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Chapter Text

When King Thranduil received the invitation for either he or his son to come to Rivendell, he was reluctant to send his son outside the safe caves of Mirkwood. No matter how much they needed to keep their alliance and friendship with the Rivendell elves.

“ Adar… if you cannot leave for Rivendell… perhaps I may go?” His son asked, crystal blue eyes filled with hope.

“You know the rules ionneg, you must stay within our walls.”

“I am restless… I yearn to see Middle Earth and her beauty. I am tired of being stuck here adar … I feel as if the caves are closing in on me and if I stay any longer I am to succumb.”

Ever the dramatic, his son was. Legolas did not understand the dangers he could meet. He would not lose his son to orcs… not like he lost his beloved. 

“Legolas! I have made my decision final. I will send a trusted guard. They need not a restless prince who wishes to dance about their grounds, failing to discuss the important matters that plague our forest.”

Legolas stopped and stared at his father in disbelief.

“You do not believe in me to do my duty to our people.”

“I only understand your wish to escape is substantial to other duties…”

“Well, perhaps I would not want to escape if you did not treat me as a fragile being! Just ask my guards, my trainers, I am ready.”

Thranduil sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. His son would never understand his fear. 

“My decision is final, Legolas. Now, back to your studies without another word.”

Legolas looked at his feet, gently bowing to his father, and walking away in sorrow. He felt as if he would never convince his father of his responsibility, of his strength. He was two thousand years old, he was not a child anymore, and he could take care of himself.

So he took off, and for the first time, he wasn’t caught.

“My lord is this truly what you want?” His guards would ask. “Your father will have our heads…I do not think you understand how dangerou-”

Legolas smiled sympathetically as they traveled, “He will not because this is what I have asked of you. It is my idea and thus I will face the repercussions. I thank you for your willingness to follow me… we will be safe from danger I am sure”

They traveled for many days and many nights. Small orc parties were an unwelcome surprise on their journey, but they were no match for the elven guards and the prince. Legolas felt the journey a piece of cake, what had his father been so worried about anyway?

The company reached the sight of Rivendell in a couple of weeks. Legolas sighed and marveled at its beauty. It was as ethereal as the stories foretold. The flowing waterfalls made a quiet soothing splashing as he and his guards walked to the entrance. The golden halls and beautiful greenery greeted the company of elves. Legolas was entranced, longing to see more, but alas they had to wait for Lord Elrond to greet them.

Legolas had met Lord Elrond many times, and his children. They often visited Mirkwood to discuss important matters when he was much younger. The visits stopped as he got older, the journeys becoming increasingly more dangerous, perhaps something more. No one had ever told him.

They were soon greeted not by Lord Elrond, but by two brunette elves who jumped in front of Legolas with broad mischievous smiles, startling the prince. 

“Legolas you are as lovely as ever.” One smiled, the other elf bowing in greeting, taking Legolas’s hand and kissing his knuckles before frowning. “Do you not remember us?”

“Elladan, Elrohir it is impolite to scare our guests, how many times must father tell you two?” A beautiful brunette elven woman tutted, a little human boy with wild brown hair following behind her. “ Mae g’ovannen prince Legolas.” she bowed, the little boy following. 

Legolas laughed nervously at the three. “Forgive me… it has been much too long since I have seen you, my friends. “Elladan, Elrohir, you are as rambunctious as ever… and lady Arwen, how wonderful it is to see you.” Legolas bowed, looking down curiously at the quiet boy hiding behind Arwen’s skirt. “And who is this?”

Arwen smiled and took the boy’s hand, leading him in front, whispering in elvish to come out from behind her.

The twins snickered at the shy boy. “Come on Estel, introduce yourself.”

Legolas glared at the two before kneeling and smiling at the boy. “Let him take his time… Hello young one, I am Legolas, prince of Mirkwood, son of Thranduil.”

The boy looked up with big grey eyes, endearing the blonde exceptionally. He was just adorable. 

“ Mae g’ovannen prince Legolas, I am Elessar of Rivendell, son of Elrond .”

Legolas’s eyes widened, son? He looked to Arwen for answers, who smiled back knowingly. The boy was at least… ten? In human years, he was small but held himself with growing confidence. He wore dark silver elvish garments, complimenting his grey eyes. He walked with the gentility and grace of an elf, speaking perfect elvish. 

“We will greet ada at dinner. He is out on a hunt, I am afraid orcs threaten our borders once again.” Arwen sighed. “They become more and more frequent as the years go by… How fares Mirkwood?” She asked.

“Mirkwood is plagued with evil we cannot place. Orc packs are frequent, we were lucky to only run into small ones. My guards graciously came with me and protected me.”

Arwen smiled. “I am happy your journey was safe. I will send the twins to guide your guards to their rooms and to settle their horses.”

The twins in question pouted, whining about not having enough time with their prince. Arwen shot them a piercing look before the two nodded quickly and left.

“I am sorry about them Legolas.”

“Do not be, it is endearing that they care for me so. I missed you all… your visits stopped, did it become too dangerous?”

Arwen shook her head and looked down at Estel, who was staring at Legolas in awe, a hand gripping Arwen’s lavender dress. “Estel came upon us and he took priority. Ada will explain later. Believe us we have missed your company greatly mellon nin.”

Legolas frowned, such a little boy took so much time from them?

Estel tugged on his blue tunic, making the elf startle. He has never met a human child before.

“Yes, young one?”

The boy smiled broadly, a tooth missing from the top row of his mouth, making Legolas giggle. “I knocked my tooth out sparring with Elladan yesterday! I fell off a hill blocking his attack! He says I will be ready for orcs soon.” The boy smiled proudly.

Arwen smiled. “He’s been beaming about his first injury in battle.”

Legolas continued to giggle quietly, covering his mouth with a gentle hand to hide his amusement at the boy. He took a moment to compose himself and studied the injury. 

“My goodness that is quite a battle scar little one…”

“Elladan and Elrohir say you are one of the best warriors in Mirkwood! Do you have any stories?” Estel asked excitedly.

Legolas sighed and shook his head gently. “Nothing quite so tremendous I am afraid, not quite like your tale Estel… This is my first outing alone.” Legolas smiled, making the boy’s mouth open in shock.

Arwen frowned. “That’s right, isn’t it? Your adar let you come? With so few guards?”

Legolas smiled guiltily. “Not exactly… I disobeyed his orders.”

“Legolas, you do not know Middle Earth, even with guards you could have been in serious danger. You could have gotten lost, raided, killed even! Your adar will send a search party I am sure.”

“But I made it, didn’t I? My guards protected me from mere packs and that was all we ran into. I sent adar a letter letting him know of my arrival.”

Arwen sighed and stroked a strand of her hair in anxiety, looking down to Estel who was confused at how a grown elf could have so little experience outside the caves of Mirkwood. The boy smiled at Legolas and took the elf’s delicate hand.

“Don’t worry, I will help you. I know the grounds better than anyone, you won’t get lost.” The boy reassured confidently. 

Legolas smiled gently at the boy, endeared by his sudden confidence and care. He let Estel lead him and Arwen around the grounds for a tour before Elrond returned.

Chapter Text

“I apologize for my tardiness Legolas… How do you fare young one?” Elrond greeted. He embraced the young prince with a tight hug. “Your father knows you are here?”

“There is no apology needed, I understand there has been an increase in orc activity. I am well, especially well seeing you and your family again my lord, my father unhappily knows that I am here. I noticed your new addition to the family.”

Elrond smiled knowingly. “We took in Estel after his mother came here for help before passing.  We did not quite realize how important he was at the time.”

“Important?”

“I will explain after dinner when Estel has gone to bed. He mustn't hear anything.”

Legolas nodded and ate his dinner delicately, every so often looking at Estel in curiosity. The boy must have carried a great burden if Elrond did not want to speak of it to him.

Estel talked to Legolas constantly throughout their dinner.

He wanted to know everything. Why his hair was blonde, if he had ever used a sword rather than a bow, what Mirkwood was like, if he preferred being in Rivendell. He was a very curious boy and it amused the prince. Arwen tried to save him from the talkative boy but Legolas waved her off, it was nice to talk to someone different. Being with his friends again after being sheltered for so long, even meeting his first human, was some of the most fun he had in a very long time. 

When Estel went to bed he hurried to Legolas and embraced the elf. “ Posto vae Legolas. ” 

Legolas smiled fondly and allowed the boy to hug him gently. “ Posto vae Estel .” 

Elrohir led the boy to bed, leaving the rest to their conversation, each having a glass of elvish wine. Elrond was the first to speak.

“I realize your curiosity about Estel… I was certainly curious when he came into my care. He carries a great burden I wish not to put on his shoulders until he is much older.”

“May I ask what burden?” Legolas asked, sipping his wine gracefully.

“When his mother came to us for help… she explained as she died that her son, Aragorn, son of Arathorn, would be next in line to be king of Gondor. She entrusted me with his care. He will be educated and raised in my halls as my son until he will have to uphold the throne. I do not wish to place such pressure on my son until he is ready.”

Legolas’s eyes widened. “Aragorn?”

Elrond nodded. “Estel is the elvish name I gave him in the first few days I cared for him.”

“Hope.” Legolas smiled. “He will be the light of his people.”

Elrond smiled. “Indeed he will. His studies are making him wiser by the day, his combat is beginning to be stronger. Soon I may take him to discuss important matters with Kings and such. He will need the experience.”

Legolas nodded in understanding. “With your guidance, I am sure he will be a wonderful king”

“Hannon le Legolas… now, enough talk of my family, how fares yours?”

Legolas and Elrond spoke about Mirkwood and the poison spreading. Legolas brought up their spider problem, how nothing is growing, and more. 

Unfortunately, their kingdom is not the only place being plagued. Orcs and other creatures are beginning to show up more and more, threatening Middle Earth.

It worried the elf greatly.

“Does your Adar know you are here?”

Legolas smiled with guilt.

“No… well, he does now after my letter.”

“Legolas you cannot— “

“I know… but I’m tired of being cooped up like a bird. I’m an elf, I want to see things and do more. He doesn’t understand.”

“Your Adar loves you, Legolas.”

Legolas held himself gently. “He has an odd way of showing it…”

“I will write to him that you are safe, and I will send you back in a few weeks with my personal guards as well as your own. Just to give him peace of mind.”

Legolas nodded with a sigh before smiling with a bow to Elrond and excusing himself to his quarters to rest.

He stayed in Rivendell for two weeks. He felt peace and happiness he never had when he was home…

The twins would take Legolas hunting for orcs. Legolas reveled in the feeling of his hair blowing behind him as his horse ran him in the direction of his target. The twins would cheer him on with proud smiles. 

Estel was always jealous that he couldn’t come, but Legolas made time for the young boy too, helping him study and watching after him during spars with the twins.

“Go easy on him Elrohir!” Legolas would call. Estel would pout at the blonde, not wanting to be treated as a child, making Elladan and the prince laugh fondly. 

Sometimes Legolas would visit the library, often meeting a creature he’d never seen before. He was called a Hobbit. His name was Bilbo and Legolas would often have conversations with him. This began making him vaguely remember when dwarves escaped their prisons because of this creature. His father drank himself silly that night.

Estel often joined him there and laid on Legolas’s lap as he read elvish literature, the twins or Arwen joining them by a warm fire. For the first time, Legolas had felt a kinship with someone other than his guards. 

When the time came for Legolas to leave, he felt great sorrow. He loved Rivendell, he loved his friends. He knew going back to Mirkwood meant another lifetime of loneliness. Especially after running away like this… His father is going to kill him.

Arwen and the twins said their goodbyes in equal sadness. 

“Goodbye, my friend… I wish you safe travels.” Arwen smiled, hugging the blonde before Elrohir ripped him away.

“Oh Legolas, shall this be the last time we see each other?” Elrohir said dramatically.

“One day one of us will send for you in Mirkwood and save you from Thranduil’s evil palace keep!” Elladan added, kneeling before Legolas and kissing his knuckles.

Estel ran up to him and threw his arms around Legolas’s neck. “Will we ever meet again?” the boy asked. 

Legolas did not dare to tell him that the chances were very unlikely. His father would surely increase the number of guards and locks to keep him at bay. He doubts he will ever see Estel again, and if he ever does, he hopes the boy is safely ruling Gondor and whatever was wrong with Middle Earth was gone. This way at least he may be able to visit him and the elves.

“I am sure one day we may. I will try my hardest to visit and write young one… Perhaps if you rescue me as your brother suggested” Legolas laughed, squeezing the boy gently before letting go and holding Estel’s hands. “Work hard, study… focus on becoming the greatest you can be. I do not doubt that you will be a strong hope for others Elessar.”

With that Legolas let go of Estel’s hands,  and stroked the brown waves of his hair. Legolas then said his goodbyes to Elrond.

“I cannot thank you enough my lord… for letting me stay here even with my father’s… resistance.”

“I only hope he will allow you to visit again. Thank you for coming and telling me more about the poison plaguing Mirkwood. I can only hope it stops soon, or I fear a larger force could be at work. Safe travels, young prince .”

Chapter Text

Legolas smiled as he and his guards arrived at Rivendell 77 years later. It was still as beautiful as he left it so long ago. Though he wished he came under better circumstances. 

Legolas was greeted by Elrond with a bow.

“Legolas… Mae G’ovannen young prince. What brings you? ”

Legolas bowed back before giving Elrond the news. 

“I am afraid the creature Gollum you put under our care has escaped my lord."

Elrond nodded slowly, a hand on his chin in thought.

“We will worry about him later… I am very glad you are here, come. Your father knows?”

“I managed to convince him soon after the escape that I needed to be the one to report it.” Legolas smiled. “He expects me to come straight back.”

“Of course… But please stay for a night or two to gather your bearings, it is a rather long journey. I will have a room set up for you.”

Legolas smiled and bowed in thanks before Elrond had to attend to other matters, but urged him to explore around and greet his children and other guests that arrived there the night before. 

Legolas made his way around the grounds, admiring the beauty of Rivendell with fascination. It never got old…

In his exploration, he saw three of… what he remembers being hobbits and a strange man. The Hobbits looked distraught, one of the men trying his best to comfort the small creature. Legolas approached in his curiosity and locked eyes with the man.

Grey eyes, tanned skin, and wavy brown hair framed his face. The man was tall and serious, peering into Legolas’s eyes intensely, almost as if he had seen the elf before. He looked to be a ranger of some sort. 

“Legolas?” The man spoke with a smile, making the blonde flush slightly.

Legolas’s eyes widened when it finally clicked.

“Estel?” Legolas smiled fondly. “By the Valar… forgive me, you look so different…”

“What did you expect Mellon nin?” Aragorn smiled, getting up and clapping Legolas’s shoulder. The elf hadn’t changed one bit, he was every definition of radiant. “How do you fare? Forgive me for not writing for so long, my mind has been occupied. The twins have gotten restless in their sorrow missing you, and I too I admit. Not that I did not enjoy our conversations over our letters…”

“I am sorry Estel… ada sort of, went out of control after I escaped the first time. He finally let me go when Gollum escaped and they needed a fast rider.” 

“I am sorry we never came to your rescue.” Aragorn chuckled. “Believe me the twins tried until adar caught them trying.”

Legolas laughed lightly before peering down at the hobbits. “What brings the little ones here?”

“It is… a long story that I will explain later. Prince Legolas, meet Sam, Merry, and Pippin of the Shire. This is a trusted friend of mine”

The small creatures looked up at the elf, the one called Sam in particular was very curious to see him.

The three bowed in respect but looked so… unlike what he had expected. The three were sorrowful and worried.

“Hello Mister Legolas…” Sam bowed. “I am sorry for our behavior… our friend Frodo he, well, he’s healing. We are rather worried you see.”

Legolas smiled sympathetically and kneeled at the hobbits’ level. “The halls of Imaldaris are the best place for your friend to heal little ones. He will be alright.”

The hobbits seemed to calm down slightly, the one called Pippin leaving with Merry to find food to eat in their anxiety. Sam excused himself to watch over their friend. 

That was when Aragorn told him the story. A story filled with danger and great burdens. The poor hobbits were being hunted by the Nazgul when they found the ranger. He spoke of the Nazgul and what they had done to the healing hobbit named Frodo, who Arwen had taken to Rivendell in time to save him.

“He holds a ring… the ring.”

Legolas was puzzled for a moment before he realized what ring he was talking about. He gasped gently and looked at Aragorn in worry.

“Such a little creature? W— with that ring?”

“We are to hold a meeting tomorrow to discuss destroying the ring.”

“You are to go to Mount Doom?”

“This will all be discussed tomorrow when the hobbit has awoken.”

Legolas looked at Aragorn with worried eyes. “You cannot, you will not make that journey safely! Not with such creatures who can neither fight nor fend for themselves!”

“That is for me to worry about Legolas… But if you must, come to the meeting, you may put in any of your input bu— ”

“I will do just that. I want to come with you and— ”

“You will not.”

“Estel— ”

“That is final, Legolas, your ada will have my head. Let us enjoy the time we have to catch up now… The twins will be ecstatic to see you.” He smiled. 

Aragorn took his hand and gently led him to the twins, who were indeed very excited to see him. As he was doted on by the two, out of the corner of his eye he saw Arwen rest her hands on Aragorn’s chest before they kissed. Making Legolas’s heart clench painfully for a reason the elf couldn’t place. Arwen was his friend, as was Aragorn... He should have been happy to see their union.

Legolas knew of their love, Aragorn wrote him letters often as he got older, no longer in need of the twins' assistance, telling Legolas of his travels and studies. They talked about everything, confiding in one another. 

When Elrond told Aragorn who he really was, Legolas was the first to hear about it. They had a conflict when Aragorn figured out Legolas knew the entire time. They did not speak to one another until Aragorn finally accepted his apology and they continued to write.

This was when he first heard of his infatuation for Arwen. He spoke of her and his feelings for her in every letter since. But the letters stopped again a few years ago and Legolas thought perhaps Aragorn was preparing to be king and got too busy or that he was wrapped up in his new relationship with Arwen. But now hearing of the ring, it explained a lot. 

Aragorn’s hands wound around her waist possessively as he whispered into her ear and they kissed again. She smiled at him with every happiness before she noticed Legolas, pushing through the twins and greeting him with a kiss on the cheek. 

“You are as lovely as I remember Arwen.” Legolas smiled.

“As are you Legolas… it is so good to see you.”

They ate dinner all together that evening. Legolas couldn’t help but look at Arwen and Aragorn every so often, the two were sitting together, Aragorn’s hand over hers. 

He thought about it as he retired for the night.

He thought about it as he woke up.

He was very fond of Aragorn. They became good friends over the years of letters. Letters that they wrote in the worst and best of times. He knew Aragorn more than the ranger’s own family did… He wondered if Arwen knew Aragorn more than he did. He brushed off his worry as jealousy over Arwen assumedly taking his friend’s time away from him. 

That’s all it was, wasn’t it?

Chapter Text

The next day brought the Council of Elrond. A representative of every race came to the secret meeting in their duty, to discuss what to do with the ring. 

The first reasonable suggestion was to destroy it… the next came from Boromir, son of Denethor, who saw the ring as a tool of leadership.

“ A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him.” 

Legolas shook his head and sighed. He then noticed how Aragorn begin to grit his teeth in anger before he spoke. 

“ You cannot wield it. None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master.” Aragorn stated simply.

“And what would a ranger know of this matter?” Boromir smirked.

That was Legolas’s last straw with this man. How could he insult a ward of Elrond? How could he insult his rightful king?

“This is no mere ranger! He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn, you owe him your allegiance.” Legolas blurted out before realizing what he had just said.

“Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir?”

“And heir to the throne of Gondor!” Legolas added for good measure. Maybe now he would respect his king. 

Aragorn looked at Legolas calmly before taking a deep breath. This was a conversation he and the elf would have later. The ranger knew everyone would figure it out somehow, perhaps not like this, but somehow.

“Estel I— ” Legolas began.

 “ Sit down, Legolas. ”

The elf sat down gently, holding himself in shame and averting his eyes to his boots. He felt terrible. It was not his place to give up such a well—kept secret. 

“Gondor has no king, Gondor needs no king,” Boromir stated as a matter of factly.

Legolas brought his head up from staring at his boots to glare daggers into the man when the wizard, Gandalf spoke.

“Aragorn is right. We cannot use it.” 

Elrond agreed, saying their only choice is to destroy it, making the dwarf who was present, Gimli son of Gloin, roll his eyes at the suggestion. 

“Destroy it? What are we waiting for?” The dwarf laughed before swinging his axe above his head and hitting the ring with all his might. Unsurprisingly to everyone, it did not work. 

“The ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess. The ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. The ring must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this.” Elrond sighed.

“One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. The great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire, ash, and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten— thousand men could you do this. It is folly.” Boromir scoffed.

Legolas had enough of this man.

“Have you heard nothing of what Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed!”

“And I suppose ye want to be the one to do it?” Gimli accused, making Legolas’s anger grow. He did not have time for dwarvish stupidity. He was about to retort back when Boromir felt the need to open his mouth again.

“And if we fail, what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?”

“I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf! Never trust an Elf!” Gimli growled. 

An argument began in the council. Legolas, Boromir, and Gimli argue on one side, and other members argue on the other. Many an argument was made about who should be the one to carry the ring, much to Elrond, Aragorn, and Gandalf’s dismay.

The arguing was interrupted by the previously injured hobbit, Frodo, who was innocently watching the arguments. 

“I will take it. I will take it. I will take the Ring to Mordor. Though… I do not know the way.”

Gandalf looked to the hobbit in fondness, a fondness that had a great deal of sorrow beneath it. 

“I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins as long as it is yours to bear.” The wizard sighed, putting a hand on Frodo’s shoulder.

Aragorn stepped forward, kneeling in front of the hobbit in amazement. Such a small creature bore such a caring and brave heart.

“If by my life or death I can protect you I will. You have my sword.” He said to Frodo, bowing slightly.

Upon hearing Aragorn’s plans to leave for Mordor and risk his life, Legolas felt a great fear go through him. Not Estel… he couldn’t let him go as the only warrior, he would surely die.

And in a proclamation his father would kill him over, he spoke, ”And my bow.”

Aragorn whipped his head to the blonde then he spoke. He could not let Legolas do this, he was not experienced in battle enough, and he has hardly ever gone out of Mirkwood alone.

But before he could protest, Gimli spoke in pettiness to the elf. 

“And my axe!”

Aragorn couldn’t stop it. More and more dedicated their life to aid in the destruction of the ring.

“You carry the fates of us all, little one. If this is indeed the will of the Council then Gondor will see it done.” Boromir added.

And before Aragorn could say anything, Sam ran from inside the bushes.

“Mister Frodo is going nowhere without me!”

Elrond smiled at the loyalty of the creature. “It is hardly possible to separate you… even when he is summoned to a secret Council and you are not.” He said gently, making Sam flush. 

And as though it could not get any worse, Merry and Pippin came out of hiding before devoting themselves to the cause for Frodo.

And the Fellowship of the Ring was born. 

Chapter Text

“ Aragorn… I willingly give my immortality to you…” Arwen whispered into Aragorn's ear before they kissed. Aragorn would be leaving soon, and he promised Arwen a fond farewell.

“ Arwen, if I am to go on this journey I cannot make any promises… I may die, I could not be responsible for your fading.”

“ Even so… I could not let you go before telling you .”

Aragorn smiled and kissed her forehead.

“ Meleth nin.”

Arwen pressed a token into his chest. Her necklace… the Evenstar necklace she wore every day for as long as he could remember.

“ Take this… please, if no promises, keep a reminder of my love for you…” Arwen pleaded, her deep blue eyes sparkling in the moonlight.

Aragorn sighed and pressed his calloused hands onto her delicate ones. Aragorn pushed her hands deeper into his chest before he kissed her forehead again. He took the Evenstar and put it around his neck. 

“Hannon le meleth nin.”

“Come back to me…”

And with a final kiss, the two retired to bed. 

Aragorn was restless. He couldn’t stop thinking about the little hobbits who joined their quest. They were not made to be trekking around Middle Earth… and Legolas, Legolas was absolutely not as ready as Legolas felt himself to be. He was as innocent as the Hobbits, albeit more skilled in combat and well—educated. But he knew nothing of real battle. 

He had to try and get him out of it… He would not lose his best friend.

The next morning as the Fellowship packed their horses, Aragorn rushed to talk to Legolas, who was feeding his horse an apple.

“O— oh Aragorn… listen about what I did yester— ”

“You need to be more careful Legolas… I am sure it would have been brought up but do not let your anger cloud your judgment… It is not like you to let such a creature get to you. Gimli and Boromir were trying to get under your skin… I was disappointed that it was you who gave up my secret.”

“I did not like the way he spoke of you… You are his king— ”

“Legolas I am no one’s king. I can handle Boromir just fine.”

Legolas sighed, packing his bow and a large box of arrows onto his horse.

“I am sorry Estel… It was not my place.”

“I understand your worry for me, mellon nin… Hannon le.”

“I have a feeling that is not the only thing you came to tell me…” Legolas sighed.

Aragorn spoke in elvish so the others in the Fellowship couldn’t understand. He did not wish to embarrass Legolas. “ Mellon nin, it is not too late to turn back .”

Legolas’s light blue eyes widened in shock.“ You think me weak? I am coming no matter what you or my father think Aragorn. I will not allow you to give your life and lay it into the hands of those who do not know you, someone needs to watch after you. I am already packed”

“I am not the one to worry about. Legolas you are not ready! I will not allow your first mission away from home to result in death! Your adar would rightfully rip my limbs off if anything should happen to you! You need to stay where it is safe, where I can be reassured of—”

“I will never be ready Estel… I must go on this journey. Father will never trust me or my judgment… I am of age and I will die of seclusion if I cannot break free from my overprotective adar. I will follow you to the depths of Mordor and I do not care what my adar says.”

Aragorn sighed, he knew he would never convince him. Stubborn elf.

“ You must stay near me if you are to come.”

“You already have four hobbits, an old wizard, an egotistical man, and an idiotic dwarf to look after.” Legolas drawled, rolling his eyes at the mention of Gimli. “ I am a skilled elven warrior… worry for the little ones.”

