Disclaimer: I don´t own anything , no matter how much I wish I did!
As usual, thanks for the reviews!
Destiny Lot: Glad that you liked the Frodo part, especially since it was a kind of emergency solution to me.
Isildwen: Nice that you enjoyed my story.
Vanims13kiss: Thank you, sorry that I was not able to update sooner.
Eowyn: Here´s some more at last!
Bradleigh: Here is some of what happened in Lotlórien, but there will be more...
Legolas19:Thank you for reading and reviewing everý chapter.
Qwe:Hang on, you will see...
Forsaken^on3:I will do my best concerning AL, hope you like this as well! Now it´s your turn!
Kiki: You´re impatient? Well anyway,it means a lot that you think my story rocks! Thank you!!!
And as always:
Nímin: Your reviews have my undying love, they are a great inspiration to me , thank you! And our "bunnies "need some release, that´s true , so read on and let me know what you think.
A/N: This chapter ended up a bit later than planned, because I had it erased by mistake, so unfortunately I had to write it two times. Warning: I´m not sure about the ratings, but maybe this chapter would be rated R.
Now to the story...and please review!
Chapter 9
Refuge in Lótlorien
The fellowship reached Lótlorien some hours later. They had been running most of the time, without rest and now they were ,especially the hobbits , completely exhausted. Aragorn was tired no less, but he felt nothing from the hurt in his leg, he sometimes completely forgot it. Instead he found himself running faster than he used to. This was in fact rather amazing, but he was not able to dwell on it much.
They were discovered by Haldir , who claimed that the dwarf breathed so loud , they could have shot him in the dark. After that incident they all followed the march-warden deeper in to the wood. Here there were some discussion concerning the dwarf , being a long time since any of the Lórien elves had to deal with someone of that race. Gimli spat out some insults , but Aragorn managed to deal with the situation well, Legolas was impressed. Bit by bit his royal heritage increased to shine through him. On the other hand , he did not like the prejudices against the dwarfs , well knowing that he himself had harbored such feelings earlier , before he met Gimli.
"He´s not so bad once you get to know him "Legolas told Haldir some time later , when they had begun to walk towards Calas Galadron .
The march-warden looked at the prince, with surprise at first , that soon was replaced by mockery.
"Oh, well. ...travelling during these circumstances, with this more than peculiar, mixture of races , clearly has clouded your mind , lovely one."
The younger elf whimpered when Haldir called him this, he shot a quick glance in Aragorn´s direction to assure himself that the man hadn´t heard. However, that was a glance that the perceptive march-warden did notice.
"So that's how it is "he said with a wicked grin. "Elrond´s foster son, a human! Well, you were always keen on trying new things, so I guess I should not be surprised."
"It´s not like that at all, we are not...."Legolas began , but the older elf interrupted him.
"Then it is worse, you have apparently fallen for this man- how astonishing indeed! I did not think that was possible, maybe I would have become jealous, had that been becoming for me. As a fortune for your human, it is not. But he is lucky all the same, is he even aware of that? "
Haldir looked at the prince once again , but now only concern showed in his eyes.
"Legolas , this is complicated , he´s betrothed to the Evenstar. Not that I think that he will be able to resist * you * no matter what , but it must make things difficult for you since I know that you genuinely like her and care for her. Does he share your feelings? "
It took some time before the younger elf answered.
"That is true, Haldir , I do care for Arwen, I honestly don´t know what to do. And" –he hesitated for a moment- "yes, I think our feelings is mutual, as mutual as they can be."
The march-warden nodded. Then he smiled again , mischievously:
"I can bring you some distraction, if you want to".
Legolas could not help but smile.
"I am sure that you can, but I honestly don´t wish to be distracted."
Haldir sighed.
"He must be special, indeed. Just let me know if you change your mind."
Aragorn looked at Legolas and Haldir talking. They seemed to know each other well , almost too well, and with a sting he realized that he was jealous of the march-warden. He shook his head , knowing that here in Lótlorien he probably would get more opportunities to harbor such feelings , considering how well Legolas knew Lady Galadriel herself.
He was interrupted in his thoughts by Haldir who showed them Caras Galadrion ,"the heart of all elvish on earth".
*************************************************************************** The fellowship was presented to Galadriel and Celeborn , and everyone heard her voice in their heads. Legolas heard the warning about the sea and the sea-gulls , but in his mind he answered her that his heart already had left the woods.
