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 3
Legolas immediately went to join his people upon leaving Lord Harodel's chambers, and was glad for the distraction this provided, otherwise he knew his thoughts would have gone back to Aragorn and the kiss.
The elves that he had brought with him to the capital did not seem averse to the idea of looking after two human boys for a short time as long as they withheld the right to dispatch the boys back to their parents should they become too much of a handful. Legolas had teased them then, asking what would become of elven pride should they allow two human youths to get the better of them. Messenger birds were dispatched to the colony to send word of this request and to gain an idea of how the elves there would receive the idea. Knowing there was no more he could do at present he decided to find Gimli to see what the dwarf had done to occupy himself.
Gimli was not in his room, and acting on instinct Legolas garbed himself in a long cloak to disguise his features before he ventured out beyond the main walls of the palace into the capital.
He found the dwarf in the fifth bar that he visited. Gimli was seated in the centre of the room surrounded by men as they all listened avidly to the dwarfs telling of the quest.
"...as soon as they beheld the full battle rage of a dwarf they ran fleeing back to Isengard seeking the protection of the foul wizard Saruman." Gimli finished and drained his tankard of beer. Before he had even placed it down on the table a replacement had been offered.
"Truly dwarven rage must be a terrible thing to see. Gandalf, and King Theoden must have been most grateful for your assistance that night," a new voice rang out.
Instantly the crowd turned to see the owner of that voice, standing in the shadowy corner of the inn, hood pulled low over his face.
"Ha, they were indeed extremely appreciative of my efforts, as was the elf who fought with me, for many was the time I saved him with my quick reflexes and sharp axe," Gimli said facing the shadowy figure, a sly grin on his face.
"I am sure the elf is very grateful for his continued existence then Master Dwarf," the stranger said wryly, then threw back his hood revealing his long golden hair and his pointed ears.
A few shocked gasps escaped the silent crowd and Gimli laughed as the crowd parted warily as the elf walked up to the dwarf.
"Well met friend Gimli," Legolas said as he sat on a now empty stool next to the dwarf.
"Well met indeed Prince Legolas," Gimli replied, a mischievous smile visible through the thick thatch of his facial hair.
Legolas glared at the dwarf in response as the silence suddenly turned into awed and excited whispers with every gaze now focused on the two friends. "One morning my friend, you are going to wake up to feel that your head is much lighter, for I will have tested the sharpness of my blades by removing all of the hair on your head," the elf hissed.
"If you did, you may come back one morning to find that my axe has buried itself in your bow," Gimli retorted.
"That would be a grievous insult indeed. My bow was a gift from the Lady Galadriel. I would have no choice but to end your life, as pitiful as it is in retribution." Legolas said, standing suddenly, looking down in the dwarf. The room around them suddenly seemed to hold its collective breath awaiting the dwarf's response.
Gimli jumped from his stool and moved forward until he was standing toe to toe with the elf. The difference in height, which should have served to heighten the ridiculous situation, instead seemed to emphasise the vast difference between the two races.
"But then master elf, who would remain to keep you on your toes, and to help you sharpen your tongue?" Gimli said finally, his stubby finger poking at the elf's belly.
More than a few people jumped as suddenly both elf and dwarf began laughing.
"So is this where you have been all afternoon?" Legolas asked taking his seat once more.
"Yes, this is by far the best inn in Gondor, I make sure that I come here every time I visit just to ensure that they are maintaining their excellent service. Speaking of which, Haris, an ale for my friend if you please," Gimli shouted out suddenly.
As the elf and dwarf settled down chatting amiably and ignoring the watchful crowd around them people began to settle gradually retaking their seats, some striking up their own conversations, others watching the unusual duo.
Gimli watched as Legolas lifted the tankard of ale to his lips with an expression of distaste. He took a cautious sip, and Gimli laughed in delight as the elf spit out the ale, coughing and curling his mouth up in disgust.
"Fah! Are you trying to poison me with this foul brew?" Legolas asked his friend.
Gimli held on to his aching stomach as he continued to laugh at the elf's ever increasing expression of irritation. Finally once he had himself under control once more he called the barman over again this time placing an order for a sweet wine he knew his friend would enjoy.