“ I am responsible for all of you… Legolas I cannot allow you to come on your own ignorance. The paths are filled with danger!”

“I know perfectly well what I am doing Estel… You know me more than most, I would not come if I did not see myself as capable. I want to see you through this journey. I want to help you mellon nin.”

“I will never convince you, will I?”

“Never… I will follow if you try to stop me.” Legolas smiled cheekily. 

Aragorn took a deep breath in and out before nodding and giving an announcement to the Fellowship. “Finish packing, all of you! We need to get going before midday or else we lose precious time.”

Legolas smiled and happily put the rest of his things onto his horse, Gimli scoffing. 

“Yer comin’?” The dwarf grumbled.

“Of course I am. Why should I not be?” Legolas hummed with a frown. “Afraid I may overshadow you, master dwarf?”

Gimli grumbled an insult before speaking again, “More afraid ye will slow us down oh prince! I know of ye lad, yer father doesn’t let ye step a foot outsi— ”

Legolas glared at the dwarf and gracefully took out one of his knives, pointing it to the dwarf.

“I can cleanly slice your beard off with one fell cut of my knife. If you do speak another word about m— ”

“Legolas! Gimli!” Aragorn shouted. “To your horses, we are leaving. I better not have to deal with you two more than this once.” 

Legolas sighed and put his knife away, glaring once more at the dwarf who was walking away to his pony. Aragorn walked towards him with a sigh.

“I expect this from Gimli but not from you… Push aside your prejudice, please.”

Boromir laughed at the exchange and hopped onto his horse. “I think that will be too hard for him and the dwarf, ranger!”

Legolas glared at the man before Aragorn clapped his shoulder. “Look at me… Please try to be civil, that is all I ask mellon .”

Legolas looked at his boots and nodded. “I apologize, Estel…”

Aragorn sighed and smiled, gently leading Legolas’s chin with his fingers to look up at him. Legolas looked up and flushed as Aragorn’s thumb brushed his chin and stared into the ranger’s eyes.

“I do not mean to scold you mellon nin … I only want us all to get along. All we have are each other.” Aragorn smiled. “Get on your horse, we’re moving out…”

Legolas watched as Aragorn stepped away and went for his horse. Legolas lightly put his hand upon where Aragorn had just touched his chin. Why did he feel so different around Aragorn? It must have been the stress of the journey, he just wanted to impress his friend and leader right?

The Fellowship left soon after their conversation. Aragorn and Gandalf lead them in the front, Legolas behind them, the hobbits in the middle, and Boromir who kept them safe from behind. 

“We shall take the Redhorn pass… Lord Elrond and I both agreed on its safety.” Gandalf hummed. 

“But the Misty Mountain Orcs?” Sam asked nervously.

“There are much fewer orcs on the pass master Gamgee…” Boromir answered. “We do not want to cause death this early in the journey.” He drawled.

“Must you be so negative? Let the little ones keep their peace while they still have it.” Legolas called with a glare. 

Boromir groaned and sighed, taking an apple out of his bag to chomp on when he felt his cape being tugged. 

“Mister Boromir, are you planning on eating that?” Pippin asked big green eyes widened in hopes of having the apple for himself.

Boromir frowned in a pout, raising his eyebrow when Merry joined the pleading.

“You two already ate your rations?”

“It wasn’t much, was it Pip?” Merry smiled, looking at Pippin

“No Merry, not much at all. It’s almost Elvensies and we skipped second breakfast, after all, a few pieces of lembas and a few apples is actually quite a light meal. I’m famished!”

“You ate how much Lembas?” Legolas asked with wide eyes.

“Just a few pieces.” Pippin shrugged. “Hardly filled me up.”

Legolas stared at the two hobbits in awe. “What do you mean pieces? Not bites but pieces?”

“Yes?” Merry smiled. “What is so— ”

“Lembas is supposed to be able to sustain us for at least a week or two. One bite is enough to fill a grown man’s stomach.” Legolas sighed. 

“Merry, Pippin, no more rations until our next stop,” Aragorn said sternly, stopping the Fellowship to lecture the hobbits.

“Which is?” Pippin inquired with a raised eyebrow.

“At dusk. We cannot waste our food mere days after we left.”

“But we skipped second breakfast!” Pippin pouted.

“You’ve already had one,” Aragorn grumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“We have had one, yes. But what about second breakfast?” 

Aragorn did not entertain them any longer and turned around to lead the group, leaving the hobbits in panicked confusion.

Gimli seemed to entertain the idea of a second breakfast before he was hit on the helmet by Boromir. This made Legolas chuckle silently as the man grumbled at the dwarf to keep going.

“Don’t think he knows about second breakfast Pip…” Merry grumbled, sending Pippin into a panic. No second breakfast? Absurd. Mordor was just a hop, skip, and a jump away, they’d have enough food would they not?

Chapter Text

At dusk, they set up camp for the night. 

“Sam, would you be so kind as to prepare a boiling pot?” Gandalf asked. “Legolas, perhaps you can find something to hunt?” 

Legolas smiled at the task. He was happy to be of use. 

“Do you want me to go with you?” Aragorn asked as he set up a pile of dry branches.

“There’s no need Estel, Thank you.” Legolas smiled, preparing his bow and arrows. 

Legolas waved goodbye with a promise of coming back, Aragorn watching intently as the elf disappeared into the woods. Gandalf raised an eyebrow at the ranger and gestured for the man to sit. 

“Your party is safe Aragorn. Legolas is a skilled archer he will be back with a rabbit or two. You must rest before you collapse my boy.”

Aragorn sighed and sat down next to the wizard. He looked for other members of the Fellowship to make sure everyone else was accounted for. Gandalf offered some flower from his bag of pipeweed and the ranger graciously took some for his own pipe. He spotted Merry and Pippin sparring with Boromir, making Aragorn chuckle on the tip of his pipe as he took a drag. The two hobbits were taken aghast as the man overpowered them both before looking at one another and jumping on him. 

Aragorn shook his head fondly and looked to Gimli, who was standing guard but speaking with Sam and Frodo. From what Aragorn could hear it was about hobbit culture and how much more superior their mealtimes were than the dwarves. 

Everyone was there… and Legolas was still hunting. A half-hour was not nearly long enough to hunt properly, but Aragorn couldn’t help but wonder how he was doing, how he was feeling if the trip was overwhelming Legolas yet. He still did not agree with the elf’s choice… 

But when his friend came back soon with a lovely and proud smile, holding two bloody rabbits in his hand, Aragorn also couldn’t help but stare in adoration as Legolas presented his prize. He was happy to be there to see Legolas explore for the first time. Even if it was not the elf’s first hunt, it was his first hunt outside Mirkwood or Rivendell, out of the watchful eye of his father.

“I bring our supper,” Legolas announced.

Aragorn rushed over to the elf and inspected the rabbits. They were lovely and round, with enough meat for them all. Legolas had a good eye for game.

“Thank you Legolas, you did well.” Aragorn smiled proudly. He clapped a hand on Legolas’s shoulder when he noticed a little blood that got into a few strands. The red blood contrasted greatly with the light blonde hair, staining it slightly. Aragorn didn’t think twice before taking a strand and gently rubbing the blood out with his rough fingers. 

It was… offputting to see Legolas stained with blood. The elf was never dirtied with such things. Legolas was always kept where it was safe and clean. He was not even allowed to skin the animals he hunted. Aragorn hoped the only time he ever saw blood on Legolas was when he hunted for them.

“Aragorn?” Legolas asked, slightly pink in the cheeks.

“O— Oh. Forgive me mellon , yes let me skin the meat for Sam and get the food started.” Aragorn spluttered, gently letting go of the soft strands of hair. 

“May I skin them?” Legolas asked. “I know how to, Elladan showed me during my visit to Rivendell.” 

Aragorn smiled fondly, he couldn’t say no to Legolas. These experiences were new and certainly more fun for the elf. It was entertaining to see the blonde so happy to do the things any experienced traveler would dread doing.

“As you wish.” Aragorn smiled, watching as Legolas smiled and sat in front of the fire, unsheathing his knives. His blue eyes were illuminated by the warm fire.

“Ye let the elf skin em?” He heard Gimli call from where he sat with the hobbits. 

Aragorn rolled his eyes and walked over to the three, kneeling at their levels. 

“I will not have you demeaning my friend master dwarf. Legolas is perfectly capable of skinning a rabbit, just as he is perfectly capable of slaying orcs. He is a Mirkwood elf after all.”

“Just my point,” Gimli grumbled. “The lad is sheltered.”

“Just as we are.” Frodo pouted. “Master Legolas is as sheltered as we are and yet he knows more of the world than Sam, Merry, Pippin, and I do. Have faith in Master Aragorn’s judgment.”

Aragorn smiled at the hobbit and sighed. “The ring bearer is right. I ask of you to push aside your hatred, we must all get along if we are to trust each other.”

“I will never trust an elf. And I advise ye all not to either” Gimli stated, making Aragorn roll his eyes.

“How do you know Prince Legolas sir?” Sam asked.

Aragorn sat down in front of the three with a sigh. “He was one of the first elves I met outside of Rivendell. He came to Rivendell against his father’s wishes after accepting an invitation from Elrond. He visited and left when I was very young and I never saw him again as his father is very overprotective. But we kept in touch through letters. He is one of my most trusted friends.” Aragorn smiled, turning slightly to check on Legolas, who was happily finishing up skinning the rabbits. “He does not know much of the world, but his skill as a warrior and his wit make him a force to be reckoned with, I trust him with my life.

“As you do Lady Arwen?” Frodo asked. 

Aragorn coughed awkwardly. “I trust them both, yes. But Arwen is a different matter… she is my beloved.”

It was odd to talk about Arwen. Aragorn couldn’t put why, but he assumed remembering what she was willing to sacrifice for him made him nervous for his life. He felt responsible for her choice. He loved Arwen, they had been together for years… but Elrond was not so happy with the union, knowing what it meant for his daughter. Aragorn felt much guilt. 

He did not feel much of a leader, he did not feel much like a king. But he finally could do something with the knowledge of who he was. He needed to find himself. He never felt a better time to do it than now, protecting innocent creatures with a job bigger than themselves.

The hobbits looked confused still, looking from Legolas to Aragorn, and then at each other with a shrug. 

Legolas soon called Sam over to help with the cooking and the four of them walked to the fire. Merry and Pippin were happily sitting by the fire, anxiously awaiting their supper. Boromir was sitting, leaning onto a tree as he cleaned and sharpened his sword, clearly exhausted from sparring with the hobbits. Frodo sat near Sam and Gimli and watched in anticipation as his friend seasoned the meat and laid it over the fire. Aragorn sat next to Legolas and smiled amusedly at the elf, who was too entranced in the cooking process to notice him. It was adorable.

They ate their first meal together in peace. The hobbits lightened the mood with a silent cheery song, Boromir smiling in fondness and nodding to their tune. He had become very accustomed to the little ones’ ways.

“Why don’t you dance with them oh Son of Gondor?” Aragorn teased, making Boromir frown and Legolas laugh lightly.

“Estel let the man enjoy their cheer, I quite like it myself, I only need a glass of wine to strengthen my joy.”

“Wine? Ha! dwarves drink much stronger stuff than a bit of elvish wine. Ye are a bunch of lightweights.” Gimli snorted.

“I would not insult elvish wine so quickly master dwarf, a couple of glasses of the liquid once made me act… unlike myself, and that's putting it lightly. Any inelven creature would make a fool of themselves after drinking it.” Aragorn smiled. “I prefer ale myself.”

“I would give my bow to see you drunk, Estel.” Legolas laughed.

“And I you, my friend. As I recall, you wrote me a drunken letter after you raided your father’s cellars with Tauriel.” Aragorn smiled, making the Fellowship stare at Legolas in amusement.

Legolas flushed at the memory. He and his childhood friend Tauriel got into a lot of trouble for that… Legolas in his drunken stupor was so angry and complained to Aragorn, asking for him to send elvish wine as his father blocked him from ever going near the wine cellars again. 

Gimli laughed merrily at the accusation. “What did I tell ye? Lightweights!”

“I will prove you wrong one-day master dwarf when we next get our hands on some alcohol.” Legolas challenged.

“Yer on!” Gimli replied. 

Aragorn rolled his eyes at the two. At least they weren’t fighting over anything hurtful.

“You lads should try Hobbiton ale. It’ll burn your boots off! Lovely stuff.” Pippin smiled. 

“For once I quite agree with you Master Took. Hobbits have many comforting foods and ales. Not to mention the pipeweed.” Gandalf smiled, taking a drag from his pipe. 

Aragorn smiled at the unity. Talking of their home comforts was relaxing, just what they needed before their first night away from home. He was especially glad to see the hobbits smiling and Legolas laughing along with Gimli. Even Boromir was in high spirits, he was fond of the Hobbits.

After everyone had eaten and the fire was dying down, Boromir realized they had one thing left to discuss for the night. 

“We need to discuss watch order.” Boromir sighed. “It’s getting dark, the little ones are already asleep bless them.” He added, looking to the hobbits who slept huddled close to one another.

“I can go first, I need the least rest. I can even go last as well if everyone needs to sleep.” Legolas offered. 

“I will take first watch with you,” Aragorn added. “Better to have two at first watch.”

“Then I suppose I shall take second?” Boromir asked with a raised eyebrow. “If you two so wish to be together.”

Aragorn and Legolas flushed and spluttered when Gandalf added, “Master Gimli can take third, I will take the last. I get up rather early, the old man I am.” He smiled.

The group agreed to the order, Aragorn reassuring them that he or Legolas can take over or help at any time before they all went to sleep.

And it was just he and Legolas.

The night was quiet. Aragorn made sure to keep the fire going as Legolas watched in curiosity. The elf rested his chin on his hands when Aragorn sat back down, holding a few dry branches out to the elf. 

Legolas took the branches, his delicate hand brushing gently onto Aragorn’s. He tossed them into the fire and watched intently as they burned.

“Take a look at Gimli.” Legolas chuckled as he pointed to Gimli snoring loudly. Aragorn rolled his eyes at the dwarf.

“He may very well give us away.” Aragorn chuckled.

“Don’t be silly Estel, we can’t be that close to any packs—”

As if the orcs were listening at that very moment, the two heard a loud crowd of growling, followed by the cry of an animal, and finally the violent mauling of what can only be described as inhumane.

Legolas in his heightened hearing gasped at the noise and looked around for the pack.

“We’re fine mellon nin …” Aragorn smiled. “There are orcs everywhere around here, it will get worse when we hit the Misty Mountains… but we are perfectly safe.”

“I’ve never heard a pack so big…” Legolas sighed, still looking around to make sure the orcs did not hear them.

“They get bigger. Legolas I won’t sugarcoat the things we are soon going to face. It will be very dangerous.”

“So you’ve told me.” Legolas sighed, annoyed at the repeated phrase. “I am just not used to sitting around danger like this. I am used to guards watching over me… I know perfectly well how dangerous it will become and I would thank you to stop telling me.”

“No harm will befall you or any of us, I won’t let it happen. I do not mean to demean you Legolas. You, Gimli, and Boromir are the least of my worries should orcs find us. I only realize how different it is for you.”

Legolas nodded and held himself close. He was happy with the new experiences, even the bad ones. But hearing such a noise from what sounded like at least ten orcs startled him. Though he would not let a noise prove his father right, it would be ridiculous. 

“You must think me to be skittish…”

Aragorn shook his head, sitting back, and stroked the scruff on his chin before staring at the elf with sincerity. “Legolas you are strong and wise… an orc mauling would scare anyone who has not heard one before. I have heard and seen how swift you are with a bow and how skilled you are in combat. I know I have said I worry for your safety, and I still do. Only because I care for you greatly Legolas.” Aragorn smiled, resting his hand on top of Legolas’s and stroking it gently with his calloused thumb. “I am admittedly very glad you are with us, I fear I would have driven myself to insanity listening to the bickering alone.”

Legolas smiled back and stared at their joined hands. “Even when it is I who is bickering? With the dwarf?”

Aragorn laughed and rolled his eyes, leaning more into Legolas’s space. “It is rather entertaining when you do it. It is not often you lose your temper.”

Legolas shook his head fondly with a sigh. “I fear it is an anger that rivals that of my father… though he would be proud of my insistence to argue with Gimli. The only thing he would be proud of me for on this journey.”

“Your father doesn’t realize it yet… but you will be our greatest asset in the destruction of the ring,” Aragorn whispered with a smile, watching Legolas’s lovely eyes meet his as the fire illuminated the two in a soft light. “He will be proud, you needed to escape for a while. He will understand that soon after your return I am sure.”

“ Hannon le …” Legolas smiled. “And you shall reunite with your beloved… Arwen will be so happy to see you safe.”

Aragorn retracted his hand with a sigh at the mention of Arwen. “If I am safe… She is my light… she has offered to sacrifice her immortality for me. Her life relies upon my safety.”

Legolas nodded gently, a curious pain in his stomach gnawing at Aragorn’s words. “That’s… wonderful. You two will have a peaceful life together.”

Aragorn sighed and looked to the sky. “I sometimes worry that she is offering something I cannot take from her… I love her, but am I worth her immortality? Do I love her enough for her to give up such a thing?”

Legolas stared at the Evanstar resting gently on Aragorn’s chest with slight contempt that he could not place. The necklace caused him pain. “You are worth a lot of things Estel… An elf’s immortality is a great sacrifice, but in the trade of a strong and valued man, I believe it to be worth it. Though concerning your love for her, I cannot tell you, you must come to that conclusion yourself.”

“You would give your own for someone like me?” Aragorn teased. 

Legolas flushed with a laugh and bumped Aragorn’s shoulder with his. The elf stopped and thought for a moment before spelling, finding that he would. He would give more than his immortality to Aragorn. He would gladly give his very life for the man.

That thought frightened him. He did not want to think of what it could mean for his friendship with the ranger. 

He did not want to think about what that meant for his feelings for Aragorn.

“I suppose if I was in her position I would,” Legolas admitted because no matter what it meant, it was true.

Aragorn smiled sweetly and clapped a hand on Legolas’s shoulder. “ Hannon le, mellon nin. It looks like it is time to wake Boromir and rest for tonight Legolas. We have a long walk ahead of us tomorrow.” Aragorn sighed, leaving Legolas to furrow in his messy thoughts.

Chapter Text

The pass through the Misty Mountains was a harder feat than the Fellowship realized. The snow was unexpected, endless, many feet high, and unforgiving. Boromir held Merry and Pippen in his arms, Aragorn held Sam and Frodo, a very cold Gimli was left to fend for himself, Gandalf shivered in front, and Legolas easily wafted through the storm.

It had been a long day. The Crebain of Dunland had spotted them early that morning on their way to the pass. If Legolas had not spotted them and advised everyone to hide the Fellowship would be in deeper trouble than they were now. 

“Cursed elves and their light feet…” Gimli would grumble every so often. “Could ye show off anymore?” He shouted, making sure the elf heard him.

“I could not hear you over the snow on your beard master dwarf! Perhaps you should speak louder!”

“Perhaps ye should take a close look at my axe!”

Legolas rolled his eyes and continued to lead the group through the snow. He was the only one capable of standing on the tops of the snow, rather than through them. He looked back every so often to check on the miserable Fellowship. 

Aragorn stubbornly stepped forward, eager to get the hobbits to safety.

“Slow down ranger! Let the little ones rest a moment!” Boromir would yell.

“If your priority is to protect them then you will continue with me!” Aragorn shivered, holding the hobbits closer to him. 

Legolas suddenly stopped and looked confused. The Fellowship stopped as Legolas inched closer to listen to the ever-growing storm.

“What is it Legolas?” Aragorn shouted over the blizzard.

“There is a fell voice on the air!” Legolas shouted back. The blizzard became bigger and bigger as the voice filled Legolas’s mind.

“It is Saruman!” Gandalf announced fearfully. “It is what I feared… the crebain spotted us after all!”

At the mention of the traitor, the mountain began to crumble. The party gasped as rocks fell above them. Aragorn and Boromir pressed themselves and the hobbits against the side of the mountain, covering them with their bodies. Gimli, Gandalf, and Legolas followed, the elf still standing.

“He’s trying to take down the mountain! Gandalf we must turn back!” Aragorn shouted, the poor hobbits shivering in his hold. He couldn’t allow any more travel on the horrible mountain, not when the hobbits were terrified and they couldn’t see five feet in front of them. 

Gandalf refused Aragorn’s plea to turn back and tried to interfere with Saruman’s spell. Though the blizzard overpowered his efforts and Saruman’s retorting spell was far too much for the wizard. The white wizard sent a strike of vicious lightning at the top of the mountain, sending piles of snow on the tops of them. 

They could not avoid it in time. The Fellowship was soon buried beneath many feet of snow.

It was silent, the wind howling, the snow piling. Legolas forgot where he was before he opened his eyes and found himself beneath the soft, white crystals.

Legolas gasped as he searched for air and quite literally popped out from the snow. He looked around and panicked silently as he couldn’t see any of his fellow members. He took in a shaking breath before digging into the snow for someone, anyone.

“Legolas!” Frodo gasped, the elf had dug him up. If he found Frodo, chances were Aragorn was not far behind.

Legolas dusted off Frodo and wrapped the hobbit’s cape closer around the small creature as the others began popping out of the snow as well. 

“Legolas! Frodo!” Aragorn gasped, digging up Sam and holding the hobbits against him. “Are you alright?” Aragorn asked Legolas, who was lifting a humiliated Gimli as the dwarf and Gandalf coughed off the snow sticking to their beards.

“I am fine, I am more worried for the little ones!” Legolas reassured over the howling wind as he checked over Frodo and Sam.

Boromir soon caught up with them after digging up Merry and Pippin.

“We cannot stay here! Make for the Gap of Rohan, and take the west road to my city!” Boromir cried. 

“That will take us too close to Isengard!” Aragorn growled, desperate for a better solution. 

“We cannot pass over a mountain! Let us go under it! Let us go through the mines of Moria!” Gimli shouted. “My cousin will welcome us warmly with comfort! A place to sleep!”

Gandalf was troubled at the suggestion. He knew why Moria was an equally, if not, even worse solution. Though Saruman would expect him to avoid it so it could be a useful solution as well…

“Let the ringbearer decide,” Gandalf concluded. 

Frodo paused, scared to make such an important decision. He looked to Sam, who took the hobbit’s hand, squeezing it in encouragement. Aragorn then laid a firm hand on his shoulder for comfort. But he couldn’t bring himself to make a choice.

Boromir was getting restless. “We cannot stay here! This will be the death of the Hobbits!” The man yelled, holding a practically frozen Merry and Pippen close.

Moria was warm… Moria was not snowy. It was close and it sounded safe enough to Frodo. Anything to get out of the horrid snow.

“Frodo?” Gandalf encouraged.

“We will go through the mines…” Frodo concluded. 

The walk to the entrance of Moria was a tense one. The hobbits shivered most of the way down. Boromir felt pity for the poor creatures and handed them each some rations and his flask to gain their strength back. Gandalf found comfort in his pipe, the smoke surrounding his lungs warmed the wizard substantially. Aragorn was frustrated and led the party with Legolas by his side.

“I know you find this a block in our path… but we are all safe.” Legolas smiled, putting a gentle hand on Aragorn’s shoulder. “You did well Estel, do not fret.”

Aragorn shook his head. “I almost lost all of you… so swiftly.”

“But you did not. We are going into the horrid mines where it is warm. The hobbits are safe and confident in your leadership.” Legolas reassured with an anxious smile. 

Aragorn sighed and looked at Legolas in worry. He knew the elf would have an especially hard time in the mines. He could already tell Legolas wasn’t looking forward to the dark, suffocating mines of Moria. Elves were not meant for underground, let alone an elf who has never been. 

“Stay near me,” Aragorn stated. “I do not like how pale you look…”

“I am fine Aragorn. We will only be here for a night, I can last a night.” Legolas smiled. 

Aragorn was not so sure. 

After passing the door into Moria, Gimli happily leads the group inside. He wouldn’t miss the opportunity to shove dwarven culture into Legolas’s face. 

“Soon, Master Elf, ye will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the Dwarves. Roaring fires, malt beer, ripe meat off the bone! This, my friend, is the home of my cousin Balin. And they call it a mine! A mine!” Gimli laughed.

Legolas shook his head at the dwarf’s antics. He would usually entertain the dwarf and retort back something cruel. But the dark mine was already weighing on his mind. He felt trapped. He felt… the pain of many, and an evil he could not place.

Aragorn kept a close eye on the elf. Legolas was now at the height of his worry. The hobbits were in no danger and were used to the underground. Legolas was hardly able to argue with Gimli, and somehow that was the proof Aragorn needed to know Legolas needed support.

The Fellowship paused at the gate. Boromir looked around with the little light showing and gasped, standing in front of the hobbits to shield them from the sight. This is followed by the sudden painful cries of Gimli.

“No! No! This cannot be! Get back! Get back!”

 The entire mine was a graveyard. Dead dwarves were scattered by the dozen, their skeletons stacked on top of one another. They lined the walls, and many arrows pierced into their chests.

Legolas ripped out an arrow and threw it down. “Orcs…” He concluded, readying his bow, followed by Aragorn and Boromir unsheathing their swords. 

The hobbits behind them stepped back in fear when they heard Frodo cry for help. A tentacled creature was attempting to drag the poor hobbit under the water behind the gate.

“Mister Strider! Mister Strider help!” Sam exclaimed to the man already rushing to Frodo’s aid. 

Before Aragorn could get there, Sam took out his knife and stabbed the tentacles around Frodo’s ankles. This weakened its hold on Frodo and let him go. Frodo weakly dragged his limp body towards the other frightened hobbits and leaned into Sam.

“Yavanna help me…” Frodo gasped into Sam’s chest as he caught his breath.

And before they thought it was all over, the creature jumped out of the water and grabbed Frodo’s ankles again. It lifted Frodo 20 feet off the ground and dove farther away from the hobbits.

“Boromir! Help!” Pippin cried as Merry and Sam tried to reach the ringbearer.

The hobbits screamed for their friend as Frodo was lashed about. As much as the poor hobbit tried, Sam could not reach him anymore.

“Strider!” He cried helplessly, finally getting the three’s attention.

