A/N: Before we begin, this chapter focuses on Aragorn and Legolas during the stay in Lorien. The next chapter will be focused more on the others. We did it this way to save our own sanity from sure breakdown. But I think it's safe to say that after the next chapter the quest will continue.
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Chapter 14
T.A. 3019 January 22
Farothen reined Roch to a halt by Dolen Ael, a hidden lake a couple miles from Caras Galadhon. He knew he was reverting to childish ways by stubbornly refusing to see his ada, even going so far as to run away. He had to think though.
He'd spent the majority of his lifetime thinking his other ada hadn't wanted him, never once considering that Aragorn would keep him a secret. Obviously, the prince of Mirkwood's reaction proved he hadn't known he was a father.
As his thoughts evolved, Farothen found himself wondering, had Legolas been told he was a father; would he have come sooner, looking for his child? When Farothen had gotten his first look at Legolas he'd been shocked, yes, but in a deeper part of him there'd been some anger, wanting to know why the elf had ignored his son for 36 years.
Now, Farothen found that anger focused on Aragorn, knowing the ranger had never told the elf. Compounded with that, Aragorn had told Farothen to leave after Legolas had come out of his faint when Farothen had been just as worried about his new found ada as Aragorn was.
Perhaps Farothen was being a little childish, but he felt it was justified. Aragorn was ultimately at fault for the lost years Farothen could have had with his sire. And that was something Farothen couldn't understand…or forgive until he did understand. Aragorn had some explaining to do.
Having made up his mind Farothen reached down to stroke Roch's sleek neck, "Come, my old friend, let's return. I have much to discuss with Ada."
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Aragorn stopped outside the Fellowship's campsite and studied Legolas. He was leaning against a tree, seemingly sleeping, a small smile on his lips and a hand resting on his stomach over the child nestled there. Aragorn sighed at the picture, feeling a wave of unconditional love roll over him.
It had been three days since Galadriel had told them Legolas was pregnant. Three days since Legolas had pushed Aragorn away saying he needed time and space to think.
Their relationship had just been getting back on track when they'd left Moria. Aragorn had been ready to tell Legolas about Farothen, hoping it wouldn't put their tenuous reunion back to pre-Moria standards. And now, after all that had happened, he feared the relationship was rendered irreparable.
But, the one variable Aragorn had on his side this time was the baby. He or she would be the incentive Aragorn and Legolas needed to work out their relationship…again.
Taking a breath Aragorn walked toward Legolas, not surprised when the elf's gaze focused on him. Aragorn tried a smile, apparently succeeding because Legolas pointed to the spot next to him, "Sit, Estel. It's time we talked."
Aragorn did as he was told, taking in the elf's at ease posture and serene smile, "You look relaxed."
Legolas' smile widened and his eyes twinkled as he rubbed his belly, "I think she's decided to give me a break from the nausea. At least until tomorrow."
"She?" Aragorn asked.
Legolas gave a careless shrug, "Something tells me it's a girl. Besides, we have a son already. We need a daughter."
Aragorn chuckled, "Yeah. I guess." He looked down and cleared his throat, "Listen, Legolas, about Farothen…"
"Peace, Estel. I've thought about him...and you…us. I think I understand. Besides, you're not the only one at fault here. I have to accept some of the blame." Legolas said.
Aragorn opened his mouth to protest but Legolas continued speaking before he could, "Not about you keeping Farothen's birth a secret. That part I had no control over. But I could've looked for you sooner. I should have. But I let my anger, first at your rejection of me, then my rejection of you, to justify not searching for you. I didn't want to admit I'd messed up and played a major part in our split. That's the true reason I waited ten years to come to Lorien to ask about the ring. Then, when Galadriel told me you lived in Rivendell, I let the feud keep me away."
Aragorn sighed, "But I still should have told you. Even if I thought you'd married that…she-elf. You still deserved to know you were a father. I was wrong to keep our son from you, yet you forgive me so easily."
Legolas lovingly pushed a stray strand of hair off Aragorn's forehead, "I still have some regrets and disappointment that I missed his birth and childhood. But I know I must take some of the blame for that. Besides, I love you, Estel. At least not since our daughter made herself known. She's taken my emotions firmly in hand."
Aragorn smiled, "An amazing task for one so small." He turned serious and reached up to toy with one of Legolas' side braids, "I love you too, Legolas. With all my heart."