"So, how was your afternoon with Lord Harodel?" Gimli asked when Legolas had settled more comfortably with his wine.
"Fine," Legolas said, offering nothing more, much to Gimli's frustration.
"Did you go somewhere pleasant?" the dwarf continued, fishing for information.
"Nay," Legolas said, hiding his smile behind his goblet as he took another sip of wine. "We remained in his chambers. In fact Lord Harodel entrusted me with some very... intimate... matters." The elf prince had to fight hard to contain his laughter as Gimli's eyes nearly left their sockets in his astonishment. The dwarf though, recovered quickly and noticed the hint of mischief the elf wore.
"Hmm, very funny master elf," he snorted dryly.
Legolas felt no reason to restrain his mirth now and allowed his peals of laughter to echo throughout the room. "Come now Gimli, it was a jest but it was only fair since you gained much amusement from my near poisoning earlier." Gimli nodded in acquiescence and both friends settled down once again to enjoy the remainder of their afternoon.
As evening approached quickly, Legolas felt his thoughts turning more and more to the palace and Aragorn. He was grateful that evening meals were usually a larger affair with the King eating in the large dining hall with the gathered guests. He should be able to make a swift escape once the meal had finished with no one being any the wiser.
His alarm increased when he and Gimli entered the dining hall. Eldarion requested that Gimli sit beside him for he had a few questions for the dwarf, which left the elf prince to sit at Aragorn's other side. He noticed that Aragorn had not yet taken his seat and was instead holding Legolas' chair for the elf to gain easy access to the table.
Legolas warily glanced at the king whose face remained impassive. Knowing that to make objections to the seating arrangement now would call attention upon himself, the elf sighed in defeat moving forward to allow Aragorn to seat him. He held himself tense but the king made no further gestures towards him as he took his own seat, and Legolas' confusion increased. He had expected further pleas to talk about the situation, the man's natural assertiveness forcing him to push the issue, but Aragorn continued to say nothing, merely beginning his meal in silence as a sign for the gathered company to begin their own meals.
Aragorn saw the wary glances that Legolas kept throwing his way, sensing the confusion that plagued the elf. He recalled previous women he had courted, including Arwen. His experience had taught him that if he maintained his distance, teasing subtly, his prey would come to him, so he remained distant, speaking to Legolas only when he wanted the elf to pass something along the table, but when the prince passed him an object the king made sure his fingers made contact with the elf.
The meal for Legolas was torture, but not in a way that he had envisaged. Sitting so close to the king he felt the warmth of the man's body, to Legolas it felt almost too hot and he felt a light sheen of sweat form across his brow. When the man turned and asked him to pass the flagon of wine across he had done so automatically, however he had nearly dropped the flagon in surprise as he felt Aragorn's hand brush against his own. A sharp jolt of something that left his hand tingling made him look quickly at Aragorn to see if the man was aware, but the king was not even looking at him now. Legolas felt a strange stab of disappointment, which he ruthlessly quashed. He had wanted Aragorn to ignore him had he not? His own plans had been to get through dinner as quickly as possible then make his escape. Time had never seemed to pass so slowly for Legolas.
Finally the meal was finished and everything cleared away. People began to move off in small groups, some carrying on to their own rooms to spend the rest of the evening peacefully. Others ventured out into gardens in search of seclusion. The majority of the court however followed the king to his throne room. On most nights when many people were gathered within the palace, entertainment was provided at the king's behest. Gimli and Legolas, ushered on by Eldarion followed Aragorn to the throne room to pass away the rest of the evening.
Legolas was grateful when, shortly after settling themselves, Lord Harodel came over to beg a moment of his time. Apologising to his friends he got up and strode off with the human lord.
Aragorn watched Legolas' retreating form closely, but a snort of humour from the dwarf dragged his attention away. "What amuses you so Gimli?" he asked.
"I was just thinking of our elven friend and his ability to make new friends. The elf found me quite late in one of the inns, he had spent a good deal of time with Lord Harodel where he says that discussed 'intimate' matters." Gimli snorted again.
Aragorn felt as though a giant hand had taken hold of his heart and squeezed tightly, and for a moment he could not breathe through the pain cause by the thought of Legolas becoming intimate with anyone else.
Eldarion frowned. "Do you mean to say that Legolas has taken Lord Harodel to his bed?"