  Aragorn, Legolas, and Boromir sprang into action. The elf stood back and unleashed arrows at the thrashing creature. He aimed for the tentacle holding Frodo, shooting arrows in swift movements. Boromir and Aragorn jumped into the lake and began to violently stab the large creature, weakening its hold once again on Frodo and letting go of the ringbearer. 

Frodo fell with a great scream before Boromir cast his sword aside to catch the hobbit. 

“Everyone run inside now!” Gandalf demanded, leading the way in. The Fellowship sprinted with everything they could to try and beat the creature to the inside of Moria. Aragorn stayed by the entrance and counted members as they ran inside before he realized Legolas was still out there.

“Legolas!” Boromir yelled beside Aragorn.

But the elf did not stop shooting at the creature.

Aragorn gritted his teeth before running back out and grabbing Legolas by the shoulder and taking him inside. The walls crumbled around the entrance, blocking their way back. But at least they were safe from the creature now.

The Fellowship decided that that was probably their sign to make camp for the night.

After a few more hours of walking, they camped in one of the halls, mostly empty of the dwarven corpses. Gimli was slumped over the fire they made, smoking his pipe. No one dared to interrupt the poor grieving dwarf.

 Except for a stubborn elf who couldn’t stand to see the dwarf so dispirited. 

“Master dwarf…” Legolas smiled, putting a gentle hand on Gimli’s shoulder.

“Go away elf… I am not up for our squabbles…”

Legolas sighed. “I am not here to tease you Gimli.  I remember when my nana died and my adar would not speak of it with me… I wish I had. So speak to me of about Moria, tell me of your cousin. We can always resume our row later.”

The dwarf smiled for the first time since discovering Moria’s fate and nodded. “Aye… I would like that princeling.”

 The night went on with the hobbits fell asleep cuddled against one another for comfort, Frodo leaning once again into Sam who had an arm draped over him. Merry and Pippen draped themselves on either side of Sam and slept. 

“They are so peaceful… I hate to think we must wake them tomorrow.” Boromir sighed, exhaling smoke out of his pipe.

Aragorn nodded in agreement. “They are braver than the rest of us.” 

“I am going to take my watch now while I am awake… I advise you and the elf to rest.” Boromir smiled. “He has been comforting poor Gimli all evening.

At first, Aragorn thought it was a joke and chuckled. But then when he turned to find Legolas, he was indeed sitting with Gimli. 

Not wanting to ruin the moment, Aragorn set up his sleeping bag by the fire and slept. Not too long later followed by the elf who laid his sleeping bag next to Aragorn.

The two rested near one another for a few hours before Aragorn turned, noticing Legolas’s arrival. He found the elf with his eyes closed and hands over his ears. This made Aragorn panic slightly. He looked all around them and found no danger, no sudden noises. 

It must have been the caves. 

“ Daro! Daro Amarth!” Legolas whimpered, curling into himself even further.

“Legolas? Legolas?” Aragorn whispered, taking one of the elf’s hands off his ears and holding it gently in between his own. “Av’osto… echuio, Legolas…”

Legolas gently thrashed in his state before suddenly opening his eyes with a gasp.

“Estel?”

“It’s me, you’re safe…” Aragorn whispered. He couldn’t stand to see Legolas so frightened. He was not sure if it was to comfort Legolas or himself, but Aragorn decided to drag himself and his sleeping bag ever closer to the elf. He never let go of Legolas’s hand, positioning it against his chest.

“Estel there’s something here!” 

“Shh… I am sure it is just the goblins you sense.”

“No, Estel it’s bigger than goblins, I don’t know where it is. I don’t know where anything is! The very caves are weighing upon my chest and I cannot breathe! I need light, I need air, I need to get out of here Estel!” Legolas gasped.

Aragorn sighed and took his free hand to bush the soft strands of blonde hair away from Legolas’s face. His hand glided through the hair like fresh butter as he put the strands behind his elvish ear. 

“It is alright. The caves are dark, we are trapped for a little while longer. But we will get out of here soon, breathe…” Aragorn soothed, brushing his knuckles against Legolas’s lovely cheekbones. He would not allow Legolas’s fear to linger, it pained him to see the fair elf like this. “I was afraid of how Moria would affect you.”

Legolas took a deep breath and focused on Aragorn’s soft calming strokes. His rough hands brushed against his hair, his cheek. He felt grounded again.

“I am fine… I will be fine. I did not mean to wake you.” Legolas sighed. 

“You did not. I am glad I did anyways. You must stop scaring me.” Aragorn chuckled. “First not listening when we run inside and now you greet me in the middle of the night with closed eyes… I thought you were sick”

“I wanted to make sure the creature was injured enough… Didn’t want it to get near any of the others… I didn’t expect the gate to crumble. As for closing my eyes, I am fine. I was not sleeping with them closed. I was simply panicking.”

“I am in better spirits knowing you are okay. Stay near me, whatever great danger you sense can wait until we meet it.” Aragorn smiled. “ What have you to fear when you are with me mellon ?”

“Nothing at all I suppose.” Legolas smiled. “Not when you’re around…”

“Exactly.” Aragorn nodded.

“Will you two stop flirting and sleep? It is a waste of my watch if you are awake! It is not a slumber party.” Boromir groaned, Gimli chuckling in the back. 

Legolas and Aragorn stopped and stared at one another in shock. Legolas’s pale cheeks began to redden. Aragorn lifted himself with one arm to glare at them.

“Aye! I agree with Boromir. We have plenty of time for that later. I’d like to get some sleep lads.” The dwarf laughed.

“Then sleep, master dwarf!” Legolas groaned, no longer wanting to suffer the embarrassment. He laid back on the ground with a groan, turning to Aragorn again who was chuckling in their plight. The ranger decided ignoring them was best.

When the two finally stopped, Aragorn sighed. He took his hand and brushed them against Legolas’s cheekbones once more when he noticed the elf’s eyes were open in sleep, his breathing evening out. This was a relief to Aragorn. The mines no longer clouded his mind. He never noticed how soft the elf’s skin was. It was unharmed, not a scar to be seen even after over 2000 years of life. He was lovely… Legolas was always lovely.

Aragorn found himself comparing Arwen to Legolas. He shook his head in disbelief, Arwen was his chosen, his beloved. Legolas was his friend, his dear friend who would rule Mirkwood one day. Not to mention the obvious difference between the two. Of course, he couldn’t love Legolas, the very thought was—

Interrupting his confusion, Legolas sighed and leaned his head into Aragorn’s direction, crystal blue eyes open in rest. Aragorn finally sighed and laid his hand over Legolas’s as a reminder of his safety. He softly squeezed the fair hand and stroked it with his calloused thumb.

“ Posto vae, Legolas” Aragorn whispered as sleep succumbed to him. 

Chapter Text

The next morning brought more and more walking. They were beginning to think they got lost after a couple more days of walking and resting. Gandalf finally advised everyone to stop so he could think.

“Are we lost?” Pippin asked Merry, walking around the dark room.

“Quiet Pippin, Let Gandalf think,” Frodo whispered, staring at Gandalf’s back as the wizard smoked in thought.

It was taking too long, Legolas was beginning to get restless, and uncharacteristically impatient. He stood next to Boromir and Aragorn, who were also taking a break to smoke. Legolas hugged himself close in thought, trying to distract himself from the quietness of Moria. He could still sense a great evil, which did not help in calming his nerves.

“We will be out soon Legolas,” Aragorn whispered to Legolas, taking his free hand to rest on the elf’s shoulder.

“You keep saying that… If we are lost as the little ones believe—”

“Do not give up hope…” Aragorn smiled. “I am sure we are almost there.”

“We should just face it lads, do not give the elf false hope.” Boromir sighed, exhaling the smoke from his lungs. “We may as well stay for another day or so.”

Legolas tensed at the thought of staying for even another few hours, let alone another day. Aragorn squeezed his shoulder comfortingly. 

“Boromir, enough.” Aragorn sighed. “We will be fine, we just need to wait for Gandalf to finish meditating and—”

“This way!” Gandalf exclaimed, getting up from the broken stone pillar he sat on and swiftly walked forward. The rest of the Fellowship followed the wizard in his stroke of genius. 

Gandalf ended up leading them deeper into the mine and into a large room. Even more corpses of dwarven warriors piled up the walls, surrounding a tomb with another skeleton leaning against it, holding a book and quill. Gimli gasped at the sight and swiftly kneeled in front of it, reading of whom it was, and began to sob.

“No! No…” Gimli cried, leaning his forehead against the stone, resting a hand against it.

Gandalf walked slowly to the tomb, took off his hat, and read, “Here lies Balin… son of Fundin.”

Gimli cried harder, the rest of the Fellowship bowing their heads in respect. Gandalf sighed and took the book from the skeleton leaning against the tomb. He began to read of a horrifying experience, the goblins outnumbering the dwarves and a dark shadow moving below them. The writing cut off, the ink dragging off the page. The young dwarven scribe, Ori, died writing in their struggle.

As Gandalf finished, Pippin took a moment to explore the room, running into an old well. There was yet another dwarven corpse leaning against it. He saw some jewelry on the skeleton and decided to pinch a ring on its finger to get a closer look, causing its fragile head to fall.

Pippin stared down the well in shock and turned around to see a furious Gandalf. 

And if things could not get any worse, the rest of the corpse soon followed its head down the well.

Legolas looked to the floor, closing his eyes in quiet frustration. Aragorn turned to the hobbit and glared. Boromir simply sighed in disappointment at the little one. 

The fallen body echoed through the air. 

Clang!

Clang!

Clang!

It was quiet after several minutes of noise. The Fellowship was silent for a moment before Gandalf spoke.

“Fool of a Took!” Gandalf scolded the youngest hobbit, who looked at his hairy feet in his personal disappointment. “Throw yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity!” 

Gandalf turned away, walking a few feet before the ground shook. A low rumbling filled the air, the dwarven corpses shaking and crumbling. The hobbits huddled together in fear. 

Frodo took Sting from its sheath and gasped when he saw the blue light. 

“Frodo!” Sam called, taking the hobbit’s hand, waiting for instruction from the others.

Legolas listened closely to the noises, his eyes widening in recognition of the noise. “Orcs!” He exclaimed, turning to Aragorn who gripped his shoulder tight. 

Boromir ran to the door in front of them, struggling to get it closed when arrows shot beside his head, piercing through the wood. Looking into the next hallway filled with orcs, Boromir soon regretted going near it at all and looked to Aragorn.

“They have a cave troll…” He said in utter annoyance, Aragorn rushing to help him close it.

“Back! Stay close to Gandalf!” Aragorn shouted at the hobbits. Legolas brought his bow out at the ready as Aragorn and Boromir lifted heavy weapons left by the dwarves, barricading the door. The men stood back, Aragorn taking out his own bow and Boromir his sword. Gimli stood on Balin’s tomb, ready to defend his cousin’s resting place.

“There is still one dwarf yet in Moria who still draws breath!” the dwarf exclaimed, unsheathing his axes and holding them defensively. The hobbits gave a battle cry in the encouraging statement and drew their knives, followed by Gandalf bringing out his sword Glamdring . 

Legolas’s hands shook gently as they awaited the door to open. The creatures tore through the door like termites, making large holes. This was Legolas and Aragorn’s cue to fire. One by one the arrows pierced through the orc's heads, hands, and anywhere they could try. The wooden door became more and more overwhelming before it burst open, and orcs ran inside by the dozen. It was too much, way too much.

Legolas continued to stay put and shoot arrows despite his growing fear, he had never seen so many dark creatures. They inched closer and closer, Aragorn ditching his bow for a sword. He and Boromir covered the elf, grunting and panting as orcs overwhelmed them, Legolas continuing to shoot. Gandalf soon joined the men and defended the hobbits, who too partook in the attack. Gimli was left on top of the tomb, having the high ground over all who dared to pass his way. 

Aragorn kept an eye on Legolas, reassured that Gandalf and Boromir could handle the hobbits. He could practically hear the elf’s mind overgrown with fear. As the number of orcs grew, he took Legolas by the shoulder and pulled him further behind.

“Keep shooting, whatever you do, keep shooting!” Aragorn yelled to Legolas, grunting as he stabbed many orcs. “They won’t get near you— I pro—I promise mellon !”

Legolas did not know a person he trusted more than Aragorn. He watched the ranger’s back, Aragorn stabbing the ones who got past Boromir and Gandalf, he would not allow them to get anywhere close to the elf.

Soon the number of orcs became less, still many, but much less than what came in, but there was no relief. They still had the cave troll to take care of.

The troll smashed its way in, making the entrance crumble on top of it. Boromir looked up with a growl, turning to defend the hobbits, advising them to stay back until he noticed Sam was missing.

The hobbit decided it was a good idea to get near it, soon realizing it was a terrible idea. He ducked beneath the troll’s ginormous ball and chain, rolling underneath the troll's legs and capturing its attention. It growled at the hobbit when Legolas took notice, whipped his head around, and shot the troll. He shot it again and again, hoping to have it turn around and focus on him instead.

The troll began to run Legolas’s way when Gimli tossed one of his axes to its back. The troll screamed in anguish, turning back around to the dwarf and smashing its ball and chain down on Gimli. The dwarf jumped off Balin’s tomb with a grunt and mourned his cousin as the tomb was destroyed. 

Gimli ran away, encouraging the troll to chase him. But when the troll got too close to the dwarf, Legolas distracted the troll once again with a shot in the shoulder. 

And the troll was not going to turn away from the elf this time.

Aragorn’s eyes widened as Legolas climbed onto a higher level of the room, continuing with shaky but swift hands to shoot into the troll’s face. Legolas was distracting the troll, avoiding its passes with the ball and chain. Aragorn felt his blood go cold.

“Legolas!” Aragorn yelled, swinging his sword next to Boromir as more orcs attacked him. “Get down! Do not entertain it!"

But Legolas had an idea and ignored Aragorn. He swerved back and forth, avoiding the ball and chain before it hooked itself onto a pillar. Legolas took his chance and made sure to lock the chain in place with his foot, rushing across it and climbing on top of the troll's shoulders. Legolas stabbed two arrows into its eyes, making the troll scream in pain before ripping Legolas off of him and tossing the elf to the ground.

Aragorn was so impressed at Legolas, he nearly didn’t register the troll getting a hold of the elf. 

“Legolas!” Aragorn cried as he fought through the smaller threats, rushing to the elf’s aid and catching him before he hit the ground. The elf gasped for breath in Aragorn’s arms, struggling to stand for a moment, gripping the ranger’s tunic.

“Aragorn is it—”

“Yes, you daft man! Why in the world would you—Fuck!” Aragorn yelled, interrupted by more orcs, and a scream from Frodo.

“You can scream at me later Estel, I can handle myself, go!”

“Frodo!” Aragorn shouted as Legolas ran back to support Gimli, the troll had pounded his way through to the ringbearer. He jumped down into the hole pounded by the troll, positioning himself between the hobbit and troll before stabbing it in the gut once, and again, and another time. 

And the troll in its anger, hit Aragorn above the head with its boulder-sized fists, making the man collapse. Frodo ran to the man and shook him gently, but when he did not wake, Frodo turned to the troll and attacked.

He fought with vigor, hitting the troll over and over again with sting before the troll stabbed him.

“Frodo!” Merry and Pippin screamed, attacking the troll, throwing themselves on the shoulders of the troll to avenge their friend. Sam ran to check on Frodo and found the hobbit hardly able to keep conscious. 

“Frodo! No no no, Frodo!” Sam shouted, shaking his dearest friend. When Frodo could not collect himself, Sam, in his anger turned to help attack the troll himself. He valiantly swung at the monster, aiming each stab at the feet of the toll. Merry and Pippin were thrashed about, Gimli and Boromir tossing any axe they found on the floor to distract the troll. Legolas took the troll’s distraction to his advantage and shot it in the eye, followed by another arrow inside its mouth. It was finally overwhelmed enough to fall.

It was finally dead, and so were the orcs. 

Legolas looked around and gasped when he saw Aragorn on the floor. He ran to the ranger and knelt beside him.

“Estel? Estel? Aragorn!” Legolas pleaded, stroking the man’s sweaty locks away from his face.

The ranger groaned a moment later and cradled his head. He looked up to see Legolas caressing his face with his soft hands, his finger gently stroking the scruff of his beard. His blonde hair fell around his face like a halo, concerned blue eyes stared into his.

“Legolas…”

“I am here Estel… what happened? Where is Frodo?”

At the mention of the hobbit, Aragorn sat up, groaning when his head pained him. Legolas tried to have him lay back down but the ranger wouldn’t allow it. He stood up, Legolas keeping him steady as everyone looked for their ring bearer, w ho was slumped against the wall. Aragorn tugged himself away from Legolas’s grasp and knelt before the hobbit, turning him over. The stab wound was worse than everyone thought. Sam knelt next to Aragorn, putting a hand on the hobbit’s chest in worry.

“No! No…” Aragorn sighed, guilt filling his very essence. He gently inspected the wound, the hobbit still breathing, albeit shallowly, but breathing. This confused the ranger. “You should be dead… That stab would have pierced through a warg like butter…”Aragorn said, pulling back the hobbit’s shirt to find…

“Mithril…” Gimli chuckled in relief. “You are full of surprises master Baggins.”

The Fellowship smiled in relief, believing the worst Moria had already passed.

Until a rumbling shook the room.

Gandalf advised everyone to run. And run they did.

Goblins poured out from every crevice of the mine. They crawled out from the roof and down the pillars like spiders. Some crawled out from holes in the ground, some from breaks in the walls. It was an infestation of goblins none of them had even imagined before.

The Fellowship ran and ran, Aragorn and Gandalf taking the lead. Aragorn would look back every so often to check on the rest of them. Legolas lead the hobbits, Boromir and Gimli behind them. Legolas shot arrows at any goblin that caught his eye before more and more piled around them.

But as soon as the goblins came, a rumbling from within the way they came scared the goblins back. They crawled away, whimpering in fear, making the Fellowship fear the worst.

And the worst, it was. 

Gandalf sighed in frustration before soon realizing what the noise was. “This foe is beyond any of you…” He mumbled.

Legolas winced, turning his head to hear better before his eyes widened in fear. This was the evil he feared. 

Aragorn turned to him and took his hand. “ Mellon?”

But the elf did not reply, he continued to stare, an orange glow filling the mine. His hand shook in Aragorn’s hold. The ranger tried to comfort the elf, stroking his thumb against the delicate hand. 

“Run!” Gandalf shouted as the rumbling grew bigger. He led their party into yet another corridor, and finally to the gate of Kazad Dum.

Boromir sprinted forward down the steps leading to the bridge, which had been broken. 

Boromir swayed on the very edge of the steps, threatening to fall into the pit. Legolas gasped and wrapped his arms around the man, pulling him back. There was a flight of stairs below them that they had no choice but to jump down to.

First went Legolas, who leaped down in one graceful movement, making the dwarf roll his eyes. Aragorn was relieved when the elf landed safely.

“Gandalf!” Legolas insisted, ready to help the older man who soon jumped into the elf’s arms.

Goblins took this moment to crawl out of the walls again, sending arrows their way. Legolas and Aragorn took out their bows and shot each and every goblin they saw daring to hurt their company.

Then went Boromir who readied Merry and Pippin into his arms. The hobbits whimpered in fear and held onto the man as he jumped down. Aragorn threw Sam down after them, who was caught by Boromir. Aragorn offered to throw Gimli down as well but the dwarf refused.

“Nobody tosses a dwarf!” Gimli exclaimed, deciding to jump down himself, resulting in him landing on the very ledge. If it were not for Legolas grasping the dwarf’s beard, Gimli would have fallen. 

Aragorn was about to throw Frodo down when the stairs below them began to crumble. Aragorn grabbed the hobbit’s shirt in time and pulled him up before slipping down himself

“Aragorn!” Legolas exclaimed, breathing a sigh of relief when the ranger regained his stance. 

The caves around them began to crumble more and more. A large boulder fell and broke the stair's support below Frodo and Aragorn’s feet. They struggled to gain balance again before Aragorn advised Frodo to lean forward with him, the stairs falling and meeting the other set. 

Aragorn collapsed into Legolas’s arms. He wound his hand behind Legolas’s head and stroked his hair gently. “ Hannon le… I am fine.” He whispered into the elf’s ear before separating from the elf and watching as the stairs crumbled behind them.

Frodo was caught by Boromir, who let him down swiftly.

“Run!” Gandalf shouted, and the Fellowship was running again.

Gandalf saw the Fellowship as they crossed the final bridge. They were almost out, almost.

A great fire burned around them, increasing Gandalf’s anxiety. He knew exactly what was coming. He was the only one who could stop it. 

A Balrog…

The horned creature growled at the Fellowship, chasing after them in a cloud of fire and smoke. Gandalf ran behind everyone, stopping in the middle of the fragile stone bridge once the rest were safe.

The hobbits were confused. Sam held Frodo’s hand tightly to comfort them both as Gandalf stood against the Balrog. Boromir rested his hands on Merry and Pippin’s shoulders, offering any peace he could to the little ones. Gimli watched with concerned eyes.

Legolas panted gently, eyes widening in fear when he too noticed Gandalf. He turned to Aragorn who was just as shocked at the sight. The ranger looked back at Legolas, putting his hand on his shoulder. Legolas looked back into Aragorn’s eyes, eyes glazed with tears as they both watched what happened next.

“You shall not pass!” Gandalf exclaimed, breaking the bridge into two pieces and sending the Balrog down to its doom.

And before anyone believed they were all safe… The Balrog threw its whip around Gandalf, pulling him down.

The hobbits gave a blood-curdling scream for their friend. Gandalf held onto the bridge with the last bit of strength he had and spoke.

“Fly you fools!” The wizard gasped before being pulled into the depths below.

And he was gone…

The Fellowship had to move on without Gandalf. 

Chapter Text

The Fellowship collapsed as soon as they escaped the mine. They were finally outside again.

But at what cost?

Frodo let out a sob, leaning into Sam who held him gently. He comforted the hobbit in his own sorrow, crying into Frodo’s hair. 

Pippin was equally, if not more sorrowful. He hiccuped a sob into Merry who tried his hardest to make the youngest hobbit feel comforted. Boromir wept nearby and offered a hand on Pippin’s shoulder, squeezing it tight.

“It is not your fault little one.” Boromir sniffed. “You meant no harm…”

“If I hadn’t been so foolish a—and ignorant he would have been okay! Of course, it is my fault!”

Boromir did not know what he could say to make Pippin feel like it was any less his own fault. He decided to just stay near the two hobbits and offer his support. The poor things must not have been used to such death and sorrow. Boromir however knew it well. 

Legolas overall was confused. Everything had happened so quickly. He believed the wizard to be invincible and in a snap, he was gone. He had only ever suffered his nana's  death and this was hundreds of years ago. The elf looked around and realized he was surrounded by sorrow. He himself felt it greatly. The wizard would visit Mirkwood often and bring him gifts and knowledge. 

Aragorn would not stop pacing. He was frustrated. He had one job, to protect the Fellowship and lead them to victory. They almost lost their biggest priority, the ringbearer. But they did lose one of their most experienced and powerful travelers… and a great friend to them all. 

Aragorn sighed and leaned against one of the nearby boulders. He held all he could inside, he must stay strong for them all. His hands shook as he pressed them against his face. This was supposed to be the simplest part of the journey. He was supposed to keep everyone safe.

Legolas noticed Aragorn was mourning alone and quickly strode over to him. He laid a gentle hand on his shoulder and stroked it with his thumb. “ Estel…”

“I failed Legolas.” Aragorn choked. “I failed.”

“The journey isn’t over yet. You have not failed anyone Estel , no one is a match for a Balrog, He risked himself so we could go on. Let us fulfill his wish and continue on. If we quit now, then we have truly failed. But I am not letting you do so.

Aragorn turned and looked at the radiant elf who had tears in his eyes, illuminating their crystal blue color. Aragorn furrowed his brow worriedly and reached a hand out to wipe the tears that had threatened to fall. His thumbs ghosted over lovely porcelain cheekbones before he brought the blonde into his chest. “Thank you.” He whispered.

“You are a great leader Estel … much more than you will ever think. I will always follow you, my friend.” Legolas smiled.

“Your wisdom and drive inspire me greatly Legolas… I fear I could not continue without you.” Aragorn smiled, cupping Legolas’s face with his hands. “Thank you…”

Admitting this out loud was… strange for Aragorn. He was surprised to find that he really meant it. A life without Legolas was like a life without air, a comparison he also had made during his time with Arwen.

“Your kindness and selflessness are why I follow you… You will be of many great kings. I very much hope I get to see you as such or die protecting you.”

“Which I refuse to let happen… Do you have any idea how much you have scared me in the last couple of days?”

“We have gone over this-”

“And I care not. Stop worrying me so much… I can hardly handle losing Gandalf. I could never handle losing you. Not when I could have done something about it.”

Legolas smiled sweetly and placed his hand flat against Aragorn’s chest. “Let us continue… The little ones need their leader. And as much as they would hate to admit it, Boromir and Gimli do too.”

Aragorn smiled and nodded, resting his hand on top of Legolas’s for a moment before taking a deep breath and leaving to gather the group. 

“Get them up,” Aragorn told Legolas, who was hesitant to try and shake any of the Fellowship out of their sorrow.

Boromir felt much the same, “Give them a moment for pity's sake!” He pleaded with Aragorn as Legolas walked to Merry and Pippin. 

“By nightfall, these hills will be swarming with orcs! We must reach the woods of Lothlorien!” Aragorn shouted. “There we will be safe to mourn… we will be offered food, a place to stay, advice.”

Aragorn rushed first to Frodo, who had taken off on his own in his own desperate pleas for home. Losing Gandalf, a man who was one of his dearest friends, was devastating. It made him realize just how dangerous the world is. Anything could happen to them, death was always imminent. 

“Frodo!” Aragorn shouted at the hobbit, who turned solemnly, a singular tear rolling down his face. Aragorn made his way to the little one and clapped a hand on his shoulder.

“We must go on.” The hobbit cried with a sniff, “I won’t let Gandalf die in vain.”

“You carry the weight of us all Frodo… You are one of the bravest beings I have ever met…” Aragorn smiled solemnly. “I admire your strength greatly my friend. Let us go on.”

