Author's note: Thank you for you continue to read my story. Some real things are going to happen in the next chapter so stay tuned. ;)
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The Sun hasn't risen up yet but Legolas was already in the stable, saddling his horse. He shuddered slightly when another wave of cold wind blew and lifted silver locks that were hanging down his back. Tips of his pointed ears became faintly rose for they were exposed to the morning frost and Legolas rubbed them gently.
Legolas wrapped a dark green cloak around his shoulders and breathed out and vapor came out of his mouth but he felt mere tickles on his exposed skin comparing to Bjarte who was shivering like a leaf in the Fall.
Legolas throw one gentle look at the boy who was, despite the morning frost, standing in front of the inn and holding his horse by the reins, ready to go.
The elf turned around to his horse to take his quiver off the saddle and put it on his back. His bow was laid on the ground.
In that moment, he heard someone approaching. At first he thought it must be Bjarte or maybe Aragorn, but footsteps of this person were too heavy to be Aragorn's and too slow for Bjarte's normal way of walking. Right leg was being dragged a bit across the ground. Legolas stilled his fingers on the quiver and looked in front of himself, not breathing.
"Do you need some help with the horse?"- Karnil asked carefully and coughed. He stared at the long, blond hair.
Legolas needed few minutes. Then, with no emotions, he went back to his work.
"No."- his voice was hard as stone and his lips formed a straight, thin line.
"I know who you are.. I heard that there is an elf in the inn, so I concluded.."- Karnil almost whispered after moments of strict silence that was pierced only with fast pulling of the straps on the horse. Legolas stilled himself for a moment but then again he started.
"And? What are you going to do now when you know who I am?"- he asked in less than interested tone although his fingers started to tremble.
"Legolas.."- the man said but he realized that he didn't know how to continue. He made few daring steps towards the Elf but then he stood, waiting for some signs.
Legolas straightened his back up when he sensed the man's moving but he showed no other reaction.
"Your leg.. Is it because of the frost?"- he asked suddenly and remembered how he used to warm his master's frozen feet.
Karnil blinked.
"Y-yes.."- he said in confusion.
"It must be hard to work with an aching leg."- Legolas said thoughtfully and caressed the horse's mane.
"It is."- Karnil nodded in response and took another step. Of course it was him, he still remembered the light hair his slave possessed. Like a silver.
"Good. Now you know what kind of pain your slaves had to endure."- Legolas whispered in trembling voice and grasped the mane between his fingers.
"They were only slaves, Legolas.. Some are born free, some are not. It is not my fault."- Karnil said firmly and took another step. Legolas almost felt his warm breath on his neck. He shuddered with disgust and slowly, with his fingers, he pulled one arrow out, holding it by its sharp feathers.
"You have learnt nothing, Karnil, nothing. You were born free, weren't you? And look at yourself now. Asking your slave if he is cold."- Legolas hissed through his clenched teeth and grasped thin arrow tighter, pulling it up.
Karnil frowned but he had stopped himself before he raised his hand. Instead to strike, he carefully landed it down. Legolas' eyes went wide in surprise and he moved his head aside so he could slightly see Karnil.
Silence lasted few heartbeats. Karnil slowly landed his palm between the elf's shoulder blades. When he felt soft hair under his palm, he smiled with relief.
After that, everything had happened too fast for Karnil's human senses. He only felt loss of the softness beneath his palm.
Something very hard lashed over his face and he felt burning pain across his nose and lips. He yelped in surprise but before he could pull himself together, one hand was wrapped around his neck, holding him mercilessly. He was pushed back and he hissed through his teeth when his aching leg started to burn within this cruel treatment. His back were roughly pushed against a wooden column in the stable and the hand was gone. He grabbed his burning nose when tears of pain started to fall down his sunken cheeks. Something warm and wet started to leak down his tightly pressed fingers.
