Chapter 15
Update! Update! :)
I hope the readers are not too shock with whatever is happening O.O
This is my favorite slash so... I'm giving it my all :D
Happy Reading! Romance is around lol~
The ride was tiring. It has been days.
But one thing was keeping the Rangers of the North moving forward. It was the fact that they have reached the land of Gondor.
The long empty plain of Gondor was wide and seemed endless for some of the Rangers but to Aragorn and Legolas keeping their attention to the destination was more important. It wasn't only them but Rohimnūn as well. The man of Gondor was riding fixed on his way with clear determination in his eyes. He was somehow riding ahead of them with his broad shoulders hunched.
Legolas couldn't help but stare at the back of the Gondorian. The fear the man had given him was still lingering on his heart. Suppose Rohimnūn was serious, would it mean they have to do something to stop him? Would it mean that Aragorn has to fight him? And must one of them really get hurt for his sake? Legolas never wanted to have Aragorn get into battle because of him. Although the thought was sweet, he would never risk Aragorn's life for such a small sensation.
He glanced unintentionally to Aragorn who was riding few inches away from him. Aragorn's eyes were fixed ahead as well. He looked fondly at the man and then stared ahead again. He hoped against all hope that this journey end smoothly… because then Aragorn would have to know about him… about his real identity…
"I can see it!" cried Rohimnun's voice from ahead and Legolas snapped in attention. "The tower! The White city! Minas tirith!"
Aragorn and the rest saw it too. Minas Tirith was built on a hill, called the Hill of Guard, right against the face of Mount Mindolluin. On its high and mighty walls stood The Great Gate. It was the main gate on the first level of the City of Minas Tirith. It was in the City Wall facing eastward across the Pelennor Fields toward the Anduin. The rangers couldn't help but gasp in wonder and awe.
"Forward!" shouted Aragorn and there was a great yell among the men. Legolas did not shout but whispered on his horse to go faster. The group sped up and reached the front of the gateway after a few more leagues. Argorn stopped his horse and the rest followed.
The Great Gate stood before them. It was made of iron and steel guarded by stone towers and bastions. Rohimnun went ahead the gate and talked to the the guards before it rolled opened for them.
"Passwords are required to enter this Gate and each of the six other gates of Minas Tirith." He informed the group before urging his horse to move forward. The others followed suit, even Aragorn did not argue with him.
The rangers silently followed the Gondorian along the lengthy stairs toward the upper levels of the City where the present Steward of Gondor resides. They had to pass a long and a circulate way before they finally reached up the last level where a White Tree was standing in the Court of the Fountain.
Aragorn stared at the White Tree and then at the fortress that stood before him. Legolas kept his eyes on the White Tree.
Rohimnūn slid down his horse and marched inside the high doors without looking back at the rangers. Aragorn looked at Legolas with a raised eyebrow and together they waited.
Hienir, the other messenger from Gondor, trotted after Rohimnūn and vanished inside the castle doors.
"That tree…" whispered Legolas to the man as he leaned a little on his shoulder, "is very old… not long and it will wither…"
Aragorn stared at the tree and nodded silently.
The doors of the castle was thrown open and an old man wearing a black heavy cloak with blue tunic inside. He was wearing a crest upon his chest of a White Tree. He was closely followed by Rohimnūn, who had his chest held up with then Hienir on his heels.
"The Steward of Gondor." Legolas heard Aragorn mutter as the man slid down from the back of his horse to the ground. The Elf did the same, keeping a close distance to the man as they watched the steward come forward.
"This is a very bad news, indeed," started the steward when he reached Aragorn and Legolas. "I did not think he would refuse, such a great man as he."
Aragorn frowned.
"What-" he started but he was cut off by the steward.
"I am Ecthelion, steward of Gondor and I am afraid I cannot do anything when it comes to physical force and battle- but I assure you, Lord Thorongil- that I can give you anything you will need to defend this city."