Legolas and Boromir took the liberty of lifting the hobbits and Gimli up from their sorrows. Aragorn was right, there was no use in staying.

“Come little ones…” Legolas tried. Merry was holding his younger cousin protectively, comfortingly. “I know you do not wish to go on… But it will be dangerous if we stay, we must follow Frodo and aid him.”

Merry and Pippin would do anything for their eldest cousin. If Frodo wished to go on, then so be it.

The elf then went to a mourning Gimli, who had stationed his axe against the ground, his forehead resting against his fists that surrounded the top. 

“I know you are suffering master dwarf… but it is not safe here.”

Gimli sniffed and let out a dramatic sob. “I don’t want to go to Lothlorien! I wish to stay with my fallen brothers! Not some prissy elves!”

Legolas sighed and ignored the insult. He was just upset… “it will be safe in the elven realm… you do not have to enjoy it Gimli but I wish to see my comrade safe… if it helps there will be elvish wine. Strongest alcohol you will ever have.”

“A bit elegant for my taste… but I suppose I have no choice. I thank you, comrade.” Gimli smiled through his tears. They were not quite friends… but it was a start.

Boromir went to Sam, who was crying and looking at Frodo talking with Aragorn.

“He is alright little one…”

“I almost lost him… I almost lost him and now we have lost Gandalf. Is Yvanna so cruel? Sam sniffed. Boromir took Sam by the shoulder and lifted him up. 

“The Valar work in mysterious ways my friend… they can always surprise you, in good ways, and bad. Frodo is still here, and he still needs you, now more than ever.”

Sam nodded solemnly. “Thank you, mister Boromir.” He sighed with a sad smile. He then followed where Frodo was following Aragorn. 

They had to move on. It was a horrible feeling to leave Gandalf where he lied, but they all knew he would want them to continue. So the way to Lothlorien it was.

Chapter Text

Aragorn led their party for hours on end. The man ran ahead of everyone else, making the poor hobbits nearly faint of exhaustion. Legolas however, loved to run, especially where he had space every which way. His realm was full of trees and caves and swerving branches. It was not quite suitable for running. Here they had plains as far as the eye could see, where Legolas could feel his hair blow against the wind and breathe fresh air. Elves did not tire easily.

Boromir tried to keep up with the two as much as he could while he was keeping an eye on the hobbits. The small creatures were trying their best to continue running, but when your legs were half the size of a man’s and you had feet twice as large as a man’s, it proved difficult. 

Gimli was struggling as well, as much as he would hate to admit it. He claimed dwarves were natural sprinters and yet struggled behind Boromir with haggard breathing, 

Legolas reveled in the dwarf’s suffering and every so often would show off his speed, going past Aragorn and leaping onto a rock, looking forward.

“Cursed— elves—and their cursed— stamina!” Gimli said as he gasped for breath, making Merry and Pippen beside them laugh. 

Sam and Frodo ran together. Sam made sure to check on Frodo often and even gave him drinks from his own waterskin after the ringbearer ran out. The ring was taking a tiring toll on Frodo and it pained Sam ever so much to watch his dearest friend deteriorate in front of his own eyes.  

Legolas sighed happily as everyone caught up to him. “We are almost there… I can hear the voices of my people.” Legolas smiled, making Aragorn smile in return. Seeing Legolas happy was always a welcome sight. 

“Then let us move on my prince,” Aragorn said, nodding ahead of them. “You will be in familiar comforts soon.”

Legolas lept off the rock and walked next to Aragorn as they waited for everyone to catch up to them. Perhaps it was time for a running break. “To be honest Estel, I enjoy being here with the 7 of you more… I do not miss home… I miss my father if anything. He must be so worried.”

“I would not be surprised if he sent a message to Haldir…” Aragorn smiled. 

“An angry one I bet. I wonder if I will ever be welcomed back home again.” 

Aragorn shook his head. Your father loves you very much. That is the only reason he should ever be angry. I will make it my mission to take you home safely when this is over.”

“And be trapped again?”

“I will come to rescue you if you should ever feel too trapped… and I mean it this time. You have done well on our journey and if this does not prove to your father that you are perfectly safe on your own, then I do not know what will.”

“We are not finished yet Estel… I must make it in one piece first, and you as well if you are to rescue me from my keep.”

“We will.” Aragorn smiled as they walked to the edge of a forest, the rest of the Fellowship catching up to them. “There they are” He laughed as Boromir led the others to them. 

“If you two—wanted to be alone so badly—you should have just said something!” Boromir gasped for breath, the hobbits resting against the nearby trees. Legolas flushed at the accusation, looking to Aragorn who simply chuckled, rolling his eyes at Boromir as he fingered at the Evanstar resting on his chest.

The elf found himself glaring at the piece of jewelry.

Why? He was not sure. The Evanstar was a token of Arwen, a memento of her love for Aragorn, of her offer to him. Aragorn loved Arwen back and accepted her love. He was happy for Aragorn.

So why did he want to take her token of love off Aragorn’s neck? Legolas wanted nothing more at that moment than to rip it off and throw it into the lake. 

“You should have run faster.” Legolas shrugged with a tense smile.

Gimli passed out on the grass as soon as he caught up to everyone. “Curse you elf! Curse you!”

Legolas rolled his eyes and peeked into the forest. “We’re here… just a little more and we are there. Do you think you can go on a little longer little ones?” Legolas asked the poor resting hobbits. 

Sam, Frodo, and Merry nodded while Pippin groaned from his place plopped on the grass next to Gimli, who also protested. Boromir sighed and took Pippin by his scarf, lifting him onto his back. “Let us move on. Gimli you are on your own.” 

Gimli groaned dramatically and lifted himself up. “There better be the comforts you promised princeling!”

Legolas led the party into the forest. It was lush and green and fresh. He felt like he was home. The trees spoke to him in whispers, making the elf close his eyes in relaxation as he dragged his delicate hand across the bark of many a tree. He looked behind to see Gimli raising his axe every which way. 

“Gimli stand down! You are disturbing the peace of a sacred elven space… The trees will curse you… they can sense your threats.”

Gimli simply rolled his eyes. “How do ye know? Are they talkin’ trees?” The dwarf scoffed.

Legolas glared at the dwarf when Aragorn strode to Gimli and confiscated his axe. “Hey!” Gimli shouted. 

“This is a sacred space. You will not disturb the wildlife. You were warned and if you are not to stand down then I will force you to.” Aragorn said simply, making Legolas smile. “I will only give this back if you swear to me you will act peacefully in the realm of our people.”

Gimli rolled his eyes again and nodded. “Dwarves honor…” he grumbled in promise, taking the axe offered back to him. Aragorn smiled and turned back to walk next to Legolas, who smiled kindly to him in thanks. 

“Galadriel would not appreciate his hostility…” Aragorn said. “You were right to be unsure.”

“I thank you, Estel.” Legolas smiled, a hand on his own chest as he bowed his head. “I admit I am a little excited to be here… I have not been to Lothlorien in centuries.”

As they traveled deeper into the forest, Aragorn advised everyone to be as quiet as possible. They did not want to come on as threats to the elves, or threats to their Lady and Lord. 

Gimli advised the hobbits of the Lady Galadriel and her dark ways. How she held the power of Middle Earth in a delicate hand. How she was what they had to fear, making Frodo nervous to bring the ring into a place with such a powerful sorceress. 

The forest sang in the silence. Legolas heard the songs of his people, the gentle lament of many as they inched closer and closer. 

Gimli continued to grumble and complain about where they were headed. 

“Silence master dwarf.” Aragorn scolded. “The elves can hear you from miles away, just as Legolas can hear you now.”

Gimli sighed. “Silent… I am as silent and lightfooted as a fox—

They had been surrounded by armed elves. They pointed their arrows, most of them at Gimli. Legolas was spooked and pointed his own arrows right back, waiting for instruction from Aragorn, who raised his hands in peace. 

“The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark.” The leader of the elven party voiced. It was Haldir, a great friend of Aragorn and Legolas. 

Aragorn bowed respectfully to the elf and spoke. “ Haldir of Lorien… we have come in peace. We seek your aid, my party is weary and in danger… if just for a night let us come… I beg of you.”

“Haldir… We bring no harm.” Legolas breathed. Aragorn was stood in front of him, using his body to shield the elf.

Haldir raised his eyebrow at Legolas before bowing and having his guards stand down from the fair elf. They continued to point at Gimli. “ Legolas, son of Thranduil, my prince… Forgive me.”  

“Aragorn!” Gimli shouted. “These woods are perilous, we must turn arou—”

“You have entered the realm of the Lady of the Wood. You cannot come back.” Haldir voiced, looking at Frodo in curiosity. “Come, she is waiting.”

Haldir leads them through the vast and sparkling woods. The hobbits looked up and down in absolute awe while Gimli continued to grumble insults. They were taken to a place to gather their bearings and change. Legolas was led by Haldir to a room where he was given silk blue garments and a place to bathe. 

“I apologize again for how we reacted toward you, my lord…”

“No need Haldir… I understand. I only ask that you treat my party well.”

“Even the dwarf?”

“Even the dwarf. He is a bitter little man but I have become accustomed to his ways and I only think he is afraid.”

Haldir bowed in agreement before leaving Legolas to freshen up. Legolas took a deep breath before making his way to the warm bath prepared for him and stripped out of his clothes. He sank into the bath, scented with oils and steaming with heat. It was exactly what he needed. 

He leaned back and sighed, letting the warm water surround and relax his sore muscles. He could not remember the last time he moved so much. It felt wonderful. He scrubbed his body with a washcloth and unbraided his hair before taking a jug of water and pouring it over his hair and scrubbing soap into it and repeating the process until he was clean.

He hoped they offered the rest of the Fellowship the same comforts. They deserved to relax just as he did. Especially Aragorn, who he knew would not rest until the journey was over. 

Aragorn… 

It felt strange to think of the man as he bathed. He supposed he thought of the Fellowship but Aragorn stood out to him once again. Aragorn who protected him and others with his life. Aragorn who was strong and kind and treated him with such care. Aragorn who was handsome as he was wise and selfless.

His friend, his trusted and wonderful friend who was in love with a beautiful elven woman… as was the way of Middle Earth. He felt dirty thinking of Arwen’s beloved and his friend in such ways.

And yet he did not care.

He thought of Aragorn’s rough hands. How they often were found brushing against his cheek, his hair, or his hands. How he wished they would brush across his waist and hold Legolas against the man. 

Legolas flushed deeply as he couldn’t help himself anymore. He closed his eyes and took his own hand, brushing the back of it lightly over his naked chest and over his nipples. He imagined his hands were not his own, but darker and rougher than his own. He dragged his hand further down to his stomach, to his thighs where he teased closer and closer to his cock. 

“Ah… he moaned gently.

He was hard… he was hard because of Aragorn. The things the man did to him… He grasped his own cock that was pink with pleasure in hand, imagining that Aragorn sat above him, kissing Legolas’s neck and letting his free hand card through his hair, tugging gently. 

He had never imagined himself with anyone else before… He will admit he had time after time when he would pleasure himself and think of a man. Not any particular man… but he had always known he had that affinity. Something he would never admit to his father. 

“Estel please…” He whispered, tugging on his cock ever so gently, imagining Aragorn teasing the tip with his thumb as he whispered huskily into his ear. He wanted more, he needed more.

Legolas lowered his hand further to tease his hole. He was practically mewling at this point. He wanted Aragorn’s thick fingers to fuck him deep and prepare him for more… 

“Ara—Aragorn— ah—ahh…” He sighed, moving the hand around his cock quicker and quicker as he fucked himself with his fingers. He crooned and bucked his hips upwards and downwards, squirming in the bathtub with water threatening to spill out before he had finally reached his limit, Aragorn’s name a whisper on his lips. 

Legolas came over his stomach and hands with soft haggard breaths. He calmed himself, slowing his breathing and stroking wet strands of hair back. 

Oh no… What has he done? What has he discovered?

He cleaned himself up, braided his hair, dressed himself in the garments he was given, and walked out of the room to find his party. Though he planned on avoiding Aragorn as much as he could. 

The Fellowship met back together to be present in front of Galadriel herself after they all had a chance to eat and rest their legs. Legolas stood farther away from Aragorn than usual, making the man puzzled, but decided to think nothing of it as he turned his attention to the lady and lord of Lothlorien. 

“Eight there are here, yet nine there were set out from Rivendell. Where is Gandalf?” Celeborn demanded, his wife’s hand gently intertwined into his own. 

Galadriel looked to Aragorn, who bored into her starry eyes, and suddenly she knew everything. 

“He has fallen into shadow.” Galadriel realized with a soft sigh. “The quest stands upon the edge of a knife… yet hope remains while the company is true…”

The lady spoke into Aragorn’s mind. “You are weary… you are worried. Worry not, son of Gondor… your party is safe within our walls. Nothing shall touch your ringbearer… or your elf… Focus on getting to Mordor… the company will fall if your worry should overpower you. She bored into his mind, making Aragorn ever more confused. 

She then looked to Legolas, who bowed to his lady as she spoke into him. “ My prince you are confused… if you should follow the path you are taking it may lead to great sorrow. To confusion and heartbreak. Your father worries at this very moment… he asked of us to keep you with us. But I can see your place is with the Fellowship… with Aragorn… But I advise you young prince to be careful. Do not let your innocence cloud your judgment…”

It seems everyone had heard their own warning. Boromir just stared forward in confusion and hurt. He saw his family, his father, and his little brother… his kingdom fallen and barren.

Gimli saw his father and mother in great pain… if he should not return from his journey they and the dwarves will be targeted as well.

The hobbits were told of the threat to their peaceful land. Frodo got the greatest of visions, his people running from wargs and orcs that tortured the small defenseless creatures. All because of him.

But Galadriel had comforting words to offer. She asked them to rest, to stay there with them for the night before seeing them off in the morning. Aragorn knew she meant no harm to them… she only had sight of what could happen. It was not set in stone. 

So they left to rest under the stars and tree canopies of Lothlorien. There was no need for anyone to be on watch, they could all get proper rest and a proper meal. 

Legolas took a deep breath as the Fellowship rested. He paced around their camp, the blue tunic he was given shined, bringing out his eyes. He looked above them and smiled sadly. “They sing a lament for Gandalf…”

Aragorn smiled and leaned his head back against a tree from where he sat with Boromir. He listened to their words of great respect and love for the wizard who had touched the hearts of so many in Middle Earth. 

“What are they saying?” Pippen asked, slumped against his sleeping cousin.

“I have not the heart to tell you my friend… for me, the grief is still too near.” Legolas smiled sadly before sitting down against another tree, far away from a worried Aragorn. He had been comforting Boromir from the sights he saw of their kingdom. 

“Have you ever seen Gondor? The sparkling tower of Ecthelion… its lovely white halls and banners flowing in the breeze… Silver trumpets welcoming you.”

“I have… once, long ago,” Aragorn replied solemnly. Elrond had taken him when the news was broken… it was one of the happiest and saddest moments of his life, learning that who he was was not what he had believed. 

“Imagine… they will call upon us. The lords of Gondor… returned to them at last.” Boromir smiled, clapping a hand on Aragorn’s shoulder, who gave a small smile that he returned. He had earned even just a little of Boromir’s respect, and that was all he needed. 

He stood up after a few moments, leaving Boromir to finally succumb to sleep. He searched for Legolas who had been sharing some elvish wine with Gimli. 

“Take this in small amounts master dwarf or you—” Legolas began before Gimli took the elegant glass offered to him and downed it in one swig. “—Will feel the effects much faster than you think…” He finished with a sigh and a chuckle, taking a sip of his own glass, the red tint of the wine lingering on Legolas’s pink lips. 

Aragorn smiled at the sight, glad that the two were finally starting to get along. He walked forward and sat next to Legolas, who did not say a word, just nodding in acknowledgment before taking another sip. Aragorn loved seeing him in blue, the garments he was given sparkled in moonlight and brought out his lovely eyes. It was truly his color. 

“And how do you like elvish wine, my friend?” Aragorn asked Gimli with a teasing smile, taking Legolas’s glass from his delicate hands and taking a sip from the prince’s wine. He was unknowing of the flush that crept onto Legolas’s face.

“It—isssnothin’ compar—compared to ale” Gimli slurred, making Legolas and Aragorn chuckle.

“Well, master dwarf… I shall share my first ale with you if we have the opportunity.” Legolas smiled

 The dwarf nodded in agreement. “Then we shalllllseeee whom issss the lightweight!” He shouted before passing out.

“It was not a very big glass was it mellon?” Aragorn smiled, kicking at Gimli’s boots.

Legolas simply shrugged. “I am not sure… compared to a dwarf I suppose so. He drank all of it at once.” The elf sighed. “Excuse me Estel but I think I will also retire for the night and enjoy the rest of our time here. You must rest as well.”

Legolas seemed different. He usually would have joined Aragorn in his amusement. But he seemed indifferent to what was going on around them. 

“Alone? Legolas is something ailing you? You do not act like yourself. Did Galadriel say something?” Aragorn asked worriedly. He cannot recall anything happening to Legolas, at least not something he saw.

“She talked of my father’s worries that is all… I guess he reached out to them… wanting to keep me here.” Legolas lied. Well… it was not technically a lie, it was rather true that this weighed upon his mind. But newfound feelings for his friend weighed greater upon him.

“Are they keeping you here? I—I understand if you are staying, I would rather you safe than anything… But I admit I would miss you.”

“Then be relieved mellon … I am following you as I promised.” Legolas smiled painfully at the caring words Aragorn offered. He knew Aragorn meant every word in friendship, and Legolas would accept all of it. Though he wished his words meant more. “I couldn’t leave you, Estel… I love my father dearly but I think the separation is good for us both” Legolas added, cupping Aragorn’s jaw, stroking the scruff of his beard before putting his hand down again. “I will retire for the night and follow you in the morning. “ Posto vae mellon le…”

“Posto vae…” Aragorn replied, not convinced that this was all. But he knew Legolas would say something when he was ready, they were lifelong friends after all. It was very like King Thranduil to do such a thing to protect his son, he was expecting it. What he realized, however, was that he did not want Legolas to leave. He wanted to share every moment with Legolas while they were there together. 

They would continue their journey on the lake in the morning using boats offered to them by Galadriel. He would get many chances to support Legolas in anything that had been bothering him. 

So he succumbed to his sleep for the first night without Legolas right next to him. It made him feel slightly uneasy. He liked that he could keep an eye on the prince and keep him safe. Though tonight they were all on their own, except for the hobbits of course, who had always slept together for warmth and the comfort of family and kin. 

He sensed hours later that Frodo had left his bed, but he was confident in the protection of Lothlorien. The poor thing had been through enough and Aragorn hoped the lad could find comforts in the home of elves. 

The journey for the ring would wake them all from their peace in the morning. 

Chapter Text

The next morning brought their departure from Lothlorien. Their boats were set and ready. The Fellowship all said their thanks for the gifts and advice and for giving them a place to feel safe. 

They only had three boats, and eight of them. Aragorn looked to Legolas to see if he would join him, but the elf had already tagged along with Gimli. Aragorn frowned, wondering what he had done to make Legolas so distant from him. He ended up taking Frodo and Sam into his boat. Boromir took the other two hobbits into his. 

Gimli was just as puzzled about Legolas, who was now back in his green tunic, jumping into his boat and decided to say something as they wafted through the water. “I thought ye’d like to be with Aragorn lad.”

“Why ever so? I spend time with all of you.”

Gimli then deadpanned at Legolas and rolled his eyes. “I am not daft princeling. I know ye and Aragorn are friends. I know that ye care a great lot for him as well. So answer me this time will ye?”

“It’s really nothing… It’s just…”

“Look lad, I know we do not see eye to eye… But as we are to be on a journey together, I think we should begin to trust one another. Even so, I notice the way ye look at him.”

Legolas glided through the water once more with his paddle and then rested it on his lap. 

“I am only confused.”

“Lad, ye do not look confused to me. Ye look like yer in love.”

“And perhaps I am… But what I am feeling right now needs to wait… I could never be with a man… I am an elf, it just would not do. It is not proper and even so, he has Arwen. My father would kill me.”

“Ye are indeed treading dangerous waters… and I will not say that I support gettin’ in the Lady Arwen’s way… but ye deserve to feel whatever ye may lad, even if it is not common. Dwarves are very uncommon in mating. We do not have many women and so all kinds of couplings happen. And yer father is going to kill you anyways lad so I wouldn’t worry so much about that. 

“I am not going to make any move… He and Arwen love one another and I will not get in their way. I will finish what I had set out to do and then travel home. I am heir to the Woodland realm… It would not work while he is the heir of Gondor.”

“Lad…”

Legolas sighed and picked his paddle back up, wafting through the water once again. He looked in front where Aragorn was silently moving his own paddle as Frodo and Sam rested. Their journey over the water was a peaceful one, one where they could all breathe in the saltiness of the water and listen to the water splash. 

Gimli never said another word to Legolas about Aragorn. He didn’t need to. Gimli knew everything and if it was so obvious to a dwarf, then what if it was obvious to others? He knew Boromir liked to piggyback on Gimli’s quips… but did he know also?

It shouldn’t have weighed on Legolas’s mind so much. He had a job to do, he had to protect the hobbits and protect Aragorn, which proved hard to do when they were separated like this.

Aragorn was worried, to say the least. He did not understand why Legolas began to be so cold to him. He wasn’t impolite or ignoring him in anger… but the way he acted towards Aragorn felt different. He wondered if Legolas did not tell him the full truth of what Galadriel told him in Lothlorien.

“Are you alright mister Strider?” Sam asked with a frown, Frodo matching his expression, The two could sense the shift in Aragorn’s mood. 

“I am fine lads… Just fine.” Aragorn sighed, looking behind them and seeing Legolas’s focused gaze as he paddled him and Gimli through the water. They were speaking to one another, probably fighting again. Aragorn smiled when he saw Legolas roll his eyes and bop Gimli’s head with the hilt of the paddle. He then looked to check on Boromir, who was teaching Merry to use the paddle properly. The hobbit would pout as he tried to pull both a grown man and another young hobbit, ending up taking the three of them in circles. 

When Aragorn turned back he had noticed exactly where they ended up.

“Frodo… Sam… look.” He whispered before turning back to gesture to Boromir about where they are. The man took the paddle from Merry and brought them closer. Legolas just picked up his paddle and let it rest on his lap as he and Gimli stared forward in awe. The elf had never seen something so wondrous with such powerful meaning.   

The Argonath statues.

Such beauty in two larger-than-life mementos to the old kings. Aragorn looked up to them both in such admiration and love for his people, Boromir joining him in his admiration with a rare smile. The statues reminded them exactly why they went on this mission. For their people, and their families. Their fates rested in the hands of them all. 

Soon after passing the great statues of old, the Fellowship made camp. Aragorn helped Frodo and Sam out of the boat and set them out to collect firewood. He looked to the side to check on Legolas, who was dragging his and Gimli’s boat above the rocks. 

“ My friend… How do you fare?” Aragorn asked with a smile, taking the other side of the boat and helping him lift it.

“ I am fine, thank you Estel… I will go hunt.”

And the elf was gone again. Aragorn was beginning to think he had said or done something to turn his friend away. So he followed. 

“Legolas, Legolas stop and look at me!” Aragorn demanded, the elf obeying. He knew Legolas could hear him from a mile away, he was ignoring the man.

“Estel… I am fine. I do not know how many more times I must say it but I am okay.”

“And yet I do not believe you.” Aragorn sighed, walking up to the elf and reaching out to cup the side of the elf’s face, making Legolas lean into the warm touch. “The light in your eyes is not present when looking at me… have I upset you in some way?”

Legolas did not mean to make Aragorn worry so. He knew his recent coldness was affecting the human but Legolas just felt as if he owed it to Aragorn to stay away. He felt as if he was no longer worthy of his friendship. The elf cast his eyes down to the Evanstar. The anger he felt regarding their relationship lingered. He was not even worthy of Arwen’s friendship.

“No Estel… I am sorry. I-I am struggling to think about how I may follow you and witness your downfall. It frightens me and I suppose I wanted to avoid facing it.”

It was not a lie… but it was not the truth. It was the closest way he could say anything he was thinking. It was not fair to Aragorn, being so cold. He was still Legolas’s dearest friend and because Legolas loved him, he would do anything for him. 

Aragorn sighed. “I do not think you are fully telling me what ails you. But I am glad you are trying… Know that I am here for you. Do not cast yourself away from those who can help you. You have nothing to be frightened of when I am here Legolas… Even if you do see me fall… I want you to know that the Valar will look after me, and I will look after you…”

“Estel…”

And in a gesture, Legolas knew Aragorn meant in friendship and respect, he kissed Legolas’s knuckles before letting go and smiling. “Are we alright?”

Legolas nodded with a forced smile. “Of course…”

Aragorn nodded back and turned. “I will go help the others set camp then… don’t be long.”

The camp was lovely. It was set near the lake where they could gaze upon its beauty for hours. The hobbits in particular enjoyed the area and scoured the grounds for flowers, putting them in each other’s hair. They moved on to the others where Aragorn ended up with several daisies in his hair. Even Boromir joined reluctantly, letting Merry and Pippin put one or two dandelions behind his ears. Gimli felt left out and Frodo made sure to make the dwarf his own with some poppies he found close by. 

Legolas was amused to see such rugged men covered in delicate flower petals and leaves. He sat down in between Gimli and Aragorn, leaning back onto the tree behind them with a soft laugh.

“What are ye laughing at elfling?” Gimli glared.

“How beautiful you all look of course.” Legolas smiled. “Those poppies clash with your hair.”

“Yer just jealous ye didn’ get one!”

“Actually Prince Legolas we made you one while you were gone.” Sam smiled shyly, holding up a crown of vibrant bluebells. 

Legolas smiled at the humble hobbit and happily accepted the offering, “I am honored that you thought of me so.” He said putting the crown on. He had not noticed the fond looks of Aragorn. 

“Brings out his eyes eh?” Boromir asked next to him with a raised eyebrow at the ranger, who dumbly stared at the elf.