Gimli laughed again, but his gaze softened as he took in the genuine confusion of the young prince. "Legolas is no casual bed jumper whatever some might say of his kind, although it is possible. But I was merely jesting. The elf did indeed spend a good deal of time with Lord Harodel but he refused to tell me what they spoke of. It's all very secretive if you ask me."
Aragorn felt the pressure in his chest subside slightly at Gimli's explanation but that did not stop his growing concern that Legolas might form a romantic attachment with someone else under his very nose.
Legolas allowed Harodel to lead him out into the gardens where, with the more open space, there could be some semblance of privacy. Finding a relatively secluded spot Harodel lightly touched the prince's arm before turning to face the elf.
"Thank you Prince Legolas, I do not mean to crowd you but do you have any indication of how it will go with your people?" the human lord asked.
Legolas smiled gently. "I have spoken with my comrades here and thus far there are no objections, however I am awaiting word from my people in our colony. I do not foresee any problems though Lord Harodel and it is likely that your request will be granted."
Harodel's face flushed with pleasure. "That is very good news Your Highness, I am much pleased and perhaps, call it a father's hope, but I see much coming out of this."
Legolas laughed. "Indeed, I am very keen to see many of my people's faces as they deal with two human children, they have not been in the presence of young ones for centuries."
Harodel laughed but his curious eyes regarded the elf in a new light, really noticing for the first time how wise those eyes seemed in the eternally youthful face. "Perhaps, if you do not mind, once your stay in Minas Tirith is over you accompany me to my home, that way the boys may travel back to Ithilien with you. I hope this does not seem too forward of me..." Harodel trailed off, for a moment uncertain.
The elf prince smiled reassuringly. "That sounds like a good plan Lord Harodel, I shall be in the capital for just two weeks only, although my comrades leave tomorrow and will travel most of the way with Prince Faramir and his party. I have promised to spend some time tutoring Prince Eldarion in the handling of his new gifts."
"Most admirable of you Prince Legolas," a voice said from behind, and Legolas stiffened in recognition.
"Lord Cadofel," Harodel said bowing respectfully to the higher-ranking nobleman.
"Harodel," Cadofel said, barely acknowledging the other man his eyes fixed instead on the elven prince. "Prince Legolas, it seems almost impossible to catch you alone," the man commented pointedly looking at Harodel.
"Ah... yes... Prince Legolas, Lord Cadofel, if you would excuse me, there are a few things that I really must attend to," Harodel said, stumbling over his words slightly in his nervousness. He bowed jerkily and hurriedly left them, glancing over his shoulder at them before disappearing from view around a corner.
Legolas suddenly found himself regretting speaking with Harodel in this secluded spot, he did not feel comfortable in the older Gondorian's presence, although he had no fear that he could not defend himself should it prove necessary, but surely even a man as bold and vile as Cadofel would think twice before doing anything untoward to an elf, especially one who was noted as a close companion of the king.
"Prince Legolas, you should visit Minas Tirith more often, your beauty enhances our city's greatness," the human said allowing his gaze to travel along the elf's body.
Legolas narrowed his eyes, disliking the man's audacity. "Surely your city is beautiful enough without the aid of an elf, certainly you could do far better than I when it comes to examples of elven fairness, there are many fairer than I," the elf said, speaking plainly.
A small smile hovered at Cadofel's lips. "I think you do not value your own worth correctly Your Highness, it has been noted that aside from our dear departed Queen there is none so fair ever to have graced our walls. You are a prize that many men and women covet, you would certainly enrich the standing of anyone who held you." The nobleman reached forward, his hand boldly stroking the elf's face.
Legolas could not believe the barefaced cheek of the man, to lay hands upon him whilst speaking of him as an inanimate object for people to fawn over and look pretty. Bile rose in his throat at the sweaty imprint the man's hand left on his skin and he wanted nothing more than to scrub the evidence of the man's unwanted caress off his body.
The elven prince felt anger uncurling within him, tensing his body and narrowing his bright eyes with the force of his growing fury. "I think Lord Cadofel that you have strange notions about my people. We are not objects for men to use as the jewel in their crowns, we are the firstborn, placed here in this world long before the conception of mortal man was even an idea. We are free spirits who cannot be tamed and held in thrall like your pets. With such views Lord Cadofel I would suggest that you do not approach my people whilst we are guests within this palace, many of my kin would not show the same restraint as I. Now if you will excuse me..." Not waiting for a response Legolas swept past the stunned Gondorian.
