CHAPTER 12
WARNING: See... this is a SLASH ok?
Just a reminder. I don't want to be killed by the end of the chapter!
About the title.... oh well- up to you to decide what it means till the last scroll of the page :)
And uh...have I told you its romance too?
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"Damn," muttered Rohimnūn, after confirming another dead body of a ranger lying face down on the ground.
So much help these fellows can do for Gondor, he thought scathingly.
He looked around the battlefield and shook his head in disgust. The destroyed bodies of the Urukhais were being piled down to be burned. On the other side, bodies of fallen rangers were being buried to pay respect.
"Rohimnūn," called a voice and Rohimnūn turned to see the young messenger from Gondor approaching him. This was the last messenger who came to Eriador and brought the ill news from Gondor.
"How many dead bodies have you count?" Rohimnūn asked at once when they stood facing each other.
The young man whose name was Hienir, looked at the body behind Rohimnūn and answered, "Seven of the rangers are dead. Five are wounded... Some of the horses were also slayed to death."
Rohimnūn frowned. Out of the twenty Northern Rangers, seven had fallen and five out of shape for battle.
He gritted his teeth in fury.
They haven't even reached Rohan and their number had already become this few. What kind of training did that damned Aragorn gave his men?
Rohimnūn snapped his attention back to Hienir as though remembering something important all of a sudden.
"Where's the Chieftain?"
Hienir's head turned toward the trees to indicate his answer.
"He's wounded too," and upon seeing the grimace on Rohimnūn's face he quickly added, "But worry not, the elf is taking after him."
Rohimnūn wanted to raise his eyebrows but decided to answer with a grunt, "Take care of those wounded rangers."
And turning towards the trees where Aragorn and Legolas were, Rohimnūn walked thinking to himself.
They should not be left together... Not when my chance is growing...
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Legolas dabbed gently on Aragorn's open wound.
They were taking shelter under a big oak tree with Aragorn's back facing the Elf. The Chieftain's upper dress was remove due to the long gash he received from an attack while fighting in battle.
Legolas was trying so hard to concentrate on the wound but he found it a difficult task. This was the first time in days that they were alone and truth be told he didn't know how to handle the situation.
Aragorn wasn't helping. The man was adamant. Not even a single sigh could be heard from him.
Is he serious about keeping this silence...? thought Legolas slowly.
In his deep thought he accidentally jabbed too hard on Aragorn's wound that made the man wince.
"What was that about?" Aragorn exclaimed, turning to the elf suddenly.
"I'm sorry," whispered Legolas quickly, his face jerking up to see Aragorn.
They both looked at the same time that caused their faces to almost hit each other but through reflex they both stopped dead facing each other. It was a close call. Their noses almost touched at how close they became and Legolas' thought his heart would jump out of place for this sudden position.
The nostalgic scent of the man made the elf forgot everything around him. Their eyes locked and Legolas felt the grey eyes were drawing him closer...Aragorn bent down a little... Legolas' lips were waiting...
Their sharp ears suddenly identified footsteps coming closer and the spell between them broke.
Aragorn sharply pulled his head away while Legolas lowered his face on the ground. A moment later, Rohimnūn appeared from the trees looking grim. He saw Aragorn half naked and Legolas...well, beautiful as ever...
"Aragorn!" he nearly barked, "You should go and see your men. The casualty is huge. You have to form them."
"You do not have to tell me." Aragorn answered in the same grim voice. He grabbed his upper dress and stood up to leave.
Legolas was too overwhelmed by what had almost been a kissed that he nearly missed the exchange of words between the men. It took him awhile before the words register and when it did, he quickly stood up to object.
"Wait- you're wounded, Aragorn!"
Aragorn dismissed the Elf's concern and walked straight to where Rohimnūn stood. He stopped in front of the Gondorian with their eyes leveled and cold.
"You're on my way." Aragorn said simply.
Rohimnūn tilted his head a little to the left.
"The Elf is right," he said casually with a glint of mockery, "You are wounded, Captain."
Aragorn's eyes flashed.
"Mind your own business." he snapped fiercely, banging his shoulders against Rohimnūn's chest and walking pass him without looking back.