Aragorn continued to look confuse for the name that Ecthelion gave him did not belong to him.
"Thorongil?" he started again but the old chief of Gondor turned to Rohimnūn inquiringly.
"It is Thorongil, right, Rohimnūn?"
Aragorn met Rohimnun's eyes and the ranger saw a glint on the Gondorian's eyes.
"Yes, he is Thorongil." confirmed Rohimnun looking utterly pleased. "The Lord Aragorn could not come and help due to his personal issues and sent us Lord Thorongil instead."
"Hold on a second-!" cried Legolas looking incredulously at the Gondorians, "He is-"
Aragorn raised his right hand. The Elf stopped talking.
"What's the matter?" asked the clueless steward.
"Its nothing." muttered Aragorn while looking at Rohimnun. They glared at each other. The Elf looked at Aragorn but remained quiet while the steward told them of Gondor's present situation.
"This fortress can still stand the war but I'm afraid we wouldn't last long. Our last defenses are slowly breaking down and all we hope is to be rid of the forces of the black men attacking from the Corsairs of Umbar. We hear from a messenger they are headed for the coast as we speak They are our only trouble as of now since the swarm of goblins had stopped for some reason."
"They seemed to have turned their eyes on Rohan." Aragorn said quietly, "We fought them on our way here and destroyed them."
Ecthelion looked hopefully at Aragorn.
"With your number you are able to defeat them? Then there really is hope for this land."
"There will always be hope for Gondor if you know the right people to turn to." whispered Legolas and his icy look met that of Rohimnūn. The Gondorian stared at the Elf.
"Yes, Master Elf," agreed Ecthelion, "Though I am lost right now as to what to instruct these good people…"
"If the only problem is the forces from Umbar then I insist that you send my group and we'll destroy their forces." Aragorn offered looking grim all of a sudden. They looked at the Chieftain, even Rohimnūn couldn't help but to stare.
"But surely you will need a great number?" asked Ecthelion whilst looking behind Aragorn to the twenty or so men still riding their steeds.
"You need not worry, Lord Ecthelion," Aragorn smiled briefly at the steward, "We are the Rangers of the North who have trained for battle day and night. With the great blood of Númenórean our weariness is not the same of other Men. We are the mightiest of Men so be at peace and leave this battle to us."
Ecthelion said no more.
++++T.T.T++++
With the battle ahead, the Rangers were given a few hours to rest on the grounds of the castle. They were to depart for the coast of Gondor where the expected battle was to occur.
Aragorn was given his own quarter inside the castle and together with Legolas they rested. They were not that tired but a little peace of mind before the battle was a must for the two. Their mental and emotional need was more important after Rohimnūn's mischievous lie.
"I told you it does not matter," said Aragorn as he sat with his back on Legolas inside the room. He was sitting on a stool with his upper garment removed while Legolas was cleansing his back with a damp piece of clothing. It felt good. "Thorongil or Strider, I do not mind any names."
"But the Steward thought that you had refused to help Gondor." Legolas muttered in disapproval as he cleansed the man's back.
Aragorn let out a long heavy sigh.
"I think… he did me a favor as well…"
"Enlighten me, dearest. How?"
"If the forces of evil in this part… If what the great wizard told me was true… and if what Lord Elrond has told me as well is true, then Sauron and his minions are biding their time. If they are to find out about the existence of Isildur's heir then…" the man had stopped talking but Legolas understood.
Aragorn would be in danger.
"Halbarad would be delighted of him." Responded Legolas quietly as he soaked the piece of clothing on the basin of water beside him, "…and I might also thank him if that is so."
Aragorn rounded on the Elf suddenly that surprised the being. The basin of water toppled before them and spread its content on the floor. But Aragorn paid it no heed for he was looking at Legolas with seriousness on his grey eyes.
"Don't go near him."
Legolas was startled by the man's remarks. It seemed like an order but as the Elf gazed at those grey eyes he couldn't help but read a sort of plea reflected on them. He was overwhelmed.
