Beyond Borders
Summary: Gondor rules over all of Middle Earth save for one large forest in the North-Western area, Mirkwood. As he tried to unravel its mysteries he comes across a strange discovery, about himself and the world around him. What happens when he meets the Commander of the Elleselsian army? Read and find out. A/L and many other pairings.
Any thoughts will be in italics for this chapter. Just so you know. This chapter takes place a month after the last chapter, and it will begin back in Gondor.
"Do you weep for him?" Aragorn asked. Legolas nodded against his chest and sniffed. "Do not shed tears over someone long gone. I would that you not ruin your lovely face with sorrow." Aragorn bent his head and hesitantly kissed the pale lips below him. Pulling back, he saw Legolas smile shyly up at him. "You are lovely," he whispered, kissing away the diamond tears that glistened on the Elf's porcelain cheeks. "Come, let us rest until the sun rises." Legolas curled up to his side, burying his face on Aragorn's shoulder, one arm thrown over the man's stomach. Aragorn wrapped his arms around the Elleselsian and turned his head to the side, resting his chin on top of Legolas' golden hair. "Sleep well," he murmured and kissed the sun bleached locks, closing his eyes and allowing sleep to take him.
"Cieda ouna, nan ikdoir. Good night, my beloved." Legolas smiled as he drifted off into a light nap, curling himself tighter into Aragorn's side as if to save them both from an unseen terror lurking in the shadows.
Eowyn ran through the halls of Minis Tirith, her long white dress shifting around her feet. Slamming a large stone door open, she gasped for breath as she spoke. "Faramir…" Faramir placed his book on his bedside table and stood, adjusting his brown tunic.
"My lady, what troubles you so?" He stepped up to her side and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"The Lord Haldir… his corpse was found naught but a day ago, floating down the River Isen." Faramir's eyes grew wide and his breath stilled.
"And the others he traveled with? What of the King?" Eowyn shook her head.
"No sign of them. I fear the worst." She moved passed the man and sat on the foot of his bed. "What shall we do?" Faramir stood frozen, as if he had turned to stone.
"Send for Sauron. Tell him the Elleselsian have taken the King and I request… nay demand… he send the Nazgûl and their Beats at once. We cannot delay this much longer. If those damned followers of the Valar have harmed Aragorn in any way, their blood shall cover the lands of Middle Earth for all eternity." Eowyn nodded and stood slowly. "And be quick about it woman! I want the Nine ready on command!" Running out of the room, Eowyn scurried through the open door and to her own chambers to send her message.
BACK IN MIRKWOOD
Legolas laughed and ran faster, flinging the large golden door of the dinning hall and sprawled into his chair, closely followed by Aragorn. "You win," he breathed, sliding into his chair, chuckling and trying to regain his breath. Someone cleared their throat and the pair looked to see Etine sitting at the head of the table, her hands resting gracefully on her lap, her simple silver gown tucked neatly beneath her.
"May we begin?" she asked, looking pointedly at Aragorn.
"Oh… of course, my Queen. I fear that Legolas and I have been caught up in our own affairs and have disregarded courtly order. I apologize on both our behalves." Aragorn smiled and laced his fingers with Legolas'.
"Yes. Now that all are in attendance, I see no reason to prolong our supper. Na'dine moe sherch? Shall we dine?" she said, her eyes glowing. Immediately, great trays of brilliantly coloured food were brought to their table, each steaming. As they picked out what they wished to eat, Etine glanced over at her Commander. "Legolasion, ovet chie mide no karad miy? Legolas, have you begun your lessons yet?" Legolas nodded and swallowed the small red vegetable he had been chewing.
"Y-yes… I am doe-doi-doing well." Aragorn smiled and patted the Elf's hand.
"Ah, you see how you catch on? One day I see you being King!" Etine clapped her hands and a smile brightened her fair face. Legolas blushed and chewed on a large slice of green pepper.
"He learns well, my Queen. I took me little time to teach him to read and write. All we must work on now is the pronunciation. Is that not correct, Legolas?" Aragorn said, trying to be firm, but failing.
"I only have tra-trouble wit… with unfarmiliar… unfamiliar sound…s." Etine smiled at Legolas' stuttering and raised her cup to her lips.
"And so he pronounced Eletesse King of the Elleselsian forests and all its domains." Legolas smiled proudly when he finished reading aloud. Aragorn clapped and kissed his cheek.
"I am proud of you. Not a single stutter. Very good. To think that only two days ago you were stumbling over the simplest of words and naught but a month ago you could not speak a word I could understand." Legolas licked his lips and closed the history book.
