AN: sorry this took so long to get up. I had to go sift through a huge pile of notes and try and figure out where the heck I left off, and then where on earth to start again. But I figured it out…- I'll get other chapters out as soon as I can, but I might be slowing up even more dramatically soon, as Finals are swiftly approaching…:( urgh)…Enjoy this chapter!
Oh! BTW, this chapter starts a few days in the past, with Boromir, and then goes to the present day, just so you know. Also, I'm taking a shot at using a little Elvish here…I can not speak but a sentence or two, so I'm depending on a few web resources…so if you see anything wrong with it, please tell me so I can fix it. Thankies!
Thank you to...
Marisa: Trust me, I'm not that cruel...I got all icked out when I first thought about it...+p
Aralas: lol...I hope you like them just as much in this one!
Sielge: yesh. no. maybe so...- Thanks so much!
Pointy-eared-elfs: Wow. Thank You so much. You have no idea how much encouragement that gave me...and lucky for you...new chapter! Yay!
Chapter Fourteen
Drunken Logic
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Boromir hastened from the City, his orders safe in his saddlebag. There was a sense of smugness about him as he rode out towards the woods, a sense of achievement. The King trusted him on this one…
"It has been too long Boromir."
"My lord?" he questioned from his kneeled position. He was totally baffled by the King's words. What could he possibly…
"My son has been gone to long. I am beginning to worry. He has never gone this long without correspondence of some kind. It is my wish for you to ride to Rohan, to the Golden Hall itself, and make sure my son is safe."
Boromir felt a hand on his shoulder as King Arathorn stopped pacing. "Find him. Make sure that no harm has befallen him."
"Yes my Lord." Replied Boromir, rising slowly. The King was asking him…HIM to do something this important…
Arathorn turned to him again, holding out a thick piece of yellowish parchment, sealed with the royal stamp.
"I am trusting you to get this to Theoden as well, young Boromir…do not fail me."
Boromir simply nodded before turning with a slight bow and hastening to the stables.
Boromir smiled to himself slightly as he pushed his horse into a gallop, heading steadily for Rohan…
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Legolas liked this new place. It was so unlike the world he and Aragorn had left behind, to the point of only vague familiarity withy the human race Legolas had come to know…and hate.
He stood out on the veranda of the room he and Aragorn was to share, enjoying the spectacular view of the Rohan lands below. He had just finished thoroughly inspecting the room and its various trappings before the had discovered the veranda, and headed right outside. He had not been able to truly appreciate this beautiful land until he had seen it from this vantage point. He sighed softly in appreciation of the magnificence around him…
"So I take it you like it here?" said Aragorn, coming up softly behind him. Legolas smiled slightly and nodded as he felt Aragorn wrap his arms around his waist.
"It is a relief to be somewhere where I am not a slave, but a truly free person…" He leaned back into Aragorn's arms with a sigh. "I just wish I was not here for aide. That I was just here to be in Rohan, for the simple joy of being in this wonderful land…"
Aragorn kissed him lightly on the neck, pulling him closer as he did.
"Some day, we will come back here, just you and I, for no other reason than to be here…"
Legolas twisted around in Aragorn's arms so that he was facing him, and wound his arms around his neck.
"I wish all men were like you Aragorn…"he said beginning to play with his hair, "Then there would be nothing for us to fear…no conflicts over which to fight…"
Aragorn smiled slightly, and then kissed Legolas. It felt as if the man was trying to wipe away all his worries…but to no current avail.
He pulled away after a moment, and caressed Legolas's face lovingly.
"Until that day…" he said with a smile.
Legolas just nodded and nuzzled his head into the crook of Aragorn's neck. He breathed in deep, taking in his scent…he ran a hand through his hair, taken in its silken qualities…he wanted to be able to stand like this forever, just him and Aragorn, safe in the arms of the one he loved…
There was a loud knock at their door.
They both looked up to see what it was, before a second knock came. Aragorn looked back at Legolas and smiled, then disentangled himself with a slight kiss, and went inside to greet the intruder.
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Haldir breathed a sigh of relief as they entered the elven city. He had felt like he hadn't taken a breath since the new human had agreed to come with them, rather than face certain death. He turned in his saddle to check on him, and saw that he was staring openly at the magnificence around him. Haldir smirked slightly for a moment as he turned around.
He had new things to worry about. It had been a simple matter to get him in the city, but it would be a completely different one to keep him alive…
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Eowyn stood timidly in front of Aragorn, a small smile on her face.