What the others could hear was him telling her and Celeborn that had been taken by Shadow and Flame.
As a blessing to the ears of everyone, except perhaps Boromir´s, Galadriel told them they would rest in peace. After this had been said, Legolas went over to Aragorn.
"You must tend to your wound , it´s been far too long without any treatment and you have been running and walking for many hours. Follow me, I will bring you to the healers of Lótlorien ".
The ranger looked at him , slightly appalled. He had almost forgotten his wound, still feeling no pain.
"It does not hurt at all, I don´t feel anything."
"The pain will come back sooner or later , and it will be worse then , since you have overrun your capabilities quite a lot. "
And Legolas had been all too right about that , Aragorn thought some hours later when the skilled elven healers of Lótlorien had treated his leg. Now he felt rips of pain with every step that he took. He had been ordered to rest ; the arrow had in fact been poisoned , but with the right careful treatment he would be completely recovered. The rest of the fellowship was overjoyed about this, since they had been deeply worried when hearing about the ranger´s injury. As if the grief for Gandalf was not enough.
Everybody hovered around him most of the time ; that is ; everybody except Legolas. The elf spent the most of the time in his own company, wandering around among the golden trees, deep in is thoughts and his heart was heavy with sorrow , most for the loss of the wizard , but also for many other things. These surroundings did not bring him the comfort they once had. During his earlier visits he had always confided in Galadriel , but this time he chose to wander to himself.
In the afternoom, the third day in Lótlorien, long before the pale moon rose, the Lady sought him out, finding him sitting in a tree, staring at the light orb in the sky, deep in thought.
When he saw her, he jumped down from the tree with a swift move.
"You are weary from pain and sorrow, beautiful prince of Mirkwood "she said , laying a hand on his shoulder. He leaned in to her touch with a small sigh.
"The loss of Gandalf is a burden for us all" he answered.
"So it is , but that is not all making you grieve like you do. You never gave your heart easily."
Legolas did not answer, but he could not look her in the eyes when she said this. A moment later he said:
"Why did you seek me out?"
"Because I am troubled about you, and about your relation to the future king of men. About the choice you are denying him , not telling him what the healing of HIS mind does to you, on your behalf."
"And then what would he do? Never letting me in his sight again?"
"We both know the answer to that question. But by not telling him you risk his bitterness when he at last finds out, like he eventually will, should you continue this, like you will do. Now, listen to me carefully"- she draw a deep breath –"you must stop to put on your shoulder, to try to quench the feelings between you two. That can put the whole Middle-Earth in danger."
Legolas stared at her in utter disbelief.
"I can´t believe you are telling me this ! I mean, Arwen is your granddaughter after all."
"Yes , that is why it is an agony for me to say this. But I love you too, Legolas,,,,"a tear spilled down her cheek. The prince wiped away that tear with his finger. Then she continued: "The bond between you and Elessar is forged by the most ancient and most powerful magic of all. He loves you more than life it self, like you love him. If you don´t indulge yourselves to your feelings, your focus on this task will diminish and that can be the ruin of us all."
"It is still hard for me to understand this....how this is possible..."
She gently stroked his cheek.
"Sauron the deceiver does not know love."
Later he would remember those words.
"I will go to him" he said slowly, but his eyes showed no hint of hesitance, just an inner tranquility that Galadriel hadn´t seen in him for many years. She nodded. He kissed her on the forehead, and then he turned and left, not seeing that she remained there, standing immobile, tears pouring down her face.
When Legolas came back to the place where Aragorn was located, a bit apart from the rest of the fellowship, a very anxious Sam who told him that Aragorn had gotten feverish met him.
"Nobody knows what to do, Master Elf, and those strange healers just keep telling us to wait and watch over him. They know a lot , but are they sure about how to heal a human ? I mean, elves do not get fever ..."
"Do not worry, Sam. The knowledge of the Lórien healers is great; so you can trust them fully. Aragorn is not badly wounded and he soon will be fully recovered."
"He is sleeping most of the time, thrashing around and screaming...."he hesitated for a moment..."and he calls your name from time to time..." the hobbit looked slightly embarrassed.
By this time they had reached Aragorn´s resting place. Everyone in the fellowship was there, watching over the dozing ranger. They all looked totally worn out with fatigue; despite the fact that they indeed were in Lotlórien, a place for rest.
"You may all go to rest , I will take over the watch from now on" Legolas said, looking at the sleeping form of Aragorn, who appeared to be peaceful at the moment.