He opened his mouth to shout but no voice came out when Karnil sensed sharp metal tightly pressed on his adam's apple. The man slowly opened his eyes and stared.
The Elf was standing in front of him, with no sign of stress or discomfort on his face that was peaceful, cold. He was deadly still and everything except of his eyes seemed lifeless. His eyes were aflame.
Karnil lowered his gaze down and looked at the arrow that was pressed on his throat with its steel, sharp peak. It was held but the elven confident hand.
The man laughed in confusion and tried to move but instead he hissed and his eyes grew wide when he felt rising pressure on his throat.
"What are you doing?"- he asked in shocked voice and grasped the wooden column and he shifted his neck up when steel started to dig deeper into his skin.
"Your arrogance surprises, but if you think that I am not capable of cutting your larynx into two, then I can prove you wrong."- Legolas whispered as he was staring straight into dark eyes of the human, finding only fear. But Legolas didn't see what he wanted. He didn't see regret.
Karnil sucked the air in and whimpered. He tried to be as still as it was possible. Even swallowing was a risk.
Legolas felt both hate and rage growing in his chest as he remembered the faces of slaves that were forced to obey. He started to push the arrow through Karnil's flesh.
The man desperately winced and almost shouted in agony but it was gone. He stopped breathing.
Legolas gasped when one calloused hand covered his eyes and slightly pulled him back, pressing him against the broad, warm chest. He saw nothing but the touch was familiar. The elf parted his lips and slowly breathed out. Another hand carefully touched his waist and moved up his side so he felt small tickles on his skin. The hand continued to travel over his shoulder and down his stretched arm that was holding the arrow.
So warm but rough fingers caressed his closed fist. Legolas shuddered a bit and moved his head aside, only to feel sharp stubble under his soft lips. He made a painful grimace and breathed out with a sweet feeling in his chest that started to drown the rage down. Familiar and calming scent of leather filled his nostrils and he gave a trembling smile. Fingers crept inside his loosened grip.
"Aye, my little Leaf, come here.."- whispered words by hoarse voice and heated breath that touched his face stained Legolas' cheeks and nose in red. He started to blush as he felt deep shivers down his spine. He offered his lips willingly, guiding his blinded head towards the stubble, eager to feel the man's skin in his mouth. He swallowed hard and his own saliva seemed to be too hot.
Another wave of warmness was poured on his exposed neck and he started to shiver. Fingers in his palm grabbed the arrow.
Before Legolas could gain his mind back, his arm was lowered down by Aragorn's that was wrapped around it. Down and down, till it was pressed on his side, its steel peak pointed at the ground. The Elf nuzzled Aragorn's chin with his shaped nose, forgetting about the arrow. It fell down on the ground.
Aragorn was glaring at Karnil's bloody face, feeling Legolas' breath on his cheeks. Lithe body started to arch in his embrace but his hand stayed firmly over Legolas' face.
Aragorn's eyes were cold, dangerous. Silent Karnil was looking in horror at him and he jerked when he heard how the arrow fell down but he didn't dare to move. The man distracted the Elf fully but Karnil was chained to the gaze of steel eyes as if they were piercing him same like the arrow did. Aragorn was mad.
"Leave before I change my mind."- Aragorn quietly uttered as he moved his hand up and caressed sensitive ears so Legolas heard nothing for he trembled and pressed his lips on the man's throat, eager to turn around and hug him.
Karnil nodded his head rapidly but his legs wouldn't listen. The elf grasped the man's palm and tried to drag it down his face.
"Aragorn.."- Legolas whispered and started to pull the hand down. The man narrowed his eyes at Karnil. Pure warning was written all over his face.
Karnil took one careful step, not leaving Aragorn's eyes, keeping his voice down when his broken nose started to crease his face. Legolas hissed in frustration and put both palms over the man's on his face, determined to remove it.
Karnil jumped and ran, dragging his sick leg across the ground, eager to abandon the stable. He put a hand over his injured throat as he was waddling in order to get to the front door.
