Chapter 5

NOTE: Must remind the readers that this is a slash fic. If you do not approve of the pairing then I must suggest you navigate for another story. Thank you. A fact we must not forget: Aragorn is Strider.

Begging your pardon for the mistakes! Enjoy!

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Strider and Legolas had set off from the dingy pub after another hour of stay after collecting themselves from the past event. They have decided to continue their way up the Northern Mountains where the camp of the Rangers was located in order to avoid getting caught up with the darkness of night and the dangers of creatures that lurk in the dark. Legolas had been quiet all the way for he was worried that someone might recognize him, let alone reveal his true identity as the Prince of Mirkwood. He had been straining himself if he should tell Strider his affair but whenever he turns to look at the man his tongue would stick to its place and make him unable to utter a word. He does not know how Strider would react to his would-be-revelation but he knew once the truth is out- his 'little adventure' with the man will stop. Truth be told, he was very attach to his Master, something about the man was making him feel different that no one in his Kingdom could give. Be it gratitude or fondness or love- he does not know. All he wanted was to spend a little bit more time with the man and know him further, see what kind of future he leads and follow him to all ends as a companion or a servant even if Strider does not treat him as one.

Legolas sighed. Strider would not be angry if he revealed the truth, but there's no way Strider would let his reason for running away be left out. He would ask. And there was no chance of Legolas revealing the truth. It was shameful! It was unforgivable that he allowed his life to be wasted in the hands of his capturer. He wouldn't tell a soul. Not even his Master.

Strider was humming contentedly as he gaze around the familiar surrounding of trees and feeling the warmth of the sun enveloping his cold body from his drink last night when he heard the Elf, who was right beside him heaved a very long deep sigh. He raised his eyebrows at him and asked rather steadily, "What is the matter? Are you tired?"

Legolas instantly looked up and shook his head.

"No, no I am fine Aragorn… do not mind me…"

"Your words contradict your appearance." Strider noted, raising his good hand to touch the Elf's pale cheek and pulling his horse into a halt. Legolas felt the touch and felt its warmth, like a relieving feeling, he felt relaxed. He shook his head after a moment and smiled up at the man who suddenly turned the shade of red when their eyes made contact at the very close pace.

"I am truly feeling well now," Legolas offered, ignoring the man's quick pull of his hand and his abrupt face toward another direction, "Your hand is a blessing, Aragorn, I am truly grateful for your concern."

Strider smiled, hesitating to look at the elf. He cleared his throat twice as if something was congesting his throat. His heart leaped at the sudden close contact and had curse himself for being so over reactive. He did not expect Legolas to be so close- he was concerned about his well being- but he must admit it was the most perfect view of the Elf- so close…

They ride on for what looked like another hour, with Strider relaxing gradually and soon they were engage in another conversation about the rangers of the north. Strider told Legolas some of their most outrageous plan from before and it horrified Legolas to some extent for it includes falling down cliffs, falling down mountains, falling down water, captured by Orcs, hunted by wargs, ambushed by goblins and many other sort of activities that Legolas never expected a group of men to do without the aid of Elves.

"Do you not consider the danger of every situation?" asked Legolas once Strider had stopped talking to draw in some breaths, "Do you not see how very near you are to death?"

"We do," Strider said in a solemn tone as he stared ahead of him, and Legolas wondered if something was wrong for the man's eyes clouded suddenly. "We are well aware of the dangers, but there will never be a way we would let our people die in the hands of these dark creatures. They cannot fight but we can. It is about saving many lives not saving one's life."

The lithe Elf closed his mouth and as he stared fixedly at the man he was reminded of his own people and to what length he was ready to go in order to protect them. Strider was no different to him- the safety of everyone else less themselves…so who looks after them instead?

"We are here." came Strider's voice and Legolas lifted his head up to see a hill of tents in front of them, put in yards together as if it was a town for ordinary people; but for ordinary people it was not once you see those who reside the area: all in black, grey and green clad, from hair to boots, from the hilt of their swords to their very shields, these Rangers of the North proved to be astounding and intimidating at one look, clearly full of experience from how they look, walk and carry themselves as they stride from here to there.

"They'll be ringing their bells and Halbarad will be wringing my neck..." muttered Strider under his breath as they come closer. Legolas threw him a quick look and was about to ask what the man meant when someone far ahead shouted at the top of his lungs:

"THE CHIEF HAS RETURNED!"