"Are you going to sit here all alone? "Gimli asked.
Before the elf have had any chance to answer, Frodo said, with a mischievous grin on his lips:
"I believe he would prefer that, and I have no doubt in the world that he can distract Strider, should it be necessary "the hobbit said.
At first Legolas thought the dwarf was going to say something, but he just murmured something about "strange elven magic" under his breath and went away, soon to be followed by the rest of the fellowship. When he, at last, was alone with Aragorn, the elf kneeled beside him.
The ranger drifted in and out of sleep, murmuring to himself under his breath, sweat appearing on his brow. Legolas grabbed a cloth from the healing supplies beside the man´s bed and gently wiped his forehead. This made Aragorn wake up, startled at first, but when he saw the elf he relaxed.
"So it is you....where have you been?"
"I spent some time alone, wandering. This place reminds me of my home. Now it is my turn to sit here, the others were exhausted. You need to rest, as well, we can talk when you are better."
The man looked at him with an intensive gaze, which seemed to be unaffected by the fever.
"Then rest with me, Legolas, because you seem weary also."
Legolas smiled.
"I will set down my guard tonight" he answered, seating himself down beside the ranger, with his back against a tree.
"I would rather have you laying by my side, you have your own ways of making me sleep undisturbed". The man merely whispered those words , the elf could feel how hard it was for him to even say them at all. Perhaps that was why he slowly , hesitantly , fetched the bedroll he had borrowed from the Lórien elves, only to be stopped by Aragorn.
"No, * this * is what I meant."
With a surprising strength, considering his condition, he pulled the elf down next to him, wrapping his arms around his waist. "Like this" he said and closed his eyes, soon deep in slumber.
Legolas laid completely still for a while, enjoying the nearness and inhaling the man´s scent. When the inevitable nightmares came, the elf wiped them away as usual, the pain so intense that when the he finally drifted off to sleep, he did it with his eyes closed.
************************************************************
When Aragorn woke, it was already midnight. In Lotlórien the dark was never complete, so he had no problem to see the creature that was resting beside him. The ranger was astonished to see that Legolas had shut his eyes, a look of complete weariness showing on his face. The elf was always pale, but now even more so. This effect was heightened by the long, dark eyelashes that cast shadows down his cheek. He was, as always, by far, the most beautiful and enthralling being Aragorn had ever seen .No one was close, not even Arwen. It was not merely his physical attributes, Legolas had a soul that was kind and unselfish, and he was also brave.
As Aragorn shifted his position to come nearer the elf, he was reminded of the pain in his leg, even though it felt a little better. His temperature had also dropped, but, however now a different kind of fever was starting to rise inside him. It made him shiver when he raised his hand to touch Legolas´ face, running his fingers against the contours of his jaw.
At this caress the eyes of the elf popped up open.
"Aragorn? So you have woken up. Do you feel any better? "
The ranger nodded, lowered his hand, his gaze never leaving the elf's face.
"Yes, I believe I do. I think the fever has subsided; however, I do not care about it right now." There was a challenge in his voice, the elf was well aware of that, but asked the man any way:
"And what are you thinking about, my friend?"
"You" Aragorn answered simply. "I ´m thinking about you, and I´m wondering ,during all these years I have always felt that you care for me deeply, always giving me help, as for those nightmares- and *I know* that it gives you pain, I have noticed. You have kissed me, but still...he voice trailed of.
"Still?" Legolas asked, even though he suspected that he knew what the man was trying to say.
"You never give it to me, all. I know that you certainly do not hesitate to take lovers, as merely to distract yourself, but you have always restrained yourself from me."
"That is because to me you would be *much* more than a distraction" he said softly, but he could not suppress a smile."But"-he continued after a moment of a seemingly endless silence "it does not mean that I haven´t dreamt of that for many years".
"Then give it to me "Aragorn whispered huskily. "All-if only for this night."
Legolas looked at the ranger, his eyes almost black in the dusk that was surrounding them. Galadriel´s words rang inside him, but still he hesitated at this point. He had kept his feelings inside for so long, it was hard to let his inner shields down, even though he couldn´t deny the waves of desire that flowed through his veins when he met the man's light-blue gaze.
