Disclaimer: Still don't own them. Hail to Tolkien
Warnings: Only slash... for the time being
I won't bore you with a note, let's just move on to the fic
_______________________________________
Drowning _______________________________________
The first sensation he felt was incredible discomfort. His heart was pounding in his chest a little bit too forceful, pumping blood into his body in an almost painful rhythm. Somewhere in the back of his mind he wondered if he would have to live with that pricking ache for all eternity. Too light to be an actual obstruction but still too lingering and persistent to be forgotten. A constant thrust and a constant reminder of things never to be.
He moaned softly when he tried to move his limbs. His throat was sore and his wrist hurt. Good thing he didn't bring his weapons with him he thought sarcastically. He wouldn't be able to use them now anyway, they would only be a hindrance to his movements. Uncoordinated and sluggish as they were.
Legolas lay still for a minute before forcing his body to sit up. Almost immediately his sight began to blur.
The fair Elf brought his unharmed hand to his face and massaged his temple carefully. Some moments later he was able to blink the blinding haze away and with his returning sight came the memory.
Aragorn had slapped him. Not that he had never been slapped before, mind you, his father had done a very good job at that when Legolas was still a handful youth playing mischievous pranks. He still did a very good job at that whenever Legolas was disobedient and irrational, which was fortunately few and far between.
But never had be been hurt without so much as a reason. And never in his whole life had it stung so much. It wasn't even that hard, it shouldn't have made him fall to the ground. But it was unexpected and mind blowing. And it was him. Him, not just an acquaintance or a relative, but him.
The emotions were too intense at that moment, he remembered, and so he had run like a gutless coward although he had identified Aragorn's voice and his footsteps behind him. It was only to be assumed that even though a ranger, he did have no chance to catch up with a hysterical Wood-Elf in his own territory.
Moreover Aragorn had the Hobbits to care about, he couldn't have waisted his time to come after him all the way to wherever this place was. He had a responsibility and Legolas was more than capable to defend himself if need be.
Right, Legolas thought, that must have been the reason why he ranger hadn't persecuted him. For one look around his environment told him that he was alone. No Aragorn, no Hobbits and no
No mirror image.
His body tensed instantly with alertness. He sprung to his feet and swayed before he got his protesting limbs back under control. He narrowed his eyes and watched more closely for any signs of movement, unconsciously slipping into a fighting position to defend himself should he be attacked.
But no movement came save the leaves' slow dance in the wind.
Slowly Legolas allowed himself to relax again. Then he shook his head at his stupidy.
Should this figure - whoever it was - want him dead, he certainly wouldn't be standing here anymore. No, it didn't want him dead. Or at least not now. It wanted to toy with him and Legolas had to admit that it did a very good job at it.
Still there were more than enough riddles left to be unsolved. How this person always managed to sneak up on him for example. There was no smell, no sound, even the trees didn't warn him of any presence. The person almost seemed to emerge from nowhere and then vanish into thin air.
A mystery.
Far too many mysteries for Legolas' liking. Something was definately wrong with that figure, hell something was definately wrong with this whole situation. And Legolas was going to find out what exactly it was. He would make sure of that.
Determined he examined his surrounding for any hint as to where he had run. He saw his tracks on the muddy ground, it would be easy to follow them back, but he would certainly lose a good amount of time doing that. So he had come from southwest thus Imladris must be located southeasterly. He had his direction.
He looked up at the sun's position. It could have hardly been midday. Probably some hours before that even.
Legolas smiled. His unconsciousness had hardly last a few hours, he hadn't lost so much time after all.
*~*~*~*~*
His trip went trouble-free. No incidents, no dangers and no more concourses with certain figures. He was all but ready to believe the whole last days had been a bad dream or a hallucination on his part. The forest welcomed his presence and he in turn was more than happy to be welcomed so kindly.
Mirkwood's child stopped when he suddenly heard quiet snickers and the soft - almost silent - sound of feet. Noiselessly he heaved himself onto a branch which cost him quite an effort with one hand injured.
The movements became louder and the melodious voices turned to laughter. A sound he knew all too well. Delighted Legolas got ready to jump down again and greet the company.
"Have you seen his glare when we left him? I tell you I feared for my life for a second! The Valar be blessed his hands were still tied up!"
The other held his sides laughing so hard. "I think that was the very reason he glared!"