After a loving kiss the two hugged as Legolas whispered, "There is one other you need to explain things to, Estel. Farothen deserves to know why you kept him from me. And you were a bit harsh with him the last couple days.
"I know, "Aragorn sighed, "I should go look for him."
"No need. He just walked into camp."
Aragorn tensed as Legolas' words were backed up by a sharp, "Ada."
Getting to his feet Aragorn faced Farothen. Father and son stood silently for a moment, neither knowing how to begin. Finally Legolas stood up with a disgusted sigh and pushed Aragorn toward their son.
"Go. Talk. You're family, not strangers."
With a slightly amused scowl at Legolas Aragorn approached Farothen, "Come, my son, let's got for a ride."
As they left Legolas shook his head in amusement. Sometimes he didn't understand humans…or half humans.
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Later that night Legolas found himself leaning against a tree as he sat on the ground a short distance away from the rest of the Fellowship, despite their best efforts to get him to join them. Truthfully, he was quite enjoying the moment of solitude. He had so few moments of quiet these days with the quest, rekindling a love with Aragorn, the pregnancy…Farothen.
Legolas smiled at the thought of his son. So much like him and yet so much like Aragorn. He chuckled lightly as he thought that the combination of his temper and Aragorn's pride couldn't be a good thing.
"What's so funny?" Aragorn asked as he came up from behind Legolas and sat down beside Legolas.
"It's nothing," Legolas said, waving his hand in a dismissive gesture, "I was just feeling a twinge of pity for the poor soul who marries Farothen and gets stuck with my temper and your pride."
Aragorn opened his mouth to protest, but found himself laughing at the innocent smile on Legolas' face, "Considering that it was those traits that got us into this mess in the first place, I'd have to agree with you Legolas."
Legolas smiled as Aragorn maneuvered them so the ranger was leaning against the tree with Legolas in front of him. Leaning back against Aragorn's chest Legolas asked, "How did your talk with Farothen go?"
Aragorn exhaled against Legolas' neck as he considered what to say, "Well…it could have gone better. I think he understands, but he's having a difficult time dealing with everything."
Legolas craned his head around to look at the adan behind him, "What will you do, Estel?"
Aragorn got a mischievous glint in his eye. He always loved it when Legolas called him by his Elvish name, but now his eyes were lit up for a different reason, "I'll give him another outlet for his anger."
Legolas knew that tone, and it worried him, "What do you mean by that?"
Aragorn smirked, "Elrond, Glorfindel, Elladan and Elrohir. They all managed to figure out, without me telling them, that you were Farothen's sire and didn't tell Farothen. I think I should just pass that knowledge along to our son."
Legolas burst out laughing, "You have a mean streak, Estel."
Aragorn shrugged, "I owe Elladan and Elrohir a little payback for teaching Farothen how to use a slingshot."
Legolas shook his head, "Those two are a real piece of work. So where's Farothen? I thought you'd bring him back with you."
Aragorn sighed, "He went off somewhere alone to think. He's like you that way. When he needs to think he wants to be alone." He motioned to the Fellowship with his head, "What are they all doing?"
Legolas looked over, "The hobbits are teaching Gimli a drinking game from the Shire. All I know is that the loser has to take a drink. I think Pippin's losing on purpose. I'm not sure where Boromir is."
Sighing, Aragorn tightened his hold on Legolas and placed one hand on the elf's stomach, over their child, "Well, I'm sure he can take care of himself. You and I can just enjoy the rest of the evening."
Aragorn finished that statement by kissing Legolas on the side of his head. But Legolas was not so easily deterred. Their talk about Farothen had reminded him of a question he wanted to ask Aragorn.
"By the way, meleth…how does this whole," Legolas motioned toward his stomach, "Process work?"
Legolas didn't trust the suddenly sheepish look on Aragorn's face, nor the way the adan refused to meet his gaze, "Um…Legolas, do you really want to know?"
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February 1
"Pippin, don't you think you've had enough to drink?
The hobbit lifted his nearly empty mug to Legolas, "What can I say, I'm losing the game."
Legolas sighed and, rolling his eyes, took the mug from the hobbit, "Well drop out. You've had enough."
Pippin pouted, "It's not fair. Ever since you found out you're havin' a baby you've turned into super-mommy or something. Why do you always pick on me?"