“Yes… wait Bor—”

Boromir barked out a laugh and slapped Aragorn’s shoulder. “Don’t worry mate… I won't tell your lady elf. Nothing wrong with a bit of staring, he is pretty.”

Aragorn glared at Boromir, “He is not a prize to oggle. He is a prince, treat him as such.”

“Then you should give yourself the same advice. You’ve been staring at him since he arrived.” Boromir drawled, “I do not mean to disrespect the prince, only to tease in jest, my friend."

“Have I been?”

“As far as I could see. I know you two have a history but it feels like something different than a close friendship. You’re really fond of him, and as far as I am concerned that is perfectly normal, I admit I am fond of the princeling too.”

Aragorn sighed and fingered at the daisies in his hair. He was very fond of Legolas, differently from Boromir, but more than he probably should be. When he looked at the blonde, it was as if the entire scenery around him disappears, the world becomes quieter, and things make sense. Legolas was someone safe to look to, focus on, and talk to when the journey became difficult. Legolas was someone who made him want to try his hardest.

So yes, Aragorn was fond of Legolas. He adored the gentle way he spoke, the way his lovely hair went through his fingers like butter and flew in the wind. He loved how delicate he was, and yet how strong and quick on his feet he was. He loved how curious Legolas was about the world, how he giggled when the hobbits acted strangely. 

Legolas was strong-willed, beautiful, delicate, and stubborn all at the same time. He defied everything he knew and ran away from home to help Aragorn and the people of Middle Earth find peace in the world. 

Aragorn watched as Legolas allowed the hobbits to weave more flowers into his braids, as Merry explained he was a prince and deserved more flowers than the rest. Legolas treated them with such fondness and gentility, allowing the hobbits to play with something most elves would have a cow over another creature touching, his hair. 

He could hardly hear Boromir speaking to him or Gimli’s remarks about Legolas getting special treatment because he was too busy staring at Legolas. 

And for the first time, Aragorn considered his feelings. He weighed the way he felt for Arwen and the way he felt for Legolas, finding that he enjoyed both of their company, but Legolas made him feel differently. 

Arwen was someone everyone expected him to settle with. He loved Arwen with all his heart, but this love at the moment felt like a lie to himself and to her. She was willing to give her immortality to him and he was willing to live the rest of his life with her. 

But he couldn’t imagine his life without Legolas by his side. So did he deserve her love?

Legolas made his life complicated, fun, and interesting. He felt like his life would be so monotonous with Arwen, happy, but monotonous. It would not be fair to either of them to live a life so expected and simple. It may be the life for her, but Aragorn needed more.

He needed Legolas. 

So no… Aragorn did not deserve her love. 

Because he loved Legolas. 

Chapter Text

The moments they spent by the lake felt like some of the most restful they have had so far. Frodo could relax in the safety and greenery of the forests. The water splashed ever so gently, creating a calming noise that helped the hobbit think and process everything they had been through thus far. He was exhausted.

 The hobbits made haste to eat as much as they could before the next time they moved, insisting that Frodo be the first to eat. Aragorn chose to smoke and watch as Legolas tried to fish alongside Gimli, who was trying desperately to show that he could be a better fisherman than any poncey elf. Boromir rested next to the hobbits and watched out for the little ones, smoking a pipe of his own. 

“Gimli stop splashing about in the water like a buffoon, fishing is about patience.” Legolas smiled amusedly.

But Gimli continued to try and stab the fish in the water with his axe, failing to catch a thing of course. “I don’t need yer advice princeling!”

Legolas smiled and rolled his eyes before he felt something change. Something about the place they resided was unsafe. In the peace, he heard footsteps, heavy, armored, and strong footsteps. The prince stopped in his tracks and ran out of the water to Aragorn, who was concerned about the elf’s sudden pause as he listened around them. 

“Aragorn we need to leave, now!” Legolas breathed. He did not want to alarm the hobbits but the things he heard felt dangerous, these were strong creatures that ran in packs of large numbers. “I do not know what is in that forest but the noises are getting louder and louder and I do not think we want to find out!”

“Legolas we can’t move… orcs patrol the eastern shore and I do not want to take the chance of leaving now… are they far?”

“I—I cannot tell their steps— they get louder and blind my hearing. Aragorn really I do think we should move.”

“Let us wait… nightfall is safer. I would rather deal with large creatures in a small pack than dozens of orcs. Do not fret… everyone will be perfectly safe, I will make sure of that.” Aragorn smiled, resting a hand on Legolas’s slender shoulder and stroking it with his thumb.

“Aragorn it is not the eastern shore I fear… This— sense that I feel, a shadow, noise, darkness. Like how I felt it in Moria…I am serious Estel I fear for our lives yet again.”

That worried Aragorn a little more. Legolas’s senses were usually right… Aragorn turned them away in Moria… and they lost Gandalf. But he didn’t want to make the decision to cross the shore if there were going to be surrounded by creatures anyways…

And before he could respond to Legolas, Merry asked a haunting question. 

“Where is Frodo?” He asked with wide green eyes.

Sam was shaken out of his rest at the question. He swore to protect the ringbearer and yet now he was missing from sight. The round hobbit immediately scoured the camp to see any and all signs that Frodo was still near, the others joining.

That was when Aragorn realized that Boromir was gone too. That was strange. Boromir adored the hobbits and he sincerely hoped that he left to look for Frodo too, but the feeling he had in his stomach, coupled with the fact that the man left his weapons proved otherwise. 

“ Watch them, I need to look for Frodo and Boromir, If you must run, please run and do not worry about me, ” Aragorn ordered a worried Legolas, who nodded as the man squeezed his shoulder tight as if he did not want to leave him alone with the incoming threat. The elf nodded quickly and got to work gathering everyone together, much to Gimli’s disdain for being ordered around by an elf. But the minute he realized Aragorn had left to find Frodo and how scared the elf looked for them all, he began to worry for them as well.

“Lad?” Gimli asked, “Lad what is it?” Gimli asked.

Legolas sighed and watched as Aragorn ran away before instinct came into play. The hobbits’ survival came first always. He began to swiftly take everything that was important from their camp, the food, the water, their clothes, and blankets. The elf began to scare the hobbits when he stomped the fire they just made until it was no more.

“Little ones I really need you all to grab your things and—no—no I need you all to run now.”

“Lad— yer scaring them.”

“Gimli this is a time to be—Merry, Pippin, Sam I need you to run, NOW! NOW! Go look for Frodo and make sure he and Aragorn are safe but—”

It was too late. Their foe had revealed themselves with a growl and a snort, smiling devilishly as they found their prey. A very, very large pack of… orcs? Were in their path.

These orcs were different than what they were used to. They were made of some dark wizardry. They were ginormous, reaching higher than a man, than an elf. They were dark, with hair in long locks of thick black strings, and teeth that rotted to the gum. They had the strength of ten orcs with muscles that rivaled any who dared to compare. These orcs would be different than any they had fought before…

Shadows overwhelmed Legolas’s vision and the elf stumbled, noticing the white marks on all of them. Saruman… Saruman could be the only one he can think of who could have raised such darkness from the muds of Isengard. 

Uruk—Hai…

The prince then pushed the hobbits away, who were reluctant to leave the elf and dwarf to deal with these monsters. But Frodo was most important, their friend, family, and hero. Legolas would not have sent them away if he thought they would survive, and so they listened, grabbed their swords, and ran.

Merry and Pippin stuck together the entire time. Merry would never leave his best friend and youngest cousin. Pippin caused enough trouble by himself as it was. The blonde hobbit feared their lives would be soon over. 

Sam was behind them, looking around so erratically, reluctant to leave without Frodo by his side. The hobbit was his best friend, he adored Frodo and loved Frodo. He did not want to think of coming home and having to tell Bilbo that his nephew died in the hands of orcs and that he did not even make it to Mordor. 

So he left. He took off with a solemn and quick yell of goodbye to Merry and Pippin. He needed to find Frodo before these monsters tortured him to get to the ring, calling for the hobbit in every corner of the forest.

Merry and Pippin were left to fend for themselves but were glad to split up for better chances to find Frodo. They just hoped they could all make it out alive and meet together again. 

What Aragorn found when he finally saw Frodo was something he would remember forever. The hobbit laying on the ground, shaking as he curled around the ring. The boy was frightened.

And the next words out of his mouth broke his spirit, “It has taken Boromir.”

There was no time for Aragorn to mourn his newfound friend and brother of Gondor. He feared that being near the ring without any distractions keeping the temptation at bay, broke Boromir’s control. The calm of their camp was too much, letting the ring overwhelm his thoughts. 

When Aragorn tried to come nearer to the hobbit, Frodo screamed at him.

“Go! Get away from me!”

“Frodo I mean no harm… I swore to protect you!”

“But can you protect me from yourself?” The hobbit cried, opening his hand to reveal the ring, “Would you destroy it?” He threatened.

Aragorn looked thoughtfully at the ring, it called to him, yearned for him to come and take it. To take power into his own hands, power he could use to save the people he loved.

But at what cost? His mind? His very being? To crumble to nothing in the eyes of those who honored him and took care of him?

No.

He tightly held Frodo’s hands with his own and looked down into the hobbit’s eyes with such sincerity and tenderness, making Frodo feel safer.

 “I would have gone with you to the end. To the very fires of Mordor.” He finally breathed, letting go of Frodo’s hands enclosed with the ring.

“I know.” The hobbit sniffed. “Take care of the others… Watch after Sam, please tell him that—that I— that I did what I needed to do.”

Aragorn let out a breath and nodded, he felt as if he failed. He was leaving this poor creature in the hands of darkness. 

Before he could say anything else, he sensed the orc behind them and screamed at Frodo to run, to escape. 

“Frodo run, RUN!”

And so he did. Leaving Aragorn to fight the creatures himself, to defend Frodo. The guilt the hobbit felt was like no other.

Aragorn was against dozens of Uruk—Hai. He was alone, but knowing Legolas he would hear the commotion and as soon as he and Gimli could, they would be here. His hope was that the orcs did not get them first…

And his hopes rang true. The moment Aragorn took a tumble down from one of the Forest ruins, he was overwhelmed by more orcs, but this time was different. Legolas and Gimli ran through the forest paths and began to weave their way through the orcs to find Aragorn.

“Estel!” Legolas shouted, ducking swords, stabbing orc, shooting orc, “Estel!” he tried again.

“I am fine! I am well! Keep fighting they’re trying to get to Frodo!” Aragorn rasped.

Legolas fought closer, Gimli covering the elf behind him with triumphant laughs as he sliced the guts out of two Uruk-Hai with his axe. 

The elf was desperate to get to the man and help, but the orcs seemed only to grow in numbers. He was overwhelmed, he lost Gimli behind him and lost sight of Aragorn. He only continued to fight through until an orc smashed the hilt of their sword on the back of his head, making him stumble and open an opportunity for one to slice the side of his stomach open.

“ Ai!” He screamed in pain but continued to fight. He could feel his head burning, his side dripping. But he was here to protect Frodo, to protect Aragorn, to protect the Fellowship. He gritted his teeth and finally took out his knives, whipping in every direction and stabbing any and all orc he could until he fought a path to Aragorn and Gimli, who were huddled in a fight together.

“Legolas!” Aragorn shouted in relief to see the elf, running his eyes over the prince as fast as he could and noticing that he was in pain. Even in close combat, Legolas used his bow and seldom his knives, which was a big problem in Aragorn’s eyes even the first time they fought the Goblins. He had knives for close combat and used them far too late this time.

He threw an arm in front of Legolas’s chest and pushed the elf behind him as another orc sliced above their heads. Legolas stabbed one behind him with both knives, tearing them out to turn and stab another, all while keeping an eye on Aragorn who was taking every moment he could to watch after the prince. 

Gimli however, was having the time of his life before being overwhelmed by the tall and bulky creatures, towering over his small stature, beating and bruising him. He was eventually saved by Legolas who was using an arm to hold his side with immense pressure, smiling cockily at the Dwarf who only growled in response. He continued to try and protect the two, while also trying to one-up the injured elf.

The orcs soon got tired of fighting them, anxious to find the hobbit who held the ring.

“Find the halfling!” Their leader barked.

“A—Aragorn where is Frodo?” Legolas asked, stabbing any orcs who tried to escape and find Frodo.

Aragorn growled in frustration, he couldn’t let them find Frodo.

“I will explain later, are you well enough to run?” Aragorn asked the elf.

“I am perfectly fine Aragorn, Gimli?” He asked the dwarf, who raised his axe in exhaustion.

“Let’s get 'em, lads! For Frodo!” He cheered tiredly.

 At least his spirit was still there, Aragorn thought, ripping a piece of his own cloak to tie over Legolas’s wound before looking for herbs to lay upon it, making the elf pout.

“I am fine Estel! Let us go!” Legolas shouted.

“I will not let you run into danger again without something putting pressure and healing on it! You are in need of both your hands to fight and I do not know if I will be able to be there if it continues to bleed!” Aragorn shouted back, gently pulling on the cloth to tighten it. Legolas hissed in pain, holding Aragorn’s shoulder. Aragorn couldn’t stand to lose anyone else, especially his elf.

The man lead the two to chase the Uruk—Hai. He prayed to the Valar that Frodo and everyone else were okay after they split apart.

Frodo did exactly as Aragorn told him. He ran as fast as his large feet could carry until he found a large oak tree to hide and rest behind. He could feel the rumbling, and hear the clashing of their armor. His fear heightened again and his heart rate plummeted when he noticed Merry and Pippin hiding inside some bushes. 

Frodo shook his head at the two, who were smiling at their discovery of the hobbit. He hoped they would get the hint that he was leaving and had to go alone. 

Pippin did not like this realization and immediately ran out to try and reason with his oldest cousin when the monsters came into view. 

The two understood after this.

Frodo’s job was to protect the ring. 

The Fellowship’s job was to protect Frodo.

So the two called out to the Uruk—Hai, throwing anything and everything they could to get their attention. Rocks, stones, dirt, you name it. Anything to help Frodo safely escape and for the Uruk—Hai to stop focusing on him. 

Frodo’s guilt was heightened yet again as Merry called for Frodo to run. His cousins soon began to run as they were chased away. Frodo did not know if he would ever see them again.

He noticed that Sam was nowhere to be found as well. 

So with a heavy heart, Frodo ran.

Boromir, who was desperately trying to find Frodo, found the Uruk—Hai attacking his fondest hobbits.

This was his chance. 

He knew he would likely not live. But to die in honor of Frodo, in honor of the Fellowship, and in honor of Gondor, was worth more to him than anything the ring could offer him. If he could not protect Frodo and stay away from the ring, he would rather die keeping orc at bay.

He fought with everything he had, everything. He continued to fight even after the first arrow went through him… the second… and the third.

Merry and Pippin in their own fight to help Boromir realized very quickly that their friend would not make it. The two froze, breaking Boromir’s heart to see their innocence once again be thwarted.

Arrow after arrow pierced the man, making him collapse on his knees, and in one last effort to save the little ones by calling for help, he blew the Horn of Gondor in hopes that someone heard him, that a son of Gondor needed another, that he was leaving this world and would not be able to move on and come home to his father, his younger brother, his people… or to save the hobbits. 

“The Horn of Gondor!” Legolas gasped, hearing the many calls from within the forest, not too far away.

“Bless Legolas’s ears”, thought Aragorn, fighting deeper and deeper into the woods, followed by Gimli and Legolas.

Boromir used every strength left in his body to continue fighting… until his body simply stopped. The hobbits stared in fear, realizing the inevitable and screaming in anger at the orcs, attacking them with their own bodies to try and knock them away from their suffering friend. 

But their efforts were in vain… the little ones were taken in front of Boromir’s dying eyes, making the man suffer further, knowing he could not do anything. 

One of the Uruk—Hai lead a party where Boromir lay helplessly on his knees, gasping for air and trying to face the monster head-on as it pointed one last arrow at him.

The son of Gondor glared into the eyes of the monster, ready to finally die when Aragorn screamed

 “NO!” the man shouted before throwing his entire body at the orc, fighting with everything left in his body as he was tossed and beat until he finally was able to behead his foe.

. Legolas and Gimli finished off the last remaining orc as Aragorn gently held his brother of Gondor’s head in his hands. Aragorn panted in exhaustion, stroking the dirt away from Boromir’s cheeks, which were only replaced by Aragorn’s tears. 

“They took them! They took the little ones!” Boromir cried, making Aragorn worry further. But he had to be calm, he had to be the leader he was born to be.

“Hold still.” Aragorn sighed, preparing Boromir for healing.

“Frodo? Where’s Frodo?” Boromir demanded.

“I let Frodo go.”

Boromir took in a shaky breath, “Then you could do what I could not…I tried to—I tried to take the ring from him!” He sobbed.

It was as he feared. It was too much for the man to take… and yet here he is now protecting the hobbits with his very being. It was exceptionally difficult to suppress the call of the ring, especially if you were of man. Boromir being able to push that craving down to protect the Fellowship and help Frodo one last time, was enough for Aragorn to deduce that this man was more than his craving for power. He only wanted to help his people and the ring used that to its advantage. Boromir was a good man, corrupted by evil, a man who soon fought back from that evil and sobbed in response to his wrongdoings.

“The ring is beyond our reach now…”

“Forgive me.” Boromir begged, “I did not see it. I failed you all—”

“No Boromir… No. You’ve fought bravely, you have kept your honor…” Aragorn reassured, trying to open Boromir’s tunic to tend to his wounds when the man refused and tore the man's hands off.

“Leave it.” Boromir gasped, making Aragorn realize what he was asking. He was asking Aragorn to let him die in honor. “It is over. The world of Men will fall into darkness… and my city to ruin…”

Aragorn shook his head, stroking the side of his head comfortingly, “I do not know what strength is in my blood…But I swear to you that I will not let our city fall… nor our people fail.

The way Boromir looked at him after he said that would ring in Aragorn’s mind forever. He looked at him in respect, in trust. 

“Our people,” Boromir smiled, panting as he tried to reach his sword and nodding in thanks as Aragorn handed the hilt to Boromir before the dying man pressed the sword against his chest in respect. “Our people…”

Legolas, now putting pressure on the wrapping of his wound, stumbled upon Aragorn and Boromir, sensing the loss of life. He frowned in confusion, Boromir was a fine soldier… what had happened? The elf stood afar, grabbing Gimli by the scruff of his neck as he cheered by, happy to be rid of the orcs before his smile fell at the sight of their friend’s state. He looked up at the elf who looked so desperate to help and comfort Aragorn.

“Come on lad… Let’s go… let ‘em have their moment. We need to have a look at that wound of yers.”

Legolas shook his head, “Gimli… please prepare a boat…I need to stay with him” he said gently as he continued to watch the scene.

Gimli frowned before understanding what the elf was planning, Gimli nodded knowing Aragorn would probably end up forcing the elf into more effective treatment anyway. 

“Good idea lad… I will be back, wait until they are finished before approaching.” He advised before running off to row a boat near their location.

“I would have followed you my brother… my captain… my king.” Boromir spluttered with a proud smile before the life in his eyes left, and his body limp. Aragorn cried at these words, feeling accepted by one of his people that had doubted him the most. His friend, his brother. Boromir.

“Be at peace… son of Gondor.” He sniffed, praying quietly to the Valar to take care of this fallen soul, and kissing his forehead before finally leaving him at peace.

Legolas watched as Aragorn continued to stare at the man, devastated that he and Boromir would never see the pearly white city together… that he will have to go without Gondor’s beloved warrior and have them all face his failure to protect them all.

The elf walked up to the man, laying a hand on his shoulder and kneeling next to him. “Aragorn…”

“They will look for his coming from the White Tower…But he will not return.” Aragorn sniffed, his eyes letting out more tears in his shining grey eyes. Legolas’s heart broke at the scene, squeezing the man’s shoulder tighter. Aragorn again, felt he had failed.

“Gimli is getting a boat… We will send him off in honor, down these very rivers so that he may find his way…” Legolas said genlty, leaning his head against Aragorn’s before singing a song of mourning.

It was not often that an elf mourned a man… Aragorn never loved someone more than he did right now as his wounded elf sang a sacred song for their comrade, for the people of Gondor, and most of all, for Aragorn. 

The man took Legolas’s cheek in hand, lifting his head to meet Aragorn’s eyes. The man stroked the prince’s cheek and leaned their foreheads together, the elf continuing to sing as Aragorn stroked the blood-stained silk strands of his hair. He watched as the elf sang, his lips were so soft and gentle as he sang, it was like hearing a beautiful dove. His dove…

As Legolas finished his song, the fondness he felt for this gesture was so much. The relief he felt when Legolas was still okay, that he did not lose someone so important to him as they had lost Boromir.

“Ai!” Legolas, gasped, holding his stomach as the wound stung his side. Aragorn couldn’t believe he forgot his injury! He began to scramble the area for herbs and fresh water from Boromir’s waterskin. He rubbed the herbs against his hands to release the oils, throwing them all into a small curved wood he used as a bowl with some water to make a paste. 

Aragorn pushed it to the side and gently pushed Legolas back, untying the strings of his tunic, much to the elf’s disdain.

“Estel—”

“I need to clean it Legolas.” Aragorn sighed, noticing Gimli, who had just gotten back from fetching the boat, staring at the two in confusion. “Gimli I need you to get my waterskin and clean the back of his head. Make sure there is nothing to worry about.” Aragorn demanded, making the dwarf move swiftly to help heal the elf.

Aragorn sighed and looked apologetically at the prince, “I know you don’t want this but I am not taking any chances anymore… Let me take care of you.” he whispered, gently cleaning the wound with the rest of Boromir’s waterskin and making him hiss again. The once unmarked skin was now going to scar, and that made Aragorn angrier than it should have. He couldn’t even protect his prince.

Legolas nodded, feeling exposed under the eyes of Aragorn.

When the dwarf finished checking the head wound, Aragorn had Gimli use another ripped piece of cloth from his tunic to wrap the paste of herbs over the elf’s wound. Finally, it was finished… He could continue on. But if Legolas was not so stubborn, he would be tempted to send the prince home again, where it was safe. 

He sighed, tying the elf’s tunic again, running his eyes over the flushed, soft, toned skin of his elf, relieved that he was not bruised too badly.

The three then prepared the funeral for Boromir. A beautiful ceremony where Legolas sang a song of goodbyes. Gimli knelt down and bowed his head in honor, praying to  Aulë for Boromir. Aragorn and Legolas laid the man’s sword and shield perfectly against Boromir’s body inside the boat, and as a final memory of their friend, Aragorn gently removed Boromir’s braces and put them on his forearms.

And then they sent him away, unknowing of what would come next. They needed to help Frodo but how? They did not even know where he was. 

They did not know how Sam managed to survive, chasing Frodo to the hobbit’s own boat and nearly drowning himself in his stubbornness to stand alongside him.

But Aragorn did not care.

They could aid Frodo in other ways, they can help. But they would not be helpful by following them.

“Let’s go.” He said finally.

“You mean not to follow them?” Legolas asked, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“Frodo’s fate is no longer in our hands.” Aragorn stated, making Legolas frown further.

“Then it has all been in vain. The Fellowship has failed.” Gimli sighed in defeat.

But Aragorn thought otherwise. He walked to the other two, placing a hand on each of their shoulders.

“Not if we hold true to each other.” He smiled, making Gimli clap a hand on his arm, “We will not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death.” 

Legolas looked at him in such admiration and confidence, making Aragorn confident in his words.

“Leave all but what’s important. We travel lightly, Legolas? Can you run?”

Legolas smiled playfully as if Aragorn did not already know the answer.

“Estel, if you remember we elves heal swiftly… I can run as fast as a warg. Who we should worry for is poor Gimli.” He smiled down at the dwarf, who growled happily at the challenge.

That settled it.

“Let’s go hunt some orc.” Aragorn smiled, running off into the woods and leaving Legolas and Gimli to stare at one another challengingly until finally, Gimli laughed. 

“Yes!” He shouted before running off behind Aragorn and making Legolas roll his eyes in amusement. He then took off and ran lightly, quickly, until he was past both Aragorn and Gimli, who shouted in protest.

Their rivalry would be the death of Aragorn.

Chapter Text

The Three Hunters pursued the Uruk—Hai for the two hobbits. They traveled for two miserable nights, but Aragorn insisted on continuing. Legolas had no issue doing so, but poor Gimli was not so agreeable to the idea. 

“Three days and three nights with no rest! Aragorn I am worried for the hobbits as much as the next dwarf but laddie I do not think I can go much longer!” He exclaimed.

“We must move on Gimli.” Aragorn panted, stopping in his sprint to rest. “Come, if you must rest, catch up to me while I listen for their footsteps again…”

Aragorn rushed to the nearest rock, one that rested on the side of a hill. He laid his ear against it, sighing and trying to block out every noise around him so that he may listen. Legolas caught up to him and waited for Aragorn to finish listening.

“Estel?” He asked as the ranger lifted his head and smiled slightly, it must have been good news.

“Their pace has quickened, they must have picked up our scent. We’re close. Gimli come, we must hurry!” Aragorn exclaimed, leading the party in yet another sprint. 

“Aye! I am runnin’ as fast as I can!”

Legolas smiled cheekily at the dwarf, running past both him and Aragorn as they began their pursuit again. They edged closer and closer to the hobbits, proven even further when Aragorn discovered one of the Leaves of Lorien on the floor… now these were not easily broken off.

“They must have known we would come for them…” Legolas smiled, “They may still be alive yet!” 

Aragorn nodded and pocketed the little pin, laying a hand on Legolas’s shoulder and squeezing it, “I think you are right my friend…”

Legolas was such a beacon of hope for Aragorn… The way he happily ran wherever Aragorn needed them to go… the way he smiled at any and all traces of the hobbit. Aragorn does not think he would last those last three days without his cheery nature.

Gimli soon caught up… again, tripping onto a rock and rolling down the small hill beside them, making Legolas laugh before taking off and exclaiming to the dwarf.

“Hurry Gimli! We are gaining on them!”

Gimli sighed at his place on the ground and growled, picking himself back up again.

“I am wasted on cross country! We dwarves are natural sprinters! Very dangerous over short distances!”

Legolas laughed, smiling as he climbed the mountain overseeing the next land over. Aragorn soon joined him, sighing when he saw where they had finally arrived.