"Theoden has called for you and your companion. You are to follow me to the dinning hall." She said, inclining her head slightly, as if she was trying to see past him.
Aragorn just shifted his weight and smiled back at her.
"Very well. You shall have to give us a moment though."
Eowyn nodded and dropped her eyes to the ground as Aragorn turned to Legolas.
He stood out on the balcony…and he looked at peace. He looked so happy, just standing there that he hated to have to bring him out of his thoughts.
"Legolas. The King has called for our presence, are you ready to go?"
Legolas stood for just a moment before sighing and turning towards Aragorn.
"Whenever you are."
Aragorn nodded, and they both exited the room. Eowyn's eyes went wide for a moment at the sight of the Elven man, and she began to stare at the ground, a slow blush rising to her cheeks.
"If you'll just follow me this way my lords…" she said quietly and began walking down the hall.
Aragorn shot Legolas an encouraging smile and walked after her retreating figure. Legolas just shook his head and followed as well. After a few moments they entered a large hall filled with men, all of whom were laughing or talking or eating…Aragorn heard Legolas take in a sharp breath behind him. He couldn't help but smile slightly at the look that must be on his face. He had never had to interact with so many humans at once before…
They followed Eowyn up the side of the chamber to the top of the Hall where the king sat, three empty seats around his table. Theoden looked up and saw the three and smiled beckoning for them to sit down. Eowyn showed them where to sit.
"Who should I tell the King he dines with tonight?" she asked, a smile upon her face.
Aragorn sat for a moment before answering.
"Tell him that Aragorn of Gondor and Legolas of …"
He paused for a moment, unsure of exactly what to say.
"General of the Exiled Kindred." Said Legolas quietly.
Eowyn nodded and made her way to the king. She spent a few moments in conversation with her uncle before taking her place next to her brother.
After a few moments Theoden rose, and the chatter in the hall died away, leaving only a respectful silence.
"My brothers!" he called. "Today we have in our company two men that are to be held in the highest honor…" he turned his gaze to Aragorn and Legolas bidding them to stand as he called upon them. "Lord Aragorn of Gondor," Aragorn rose amidst hearty applause and smiled as he acknowledged the crowd's acceptance. "And Lord Legolas, General of the Exiled Kindred."
Legolas rose, and there was applause as before, but it had a hushed, almost awestruck quality to it, as if the people could not quite believe what they were seeing. Theoden nodded to both of them, and they sat back down.
"So, without further ado, let the feast begin!" he roared, and the men cheered their approval as they began to eat.
Aragorn looked over at Legolas, who looked rather pale and nervous and laughed, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"So far so good." He said and the elf merely nodded, concentrating on keeping his composure. Aragorn smiled and continued began to eat, happy that they were somewhere safe…
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It had been a good meal, even though he had barley eaten any of it, but Legolas still felt the need to get out, to leave and see the outdoors…he was getting extremely claustrophobic being surrounded by all these humans.
The riders at the tables had long since dispersed into small groups of their own, and Aragorn had gone aside with Theoden for some discussion…he needed to get out…
He jumped as he felt a hand clasp his shoulder. He looked round to see Eomer standing over him, a mischievous grin on his face.
"My men and I were wondering if you'd be interested in a little competition."
Legolas blanched. Whatever it was, he had a feeling that it would not be good.
"What kind of competition?" he asked, positive that his voice was betraying his fear.
"A drinking game." Replied Eomer, now grinning. "We would like to see how the legendary elves hold up to our everyday men."
Legolas sat in silence for a moment, considering…he had not drank in so long…
He grinned up at Eomer. "I would be honored to join your game."
Eomer smiled happily down at him. "He's in!" he called to his friends, all of who cheered from around the ale barrels.
Legolas couldn't help but smile. Maybe these people were all right after all…He got up and followed Eomer down towards the gathering, passing Eowyn as he did.
"I'll be cheering for you." She said softly, a sweet smile lighting her eyes.
He smiled back at her, grateful for her support. "I thank you milady," he said inclining his head slightly as he continued on with Eomer.
They reached the group and people instantly surrounded him. Someone shoved a tankard into his hands, and Eomer went to the head of the group, calling out above the din.
"No Pausing, No Breaks, and the Last One Standing Wins!"
"Whom am I going up against?" he asked, curious to meet his opponent.
Eomer's roguish smile returned. "All of us."
Legolas felt his eyes go wide for a moment, before he nodded, a steely and determined look coming over him.
"Then let the contest begin." He said, and chugged down the whole tankard with out a thought. The men around him cheered, and they all launched themselves into the game.