Before Legolas could reply Farothen stood up, "Well, I'm out too. I need some air to clear my head."
Legolas watched his son walk away, thinking that the young man was lucky his companions were well on their way to being drunk. Only someone whose wits were slowed due to an excess of ale would fall for that excuse considering they were in an outdoor campsite. He narrowed his gaze in amusement when he caught the covert gaze Farothen threw Boromir's way.
Ah, so that's the way things were. Legolas grinned when Boromir just barely suppressed a smile…a very smug smile.
As if sensing the elf's gaze on him, the man of Gondor met Legolas' gaze. The elf shifted his gaze meaningfully in the direction his son had gone.
Suddenly the Gondorian stood, "I'm out too. I think I'm going to go find a stream or something to bathe before I go to bed."
Legolas miraculously managed to resist smirking and looked to his right when Aragorn growled, "That looks suspicious. Legolas does that look suspicious?"
Legolas sighed, making his expression as honest as possible. Of course, Aragorn, being half drunk, didn't notice the elf's expression anyway.
"Estel please. Stop being so suspicious." Legolas said, "First of all, I highly doubt Boromir is going to drag Farothen to the stream with him to bathe. Second, they're both about the same age. It's only natural that they'd become friends."
"Hmm." Aragorn grumbled, doing a perfect imitation of Gimli in a grumpy mood. Legolas shook his head and leaned toward the adan, pressing a kiss to his mouth before whispering in his ear.
In the next second Aragorn grinned and got to his feet, pulling Legolas up with him. Smiling at the Fellowship he nodded, "We'll see you…well…tomorrow."
Without another word Aragorn wrapped an arm around his elf's waist and led him out of the Fellowship's campsite.
Reaching for his mug now that Legolas was gone, Pippin asked, "Where's everyone going? First Farothen, then Boromir, now those two."
Frodo smirked, "Do you really need to ask where Aragorn and Legolas are going, Pippin?"
Pippin looked at the ring-bearer as if just beginning to understand, "Oh…Oh!"
Merry, not quite as drunk as Pippin but fairly close, spoke up, "But that doesn't explain Boromir and Farothen."
Sam shook his head, "They're not doin' anything. You heard what Master Legolas said. It's highly unlikely that Boromir will drag Farothen to the stream with him. Besides, Strider will kill him if he tries anything and Master Boromir knows it."
Gimli chose then to smirk. It seemed he'd been the only one to catch that meaningful look between Farothen and Boromir.
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February 11
Legolas let Aragorn drag him toward Dolen Ael. It had kind of become their spot during their stay in Lorien. All the ranger had told him before dragging him out of his nice warm bed that morning was that they needed to speak alone.
Looking back Legolas decided Aragorn was real lucky his morning sickness seemed to have abated since they'd reached Lorien, or the adan would've probably gotten thrown up on by now. Unfortunately, the absent nausea had been replaced by a slight up slide of weight and Legolas was positive his stomach had a small curve to it now.
Legolas pressed a hand to that curve and pulled back against Aragorn's grip. The added weight mad it harder for him to keep up with Aragorn's quick pace. He was also easily fatigued lately. He needed to slow down.
"Estel, stop a moment…please." Legolas gasped out.
Aragorn stopped and looked back. Seeing that Legolas was tiring out he winced guiltily, "I'm sorry, meleth."
Catching his breath Legolas nodded, "It's alright. Just, please, not so fast."
Aragorn nodded, "Aright. Are you ready to continue?"
Taking Aragorn's hand again, Legolas nodded and they continued at a slower pace. Within moments they reached Dolen Ael. Aragorn turned to Legolas, "I brought you hear to ask you something, meleth nin, because it's our special place."
Legolas smiled at Aragorn, "You can ask me anything, Estel."
Aragorn took a deep breath, "I know now probably isn't the best time for this but…I can't wait until this war is over. Legolas…"
He paused and Legolas reached up to run his fingers through the mortal's hair, "Just ask me, Estel. I love you."
Aragorn nodded, "Will you marry me?"
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February 12
"Why do we have to do this now?! Shouldn't we be leaving?" Pippin whined all the way to the clearing where the Fellowship was meeting Celeborn and Galadriel.
"Pippin, stop whining! We're leaving in a couple days and this is important to Aragorn and Legolas." Frodo said to his cousin.
