CHAPTER 10 (for 2010)

Its waAAAaaYYY been long since my last update! O.O''

I'm soo hoping you still remeber the story from the start! :D

Anyways please read and enjoy! And like usual I'm begging apologies for the mistaKes xD

As soon as Aragorn reached the tent, he crossed the distance toward his man-made-bed and sat carelessly- leaning both his elbows on his knees. He took a big breath and hissed after sometime. The anger he was feeling was too much to be contained. He felt like cursing, felt like throwing things around, he really did not mind going to Gondor under any circumstances- but having Rohimnūn rubbed the reality to his face was more than he was prepared to stand. No- it wasn't Rohimnun's fault, it was the truth that crushed him more. All his life he had always been protected by his parents, his Peredhil brothers, Lord Elrond, Halbarad, and now even Legolas. Legolas was the one he should be protecting and not the other way around; Legolas whose life maybe put into danger because of him. And with Rohimnūn around, Aragorn knew he could never lower his defenses.

Putting his head in his right hand, Aragorn released a heated swear. Just thinking of Rohimnūn makes him want o puke. Did he really make people think he was too weak to fight those that hunt him and so they decided it was upon them to make all the risky act? Was he such a fool not to act and save himself from any danger that threatened his life? At that very moment Aragorn wished his brothers were there. Elladan and Elrohir may probably be one of those in first line to protect him, but at least they would not stop him from doing things at his own risk. For them, experience is the most important thing in a battle and that, Aragorn knew, was the best choice he would be having. Even if it meant risking his identity in the open.

Aragorn had his head bow with his eyes on the floor. He was so preoccupied he did not notice the presence of another being inside the tent. Only when he saw a pair of feet in his line of vision did he realize that Legolas was with him.

"That was hasty." The Elf commented through solemn voice, "How could you let Rohimnūn blind your decision?"

"And what would you have me do?" asked the man and the sudden anger rising from his voice made Legolas heart leap. "Are you suggesting for me to stay put while Gondor is being attacked?"

"I did not mean that," said the Elf with calmly, though admittedly shaken at how Aragorn was addressing him now, "But you should have considered the situation. You are not the only capable captain in this area. You could have let someone else-"

Before Legolas could finish his sentence, Aragorn had stood up and faced him with silent rage in his grey eyes.

"Someone else?" he repeated in fury that left Legolas speechless, "Like who? Rohimnūn? You would have preferred him over me?" Their faces were so close Legolas could feel the heat of the man's red face. Aragorn had stepped too close to him but the Elf stood his ground. He was distracted though, that he looked away quickly which sent a wrong message to the man.

"You would have chosen him over me? Is that it?"

"Calm down," Legolas whispered, knowing that somehow their conversation had nothing to do with the current situation, "This is not the time to get jealous!"

Aragorn surveyed Legolas with an unreadable expression and Legolas thought the man was going to laugh but he was wrong. Aragorn stepped backward and said rather meanly, "Why would I get jealous over something so insignificant? You are my servant. You are already mine."

It was as if hot liquid was poured slowly to Legolas as he stared blankly at the man. Aragorn turned his back on him and sat down on his bed, still unable to think about the things he had said. There was a pain that touched Legolas but he could not figure out where it was poking. Silence filled them as he starred at Aragorn and Aragorn kept his head down in his palms.

When it was apparent that the man had nothing else to say, Legolas broke the silence by clearing his throat and saying in a hoarse voice, "Of course…. I am merely a possession to you. Forgive me I forgot. Is there anything else you would want me to do for you? Perhaps wash your toes? Sleep with you?"

"Leave me alone." was the cold reply.

Legolas held back tears that started to swell his eyes. He pursed his lips and stood up straight before giving a small bow and leaving slowly. Aragorn made no gesture to follow him.

The first thing Aragorn remembered when he woke up the next morning was the echo of his own voice in his dream that cried "Leave me alone". To whom did he say it? He blinked in his sleep and tried to remember whose face it was he last saw before drifting to his lonely dream. The fair face of his beloved Elf crossed his mind and everything he said flooded back to his memory; it made him jerk up in a hurry. He nearly scrambled out of his bed when at the far end of the room, he noticed, was the Elven being sleeping in a corner. Aragorn blinked several times to make sure he wasn't seeing things. Legolas was there, curled in the corner with the blanket covering up to his shoulders. He looked so peaceful youmay think nothing bad had happened. Aragorn's heart pounded so hard, it threatened to burst out...the fact relieved him: Why didn't Legolas leave him despite the things he said? And why does it feel like he would prefer for Legolas to go away all of a sudden? It was funny, but the thought scared the man.

He mouthed the Elf's name soundlessly as he straightened himself out of bed. As if to hear his master approaching, Legolas opened his eyes slowly and caught Aragorn looking at him with keen eyes. The two starred at one another quietly before Legolas stretched out.