"Do not forget Aragorn, you must speak in the tongue of my people should you wish to remain," Legolas teased, sliding onto Aragorn's lap. "Or would you take your leave?" Aragorn smiled and kissed the pale lips before him.
"I would never leave should you still wish me here." Legolas smiled and rested his head on the man's shoulder.
"Fav chie varv? Would you mind?" a young girl called from a table not three seats away from the pair.
"Saloan no eedan, kietan quoirx! Watch your tongue, foolish girl!" Legolas barked. The girl gasped and flitted through her book again, obviously embarrassed. "We should not linger here," Legolas laughed, the small sound almost feminine.
"Where do you suggest we go to?" Aragorn asked, grinning.
"I do have-"
"Aragorn!" a shrill voice echoed across the library. The two looked at the doorway to see Irhan standing, one hand braced on the doorframe beside his head. "Ondonae Etine nidiken o'vat sil chie! Queen Etine must speak with you!" Aragorn looked questioningly at the Elf on his lap.
"Etine wishes your presence. I suggest you leave immediately. I shall wait." Aragorn nodded and kissed Legolas softly, pulling him off his lap and headed for Irhan.
"Legolasion, chie nidiken iyan bow. Legolas, you must come too." Legolas stood slowly and followed the two out.
Irhan lead them down corridors, through a set of silver plated doors and passed a small fleet of young men, all drinking and laughing, telling stories of war and brandishing their swords. At the end of the hall, Etine stood, her hair tied back in a tight braid. She wore no dress, but a pair of blood red leggings and a golden tunic with matching boots. "I'niteay Irhanion. Thank you Irhan." The red haired Elf bowed and walked passed her and beyond another set of silver doors. "What games do you play?" Etine asked, her voice cold.
"I do not know what you speak of," Aragorn licked his all-to-dry lips and glanced at Legolas.
"I received word from the southern boarders. They say a battalion heads this way. They say they are coming to collect you… and my people's heads." Legolas clutched Aragorn's hand but his eyes froze over.
"I assure you, this comes to me as a surprise. I did not know of this madness. I shall help you in any way possible but I do hope to stop this war before it starts." Etine nodded and looked passed the pair to the men behind them. "Chie ginathar whan nal no slitouonez akinl? You dare sit in your Commander's presence?" she barked. Immediately, the fifty men stood, their backs straight and swords pushed into scabbards. "Legolasion, where are the others?" Legolas looked over his shoulder and smiled.
"I believe they are home, my Queen, with their wives." Etine nodded and turned to Aragorn.
"Would you pledge true allegiance to me?" Aragorn nodded. "Then I see no reason to delay signing your treaty. But should the need arise, I shall risk open war. Would you follow Legolas into battle?"
"I-"
"He would not follow me, but be at my side." Etine snapped her head back to Legolas' face, staring questioningly at him. "No King should follow a Commander-General. He rides by my side should the need arise." Etine nodded reluctantly and turned on her heel.
"Then come. There are papers to be signed and drink to be had." They walked out of the hall and the men standing like statues, slumped back down, laughing and drinking.
"Did you mean what you said?" Aragorn asked, stroking Legolas' hair.
"Every word. I would not have you follow me to war and death. I would that you be by my side for eternity." Aragorn smiled sadly and pulled the Elf closer to him.
"I wish it too. But it can never be, I fear. I am mortal… how would I spend an eternity with you, my love, if I cannot live long enough?" Legolas snuggled even closer to the man.
"We shall find a way. But not now. Just be glad Etine conceded to sign the treaties." Aragorn nodded and closed his eyes, falling asleep with Legolas tucked safely in his arms.
BACK IN GONDOR
"My Lord Faramir!" Faramir raised his head from his pillow and looked to his door.
"Damn you woman! Can this not wait an hour?" he barked. Eowyn shook her head, her blonde hair wrapping around her shoulders.
"The Nazgûl have come! You must hurry!" Faramir grumbled and stood, ignoring Eowyn's gasp when she saw he was completely nude. Muttering about early mornings and war, he dressed quickly and strode behind Eowyn to the courtyard.
"Is it too early for you my Lord?" one of the riders sneered as the two emerged from the doorway.
"Shall I send you back to Sauron, Elrohir? And where is that blasted brother of yours?" Elrohir smirked and shrugged.
"He has been missing for the past month. Many believe he has run off with Laifennas of Rivendell, although we are not certain." Faramir rolled his eyes and nodded.