"But Mr. Frodo, we're in the middle of a quest! Don't you think they should…wait?" Sam asked.
Frodo never got a chance to answer because Boromir beat him to it, "That might seem the most logical course, Little one, but Aragorn and Legolas are thinking with their hearts, not their heads," he said, "And if anything, the quest only makes the situation more urgent for them. They have no guarantee that there will be a tomorrow for them to get married. But they do have now."
Frodo, Sam and Farothen (who was walking alongside Boromir) all looked over at the man in amazement. Frodo, for his part, felt some sympathy for Boromir as he gained this little insight on a man who had known mostly war and suffering his whole life.
But now was no the time to focus on that. The Fellowship and Farothen reached the clearing where Aragorn and Legolas were already waiting and standing in front of Celeborn and Galadriel.
Boromir, who had only witnessed Human wedding ceremonies, became quite confused when Galadriel and Celeborn simply stood there while Aragorn and Legolas spoke to each other in Elvish. He nudged Farothen before whispering, "How exactly does this wedding ceremony work?"
"In Elvish custom all it takes is for the couple to declare their love and pledge themselves to each other in front of a few witnesses and the head of whatever realm they get married in," Farothen answered with a heated smile directed toward Boromir. A smile Boromir returned in full.
Meanwhile, up in front of Galadriel and Celeborn, Aragorn finished speaking in Elvish and presented Legolas with the ring of Barahir…this time it was given to Legolas. Aragorn slipped the ring, which was hanging from a chain, around Legolas' neck.
Legolas then repeated the gesture, also slipping a chain around Aragorn's neck. Hanging from the chain was a ring with the royal family crest of Mirkwood. The two longtime lovers then sealed their bond forever by engaging in a long kiss.
As Farothen watched his fathers cement their bond he smiled and held out a hand to Boromir. Boromir grasped the offered hand and smile back.
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Elvish translations…
Dolen Estel: Literally means 'hidden lake (pool)'
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Replies to reviews:
Once again, thanks for all the great reviews and all the encouragement.
Arch-Nemesis: Do you want us to stick to the story line or should we have Boromir and Farothen get together?
On another note, we got a flame. Guess that means we're doing something right huh? You know you've got a great story when you get at least one flame.
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Chapter 14
T.A. 3019 January 22
Farothen reined Roch to a halt by Dolen Ael, a hidden lake a couple miles from Caras Galadhon. He knew he was reverting to childish ways by stubbornly refusing to see his ada, even going so far as to run away. He had to think though.
He'd spent the majority of his lifetime thinking his other ada hadn't wanted him, never once considering that Aragorn would keep him a secret. Obviously, the prince of Mirkwood's reaction proved he hadn't known he was a father.
As his thoughts evolved, Farothen found himself wondering, had Legolas been told he was a father; would he have come sooner, looking for his child? When Farothen had gotten his first look at Legolas he'd been shocked, yes, but in a deeper part of him there'd been some anger, wanting to know why the elf had ignored his son for 36 years.
Now, Farothen found that anger focused on Aragorn, knowing the ranger had never told the elf. Compounded with that, Aragorn had told Farothen to leave after Legolas had come out of his faint when Farothen had been just as worried about his new found ada as Aragorn was.
Perhaps Farothen was being a little childish, but he felt it was justified. Aragorn was ultimately at fault for the lost years Farothen could have had with his sire. And that was something Farothen couldn't understand…or forgive until he did understand. Aragorn had some explaining to do.
Having made up his mind Farothen reached down to stroke Roch's sleek neck, "Come, my old friend, let's return. I have much to discuss with Ada."
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Aragorn stopped outside the Fellowship's campsite and studied Legolas. He was leaning against a tree, seemingly sleeping, a small smile on his lips and a hand resting on his stomach over the child nestled there. Aragorn sighed at the picture, feeling a wave of unconditional love roll over him.
It had been three days since Galadriel had told them Legolas was pregnant. Three days since Legolas had pushed Aragorn away saying he needed time and space to think.
Their relationship had just been getting back on track when they'd left Moria. Aragorn had been ready to tell Legolas about Farothen, hoping it wouldn't put their tenuous reunion back to pre-Moria standards. And now, after all that had happened, he feared the relationship was rendered irreparable.