"Aye," murmured Strider faintly but Legolas' keen hearing was able to hear it and he frowned.

"What is the matter?" he instantaneously asked but Strider merely shook his head and said, "If they start attacking do not do anything."

"What?" exclaimed the Elf in bewilderment as he pulled the rein of his horse into a stop.

Men in grey and green equipments and black cloaks started pouring out from every direction and Legolas felt uneasiness that he squared his shoulders when they gathered around them.

"Aragorn," came the Elf's voice and Strider noticed the way it shook. He glanced at his elven companion before looking back at his people with a frown in his face.

"Aragorn- what are you doing here?" asked a man from the crowd of rangers as they stared up at the man and the Elf.

"You should not be here, captain!" said another voice from the crowd of unnamed rangers for Legolas but they meant less to him when he heard them. Aragorn should not be here? Why?

"ARAGORN!"

Strider glanced at the broad man that was coming their way from the back of the rangers. Legolas sensed as Aragorn eased down and he surveyed who was coming: it was a tall man with the same grey eyes as that of Strider but he looked much older and wiser. He walked briskly toward them with most of the rangers stoop aside to give him way. Strider slid down his horse and Legolas did the same; when his light feet touched the ground he swiftly moved beside Strider and waited for the coming man to reach them.

"Mae Govannen, Halbarad," bowed Strider and Legolas did the same.

The man surveyed Strider with a crease eyebrows and demanded,

"What do you suppose you are doing here in this land, Aragorn? Have you lost your mind that you would risk your life openly to those who hunt you?"

"I came in peace." said Aragorn in his calmed and well mannered voice, staring at the man in front of him with determination in his eyes and Halbarad gritted his teeth.

"Does Lord Elrond know that you are here?"

Aragorn raised his head and half glaring at Legolas he shook his head with a draw out of breath. Legolas stared from the ranger to the other with almost a puzzled look. Something was wrong, he could tell. When Halbarad looked at him he returned the gaze with the same intense.

"Who is he?" Halbarad asked indicating his head to Legolas but with the notion of respect.

"He is my companion." said Aragorn quickly-

"Did Lord Elrond send him with you-?"

"He did." cut in Legolas quickly before Aragorn could answer. Aragorn glared at him but Legolas did not heed as he continued to respond, "I am his protector."

"Indeed?" said Halbarad in what seemed like a relieved tone. Legolas exchanged looks with Aragorn and they both stared at one another in accusation. There was a murmur among the crowd and Halbarad continued out, "Well then, that is good… An Elf as a protector is what you need."

Aragorn closed his mouth shut and threw Legolas a deep look. Legolas in turn, threw him a look back and as the rangers gathered around started to withdraw away, the Elf turned to the man with his most daring look.

"What is wrong?"

"Later." hissed Aragorn as Halbarad indicated for them to follow him and they were welcomed almost quickly by the Rangers of the North. Halbarad lead Aragorn and Legolas to Aragron's quarters where he allowed the two some rest.

"We will be talking again, Aragorn," said Halbarad unhappily, "And do expect a little bit of ale tonight, the men did miss you after all."

Aragorn nodded once and Halbarad left with a small bow to Legolas. Once they were alone, the elf raised from where he sat and asked, "What is going on? Who hunts you?"

The man gave him a long look before drawing out a small sigh, "Just some enemies you encounter who keeps grudge against you. But it does not matter."

"Lord Elrond is unaware of your whereabouts?" asked Legolas with slight consternation.

Aragorn nodded. There was a pause.

"Those men who attacked you at Bree-?"

"Yes."

Legolas nodded.

"Why did you not tell me?" he asked.

Another pause.

"It is something you should not bother yourself so." answered the man quietly.

"But I am your servant! I ought to know!" Legolas reasoned with a dejected look in his eyes, "How will I manage to help you if you are not confiding these matters to me?"

Aragorn paced around the tent with a disquiet stance until he dropped himself into a nearby chair and spoke in a strong voice,

"Those who hunt me are more than what you expect Legolas…not only men but creatures of darkness are after me," he shook his head, "I do not need protection, I can manage myself very well."

"Then what do you want with me if I am not to fulfill my duties as your protector?"