"You're awake." the Elf whispered, straightening himself from the corner and dusting his clothes. Aragorn watched him not knowing what to say. Outside it was still dark but Aragorn knew it was already the break of dawn. Last night's event was something he could not easily forget; he remembered the exact words he said and could not find it in him to forgive himself. He watched the Elf whose skin shone in the midst of darkness with his tongue tied. For some reason a prickle of something he could not identify was poking his chest. Something was making him annoyed and Aragorn hated the feeling. How can he be annoyed by looking at his fair Elf?

"Get our things prepared, we'll be on a journey today. " Aragorn was surprised at the coldness of his own voice. No- this wasn't the way he was suppose to be talking to Legolas! He should apologize! Legolas nodded without question; the elf had taken notice of Aragorn's cold aura and the awkwardness that was filling them. He knew it was a bad sign.

"Have you taken enough rest?" he asked softly, bending down and picking up the blanket he had use with his left hand.

Aragorn did not answer, which he found a little bit amusing and unbelievable, instead he crossed the the tent towards the entrance, leaving Legolas staring after him in surprise and sadness. Unknown to Aragorn, who was now outside and cursing himself for being silly, something in Legolas' heart was already forming, something when not healed quickly will become a big turning point in the future. And The Heir of Isildur is indifferent of this matter.

"Aragorn."

Aragorn looked up from where he was standing at the mouth of his tent. The man calling him was Halbarad and by how gloomy the Second in Commad looked he was upset about something.

"Quel amrun," Aragorn greeted Halbarad quietly while looking slightly at the tent, "You are not here to scold me, my friend?"

"No, I'm not anymore." said Halbarad slightly frowning, "I've come to warn you though, of the evil that you may encounter along the way, I believe you are aware, shall not only take the form of a stinking Orc. It is a very dangerous journey- no I'm not treating you as a child-" Halbarad added the words impatiently when Aragorn made to answer, "But I am advising you not to use your name 'Aragorn'. 'Strider' will do as long as you keep your identity hidden. You can even use 'Estel' as much as you want."

"I am not the 'Estel' anymore." Aragorn injected looking sullen, "You said you would not treat me as a child and yet you wanted me to use the name I used as a child?"

"Come now, Aragorn, what's with the name?" asked Halbarad sounding exasperated and tired.

"You tell me." Aragorn responded, straightening up and looking at the tent again. Halbarad dismissed the younger captain's impolite answer and focused his attention to the place where Aragorn was looking. It was not his nature to interfere with others business but it was of pure curiosity that he asked: "Ah, is Legolas awake now?" remembering how happy Aragorn had been the other day. "I suppose he will be joining you in your journey. How lucky you are-"

"Are the rangers prepared?" Aragorn hastily asked, walking some distance from Halbarad, "I do not want this journey to be delayed anymore."

"They are ready when you are." answered Halbarad in a matter of fact tone, not forgetting the way how Aragorn had changed the subject. "Is something wrong?"

Aragorn raised his eyes to the older man and slightly shook his head. "I am ready to go. Inform them."

Halbarad was about to open his mouth but then decided for the better of it. He gazed at the young man in front of him and thought of a small child who had suddenly loss his way. A person who doesn't know the direction he was going. When this crossed Halbarad's mind he automatically wished he was wrong. He nodded after awhile and left, feeling something was definitely out of hand with the Chieftain.

Aragorn stood his ground without moving with his eyes at the sky. Halbarad left. Legolas did not come out; Aragorn found himself relieved. The sudden anger that filled him every time Legolas was around was puzzling him. He could not understand the reason...maybe there was no reason at all... Did he really love the Elf? If so then why feel this way? As if he wanted nothing but the see Legolas farther away from him?

Slowly the morning rays started to fill the dark place and after a few moment the sun had finally reveal itself to the creatures that awaited its shining glory. Aragorn saw its beauty and wished he was somewhere peaceful. He wished his life was not about battle and killings and treachery. It's not the first time in his life that he wished he was just an ordinary man or maybe even an Elf. Closing his eyes, he breathed slowly. He would deal with Legolas when he felt like it...but not now... right now he wants to be alone...

Legolas looked silently at the crawling spider up his leg. He was sitting alone in the table and waiting for his Master to come out of the tent. The rangers were all ready; some are already in their horses, some polishing their swords. The rangers they were bringing were very few. It did not even pass the count of twenty but they all looked they can do battle any moment. Aragorn was changing in his quarters and Legolas felt the sickening feeling of loneliness. As a servant he was oblige to help him change- that he was sure of! But Aragorn practically ordered him to leave the quaters despite his willingness to help. What was wrong with Aragorn? He's been acting weird since their last encounter. He came back that night despite of the crushed feeling he had! He thought Aragorn was just exhausted and needed some rest. But why until now it was like the man was a totally different person? And why did it feel like he was pushing me away? Legolas wanted to cry out loud.

Burying all the feelings inside him, Legolas decided to give it out as a sigh.