But, the one variable Aragorn had on his side this time was the baby. He or she would be the incentive Aragorn and Legolas needed to work out their relationship…again.
Taking a breath Aragorn walked toward Legolas, not surprised when the elf's gaze focused on him. Aragorn tried a smile, apparently succeeding because Legolas pointed to the spot next to him, "Sit, Estel. It's time we talked."
Aragorn did as he was told, taking in the elf's at ease posture and serene smile, "You look relaxed."
Legolas' smile widened and his eyes twinkled as he rubbed his belly, "I think she's decided to give me a break from the nausea. At least until tomorrow."
"She?" Aragorn asked.
Legolas gave a careless shrug, "Something tells me it's a girl. Besides, we have a son already. We need a daughter."
Aragorn chuckled, "Yeah. I guess." He looked down and cleared his throat, "Listen, Legolas, about Farothen…"
"Peace, Estel. I've thought about him...and you…us. I think I understand. Besides, you're not the only one at fault here. I have to accept some of the blame." Legolas said.
Aragorn opened his mouth to protest but Legolas continued speaking before he could, "Not about you keeping Farothen's birth a secret. That part I had no control over. But I could've looked for you sooner. I should have. But I let my anger, first at your rejection of me, then my rejection of you, to justify not searching for you. I didn't want to admit I'd messed up and played a major part in our split. That's the true reason I waited ten years to come to Lorien to ask about the ring. Then, when Galadriel told me you lived in Rivendell, I let the feud keep me away."
Aragorn sighed, "But I still should have told you. Even if I thought you'd married that…she-elf. You still deserved to know you were a father. I was wrong to keep our son from you, yet you forgive me so easily."
Legolas lovingly pushed a stray strand of hair off Aragorn's forehead, "I still have some regrets and disappointment that I missed his birth and childhood. But I know I must take some of the blame for that. Besides, I love you, Estel. At least not since our daughter made herself known. She's taken my emotions firmly in hand."
Aragorn smiled, "An amazing task for one so small." He turned serious and reached up to toy with one of Legolas' side braids, "I love you too, Legolas. With all my heart."
After a loving kiss the two hugged as Legolas whispered, "There is one other you need to explain things to, Estel. Farothen deserves to know why you kept him from me. And you were a bit harsh with him the last couple days.
"I know, "Aragorn sighed, "I should go look for him."
"No need. He just walked into camp."
Aragorn tensed as Legolas' words were backed up by a sharp, "Ada."
Getting to his feet Aragorn faced Farothen. Father and son stood silently for a moment, neither knowing how to begin. Finally Legolas stood up with a disgusted sigh and pushed Aragorn toward their son.
"Go. Talk. You're family, not strangers."
With a slightly amused scowl at Legolas Aragorn approached Farothen, "Come, my son, let's got for a ride."
As they left Legolas shook his head in amusement. Sometimes he didn't understand humans…or half humans.
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Later that night Legolas found himself leaning against a tree as he sat on the ground a short distance away from the rest of the Fellowship, despite their best efforts to get him to join them. Truthfully, he was quite enjoying the moment of solitude. He had so few moments of quiet these days with the quest, rekindling a love with Aragorn, the pregnancy…Farothen.
Legolas smiled at the thought of his son. So much like him and yet so much like Aragorn. He chuckled lightly as he thought that the combination of his temper and Aragorn's pride couldn't be a good thing.
"What's so funny?" Aragorn asked as he came up from behind Legolas and sat down beside Legolas.
"It's nothing," Legolas said, waving his hand in a dismissive gesture, "I was just feeling a twinge of pity for the poor soul who marries Farothen and gets stuck with my temper and your pride."
Aragorn opened his mouth to protest, but found himself laughing at the innocent smile on Legolas' face, "Considering that it was those traits that got us into this mess in the first place, I'd have to agree with you Legolas."
Legolas smiled as Aragorn maneuvered them so the ranger was leaning against the tree with Legolas in front of him. Leaning back against Aragorn's chest Legolas asked, "How did your talk with Farothen go?"
Aragorn exhaled against Legolas' neck as he considered what to say, "Well…it could have gone better. I think he understands, but he's having a difficult time dealing with everything."
Legolas craned his head around to look at the adan behind him, "What will you do, Estel?"
