Summary: As Aragorn struggles to deepen his relationship with Legolas, outside forces work to interfere. Can Legolas see what is right in front of him?
Feedback: Is always welcome.
Beta: Laura and Tsunami
Warning: A bit of violence and attempted non-con
Disclaimer: Aragorn and Legolas both belong to Tolkien, as do many of the supporting cast and I do solemnly swear I am making no profit from this.
Authors Notes: This was written in September 2003 and published in November 2003 in the Melethryn #1 fanzine.
Part 2
As was his usual custom when in Minas Tirith, Legolas rose with the dawn. He left his room and made his way down to the gardens to greet the rising of the sun surrounded by trees, flowers and grass. As he emerged outside he felt a song trying to free itself from his chest, and without thought he opened his mouth to give it voice.
His clear, strong voice echoed throughout the quiet gardens greeting the sun as it slowly rose above the tree line to caress his face with its warmth. Like the flowers surrounding him, Legolas felt drawn to the rays of the sun, feeling himself open to it even as the flowers unfurled reaching towards the light of the new day.
Aragorn had discovered Legolas' early morning sorties quite by accident. One morning, unable to sleep, he had wandered outside to the gardens to refresh himself. What he had discovered had startled him. Coming into the centre of the gardens he had discovered a body lying spread out on the grass. He had hurried forward, panic clutching at his heart as he recognised his elven friend.
"Legolas," he had called, and he still wondered from time to time who had been more astonished when the elven prince sat abruptly looking around for the source of the interruption.
Not feeling the panic release him until he had joined his friend and satisfied himself of the elf's well being, his curiosity was then piqued. He'd questioned Legolas as to his actions outside so early in the day, and had been fascinated by the new facet to his friend's character that had been revealed. The yearning to be as one with nature, to embrace the warming skies and raise his voice in a joyous song that recognised Illuvatar's creation for the magnificence it was. From that point onwards, whenever Legolas was visiting Gondor's capital Aragorn made it his business to join his friend at least for the first morning of his stay in Minas Tirith.
On this early morning Aragorn wasted no time in rising from his bed and hurrying out to the gardens. On the open lawn of the gardens stood his friend, arms reaching towards the sky, sweet music falling from his lips. Quietly Aragorn approached until he stood in front of the elven prince who remained unaware of his presence with his eyes closed and head thrown back.
Gondor's King could only stare as he became aware of a need to move closer and place his lips against the pale throat that was vulnerably displayed to him. He had to stop his hand from reaching out to touch the soft skin. Pushing these unbidden thoughts and urges to the back of his mind he smiled and opened his mouth to add his own strong vocals to the clear lyrical notes of his companion.
Legolas' song did not halt but the elf opened his eyes and lowered his head to gaze in affection at his friend, dropping his arms bringing them forward, holding his hands out in invitation. Aragorn did not hesitate, taking the prince's slender digits into his own larger grasp. Legolas took a step closer and Aragorn could feel the warmth of his body through their clothes. He sucked in a breath and stumbled over the lyrics a little but Legolas simply smiled.
As the sun rose fully over the trees their song came to an end. Legolas looked at his friend and squeezed Aragorn's fingers gently. "I thank you my friend. I am pleased that you are able to join me to greet the new day," he said still smiling.
"I would not miss it for anything Legolas," Aragorn replied sincerely.
Legolas laughed lightly and pulled Aragorn closer so that he could embrace him in a long hug. Aragorn found his nose filled with the scent of Legolas' hair, a smell that evoked images of the forest. He inhaled deeply trying to fill his very essence with that scent, and when Legolas moved back slightly to look at him quizzically Aragorn could not help but to lean in and capture his friend's lips with his own.
Legolas was startled into stillness as one of his closest friends suddenly began kissing him. He could not prevent his gasp from escaping, and felt the odd sensation of Aragorn's tongue entering his mouth. His head spun from the strange feelings that the embrace awoke in him and his hands instinctively grasped at the closest thing to help him remain upright. His fingers curled into the soft velvet of Aragorn's tunic, and he felt the man pull him closer in order to deepen the embrace further.