“Rohan…” He panted. “Home of the Horse Lords… I feel something brewing, something giving these creatures strength and speed. I fear we may never catch up…”

Legolas pursed his lips frustratingly, he was tired of running until they found some other trace, he wanted to see if he could see something higher up and rushed to the highest peak he could find.

Aragorn frowned and soon understood what Legolas was trying to do.

“Legolas! What do your elf eyes see?”

Legolas’s eyes widened, “The Uruks turn Northeast!” He exclaimed, realizing what this meant for the hobbits. “They’re taking the hobbits to Isengard! Aragorn, what—”

“Saruman…” Aragorn uttered. Legolas could see the hope disappear in his eyes, and he had to admit his own was lost as well. Even Gimli’s spirits were diminished further, their hobbits may not live to see the next day. But they had to continue, if anything find their bodies, and bring them home. Aragorn was tired of losing his friends at the hands of Isengard, at the hands of Mordor. 

“Well lads… what are we waiting for?” Gimli asked, beginning to run yet again, making Legolas and Aragorn look at each other with a smile. Nothing could keep them from recovering Merry and Pippin.

They ran for yet another night, the next morning dawning with a crimson sun, a detail Legolas was not happy about. 

“A red sun rises, blood has been spilled this night…” He sighed, frowning when he noticed Aragorn slowing his pace. He had thought it was to let Gimli catch up to them, give him a moment's rest. But soon he felt the pace of ten horses, strong horses. Rohan horses.

“Aragorn—”

“I know, come, get behind this rock!” the ranger exclaimed, rushing behind the rocks and taking Legolas into the hiding spot, covering him with his body while gesturing for Gimli to hurry.

“This is awfully close laddies—”

“Just get in!” Legolas demanded from his place behind Aragorn, watching as the Dwarf hid inside with them “Aragorn what will we—”

“Stay here… I do not know their place with elves, nor dwarves until I speak to them.” He whispered to Legolas, “Stay with Gimli, wait.”

Legolas rolled his eyes, “No” He said, going out first and making Aragorn purse his lips while Gimli just cackled. 

The three went to face the Riders of Rohan, Aragorn was the first to call out to them.

“Riders of Rohan! What news from the Mark!” He called.

But instead of sending one person, they all came after them. Aragorn frowned and rushed to huddle Legolas and Gimli close to him. He grabbed a very confused Legolas’s hand and pulled him to his side, all this noise against an elf with sensitive hearing, the elf didn’t know what to do. He squeezed Aragorns hand back as if they would take him from Aragorn if not. Gimli scowled at the riders, which only aggravated them more.

The riders pointed their spears at them in a sharp motion, alarming Aragorn even more as they closed in on them. He brought Legolas slightly behind him and threw an arm across Gimli when they finally stopped. 

“What business does an Elf, a Man, and a Dwarf have in the Riddermark?” The leader of their party demanded, circling them on his horse. “Speak quickly!”

Gimli scowled and challenged the man, “Give me yer name Horse—Master and I shall give ye mine!” He said proudly, making Aragorn and Legolas roll their eyes. He couldn’t step down could he? Stubborn dwarves. 

The leader scowled at the dwarf and came off his horse, rushing to the dwarf in a huff. Aragorn set a hand on Gimli’s shoulder in support. He may have been a stubborn dwarf, but that was part of the package when you had someone like Gimli, a loyal and fierce friend. 

“I would cut off your head dwarf if it stood a little higher from the ground” The soldier spat as Gimli stood proudly.

But Legolas would not take such an insult to his newfound friend, in one swift movement, pushing off from his place beside Aragorn, he took out an arrow and aimed it at the man’s face.

“You would die before your last stroke fell!” He shouted with a scowl. It was not often you saw such a sour face on an elf, especially not for a dwarf. This caused the Rohan Riders to point their spears at the elf, inches away from his fair head, alarming Aragorn to stand between Legolas and the soldiers surrounding them. He pushed Legolas’s arrow down with a look that told him to stand down. He brushed his hand against the one Legolas used to hold the hilt of his arrow and soon took place in front of the main soldier. Legolas still did not calm his stance, glaring at the man for his harsh words of welcome.

“I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn, this is Gimli son of Gloin, and Prince Legolas, son of King Thranduil and heir to the Woodland Relm. We are friends of Rohan and of Theoden, your king. 

The man's gaze became of surprise, staring pointedly at the elf. He couldn’t believe he did not see it before. He was... ethereal even compared to most elves, a race known for their immortal beauty. He almost maimed the Jewel of Mirkwood… He did not mind so much to maim the dwarf but killing or enslaving an elven prince is certainly one way to start a feud. He also did not pretend he did not notice the significance of the name Arathorn. What was this party’s purpose? Such a strange trio.

“...Theoden no longer recognizes friend or foe…” The man finally said, his expression becoming sad and worn. “Not even his own kin…” He sighed, removing his helmet, long golden locks falling to his shoulders before he signaled for his soldiers to stand down from Legolas. 

It was Theoden’s nephew… Eomer. 

“Saruman has poisoned the mind of our king and claimed lordship over these lands. My company is those loyal to Rohan, and for that, we are banished…” He explained.

Aragorn frowned, he was so confused. King Theoden was a kind and good king. His kingdom had very little but he truly cared for them to thrive. Eomer looked to Legolas, who was just as confused. Gimli continued to glare at the man who explained further.

“The white wizard is cunning.” He spat. “He spies on our lands, uses his tricks to deceive and plan… How do I not know that you are just that?”

“We are no spies… We track a party of Uruk—Hai westward across the plain. They… have taken two of our friends captive.”

The man frowned deeply, and Aragorn was frightened of the news he will bring.

“The Urk’s are destroyed. We slaughtered them during the night.”

“What of any hobbits?” Legolas asked.

“Did ye see two hobbits? Two wee little creatures?” Gimli added desperately.

“They would be small, like children to someone your size…” Aragorn explained gently. 

“We left none alive. We piled the carcasses and burned them.” Eomer said sadly.

Aragorn’s eyes widened in sorrow. He looked up and saw the bodies of the Uruk—Hai in flames. Legolas gasped and held a hand against his mouth, taking Aragorn’s hand comfortingly, for both of them. He then placed a hand on a sorrowful Gimli’s shoulder.

“I am sorry… I am. Keep looking for your friends but do not hope too highly… Arod! Hasufel!” Eomer whistled, bringing on a lovely white horse, and a brown horse. “May these horses bear you better fortune…than their former masters. Farwell…” Eomer parted, going back on his horse and riding north with his company, leaving the three hunters in sorrow. 

“Estel…” Legolas started, stroking the man's hand gently with his thumb. “ Mellon…”

Aragorn took his hand away, much harsher than he wanted to, but he was absolutely floored by this news. In a matter of weeks, nowhere near halfway through their journey, he has lost four of their party… and only the Valar know where Frodo and Sam were. He mounted Hasufel and began his ride to the burn site.

Legolas stood back with a sad expression, watching Aragorn as he left. Gimli put a hand on his back and led him to Arod. “He will be okay lad, let him process and ye will both be back to makin’ me sick soon enough.”

Legolas nodded and helped Gimli onto the horse before following Aragorn and circling the burning sight. Gimli was the first to get off the horse and search the pile, as he was experienced in hot fires and melted metals.

Aragorn paced in anticipation while Legolas simply knelt in front of the spot, ready to mourn the little ones. How could anyone hurt such precious creatures?

Finally, Gimli took out a sheath…

“It’s one of their wee belts…” Gimli wept.

Legolas sighed shakily, “ May they find peace after death” He spoke softly.

But Aragorn was not ready to give it up. He could not accept their deaths.

So he kicked one of the creature's wretched helmets across the plain, letting out a scream full of anguish and pain. That helmet was heavier than he anticipated.

Legolas flinched at the action, never seeing Aragorn so upset in his life. He knelt in front of the ranger and tried once more to calm him. Aragorn was so defeated that he accepted the touch this time, leaning his head onto the delicate hand on his shoulder, a silent apology for his anger towards his belov—his friend.

Legolas smiled at the action, tears falling down his delicate cheekbones, he was tired too and Aragorn was so angry at himself for pushing him and Gimli for nothing.

“We failed them…” Gimli wept and sat in exhaustion. He had especially enjoyed the hobbit's company, they were smaller than even he and shared a similar need for cheer. Alcohol, pipeweed, food, and the like.

Aragorn sighed and decided to give the dwarf some space, focusing on Legolas’s presence. The elf sought his own comfort as well as Aragorns it seemed, and the ranger wiped a tear from the fair elf’s face.

“I am sorry… you are weary, you still suffer the injury from—”

“No I am fine, Gimli is fine, the injury is healed and I do not worry for rest!… I only worry for you, for the little ones. Aragorn I fear what lies ahead, I fear you lose hope of our success. I also fear that that helmet you kicked broke something…”

Aragorn sighed with a sad smile and continued to wipe the tears away with his large, rough hands. The comfort Legolas felt by this touch alone was enough.

“Please... do not fret.” He comforted, “We have a job to do… and I will see it done. I will see it done without any more losses… I am just so tired of not being fast enough.” He sniffed.

Now there were tears falling from Aragorn’s eyes, the elf returning the favor and wiping them away from his sweaty face.

“You need a bath… We all do. But you are especially in need, you stubborn man.” He smiled, making Aragorn chuckle a little.

“And yet you manage to stay picture perfect… Even injured you look unharmed and fair my friend… but you are right” Aragorn smiled, taking a strand of blonde hair that strayed from behind his ear and stroking it back ever so gently.

Even recognizing his regard for Legolas, he could not waste one minute to even think about telling Legolas how he felt. He had to continue what he set out to do… and until the time felt right, he would not say anything, he would make sure the elf was safe for now.

What he did not know was how the elf battled the same thoughts.

The three of them sat together for a while, Legolas saying a proper prayer in elvish for the little ones, he adored Merry and Pippin. They were the Fellowhip’s source of cheer… cheer that has been no more since their disappearance. 

However, in their sorrows, Aragorn found a pattern on the grass. The hobbits had escaped the hold of the Uruk—Hai using their size to their advantage.

He shot up from their place in front of the burn pile, following every trace he noticed, Gimli and Legolas following.

“They traveled this way, tracks leading away from battle and into—Fanghorn Forest…”

“What madness led them in there?” Gimli asked as Aragorn led the way inside. “Aragorn! Do not just— Hey elfling don’t follow h—Fine!” He grumbled, following the two inside and walking with his axe in the air, finding orc blood on the leaves nearby as soon as he walked in. He alarmed Aragorn and immediately they spread out to find more clues.

“These are strange tracks…”Aragorn frowned, feeling the ground gently.

“The air is so… suffocating,” Gimli grumbled.

“It is an old forest…Very old. Memories from times long before we were here reside in this forest. They speak to one another… They are angry.” Legolas frowned

“Talkin’ trees do it for me laddies!” Gimli shouted, holding up his axe in defense, making Aragorn glare at him and push it down.

“Gimli! Lower your axe, you alarm them.”

Gimli looked at Aragorn as if he grew three other heads, then to Legolas, but the elf was even more insistent about him doing so.

“They have feelings my friend… please trust me… The trees speak as all do, but these are…unfamiliar, old, and angry. We must be careful.”

Gimli nodded, still confused, but lowered his axe so he did not offend the er… trees.

“The elves began it, waking up the trees and teaching them to speak.” Legolas smiled, earning a fond look from Aragorn.

“...and what do the trees speak of?” Gimli asked, still stumped at this news. “Except the consistency of squirrel droppings.”

They walked forward, Legolas leading the way before he stopped, fear invading his body as he felt a presence, a presence he did not want to be right about.

“Aragorn!” He shouted, alarming the ranger, who took the elf’s arms and held the shaking prince. “ There is something else here! ”

“Wh—Legolas” Aragorn spluttered as the elf ran out of his arms and further into the forest, stopping at a clearing. “ What do you see?”

Legolas gritted his teeth, “The White Wizard approaches.”

Aragorn sighed at the news, readying his weapon and commanding, “Do not let him speak, if he should do so a spell will be put upon us. Ready your weapons, and stick together. We must be quick.” he whispered.

And as if on instinct, the three felt the presence of the White Wizard, who threw back Gimli’s axe, broke Legolas’s arrow in two, and ignited Aragorn’s sword in heat, causing him to throw it down.

Aragorn rushed behind him to hold Legolas and Gimli behind him, taking the elf’s hand and Gimli’s shoulder in defense.

But no danger came… Instead, a great white light showed and the figure spoke, “You are tracking the footsteps of two young hobbits…”

“Where are they?” Aragorn demanded.

“They passed this way, the day before yesterday. They met someone they did not expect. Does that comfort you?”

“Who are you? Show yourself!” Aragorn demanded, desperate to find answers. 

But the three did not know that they too, would meet someone they did not expect.

It was Gandalf…But no longer Gandalf the Grey.

Gandalf the White. 

Chapter Text

The party was surprised to see the wizard, but their surprise did not overwhelm their relief, not their happiness to see their friend alive. Aragorn was the first to greet the wizard, clapping a strong hand on the old man’s shoulder and smiling.

“My friend…” He beamed, the wizard did not seem to be injured, in fact, he looked entirely healthy, even more so than he did at the beginning of the journey. 

“How in the great halls of Aulë did ye escape from the Balrog?” Gimli exclaimed.

Legolas looked at Gandalf in curiosity, he was happy to see Gandalf but sincerely confused as well. It takes someone exceptionally powerful to best a Balrog, especially one that size. 

Gandalf explained to the three about how he had been a prisoner of the beast, fighting it to his very last breath. He was then given a gift from Eru, reborn as Gandalf the White for his deeds. He was much more deserving of the title, as Saruman betrayed and took advantage of it.

Gandalf further talked about the whereabouts of Merry and Pippin, assuring them not to worry and that it would be best to move on. This did not sit right with the three, especially Aragorn, but they trusted Gandalf and his aloof judgment.

“It may be best to take this night to rest. I have plans to make towards Edoras, and I will need you three at your best.”

“Edoras? Why—”

“All will make sense in due time… now let us make for the nearest lake. There we will find a place to rest safely and wash. I am also sure we could find decent rabbits to eat around here. But we must move quickly if you want to do any of that.” Gandalf added.

Legolas’s eyes widened at the thought of bathing, he hadn’t had a chance to since Lothlorien. He did not even care if it was in some old lake, he needed to feel clean again. 

“Then what are we waiting for?” Legolas smiled, leading the way.

“The wee princeling needs his bath.” Gimli laughed to a fondly smiling Aragorn.

“Do not tease him, roughing it is not something he is used to.” Aragorn teased. 

“Not all of us can live in filth. Aragorn, I do not even remember the last time I saw you rinse your hair or your wounds, you told me that I was right about bathing earlier so why fight me?”

“I used my waterskin.” The ranger shrugged.

Legolas rolled his eyes and made a disgusted face, “That absolutely does not count. You need to properly bathe, both of you. Besides Aragorn, I am worried about your foot… What if it broke?” He asked as he unraveled his braids.

“I am fine Legolas, I will check on it myself later tonight. Enjoy your bath, I think I will gather some firewood and then keep watch for a little while.”

“I’m sure ye will” Gimli mumbled as the blonde went to bathe, “On the princeling perhaps? Ye cannot seem to be away from—”

“Gimli do me a favor and hunt for us…” Aragorn sighed, going to find firewood.

It had been much too long since Legolas’s last wash. He made sure to find a secluded area, shielding his body from the open with tall rocks and dark bushes. The lake shined in the moonlight, illuminating the small ripples in the water as they moved calmly with the breeze. Legolas took off his clothes, folding them and placing them on the nearest rock. He placed his boots beneath them along with his arm braces before wading into it.

Legolas had not been in a proper lake for many years, not since Rivendell. Sure, Mirkwood had lakes and bodies of water, but they were all poisoned by the darkness. They had to make deals with Lake Town to get any source of clean water.

His lean body shivered in the cold night, his arms erupting in goosebumps, the trees providing additional coolness to the area. He stepped lightly into the water, feeling the rocks underneath his feet as he got waist-deep. It was slightly slippery, but the water was clean and calm. Legolas sighed as he sat deeper into the water until his entire body was underneath, wetting his hair before coming back up again. He brushed his hair back with both hands, ringing out the long strands of hair and ridding them of any filth. 

Aragorn liked to joke that the elf never got dirty, but in reality, Legolas knew he was just as roughed up as they were. He got scratched, sliced, and bruised just like everyone. He just avoided using rash tactics like throwing himself into danger and rolling about the ground. Legolas was an elf and he was taught to fight like one, gracefully, from a distance first using his bow before heading into close combat.

He washed his body with a cloth, the water dripping as he dipped the fabric into the water and brought it to his chest, to his arms, and legs. He eventually washed down to the knife wound in his side. It was healing over, but would scar. Legolas never got scarred and the elf immediately thought about what his father would say, how worried he would be.

As much as he longed to be free of his father's clutches, he also loved his father dearly. He never wanted to hurt him so deeply by leaving, and Legolas would not be surprised if the search party called was sent the moment Thranduil realized his son would not be back for a long time. 

The first thing he would do when this adventure was over is see his father and show him his strength and his responsibility. Legolas knew this would be his last hope to show his worth outside of the Woodland Relm.

Legolas sighed and brought a comb to his hair, brushing it thoroughly. He had some oils left from Lothlorien and rubbed them into the golden strands. The cold air on his wet torso made him shiver a little.

Aragorn was making a pile of wood to last them through the night. He had been near the lake, keeping an ear out in case Legolas needed someone to come to his aid. Not that he needed it…

Legolas noticed the man and folded his arms against a rock, laying his head onto them and watching Aragorn collect wood. The man noticed he had an audience and smiled at Legolas, walking towards the elf. Legolas flushed in his position, dipping his lower body deeper into the water and smiling at Aragorn.

“You’ve been here a good while, is the water nice?” Aragorn asked, setting the wood down next to him and sitting criss-crossed on the rock Legolas was laying his head. Legolas looked stunning, slender body comfortable, skin wet and shining in the light, and his hair damp with strands escaping from their place behind his ear. Aragorn noticed the goosebumps over his soft skin, surprised to see such a reaction to the cold from an elf.

Except it wasn't exactly the cold that gave him goosebumps. 

“It is lovely, seriously I think you should take this opportunity to wash…”

“Legolas…”

“At least to check and wash your foot… that helmet wasn’t the lightest…”

Aragorn rolled his eyes at the stubborn elf before smiling. He took off his boots, struggling with the injured foot. Legolas swam up to him and helped take it off as Aragorn folded the cuffs of his pants around his knees, dipping his feet in the water and sighing in relief. His injured toe was driving him crazy and the cold water helped soothe it. He then grabbed his bag of herbs and bandages, Legolas watching him prepare to heal himself. 

“Here…” Legolas offered, taking the bandages and wrapping them around his ankle and toes as Aragorn held the herbs to the wound. “Does that help?”

“It feels much better now, I thank you.” Aragorn sighed, his other foot still dangling in the water. “Are you coming up soon?”

Legolas flushed and shrugged, “I think I will stay here a little while longer, it’s peaceful, and I would rather not hear Gimli’s quips about my habits while he and you stay dirty.”

“It really bugs you,” Aragorn smiled playfully. “I promise you the moment we are safe in Edoras I will wash but I have too much on my mind at the moment. We will be just as disgusting when we move on.”

“Then do not expect any fond affections from me anytime soon my friend,” Legolas smiled, turning before taking strands of his hair and restoring his braids as Aragorn pouted.

“May I?” Aragorn asked, scooting up on the rock and taking the other side of his head, braiding when Legolas sighed and leaned back to allow him. “You do not seem too angry to have my hands on your hair, I recall you telling me they’re too rough.”

“And about the horrid dirt under your nails… But I admit to your grace and delicacy when braiding hair, you are a human with elven manners. I am not used to doing it myself so much.”

“I am honored to be allowed to touch the jewel of Mirkwood’s hair.” Aragorn chuckled. “No matter how horrid you say my hands are.”

Legolas smiled and looked up at Aragorn, “I only tease,” He said, taking Aragorn’s hands in his when he finished braiding his hair, “You hold every responsibility in these hands, they have seen battle and delicacy as well. I like them very much.” Legolas said, holding one hand in both of his. Aragorn’s hands were certainly rough, and Legolas himself didn’t understand why Aragorn could stand them that way, but Legolas was reminded of Aragorn’s good deeds as he stroked the calloused fingers, the scabbed knuckles and large, rough palms. His hands were bigger than the elf’s, safe and strong.

“I appreciate that…” Aragorn laughed, taking his free hand to smooth any other loose strands as the blonde hair dried. “You should get out soon, you’ll get sick.”

“When I do not have an audience perhaps?” Legolas flushed. 

“Ah, the prince needs his privacy? Of course, I will leave his majesty to it then.” Aragorn teased, taking one of Legolas’s knuckles to his lips before staring into his crystal eyes for a moment. Legolas found he could not tear them away from Aragorn. The ranger cupped his jaw with a smile, his other hand brushing hair off and behind the blonde’s naked shoulder. They froze this way, Legolas flushed and vulnerable, his eyes glowing in the moonlight as he raked them over Aragorn’s form, stopping when he saw the Evanstar. 

What was he doing? 

He pulled away from Aragorn’s hold, slipping backward into the water as he attempted to turn away, the ranger’s eyes widening in worry as he carefully and swiftly slipped into the water from the rock he sat on. His clothes were now positively soaked but he knew Legolas wasn’t the strongest swimmer. Legolas was up by the time Aragorn got to him, coughing and spluttering and leaning onto the ranger, who once again fixed his hair out of his face as he kept an arm around his waist to keep Legolas stable.

“Are you alright?” He asked Legolas as his breathing became less shallow, “What spooked you?”

“Nothing, nothing I am fine” Legolas flushed, very aware of the strong arm around his waist as he coughed once more. “Go and dry off you daft man, I only slipped, I am a grown elf. Now your clothes are soaked, go bring the wood for the fire and change out of those, I am sure Gandalf’s old bones are freezing.”

Aragorn nodded, “I will see you there then. Soon?”

“Aragorn I will be fine for five more minutes, I’m sure you will hear my cries for help if I should slip again.” Legolas smiled, taking Aragorn’s arm off him and sending the man away. He needed a few minutes to… collect himself.

Aragorn nodded, leaving and forgetting to bring the firewood with him, making Gandalf chuckle.

“Are you distracted, my boy?”

Aragorn frowned, “By what? I am fine.”

“Because twenty minutes ago you left to get firewood and here you are without it. May I ask how long that has been going on?” Gandalf asked with a knowing smile.

“I—I do not know what you speak of.” Aragorn frowned.

“You went to see Legolas, my boy, I am not daft. I only worry for the hearts that could be broken. Do you forget your devotion?” The old man asked, nodding to the Evanstar. “Or will you use the prince as a toy until you get—”

“I would never!” Aragorn exclaimed, making the old man smile. “I—I cannot begin to explain my feelings because it is as if they have changed since I saw him again. Please do not misunderstand… It was unexpected and I fear my feelings getting stronger every day. I do not wish to betray or lead Arwen on…nor do I wish to use Legolas, they both deserve better than that.”

“I know Aragorn… I only tease to see your reaction and it seems my suspicions ring true?”

Aragorn was silent before taking a deep breath, “...I love him. And I know I should not.”

“My boy the heart wants what it wants and I am happy to see you both young and in love. However, I will not sugarcoat this, breaking this news to your home and to Arwen will be difficult… as it will be for him if he shares your infatuation.”

“...I feel horrible Gandalf” Aragorn said, fingering at the jewelry. “She offered her immortality… I did not take it. I did not say I would have said yes or no.”

“And why is that?” Gandalf asked, smoking from his pipe for warmth. 

“I suppose… I was not sure if I wanted that responsibility over her… Maybe I saw Legolas again and after many years of friendship, it changed things… I am expected to be with Arwen, with a woman to bear my heir.”

“Sometimes we need to do things that make ourselves happy too… You certainly could have handled this at a better time but I suppose there is no time like the present. The universe handles things as they should happen my boy. Just be prepared to face any consequences for whomever it is you decide to share your love with.”

Gimli came back with two large rabbits to cook, “...I was under the impression there there would be a fire…” He grumbled

Aragorn stared at his feet, one bandaged by the delicate hand of Legolas. He thought back to the lake, and how complete he felt as he held the elf safely near him. Then he thought of Arwen, a woman who always listened, always devoted her time to him. But he realized what he felt for her was an immense fondness, not love. 

“Aragorn?” Gimli tried again, “What is wrong with ye?”

Aragorn shook himself out of his trance, “I just realized I left the wood on accident, my friend… I will go fetch it—”

But as he went to get the wood Legolas came back, carrying the wood Aragorn left.

“Ah, left 'em eh?” Gimli laughed knowingly, “Thought they’d be safer with the elf?”

Aragorn sighed and sat back down, a thankful look at Legolas, who smiled back and prepared a pile for Gandalf to light. They were soon able to eat a hearty rabbit stew, the biggest meal they had had in weeks. 

Aragorn was first in his bedroll. He needed to think.

Soon Legolas joined next to him, turning his front to face the warm fire. His golden hair splayed out in front of Aragorn, who could not help but stroke the hair gently, making Legolas sigh in his sleep. He adored Legolas’s hair. 

The sight of the elf alone made his decision clear… But the mission came first and Aragorn would keep this in as long as possible for them all to better focus on the task at hand.“ Posto vae…” He whispered as sleep succumbed to him. “ Meleth ” He added in thought.

Chapter Text

The dawn came sooner than they wanted. It was such a relief to have a night to rest and gather their bearings. They hardly had any time to rest when they were chasing Merry and Pippin. Aragorn especially needed this rest, not to mention Gimli who was tired from all of the running. They were lucky enough to have horses, including Gandalf. Legolas shared his horse with Gimli, who would not be able to ride a regular-sized horse. Dwarves were made more for ponies. 

“Are we almost there?” Gimli drawled, holding onto Legolas’s cloak.

“Soon Master Gimli, look in front of us and you will see the city of Edoras in our sight. This is where King Theoden hails… though sick in mind. We must head swiftly to catch it in time.”