"Elladan, Erohir! What a pleasure to meet you here!" Legolas said, coming down in front of them gracefully, when they were to pass the tree he was standing on. Neither of them were surprised by the prince's presence.
"Likewise, fair one. We haven't seen you for a long time. You have become beautiful indeed." The younger of the twins answered, a gleam in his eyes.
"A pleasure for the eyes... and hopefully not only for them," Elladan added, grinning broadly.
Legolas laughed. "That is for me to know and for you to find out."
"Well I certainly wouldn't mind to find out." The smirk on Elrohir's face was almost alarming. Almost.
"So what were you saying about leaving someone tied up?" Legolas changed the topic smoothly, raising an elegant brow.
Both brothers grinned knowingly, seeing through Legolas' tactics immediately.
"Leanôr challenged us." Elladan began.
"A contest." Legolas nodded.
"Right. Whoever would shoot a game first would win."
"He challenged you to a hunt?" Legolas asked incredulously. "The stake must have been very low indeed for him to suggest such insanity."
"The winner was to be the other's slave for one night."
Legolas chuckled. "I can already imagine how the night ended!"
"Yeah, well, we left him in the gardens."
"Tied up."
"And naked."
At this Legolas couldn't refrain from laughter anymore. "Are you really Elrond's sons?"
"Definately."
"Most certainly."
"Your father will kill you when he finds out," Mirkwood's youngest continued.
"Who says he has to know?" Elrohir said winking. "He will never know unless someone tells him...."
"Which reminds me that you have us at your mercy now," Elladan mused lightly. "What payback do you wish for your silence?"
"Maybe you want us to be *your* slaves for one night?"
"Exactly my thoughts, dearest brother. We could define the word pleasure in a whole new context with a much deeper meaning for you, lovely one."
"Mayhap I do come back to your offer," Legolas teased, "but see, there is Rivendell ahead. If we hurry we will reach it towards evening."
"I am looking forward to finally coming home again. It has been far too long and I cannot await the comforts of a bed!" Elladan sighed dreamily.
"Where have you been?"
"Ada heard of some Orcs roaming through the forests. We picked them out and took care of them."
"Are there more of them?" Legolas inquired. Elrohir raised a perfectly shaped brow and clasped his heart.
"You hurt me with your distrust in our abilities! Speaking of abilities. Where are your weapons? I have never before seen the prince of Mirkwood unarmed." He inspected the blond haired Elf closely. "You do not even bear your knives with you?"
"I left them with Aragorn, he should arrive in Imladris shortly." Legolas said sheepishly.
"You left them with Estel? Dare to tell us why?" Elladan asked seriously.
"I was in a hurry." The Wood-Elf answered curtly.
"Since it does not seem as if you were running from danger to ask for aid, you must have been running from something else," Elladan speculated.
"I do not want to talk about it. Please ask of it no more." The prince whispered and both twins narrowed their eyes. Something had happened between their beloved brother and their friend, that much was clear. They decided to grant Legolas some time by accepting his plea. But sooner or later they would find out.
*~*~*~*~*
"Elladan, Elrohir and Prince Legolas of Mirkwood. I am happy to welcome you to my home. I am glad that you arrived here savely." Elrond stepped forward to embrace his two sons, then he nodded to Legolas.
"Estel is worried sick about you, Legolas. When he arrived yesterday and was told that you had yet to come we could barely convince him to wait until tonight before looking out for you. You should go meet him, he is in the gardens."
Legolas' eyes widened in shock.
"I thought Estel should follow after you, Legolas," Elrohir asked bemused.
"I must have lost count on the time," the prince murmured. Gods, how long had he been unconscious?! A whole day? Now that he thought about it, it would explain why there weren't any marks on his throat when he woke up.
Elladan took his hand in his in a caring gesture and Legolas almost flinched when the twin enclosed his injured wrist. "Has something happened to you, Legolas? You look pale. Is it because of our brother?"
Legolas swallowed and softly detached his hand from Elladan's grip. "I will go and speak with him. The gardens you said?"
Elrond nodded.
"Then I will go there now. If you excuse me." He bowed and left the room. An awkward silence followed.
*~*~*~*~*
The gardens were beautiful and the two figures in the middle even more so. Rough and soft. Strong and elegant. Yes, the two were truly made for one and another. They completed each other.