"It is something he would do… Glorfindel! How do you fair?" A tall, sandy haired Elf stepped forward and embraced Faramir.
"I am well. It is good to see you again, old friend." Faramir smiled and motioned behind the Elf.
"And who are your new riders? I am afraid I have not seen them yet."
"Yes, of course not. They were recruited before the last moon. Armereth of Lorien," a tall blonde archer stepped from the crowd and bowed his head. "Uruviel of the Galadhrim," a thin woman with a short blue tunic and skirt stood from her seat on a short wall and curtsied. "Rumil and Orophin of Lorien," the twins bowed and smiled sweetly. "Saelbeth of Rivendell," a man nodded his head, brown eyes glinting. "And Erestor of the Noldor," a shorter, brown haired Elf stood and smiled. "I have left the beasts on the Plains. I do hope that is acceptable Faramir." The man nodded and motioned for the Nine to follow him.
"Eowyn, see to it that each has a room and hot bath. Glorfindel, I fear I must take more of your time to speak with you over such trivial matters as war. Would you mind?" Glorfindel smiled and shook his head.
"Not at all, my Lord."
IN MIRKWOOD
"It's a swing up, and then swing down in one final arch!" Aragorn said through gritted teeth and closed his eyes as he heard Legolas translating. A murmur went up through the hundreds of men gathered and swords could be heard clanking.
"You do not enjoy this, do you?" Legolas asked, noticing the man's distraught face.
"It is not that I do not enjoy it. But why must they be so… inept?" Legolas chuckled and turned back to the men, shouting for them to retire for the day and then kissed Aragorn's cheek.
"You have a day off. What shall you do with it?" Legolas asked impishly.
"Fey."
"Yes, I am." Aragorn laughed at Legolas' response and pulled him into his arms. "You should see to the flight wing." Aragorn looked down at the Elf as if he had three heads. "Ah, Etine has not told you of them yet then. Come, I will show you."
They walked through the palace to a wide doorway made of tinted glass. "This way. And do not make any sudden movements or loud noises." Legolas opened the door and padded through silently. "Hush! Quickly!" Aragorn scurried through the doorway and watched as Legolas closed and locked the door.
"Legolas, why is it so dark? I cannot see!" Legolas chuckled and clutched the man's hand.
"It is so no one save those who know their way may find the flight wing. They are a secret. Do not fret. The main chamber is well lit. Now come!" Dragging the half blind man behind him, Legolas stalked down the corridors, turning at odd angles and pressing himself against the wall so he did not loose himself. "There, see?" He pointed to a dimly lit cavern, a stream flowing through it and glistening light reflecting off stone pillars. "Hush, you must be quiet now!" Letting out a noise like an eagle's screech, Legolas advanced into the cave, motioning for Aragorn to follow him. To the man's surprise, an answering howl came. "We are allowed to enter," he smiled and walked more freely through the stone. Stopping before a large rock, Aragorn gasped as he saw what he thought were statues, really to be people. A pair of fierce yellow eyes glared back at him from a white face. Long silver hair flowed down the creature's back and she wore no clothes. Her limbs were long and thin and her nails were as long as daggers. Sharp cheekbones bordered a well-defined nose and full lips. Large silver wings protruded from her back and she hutched over the stream, staring into Aragorn's eyes. Taking a step back in fear, Aragorn called for Legolas but the creature found him first, jumping up and pouncing him with a hiss. The man screamed but was confused into silence when, instead of being torn apart, he was sniffed and licked. "Ida!" Legolas' sharp voice cut through the air and the girl sat up on Aragorn's chest and smiled. A soft sound emanated from her throat and she crawled over to the Elf, stopping at his feet and rubbed her head against his thigh, begging to be patted. Legolas rested a hand on her head and looked at Aragorn, smiling and shaking his head. "You were lucky. If you had not called my name, you would be a corpse by now." Scratching behind one of the girl's pointed ears, Legolas grinned and stepped back to the man. "Here," he said, offering a hand.