I'm being left behind, the thought struck Legolas.
"Aragorn!" he called with a hint of plea in his voice.
There it was again... Aragorn's broad back was against him once more. He couldn't take it!
No! I don't want to be left alone by you anymore! Please! Let me stay with you!
He wanted to shout it out loud but he was overcome by despair.
Rohimnūn watched as Legolas struggled to speak, his eyes reflecting rejection and fear. Slowly the elf closed his eyes and his body limped in surrender.
That fool man... Rohimnūn thought to himself, smiling all the same.
He made to reach for the miserable elf with one thought in his mind- He's mine!
His hands almost touched the tips of Legolas' shoulders when-
"Legolas!"
Legolas' eyes shot open at hearing Aragorn's voice calling his name. He looked up his master and saw the man looking at him with raised eyebrows.
"What are you doing still standing there for? Come quick. We're going to see the rangers."
The heavy feeling of despair and sadness instantly vanished from the Elf's heart and without saying a word he lifted his feet and sprang toward Aragorn with a mixture of happiness and relief. The two walked away and vanished from view, leaving Rohimnūn standing on his own.
The Gondorian did not say anything but his whole body was shaking in silent rage, his teeth grinding in deathly fury.
He was so close on having Legolas all for his own! It's all because of that damned Aragorn!
He cannot accept this- NO!
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Legolas silently followed Aragorn.
He was a step behind him but he did not mind. He will never mind anything as long as he was with this man, that he knew.
Aragorn stopped and Legolas did the same before he could bump on his back.
They stood in silence. Legolas' heart started to race.
"Aragorn-?"
Aragorn, who had his dress on, glanced back to him and offered him his right hand.
Legolas looked at the hand quizzically then up to his master.
"What-?"
"Give me your hand." Aragorn said quietly with his eyes not leaving the Elf's blue ones.
Legolas blinked then slowly reached his left hand to the man.
The hands made contact and Aragorn immediately closed his grip on the lithe hands and continued walking.
Legolas was surprised by how Aragorn was holding his hand. It was a firm and gentle grip. Without words being spoken, the Elf understood what the man wanted to say. It was clear, so clear that it made his heart go wild.
This warm hand was holding him once again. The message was so clear.
Aragorn was also thinking of the same thing as well.
I'm not letting you go. Not anymore.
And as he made this resolved, it was Legolas who pulled him into a stop.
The man looked back- surprise at the sudden jolt. He saw Legolas standing there- looking up at him through watery eyes.
A bolt of shock struck Aragorn.
"What's the problem-?" he blurted out in panic. Did he do something again?
"Oh.. I don't know what the problem is but I hurt all over..." Legolas said in a hush voice, shutting his eyes close making his tears slid down his cheeks. "I hurt so much it's making me cry...I can't even believe what's happening..."
Aragorn watched the elf helplessly and felt ashamed. Legolas' tears continued to flow and his body started to shake. Aragorn hesitated to hold him.
"I'm sorry..." he muttered, lost for words. "I did not mean-"
Legolas tried to wipe away his tears but it continued to roll down his cheeks.
Aragorn was struck by how sincere the tears were. He had been struck by swords too many times but the pain it caused was nothing compared to the pain this scene was giving him.
It was all his fault...
He took a step toward the shaking elf and embraced him finally.
It was a tight embrace. A warm feeling enveloped them both. The pain they had slowly started to vanish...
Legolas knew he was not the type of elf to cry but with everything happening around him so suddenly and the fact that his beloved person was involved, he was not ashamed that he did.
Weakness overwhelmed his body after the shed of tears but the strong arms holding him were enough to support his body.
With a long sigh that released him from his burdened heart, Legolas broke free from Aragorn's arms and wiped his cheeks.
"Forgive me," he nearly chuckled after seeing the man's damp chest.
The man shook his head but did not say anything. In reality, he really did not know what to say...or if there is anything to be said...
Legolas took another deep sigh and looked up at the man.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked amused, "Did I really look bad while crying?"
Aragorn shook his head slowly.
"Then why are you so quiet?"
Aragorn did not answer but looked away instead.
It was for a fleeting moment but Legolas was sure he saw fear clouding upon the man's eyes. It scared him.