The elven prince swept into the palace, his forceful strides deterring any who might approach him. His fingers were itching to grasp the knives he had left in his room and slash something. He was pulled up short as his name was called. Taking a deep breath and trying to calm himself Legolas turned around.
Gimli had watched in astonishment as Legolas had appeared in the main room yet the Prince did not appear to be heading in their direction instead moving towards the great hall where he could get to his room, but it was the obvious rage that possessed the usually unflappable elf that stunned the dwarf. "Legolas!" he called out hoping to get his friend's attention.
He watched as Legolas stopped abruptly, and his shoulders visibly tensed before the elf spun around to face him. Gimli looked at the blank face and he felt glad as he noticed the approach of both Aragorn and Eldarion.
"What ails you my friend?" the dwarf asked in concern.
The light veneer of calm surrounding the elf broke away and he felt his growing rage consume him. Gimli was startled into taking a step back at the suddenly fierce and malevolent look in the elf's eyes, but the prince did not appear to see him, instead from his mouth came a sudden outpouring of words that were laced with venomous poison. Gimli was glad suddenly that the elf was speaking in his own tongue for he suddenly did not want to know what the prince was saying.
Aragorn halted in shock as the flood of words escaped from the elven prince. He was one of the few people here that could understand the prince's words, and his own shock was replaced with a growing anger at the thought of someone upsetting the ordinarily calm elf to this degree. He saw Faramir move to approach them, with Eowyn and Eomer watching in wide eyed astonishment, but with a gesture told the steward to stay back. He also noted that the elves that had come to Minas Tirith with Legolas were now approaching.
"Who said such things to you?" he asked quickly, easily slipping into the elf's native tongue.
Legolas turned to him then and the full force of those furious eyes burned brightly upon the King. Aragorn heard his son gasp but forced himself to hold the elf's gaze. He thought he saw a slight dimming in the madness possessing the elf but Legolas' next words had him doubting that.
"One of your foul, Mordor loving, son of an yrch, 'noble' men, mighty king," the elf said, his tone scathing.
"Tell me who it was Legolas?" Aragorn said, ignoring the attack on himself and instead focussing on who had caused this elven rage to come about.
Legolas snarled wordlessly, and his elven companions took the opportunity to approach him, quickly taking hold of their prince and escorting him from the room. Gimli moved forward as if to follow them but Aragorn intercepted him.
"Hold Gimli, leave him to his people, we cannot help," Aragorn said regretfully.
"But why, what was wrong with him father?" Eldarion asked.
"It is the downside to being a creature whose emotions are strong. You know well that elves can mourn the loss of a loved one until they themselves fade. You know that elves bond for eternity, loving only one partner with all of their being. These are examples of the depths of elven emotion, but none is more frightening than an elven rage. Something that can anger an elf to such extents is grievous indeed, and to think that it was one of our people..." the king trailed off. "I think that perhaps has Legolas has more in common with his father than we ever thought possible."
"I say we should find Lord Harodel, we know that Legolas went off with him, perhaps he was the cause of this rage, or he may know who was?" Gimli suggested.
Aragorn nodded in agreement and bade one of his guards to find the Gondorian lord. They arrived back a short time later with Harodel in tow, his gaze anxious as he saw who was waiting for him.
"Lord Harodel," Aragorn acknowledged.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness, Lord Gimli," the man replied, his gaze flickering nervously between the three.
"You were last seen with Prince Legolas, what did you say to bring about his wrath?" Gimli asked suddenly, his chest jutting forward aggressively.
Lord Harodel was visibly startled. "Sire? I do not know what you are referring to. Prince Legolas was well when I left him a short while ago. What has befallen him?"
"What did you discuss," Aragorn asked, part of him wishing to ensure that the other man was no threat to his courtship of Legolas.
Harodel stiffened in anger. "I do not think that what Prince Legolas and I spoke of is a matter for public consumption, but upon my honour he was not upset when I left him. Tell me what has happened?"
