A/N: In the years between their declarations of love and the council of Elrond, Aragorn and Legolas saw very little of each other. Brief meetings happened once every few years at the most, so the letters Mithrandir carried between them were extremely important. These are a few of those letters:
Dear Aragorn,
I found out why Mithrandir needed the map of Mirkwood and Ada's leave for any, save the servants of the enemy, to cross the realm. It wasn't just to reintroduce us! It seems that thirteen dwarves and something Mithrandir calls a "hobbit" were going to that dragon-infested mountain beyond the Lake Town to reclaim some lost treasure hoard, and they needed to go through the forest to get there. They apparently didn't have the map, and refused to tell Ada what they were doing here, so he had them locked in the cellars until they were willing to be more respectful of our laws. A curse on dwarvish stubbornness! That stubbornness led my people into being involved in a battle with rocs, wolves, and other such awful things. Many elves didn't return. How I wish I could have gone and helped, but Ada forbade it.
How I miss you! Through all the pain and tragedy my people have experienced as of late, my thoughts were ever on you. When I need comfort I think on our last meeting two years ago and thank Mithrandir in my heart for helping me sneak to the forest border to see you. Ada found out, and I was grounded for the winter, but it was worth it just to look into your eyes again. One winter is nothing compared to feeling your arms around me, feeling your mouth on me. Our love, our relationship, is worth going through any hardships that lie ahead.
I'm touching the ring you gave me right now. The chain it's on has never left my neck, not since the day you gave it to me. When I feel it, I can almost feel you touching me, kissing me. The ring gives me faith and hope that we will be together, no matter what happens. I hold my love for you above anything else in my life. It grieves me that we must be apart, but you, like the healer you are, always revive my soul with your letters and visits.
Are you still in Gondor? Have you returned to Rohan, Rivendell, the north, or even to Lothlorien? Or have the rangers and/or Mithrandir led you to some dark place ever farther away? All I know about your whereabouts is that when I think of you, you are here with me. When Ada makes me listen to those troubadours, I silently recite the poem you wrote for me and I can smile. They don't know that my smiles are just for you.
Stay safe, my love. I pray that the Valar protect you and Eru brings you back to me. Amin mela lle, always.
Legolas
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Dear Legolas,
I am Thorongil no longer. Leaving Gondor gave me so many emotions. I felt saddened to leave the company of the steward Ecthelion. He is a good friend and a true man, and his soldiers are brave and worthy. Gondor will need men like that in the future. I'm also a little relieved; the steward's son, Denethor, never liked me. I think he knew, or at least guessed, my true identity and wasn't happy about it. He will not surrender the rule of the realm to anyone willingly once he takes office. He believes he can do no wrong and does not even see the folly of trusting Saruman over Mithrandir, even when Saruman seeks to stall all actions against Mordor. Most of all, I feel the hope that I always feel when I leave anywhere, the hope that I'll be seeing you soon; and the despair of knowing that it won't be soon enough.
I'm sorry I can't be with you again just yet. Mithrandir needs me to help him with something, something that he promises could lead to the downfall of the enemy. In quiet moments, I imagine a future with Sauron vanquished, Gondor and Arnor renewed, and you and I finally together. I know you'd love me whether I was the highest king or the lowliest servant, and I want to prove to everyone, especially your father, that I'm worthy of that love. I often wonder if I'm strong enough to do what must be done, but then I think of you and remember your belief in me. I remember your smile and I know I have to try.
It might be awhile before Mithrandir can carry any more messages between us, as we are going into some desolate parts of the land. I will be safe; how can I not be careful knowing that I get to love you until the ending of the world and beyond? I carry you in my heart wherever I go.
Aragorn
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Dear Aragorn,
I finally found a way to be of some use, and Ada only has the barest of objections to it. Everything started when the new king of Dale came here, taking care for the formal introductions and reestablishing treaties. Ada wasn't looking forward to this - he doesn't particularly like the men of Dale because of their friendship with the dwarves of the Lonely Mountain - and the first meeting was very awkward. Afterward, I introduced myself to them; I haven't really met any of the race of Men except you and I wanted to ask many questions. After watching us converse, Ada asked me to conduct the remaining meetings while he supervised! It wasn't that difficult, as our old treaties continue to work well for all parties and King Brand is a fair man, but it was still nice to find something I can do that may be helpful to the future of Mirkwood and possibly other lands. Ada says I have more diplomacy than he does, but to be careful with whom I'm diplomatic with.
Your last letter filled me with worry. I do not doubt your skill, even in such a desolate place, but I wish there was something I could say that would give you more faith in yourself. You are a brave and honorable man; do not make the mistake of thinking yourself to be infallible, but also trust in your strength of will. In all of your letters, you reveal all of your heart and soul to me and I know you can overcome anything. I begged Mithrandir to take me to you when he arrived; I'll beg him again, but if your reading this then he has told me once more to be patient and wait, for my time is coming.
I love you. It's funny; I was reading over your old letters yesterday, recalling all the times you revealed more and more of yourself to me wither you realized it or not. When you gave me your ring, I loved you with all of my heart. Now I love you with all there is of me. Remain safe, trust in yourself (and in my love, and in Mithrandir), and know that you're always in my thoughts.
Legolas
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Dear Legolas
Sometimes I feel that this mission will never end. The trail takes me farther and farther east and at times it's difficult not to despair. How can what I'm hunting survive in such horrible places? Well, I suppose I survive here well enough, as does Mithrandir when he accompanies me, so anything is possible. But I fear for the future; I do trust Mithrandir, but he's told me something disturbing, something I can't discuss in a letter. All I can tell you is that if all comes to pass as he says, my strength will be sorely tested. I hope I can live up to your faith in me.
I knew you could be a diplomat (you certainly have enough practice putting up with situations you find awkward and unpleasant). I never thought you'd seek out a position like that, though. You surprise me sometimes, and each surprise makes me love you all the more. I thank the Valar every day that you love me as much as I love you.
I hold on to the hope that we will be together soon. We must have patience, as Mithrandir says, and I thank him for not sending you to me at this time because this is not a place I would have you come. When we reunite, I want us to have a lot of time together, to make up for all the years of waiting. I hope those years come to an end soon. Until then, remember that you are the reason I can still smile.
Aragorn
To Be Continued...
A/N: I usually like posting three chapters a week, and that's why I'm posting two chapters now (although, to be honest, I'd planned on posting this one with another anyway, since it's on the shorter side). My sister is getting married this weekend, and as the maid of honor, it would probably be a good idea if I attended. This means a four or five hour journey to her house, a house with no internet connection since she's a bit of a technophobe. On the plus side, when this is finally over with, it'll be one less thing to drive me crazy and I can concentrate more on my writing.