"Ooohhh.."- Legolas moaned when his neck was attacked by the man's wet mouth. The hand was removed and he was able to see. He noticed Karnil's absence straightaway but he paid no attention. Instead he entwined his lean fingers in Aragorn's dark hair and threw his head back.
"I know why.. you are.. doing this!"- the elf panted and bit his lower lip when his neck was released but only to have his ears enveloped with heated breath.
His earlobe was gently bitten.
"Karnil.. you hav- mmmphh."- Legolas tried to speak but his hair was yanked from behind and he felt Aragorn's rough mouth over his own. He desperately moaned but his lips started to move immediately, together with the man's, trying to keep his pace and endure this passionate kiss.
The way is started, the same way it ended. Aragorn stopped all of suden and Legolas gasped for the air. Rough palm was wrapped around his swan-like neck and pressed him gently. The elf instinctively grasped it with his fingers but he his back were already firmly pressed against the man's chest. Aragorn pressed his cheek against the elf's and breathed out.
"Never again, Legolas. Promise me."- he whispered and the elf sensed anger in his words.
"What?"- Legolas asked and stilled himself in the man's embrace. Fingers on his neck twitched.
"This was reckless. Promise me that you won't do such thing ever again."- his voice was quiet and his breathing was completely normal.
Legolas blinked in confusion.
"I.."- he started but Aragorn took a frustrated sigh.
"Legolas, there are many people in the yard. Can you even imagine what a chaos would be formed if you have actually killed him? You would have been taken to the local elder who has a full right to punish you any way he wants. Besides, you are an elf. An Elf who is miles away from his original homeland, killing humans. They wouldn't wait to hear anything you have to say."- Aragorn was hissing.
"But Aragorn.."- the elf started with fierce but Aragorn shook his head.
"We are not in Gondor, my love. I do enjoy respect here, but my will and laws don't reach this land. This land is a land of Rohan. It is their home, we are only guests. And I would have an elf who killed an innocent man and a necromancer with myself. How long do you think they would wait to call this a conspiracy? And if I don't respect their laws in their land, how can I ask from them to respect mine in Gondor?"- the man was explaining with care, although he was burning with anger.
"An innocent man! How do you.."- Legolas started to shout but there was a hand over his mouth. He desperately tried to free himself, but Aragorn, despite his raw elven strength, had much more experience so he easily secured the struggling elf.
"He is innocent in their eyes. What would you tell? That he was your master who used to beat his slaves? And what master doesn't do it?"- Aragorn asked desperately and hugged Legolas who was struggling with all of his might.
"I don't want to lose you, Legolas. Don't dirt your hands, not yet."- he was whispering while he was caressing silver hair. Legolas shouted in his hand.
"I would die and kill for you, but I wouldn't let you to expose yourself to an unnecessary risk."- the man stated and finally freed the elf. He gasped for the air but either way he turned around to face Aragorn.
"You cannot protect me from everything!"- he hissed and threw his hands in the air.
"But I can protect you from yourself, meleth."- Aragorn said calmly and his eyes melted.
"Only because you are afraid I can cause you troubles, not because you care what can happen to me!"- Legolas raised his voice, aflame by the thought he had Karnil in front of his eyes and he was able to take his revenge. But now he had nothing. He forgot that this whole journey was because of him and a part of his mind knew that Aragorn didn't deserve his rage but he couldn't restrain himself.
Visible trace of pain sailed across the ranger's eyes but he nodded his head in understanding.
"You have to learn to control your hate, Legolas. Patience is what had kept me alive through all these years. One day you will take your revenge, but not today. And tell me, what would you do after you kill him? Hide his corpse like a murderer? You are better than that"- the man said in gentle tone and Legolas blushed in embarrassment, knowing that Aragorn was right about this, but too disappointed to admit it.
"Stop acting to me like I am an elfing!"- Legolas warned but Aragorn only shook his head.