Aragorn ignored the other man's query. "Was Legolas alone when you left him?" he asked.
Harodel frowned. "Lord Cadofel joined us, he obviously wanted to talk to the Prince alone so I departed. Please tell me, is Prince Legolas well?" the younger lord was growing increasingly frustrated.
"He is with his people Lord Harodel, thank you for your help." Aragorn said, and his body language dismissed the minor lord, who frowned in annoyance but had no choice but to obey.
"Cadofel! I can easily imagine him invoking a deep anger from Legolas," Eldarion said.
"You understood what the elf was saying Aragorn? Tell us," Gimli demanded.
Aragorn sighed. "He spoke of as being treated like a jewel, coveted by many for their beauty but useful only for decoration. He also made reference to someone wishing to tame him and being something to be petted like a caged animal. It is a grave insult to the elves for a human to treat them so lowly. They have long been disgusted by the race of men and its need to subjugate and control anything it considers to be of value."
"Lord Cadofel is lucky that Legolas was unarmed," Eldarion remarked suddenly.
Aragorn smiled wryly. "Lord Cadofel is lucky that Legolas is very controlled, for he is quite capable of killing a man with just his bare hands. Guard," the king said, gesturing for a nearby guardsman to approach. "Please find Lord Cadofel and have him brought to me." The guardsman nodded and swiftly departed.
It was not long before Lord Cadofel arrived escorted by two of the Royal Guard, his face a picture of affront. "Your Majesty, might I ask what was so urgent, I was on my way to my rooms to retire for the evening."
"Lord Cadofel, can you explain to me why you upset one of my guests, one who is both a prince from another kingdom and friend to the people of Gondor?" Aragorn asked, his steely eyes fixing the Gondorian lord with a piercing glare.
"Majesty, I do not know what you are referring to," Cadofel stated calmly, his voice projecting a hint of boredom.
"I am referring to Prince Legolas, and the comments you made to him," Aragorn stated, drawing himself up to his full height, every inch the king.
"I must still beg confusion Your Majesty. I paid Prince Legolas a few compliments, he did not seem to appreciate them, perhaps they were not enough to pander to his ego for he left shortly after."
Silence greeted his words. The nearby nobles sensing a confrontation had gathered to witness it, that they might later pass along the news to their friends and family. Cadofel did not appreciate the position he had been placed in, openly accused of insulting a favoured guest before the nobility of Gondor.
Aragorn's gaze narrowed as he took in the new insults levelled against the elven prince. "Lord Cadofel, I would advise you to think more wisely before speaking next time. In fact I would advise you not to approach any of the visiting elves whilst they are guests in my palace. They have shown much loyalty and friendship to Gondor both now and in the past and your misguided views are not appreciated." Aragorn turned effectively dismissing the Gondorian whose eyes narrowed in rage at the insult to his character. Gathering his robes about him and ignoring the inquisitive looks and whispers around him he swept from the room.
Once Cadofel departed Aragorn let out a sigh. Looking around at the members of his court, seeing the way their eyes were bright with the news they could not wait to spread, he turned to his son and his friend. "I have had enough of this for one evening. Let us see how our friend fares." Without a word he left the room with son and dwarf following behind.
Legolas had felt his rage reach an almost explosive point and was grateful when his people moved forward and ushered him from the room. They took him swiftly back to his own chambers, their soft voices taking up a song that was meant to soothe his troubled spirit. Gentle hands stripped the clothes from his body and laid him flat on the bed. The hands moved then, gently kneading and working at the muscles as the soft song continued and Legolas felt much of the tension swiftly leave his body.
His companions worked for some time until every knot has been loosened and the prince lay bonelessly upon the bed, his temper soothed back into quiescence. Sighing in gratitude Legolas forced himself into a sitting position legs crossed as he regarded the elves around him.
"Thank you my friends," he said quietly. He knew they would not ask him about the cause of the rage, waiting patiently for him to speak of it. He closed his eyes and pushed away the thought of the human lord and his foul touch lest his anger be roused again.
A soft chuckle made him open his eyes and turn to the elf seated beside him. He raised his eyebrow in query. "Never have I seen you look so much like your father tithen caun," the ancient elf before him said. Little prince
"Ah Melnuin, you should be grateful that the tithen caun inherited more of his mother's temperament. Can you imagine trying to calm both of them after one of their infamous arguments?" another elf added.