Panicked thoughts began to spiral through the elf's mind. This was not right, Aragorn was his close friend and there had never been anything other than camaraderie and close brotherhood in their relationship before this. Gathering his strength he released his hold on Aragorn's tunic instead pushing at the man.
Once Aragorn's lips had touched the elf's he had found that for all his mind's urgings he simply couldn't release his friend. Taking advantage of a gasp he plunged his tongue into the open orifice delving into the hidden depths of the elf. He felt Legolas' hands close about his tunic and his body took that as a sign of encouragement pulling the prince closer. He was therefore surprised when the elf's grasp changed and instead he found himself being forcibly propelled several feet away from the prince.
He took several deep breaths trying to clear the haze from his mind, and as he focused on Legolas once more he took note of the confused and shocked appearance of his friend. Remorse flooded him and raising one hand in appeal he took a step forward. "Legolas…" he said pleadingly.
Legolas immediately took a step back, raising his hand as if to ward off the king. "I... I must go. I promised Gimli that I would break my fast with him." Without saying another word the elf spun and fled swiftly back to the palace.
Eldarion entered the private dining room he and his father used, smiling as he saw the older man already seated. His smile faded as he took in the glum expression on the king's face.
"Father, what is wrong?" the young prince asked.
Aragorn looked up with dull eyes at his son. "I have ruined everything," he said faintly and returned his gaze to the tabletop.
Beginning to feel alarmed Eldarion made his way to his father's side, sitting beside the king and taking the older man's hand into his own. "What has been ruined?" he asked gently.
Aragorn gave a humourless laugh. "I fear I have followed your urgings all too well my son, and it has led to disaster."
"Father, speak plainly. Tell me what you mean," Eldarion pleaded.
Aragorn looked up finally, meeting his son's gaze. "I think I have lost my heart to another," he said.
"But that is good news surely. Unless… Is she already married?" the young prince broached cautiously.
"Nay, he is not married," Aragorn said sadly. "Would that it were so simple."
Eldarion's brow furrowed in growing confusion. He? He could not recall his father spending any significant amount of time outside of his friends and his son. The young prince was jolted from his thoughts by his father's next words.
"I kissed him. I kissed him and he pushed me away and now everything is ruined. He ran from me, ran to Gimli."
"Legolas!?!" Eldarion squeaked. "You have fallen for Legolas?" he asked in disbelief.
"Is that so wrong?" his father asked defensively.
The young Prince sighed. "Nay father it is not wrong at all. I was just surprised. You have never shown any signs of feeling more than a brotherly affection towards Legolas."
"I know it." Aragorn said smiling sadly. "I was not even aware of my growing affection for him, so long has it been in the back of mind, slowly take hold in my heart. In fact it was not really until last night that I became aware of these feelings, and this morning as we greeted the dawn together I could not restrain myself. Now he is gone, run away. He will probably leave the city today with his people and I will never see him again," the king said morosely, his shoulders slumping and his mouth forming a pout.
Eldarion smiled a little at his father's childlike pose. "Never fear father, for I am ever your ally. I will ensure that Legolas remains within the city and assist your cause where I may, however it will be up to you to woo him."
Aragorn laughed, this time in genuine amusement, and Eldarion saw a spark of hope light in his father's eyes as the older man pulled his son close for an embrace.
"I love you my mischievous son," he said ruffling the prince's hair.
Eldarion walked casually towards the rooms that were permanently set aside for Legolas and Gimli, and as he approached he heard Gimli's voice raised in irritation.
"Crazy Elf! Will you not give me the real reason you are departing so suddenly?" he heard Gimli say. "Because I know you well enough Master Elf and I have never seen you so agitated, even as we faced the hordes of Mordor," the dwarf continued in response to Legolas' unheard response. "Nonsense, I am quite sure that if elves are as intelligent as you say they are they can manage without you for a few weeks yet. It has been some time since we have all been together."
Keeping his steps casual so as not to arouse the suspicions of the sharp-eared elf he entered through the open door of Legolas' room. He was careful to affect a look of disappointment.
"You are leaving?" he asked the elf, all wounded blue eyes.
Legolas bit his lip as he looked at the obviously upset youth. "I... I had thought...there are some things..." his voice trailed off and he could not finish in the face of such disappointment.