Legolas limbs grew stiff. No matter how hard he wanted them to move they wouldn't listen. His legs wouldn't turn around, his lids wouldn't close to block out the sight in front of him. There he was. His love holding Elrond's beautiful Evenstar in his hands. And the worst was that they looked so right together. Arwen's gentle silkiness combined with Aragorn's powerful appearance.
It was hopeless. No hope left. For this situation. For him.
He saw them looking into each other's eyes lovingly before the ranger bent his head slightly to touch Arwen's lips with his.
He had to get away. Elbereth, he had to get away and fast, before his legs gave in, before he collapsed clutching his hands to his chest, screaming in pain.
A subtle cough arrested his attention and the prince tilted his head to the right. Panic arose, swiftly and deadly when he saw whom exactly he had heard. A familiar - too familiar! - figure was leaning against the tree behind Aragorn, smirking. The deep blue eyes were riveted on his own. He looked triumphant, as if he knew what was to come, as if he summoned Legolas to go, to do what he expected.
And Legolas loathed that look. It made him feel transparent and vulnerable.
He wondered why neither Aragorn, nor Arwen had sensed the presence behind them, but then again they hadn't sensed his presence either. He glimpsed at their smiling faces once more, then turned around forcefully and ran back to Elrond's house.
'Coward' his mind yelled. This was your chance to get rid of this figure, this was your chance to overpower this figure, this was your chance to finally find out who it was!
But his heart answered that it didn't care who it was, that if he hadn't run now, it would have denied its service. Already it slammed in his body, seemed to burst any second now.
He didn't pay attention where he was running when he bumped into a muscular body. His left hand was caught to steady him and Legolas was thankful that it hadn't been his right one for a moment.
"Easy there, lovely one." Came Elrohir's astonished voice. He moved forward and embraced the prince's trembling form tighly.
"Shh, what happened to make you so unsettled?" he soothed, stroking his back with one hand in a calming manner.
"Legolas?" asked the second twin and the fair haired Elf felt Elrohir shake his head against his shoulder. So instead of requesting another answer from the muddled Elf he approached him from his back and put his arms around him while laying his head on his other shoulder.
Legolas felt the warmth of the two, felt the love they radiated.
"Make love to me," he whispered.
And the figure leaning against the tree smiled victoriously.
*
*
* _____________________________
AN: I am sorry but I absolutely don't feel like reading the whole chapter through for any mistakes again. I bet there are plenty but please bear with them. Perhaps at another time I will pull myself together and correct them all but certainly not now. I am not really content with this chaper, but I don't feel like changing that either. As I said before, perhaps at another time, but not today.
MoroTheWolfGod: It's kinda difficult to update regularly with both school and job, but until now I think I managed quite fine. I hope it didn't take to long for your liking.
Zelda Saturn Mistress: Here's your update ;) Hope you like it
Cerasi2: It would be too easy *g* Thank you for your review!
Anon-101-6: *g* you're almost there with your assumption. I have planned something slightly different, but I must admit that I have also thought about it! Thanks for the review!
*Nikki: Thanks! So here's the update! Hope you still want for more!
Riva van Dyk: Thank you! Updated soon enough?
The little: It's fascinating that there are some people out there who are as confused and corrupted as I am *lol* thank you for your review!
Gwyn: See! Just for you! Elrohir and Legolas!! (and Elladan) It wasn't actually planned for the story, but well, if you ask so friendly I almost have to give in, don't I? ;)
RuByMoOn17: Here's your update! Thanks for your review!
Legolas19: Well I am reassured that it's a good kind of strange ;) Thanks for the review!
S4r4: I hope that I updated soon enough ;) Yep, the contrast is for entertainment. Wouldn't it be boring if evething went well and you would get what you wanted immediately. Where would be the motivation to fight for it?
Jade Stellar: I have never watched Fushigi Yugi, I'm sorry O_o But I think you will be in for a surprise, when the figure's true nature comes out ;) At least I hope so...
Goldmund: the "my prince" part is mainly a derision. I can't tell you who the figure really is right now, it would diminish all the tension, sorry ;) disturbed about the Legolas image kissing Legolas? Then just wait what I have planned! *evil laugh* Thank you so much for your review!