Legolas felt his features flush slightly as his companions laughed lightly at the picture painted for them. "It is not often that I have inspired my father to a full blown rage, or he I," Legolas pointed out a touch defensively.
A hand immediately found its way into his hair, brushing back the strands soothingly. Legolas was quite sure that Melnuin at least had followed him to Ithilien at his father's bequest.
"Now all we need to do is find you a mate capable of calming your temper alone," Melnuin said, the other elves making sounds of agreement.
Legolas groaned. "Now I know you are all spies sent by my father," he said teasingly, but he noticed a few shared glances.
"Will you be well enough now, or would you prefer us to delay our departure tomorrow?" Tiloniel, a fierce warrior she-elf, with a heart as soft as melted butter asked as she stroked his arm lightly.
Legolas smiled in gratitude. "I am well enough now thanks to you all. It makes no sense for you to remain. Travel back to Ithilien as planned with Prince Faramir. I have promised Eldarion that I will remain another two weeks to help him learn to use his new gifts. After that, if news from the colony is good I will most likely be travelling to Lord Harodel's estate to collect his children." Legolas smiled sheepishly as a yawn caught him unawares. "I believe I would benefit from retiring early this evening," he said.
Further comment was halted as loud footsteps approached and Legolas' door was suddenly thrown open. "Legolas my friend are you well..." Gimli's words were cut off as he took in the sight before him. Four elves sat around the nude figure of the elven prince.
Legolas ignored the glares his companions were directing at his friend for his interruption, he was instead wondering as to the cause of the dwarfs suddenly red face with eyes directed anywhere but at the elf. He was reminded then of his nudity as Aragorn and Eldarion came rushing after the dwarf.
"Gimli I told you..." Aragorn could not remember the rest of his sentence as he walked into the room behind Gimli and saw Legolas sat upon the bed in all of his natural glory.
His eyes could not help but roam across the broad shoulders, down the flat plane of the elf's muscled abdomen, down to his... A throat being cleared brought his eyes quickly back up to meet the elven prince's gaze. There was a flush of colour on Legolas' cheeks, but his eyes flashed a warning to the king. Without a word, the elves around him rose to their feet surrounding him, and affording him some modesty until one handed the prince a robe and he covered himself.
Legolas could not help but notice the way Aragorn's eyes had immediately been drawn to him as he entered the room, his words to Gimli forgotten. The elven prince felt his mind go back to the sensations of being held in the man's strong arms, and his skin flushed to try and expel some of the sudden heat within the prince. His companions noticing his embarrassment surrounded him like a shield, whilst Melnuin passed him a robe. He quickly wrapped the garment around him before standing and approaching his unexpected guests.
"Gimli, what ails you?" he asked, remembering the rush in which the dwarf had stormed his room.
"What ails me? Crazy elf, I had come to ask you the same thing," Gimli said snorting in his annoyance.
"I am well Gimli. I was perhaps a little distressed earlier but I am recovered now," the elven prince stated firmly.
"A little distressed he says. Legolas I have never seen you so infuriated, Lord Cadofel must have..."
"Gimli please!" Legolas' sudden, sharp plea cut through the dwarf's diatribe. "I do not wish to speak of this. I would like to retire now and gain some rest," he stated quietly.
"Will you join us to break fast?" Eldarion asked anxiously.
Legolas smiled. "I will. Now please if you all do not mind..." Legolas watched with some measure of relief as his companions left, until only Aragorn stood in the doorway.
Looking at the man Legolas said nothing, he had not yet determined how things now stood between them after this morning, and he was reluctant to make himself think about it. Unconsciously looking at the man in mute appeal Legolas sighed. Aragorn took in the weary appearance of his friend and simply nodded before taking his leave.
Legolas lay down upon his bed facing the open balcony of his room. He curled himself up a little more and with another soft sigh allowed his mind to slip into Elven dreams.
The following morning found Aragorn absent from the breakfast table. Eldarion explained that the king had been called upon to attend to an urgent matter and would most likely be busy for the rest of the day. Legolas experienced a twinge of guilt when he felt only relief at Eldarion's word, noticing the disappointment on the youth's face.