Sighing, Legolas grabbed the man's head and pulled him closer into an embrace with Aragorn's head leaning on his chest.
"Why do you sound so jealous when I'm the one who should be after seeing the Lady of Rohan look at you so lovingly?"
Aragorn pulled his head and looked up at the Elf with question on his eyes. Legolas tinkled a laugh at the innocence the grey eyes wanted to convey. He reached instead for the man's cheeks. The next thing they were sharing a romantic kiss with the elf on the lead. It was a light kiss, with a smile he stopped and pulled himself from the man but it was Aragorn who pulled him back, seeking deeply for the Elf's mouth. It was another long kiss in which the Elf found himself breathless.
When Aragorn stopped their eyes met and both saw a meaning reflected on each other's eyes. Aragorn saw Legolas blush and did not hesitate to lower himself down the Elf's front.
"Aragorn," tried Legolas when the man was busy on his belt, "You should be...resting…"
"This is my kind of rest." muttered the man as he found what he was searching for and helped himself on it. "You need not do anything but stand…" added the man and he started his wonderful job.
The Elf gasped and moaned as his body started to feel the man's touch. Electricity filled his body next that made him shut his eyes close. He was getting dizzy every moment the man had him, he even felt his knees buckling beneath him.
"..stop…" he uttered with his heart racing but the man had no intention of stopping. He swallowed him whole and Legolas forgot where he was or who he was… all that mattered to him then was the man he loved and the feeling they were sharing in that private room.
++TTT.++++ +++TTT+++
Rohimnūn stood at a tower over seeing the city and the lands of Gondor. It was beautiful except for the dark clouds he could see over Mordor. It was never his favorite sight.
Sighing to himself he turned around and walked along the lane with his arms crossed across his chest. So the city had managed to fend off a number of orcs, and goblins appeared to have decided to go for Rohan. If they manage to fend off the enemies from Umbar then his land would be at peaceful again, something he wanted for so long.
Yet it also meant having Legolas go back to the Northern lands with Aragorn, something he deeply loathed. Of course the safety of his land matters first, when that is secured what would be his next step against the Chieftain of the Dúnedain? Killing him would be appealing to him. Yet does it matter that Aragorn was the son of Arathorn? The Heir of Isildur? His Lost King?
Rohimnūn paced around. It was a good idea he did not tell Ecthelion about Aragorn's real identity. The Steward would surely announce the Return of the King. No, he's not ready to serve that man. What more, not naming him as Aragorn sure disappointed the ranger. Was it enough as a revenge?
"Legolas." He muttered sighing. "You have no idea how you are hurting me…but I will not yield…"
If he was not going to yield then he would have to act.
The door opened. Rohimnun looked up and saw Aragorn and Legolas come out with their weapons on. They were followed by Ecthelion who was speaking to Aragorn. They walked till they reached the resting Rangers on the corner and Aragorn spoke to them. Rohimnūn was about to listen when his eyes fell on the Elf beside the Chieftain.
Legolas seemed to feel someone was looking at him for he glanced at Rohimnūn's direction. A longing like a fire spread fast on Rohimnūn that he held the Elf's gaze as long as he could, wanting his words to be passed through the contact. But Legolas looked away.
Gritting his teeth at the cold treatment, Rohimnūn had the sudden urge to march near the Elf and grab him. Holding the Elven body of the Elf seemed appealing to him. His longing intensified.
Then as if the heavens had granted it, Rohimnūn saw Aragorn whispering to Legolas and the Elf nodded. Aragorn was taken away by Ecthelion, probably to meet Denethor, the current chief for the safeguard of Minas tirith. Was this his chance?
He watched Legolas round on his white horse, and then to the man's excitement, saw the Elf walk back inside the castle. Like a predator on his prey, Rohimnūn followed.