"This is going to change everything" he whispered, as much to himself as to Aragorn when he leaned over the man and caught his lips in a kiss that first was gentle, but soon more and more passionate as their tongues met. They had kissed before, yet this was completely different, as none of them was holding back. Aragorn began to untie the elf´s tunic, in the same instant Legolas freed the ranger from his shirt, never allowing their mouths to loose contact.
When both of them were naked to the waist, Legolas kissed the man´s neck and trailed his mouth down his chest , blowing on the hair. Aragorn shuddered at the contact, but the elf knew that it was out of pleasure. Legolas cupped the bulge between the man´s legs, making Aragorn moan by the sweet feeling of Legolas above him.
"Legolas...please..."he said.
The elf smiled.
"We need to get rid of the rest of our clothes, don´t we?"
Nimble fingers quickly stripped the man of his leggings, carefully avoiding to touch his wounded leg and too fast for his human eyes the elf´s own was off and thrown aside as well. Aragorn nearly lost his breath when he saw the beauty of the naked body beside him, the effect heightened by the dim light of Lotlórien.
He looked at him for a while and then he pressed their mouths together again. The world outside was obliterated when their bodies pressed together and both of them moaned when they felt each other´s erections. Legolas ran his fingers over the ranger´s muscles as the man kissed the silky skin on the elf´s throat. The elf quivered at the touch, this man brought feelings to him he did not even know that he possessed, in spite of his long existence.
Coming through the daze of his enflamed mind, he heard Aragorn´s voice:
"Make love to me, Legolas."
It sounded almost like a plea and the elf nodded.
"I will "he said "I want that also , more than anything in the world " and kissed the man softly before he reached for the healing supplies beside Aragorn´s bed....
They made love to each other many times that night, before they fell asleep in each others arms just before dawn.
Just a short time later , Legolas was brought awake by a blazing pain in the back of his head, more fierce than ever. When he moved he felt like something cracked , and all of a sudden blood started to flow from his nose.
"By the Valar" he mumbled, completely shaken, raising himself .He quickly put on his leggings and hurried off to a nearby lake to wash the blood away.
************************************************************************ Galadriel was still standing at her mirror, alone now, after showing it to Frodo. She saw Legolas kneeling at the lake, washing himself, bleeding from his nose.
"Oh, Legolas, you make me wish my skill in healing was greater "she said to the picture, well knowing there was no answer.
TBC.
As usual, thanks for the reviews!
Destiny Lot: Glad that you liked the Frodo part, especially since it was a kind of emergency solution to me.
Isildwen: Nice that you enjoyed my story.
Vanims13kiss: Thank you, sorry that I was not able to update sooner.
Eowyn: Here´s some more at last!
Bradleigh: Here is some of what happened in Lotlórien, but there will be more...
Legolas19:Thank you for reading and reviewing everý chapter.
Qwe:Hang on, you will see...
Forsaken^on3:I will do my best concerning AL, hope you like this as well! Now it´s your turn!
Kiki: You´re impatient? Well anyway,it means a lot that you think my story rocks! Thank you!!!
And as always:
Nímin: Your reviews have my undying love, they are a great inspiration to me , thank you! And our "bunnies "need some release, that´s true , so read on and let me know what you think.
A/N: This chapter ended up a bit later than planned, because I had it erased by mistake, so unfortunately I had to write it two times. Warning: I´m not sure about the ratings, but maybe this chapter would be rated R.
Now to the story...and please review!
Chapter 9
Refuge in Lótlorien
The fellowship reached Lótlorien some hours later. They had been running most of the time, without rest and now they were ,especially the hobbits , completely exhausted. Aragorn was tired no less, but he felt nothing from the hurt in his leg, he sometimes completely forgot it. Instead he found himself running faster than he used to. This was in fact rather amazing, but he was not able to dwell on it much.
They were discovered by Haldir , who claimed that the dwarf breathed so loud , they could have shot him in the dark. After that incident they all followed the march-warden deeper in to the wood. Here there were some discussion concerning the dwarf , being a long time since any of the Lórien elves had to deal with someone of that race. Gimli spat out some insults , but Aragorn managed to deal with the situation well, Legolas was impressed. Bit by bit his royal heritage increased to shine through him. On the other hand , he did not like the prejudices against the dwarfs , well knowing that he himself had harbored such feelings earlier , before he met Gimli.
"He´s not so bad once you get to know him "Legolas told Haldir some time later , when they had begun to walk towards Calas Galadron .
The march-warden looked at the prince, with surprise at first , that soon was replaced by mockery.