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Eowyn watched in wonderment. The game had been going on for nearly an hour's time and it was down to the final two…her brother and Legolas. The two had slowed considerably since the beginning of the game, but neither showed any sign of stopping. A crowd had gathered to watch the last two competitors drink their way into oblivion.
Eomer paused for a second, to take a deep breath, and stumbled backwards into another rider who held him for a moment, before looking up, an astonished look on his face.
"He's out cold!" he proclaimed, and all was silent for a moment. Then the cheering began. Everyone was congratulating the elf on his marvelous victory, and he stood a small smile on his lips…Eowyn pressed her way through the crowd to him, and grasped his hand.
"Come my Lord, this way." She said, and he nodded. She felt him tighten his grip on her hand as she pulled him out of the still cheering crowd, and towards the great stone veranda in front of the hall. She stopped when they had reached a corner that over looked all of the Rohan and sat, her legs dangling over the edge. She pulled Legolas down with her, and he half sat, half fell down, laughing slightly as he did.
"Thank you for getting me out of there…"he said. "I don't know how much longer I could have stood there."
He gave her hand a small squeeze and smiled before looking back at the stars. She gazed at him for a moment before looking up into the sky as well. It was a clear night, and the stars shown like thousands of precious gems.
"I have missed just being able to sit and look at the stars like 'dis…" he said slurring slightly as he did.
Eowyn looked at him curiously for a moment, then laughed.
"You are drunk aren't you?"
He turned to focus on her, swaying slightly as he did. He did not display the mannerisms or speech impediments that any other horribly drunken man would, and those that he did were so slight that they were barley noticeable…but she had a keen eye. He looked at her seriously for a moment before tapping a finger on his chin thoughtfully.
"Hmmm…I guess you could say that…" he smiled impishly at her, and winked. "O r you might just say that I'm slightly inebriated."
They both laughed at this, grinning broadly at each other. Eowyn noticed that he still hadn't let go of her hand. Her smile faded slightly. And she looked up at Legolas, with a question burning to be answered.
"Legolas?"
"Hmm?"
"Would you be willing to help me…would you be willing to do me a favor?"
He looked at her curiously.
"What kind of favor?"
"My uncle, Theoden, wants me to marry soon…but the suitor he has chosen is a man that I rather despise…would you be willing to help me?"
"How would I be able to…" began Legolas, but she cut him off.
"Would you pretend to be a suitor, and take me with you when you leave, so my uncle cannot force me to marry?"
Legolas stared at her for a moment, studying her intently. He sighed, and pulled her into a friendly embrace.
"Of course, Eowyn. I see no reason why not."
She smiled at him as he pulled away. "Thank you so much…you have no idea how much this means to me…"
"Do not worry yourself…things will get better in the end."
Eowyn nodded, and the two continued to converse late into the night.
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Aragorn emerged from the side study, his mind reeling with the conversation he had just held. Theoden had offered his help to the rebel cause, and had told Aragorn the details of the treaty he wished to draw up with Legolas the next day…a treaty that would ally Rohan to the Elves, and would help the Rebellion free their kinsmen…he had to find Legolas and let him know…
He explored through the whole hall, and though he found many drunken men, he did not find Legolas. He wandered out of the hall and onto the large veranda, and looked up at the clear and rather cold sky. After a moment he sighed and turned to go back inside…Legolas had probably already gone to their room…
His chain of thoughts was broken when he heard low laughter, laughter that was very familiar to his ears.
He turned and saw Legolas sitting on the edge of the veranda with Eowyn, smiling and laughing. Aragorn smiled as well. He was glad to see he was making friends of the humans in this land…he would need their friendship in the coming days.
He approached the pair quietly, bent down next to Eowyn, and tapped her shoulder lightly. She jumped slightly, and turned to see who wanted her attention…she saw Aragorn and smiled.
"Oh, hello my lord…she said softly, and beckoned him closer to her. "Legolas got into a drinking contest…you might want to take him back to your rooms." Aragorn's eyes went wide for a moment then looked at Legolas who was smiling placidly at him.
"I thinks it is time you came to the room Legolas," he said softly. "It is very late."
"Of course. I am feeling rather tired." He said rising with grace…but just not enough of it. Aragorn nearly laughed. The poor Elf did not even appear drunk by human standards, but by Elven ones…he was intoxicated.