"I had hoped you would remain here for a few weeks at least. It must have been nearly a year since we saw you last. I wanted to take the opportunity to beg you to tutor me with my new weapons. Father rarely has the time, and less familiarity with anything other than Anduril, although his skills with a bow are adequate. Surely you would not gift me with these new weapons and leave me untrained. There are no other elves in Minas Tirith who could tutor me," the young prince said, noting the wince as he mentioned Aragorn, but he also noted the look of defeat that the Elven prince wore and suppressed his triumphant smile.
Legolas forced a smile to his lips. "Very well. I shall remain and spend some time teaching you to handle your new weapons. But I do not think I can remain for more than a fortnight, there are things I must see to," he added almost defiantly.
Eldarion graciously bowed his head in acknowledgment before throwing his arms around the elf. "Thank you Legolas, you do not know how much this means to me. I barely remember my mother, but to have another elf around brings me comfort." Eldarion was surprised at how true these words were as he spoke them, and instinctively tightened his hold on the elven prince.
Legolas swallowed hard past the lump in his throat, blinking back the tears, and he allowed his own arms to enfold the boy. Gimli brusquely cleared his throat and Legolas knew the dwarf was fighting back his own emotions. Finally Eldarion moved away looking up expectantly at the elven prince.
"Then all is well. I must go to my lessons now," the young prince said, pulling a face. "Will you and Gimli join my father and I for lunch?"
"Of course we will lad, no need to ask," Gimli said smiling, and patting the boy on the back. "Now come Legolas let us go out and enjoy the morning in the city."
After their morning explorations a frustrated Gimli dragged a reluctant Legolas back to the palace for lunch.
"What ails you now Master Elf?" he growled finally.
"Nothing ails me Gimli, I am simply not very hungry," Legolas said with a frosty expression.
"Well I am, and you promised the wee lad that you'd join Aragorn and he for lunch now come along or we shall be late," the dwarf said tugging on his best friend's arm in an effort to encourage more speed.
They finally entered the king's private dining room to be greeted by the sight of the king and his son already seated. Aragorn looked up and fixed his eyes upon the elf as the duo entered but Legolas avoided his gaze, taking a seat opposite Eldarion, and the king sighed in disappointment. Eldarion, ever observant, sympathetically squeezed his father's leg.
"So tell me friends, what did you do to entertain yourselves this morning?" Eldarion asked as if not noticing the tension between the elf and the king.
"Ah lad, I decided to take Legolas on an educational tour showing him the parts of the city where dwarven craftwork has been incorporated," Gimli responded, blithely unaware of the atmosphere in the room.
Eldarion laughed. "I am sure that Legolas was a very appreciative audience," he said, wringing a wry grin from the elven prince. "In that case, what plans have you for this afternoon? Will Legolas take you on a tour to show you where his own people have been at work?"
Legolas smiled. "Unfortunately for Gimli not this afternoon, although I am sure he is anxious to see evidence of my people's artistry." The dwarf in question snorted in disbelief. "I am afraid that I will have to leave Gimli to the tender mercies of his own imagination this afternoon. Lord Harodel has asked for my assistance."
Eldarion frowned for a moment sorting through his memories of Gondor's nobility. "Was he not the man that engaged you for several dances last night?" he asked. He was aware of his father suddenly sitting up straighter in his chair, casting him a sharp glance.
Legolas smiled. "Indeed. He was a most entertaining partner, very knowledgeable on many subjects."
Eldarion allowed his mouth to form a small moue of disappointment. "I had hoped that we could begin our lessons this afternoon. Father had already agreed to join us to assist in any way possible."
Now it was Legolas' turn to tense, and Eldarion watched with interest as the elf threw a quick glance at the king before turning his attention back to the young prince. He noticeably squared his shoulders before responding. "I am sorry to disappoint you Eldarion but I have made this engagement with Lord Harodel and it would be unfair of me to break it. We can begin our lessons tomorrow afternoon shortly after lunch. I will understand completely if your father is unable to get away from his responsibilities to join us," the elf said throwing a challenging glare at the human king.
