Disclaimer: I do not own LotR.
Warnings: Slash, A/L! Don't like? Don't read. Do not flame!
This is in no way an OC/Legolas fic.
Amazing, huh? Finally a multi-chaptered fic! I had a hard time writing period, but I think I have finally gotten past that. I've been writing a lot recently so that's good news. n.n Now that I have no more school and have graduated (yay!) I have a lot more time.
This would have been posted sooner, but I wanted more than one chapter done and I was unsure of posting it. I wanted to make sure I had everything right. I didn't know if I wanted to leave the title as it is either. I figured I just needed to get on with it, though. I've had this chapter ready to go for quite some time now and have a few chapters done. n.n
Hope you enjoy; let me know what ya think!
Jealousy Wrought
Chapter One: Watching Changes
Light brown eyes like the color of freshly carved wood watched the two, the unlikely pair, from his spot on a bench.
The longer he watched them, the way Legolas' face would light up with laughter, his bright, crystal blue eyes twinkle with mirth and his eyes, they would darken. He was jealous but thought it was justified. The human was taking away his best friend!
Indeed, he had invited the golden-haired prince out there for an archery game—anything to get him away from the clinging human. They used to practice their skill against each other all the time; of course Legolas had always had the upper-hand, even if he was the younger one.
However, he could not escape the ever-present human as it seemed Legolas could not go anywhere without him.
He clenched his fist, the nails digging into the smooth skin. It wasn't only friendship he was after and he knew this. He couldn't help it either.
Legolas and Estel stopped in front of him, both smiling warmly. Inwardly, he took a deep breath, calming his nerves. He was fine. It didn't matter if the man was always there, or so he tried to convince himself. He shook free his tight fist and smiled back, the friendly façade back in its rightful place.
"Good afternoon, Eildan," Legolas said, followed by Estel.
Eildan returned the greeting and then they were on their way. He couldn't help but note that Estel also had his bow and quiver. He might as well admit it now: the human was going to join in on their game; whether he liked it or not. It was obvious from the moment he had seen him with Legolas. With him there, there was no way he would get Legolas to himself.
Sure enough, the human did just that. What was even more irritating was that the man was just as good—if not better—than him. Of course, they were no competition for Legolas. The young elf just had a knack for archery and always had.
Needless to say, Eildan was in no better mood at the end than when he had first seen Estel come his way. He kept his frustration in check still… hard though that was.
When they finished it was time for the evening meal. Eildan didn't go to the meals with Legolas that often, for he had his own duties to attend to. Fortunately, this time he could join in, with Legolas' invitation, of course.
The meal had been uneventful and Eildan had been able to continue his act. Besides, with King Thranduil in his presence he wouldn't dare do anything.
Afterwards, Eildan did have to return to his duties, much to his great dislike. He bowed respectively, to both his king and prince, thanking them. Then he left, nodding towards Estel, smiling. Had to keep it up.
Over the next few days, Eildan noticed a change in Estel's behavior, the glances he would send Legolas' way while the blonde wasn't looking, the warm smiles—warmer than any he'd ever seen!—the playful way he would hang all over him.
They were closer than ever and acting almost as if… No. He had to stop that thought.
Then, one night, his fears were confirmed.
He had been on his way to his chambers to retrieve something he needed. He saw Legolas embracing Estel, a warm, content smile gracing his beautiful features as if something he had been wanting for a lifetime—perhaps two—had finally happened. The blue eyes were closed in tranquility; whatever had been disturbing him before had all but disappeared, leaving no traces.
Eildan felt his anger rise, his jealousy gripping him tightly and he clenched his fist, forcing himself to not do something rash, something he would regret.
Estel moved his head slightly and whispered something into the gracefully tipped ear, the warm breath causing a chill to creep down Legolas' spine. Elven ears were sensitive; everyone knew this.
All this Eildan watched as if in a trance until he suddenly turned and punched the wall next to him, unable to stop himself in his anger, jealousy, frustration, hatred, and the cloud of scattered emotions hovering over his unsure form, venting these through violence.
He didn't feel the pain or care that it bled as he breathed deeply to try and calm himself, for he couldn't allow anyone to see him in this state. It would ruin everything.
His earlier thoughts must have been true: Legolas and Estel had become lovers. All appearances pointed towards that. Usually he wasn't one for assumptions, but this was hard to deny. One had confessed; by the looks of it, it had been the human who had done so.
He had been too late.
Sending one last look at the two, he forced himself to turn away and go to his chambers.