The hall was empty as the man followed the Elf. It was a perfect scenery. With his eyes set, Rohimnūn saw Legolas stop on his tracks and then look at him. He was not surprise for his dear Legolas was an elf of wonder.
"Rohimnūn?" he heard the Elf say.
Rohimnun did not answer but walked near the Elf. Legolas frowned.
"Do you need something?" the Elf asked. Rohimnūn went near him until they were facing each other.
"Were you avoiding me?" he asked bluntly with his eyes looking down on the Elf's deep blue. Oh how Rohimnūn wished to make those eyes cry.
Legolas stepped back a little having to stand too near on the man but Rohimnūn continued to take steps near him.
"I do not have anything to do with you." Legolas felt a wall behind him. He had no where to go. Rohimnun saw this and smiled.
"You've become cold." He said as he now stood before Legolas. The Elf did not speak. The man was encouraged to reach his fingers on the Elf's cheek and caressed it lovingly.
"I really want you." He muttered as he leaned down on Legolas' ears. "I want to make you mine."
One of his hands was already on top of Legolas' breast but the Elf remained immobilized. Rohimnūn noticed the Elf's lips and was about to reach for it when-
"You…"
Rohimnun felt blades pointing on his neck. He looked at it and saw twin blades were threateningly waiting for his next move. His quickly looked at Legolas who glared back to him with eyes of daggers.
"Don't think of me as someone weak and fragile, son of Adan."
Rohimnun breathed and stepped back, his eyes on Legolas who was glowing menacingly before him in the dark.
"I could be a threat to your very life if I wanted to." Legolas continued to say with anger still lingering on his blue eyes, "I could be deadly if I am threatened. Remember that."
Rohimnun did not react when Legolas walked passed him. When the Elf was gone did he let out a sigh so long it took all of his energy to breath again. That was, the man decided, unexpected.
+++TTT+++TTT+++
Legolas was running. He knew Rohimnun would follow him back then when their eyes met. He read the man's hunger. He knew he had to deal with it. Deal with it he did but he did not expect the exclamation of his heart at the confrontation. Rohimnūn's thoughts were too much for him to bear. It was too much. Memories of Bree flashed back to him. The time when he was captured by a man and made him suffer. It was too much. With everything else on his heart being confused and alarmed, one thing was clear. He wanted to see Aragorn.
He flew pass some people, following his innate senses for he knew it would lead him to Aragorn. He kept on running. Aragorn, where are you…
I want to see you.
He ended on another empty hall and had to flee again but he bumped onto someone's shoulder. Not wanting to meet another man that would heightened his anxiety, Legolas stumbled to run but strong and warm hands gripped him.
"Legolas! Legolas!"
Legolas looked up. It was Aragorn.
Aragorn was about to speak when the Elf threw himself on him, embracing him ever so tightly with his whole body shaking. Aragorn was appalled. He heard the Elf cry.
With his hands forming into a fist and with his eyes turning into blades, Aragorn asked darkly and threateningly, "Who did this to you?"
The Elf continued to shake. Aragorn growled.
"I will kill him!"
"No please!" Legolas tightly gripped the man, "Stay with me! Don't leave me! Please…"
Aragorn shut his eyes and breathed. He could feel Legolas still trembling. Shaking his head he held Legolas closely and collapsed on the floor with his back leaning on the wall.
"I won't let anyone touch you anymore… I will protect you with my life… Legolas…"
Legolas did not speak but clung on the man's neck more tightly. Aragorn buried his face on the Elf's neck and together they stayed in that form for long.
After what seemed like eternity, Legolas loosened his grip on Aragorn's neck and moved to face the man. He met Aragorn's grey eyes. It was so different from Rohimnūn. Legolas felt his heart settle at last and with love he lunge forward and catch the man's mouth.
And the Elf's troubled heart was sealed by a kiss.
~TBC~
Now that was emotional... :p
I like this series ~ ^.^
Thanks for reading! and the next one.. haha bug me xD