Gimli looked and seemed unimpressed at the little city. It seemed poor and insignificant. It sat on a high mountain surrounded by small wooden houses and at the very peak of the mountain was a very large building, the Golden Halls of Meduseld. 

“What ails the King?” Legolas asked with a frown, “Surely he—”

“You will see when we get there young prince. But do not expect much welcome here, keep vigilant, and do not let your guard down until things are taken care of. They will not appreciate our arrival so follow my lead.” Gandalf advised, leading the way on his horse to the edge of the city.

Edoras was… quite small. Very simple and weak. Legolas looked around in pity for the cold and hungry people surrounding them. Gimli sighed, feeling very similar. He felt lucky to live under a warm mountain. 

Aragorn looked around in worry. King Theoden really left his people to suffer this way? He knew times were difficult… but so difficult that his people were in ruins? 

On the ground he saw a flag, Rohan’s flag. It must have fled from its pole and made its way towards him. Aragorn bowed his head towards where it lay and continued to follow Gandalf to the entrance of the Golden Hall. They were met with Rohan's guards, making Gandalf feel that perhaps they would have some support in this. However, they were concerned about the weapons they carried.

“By order of Grima Wormtongue, you will not bring weapons inside our halls. I cannot possibly allow you near our king unless you give them up.” The front guard said reluctantly.

Gandalf’s comfort was swept away at these words. Grima Wormtongue certainly lives up to his name from what Gandalf can gather. He had a feeling he was behind this. They would not need weapons. Just magic.

So he nodded to the three next to him. Legolas sighed, giving up his precious bow and arrows, his knives. Gimli scowled as the guards took his axe, his only source of defense. Aragorn simply frowned and gave up his sword, his knives, his bow, and the arrows he carried. The guards were a bit perturbed by how many knives Aragorn carried.

The guards soon looked to Gandalf and held their hands out for his sword and staff. Gandalf gladly gave away the sword but hesitated when it came to his staff.

“You would part an old man from his walking stick?” He pouted sadly, hoping it was enough to convince the guard.

“Please sir, Gandalf can hardly walk even with it. Can you not grant him this accommodation?” Legolas asked, taking Gandalf’s free arm.

The guard sighed and rolled his eyes, turning to lead them inside. Legolas and Gandalf smiled playfully, making Aragorn too roll his eyes. He couldn’t believe they fell for that.

Legolas continued to hold Gandalf’s arm as if the old man would fall out of balance without it. The vulnerability would make them seem less of a threat, once they were inside there was no need to pretend anymore.

The main room was so dark and gloomy. In the back sat King Theoden, who looked tired, half-dead, and angry to see them. His hair was long, grey, and matted, his eyes sunken into his skull with skin that was pale and sickly.

“Gandalf the Grey approaches… He is not welcome sire…” Grima hissed into Theoden’s ear. They were not quite sure that Theoden was able to hear him until the man let out a strained breath. 

“Why… should I welcome you? Gandalf… Stormcrow?” The king wheezed, looking to Wormtongue for validation.

“A just question my liege…” Wormtongue nodded, his glazed eyes shining with agreement. Gandalf knew exactly what was going on. 

Aragorn noticed a few more angry guards surrounding them. He looked to Legolas and Gimli who had noticed it too. They were without weapons, but not without their fists. Aragorn only hoped they both knew how to use them and that they would not be too overwhelmed.

“Late… is the hour… in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell I name him… ill news is an ill guest.” Wormtongue said slowly, practically slithering towards them, alarming Gandalf. 

“Be silent. Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth!” Gandalf sneered, making Wormtongue’s sinister expression fall. “I did not pass through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm…” He added before presenting his staff, making Wormtongue fall back from Gandalf and call for the guards.

“His staff…I told you to take the wizard’s staff!” He whined as the guards beelined for Gandalf, before being met with the fists of a human, a dwarf, and an elf. 

Aragorn was the first to throw a punch, growling when another tried to sneak up behind him before Gimli dove in and tripped him. Legolas was finding he enjoyed close combat, smiling and thanking his ears as he heard a guard behind him before raising his fist and letting him run into it. The guards were starting to get frustrated and gained their strength quickly, getting up again and trying to overwhelm Aragorn. 

Legolas rushed to his side and kicked a guard away from the ranger, turning and being met with another who grabbed his hair. Aragorn’s eyes widened and he grabbed the man’s wrist, squeezing it until he unhanded the blonde locks and throwing him on the ground. 

“Legolas?” Aragorn asked, gently taking the back of the blonde’s head in his hand to make sure nothing was pulled out. 

“I am fine, we must finish what we started!” Legolas replied, lightly flushed because of Aragorn’s worry. 

Gimli began to realize his size would be an asset in this fight. He had a group of three upon him who soon piled up when they tried to catch the dwarf together, finding that Gimli easily maneuvered around them before using his bulk to weigh them down. He sat on the three with a smile, watching as Aragorn and Legolas finished the job. 

Gandalf however had something more important to worry about. Freeing the once kind and sympathetic King of Rohan from Saurman’s tight grasp.

Wormtongue attempted to stop the old man before Gimli raised himself from the mound of guards. Gimli soon kicked the sickly and greasy man to the ground and held him there with his foot. 

“Theoden! Son of Thengel, too long have you sat in the Shadows. Harken to me!” Gandalf shouted, “I release you…from the spell” He added in a whisper, holding his hand out to the king, beginning his counterspell.

But the old man only laughed gruffly, “You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey.” The king wheezed. 

But oh what a mistake he made. Gandalf shed his grey poncho and dramatically presented his impossibly stark white robes. 

“I will draw you Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound!” Gandalf claimed, removing the poison in Theoden's mind with his staff, making him scream and struggle against the spell.

A fair young woman rushed out from the wall she hid behind. She had yellow hair, and blue eyes, and was wearing a white and gold dress. A lady of Rohan, Aragorn assumed. He watched the young woman gasp at the sight.

“Uncle!” She shouted, beginning to run to the king before Aragorn took her into his arms and held her still. 

“Wait…” Aragorn insisted. The woman just looked into his eyes and nodded. She felt she could trust him.

Legolas frowned at the sight and walked forward, Gimli tugging his cloak to keep him still. “Let em’ handle it, lad. No sudden movements.” The dwarf insisted as Gandalf continued to draw out Saruman. 

“If I go, Theoden dies…” Saruman projected using Theoden’s body.

“You did not kill me. You will not kill him!” Gandalf sneered.

“Rohan is mine!” Saruman shouted.

“Be gone!” Gandalf yelled finally as his spell began to seep into the king, releasing him of his pain and struggle… leaving a much healthier and well-kept older man.

Aragorn couldn’t restrain the woman anymore, finally letting her go to Theoden’s aid. She held the king’s head in her arms and smiled as she recognized the face of her uncle again.

“I know your face…” Theoden whispered tearfully. “Eowyn…” He smiled as his niece stroked his hair gently in disbelief. He couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw that it was Gandalf that came to his aid.

“Breathe the free air again my friend…” He smiled at the king.

Aragorn smiled at the reunion, as did Gimli and Legolas, who took the opportunity to walk next to the ranger. 

“Are you well?” He asked Aragorn, who continued to look at the king and his niece. Legolas knew the man felt a bit out of place as he studied the older, experienced king. Aragorn never felt he was ready to be a king, destiny or not. 

“Just fine mellon this is a happy reunion…” Aragorn smiled. “I think our friend Grima is going to have his comeuppance.” He added as Theoden stormed after Wormtongue, his guards taking control of the man and tossing him out the entrance. The rest followed the king as he intimidated the man further.  

“I have only ever served you, my lord!” The sickly man tried.

“Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!”

“Send me not from your sight!” Wormtongue pleaded, “Sire please—”

Theoden raised his sword, he had the strength to wield it again and took his newfound strength to slay the worm.

But his sword would not fall. 

“Aragorn—” Legolas began, but Aragorn already rushed from his place near the entrance and took Theoden by the shoulders. He held the older man back with all his might.

“My lord! My lord!! No, no… Let him go… Enough blood has been spilled on his account… he is not worth it.” Aragorn tried, peering into Theoden’s eyes and seeing that the older man saw reason. 

Theoden saw an honorable young man back. A very stubborn young man, but honorable.

So instead of killing him, Aragorn offered a hand to Wormtongue.

Aragorn was met with his spit.

Legolas’s eyes widened and he stepped forward to teach some respect to Wormtongue, but Gimli again held him back by his tunic.

“Lad, this is for Aragorn to figure out himself… these are not our people. Let em’ go he’s a big boy.”

“He shows such disrespect!” Legolas sneered. “Spitting at a future king. Spitting at a man who fought to spare him. Pe-channas! ”

“But is that not what makes Sir Aragorn so good? That he spares a life that may not deserve to be spared…” Eowyn said gently behind them, walking to stand next to Legolas, who continued to glare at Wormtongue.

“It is not a question of Aragorn… it is of filth…” Legolas frowned, watching Wormtongue cower and flee from Edoras.

“Lad, a lady is present…” Gimli sighed.

“...I apologize” Legolas sighed, bowing his head to Eowyn when he could no longer spot Grima. “I have little patience for people like him…” He added as he looked towards where Aragorn now bowed to the king. 

“So do I, I do not insult you for defending your comrade.” Eowyn smiled, “If it were up to me I would slay him as well…”

Gimli chortled at this, “Aye, my lady.”

“Eowyn, please.”

Legolas smiled at her and nodded his head, “I thank you for your support, Eowyn.”

Soon Eowyn would rush to join her uncle and Aragorn. Legolas was a bit more tense seeing the two. Eowyn was rather excited to be around the ranger, bowing and speaking to Aragorn as if he held the moon and stars.

But she didn’t know Aragorn. Legolas did, and he felt a bit left out. Eowyn had beautiful golden waves of hair, much more interesting than his straight blonde locks. She had light eyes, but darker than his, making her seem softer. 

Legolas wasn’t an idiot. He knew he was beautiful, he knew that he was stared at, especially by greedy humans. It was another reason Thranduil insisted on keeping him secure in Mirkwood. He could watch over his son and whoever dared to look in his direction. But Legolas cared not for the attention of anyone, he never asked for it and he could be without it.

However, he found he wanted Aragorn’s attention and currently, it was stolen away by a fair human maiden… They had something in common that Legolas or Arwen could not understand, what it is to be human and mortal.

Gimli sensed his unease and laid a hand on his back, “It is over now, let us support our friend.”

“Hm…” Legolas hummed, looking down at Gimli. “Yes.”

“Are ye alright lad?”

“Just fine…”

“Do not tell me ye worry about the girl and Aragorn? Ye two spent weeks making me sick and now ye think he won’t pay any attention to ye? Do not think too much of it. She is a young lass and Aragorn is her uncle’s savior, she is grateful. It will wear off."

Legolas nodded and sighed, looking out again where everyone was suddenly in mourning. Eowyn clinging to her uncle in tears as his son Theodred was brought to him… dead.

A funeral was held for the young man. Son of Theoden, cousin of Eowyn and Eomer, who had been released from the dungeons. He was imprisoned for chasing after the Uruk-Hai against Wormtongue’s command, adding another layer to Theoden’s anger. Eowyn sang a song in honor of her cousin, weeping as her uncle sobbed over the grave of his son, Eomer’s hand on each of their shoulders. 

Theoden swore that day that Saruman would meet his end.

In the distance, Gandalf noticed a horse. Its owner is two small children. An older boy and a young girl. The boy fell off the horse in sight of their sanctuary. Eomer and Eowyn rushed to their aid, taking them inside with blankets and hearty stews as the party discussed what would happen next. It seemed that the children came from another city on the Westfold. They were rampaged and it was likely the children’s family was no more.

Legolas looked to Aragorn as Eowyn explained their story. They shared a feeling of sadness for the children. Legolas’s heart broke as they pleaded to know where their mother was. He knew that feeling well.

Aragorn sighed and laid a hand on Legolas’s, squeezing as Eowyn shushed them and pushed the two to eat more. She had such a maternal instinct.

“This is just the type of horror Saruman will unleash upon your people…” Gandalf explained. “We must take as many soldiers we can and try to defeat him, or at least distract him from the women and children so they can flee to safety.”

Theoden turned a solemn head towards Gandalf and shook his head, “I will not risk my people… but I also see your point.”

Aragorn let go of Legolas’s hand and stood before the king. “You already have 2000 good men riding north as we speak. Eomer is loyal to you, and so is his men, who will fight for their king upon their arrival. They will be 300 leagues from here by now!”

Eomer nodded once to his uncle, he trusted in his men. But Theoden had lost too much already.

“I will not risk open war…nor my people…”

“Open war is upon you whether you risk it or not!” Aragorn insisted, catching Eowyn’s eye. 

Theoden took a deep breath and turned to Aragorn, he thought the ranger was such a stubborn man. “At last I saw it, Theoden, not Aragorn was King of Rohan.

Aragorn just bowed his head and stayed silent, Theoden was right. It was not his place to advise Theoden on these matters. He only wished to help the people of Rohan because refuge or not, they would be attacked.

Legolas frowned at Theoden, as did Gimli who let out a belch from the ale he procured. 

“Manners… Dwarves have no manners…” Legolas sighed to himself. “How can you drink when we discuss innocent lives at stake?”

“Heavily.” Gimli smiled, chugging the rest of his drink and making Legolas roll his eyes as Gandalf intervened. 

“And what is the King’s decision?” Gandalf asked.

“We will make refuge at Helm’s Deep… As early as tomorrow morning. I thank you, Gandalf… Aragorn and his party for your help.”

“What are we?” Gimli grumbled under his breath to Legolas. “Chopped liver?”

“My friends Gimli Son of Gloin, and Prince Legolas, Son of King Thranduil.”

“I have heard of you Prince Legolas… I am surprised to see you so far from Mirkwood.” Theoden said, nodding his head to Legolas. His greeting made Aragorn frown, Legolas heard enough about that. He has proved to himself and to the Fellowship over and over again that he is much more than the sheltered prince he started as. 

“I am happy to aid my dear friend and Middle Earth on this mission sire.” Legolas bowed before excusing himself to bathe and ready himself for the excursion. He knew Theoden’s interest was not in him nor Gimli. 

Aragorn looked as Legolas left, about to follow when Theoden took his shoulder, showing him around the Halls, to his room where Aragorn took his first real bath in ages. His first instinct was to show Legolas that he could finally look in his direction without disgust but he was soon taken again by Theoden to make plans of refuge and possible defense with him and Gandalf. As they walked through the halls to the throne room, many were beginning to ready their bags for travel, Eowyn included. The girl wore simple clothes and swung a large sword about as if she were an experienced soldier. Interesting.

Theoden shook his head at the sight and nodded. But Aragorn was curious, the girl seemed a stubborn asset to her uncle and yet he shook his head at the sight of his niece. He felt sad for her, kept in a dark house for so long. He wonders if she possibly became her own defense as Theoden and her brother were unable to aid her against Wormtongue. She needed a friend, the ranger thought. He knew Eowyn was aware of her position in battle, and that was… no place really in the eyes of tradition. He wanted to encourage her will to fight for her family, and for her kingdom.

Aragorn had a feeling she would fight whether Theoden and her brother liked it or not and this only solidified his thoughts. As Aragorn observed the girl he noticed her skill, but also her weak points. Excusing himself from Theoden for a moment, he took his own sword and held it offensively against Eowyns. The girl looked at him with wide eyes, shocked at the movement.

“You have some skill with a blade.” He observed, impressed with her skill. 

The girl only stared at him with wide blue eyes before pushing against Aragorn’s sword and glaring as the man laid down his weapon. “Women of this country learned long ago: Those without swords can still die upon them… I fear neither death nor pain…”

“And what do you fear, my lady?”

“A cage… to stay behind and watch as my people and the ones I love suffer and die. This while I rot in a singular spot forever, useless and waiting!”

“...You are a daughter of kings. A Shieldmaiden of Rohan.” Aragorn said, putting his sword away. “I do not think that would be your fate…” He smiled, earning another back from the woman as she realized he was not to get in her way. 

This he meant in friendship, to offer the girl support and friendship in her willingness to fight. But poor Eowyn seemed to think differently as she finished packing and sought to prepare herself for the journey, hoping to catch his eye along the way.

Chapter Text

Aragorn woke up early the next morning to meet Theoden and aid in the organization of those traveling. Gandalf left with Eomer to find and bring back the Rohan soldiers who had been banished with him before his imprisonment, hoping to bring more aid to the cause. The wizard promised to be back on the fifth morning.

There were many women and children, making this trip very risky, especially when orcs scattered the lands. He walked about the stables, noticing one horse in particular that fought against the hold of two Rohan soldiers. He was beautiful, a deep brown with a white streak on his nose. The poor thing was unsettled and Aragorn often had a soft spot for horses.

“Allow me…” Aragorn tried as the horse continued to struggle, he laid a gentle hand on the horse’s back. Aragorn began to soothe it in elvish, shushing him and releasing it from the ropes the soldiers held him with.

“His name is Brego…” Eowyn smiled, “He was my cousin’s…”

Aragorn smiled at the information and turned back to the horse, “Brego… You have a kingly name…” He whispered, stroking the horse’s nose gently and continuing to calm him down in elvish.

“I have heard of the magic of elves…” Eowyn said in wonder, “However, I would not have expected it in a Northern Ranger…You speak as one of their own…”

Aragorn sighed, “I was raised as one of their own… In Rivendell by Lord Elrond. Let this horse free, he has seen enough. Very uneasy from torment…” Aragorn sighed, avoiding the subject.

“Is that where you met Legolas?” Eowyn asked with a smile, nodding in the direction of the prince.

Aragorn looked to Legolas, he was taking Arod out from his stables. His hair was a light contrast from the darkness inside. With delicate hands, he stroked the horse’s nose, comforting and readying Arod for the journey.

“Indeed, though Legolas hails from another Elven Relm… Excuse me.” He said politely leaving Eowyn and checking on Legolas. 

“Aragorn…” Legolas greeted with a sigh. Legolas had begun to notice more and more how little he had seen of the Ranger. He tied bags of supplies onto the beautiful white horse, making sure it wasn’t too straining on Arod and giving the horse an apple in praise for his patience. “Are you well?”

“You ask me as if we have not seen each other in weeks…”

“It certainly feels that way… but you have been busy” Legolas sighed, stroking Arod’s nose as he ate. “I am glad you found kinship here. It seems you have another suitor as well.” He teased.

“Who Eowyn?” Aragorn smiled, “No, she is simply—I would—”

“Aragorn, mellon, calm down I know your heart belongs to Arwen,” Legolas said with a strained smile. 

Aragorn frowned and yearned to tell Legolas it belonged to him, that Arwen was his past. The ranger fingered at the Evanstar and found it meant little to him in love and more as a promise to return to his family in Rivendell. But they were in no position to discuss that, they needed to focus on the way to Helm’s Deep. 

Aragorn instead took Legolas’s free hand and pulled him away from Arod for a moment. “Do you feel neglected mellon nin ?” He smiled teasingly. “I realize my attentions have been away from you and Gimli.”

“You are an important man to them. Why should your attention be on us?” Legolas shrugged. “You are their savior, an advisor, a leader. You will be a wonderful king yet Estel.” He whispered, noticing Aragorn’s curls to be more defined, and cleaner. He was able to see the man’s face past the dirt and grime. He took a delicate hand and fingered at one of his curls.

“I bathed.” Aragorn smiled.

“I noticed.” Legolas laughed, “Your beard needs a trim…” he said dragging his hand to stroke Aragorn’s scruffy jaw. 

“I cannot seem to please you, can I?” Aragorn laughed.

“This is a good start. Though I worry with the journey the cleanliness is temporary.” Legolas smiled back as Aragorn rolled his eyes and took Legolas’s hand into his own as the people began to move out.

“Be safe…” Aragorn whispered. “It will be harder for me to keep an eye on you… erm— and Gimli with the numbers we travel with. I do not worry about your ability in battle, just that it would be overwhelming. Stay close if you can…”

Legolas nodded, “Of course… You forget that I am here to protect you as well. Stubborn man…”

Aragorn smiled and risked kissing Legolas’s knuckles, making the elf turn a shade of pink, the action catching Eowyn’s eye from where she finished readying her horse. “Follow us closely.” He said before leaving to get on his own horse and heading out to find Theoden.

Legolas nodded and turned to get onto Arod, galloping ahead and finding Gimli on Eowyn’s horse as she walked beside him.

‘The girl has had everyone enchanted’, Legolas thought with a frown. 

She was kind, strong, beautiful. Legolas was fond of the girl as well, he detested these feelings of… intense jealousy towards her. A similar jealousy that he felt for Arwen throughout the journey, even though he loved and highly respected Arwen. It began to feel like his chances were slimmer than he believed. 

But he loved Aragorn. No matter whom the man chose to love and no matter how much it hurt, Legolas would be there to support Aragorn. If he wasn’t already locked inside Mirkwood under the careful watch of his father for the rest of his immortal life.

He stayed quiet behind their leaders, listening to Gimli and Eowyn’s conversation about dwarven women. Gimli spoke of how dwarven women looked very similar to the men. Eowyn winced at the notion and looked at Aragorn who mouthed, “It’s the beard,” making a motion of stroking his beard. 

Eowyn laughed, throwing her head back and smiling as if it had been forever since she last felt joy. She then cackled further as Gimli fell off his horse, being dragged by the boot because he too was laughing too hard.

Legolas smiled at the sight, “My lady you succeeded in what I have wanted to do to Gimli since the moment we met, humble him.”

Eowyn laughed and helped Gimli up, her smile never leaving her face. This began Theoden’s story to Aragorn, of how Eowyn had not smiled since her parent's horrifying deaths. Her father died at the hands of orc. Her mother succumbed to grief.

“I am glad that she is comforted by our company…” Aragorn said.

“Yours most of all I am led to believe. She is fond of you.”

Aragorn nodded, not acknowledging the statement and continuing on. He turned back to Legolas, who did not stop laughing at Gimli’s torment.

“I though’ we were past this!” Gimli yelled at him.

“We are mellon nin , but it was funny.” Legolas giggled, making Aragorn smile fondly before turning back to the path.

This is where Eowyn began to notice their connection, just by Aragorn’s smile alone. It was different than the one he had when looking at her or Gimli. It was love, and though it disappointed the girl, she soon saw that her chances were none, and only her friendship was welcome. 

Gimli reluctantly joined Legolas back on his horse and complained about elves and their “graceful riding.”

“Ye should see me on a pony! I would be much faster—”

“I would love to see you try and beat me in a race on a pony!” Legolas laughed back.

Eowyn laughed and turned to Aragorn, “Do they do this all the time?”

“The entire journey. Actually, this is the friendliest they have been to one another.” 

Eowyn giggled and studied Aragorn a moment, noticing the Evanstar on his chest. It looked delicate, one of a kind as if made by elves. She looked from the jewelry to Legolas, back and forth until she gained the courage to ask Aragorn, 

“Did Prince Legolas give that to you? The jewelery?”

Aragorn flushed and took the Evanstar in his hand, “...no, erm, someone dear from my home did.”

“Forgive me Aragorn… I did not mean to pry… It just seemed of elven make and after seeing you with Legolas, kissing his knuckles and— I do not mean to insult you.”

“Your observations are not wrong… Though I did not feel kissing a prince’s knuckles so obviously looking.” He laughed, “The jewelry is given to me by Lady Arwen, an elven woman who stole my heart for a long time… and now I fear my feelings have changed.” Aragorn sighed.

Eowyn nodded in understanding, “It was hard not to notice your fondness for him… It is not common for men to marry men, but nothing that has never happened before. Does Legolas know of your love?”

Aragorn let out a breath, “I have been waiting for a better time… war is not necessarily the right place… and I feel as if I betrayed Arwen, she must know first.”

“Do not wait too long…” Eowyn smiled, “War is unpredictable, do it before something happens… I do not doubt he shares your affections. I certainly held my own for you, you are a wonderful, honorable man… but seeing the way you look at Legolas makes me yearn for someone to look at me the same way.”

Aragorn’s eyes widened at the confession before he smiled, “Thank you, my lady… whoever catches your heart is very lucky indeed.”

Though Aragorn hoped she made sure whomever she chose had a strong stomach. Eowyn offered him stew earlier that night and his stomach rejected it. For years he has traveled across Middle Earth and that was quite literally the worst stew he ever had. 

His anxieties kept him awake that night.

Aragorn decided that it was imperative that he spoke to Arwen.

He got the chance unexpectedly as he made his way towards a secluded area, tired and restless. He thought of nothing but coming clean to Arwen. It was not fair to her. 

He soon closed his eyes, rest still not embracing him. He soon heard the gentle call of Arwen, “Rest…” She whispered. “My darling something ails you… I can feel it…”

Aragorn felt himself back home in Rivendell, Arwen in a lovely lilac dress, stroking his jaw. 

“You must rest… what is it that clouds your mind?”

“If you are seeing me now, I fear you already know.” Aragorn sighs. 

“You have felt more and more disconnected from me Aragorn… You fear my reaction to what I already know…”

“...Arwen do not doubt I ever loved you, do not doubt the years we spent together…”

“Shh… Aragorn I am not angry. You did not deceive me, or disrespect me. You are honorable and true. In fact, I am not as surprised as you think I am. I see now why you do not take my offer of mortality…”

Aragorn looked into her deep blue eyes, he did love Arwen. But not in the same way anymore. She would always be there for him and he would be there for her… though the meaning was different now.

“I am sorry…”

“...As am I. Legolas is very lucky… and though I weep for our parting, I rest knowing your heart is held by someone worthy.” Arwen smiled, wrapping her arms around him in a fond hug. “Tell him soon, be safe… Father, Elladan, Elrohir, and I will await you in the Undying Lands when your time comes.”

Aragorn separated from their hug, taking the Evanstar off his neck and offering it to Arwen.

“Keep it…” She smiled, “As a reminder of the family who loves you so. As a reminder of where you come from…”

“It belongs to you.”

“It was a gift…” Arwen said stubbornly, her eyes glazed with tears and causing Aragorn’s own to do the same.

“My love for him frightens me Arwen…”

“Then you must love him very much… Be safe, we are here for you.”