Aragorn lifted his head up and caught the confuse eyes of the Elf in front of him. He stared at him for a moment, watching him from where he sat , studying his features and then smiled. Legolas, who was confused already, stared back at him in disbelief.

"Aragorn-"

"Be by my side."

Legolas' eyes rounded and his heart skipped a beat. The man continued to look at him with meaningful eyes and the Elf became conscious of himself. Aragorn was looking at him with such hope that Legolas felt he would shy away from his Master's earnest eyes. He bent his head down and looked away.

"Is that all you want?" he asked rather softly.

Aragorn nodded with a gentle look in his eyes and Legolas was silenced and the two of them became quiet for the rest of their peaceful time.

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Barrels of ale were produced at the feast that was arranged for the arrival of the two companions that night and there were loud laughs and singing from the mighty rangers who have found a reason to celebrate such a peaceful night.

Aragorn sat with Halbarad and some of the rangers who have serious business amidst the happiness of the night. Accordingly to what Halbarad had promised, he placed Aragorn beside him to clarify some important matters, not least of all was the fact that Aragorn was there- outside the safety borders of Imladris, under the protection of the Elf Lord.

"I cannot believe how strong headed you are, Aragorn. Lord Elrond himself had agreed that it is dangerous for you to wander away."

"Ada was also the one who taught me the importance of taking responsibilities of my actions," hissed Aragorn as he took one mug of the ale in front of him, "He taught me 'choices' and 'decisions' and this is what I have decided. I do not question your intention but I am against keeping myself in seclusion if it means safety! I will not hide again!"

Halbarad shook his head despairingly and took a gulp of his ale. Aragorn glared at him and then sighed. If this is how your companions would welcome you…Aye… what is there left to do but to rebel?

His eyes lingered on his mug for a moment but it travelled up the crowd and searched for someone he was longing to see for the whole night. It did not take him long to find him for he was a beauty that stands among all men, a light that was easily found among the dark features of his companions.

Legolas was sitting with some of the rangers, listening closely to their stories that were shared, laughing merely every time a joke was passed on and giving his little opinions if asked. He was invited there, that was what Aragorn assumed and he knew Legolas- who must have been uncertain- had agreed nonetheless to not make the rangers feel neglected. He knew his companions were also longing for the Elf's attention, and if not, even affection. He saw how they looked at him: mesmerize, struck, longing, loving… blessed they were to have such a breathtaking sight beside them and Aragorn was taken by gladness, just staring at him from a far.

"Your companion is loved by the crowd." observed Halbarad as he gazed at to where Aragorn was looking, "Elves, indeed, are a blessing to us men."

"Yes…yes he is…" agreed Aragorn quietly with a small smile his eyes not leaving Legolas.

"Do you not get jealous?"

Aragorn's eyes caught the man's and he blurted out in a dignified manner.

"Jealous? I? I shouldn't think so!" and he shook his head whilst glancing back to the group of rangers where his splendor was sitting. "Why would I be?"

"I know you well enough, captain," said Halbarad with a knowing look and Aragorn was spared some teasing when somebody came up to talk to the second in command. Aragorn turned his attention to where the Elf was again in time to see him stood up. Excitement flooded Aragorn as he saw Legolas bid the gentlemen a good bye. There was an uproar from his companions and Aragorn silently smiled. His Elf was being adored... Legolas smiled politely and shook his head followed by a bow. He headed for the trees and Aragorn's heart raced at the opportunity of being with him when he saw another ranger reach the Elf with a mug of ale in both hands.

Aragorn frowned deeply as he saw Legolas and the unknown ranger to him smile at one another and the man lead the elf among the trees.

Something roared loudly from Aragorn's chest and it was raging with anger and madness. He wanted to run after them but was stopped by a hand that jolted him back to where he sat.

"Aragorn?" it was Halbarad.

"Tell me," came Aragorn's scornful voice, "Do we have new rangers in this area?"

Halbarad turned at him and nodded.

"We have but one."

"Who is he?"

"Rohimnūn." said Halbarad, "He is from Southern Gondor…"

"Rohimnūn." repeated Aragorn his eyes following the features that of Legolas and the man who made their way in isolation.

Aragorn's whole body stiffened and his eyes narrowed as a new found adversary, more than the dark lord himself, threatened his heart.

~TBC~