"Oh, well. ...travelling during these circumstances, with this more than peculiar, mixture of races , clearly has clouded your mind , lovely one."
The younger elf whimpered when Haldir called him this, he shot a quick glance in Aragorn´s direction to assure himself that the man hadn´t heard. However, that was a glance that the perceptive march-warden did notice.
"So that's how it is "he said with a wicked grin. "Elrond´s foster son, a human! Well, you were always keen on trying new things, so I guess I should not be surprised."
"It´s not like that at all, we are not...."Legolas began , but the older elf interrupted him.
"Then it is worse, you have apparently fallen for this man- how astonishing indeed! I did not think that was possible, maybe I would have become jealous, had that been becoming for me. As a fortune for your human, it is not. But he is lucky all the same, is he even aware of that? "
Haldir looked at the prince once again , but now only concern showed in his eyes.
"Legolas , this is complicated , he´s betrothed to the Evenstar. Not that I think that he will be able to resist * you * no matter what , but it must make things difficult for you since I know that you genuinely like her and care for her. Does he share your feelings? "
It took some time before the younger elf answered.
"That is true, Haldir , I do care for Arwen, I honestly don´t know what to do. And" –he hesitated for a moment- "yes, I think our feelings is mutual, as mutual as they can be."
The march-warden nodded. Then he smiled again , mischievously:
"I can bring you some distraction, if you want to".
Legolas could not help but smile.
"I am sure that you can, but I honestly don´t wish to be distracted."
Haldir sighed.
"He must be special, indeed. Just let me know if you change your mind."
Aragorn looked at Legolas and Haldir talking. They seemed to know each other well , almost too well, and with a sting he realized that he was jealous of the march-warden. He shook his head , knowing that here in Lótlorien he probably would get more opportunities to harbor such feelings , considering how well Legolas knew Lady Galadriel herself.
He was interrupted in his thoughts by Haldir who showed them Caras Galadrion ,"the heart of all elvish on earth".
*************************************************************************** The fellowship was presented to Galadriel and Celeborn , and everyone heard her voice in their heads. Legolas heard the warning about the sea and the sea-gulls , but in his mind he answered her that his heart already had left the woods.
What the others could hear was him telling her and Celeborn that had been taken by Shadow and Flame.
As a blessing to the ears of everyone, except perhaps Boromir´s, Galadriel told them they would rest in peace. After this had been said, Legolas went over to Aragorn.
"You must tend to your wound , it´s been far too long without any treatment and you have been running and walking for many hours. Follow me, I will bring you to the healers of Lótlorien ".
The ranger looked at him , slightly appalled. He had almost forgotten his wound, still feeling no pain.
"It does not hurt at all, I don´t feel anything."
"The pain will come back sooner or later , and it will be worse then , since you have overrun your capabilities quite a lot. "
And Legolas had been all too right about that , Aragorn thought some hours later when the skilled elven healers of Lótlorien had treated his leg. Now he felt rips of pain with every step that he took. He had been ordered to rest ; the arrow had in fact been poisoned , but with the right careful treatment he would be completely recovered. The rest of the fellowship was overjoyed about this, since they had been deeply worried when hearing about the ranger´s injury. As if the grief for Gandalf was not enough.
Everybody hovered around him most of the time ; that is ; everybody except Legolas. The elf spent the most of the time in his own company, wandering around among the golden trees, deep in is thoughts and his heart was heavy with sorrow , most for the loss of the wizard , but also for many other things. These surroundings did not bring him the comfort they once had. During his earlier visits he had always confided in Galadriel , but this time he chose to wander to himself.
In the afternoom, the third day in Lótlorien, long before the pale moon rose, the Lady sought him out, finding him sitting in a tree, staring at the light orb in the sky, deep in thought.
When he saw her, he jumped down from the tree with a swift move.
"You are weary from pain and sorrow, beautiful prince of Mirkwood "she said , laying a hand on his shoulder. He leaned in to her touch with a small sigh.
"The loss of Gandalf is a burden for us all" he answered.
"So it is , but that is not all making you grieve like you do. You never gave your heart easily."
Legolas did not answer, but he could not look her in the eyes when she said this. A moment later he said:
"Why did you seek me out?"
"Because I am troubled about you, and about your relation to the future king of men. About the choice you are denying him , not telling him what the healing of HIS mind does to you, on your behalf."
"And then what would he do? Never letting me in his sight again?"