"I am sure he will get away as soon as he can," the elven prince offered. "And remember we begin your lessons this afternoon. As the bells chime the 14th hour I will meet you in the training room. Be ready to work hard tithen caun," Legolas said smiling wickedly.
"Ha, do not forget me master elf, I too shall take part in this training," Gimli said eyeing the elf with a fixed gaze.
Legolas laughed. "How could I possibly forget Gimli, you are certain to remind me frequently."
Eldarion and Legolas both laughed at the dwarf's irritation, but they agreed to meet back here for lunch. So it was with a lighter heart that Legolas made his way to his companions' rooms.
"Prince Legolas, we have a message for you from the colony," Tiloniel stated handing a small piece of parchment as he entered their joint drawing room.
Legolas quickly read the missive and smiled. "Well my friends, it looks like we are to become guardians and teachers to two wayward human children," he said finally, laughing at the theatrical groans of dismay. "Never fear for we shall prevail, or forever hear it spoken of by dwarves as the time the indomitable will of the firstborn was defeated by children." He was met all around by scowls and laughing to himself he left them in peace to find Lord Harodel and convey his good news.
He went immediately to Harodel's rooms hoping the lord would be within, but there was no answer to his knock. Shrugging he decided he would try again later and made his way back out to find some occupation for the morning.
At the 14th hour Legolas arrived promptly at the training room to find both Eldarion and Gimli waiting for him. He felt guilty relief once more by Aragorn's continued absence.
Eldarion sat watching in anticipation as Legolas laid down his weapons on the side before approaching them. The elven prince gestured for Eldarion to join him in the centre of the room for some basic warm up exercises. Gimli watched from the side after claiming that dwarves were born ready and needed no warming up in order to fight. Finally when Legolas felt Eldarion was ready he bade him to face him.
"I wish first to get a feel for your fighting style, the way you hold yourself, and to see how far your training has progressed," the elf explained, and dutifully Eldarion faced off against the elder prince.
It quickly became clear to the young prince that Legolas was going very easy on him, quickly assessing his current level of skills. After one particularly clever move Eldarion ignored his injured pride and climbed back to his feet.
"Will you show me how you did that?" he asked the elf.
Legolas nodded and opened his mouth to speak when a voice interrupted. "That move would be better demonstrated if Legolas had someone to assist him," Aragorn said as he entered the room, smiling at his son's obvious pleasure at his being able to join them.
"Then you and Legolas will demonstrate the move to me?" Eldarion asked, innocent face looking at both his father and the elf.
Legolas had no choice but to agree, and he stood waiting as Aragorn shrugged off his formal tunic leaving his chest bare. The elf's eyes were drawn to the lean muscular chest and the hair that grew across it. He caught himself wondering what it would be like to feel that hair against his own smooth body, and shaking his head he realised Aragorn was standing before him, and his own gaze was still fixed on the man's semi naked body.
"Are you ready Legolas," Aragorn said, and the elf looked up startled, catching the amused smile lurking around the man's lips.
His face tightened in embarrassment and he nodded. His embarrassment increased as Aragorn quickly stepped behind him assuming the position of aggressor. This move pulled the elf sharply back against the man's chest and Legolas felt his breath catch in his throat. He could not concentrate on Aragorn's words as the man explained the movement to his son, but before Legolas could gather his scattered thoughts he found himself on the floor with the man sat above him, straddling his thighs.
Instinctively Legolas' hands came up to push the man off but Aragorn was quicker this time, capturing the elf's hands and pulling them back over his head. This movement caused Aragorn to stretch out further along the elven prince's body, and Legolas found his face and Aragorn's only a few inches apart. He dragged in a ragged breath of air, and his lashes fluttered softly as his gaze was drawn to the man's full and sensuous lips so close to his own. Aragorn watched the elf's deep blue eyes widen and his focus upon the man's lips and he was lost. With a low moan he lowered his head taking the elf's lips gently with his own.
Legolas felt lost as the king's lips touched his own. He felt adrift in a huge ocean of darkness, with the warm feelings evoked by the feel of the man's lips on his own the only thing anchoring him to sanity. He moaned deep in his throat pushing his lips more closely against the man and Aragorn took advantage, his tongue creeping out first to tease the elf by licking the immortal's lips and then allowing his limber muscle to slip into the hot, sweet interior of the elf's mouth.