He would find a way. No doubt about that. He would.
The next morning Legolas knocked on the door to Eildan's chambers.
The elder elf soon opened it, his left hand behind his back, but Legolas didn't notice this, he was happy to see his friend.
Eildan didn't invite the prince inside since he didn't trust himself. If he had him alone in his chambers…
It didn't seem like he needed to, though, for Legolas made no move and, instead, asked a question, "Will you join us for a ride?"
He and Estel had decided that the day was perfect for riding their horses in the nearby forest, especially since his father had given him a break from his duties to do so. He couldn't pass up this opportunity.
Eildan stared at Legolas at first, thinking if he should go or not.
'Us.' That meant the human would be with. Well, he couldn't let the two have alone time, now could he?
He found himself somewhat surprised that they had actually invited him along and he had to wonder which of them suggested it; surely not Estel.
The guard smiled warmly, deceivingly and nodded. "I would be glad to." It was a good thing he didn't have to go to his post for a couple days
He went back into his chambers and grabbed his sword and bow, just in case, along with other needed items. Thing were getting more dangerous, after all.
He noticed Legolas had both his bow and twin knives as well.
Sure enough, after that they went straight to Estel's chambers. For some reason they must have thought having Legolas go alone to get him would be best. It must have been Estel, for, as much as he didn't like the human, he had to admit that he was very perceptive, which was probably also a bad thing.
"Eildan," Legolas gasped, "what's wrong with your hand?"
At first the brown-eyed elf merely blinked in confusion, not making the connection so lost he was in his thoughts.
They were now in the stables, his hand stopped on his horse's grey hide.
Looking at his hand, he mentally slapped himself. He was trying to hide that from them!
"Oh. This?" he said laughingly, trying to play it off. "Nothing; just carelessness on my part. Do not worry yourself over it." He kept his tone light, reassuring, hoping that neither would question any further. With how caring Legolas was, he actually expected him to pry more, to want to know exactly what had happened.
He was shocked when no such inquires were made.
Legolas had picked up on the feeling that Eildan didn't wish to reveal anything else; while it was suspicious—especially to Estel—he had let it go. It would heal soon, after all, since he obviously had the healing abilities granted to elves. Still, he did have to wonder what had happened, Eildan was not clumsy.
Estel had watched the exchange with narrowed eyes and had noticed the slight panic that had shown briefly in the light brown eyes.
When Legolas let it go, however, he did the same, more resolved than ever to keep his eyes on the elder elf.
They set out from there, Eildan in the lead, followed by Legolas and Estel. The human wasn't sure if he should be leading, but what choice did he have? He wasn't about to voice his doubts of Legolas' old friend, and with no proof for his accusations. He sincerely hoped that his thoughts were wrong, for he didn't want any harm to come to either Eildan or Legolas. If Eildan were to betray the archer, it would deeply affect him; for a long time.
…………
The three had ridden far and long, the sun now setting, sinking in the sky, the rays showing brightly through the orange-tinged leaves. They had given their horses few rests since they had been so excited and caught up in the wind blowing through their hair, the rush of riding, of the relaxation, that time meant nothing. It felt wonderful—to all of them.
Luckily, Legolas' father had given him the rest of that day and the following to do as he wished; riding was a perfect choice, for he loved it.
Legolas went out to collect firewood. Night was falling and it would be cold; Estel needed the heat. Besides that, they had to cook whatever Estel caught. Eildan had stayed behind to set out their bedrolls and to keep an eye on their camp, to make sure nothing else was around.
Legolas gasped when he suddenly felt strong arms wrap around his waist from behind. How had he not heard the footsteps?
"You really should be aware out here," the voice, while appearing solemn, was laced with playfulness.
He had to agree with him, though: he should have been completely aware of his surroundings. He supposed he was getting too relaxed—not a good idea when one was out in a forest growing ever-darker.
Estel saw the frown that had replaced the light smile and he kissed the tip of the sensitive ear, sending a chill down the archer's spine. "Worry not," he quietly assured. "Just please be more careful." The last thing he wanted was for Legolas to be injured out here (or anywhere).
Not knowing what to say, Legolas breathed deeply and leaned back into Estel. The man rested his chin on the shoulder covered in golden waves.
Soon, however, they stood apart, knowing they couldn't very well leave Eildan by himself.
Legolas turned towards Estel and pulled him closer, kissing him as he pressed their bodies together.