"What are…"
"The remaining people of Valinor, descendants of the Valar." Three other creatures surrounded them, all purring or tapping their nails against the stone floor. "This is Ida… the youngest daughter of their King, Isfreal." At the mention of the name, each being in the chamber bowed their heads and a tall, white haired man with piercing red eyes and spanning black wings stepped from a high rock and floated down to Legolas' side, glaring at Aragorn. Legolas let out a series of clicks and purrs and soon, Isfreal was sitting at his side, paying no heed to the man. "They cannot be tamed, but you can speak with them and persuade them if you know how. They are proud creatures, and you must never offend them." Another series of clicks and Ida leapt from the ground spiraling up to the top of the chamber and out of sight. No sooner had she disappeared into the shadows then an echoing howl bounced through the cave and hundreds of winged beasts flew through the air, down to Legolas' side, each clicking and snapping, trying to be first to the Elf's hand. Legolas laughed, tossing his head back. "They are also spoiled. Each day I come I bring treats." Aragorn smiled and stepped up to Legolas but was stopped when something small latched onto his leg. "Ika, daughter of Ida and Shien." Aragorn smiled at the tiny bird girl who had wrapped his leg in a hung with her tiny arms and legs. Two sprouts protruded from her back and showed the beginnings of silver wings. Her hair was already long and a bright violet while her eyes were a fierce yellow.
"She is lovely," Aragorn said in awe. Legolas stood at his side in an instant, raising the child to Aragorn's arms.
"Here, give her this," he said, handing him a small piece of fruit Aragorn recognized from his first meal in the palace. Placing the tiny slice of yellow at her lips, Aragorn waited. Ika sniffed the fruit for a while before snatching it on one small fingernail and plopping it into her mouth, purring as she did. "Ida…" the woman stepped up and kissed her daughter's brow. She looked into Legolas' eyes and nodded. Bowing Legolas grabbed Aragorn's arm and lead him through the tunnels.
"Legolas… the child! I cannot…"
"She wants you to have her, so stop fussing." Aragorn looked at Legolas through the darkness and the Elf sighed, stopping in his tracks. "The pool that gives them life… in their cave… it holds the future. Ida knows she shall not live out the war… but she is not sure about your fate. Hoping you shall live, she hands her daughter to your care. Do not return her gift, for it would be an insult. Now can we please keep moving? These tunnels are clammy and having a babe down here is not idealistic."
They walked through the streets of the city, dusk falling around them. Aragorn held Ika's head up against his shoulder and had a basket of fruits in his other hand. Stopping in front of a large blue marble house, Legolas smiled and took the basket from him. "Thank you… for accompanying me. You did not need to," Legolas said, opening the door. "Do you wish to… stay the night? It is growing dark and keeping a child on your own can be difficult." Aragorn nodded and held the door open for the Elf, allowing him through before going in himself, shutting the door behind him.
It was a lovely home. The floors were covered in soft carpets and the windows were closed with draped of velvet. There were four rooms, each with its own bronze door. Legolas left the basket on a table in his kitchen and swept out to a room with a lounge and several chairs, bookcases, flutes and weapons lining the walls. "In here," he whispered and opened the largest door, heading into his room. A tall, four-poster bed stood in the centre of the room, the light yellow sheets and pillows glowing in the evening light. Candles were set on a table by the window and a large cupboard stood opposite the door. Legolas opened one of the drawers and shifted his clothing until it looked comfortable. "This will have to do until tomorrow. I shall buy her a crib, but for now she can sleep here." Aragorn placed the babe in the drawer and pulled a soft blue tunic over her. When he turned back, Legolas was wearing only a pair of loose white leggings that made him glow in the dim light. The Elf climbed into his bed and pulled back the covers, allowing Aragorn to get in. The man stripped off his boots and tunic, shifting next to Legolas and wrapped his arms around the Elf's thin waist. "Sleep well," Legolas murmured and tucked his head under Aragorn's chin, falling asleep.
They rose to the early morning sun streaming through the window, pouring onto the bed. Aragorn smiled and kissed Legolas' brow. "Good morning," he whispered and sat up. Legolas followed and kissed his lips lightly.
"It is indeed." The two stayed locked together for a moment before the door opened and a cheerful voice filled the room.
"Biea, vit chie col ounmar ciy i sayne, thi… BIEA!? Father, will you be eating at the palace or… FATHER!?"
"So… this is the man who taught you how to speak western?" Legolas nodded and sipped his tea awkwardly. "Is this the reason you have been late coming home every night?" Legolas nodded again and looked over at Aragorn, who looked severely uncomfortable.
"Oh come Ochealle. Father obviously loves him and it is his choice so…"
"Do not give me that tongue girl!"
"I am no younger than you!"
"We may have shared a womb but that is all I will share with you sister!" The two started bickering in their native tongue and Legolas slammed his fist on the table.
"That is enough you two! Ochealle, I expected better of you. And Miean, I do not need you to defend me." The twins nodded and continued to glare at each other.
"Ki'en vog i miten din'mi? What is all the racket for?" A small girl with light blonde hair and pale blue eyes stood in the doorway to the kitchen, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Arathorn?" she asked sleepily, stretching out her hands to the man.