"Aragorn, Legolas, what are you doing?" Gimli's voice rang out, his astonishment obvious. Startled Legolas pulled his lips away from Aragorn's.
"I should have thought that was quite obvious Gimli," the king said and releasing Legolas' hand he raised his own to caress the immortal's cheek, sliding one hand up to run his fingers through the golden hair. He smiled lazily down at Legolas as he said, "I'm claiming my elf."
Legolas froze at those words, so close to the ones spoken last night by another man. Was this then the reality of all men, that they wanted nothing more than to claim and enslave anything they desired, even Aragorn who had been raised by the elves? With a soft cry of distress Legolas squirmed beneath the man. He froze again as Aragorn groaned and he felt a hardness pressing against his groin. Panic beginning to take over and Legolas bucked furiously. Knocking Aragorn off him, he got to his feet and without a word ran from the room. Aragorn groaned, placing his head in his hands, and Eldarion walked over to place his hands sympathetically on the king's shoulders.
"Would somebody please tell me what is going on?" Gimli shouted finally.
Legolas had no notion of where his feet took him, his mind too busy reliving the feeling of both the evidence of Aragorn's desire pressing against him and the man's words.
Aragorn wanted to claim him, possess him, and what frightened Legolas the most was that some part of him wanted that too. He is a man, one voice inside him said loudly, he will take you and keep you as a bauble to put on display for his kingdom. But Aragorn had been raised by the elves, and he had not treated Arwen in the same way, another voice refuted. But he loved Arwen the first voice whispered and Legolas wondered why that thought caused him pain. Because you love him the voice whispered again.
Legolas halted blindly in his tracks. No, such a thing was not possible. Aragorn and he had been good friends, as close as blood brothers but never had they treated each other as anything other than the friends they were. He started off again, this time at a slower pace heading for the main palace buildings, but once more his mind retreated back to the memory of Aragorn's kiss, this one seeming to wield so much more power over him than the first.
He shook his head angrily, he needed a distraction. Searching his mind he remembered that he had not passed on his good news to Lord Harodel, so upon entering the palace he headed towards the guest chambers for lesser members of Gondor's nobility. He knocked quickly upon the door. There were a few moments of silence and Legolas prepared to knock again when Harodel's voice called out for him to enter.
The elf walked quickly into the man's chambers only to be met with a sight that stopped him in his tracks. Harodel sat in a chair facing the door, but he was bound to the chair with torn pieces of the bed covers. Harodel was not a small man but on either side of him stood two burly men that made the nobleman look small, one with a dagger at the man's throat. Seated on the bed, looking casual was Lord Cadofel.
"What is going on here?" Legolas demanded his brows furrowed.
"I should have thought that was obvious, I am holding your lover hostage," Cadofel said calmly rising to his feet.
Legolas was confused by Cadofel's words but ignored them in favour of concentrating on the immediate threat. "Hostage against what?" he asked, his hands going to where his knives would have hung had he remembered to gather them after leaving the training room.
"Against your good behaviour," the elder lord said.
Legolas tensed as one of the men left Harodel's side and approached the elf. "Bind him," Cadofel called out, and the approaching man pulled a coarse piece of robe from a deep pocket in his long tunic. Legolas took a wary step back that was halted by a gasp and whimper of pain from Harodel. Legolas took in the small trail of blood that snaked down the captive man's neck where the knife at his throat had broken the skin.
The elven prince weighed his options. He could take on Cadofel and his two men and defeat them all, but he could not do so without forfeiting the life of the captive Lord Harodel. Knowing that he could not be responsible for the death of an innocent man he held his wrists out before him. He would simply have to bide his time and make an escape later. The rope was swiftly and tightly wrapped around one wrist before his arms were pulled behind him and his wrists bound together. Legolas did not allow any of his discomfort to be revealed to his captors, standing straight and still. After a few final tugs to check that the Prince could not easily free himself the man behind Legolas stood back. The elf looked over at Cadofel who smiled and inclined his head towards the man behind the prince. Too late Legolas realised the danger before the hilt of a dagger met the back of his skull and the world went dark.
End of part 3