"We both know the answer to that question. But by not telling him you risk his bitterness when he at last finds out, like he eventually will, should you continue this, like you will do. Now, listen to me carefully"- she draw a deep breath –"you must stop to put on your shoulder, to try to quench the feelings between you two. That can put the whole Middle-Earth in danger."
Legolas stared at her in utter disbelief.
"I can´t believe you are telling me this ! I mean, Arwen is your granddaughter after all."
"Yes , that is why it is an agony for me to say this. But I love you too, Legolas,,,,"a tear spilled down her cheek. The prince wiped away that tear with his finger. Then she continued: "The bond between you and Elessar is forged by the most ancient and most powerful magic of all. He loves you more than life it self, like you love him. If you don´t indulge yourselves to your feelings, your focus on this task will diminish and that can be the ruin of us all."
"It is still hard for me to understand this....how this is possible..."
She gently stroked his cheek.
"Sauron the deceiver does not know love."
Later he would remember those words.
"I will go to him" he said slowly, but his eyes showed no hint of hesitance, just an inner tranquility that Galadriel hadn´t seen in him for many years. She nodded. He kissed her on the forehead, and then he turned and left, not seeing that she remained there, standing immobile, tears pouring down her face.
When Legolas came back to the place where Aragorn was located, a bit apart from the rest of the fellowship, a very anxious Sam who told him that Aragorn had gotten feverish met him.
"Nobody knows what to do, Master Elf, and those strange healers just keep telling us to wait and watch over him. They know a lot , but are they sure about how to heal a human ? I mean, elves do not get fever ..."
"Do not worry, Sam. The knowledge of the Lórien healers is great; so you can trust them fully. Aragorn is not badly wounded and he soon will be fully recovered."
"He is sleeping most of the time, thrashing around and screaming...."he hesitated for a moment..."and he calls your name from time to time..." the hobbit looked slightly embarrassed.
By this time they had reached Aragorn´s resting place. Everyone in the fellowship was there, watching over the dozing ranger. They all looked totally worn out with fatigue; despite the fact that they indeed were in Lotlórien, a place for rest.
"You may all go to rest , I will take over the watch from now on" Legolas said, looking at the sleeping form of Aragorn, who appeared to be peaceful at the moment.
"Are you going to sit here all alone? "Gimli asked.
Before the elf have had any chance to answer, Frodo said, with a mischievous grin on his lips:
"I believe he would prefer that, and I have no doubt in the world that he can distract Strider, should it be necessary "the hobbit said.
At first Legolas thought the dwarf was going to say something, but he just murmured something about "strange elven magic" under his breath and went away, soon to be followed by the rest of the fellowship. When he, at last, was alone with Aragorn, the elf kneeled beside him.
The ranger drifted in and out of sleep, murmuring to himself under his breath, sweat appearing on his brow. Legolas grabbed a cloth from the healing supplies beside the man´s bed and gently wiped his forehead. This made Aragorn wake up, startled at first, but when he saw the elf he relaxed.
"So it is you....where have you been?"
"I spent some time alone, wandering. This place reminds me of my home. Now it is my turn to sit here, the others were exhausted. You need to rest, as well, we can talk when you are better."
The man looked at him with an intensive gaze, which seemed to be unaffected by the fever.
"Then rest with me, Legolas, because you seem weary also."
Legolas smiled.
"I will set down my guard tonight" he answered, seating himself down beside the ranger, with his back against a tree.
"I would rather have you laying by my side, you have your own ways of making me sleep undisturbed". The man merely whispered those words , the elf could feel how hard it was for him to even say them at all. Perhaps that was why he slowly , hesitantly , fetched the bedroll he had borrowed from the Lórien elves, only to be stopped by Aragorn.
"No, * this * is what I meant."
With a surprising strength, considering his condition, he pulled the elf down next to him, wrapping his arms around his waist. "Like this" he said and closed his eyes, soon deep in slumber.
Legolas laid completely still for a while, enjoying the nearness and inhaling the man´s scent. When the inevitable nightmares came, the elf wiped them away as usual, the pain so intense that when the he finally drifted off to sleep, he did it with his eyes closed.