Aragorn got a mischievous glint in his eye. He always loved it when Legolas called him by his Elvish name, but now his eyes were lit up for a different reason, "I'll give him another outlet for his anger."
Legolas knew that tone, and it worried him, "What do you mean by that?"
Aragorn smirked, "Elrond, Glorfindel, Elladan and Elrohir. They all managed to figure out, without me telling them, that you were Farothen's sire and didn't tell Farothen. I think I should just pass that knowledge along to our son."
Legolas burst out laughing, "You have a mean streak, Estel."
Aragorn shrugged, "I owe Elladan and Elrohir a little payback for teaching Farothen how to use a slingshot."
Legolas shook his head, "Those two are a real piece of work. So where's Farothen? I thought you'd bring him back with you."
Aragorn sighed, "He went off somewhere alone to think. He's like you that way. When he needs to think he wants to be alone." He motioned to the Fellowship with his head, "What are they all doing?"
Legolas looked over, "The hobbits are teaching Gimli a drinking game from the Shire. All I know is that the loser has to take a drink. I think Pippin's losing on purpose. I'm not sure where Boromir is."
Sighing, Aragorn tightened his hold on Legolas and placed one hand on the elf's stomach, over their child, "Well, I'm sure he can take care of himself. You and I can just enjoy the rest of the evening."
Aragorn finished that statement by kissing Legolas on the side of his head. But Legolas was not so easily deterred. Their talk about Farothen had reminded him of a question he wanted to ask Aragorn.
"By the way, meleth…how does this whole," Legolas motioned toward his stomach, "Process work?"
Legolas didn't trust the suddenly sheepish look on Aragorn's face, nor the way the adan refused to meet his gaze, "Um…Legolas, do you really want to know?"
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February 1
"Pippin, don't you think you've had enough to drink?
The hobbit lifted his nearly empty mug to Legolas, "What can I say, I'm losing the game."
Legolas sighed and, rolling his eyes, took the mug from the hobbit, "Well drop out. You've had enough."
Pippin pouted, "It's not fair. Ever since you found out you're havin' a baby you've turned into super-mommy or something. Why do you always pick on me?"
Before Legolas could reply Farothen stood up, "Well, I'm out too. I need some air to clear my head."
Legolas watched his son walk away, thinking that the young man was lucky his companions were well on their way to being drunk. Only someone whose wits were slowed due to an excess of ale would fall for that excuse considering they were in an outdoor campsite. He narrowed his gaze in amusement when he caught the covert gaze Farothen threw Boromir's way.
Ah, so that's the way things were. Legolas grinned when Boromir just barely suppressed a smile…a very smug smile.
As if sensing the elf's gaze on him, the man of Gondor met Legolas' gaze. The elf shifted his gaze meaningfully in the direction his son had gone.
Suddenly the Gondorian stood, "I'm out too. I think I'm going to go find a stream or something to bathe before I go to bed."
Legolas miraculously managed to resist smirking and looked to his right when Aragorn growled, "That looks suspicious. Legolas does that look suspicious?"
Legolas sighed, making his expression as honest as possible. Of course, Aragorn, being half drunk, didn't notice the elf's expression anyway.
"Estel please. Stop being so suspicious." Legolas said, "First of all, I highly doubt Boromir is going to drag Farothen to the stream with him to bathe. Second, they're both about the same age. It's only natural that they'd become friends."
"Hmm." Aragorn grumbled, doing a perfect imitation of Gimli in a grumpy mood. Legolas shook his head and leaned toward the adan, pressing a kiss to his mouth before whispering in his ear.
In the next second Aragorn grinned and got to his feet, pulling Legolas up with him. Smiling at the Fellowship he nodded, "We'll see you…well…tomorrow."
Without another word Aragorn wrapped an arm around his elf's waist and led him out of the Fellowship's campsite.
Reaching for his mug now that Legolas was gone, Pippin asked, "Where's everyone going? First Farothen, then Boromir, now those two."
Frodo smirked, "Do you really need to ask where Aragorn and Legolas are going, Pippin?"
Pippin looked at the ring-bearer as if just beginning to understand, "Oh…Oh!"
Merry, not quite as drunk as Pippin but fairly close, spoke up, "But that doesn't explain Boromir and Farothen."