"No Niada… this is father's new whore, Aragorn… son of Arathorn." Ochealle smirked and crossed her arms, satisfied with herself.
"Stop being so cruel. Arathorn was nice and he made daddy happy. So you should be happy to!" the little girl clambered over to her father and hugged his shin. "Ni oudoir chie," she smiled. Legolas patted her head and grinned at Aragorn.
"I am sorry about this. My girls tend to be at odds with each other quite-" a loud cry interrupted him.
"Ika!" Aragorn said and stood, bolting off to the other room. As soon as he was gone, Legolas rounded on his daughter.
"How dare you try and run my life! You are my daughter, not my nanny! You would do well to keep your tongue, or you will be working with the pigs instead of in the palace!" Ochealle huffed and sipped her tea.
"Chie eliv, loat, ikaradi ipa… You vile, loathsome, evil little…"
"Aragorn! Is she well?" Legolas interrupted Miean.
"Yes, she is fine. It seems she just woke," he chuckled, carrying the small girl in his arms to the table.
"Oh! A new babe? Father, is it yours?" Legolas barely suppressed a chuckle.
"No Niada, this is Ika, Ida's daughter. It appears she wished Aragorn to keep her."
"Oo! May I hold her?"
"You're more likely to drop her!" Ochealle snapped.
"I have had enough of your attitude! Go sleep in the gutter if you wish, but do not plague my household with your grudges!" Legolas growled. Ochealle stood quickly and hurried from the kitchen. "By the Valar, what did I do to deserve a terror like her?" Miean smiled and rubbed her father's hand.
"You have two more loving daughters father. Ochealle takes after mother far too much." Legolas smiled and leaned his head on Aragorn's shoulder.
"Ah to be young again," he mused. At Aragorn's shocked expression, he elaborated. "I am over three thousand years old, Aragorn. Less than a century ago, my wife passed away after her brother died. The death was hard on Ochealle took her passing especially hard. They were close… closest I have seen her be to anyone. Niada is Etine's illegitimate daughter, but you must never tell a soul. She gave her to me for safe keeping until the time came for her to take the thrown." Aragorn nodded, seeing now that the Elf he once thought so cold, then so fragile was really a grieving soul, for the loss of his wife, then lover, and now daughter. "Miean… on the other hand… is my daughter, in every sense. She detested her mother for her arrogance and self-absorption as much as I myself did." Miean smiled slightly and pulled Niada onto her lap.
"Enough of this melancholy talk. Lord Aragorn… is it you who taught our father to speak western?" Aragorn nodded and Miean's face lit up. "He taught us too… daily. I wondered how my father learnt it all! I have always been fascinated by the culture of the West. I heard that…"
"Hush! No one wants to hear you ramble!" Niada said, stuffing a large red fruit into Miean's mouth. Aragorn and Legolas chuckled.
"I am afraid, girls, that my companion and I must depart for the day. Miean, please take Ika to the market today and buy her a basinet and some suitable clothing. You shall find all the gold you need on my bedside. Niada, I want you to stay out of trouble and-"
"Do not rip my dress. I know father." Legolas smiled and stood, Aragorn following suit, handing the tall blonde girl the baby.
"Good day father! Be safe and do not start any wars! Do not worry Lord Aragorn! Ika shall be safe! I-"
"Hush up!" Niada scolded and shut the door after the Elf and man.
A.N.: Woah! That took a long time to write! I hope you like it! I know I covered a lot in one chapter and it might be confusing now but it will make sense later! I promise! Please review, and no flames! Stupid ff.net won't let me use my star things to show changing scenes. If you want to know where the stars are, check out adultfanficiton.net click on the open and go to movies, then LOTR and look for Beyond Borders by Kia!
Thanks dolls!
Luv ya'll!
Thanks to:
Legolas19: Lol, yes you did. Thanks so much! I hope this was soon enough for you! Thanks so much hun! kisses and hugs
Nienna Coamenel: Well, I hope this was more Legolas/Aragorn. They were originally going to fuck each other's brains out… but it changed to a sappy moment. Ah well. I'm glad you like it! P.S. Can I use part of your name in future chapters? It's just so cool: Coamenel! Lol, it works soooo well! Please tell me if I can or can't! Thanks a bunch! kisses and hugs
Bradleigh: In a sense it was necessary… but I just wanted them out of the way. Lol, I'm so cruel, I know. Ah well, I'm glad you like it! Thanks doll! kisses and hugs