"Then stop acting like one."- and Legolas lost his senses.
"Aragorn, I am not one of your subjects who is ready to swallow every word of yours. You are neither my master nor my king. You are my lover and I expect from you to talk and act to me like we are equal."- the elf uttered in serious tone.
"I haven't stopped you because I thought I had the right to rule you but because I wanted to keep you out of problems."- his eyes were sincere, same like his words.
Legolas sighed.
"And then how I will learn to live if not from my mistakes.."- he mumbled.
"Legolas, I am.."- the man started when he sensed that Legolas wasn't angry anymore, but hurted.
"You are right, I could have put all of us in a trouble by killing Karnil. I am sorry. But leave me alone for some time, Aragorn, please."- he whispered and headed towards his horse. He took the bow from the ground and put it on his back.
"I hope I am capable and mature enough to use a bow the right way."- he spoke bitterly for himself and the man gazed at his back with pain.
"That is not what I meant.."- he said in low tone when Legolas passed by him, leading his horse.
When Legolas wanted to go out without a word, Aragorn pulled him by his hand and turned him around. The elf only sighed and looked him in the eyes.
"Past is past. Don't ruin your future because of it. Karnil is not worth it. If you take his life you won't bring your bitter years back and turn them into joyful ones. I know what I am talking about for I have seen it many times and felt it on my skin too- revenge brings only temporary satisfaction but your pain continues to live on."- he said in quiet voice and caressed Legolas' face only with the look in his eyes.
"And what is your solution? Let him live without any punishment?"- the elf said with no emotion in his voice.
"Did you see his face? His life? You really think he is not punished already?"- Aragorn gave a weak smile- "But I cannot know how you feel about this. If you want his life then you shall get it but not today. I can take it instead of you, if that is your wish. You just need to be patient. Many miles we have to walk and troubles are not needed now. Besides, winter is coming. Believe me, you don't want to be anyone's prisoner in Rohan at such times."
Legolas lowered his gaze.
"Past is past, you say.. Yet I see how your eyes lose their glow and how you lose yourself in your thoughts. I had seen it before we abandoned the palace. Something is troubling you but you keep silent. Since when have you stopped telling me things?"- the elf suddenly lifted his gaze and stared at the stunned man. His hand fell down Legolas' arm.
No word was spoken. They were only staring at each other. Legolas bitterly smiled.
"Then stop telling me to forget about my past when you are drowning in memories."- he spoke quietly and walked outside, leaving Aragorn alone.
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Everyone were quiet as they moved on with their journey. Bjarte was silent for he was sleepy and Legolas for he felt ashamed of his thoughtless movement. Aragorn gave him solitude as he wanted but it didn't help at all. He was staring at the man's back, regretting his words but he knew that it was the only way to finally discover the reason to Aragorn's silent sorrow that was with him since they have abandoned Gondor.
The elf was too lost in his own struggles that he didn't notice absence of Devon's servant. No one did. No one except Devon. The necromancer knew where he was and that didn't worry him.
If he thought he was wrong when he felt someone's presence in the forest... Devon was quiet too, but he was lost in his silent chants, carefully tracking moving figures that were obviously following them. He couldn't discover yet what or who they were but one thing was sure- they were just like him, filled with black magic.
He looked at Aragorn and wodered how long will it take the ranger to notice them too. Not too long. And the elf.. Stressed as he was, for now he wasn't able to sense the presence of any other thing that was filled with black blood except of Devon.
The necromancer frowned and started to speak forbbiden words and make a small circle around three riders, protecting them from intruders. That was all he could do when the light is nearly gone. For now.
Once again, he studied Legolas' lifeless face and smiled. The main reason to his depression should be gone before the first night arrives. And he was right.
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Drowned in the river, Karnil's corpse was floating on the surface, waiting to become food for wild animals or for some big fish. His murderer hurried to get to his master as fast as possible.