Aragorn met the challenge, boldly meeting the elf's glare with one of his own. "Fear not, I will ensure that I set some time aside to join you. My son's education is very important to me and I would like to be a part of it, but if you feel that you would be distracted with my presence…"
Legolas frowned, a hint of angry pride tightening his features. "Of course not. I shall not even notice you are there once we begin our lessons," he said. Aragorn smiled tightly in response.
"Excellent," Gimli added. "In fact I think I will join you all just to ensure the elf leaves no part of your education lacking," the dwarf said with a grin.
Eldarion smiled at the gathered adults. "I am so glad, I cannot wait for my lessons to begin." He only just held back his laughter at the thought of the forthcoming entertainment. He loved his father dearly and was eager to help him attain his heart's desire, but the opportunity to gain as much fun out of the situation for himself as possible was one he was unwilling to pass by.
Still oblivious to the emotional undercurrents Gimli looked around before reaching for a bread roll. "Are Eomer, Faramir and Eowyn not joining us?" he asked.
Eldarion shook his head. "Nay, Faramir said that he and Eowyn had some things to discuss with her brother and she felt it would be comfortable for them to eat alone this afternoon. We shall no doubt see them later before Eomer leaves to return to Rohan."
Satisfied with this answer Gimli continued to pile food onto his charger.
The remainder of lunch had passed far too slowly for Legolas' liking. He was uncomfortably aware of the looks that Aragorn kept throwing his way and stubbornly kept his gaze focused on his plate adding little to the conversation. He was relieved when the meal finally ended and he could make his excuses and leave. Now as he made his way to Lord Harodel's rooms he wondered how he would endure the next two weeks.
His mind was in turmoil, confusion breaking his usual focus. If only Aragorn had not kissed him. Now the elf could not stop his mind from replaying that event over and over, the sharpness of elven memory allowing him to recall all of the sensations evoked by the man's lips against his own. His body flushed as it recalled the curl of excitement that had awoken in the pit of his stomach, and his lips tingled in memory of the firm pressure of Aragorn's mouth, and the strange tickling sensation caused by the man's facial hair. He could still feel the pressure of strong muscled arms embracing him and pulling him closer.
He growled in frustration, shaking his head to clear these traitorous thoughts from his mind, and realised he had arrived at Lord Harodel's rooms. Taking a deep cleansing breath he knocked on the human lord's door. It was opened swiftly, and Legolas was greeted with the sight of the amiable lord in his casual robes.
"Prince Legolas," Harodel said beaming. "I am so pleased you could join me. Please do enter," he said standing aside and gesturing for the prince to come in.
Forcing a smile the elf prince strode into the room. He absently took note of the neat appearance of the lord's chambers.
"Your Highness, please be seated," Harodel said gesturing towards one of the chairs by the fireplace. Legolas allowed himself to be led to the chair and seated, Harodel waiting until the Prince was comfortable until seating himself. "You must be wondering why I asked you to come here?" the human lord said smiling.
One of Legolas' eyebrows rose in combined acknowledgment and query. "I must admit to some curiosity. Most of your fellow countrymen are somewhat wary in the presence of my kind. They tend to watch us from afar, speaking to us only when necessary."
Harodel laughed. "Indeed, a fair assessment of my people I think. However there are some few of us who are able to overcome our awe of your kin enough for us to directly approach you. I admit I have long held a fascination for your people and to finally have the chance to talk with you at Prince Eldarion's birthday gathering was something I felt I had to take advantage of."
Legolas laughed at the boldness of the human lord. "Indeed, then if I can satisfy your curiosity I will help, please feel free to ask any questions you like. I cannot guarantee being able to answer all of them for although I am considerably older than you are, I am among the youngest of my kin and probably do not have the answers to all of your queries. I would suggest that you ask some of my comrades who arrived with me, although as humans are wary of the firstborn, most of my people are wary of humans."
Harodel nodded sagely. "I understand. I think the attitude and acts of my people will not always have engendered friendly relations between our peoples."
"The fault probably lies on both sides. I should not be so quick to say but many of the firstborn consider humankind to be beneath them. It is sad that for all our wondrous joint achievements we have not been able to be closer than we are. My father in particular is not overly pleased with mankind, our house suffered many losses during the first war against the dark lord." Legolas sighed in sorrow.