Crazy-lil-nae-nae: Thanks for the review, I hope I updated soon enough for your liking ;)
Warnings: Only slash... for the time being
I won't bore you with a note, let's just move on to the fic
_______________________________________
Drowning _______________________________________
The first sensation he felt was incredible discomfort. His heart was pounding in his chest a little bit too forceful, pumping blood into his body in an almost painful rhythm. Somewhere in the back of his mind he wondered if he would have to live with that pricking ache for all eternity. Too light to be an actual obstruction but still too lingering and persistent to be forgotten. A constant thrust and a constant reminder of things never to be.
He moaned softly when he tried to move his limbs. His throat was sore and his wrist hurt. Good thing he didn't bring his weapons with him he thought sarcastically. He wouldn't be able to use them now anyway, they would only be a hindrance to his movements. Uncoordinated and sluggish as they were.
Legolas lay still for a minute before forcing his body to sit up. Almost immediately his sight began to blur.
The fair Elf brought his unharmed hand to his face and massaged his temple carefully. Some moments later he was able to blink the blinding haze away and with his returning sight came the memory.
Aragorn had slapped him. Not that he had never been slapped before, mind you, his father had done a very good job at that when Legolas was still a handful youth playing mischievous pranks. He still did a very good job at that whenever Legolas was disobedient and irrational, which was fortunately few and far between.
But never had be been hurt without so much as a reason. And never in his whole life had it stung so much. It wasn't even that hard, it shouldn't have made him fall to the ground. But it was unexpected and mind blowing. And it was him. Him, not just an acquaintance or a relative, but him.
The emotions were too intense at that moment, he remembered, and so he had run like a gutless coward although he had identified Aragorn's voice and his footsteps behind him. It was only to be assumed that even though a ranger, he did have no chance to catch up with a hysterical Wood-Elf in his own territory.
Moreover Aragorn had the Hobbits to care about, he couldn't have waisted his time to come after him all the way to wherever this place was. He had a responsibility and Legolas was more than capable to defend himself if need be.
Right, Legolas thought, that must have been the reason why he ranger hadn't persecuted him. For one look around his environment told him that he was alone. No Aragorn, no Hobbits and no
No mirror image.
His body tensed instantly with alertness. He sprung to his feet and swayed before he got his protesting limbs back under control. He narrowed his eyes and watched more closely for any signs of movement, unconsciously slipping into a fighting position to defend himself should he be attacked.
But no movement came save the leaves' slow dance in the wind.
Slowly Legolas allowed himself to relax again. Then he shook his head at his stupidy.
Should this figure - whoever it was - want him dead, he certainly wouldn't be standing here anymore. No, it didn't want him dead. Or at least not now. It wanted to toy with him and Legolas had to admit that it did a very good job at it.
Still there were more than enough riddles left to be unsolved. How this person always managed to sneak up on him for example. There was no smell, no sound, even the trees didn't warn him of any presence. The person almost seemed to emerge from nowhere and then vanish into thin air.
A mystery.
Far too many mysteries for Legolas' liking. Something was definately wrong with that figure, hell something was definately wrong with this whole situation. And Legolas was going to find out what exactly it was. He would make sure of that.
Determined he examined his surrounding for any hint as to where he had run. He saw his tracks on the muddy ground, it would be easy to follow them back, but he would certainly lose a good amount of time doing that. So he had come from southwest thus Imladris must be located southeasterly. He had his direction.
He looked up at the sun's position. It could have hardly been midday. Probably some hours before that even.
Legolas smiled. His unconsciousness had hardly last a few hours, he hadn't lost so much time after all.
*~*~*~*~*
His trip went trouble-free. No incidents, no dangers and no more concourses with certain figures. He was all but ready to believe the whole last days had been a bad dream or a hallucination on his part. The forest welcomed his presence and he in turn was more than happy to be welcomed so kindly.
Mirkwood's child stopped when he suddenly heard quiet snickers and the soft - almost silent - sound of feet. Noiselessly he heaved himself onto a branch which cost him quite an effort with one hand injured.
The movements became louder and the melodious voices turned to laughter. A sound he knew all too well. Delighted Legolas got ready to jump down again and greet the company.
"Have you seen his glare when we left him? I tell you I feared for my life for a second! The Valar be blessed his hands were still tied up!"
The other held his sides laughing so hard. "I think that was the very reason he glared!"
