Chapter Seven

Open Worship

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Legolas started at the sound of the bell. He looked blearily around his room, wondering why it was so dark. He had never been made to get up this early before…

The bell rang again and Legolas sprang up, trying to straighten out his clothing and hair as he made his way to the entrance to Aragorn's rooms.

He was standing up, pondering some papers on the desk when he came in. He looked up and smiled at Legolas, who smiled meekly in return. It was strange, but so far, Aragorn was acting as if the night before had never happened.

"How is he doing?"

Legolas stared at him for a moment before he realized that Aragorn was asking of the rebel.

"Fine my lord. He is resting quite peacefully at the moment…"as I should be…

Aragorn looked at him strangely then began to laugh, a warm vigorous laugh that seemed contagious. Legolas fought to keep a straight face.

"My lord?"

"Do you not realize?" asked Aragorn, still laughing uncontrollably. Legolas just gave him a puzzled look.

"Ah well, you can go back to bed once I have stated my case."

Legolas blushed furiously, realizing he had spoken his tired desire aloud. Aragorn, upon seeing him flush, just laughed again, though not as hard as before. He spoke again after he had definitely regained his composer.

"My father just sent me this dispatch," he said, tapping a paper, "With instruction to go to the Rohan on a mission of diplomacy. I was wondering if you would like to accompany me."

Legolas stared at him, at a loss for words.

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Aragorn looked across the desk at the stunned elf, and could barley suppress the laughter welling up inside him. He certainly made it hard for him to stay mad, that was for sure.

"It would be for about a week, and we would take Varin and the new elf with us, but I especially want you to come…though you are in no way obliged…"

"No, I mean I would love to, I mean, only if you want my lord, but…"

"Please, Inzil, please, why don't you sit." Said Aragorn, motioning to a chair unable to suppress a chuckle at the elf's stuttering response. He looked across at Inzil, who had perched himself on the edge of his chair, his beautiful eyes, conveying confusion, and distrust, but at the same time a sense of utter bliss.

He sat back; quiet for a moment, then leaned forward towards Inzil again.

"Do you have any idea what I should call the new elf? I can't go around calling him 'hey you' for our entire journey."

His small bit of humor was rewarded with one of his sparkling laughs.

"Maybe, my lord, you could call him Corin." He suggested, a shy smile on his face.

Aragorn nodded, "Yes, that is quite good actually." He chuckled, and was joined in by Inzil, who laughed merrily.

After a moment, he rose and composed himself, bowing shortly.

"Well, Aragorn, if you don't mind, I think I will go back to bed."

Aragorn shivered slightly, and rose as well. Suddenly, an idea blossomed in his mind.

"I'll walk back with you."

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Legolas stared at him strangely, but nodded nonetheless, and began to walk back to his room. Aragorn fell in beside him, keeping quiet until they reached Legolas's room door. As he turned to open his door, he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder, turning him back around…

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Aragorn wasn't exactly sure of what he was doing, but he knew it was okay when Inzil didn't resist his touch.

He traced a strand of his blonde hair along his face, moving closer as he did. Inzil's eyes closed at his touch, making him wish he could just take him in his arms…

Inzil's eyes flew open.

"Aragorn, I…"

He cut him off, moving just a bit closer. He looked searchingly in Inzil's eyes, and saw no lie in them.

"You know I trust you?"

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Legolas felt his heart crumble.

"Yes I do…"

"Then trust me…"

Aragorn began to move in even closer…Legolas knew what he was going to do, and he didn't really mind… but he stopped him, putting his slim fingers up to his lips to keep him away. He looked into the man's eyes sadly, wishing he didn't have to impede him.

"Aragorn please, don't…There are things you don't know about me, thing you would hate me for…"

Aragorn took his hand away from his mouth.

"Right now, I don't really care."

Legolas felt Aragorn's lips brush his own, but he would let the man get no further. He felt the door handle behind him and latched onto it as Aragorn pushed him back into the door a bit. Legolas let his body pressure push the handle down…

The door flew open, and Legolas dropped away like a rock, falling flat on his back.

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Haldir felt woke up, roused by a strange thump from down the hall. He rose from bed, rubbing the back of his head, and opened his door to see Aragorn nearly doubled over with silent laughter, and Legolas grinning sheepishly up at him from the floor just inside his room.

Haldir felt his eyes go wide, but kept silent, and slid back into his room, closing the door silently behind him.

It was obvious what had just happened, impossible as it was. Aragorn was obviously after his younger friend.

If Aragorn had fallen for his companion, it could prove to be the chance that he needed…

And the chance the Rebellion needed…

All he needed was a plan…

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