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A Journey in the Dark:

Aragorn's POV

After we were beaten by Caradhras, and Saruman, Frodo chose to go into Moria, he would not have done so had he been there before. The very thought of the bottomless pit that is Khazad-Dûm chills my heart.

It is a foul place, with fouler creatures dwelling in it's depths. Gimli was happy that we were to take the dwarves' route through the mountains, Legolas, however, wasn't, since Frodo had decided on going through the mines, I could hear Legolas murmuring, "curse the dwarves, and all their forefathers for making such an evil, dark, foul-smelling place." I laughed at him, though I agreed, I would much rather take the Gap of Rohan, no matter how many orcs were there to greet me.

The first evil we encountered was the watcher in the water of Sirannon, if it were not for the swift bow and keen sight of Legolas, the ringbearer and many of us would have been slain. As the west gate fell before us, and darkness fell upon the company, I felt a hand grasp my shoulder and pull me backwards, away from the falling rocks, "are you alright?" Whispered Legolas' voice in my ear. "Aye, I am now my friend."

As we took the long journey through Moria, Legolas walked in front of me, still mumbling about dwarves. I was deep in thought, I knew I was in love with the elf, I had known for weeks, but I did not know what to do about it. Yes, Legolas was friendly, and he had saved me from the rocks, but I did not know what he would make of my announcement. One thing was for sure, I had to tell him, I could not carry on thinking what if, he either felt the same way, or he didn't. I kept my fingers crossed.

By the time we stopped to rest for the night, or was it day? You could never tell in there, I had decided I would tell him, even if he ignored me for the rest of my life after my confession. The company rested, Boromir, Gandalf, and the hobbits sat down with their pipes, and Gimli went off to explore the home of his ancestors. I set down my things, took a deep breath, and went to look for Legolas, who had disappeared some minutes ago.

I found him in a corner, by some broken stairs, his head bowed, arms pulling his knees into his chest. "Legolas," I said, he looked up and smiled, but the smile did not reach his eyes. I asked him, "what is the matter?" "This place, Aragorn, the walls themselves speak of death and destruction, there has been murders, battles, and slayings innumerable. Even as I walk, with only the light of Gandalf's staff, I feel the suffering of the once great kingdom of the dwarves. But that is not all, above all the other evil I sense here, there is one which is more ancient and more evil than any other being I have ever heard of, save the dark lord himself." A tear slid down his face, as I realised the torment the elf had been going through during the last two days, he had, due to his elven senses, basically relived the horror of the downfall of the Dwarrowdelf. My heart went out to him.

I knelt down by his side. We stayed there in silence, enjoying each others presence, until I noticed him sort of studying me, he said, "Estel, you are troubled, what is the matter? Can I help?" I looked at him, "Ai, I am troubled, for I have to tell someone of my feelings for them, and I do not know what their response will be." Legolas looked at me innocently, he had no idea I was talking about him, he replied, "you should tell them, for it will ease your mind, and Estel, it is unlikely that anyone should reject you."

Content with this answer, I decided to tell him, "in that case, I need to tell you something, I was ready to tell you this before, in the garden of Elwing, where we first spoke together as friends, but you left before I could. When we met with Lindir and the Brethren, in the woods of Imladris, I thought I had stumbled across an angel, so fair you looked, I tried to ignore my feelings, but I realised before long that I was in love with you. I love you, with all my heart. I'm sorry if I have offended you, or upset you, but it had to be said, now perhaps, my heart can rest. I bowed my head, waiting for his answer, it was a long time coming.

Finally I heard, "but ... but, the Lady Arwen." "I am betrothed to her, but it was a long time ago that we were engaged, maybe not so long in your eyes, and the eyes of your kindred, but the hearts of men change. When I returned, from years of travelling, I again looked upon her, and she was still the fairest creature I had ever seen." I looked at Legolas, "up until then." He blushed. "But that was no longer enough, I had seen many places, and killed many foes, I was no longer an innocent youth seeking after beauty. I needed someone who would understand my lifestyle, someone who could be around me always, not stay at home waiting for me to return, someone who wouldn't flinch at tales of battle, but congratulate me, someone like you, Legolas. And when I first saw you, I knew you were the one." "Does Arwen know?" "She knows I do not still love her, and she was not upset, for I believe she had known long. We will part openly, the next time we meet."

Legolas looked straight into my eyes, and truly smiled, his beauty then was more breathtaking than it had ever been before, he was a wonder to look upon. "You love me." He stated. I nodded. "Then, Aragorn, I must tell you this, I also fell in love under the trees of Rivendell." And as I looked at him, I knew he spoke of me, I grinned, ear to ear, and took his willing hand. "Then it would not anger you for me to do this..."

I leaned in closer to him, and kissed his pale forehead, I traced the tips of my fingers across his cheeks, and stroked his silky hair. I kissed his jawline and caressed his hands. Gently, ever so gently I did this, he moaned softly, then whimpered in impatience. I knew he wanted me to kiss him properly, I greatly desired this also, but I continued to tease him. Playing with his hair, I leaned in again to kiss his cheek. He growled softly, and in a motion faster than light, he had leapt on me and sent us both falling to the ground.

I looked up at the elf lying on top of me, "impatient?" He smirked, and bent his head to kiss me, I held my breath in anticipation, but he did not touch me with his mouth. His fingers brushed against my lips, making me gasp. His thumbs explored my face, rubbing against the stubble. I looked at him, his expression contorted in concentration as he memorised every detail of my face. "Legolas," I pleaded. "Impatient?" was the answer. "Yes." I replied, as he finally lowered his lips to claim mine.


Legolas' POV

I was speechless, I could not believe it, my dream had come true. Aragorn, was kneeling beside me, telling me that he loved me. In shock, I asked about Arwen, I could not give in to my feelings before I knew where he stood with her. Happy with his answer, I told him that I also loved him. I nearly wept with joy at the happiness in my heart, the sudden lightness permeating the nightmare in our dark corner, everything was alright. I smiled.

Estel leaned in towards me, expecting a kiss, I turned fully towards him, but he kissed me lightly on the forehead, I was disappointed to say the least. Then he began playing with my hair, and kissing my jaw. It felt wonderful, but I needed him to kiss me, to make sure that it was not a dream I had strayed into. I jumped on him, so I was on top, and proceeded to tease him the way he had to me. Eventually, I gave in though, and bent down to kiss his beautiful pink lips.

He tasted of freshly cut grass, and worn leather, a little strange, as I was sure he hadn't eaten any lately, and he smelled of pipeweed, smoking was a habit I frowned upon, but the scent was intoxicating on him. As soon as our lips met, Estel kissed me with an urgency I didn't know was there, it was as if he had been waiting for centuries. I kissed back, equally ferociously, my tongue pushing into his mouth and exploring every inch. I tangled my hands in his unruly hair, I kissed him with all the love I had, until finally, I had to breathe.

We pulled apart, he was flushed, and grinned happily, he grabbed me round the waist, and pulled me onto his lap. I smiled at him and softly kissed him again, "ai, Estel," I sighed, and embraced him. Aragorn held me, and that moment was the best I had ever had, in the arms of my love, feeling completely safe. "I love you," I murmured. "And I love you, Legolas," I heard whispered back.

"Legolas?" "Mmm?" "Do you remember the way back?" I chuckled, "humans!" Reluctantly I pulled away from Estel and stood up. "Yes, we should go back, I suppose. Of course I know the way!" I helped him up, and we walked back to the others, hand in hand..