"But you and the king are an obvious testament to the possibilities of friendship between our people surely?" the human asked.
Legolas grimaced at the thought of Aragorn, but answered Harodel's query. "In some ways yes that may be so, but you forget that Elessar was raised by the elves and was married to one. My people feel far more at ease in his presence. I think a far greater achievement is the friendship that Master Gimli and I have forged, overcoming millennia of hatred and distrust between our races." Legolas smiled at the thought of his short friend.
Harodel laughed. "Indeed. Although one might think you the worst of enemies still when they see you're bickering."
"Aye, but 'tis all harmless. Gimli and I understand each other well enough not to take insult at the other's words. He even managed to convince me to tour a cave with him which was an achievement in itself for I am a wood elf and far more at home in the forests of Arda," the prince explained.
"Which brings me to why I asked for your presence My Lord." Legolas sat back intrigued. "I have two sons, both of whom are a little younger than Prince Eldarion, however I am afraid that they are not quite as well brought up. I fear that it is for the most part a situation of my own making. Their mother and I were united for political alliances and there has never been any affection between us," Harodel grimaced as he thought of his sharp-tongued, cold hearted wife. "Much of their raising I left to her as I concentrated on the running of our lands, spending much time here in the capital in trade negotiations. I fear that whether out of spite for me or simply because she is that way, she has imbued my sons with much of her viciousness."
Legolas could not help feeling surprise at both the candour with which Lord Harodel exposed his family problems, and the contempt he so openly held for his wife. Elves being immortal very rarely married for anything other than love and affection, although it was true that for some few in high positions it became expedient to make alliances through marriage with another powerful family, but even so it could not be done if the elves in question could not stand each other. He could not help feeling some confusion, wondering what the mental state of the human's family had to do with him.
Harodel smiled wryly when he noticed the prince's confusion. "Forgive me, I am not explaining very well. My lands are very close to your own forests in Ithilien. What I ask is that your colony fosters my sons for a short time."
Legolas could not hide his shock. "Lord Harodel I do not understand. Why would you wish your sons to be parted from you, and what do you think that my people could possibly offer them?"
"I am hoping that your people can teach something which my sons currently do not possess. Respect for others and for the world around them. At present they are destructive creatures, fed hatred and spite at their mother's knees, which they then go out and foster by treating our household staff and the people we are pledged to protect with nothing but disrespect. If that were not enough, they spend their time amusing themselves by destroying everything around them. They cut down trees for amusement. They hunt for sport leaving their kills desecrated so that the corpses cannot even be eaten by scavengers."
Legolas felt horror and disgust rising within him for the beings that Harodel was describing, and could not equate that this man, who seemed filled with respect and kindness, could have had some part in creating these monsters.
"I will beg if I must Your Highness for my sincerest hope is that time spent amongst the elves, and away from the poisonous tongue of their mother will help. They are young yet and still capable of learning and growing. I would of course entrust them fully to you, for both protection and punishment as you saw fit. I wish only to salvage something from my children, before I grow old and pass on, leaving my lands to creatures that would seek only to hurt and destroy in place of nurturing."
The elf prince said nothing at first, his mind racing as he thought of what Harodel was asking and the possible implications. Harodel could only watch in silence as, with steepled hands, the prince of Ithilien considered his request. Finally Legolas looked up from his contemplation and Harodel watched him with bated breath.
"I must speak with my comrades first. Our colony shares its workload and it would not be fair to take on your sons without first ensuring that my people are not averse to the idea. My people have for a long time dwelt apart from men, although my personal opinion is that this will be a good exercise for them. I will let you know as soon as my answer is final," the prince said, rising gracefully to his feet.
Harodel released his breath in an audible sigh of relief. "Thank you Prince Legolas, that is far more than I could have hoped for. In the mean time I sincerely hope that if I requested a chance to spend more time your company you would not see it as my trying to influence your decision or place undue pressure on you," Harodel said with a grin.
Legolas laughed. "Indeed not. I would be pleased to spend more time with you Lord Harodel. Your outlook on life is refreshing to one who has spent much time with men whose nature seems very different from your own."
Harodel smiled in gratitude as he escorted the elf prince to the door.
End of part 2