses of Imladris and the Woodland Realm, in the last age of our being. He will marry one of my house, uniting forever the world of elves."
"You lie!" the words were almost spat out, "naught has he spoken of such an arrangement. Why do you seek to separate us? Have you simply succumb to the feelings of the woodland elves, those who would not see their 'Jewel' Prince, matched so beneath his station. Do you too now think upon me as unworthy of such a fair being?" Aragorn was seething, his wrath was spoken before it was thought, and only once he had said it, did he realise to whom he was speaking. He bowed his head in shame, but could not bring himself to apologise, for the pain in his heart was too great.
Elrond looked sadly upon his foster son. "Forgive me Estel. I know that you carry each other within your hearts, my words were harsh. But I speak the truth, Legolas knows naught of it, his father speaks also with him this very eve. It is the King's wish that this marriage take place Aragorn, indeed neither of us rightly knew the depth of your feelings for each other. Had we but known."
"You should never have let such an affair take place?"
"For the Prince to engage in any activity, which would call into question his purity.it would bring great shame on both our houses."
"Do not let yourself be troubled ada; the fair Prince maintains his integrity, his purity." Aragorn hissed the words; he felt as though he had been slapped across the cheek, and he bade his heart stop beating, that it may ease his pain. ".I felt myself too unworthy of such a gift."
"Aragorn." Elrond placed a hand on the man's shoulder, ".I meant no offence to you my son. But you understand that this cannot continue, I beg of you ion nin- end it now, before it is too late."
"You would have me give up that which is dearer than the very soul I bear. He cannot be so easily cast aside ada, and why should he be, what pray tell makes you think that he would agree to such a marriage? He has already pledged himself to me, or does that mean nothing?"
"It is his father's wish Aragorn, you know him too well to doubt his compliance; he will act in the best interests of his people."
"Why would the King have his son enter such an arrangement, why would he see his favourite so melancholy?"
"I cannot answer for the King, Estel, but if you will not freely give up this fruitless endeavour, then I beg you to think of your charge. Break not his heart Aragorn."
Aragorn was turning to leave when those words pierced his very fibre, "that is not my intention ada."
"And yet so will it be, if this is left unchecked. It may not yet be too late, but if you wait any longer.Aragorn this marriage, however wrong you may view it, will take place. And if he loves you still and must marry another. he will succumb to his grief." Aragorn shook his head violently; he turned on his heel now to face the elf.
"You are wrong. You would think his heart weak, it is not." He stood now very close to Elrond, almost challenging the older one with his actions.
"Indeed! I thought it no stronger than that ring about your neck!" Aragorn had never heard the old elf shout so; he had never heard him so angry. "Do you forget your place Estel?" He paused, seeing the look in Aragorn's eyes as he held the small silver hoop in his left hand. His own eyes softened, gone was the anger at the boldness of his son's outburst, and it was replaced with concern and sympathy. He sighed deeply and stepped back from the man. Aragorn stood now as still as stone, his eyes brimmed with unshed tears. Elrond looked out onto the water.
"I would not wish you unhappy my son; remember that you too must marry. Once you are King, there will be many that would give their hand in marriage. Let it be out of love Estel, and not forced upon you as it is with Legolas. Like a son has he been to me also, perhaps that is at fault, too fond of you both was I, too concerned with your own happiness. Legolas must marry- Aragorn. You must give up your love, lest it break both your hearts. " Aragorn's eyes now welled up, and a single tear ran slowly down his cheek.
"Ada." he pleaded with his eyes.
"I will say no more this night."
With that he left the man standing quite alone on the bridge. He clasped still the piece of silver metal with his left hand; with his right he clutched the rail of the bridge, for he might have fallen at that spot without its support. And he wept. And he still did not notice two young hobbits look on in sadness from their perches among the trees.