"Elladan, Erohir! What a pleasure to meet you here!" Legolas said, coming down in front of them gracefully, when they were to pass the tree he was standing on. Neither of them were surprised by the prince's presence.
"Likewise, fair one. We haven't seen you for a long time. You have become beautiful indeed." The younger of the twins answered, a gleam in his eyes.
"A pleasure for the eyes... and hopefully not only for them," Elladan added, grinning broadly.
Legolas laughed. "That is for me to know and for you to find out."
"Well I certainly wouldn't mind to find out." The smirk on Elrohir's face was almost alarming. Almost.
"So what were you saying about leaving someone tied up?" Legolas changed the topic smoothly, raising an elegant brow.
Both brothers grinned knowingly, seeing through Legolas' tactics immediately.
"Leanôr challenged us." Elladan began.
"A contest." Legolas nodded.
"Right. Whoever would shoot a game first would win."
"He challenged you to a hunt?" Legolas asked incredulously. "The stake must have been very low indeed for him to suggest such insanity."
"The winner was to be the other's slave for one night."
Legolas chuckled. "I can already imagine how the night ended!"
"Yeah, well, we left him in the gardens."
"Tied up."
"And naked."
At this Legolas couldn't refrain from laughter anymore. "Are you really Elrond's sons?"
"Definately."
"Most certainly."
"Your father will kill you when he finds out," Mirkwood's youngest continued.
"Who says he has to know?" Elrohir said winking. "He will never know unless someone tells him...."
"Which reminds me that you have us at your mercy now," Elladan mused lightly. "What payback do you wish for your silence?"
"Maybe you want us to be *your* slaves for one night?"
"Exactly my thoughts, dearest brother. We could define the word pleasure in a whole new context with a much deeper meaning for you, lovely one."
"Mayhap I do come back to your offer," Legolas teased, "but see, there is Rivendell ahead. If we hurry we will reach it towards evening."
"I am looking forward to finally coming home again. It has been far too long and I cannot await the comforts of a bed!" Elladan sighed dreamily.
"Where have you been?"
"Ada heard of some Orcs roaming through the forests. We picked them out and took care of them."
"Are there more of them?" Legolas inquired. Elrohir raised a perfectly shaped brow and clasped his heart.
"You hurt me with your distrust in our abilities! Speaking of abilities. Where are your weapons? I have never before seen the prince of Mirkwood unarmed." He inspected the blond haired Elf closely. "You do not even bear your knives with you?"
"I left them with Aragorn, he should arrive in Imladris shortly." Legolas said sheepishly.
"You left them with Estel? Dare to tell us why?" Elladan asked seriously.
"I was in a hurry." The Wood-Elf answered curtly.
"Since it does not seem as if you were running from danger to ask for aid, you must have been running from something else," Elladan speculated.
"I do not want to talk about it. Please ask of it no more." The prince whispered and both twins narrowed their eyes. Something had happened between their beloved brother and their friend, that much was clear. They decided to grant Legolas some time by accepting his plea. But sooner or later they would find out.
*~*~*~*~*
"Elladan, Elrohir and Prince Legolas of Mirkwood. I am happy to welcome you to my home. I am glad that you arrived here savely." Elrond stepped forward to embrace his two sons, then he nodded to Legolas.
"Estel is worried sick about you, Legolas. When he arrived yesterday and was told that you had yet to come we could barely convince him to wait until tonight before looking out for you. You should go meet him, he is in the gardens."
Legolas' eyes widened in shock.
"I thought Estel should follow after you, Legolas," Elrohir asked bemused.
"I must have lost count on the time," the prince murmured. Gods, how long had he been unconscious?! A whole day? Now that he thought about it, it would explain why there weren't any marks on his throat when he woke up.
Elladan took his hand in his in a caring gesture and Legolas almost flinched when the twin enclosed his injured wrist. "Has something happened to you, Legolas? You look pale. Is it because of our brother?"
Legolas swallowed and softly detached his hand from Elladan's grip. "I will go and speak with him. The gardens you said?"
Elrond nodded.
"Then I will go there now. If you excuse me." He bowed and left the room. An awkward silence followed.
*~*~*~*~*
The gardens were beautiful and the two figures in the middle even more so. Rough and soft. Strong and elegant. Yes, the two were truly made for one and another. They completed each other.