Aragorn gave Eowyn an appreciative smile and placed his hand on Legolas's shoulder. They managed to make it back inside, and through the dining hall without incident, but as soon as they entered the hall Legolas stumbled slightly, laughing as he did. Aragorn steadied him for a moment before he heard Legolas muttering something in Elvish.
"What are you saying?" he asked, practically dragging him down the hall now.
Legolas just laugh slightly again, holding his head in his hands.
"Amin hiraetha. Amin autien rath."I'm sorry.I'm going to bed.He muttered and tried to push away from Aragorn, but it was a feeble attempt. "By the Valar…" he muttered, and Aragorn stopped for a moment, letting Legolas rest…
After a few moments, Aragorn just scooped Legolas up and carried him the rest of the way to their room. Once inside he gently lowered Legolas onto the bed. He sighed and sat at the other end, leaning up against the wall of the alcove in which it was set. He closed his eyes for a few moments, enjoying the quiet of their rooms, when a soft hand fluttered over his cheek. He opened his eyes to see Legolas stretched out facing him, in a half sitting half laid down position.
"I just wanted to thank you for coming out to get me Aragorn. I don't know if I would have made it back in otherwise."
Aragorn just smiled and brushed a few loose strands of blonde hair from his face. "Think nothing of it." He said, gazed into Legolas's eyes…he felt he could live the rest of his life, just staring into those eyes…
Legolas leaned into his hand for a moment, before kissing his palm, and edging nearer to him. Aragorn just watched him, enjoying the feeling of his lithe body coming close to his…
Legolas slid his hand up his chest, stopping just before his collarbone, and using it as leverage, pushed himself up and pressed his mouth into Aragorn's. Aragorn was wide eyed with momentary shock, before loosing himself in the beauty of the moment. He could feel the bittersweet flavor of the ale underneath Legolas's own sweet taste.
Aragorn felt a sudden surge of desire come over him, and let him kiss him, pulling him closer as he did. Legolas pulled away for a moment, and slid on top of Aragorn, straddling his hips. He sat on him like this for a moment, just looking at Aragorn. He loved the way those crystal Blue eyes looked at him…He grabbed his arms and pulled him closer, kissing Legolas again…his tongue glided over Legolas's lips, begging him for entrance, which he quickly granted. Aragorn began exploring every inch of his lover's mouth, every perfect detail. Suddenly Legolas's tongue was battling with his, battling for dominance. Aragorn won the battle, deepening his kiss and drawing a soft moan of satisfaction from Legolas. Aragorn pulled away for a moment, taking a deep breath as he did. His fingers went to the fastenings on Legolas's tunic, and he expertly untied them.
He began to push back the shoulder of Legolas's tunic, revealing the creamy skin beneath. Aragorn pulled the shoulder towards him and kissed it, sending a shiver down Legolas's spine. He kissed up his neck, gradually making his way back to his mouth. Aragorn pulled him closer, then rolled both of them over, so he was on top. He felt Legolas wrap his arms around his neck; pulling him down to him…Aragorn felt his desire growing, and the lust of the moment driving him…
Aragorn sat bolt upright, pushing away from Legolas almost as fast as he could.
"No…" he said, still slightly gasping for air, "This isn't right…"
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Legolas felt his heart drop like a stone. Had he done something wrong? He sat up, his shirt falling almost completely off as he did.
"Aragorn, what is wrong? Did I do some thing…?"
"No. You did nothing…it's just that…"
Legolas pulled closer to him, his blue eyes glistening with the beginnings of tears.
"Just what?" he asked, dreading the answer.
Aragorn looked up at him, then took a gentle hold on his chin and pulled him closer.
"I don't think we are ready. I want our first time to be for love, not lust, nor drunken desire. I feel as if we might regret this action later."
Legolas held his eyes for a moment, then dropped his gaze, turning slightly away from Aragorn as he did.
"You're right."
He felt Aragorn's arms wrap around him, but he didn't respond to the touch. He just wanted to be left alone for now, so he could sort out his thoughts.
Aragorn seemed to sense this, and with a light kiss on his neck, got up and crossed to the couch on the other side of the room, where he settled, seemingly falling asleep after a few moments. Legolas sat and watched him sleep for a moment, and forced himself to stifle a sob. He wiped his face with his sleeve, which had slid over his hand, trying to stem the tears, but they just kept coming. He didn't really know why, Aragorn had given him a wonderful reason to decline…but still the tears came. He lay down and rolled over, his back to Aragorn and let his tears flow freely, a feeling of hopelessness overcoming him.
Across the room, Aragorn listened to him cry himself to sleep.
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So? Yay? Nay? Or Foggy?