"Aragorn!" he called so suddenly, stepping close to the man who was surprised at the sudden call that he jerked his head back in alarm.
Their lips met.
It was for a swift moment but both felt the electrifying feeling they always share whenever they kiss. It ended but their eyes remained locked.
"You're such a fool..." Legolas whispered in a worried tone. Fear... He had never saw Aragorn show fear to anyone except to him...
Aragorn blinked. The kiss seemed to awake his senses. He smiled.
"I suppose I am... I love you."
The elf's eyes went round followed by a blush.
His red face caused Aragorn to chuckle and plant another quick kiss on his lips.
"Then don't leave me again." Legolas uttered sounding serious.
"I won't...Not again..." promised the Chieftain and the two drew closer to share a passionate kiss.
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Rohimnūn gazed at the remaining men who stared back at him in serious exchange.
The night had started to roll and the dead bodies of the rangers had already been buried.
"You're comrades died in vain." Rohimnūn started once again, "If we did not take this route like I had suggested to your so-called-captain then none of this may have happened. Thanks to your captain's stubbornness we are now facing a sure death among our enemies."
The rangers looked at each other in doubt. Rohimnūn saw it and seize the opportunity.
"How do you suggest to fight your way among the deadly armies of Mordor? An instant death?"
The rangers whispered among themselves, looking uncertain about what to believe.
Yes...It's a war after all... Let them have war...
Let Aragorn have war on his own...
"What's going on here?" Aragorn's voice broke the murmurs among the rangers. They all looked at him as he and Legolas approached the group. Nobody answered his question so Aragorn was left to turn his attention to Rohimnūn with a raise eyebrow.
"What's the matter?" he repeated, noticing the suspicious glances of his men from the corner of his eyes.
Rohimnūn looked at him. A gloating look.
"Count your rangers. Tell me how many are going to survive this troupe?"
"Survive this troupe?" repeated Aragorn with a frown forming on his face. Behind him Legolas stood on one side, watching. "What do you mean survive this troupe? This is a battle till death. Nobody is expected to come out alive."
"You seemed to talk so light about death." countered Rohimnūn who had become annoyed all of a sudden, "Can't you see the point? Your rangers died in a battle that could have been prevented if you had listened to my advice! Their death was your choice!"
"My choice? I don't think I share your limited point of view..." Aragorn closed the matter with a fierce look to Rohimnūn and a side glance to his Men. Surprisingly, they were looking at him doubtfully.
"There you go again, acting adamant about important matters." Rohimnūn continued as Aragorn turned his back on him, "'Share limited point of view,' you say? Tell me, since when had anyone ever shared whatever it was that was running through your mind? Between the two of us, who doesn't see the point? You know well our chances of surviving this travel was to go through the course of Eregion and passing through the lands of Lorien! But you insisted this way and looked how we ended! I see no reason for anyone to follow such an irresponsible leader as you are."
Legolas pursed his lips. Rohimnūn, enough! He wanted to shout but Aragorn eyed him not to. He remained watching Aragorn and for a moment he thought the man was going to attack Rohimnūn out of anger. The Chieftain's fist were closed tightly with a very dark look on his face.
Silence passed and Aragorn did not moved.
Rohimnūn snorted. He whipped around and turned on his heels, leaving the rangers to gawk after him. Slowly, the remaining rangers stood up too and headed on the other direction in silence.
Aragorn remained standing there, immobilized and silent.
Legolas did not hesitate to approach him. In a gently tone he called his name.
"Aragorn..." he reached to touch the man's cheeks, "Hey..."
"Do you think I was wrong to lead us here?" the man's voice was hushed.
Legolas knew what to say about that one.
"No... I think you made the right choice..." was his sincere answer. It was a good idea of Rohimnūn to think that they'd be able to pass Lorien... but that sacred place...Legolas doubted anyone could get even get out there alive.
"That twisted fellow..." muttered Aragorn looking up to meet Legolas' eyes, "He's making this difficult for me... I just know it..."
"But why would he?" Legolas asked in a soft voice, his palms never leaving the man's cheeks, "He doesn't have a reason to do so... He knows how critical it is for Gondor..."
