CHAPTER FIVE
Disclaimer: The characters aren't mine, and neither are the locations. They all belong to J.R.R Tolkien and various affiliated companies. There is no intention of plagiarism or copyright infringement. Everyone will be returned safe and sound, with food in their bellies and smiles on their faces (:D).
A/N: I know, it's been like, months. But I kind of sort of forgot about this and then I've been really and I know, excuses, excuse, but… Oh just read it already.
Legolas had dressed and was sitting in the darkness once more, berating himself for hurting Aragorn so. He knew he had to go and apologize, make everything alright, but that would mean leaving here and showing his face. And he was so…disfigured. He didn't know if he was strong enough to do so. He thought of Aragorn and made up his mind; he had to do it. For Aragorn.
--
Arwen found Legolas hidden in an alcove, trembling fearfully.
'Mellon nin, come out of there.' She said softly.
'I cannot.' He mumbled.
'If you do not come out you will never catch up to my husband.'
Legolas looked at her, horrifies.
'M'Lady…I ask your forgiveness-'
'Shush now. You need fear no recrimination from me. I love Aragorn dearly, and he loves me, and we must, for the sake of propriety and our kingdoms be man and wife. But all along I have known his heart was not wholly mine. It hurts, yes, but it would hurt more were I to keep him from happiness. You, prince of Mirkwood, can offer him the happiness I cannot.'
Legolas stared at her, tears building.
'M'Lady…you are wise and understanding. But I fear I may have destroyed everything. I simply couldn't ask him to choose me over you…nor could I believe he would choose monstrosity over beauty.'
'Mellon nin…your beauty is great, even though you are marred. Did you not see Aragorn as he loved you? He is scarred…but is he not beautiful?'
Legolas smiled softly, ashamed of how selfish he had been.
'Where can I find him?'
'He has returned to Gondor. You hurt him deeply, but there is still time to heal. He left not long ago…surely you can catch him.'
Legolas bowed to Arwen.
'Diola lle (Thank you).' He whispered before racing off.
--
Legolas had no trouble at all finding Aragorn. In his grief the ranger wasn't exactly being quiet. Legolas watched him as he made camp, still struggling over whether or not to go to him. What Arwen had said was wise indeed…but still. He shuffled nervously. Aragorn heard the noise but didn't know what it was…nor did he care. The pain he felt at Legolas' rejection was unlike anything he had encountered. And although he loved Arwen, he knew it would never be the same. Never. He sighed, cursing the heavens for doing this to him. The shuffling sound came again and he frowned.
'Can you not just leave me to my solitude?' he called out, not caring if it were friend or foe.
'W-would you like that?' Legolas stammered.
Aragorn stood at the sound of his voice, scanning the tree-line, but he could not see the elf.
'Legolas?' he asked.
'Estel.' Came the response.
'What are you doing here?'
Legolas heard the struggle in Aragorn's voice as he tried to remain aloof and uncaring and failed, miserably. He darted from the trees and into Aragorn's arms, sobbing against his chest. After a momentary pause Aragorn's arms encircled him. They stood like that for a while, until finally Legolas' tears ran dry.
'I am sorry, Estel…' he whispered, his voice hoarse. 'Can you…ever forgive me for the pain that I have caused?'
Aragorn kissed his elf passionately, and in that moment all else was forgotten. All that mattered was their embrace, Aragorn's mouth on his.
EPILOGUE
The reign of the King and Queen of Gondor was, perhaps, the happiest the city had seen. And if you heard rumours of lusty glances and secret touches between the King and the golden elf that lived in the castle or of secret rendezvous' between the Queen and other elves, well…
A/N: Ta-da! Sorry the ending took so long. But they are happy now, see! :) And yes, Legolas is whiny about his looks, but he is just afraid. And I do believe Arwen would be that understanding, I really do.