"At least I'm still with him." he whispered as the bright side. How pathetic, he added silently.

Legolas' thoughts were pushed at the back of his head when silence filled the palce and Aragon finally came out of his quarters looking as dangerous as Legolas had seen him back when they had first met. The Elf could not deny forbidding feeling he sensed, nor could the other rangers. Just seeing him like this was enough to make the enemies knees' tremble. It made Legolas' whole body tremble at how the color black suited the man. The attraction he was feeling became hard to bear when Aragorn started to command the rangers like a real leader. It was captivating.

The Elf realized he was drawn too much by Aragorn. He blushed and shook his head, closing his eyes in the process. He heard a loud badump badump somewhere and thought it was a terrible noise, only to realize the beating of his heart was making it. The Elf lost his composure as he realized what was happening. He immediately turn around to leave when he accidentally bumped into someone's chest.

"I am sorry," he mumbled, still red in the face and not looking up.

"Careful there." said the familiar voice of Rohimnūn who caught Legolas in his hands, "Are you alright?"

"Rohimnūn? Ah, its you." Legolas said carelessly, blinking up at the man, "Forgive me, I didn't notice you."

"I assumed you didn't." Rohimnūn agreed while watching the elf. "Are you sick? Your face is bright red."

At this Legolas blushed even more and wriggled away from the man's clutches. "I'm fine." he muttered uncomfortably,

Rohimnūn watched him then cleared his throat. The Elf looked so attractive to him it amused him he was willing to let go of the latter's shoulder. Before he could forget his purpose and get lost in the Elf's beauty, Rohimnūn shook his head and said:

"I came to apologize, it seemed that we have a heated argument last night."

Legolas looked at the man uncertainly; he had forgotten about that.

"Apologize?"

"Yes," nodded Rohimnūn, bowing a little, "I did not mean any harm but I was merely thinking of the Kingdom I left behind. It's surprising how this little reasons could bring out the worst from all people."

"Yes..." Legolas agreed, thinking of the another person, "It certainly is surprising..."

Rohimnūn brightened at the Elf's word and offered him his right hand. He wasn't ready to lose him yet.

"So we are friends again?"

Legolas nodded and held the man's hand. "I'm sorry if I said some rude things last night."

"Worry not. Words are not important for me but your friendship." Rohimnūn said pulling the Elf's slender hands up and planting a kiss on it.

A terrible electricity suddenly shocked Legolas' body and he immediately pulled his hands from the man's touch. He felt a familiar sharp gaze was watching him and the elf turned expectantly to where Aragorn was standing but the man was not looking his way.

I wonder what he would have felt if he saw that.... He wanted to know.

In front of him Rohimnūn was smiling.

"I wold love to be in this journey with you." he declared fondly.

"That would be enough," said Legolas kindly, "Remember we are still going to a battle..."

"Then your presence is my source of strength."

Legolas felt himself blush again. What?

"Uh yes..." was all he manage to say.

Rohimnūn bowed and leave, Legolas wished he was seeing things when he thought the man walked away with springs on his feet. When Rohimnūn was gone Legolas found himself sighing in relief. It had been sometime since someone had declared an all-obvious feeling for him. The thought of Aragorn crossed his mind and quickly he decided to erase the unexplainable feeling he was having. It was not right to be unfaithful- yet a voice was saying at the back of his mind- are you still his lover? Or now again the servant?

Whatever the answer was, Legolas hoped it was never the latter.

After a few moments the twenty so ranger where gathered in front of their Captain who was looking fiercely at everyone. He was silent for sometimeand even Halbarad was afraid to break the silence. It was just a moment ago when Aragorn was calm and wise about his troupe and yet for some reason the Captain had turned silent and emitted a deadly aura enough to kill even the Ruler of Mordor. What could have possibly happened?

Then Aragorn glared. Everyone stood up straight.

"All of you-" he shouted "We are together in this journey from now on- Until death!!!"

"AYE!!"

"Until DEATH!!"

"AYE!"

"UNTIL DEATH!!"

"AYE!!!"

There was aloud cheer from the rangers and Aragorn breathed heavily, his hands closed into a fist. What he had witnessed awhile ago between Legolas and that despicable Rohimnūn was too much to contain another unexplainable anger inside him.

"LE'S GO!" he shouted furiously and led the way out from their camp withoutglancing at Legolas who was just right behind him in his own white horse and to Halbarad who stood worriedly back at the camp and thinking of the Chieftain's swaying mood.

"Aye, Estel.... and you dare tell to me you are not a child when you are acting like one?"

His hopes were that whatever it was that was bothering the chieftain, must be solve quickly and hope it would not be too late.

~~~~~~TO BE CONTINUED~~~~~~~~

That's all I can come up so far! ^.^

The Journey to Gondor is coming~at last! ^^''

Thanks for reading~!

UNTIL THE NEXT CHAPTERS!