"He had a reason..." said Aragorn, holding Legolas hands and sliding it on his lips, "You."
The Elf's eyes reflected surprise.
"Why-?"
"He loves you." muttered Aragorn, his eyes flashing as he stared directly on his elf, "He wants you and he will do anything to get rid of me just to have you..."
Legolas fell speechless. How could Aragorn think of such a thing?
"I know you are surprised," continued Aragorn, leaning down closer to the elf with the tips of their noses touching, "But I know well how a man's heart works... Believe me, envy and revenge can push us to do the most wicked things..."
"Hush..." cut in Legolas frowning, "Do not say such things.... you are a man but you are different from them..."
Aragorn shook his head, his serious eyes never leaving the elf's.
"You cannot imagine the things I wanted to do with you right now... Only men are that wicked..."
Legolas turned the bright shade of red at hearing this.
So Aragorn was thinking of doing other things to him...Like? More than a kiss perhaps?
His heart started to race at the prospect.
"You're blushing." commented Aragorn.
Legolas looked at him and saw the mirth present on the man's eyes.
"You're playing me!" he accused with a smile.
"Ah... you are too serious..." Aragorn winked at him and giving him a quick kiss, the man moved away, scratching the top of his head.
Legolas exhaled in relief but his face remained red. Watching the man walk away with the familiar back facing him.
That Aragorn...how cheeky...
"Just for the record," called the man, looking back to him quietly, "I'm not playing with you."
Baddump... Legolas swore his heart just jumped out of his chest.
"Now come..." said Aragorn after a while, "Let us give respect to our fallen comrades..."
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Rohimnūn was standing alone under the moon with his arms locked on his chest, his feature agitated.
It was not enough...what he was doing was not enough...
It was clear- clear as this moon above- that Legolas and that trash was getting along once more.
All of a sudden his chance was pulled back to nothing.
It angered him.
How long did he have to wait to get his hands on Legolas? When was the right time to act and take what he wanted?
His insides were burning and longing for the beautiful being- He wanted nothing but to have the elf on his arms!
Taking a very deep intake of breath he bit his lower lip and stared up the sky dully.
He will think of something. Anything as long as Legolas becomes his.
It will be nasty... Legolas would not approved of it... but it was too late.
He, Rohimnūn, had waited too long. It was time to take everything by force.
With or without Legolas' blessing they will be together.
And anyone on the way will just have to vanish.
Not even if he is the future King of Gondor.
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Aragorn watched the men slowly pack their things to get ready for the journey the next thing in the morning.
He stood by his horse, which miraculously survived the even last night. He continued on watching the men with leveled eyes
Thirteen left including himself...Seven of the Northern Rangers remained on good condition but the other five left were all supporting an injury. That night had been a serious blow on his group.
He watched for another moment until everyone seemed ready. The rangers all had the same look of uncertainty. Thanks to Rohimnūn.
Legolas approached Aragorn, pulling his own white steed. He was looking at Aragorn with a frown on his face.
"I feel too much anxiousness and doubt..." he told Aragorn with a sigh. "You can't have a group like this Aragorn."
Aragorn nodded and he shifted his eyes back to the rangers. It was time.
"Alright!" he called loudly. The men stood to listen but nobody looked the Chieftain in the eye.
"We are continuing now, everyone will follow me to the lands of Rohan. Is that understood?"
There was only a silent agreement.
Aragorn hated Rohimnūn for this. His eyes searched for the despicable man and saw the Gondorian looking not on his way but to Legolas who was too occupied on talking to his horse.
"Legolas," he called suddenly, the urge to bark toward Rohimnūn tempting him.
Legolas looked up to him in attention.
"Let's go." the man said, sliding up his horse and watching Legolas do the same. He lead them towards the trees and the Chieftain was glad that even though they seemed reluctant, the rangers were still following him.
"Let's make a quick pace!" he ordered at them in a strong voice, "We don't have the whole day!"
And with him ahead, the other men started to catch up. The group started forward for Rohan.
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~TBC~
I can't say much except...........How was that?
This is SLASH and sooner or later we'll have THAT -.-
Don't be surprised O.O
Jaah~