************************************************************
When Aragorn woke, it was already midnight. In Lotlórien the dark was never complete, so he had no problem to see the creature that was resting beside him. The ranger was astonished to see that Legolas had shut his eyes, a look of complete weariness showing on his face. The elf was always pale, but now even more so. This effect was heightened by the long, dark eyelashes that cast shadows down his cheek. He was, as always, by far, the most beautiful and enthralling being Aragorn had ever seen .No one was close, not even Arwen. It was not merely his physical attributes, Legolas had a soul that was kind and unselfish, and he was also brave.
As Aragorn shifted his position to come nearer the elf, he was reminded of the pain in his leg, even though it felt a little better. His temperature had also dropped, but, however now a different kind of fever was starting to rise inside him. It made him shiver when he raised his hand to touch Legolas´ face, running his fingers against the contours of his jaw.
At this caress the eyes of the elf popped up open.
"Aragorn? So you have woken up. Do you feel any better? "
The ranger nodded, lowered his hand, his gaze never leaving the elf's face.
"Yes, I believe I do. I think the fever has subsided; however, I do not care about it right now." There was a challenge in his voice, the elf was well aware of that, but asked the man any way:
"And what are you thinking about, my friend?"
"You" Aragorn answered simply. "I ´m thinking about you, and I´m wondering ,during all these years I have always felt that you care for me deeply, always giving me help, as for those nightmares- and *I know* that it gives you pain, I have noticed. You have kissed me, but still...he voice trailed of.
"Still?" Legolas asked, even though he suspected that he knew what the man was trying to say.
"You never give it to me, all. I know that you certainly do not hesitate to take lovers, as merely to distract yourself, but you have always restrained yourself from me."
"That is because to me you would be *much* more than a distraction" he said softly, but he could not suppress a smile."But"-he continued after a moment of a seemingly endless silence "it does not mean that I haven´t dreamt of that for many years".
"Then give it to me "Aragorn whispered huskily. "All-if only for this night."
Legolas looked at the ranger, his eyes almost black in the dusk that was surrounding them. Galadriel´s words rang inside him, but still he hesitated at this point. He had kept his feelings inside for so long, it was hard to let his inner shields down, even though he couldn´t deny the waves of desire that flowed through his veins when he met the man's light-blue gaze.
"This is going to change everything" he whispered, as much to himself as to Aragorn when he leaned over the man and caught his lips in a kiss that first was gentle, but soon more and more passionate as their tongues met. They had kissed before, yet this was completely different, as none of them was holding back. Aragorn began to untie the elf´s tunic, in the same instant Legolas freed the ranger from his shirt, never allowing their mouths to loose contact.
When both of them were naked to the waist, Legolas kissed the man´s neck and trailed his mouth down his chest , blowing on the hair. Aragorn shuddered at the contact, but the elf knew that it was out of pleasure. Legolas cupped the bulge between the man´s legs, making Aragorn moan by the sweet feeling of Legolas above him.
"Legolas...please..."he said.
The elf smiled.
"We need to get rid of the rest of our clothes, don´t we?"
Nimble fingers quickly stripped the man of his leggings, carefully avoiding to touch his wounded leg and too fast for his human eyes the elf´s own was off and thrown aside as well. Aragorn nearly lost his breath when he saw the beauty of the naked body beside him, the effect heightened by the dim light of Lotlórien.
He looked at him for a while and then he pressed their mouths together again. The world outside was obliterated when their bodies pressed together and both of them moaned when they felt each other´s erections. Legolas ran his fingers over the ranger´s muscles as the man kissed the silky skin on the elf´s throat. The elf quivered at the touch, this man brought feelings to him he did not even know that he possessed, in spite of his long existence.
Coming through the daze of his enflamed mind, he heard Aragorn´s voice:
"Make love to me, Legolas."
It sounded almost like a plea and the elf nodded.
"I will "he said "I want that also , more than anything in the world " and kissed the man softly before he reached for the healing supplies beside Aragorn´s bed....
They made love to each other many times that night, before they fell asleep in each others arms just before dawn.
Just a short time later , Legolas was brought awake by a blazing pain in the back of his head, more fierce than ever. When he moved he felt like something cracked , and all of a sudden blood started to flow from his nose.
"By the Valar" he mumbled, completely shaken, raising himself .He quickly put on his leggings and hurried off to a nearby lake to wash the blood away.
************************************************************************ Galadriel was still standing at her mirror, alone now, after showing it to Frodo. She saw Legolas kneeling at the lake, washing himself, bleeding from his nose.
"Oh, Legolas, you make me wish my skill in healing was greater "she said to the picture, well knowing there was no answer.
TBC.