Legolas limbs grew stiff. No matter how hard he wanted them to move they wouldn't listen. His legs wouldn't turn around, his lids wouldn't close to block out the sight in front of him. There he was. His love holding Elrond's beautiful Evenstar in his hands. And the worst was that they looked so right together. Arwen's gentle silkiness combined with Aragorn's powerful appearance.
It was hopeless. No hope left. For this situation. For him.
He saw them looking into each other's eyes lovingly before the ranger bent his head slightly to touch Arwen's lips with his.
He had to get away. Elbereth, he had to get away and fast, before his legs gave in, before he collapsed clutching his hands to his chest, screaming in pain.
A subtle cough arrested his attention and the prince tilted his head to the right. Panic arose, swiftly and deadly when he saw whom exactly he had heard. A familiar - too familiar! - figure was leaning against the tree behind Aragorn, smirking. The deep blue eyes were riveted on his own. He looked triumphant, as if he knew what was to come, as if he summoned Legolas to go, to do what he expected.
And Legolas loathed that look. It made him feel transparent and vulnerable.
He wondered why neither Aragorn, nor Arwen had sensed the presence behind them, but then again they hadn't sensed his presence either. He glimpsed at their smiling faces once more, then turned around forcefully and ran back to Elrond's house.
'Coward' his mind yelled. This was your chance to get rid of this figure, this was your chance to overpower this figure, this was your chance to finally find out who it was!
But his heart answered that it didn't care who it was, that if he hadn't run now, it would have denied its service. Already it slammed in his body, seemed to burst any second now.
He didn't pay attention where he was running when he bumped into a muscular body. His left hand was caught to steady him and Legolas was thankful that it hadn't been his right one for a moment.
"Easy there, lovely one." Came Elrohir's astonished voice. He moved forward and embraced the prince's trembling form tighly.
"Shh, what happened to make you so unsettled?" he soothed, stroking his back with one hand in a calming manner.
"Legolas?" asked the second twin and the fair haired Elf felt Elrohir shake his head against his shoulder. So instead of requesting another answer from the muddled Elf he approached him from his back and put his arms around him while laying his head on his other shoulder.
Legolas felt the warmth of the two, felt the love they radiated.
"Make love to me," he whispered.
And the figure leaning against the tree smiled victoriously.
*
*
* _____________________________
AN: I am sorry but I absolutely don't feel like reading the whole chapter through for any mistakes again. I bet there are plenty but please bear with them. Perhaps at another time I will pull myself together and correct them all but certainly not now. I am not really content with this chaper, but I don't feel like changing that either. As I said before, perhaps at another time, but not today.
MoroTheWolfGod: It's kinda difficult to update regularly with both school and job, but until now I think I managed quite fine. I hope it didn't take to long for your liking.
Zelda Saturn Mistress: Here's your update ;) Hope you like it
Cerasi2: It would be too easy *g* Thank you for your review!
Anon-101-6: *g* you're almost there with your assumption. I have planned something slightly different, but I must admit that I have also thought about it! Thanks for the review!
*Nikki: Thanks! So here's the update! Hope you still want for more!
Riva van Dyk: Thank you! Updated soon enough?
The little: It's fascinating that there are some people out there who are as confused and corrupted as I am *lol* thank you for your review!
Gwyn: See! Just for you! Elrohir and Legolas!! (and Elladan) It wasn't actually planned for the story, but well, if you ask so friendly I almost have to give in, don't I? ;)
RuByMoOn17: Here's your update! Thanks for your review!
Legolas19: Well I am reassured that it's a good kind of strange ;) Thanks for the review!
S4r4: I hope that I updated soon enough ;) Yep, the contrast is for entertainment. Wouldn't it be boring if evething went well and you would get what you wanted immediately. Where would be the motivation to fight for it?
Jade Stellar: I have never watched Fushigi Yugi, I'm sorry O_o But I think you will be in for a surprise, when the figure's true nature comes out ;) At least I hope so...
Goldmund: the "my prince" part is mainly a derision. I can't tell you who the figure really is right now, it would diminish all the tension, sorry ;) disturbed about the Legolas image kissing Legolas? Then just wait what I have planned! *evil laugh* Thank you so much for your review!
Crazy-lil-nae-nae: Thanks for the review, I hope I updated soon enough for your liking ;)