At first, Estel was taken aback by the abruptness, but soon closed his eyes and returned it, wrapping an arm around the slim waist as he tangled his fingers in the golden hair while Legolas deepened the kiss.
The two pulled apart, breathing heavily, blue locked with grey.
Legolas smirked as they parted and walked away in search of firewood.
Estel shook his head, chuckling lightly and then resumed his own task.
Eildan found himself fiddling with the grass as he waited, wondering what was taking the two so long, and not really wanting to think about it. This was why he had wanted to go get the firewood, or hunt, but they had insisted and he didn't want either to become suspicious—or more so, in Estel's case.
He whipped his head up when he heard footsteps, light footsteps; obviously Legolas'.
"Sorry," the prince said once he got close enough, dumping the pile of branches where Eildan had prepared a spot.
The elder elf waved it off, although he was having a hard time resisting the urge to pull the younger elf close.
Legolas suddenly kneeled in front of Eildan, much to the brown-eyed elf's surprise.
The archer took a hold of his friend's hand and softly said, "Let me take a look." He wanted to make sure it was healing correctly since he had noticed the way Eildan tried to not use it.
The elder elf froze and his heart quickened its pace as Legolas' slender fingers gently unwrapped the bandage. The deft fingers then ghosted over his skin causing him to shiver, closing his eyes.
"What did you do?" the concerned voice questioned, breaking him away from his thoughts, which was probably for the best. "It looks pretty bad."
"N-nothing," he stuttered, inwardly smacking himself. What was he getting so worked up over? Legolas was a very caring elf who would do this for anyone. Oh, but how he longed to touch…
Eildan jumped when he felt the warm hand wrap around his, carefully feeling it. Even though the injury was still tender, he noticed nothing but the smooth feel of Legolas' hand and the gentleness he showed.
The archer looked up at him curiously when he startled, but didn't inquire; Eildan would have been at a loss for that one.
He watched Legolas' face, the concern and concentration covering his features; the frown on his lips…
Suddenly, Eildan pulled his hand back, surprising the young elf trying to help.
"Eildan?" he asked softly, puzzled.
"I told you it's nothing to worry about. I can handle it," the elder elf replied somewhat coolly, shocked at the tone himself. He just needed to stop the caring touches before they drove him mad.
Legolas' frown deepened. What's gotten into him? he couldn't help but wonder. Eildan was acting strangely again; more so than recently.
The archer reached into his bag and pulled out some fresh bandages. "Here then," he offered, holding them out for his friend.
Eildan took them gratefully. "Hannon le," he responded. Then, he lowered his head, the white strips still in his outstretched hand as he calmed down. "Forgive me. I know not what came over me."
Legolas shook his head, indicating that their was no need for anything else to be said.
He took the hand in his again and Eildan shifted his gaze away, staring off to the side, refusing to look at the young elf.
Minutes later, Estel finally returned with his kill.
He stood there for a moment, looking back and forth between the two, for it seemed as though he had interrupted. However, Legolas turned to him and smiled warmly as he tied off the bandage and stood.
"I shall start the fire," the archer suggested after a moment. It should have already been going and ready for the meat, but they had gotten distracted.
Soon, they had the fire crackling; the meat cooking (Estel taking care of this part). Besides the usual night sounds and the fire, there was only silence.
Every once in a while, the human would look over at the two friends, who sat close to each other. He couldn't help but notice the change in Eildan: he avoided looking at Legolas the whole time, like his stare would turn him to stone.
Estel inwardly sighed. Why did he have such a bad feeling?
This fic, believe it or not, is taken from a dream I actually had one night. Yes, it really did have the LotR characters, though the pairing was different. I switched it cuz I didn't like it. It was Frodo/Pippin, with Aragorn being Eildan. Odd how I dreamt of a pairing I don't like that much, lol. It amused me far too much. Now, of course, I've changed some things so we shall see how well this goes, especially since I had the dream forever ago and only remember bits and pieces, which is a shame. ;-;
Btw, Eildan is nowhere even close to being the main character. The next chapter will have more of a focus on Legolas and Aragorn. I just had it this way so you could get into Eildan's head, 'kay? So don't hold that against the fic if that's the problem. n.n Again, this is in no way an OC/Legolas fic. I promise. I would never do that.
But… there's chapter one. Do ya like it, hate it? Think I should have kept it as a dream, keeping it only to myself? …Actually, I did tell one person. xD Oh, and don't worry, it will definitely pick up. n.n Anyway, let me know what ya think! Please and thank you. n.n
Ja ne