Sam shook his head, "They're not doin' anything. You heard what Master Legolas said. It's highly unlikely that Boromir will drag Farothen to the stream with him. Besides, Strider will kill him if he tries anything and Master Boromir knows it."
Gimli chose then to smirk. It seemed he'd been the only one to catch that meaningful look between Farothen and Boromir.
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February 11
Legolas let Aragorn drag him toward Dolen Ael. It had kind of become their spot during their stay in Lorien. All the ranger had told him before dragging him out of his nice warm bed that morning was that they needed to speak alone.
Looking back Legolas decided Aragorn was real lucky his morning sickness seemed to have abated since they'd reached Lorien, or the adan would've probably gotten thrown up on by now. Unfortunately, the absent nausea had been replaced by a slight up slide of weight and Legolas was positive his stomach had a small curve to it now.
Legolas pressed a hand to that curve and pulled back against Aragorn's grip. The added weight mad it harder for him to keep up with Aragorn's quick pace. He was also easily fatigued lately. He needed to slow down.
"Estel, stop a moment…please." Legolas gasped out.
Aragorn stopped and looked back. Seeing that Legolas was tiring out he winced guiltily, "I'm sorry, meleth."
Catching his breath Legolas nodded, "It's alright. Just, please, not so fast."
Aragorn nodded, "Aright. Are you ready to continue?"
Taking Aragorn's hand again, Legolas nodded and they continued at a slower pace. Within moments they reached Dolen Ael. Aragorn turned to Legolas, "I brought you hear to ask you something, meleth nin, because it's our special place."
Legolas smiled at Aragorn, "You can ask me anything, Estel."
Aragorn took a deep breath, "I know now probably isn't the best time for this but…I can't wait until this war is over. Legolas…"
He paused and Legolas reached up to run his fingers through the mortal's hair, "Just ask me, Estel. I love you."
Aragorn nodded, "Will you marry me?"
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February 12
"Why do we have to do this now?! Shouldn't we be leaving?" Pippin whined all the way to the clearing where the Fellowship was meeting Celeborn and Galadriel.
"Pippin, stop whining! We're leaving in a couple days and this is important to Aragorn and Legolas." Frodo said to his cousin.
"But Mr. Frodo, we're in the middle of a quest! Don't you think they should…wait?" Sam asked.
Frodo never got a chance to answer because Boromir beat him to it, "That might seem the most logical course, Little one, but Aragorn and Legolas are thinking with their hearts, not their heads," he said, "And if anything, the quest only makes the situation more urgent for them. They have no guarantee that there will be a tomorrow for them to get married. But they do have now."
Frodo, Sam and Farothen (who was walking alongside Boromir) all looked over at the man in amazement. Frodo, for his part, felt some sympathy for Boromir as he gained this little insight on a man who had known mostly war and suffering his whole life.
But now was no the time to focus on that. The Fellowship and Farothen reached the clearing where Aragorn and Legolas were already waiting and standing in front of Celeborn and Galadriel.
Boromir, who had only witnessed Human wedding ceremonies, became quite confused when Galadriel and Celeborn simply stood there while Aragorn and Legolas spoke to each other in Elvish. He nudged Farothen before whispering, "How exactly does this wedding ceremony work?"
"In Elvish custom all it takes is for the couple to declare their love and pledge themselves to each other in front of a few witnesses and the head of whatever realm they get married in," Farothen answered with a heated smile directed toward Boromir. A smile Boromir returned in full.
Meanwhile, up in front of Galadriel and Celeborn, Aragorn finished speaking in Elvish and presented Legolas with the ring of Barahir…this time it was given to Legolas. Aragorn slipped the ring, which was hanging from a chain, around Legolas' neck.
Legolas then repeated the gesture, also slipping a chain around Aragorn's neck. Hanging from the chain was a ring with the royal family crest of Mirkwood. The two longtime lovers then sealed their bond forever by engaging in a long kiss.
As Farothen watched his fathers cement their bond he smiled and held out a hand to Boromir. Boromir grasped the offered hand and smile back.
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Elvish translations…
Dolen Estel: Literally means 'hidden lake (pool)'
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Replies to reviews:
Once again, thanks for all the great reviews and all the encouragement.
Arch-Nemesis: Do you want us to stick to the story line or should we have Boromir and Farothen get together?
On another note, we got a flame. Guess that means we're doing something right huh? You know you've got a great story when you get at least one flame.