“I know this… Hopefully, Elrond will speak to me again now that I have let you go…” Aragorn smiled. “Soon I will make an enemy of the Mirkwood King.”

“He would have spoken to you either way Aragorn… He loves you and would have gotten over the shock of our union,” She laughed before sighing, “Just like Thranduil will. Thank you for your heart… Legolas will take care of it well. Aa’ lasser en lle coia orn n’ omenta gurtha…Namaari… Elessar.”

“ Namaari, Arwen… Aa’ menealle nauva calen ar’ malta…”

It was done… Aragorn’s biggest obstacle before confessing was now over and he felt present in the moment again, Arwen and the illusion gone. He decided that night that Eowyn was right, he needed to tell Legolas soon before the war was too much to bear. But tonight he would stay secluded, smoking pipeweed and thinking of his home and the times he once had with Arwen. He was then reminded of the first time he met Legolas. Aragorn was fond of him even as a child, writing him throughout his life with promises of breaking him free when he was older. It seemed he did that after all.

Legolas never aged, his beauty only grew over the years he did not see him. He entranced Aragorn with his skill, his spirit, and his strength. Legolas never ceased to make Aragorn love him more every day. His laugh, his stubborn frown, the way he focused on a target with his bow, his immense empathy for others, etc. more and more Aragorn’s fondness grew. 

As much as Aragorn hated himself for letting Legolas come on the journey, Aragorn feared his sanity would have been lost long after Boromir died without him. If Legolas was not there he would not be able to watch the elf blossom in battle and in independence. His first outing away from Mirkwood alone was perilous and no one, not even Aragorn, felt that he would stay or survive this long. But every day he proved them all wrong. 

This however only made Aragorn worry more. Legolas was growing as a soldier, as an elf. But was he ready for war? A real battle at Helm’s Deep? It frightened him to think about his dove being ripped from his side and murdered in cold blood.

He would worry about it when the time came. Aragorn only hoped for a safe journey to their refuge.

The next morning he walked back to the camp where the people of Edoras picked up their belongings, following Theoden on their trail again. He began to look for Legolas, who he couldn’t spot for a moment before seeing the blonde ahead of the trail, leaving Gimli on Arod. Aragorn lifted himself on Hasufel and followed the group, next to Theoden where he kept an eye on the elf.

“What is he doing?” Theoden sighed at Legolas, “He is straying.”

“Trust his senses… I doubted them before and they cost us greatly… He has senses even more sensitive than I, he could hear an army a mile away.”

“How has he survived so long?” Theoden asked, “I understand he is a Mirkwood elf… but knowing of Thranduil—”

“Legolas came on his own accord. I worry for him, yes, but he holds his own. His father will just have to accept that he kept his son inside his home too long. He just wanted freedom…I promised myself he would safely return home when we are done.” Aragorn replied. “Except I fear his father’s wrath more than I fear an army of Uruk’s.”

“Lad said he wanted to look ahead, too much open space and too few threats to be seen. He thinks it's too quiet…” Gimli grumbled to the two, Arod galloping to try and follow his new master. “This horse is too flighty!” He complained as Eowyn fought to take the horse’s lead and calm it. 

They soon heard the sound of mauling.

A growl, a scream, a mauling.

Aragorn looked up and Legolas was already off to seek the danger.

“Legolas wait!” Aragorn screamed, jumping off Hasufel and running after the elf, unsheathing his sword. He knew those growls, weren’t from common wolves.

He turned a corner around a hill and met with the sight of a large animal with three arrows perfectly aimed into its weak spots. He looked around desperately for Legolas when he noticed the elf had stabbed the animal’s rider with another arrow. 

“A scout!” Legolas growled, tossing the orc on the floor, “Run!”

Aragorn caught Legolas’s eyes, terrified and wide as he realized what that meant. There was likely a pack nearby. He turned and warned the people of Edoras.

“Danger! Wargs and Orcs! Get the women and children and run!”

“Wargs!” Theoden yelled, galloping back the other way and leading their party away as he unsheathed his sword. “All riders to the head of the column!”

Gimli insisted he would fight alongside the riders, his stubborn spirit high as other soldiers helped him up. Eowyn rushed by, meeting her Uncle who begged her to lead their people away to the refuge.

“Uncle I can fight!”

“I refuse! Go!”

She pursed her lips and pushed past the women and children, hurt by her uncle's words but listening intently. It was not a time to argue.

Aragorn ran past Legolas to get a closer look at what he was seeing. As suspected, a pack of wargs and orcs rushed towards them. Aragorn turned to Legolas who breathed shallowly, blue eyes wide in fear. Suddenly Aragorn felt so terrified to lose him, the orcs had the advantage this time. 

“Aragorn…” Legolas gasped, his ears overwhelmed by the screams. Aragorn sought to comfort him, taking the elf’s head in his shaky hands and covering his pointed ears, “No Estel, go. I’ll hold them off, go!”

Aragorn gritted his teeth at Legolas’s words and closed his eyes, it would be the smartest plan. Legolas’s aim was always perfect.

“ No dirweg… ”

“ Áva sorya Estel…”

Aragorn winced with teary eyes as he heard more screams erupt. He had to leave, had to help. Aragorn looked into Legolas’s eyes, stroking his soft cheeks before kissing him quickly. A chaste kiss, a quiet promise to come back safely to him. A promise Legolas knew he’d keep.

“ Gi melin… Be safe dove” Aragorn whispered with another chaste kiss on his forehead, his scruffy jaw scratching Legolas’s nose as the elf leaned into his touch. Aragorn then rushed to mount Hasufel.

It happened so quickly. Legolas couldn’t process it, there wasn’t any time before he had to begin shooting wargs left and right. He was followed by the army of horses and their riders, Gimli and Aragorn included. The dwarf stopped Arod for a moment to allow the elf to safely hop in front of Gimli. He continued to shoot wargs, the large animals falling limply and rolling over the orcs that rode them.

“Ha! Ha! Good one lad! How many does that make then?”

Legolas smiled and rolled his eyes, “You wish to make this a game?”

“Aye! I killed four already.”

“Six” Legolas smiled, turning to keep an eye on Aragorn, who was backed by Theoden and Eomer in a struggle. He would be safe, Aragorn was always safe.

Arod was spooked by a warg running towards them and bucked Gimli off his back, alerting Legolas and turning Arod around to fetch him again. But the dwarf took this opportunity to strike another kill at the warg, turning in his direction. Legolas knew choosing to fight the large feral warg would not have been Gimli’s smartest moment. He shot the warg behind its head and caused it to collapse in front of him.

“Tha’ still counts as mine!” Gimli scowled before another warg collapsed on top of him. This was followed by an orc who raised itself above said warg before Gimli twisted its neck, causing it to also collapse onto the pile. 

As if it couldn’t get any worse, another warg sniffed him out and climbed above where Gimli was trapped. Legolas was too overwhelmed to help him but Aragorn was already on his way, tossing a spear into the warg’s shoulders so it too could pile onto Gimli.

Safe to say, it wasn’t Gimli’s proudest battle. Covered in the smelly, rotting corpses of wargs and orcs. 

Aragorn rode away to aid Theoden in the slaying of the ever-plenty orcs. One, in particular, swung its large knife at him, knocking the ranger off Hasufel and cackling as a warg dragged him by his coat. Its teeth dug into his shoulder. He was soon able to pull himself onto the animal and headbutted the orc, disabling it for a moment before it pushed him down again. His wrist got caught in the saddle. The orc cackled, slipping off of the warg and allowing the animal to drag Aragorn away.

Aragorn looked over his shoulder with a gasp, his grey eyes widening in fear as he noticed where the warg was headed.

That was when he fell off the cliff.

Down.

Down.

Down.

SPLASH!

Gimli was finishing off the last orc when he noticed Legolas frantically looking around the plains. His eyebrows furrowed, his lips quivering as he shouted.

“Aragorn! Estel!” 

“Lad? What’s the matter?” Gimli asked, a hand on Legolas’s shoulder before looking around for any sign of him but found none, “Aragorn!”

Gimli watched as Legolas followed his senses towards a trail of orcs, ending at the edge of a cliff. Legolas scowled at the one closest to the edge, Gimli following and pointing his axe at its neck. 

“Tell me what happened and I will ease yer passing!” Gimli demanded, the elf pacing behind him. His hands shook and his body felt weak.

The orc cackled, drowning in its own blood and vomit. “He’s… Dead! Took a little tumble off the cliff!” It laughed, causing Legolas to stumble over, grasping the orc by its tattered collar. His eyes were glazed with tears as he sneered at the orc.

“You lie!” Legolas sneered before the orc succumbed to death. He dropped the orc, noticing it held something in its claws.

Legolas took the item preciously into his hands. The Evanstar…

Legolas looked at the jewelry, to the cliff, to Gimli, and back at the cliff. He ran past Gimli and next to where Theoden studied the edge. Gimli ran after Legolas, keeping a hand on his upper back as he saw nothing but running rapids and sharp rocks.

Gimli never saw the elf so distraught. Tears fell down his cheeks and his shoulders shook as Theoden spoke to a soldier behind him.

“Get the wounded on horses. Leave the dead.” Theoden commanded, earning a tearful and shocked look from Legolas. How dare he leave Aragorn’s body in ruin! Gimli gritted his teeth and watched as Legolas turned back to the cliff, ready to leap down and search for Aragorn himself, but he was soon held back by the dwarf and king.

“Stop boy, there is nothing you can do.” Theoden sighed.

It was as if a switch was turned off as Legolas’s knees collapsed. He felt no strength left in him to fight, to hope. Eowyn rushed to them as Theoden laid a sorrowful hand on the elf’s shoulder before leaving to aid others.

“Gimli what happened?” She asked tearfully, watching as the elf dissociated.

“He’s gone…” Gimli sighed, Legolas curling into himself at the repeated news. He was pale, sickly. Tears streaked his cheeks as he couldn’t bear to leave the cliff. “Lad let’s go… he would want us to move on… He would want ye safe.”

“I cannot move on…” Legolas breathed, his hands curling into the rocks below, cutting his delicate hands slightly. “I didn’t—I wasn’t—Estel…”

Eowyn helped Gimli take him back to the path where he continued to stare blankly in front of him. The only resistance they faced was getting Legolas away from the cliff before he gave up, curling the Evanstar into his chest and silently following.

He felt like death. In fact, he would welcome it. The only things he had left were the ghost of Aragorn’s kiss on his lips, his forehead, and the Evanstar that rested in his hands. He never got to return Aragorn’s affections properly and that broke his heart further. He was too late.

“Shh… come, we are almost there. You can rest soon.” Eowyn tried.

But he did not want to rest. He wanted Aragorn.

He felt silly that a person could affect him so. His body rejected a life without Aragorn. Legolas feared he bound himself to the man and this was his punishment.

Legolas’s eyes didn’t leave the object in his hands. He was an empty shell as Gimli led him by the back, Eowyn taking one of his hands in her own to comfort him. She was now sure Legolas shared the love Aragorn felt for him. How tragic… She sighed to herself, mourning the loss of her friend.

It would not be long before they were in Helm’s Deep.

Chapter Text

Aragorn was drifting. The rapids carried him into a creek, to a rocky shore. He felt Arwen’s presence, her lips gently kissing his forehead and whispering a prayer to the Valar for his safety. Aragorn silently thanked her and the Gods as he lay helplessly, catching his breath.

That was when he felt the gentle nudge of a large, furry nose. Aragorn opened his eyes ever so slightly, smiling when he saw his savior. 

“Brego…” He sighed, tiredly stroking the horse's nose. He had come back for Aragorn, a thanks for his peaceful release. “What are you—”

Brego knelt down and bowed his head, allowing Aragorn to grip his mane and pull himself limply onto his back. 

“ Hannon le…” He smiled as Brego stood up and rode in the direction of Helm’s deep. It would be a few days before he arrived, but Aragorn would not stop for rest. On his way Brego rode up a large hill, overlooking the valley and revealing a horror.

Orcs. An army of orcs. At least one thousand marched and growled, stamping their heavy spears on the ground in unison. They were ready to slaughter. 

They were making their way to Helm’s Deep too it seemed. But the army was worse than Aragorn imagined. He had to get there first and warn everyone before they were caught by surprise. 

He thought of the Fellowship. This was where his, Legolas's, and Gimli’s parts would really unfold.

Legolas.

The thought of the elf only fueled his need to arrive as fast as humanly possible. Legolas had never been in a battle like this. He didn’t doubt his skill, only his lack of experience and Aragorn wanted to be there beside him. They never spoke after he kissed the elf and fell.

Legolas… 

He imagined horrors, showing up too late and seeing his elf pale and slaughtered before he could reach him. He imagined having to bury him, pale butter-like hair splayed over his head like a halo, his delicate hands folded over his stomach, eyes closed. The thought alone made him dizzy.

He needed to return.

Back in Helm’s Deep, Gimli and Eowyn continued to support Legolas. It seemed he was a hollow shell, empty and pale. He hasn’t spoken since Aragorn’s fall and it concerned the dwarf greatly.

Eowyn readied a room for him to lay down in and Gimli helped Legolas lay down on the bed nearby. Legolas curled up on the mattress, still holding the Evanstar tightly.

Gimli tucked blankets around the elf as Eowyn took his weapons, Legolas felt so silly.

“G—Gimli… I’m sorry…” Legolas whispered, his hands shaking. 

“Hush lad, save yer energy… I don’t like how pale ye look.”

“What’s happening to him?” Eowyn asked, stroking his hair back and removing bits of armor from his shoulders and wrists.

“...he’s fadin’... If I’m correct.”

“Fading?”

“Elves thrive on love. Their love of life and of others is their driving force. Take it away and yer left with… well a grieving elf, oftentimes elves die because their grief is so great. Legolas told me of his grievin’ father, missin’ his mother but stayin’ present fer his son. He would die if it were not fer Legolas… I fear the lad just loved Aragorn too much and he wants to be with em’...”

Eowyn frowned and nodded, “What can we do?”

“There’s not much I’m afraid…” Gimli sighed, taking Legolas’s cold hands in his. His eyes were closed as he curled into himself. That in itself was a bad sign, elves from what he heard Aragorn say, do not close their eyes when sleeping unless they are really sick. “Lad, do ye think ye can eat or drink somethin’?” 

Legolas just shook his head, tears rolling down his cheeks. “Leave me… help them fight… I am holding you back…”

“I will not leave ye behind, lad…”

Legolas opened his eyes a little and looked at his friend tearfully, “ Hannon le, mellon nin…”

Gimli smiled, he had no idea what the elf whispered but he believed it to be a thank you of some sort. He squeezed Legolas’s hands and spoke back in Khudzul.

“ Hurun ganat, nadad… ” 

Legolas longed for his father's company for the first time since he left, for his embrace and comforting words. Gimli saw his need for comfort and was doing everything he could to give it to him and it meant everything to Legolas. More and more he sees that Gimli is a true friend to him.

Eowyn left to quickly grab some water and a small bowl of broth. She came back to offer it to Gimli for Legolas before she was called to aid her uncle and brother. With a kiss on Legolas’s forehead and a blessing, she left.

For another two days, this went on. Eowyn would bring food and drink for Gimli to offer Legolas, who never took the food. Legolas continued to deteriorate as the hours went by, the dwarf never leaving his side. The color in Legolas’s hair faded, he was thin and dehydrated. He knew Aragorn would have wanted Gimli to stay by him. War could wait a little longer. Gimli would see to it that he did everything he could to make Legolas comfortable before… what he was expecting to happen in another few days.

The next morning Eowyn rushed around the keep, handing out blankets and spreading bits of food about. Her people were cold, hungry, and restless. This caused many to break into tears or burst out in anger. Danger awaited them and none knew when it would arrive, terrifying them all and causing the children such stress. Some young boys would have to step up as soldiers when the battle would arise, breaking the hearts of every mother.

They had little to no hope of survival. Aragorn’s death only furthered their grief. Her uncle was distraught, unsure of how to avoid battle and slaughter. Theoden realized it was inevitable, and he was unsure of how to announce this. He felt like he was letting down his people and his family. 

He followed in his niece’s efforts to help his people. They were outside the walls and preparing weapons, writing letters, and healing the wounded when gasps and whispers arose. 

“He’s alive?”

“It isn’t possible…”

Theoden and Eowyn frowned and turned towards where everyone had parted, making a path for a horse.

“Brego?” Eowyn whispered as soon as she saw the white-streaked snout, her uncle rushing to the scene with her in tow. Theoden’s eyes widened at the rider slumped against Brego.

“...I cannot believe it,” He whispered, “Aragorn?”

Eowyn smiled brightly, stroking Brego’s nose to soothe the horse as her uncle helped Aragorn off of the animal. He was damp and exhausted and his shoulder was slightly infected. But he was alive.

“Th—There’s an orc army, a thousand at least…” He sighed hurriedly to Theoden with worried brows. “Legolas?” He then asked, turning to Eowyn.

Eowyn squeezed one of the man's hands as Theoden held Aragorn against him.

“I will go get him for you!” She said with a smile before she ran inside to announce the news to Legolas and Gimli.

Gimli turned to the door and stood defensively as someone shoved it open. But he soon saw the bright smile on Eowyn’s face and relaxed. 

“My lady?”

“He’s okay! Aragorn—He’s back! He’s alive!”

Gimli’s eyes widened in surprise. He turned back to Legolas, who continued to rest and lifted the blankets off the elf, pulling Legolas up but failing. He was limp, unmoving. Gimli didn’t even think he was listening. 

“Lad, lad, wake up he’s alive! Aragorn is alive! Come and let us meet him!”

“You are wrong Gimli…” Legolas finally whispered, his glazed eyes opening a little before they closed again. “Estel is gone… He has left me, awaiting my arrival with my nana. Tell my father I am sorry... That I love him...”

Legolas was too far gone to come with him.

So if Gimli couldn’t bring Legolas to Aragorn, he would bring Aragorn to Legolas.

He followed Eowyn down the long flights of stairs, down to the entrance where Theoden continued to help Aragorn walk inside. All the man whispered was of Legolas and of the warning concerning the army of orcs. 

Gimli rushed to them, “Where is he! I am going to kill the—” he grumbled before seeing and wrapping his arms around Aragorn in a great bear hug, “Oh bless ye laddie! Ye are the bloody luckiest, canniest, most reckless man I have ever known!”

Aragorn smiled tiredly and lifted himself off Theoden’s hold to hug Gimli back. The king takes this moment to speak with his nephew of Aragorn’s warning. “Where is Legolas?” He asked.

Gimli smiled sadly, “Come quickly lad, ye need to see fer’ yerself…”

“Is he okay?” Aragorn asked, groaning as Gimli took him by the arm, helping him up the stairs to Legolas’s room. “Isn’t he here with you?”

“Aye… but ye will know when ye see em’.”

Aragorn frowned and stopped by the door as Gimli opened it. On the other side of the room sat a large bed with three layers of blankets on top and a bundle underneath them. Aragorn gently shook Gimli’s hold from him and limped as quickly as he could toward the bed. 

There laid his elf. 

He was sickly, breathing, but just barely alive. Aragorn noticed how hollowed his cheeks were, how his skin and hair lost their warmth and color. Legolas’s eyes were closed, breathing haggard.

“He is fading…” Aragorn frowned, kneeling next to Legolas and resting his elbows against the mattress, holding the prince’s hands in his. They were cold. “Gimli what happened?” He asked desperately, blowing into the pale hands to bring warmth.

“Ye fell lad…he loves ye…”

Aragorn’s heart broke, yet swelled at the same time. 

‘If I was just a day or two longer…’ Aragorn thought to himself, closing his eyes in relief that he was fast enough. 

Gimli closed the door behind him and left to get food. Maybe now that Aragorn was back he would eat.

“Legolas? Dove?” Aragorn whispered, kissing his knuckles, “ Meleth nin come back to me…”

Legolas’s eyes moved a little, opening before they fell closed again. Aragorn noticed the tear streaks on his cheeks and wiped them clean with his rough, damp hands. His cheeks were just as soft as they were when Aragorn left. He noticed the Evanstar in Legolas’s hands and smiled before taking it back, putting the necklace on, and tucking it under his tunic so he could better hold Legolas’s hands.

“…Am— Am I dead?” Legolas asked in a quiet whimper. “Nana… Meleth I’m home…”

“No, no… I am here, see…” Aragorn hushed, kissing his forehead and pressing the elf’s hands to his chest to feel his heart. “I am here…”

Legolas’s eyes opened wider, his blue eyes shocked and glazed with tears.

“Estel… Le abdollen ” He smiled through tears, the light in his eyes returning, “you look terrible!” He laughed weakly.

“Late, a tad damp, but here…” Aragorn laughed, “You think a little tumble is enough to kill me meleth?”

“I can—I cannot believe you are here...You kissed me and then you died another moment later…” Legolas said shakily, “That—that was cruel! What about Arwen?”

Aragorn smiled and took Legolas’s head in his hands, stroking his hair and kissing his cheeks, nose, then forehead again, “Arwen gave us her blessing… I was going to tell you after I confessed… but the wargs and— all I could think about was kissing you before we separated to fight… Goheno nin, meleth nin.”

“And why should I forgive you? You waited until before battle to tell me and then disappeared!” Legolas asked, tears beginning to roll down his cheeks once again, “You stupid man! Nátyë necindo ” He cried, Aragorn smiling wider and gently kissing his tears away. 

“Because I love you… and I know you return my feelings.” He whispered, leaning in and brushing their noses together. He ghosted his lips above Legolas’s, “I am sorry I frightened you…I never want to be the reason for your fading…”

Legolas raised a weak hand to stroke Aragorn’s scruffy cheek, leaning into the kiss. Aragorn cradled the elf’s head in his hands, stroking the strands of butter—like hair he missed so much. His braids were messy, it even looked like Gimli tried to restore them, but dwarven braids were not so delicate.

 “ Gi melin…” Legolas confessed, “Daft man…Never leave my side again…” He added before Aragorn smiled and kissed him desperately, lifting himself up the mattress and above the prince.

“I promise…” He whispered into Legolas’s pointed ear, nipping his earlobe lightly and feeling the elf shiver in his hold, “Shh…It’s alright, dove, aren’t you tired?” He added, holding Legolas’s waist closer to his body to provide more warmth, more intimacy. He never wanted to let go.

“Not anymore, not now that you are here… What is this “dove” business?” Legolas flushed, parting from their kiss a moment, and studied Aragorn’s wounds. “Your shoulder, it needs to be treate—mmhm” he hummed, interrupted with yet another desperate kiss.

 “You are as fair and precious as a dove,” Aragorn said simply, kissing him again. “Forget about my shoulder, I don’t care about that… Gimli was telling me you neglected your meals, and considering how pale you look you need to eat, rest, and regain your energy. An orc army will be upon us soon and I need you at full strength if you are to follow us, though I strongly advise against it.”

“It will take more than an army to deafen my spirit right now…I will fight for these people and beside you, someone must look after you” Legolas smiled, inspecting Aragorn’s shoulder wound further ”Who knows where those creature’s teeth have been—ah!" Legolas gasped, resting his hands around Aragorn's shoulders as the man attacked him with more affection, messing up the ties of his tunic “I’m serious Estel—” He giggled.

“I couldn't care less for my injuries… but if it would encourage you to eat so be it. But for now, I’m just so happy you’re in my arms again meleth…” Aragorn smiled as Legolas rolled his eyes, stroking the man’s messy curls. They never wanted to part again, and with the approach of war in the back of their minds it was easy to worry about happening again.

The door was soon opened again by Gimli, who nearly dropped the plates of food at the sight of Legolas laid on Aragorn’s chest, their tunics messy, cheeks flushed, and hair astray. “Alone fer’ two minutes and ye two can’t keep yer hands off one another! Save it fer’ after the battle!” 

As much as Gimli was shocked, he was not. The dwarf was happy the two finally stopped dancing around one another and that both his friends were safe. He watched as Aragorn carefully stroked Legolas’s hair back into place, at how Legolas looked so tenderly at the man. As if Aragorn would disappear if he looked away.

‘What was he going to do with them now?’ Gimli thought as he approached the two with the food, then ate his own portion and smiled as Legolas took his first bites of food in days.

Chapter Text

Peace would not last long, however. There was still an orc army coming their way and Aragorn dreaded battle. Though now that he had his elf in his arms again, he felt the strength of gods. 

Gimli left the room after he finished his meal to leave the two alone, assuring that the two would be down soon after they rested. They were to aid Theoden and come up with a battle plan to save the people of Rohan. 

Aragorn kissed Legolas’s forehead for the tenth time that evening, he couldn’t believe he was so lucky to be alive, to have such a fair elf in his arms. He remained awake as Legolas was finally resting peacefully and regaining his strength for the horrors yet to come. The elf’s eyes were open, but Aragorn could feel Legolas’s breathing was slow in sleep.

“ Meleth… you may rest just a little longer, our peace is only temporary I am afraid…”  Aragorn whispered into Legolas’s ear.

The fair elf smiled and stirred in Aragorn’s stronghold, lifting his head from the man’s chest and kissing his ranger gently. “ Then we must take advantage?” He teased tiredly with a smile. “Estel…” 

“Shh… you must rest a little longer.”

“But I am awake… You of all should know the moment you whispered in my ear I would wake…” Legolas laughed.

Aragorn sighed, “It was not my intention, I apologize.” He said, stroking soft strands of blonde hair back, “Would you like some help with your braids meleth ?”

“Please… poor Gimli tried very hard but dwarves are used to thicker hair I think.” He hummed, slowly sitting up on Aragorn’s lap and shivering as rough hands carded through Legolas’s hair. He allowed his hair to fall back into his ranger’s hands and sighed as the cool air hit his long neck.

Aragorn laughed, braiding quickly but delicately, “All I could think of when I arrived was you…” He smiled sheepishly. He followed this with a kiss to Legolas’s exposed neck again and took the elf back into his chest when the braids were finished, “your hair, your smile, your beauty, and wit… and I would invite you to join me…” Aragorn smirked, biting his neck gently, “If it is not too forward. I plan on having you beside me every moment… and for the rest of my life after that…”

“Estel please…” Legolas flushed, “This is hardly the time…”

“Legolas… my love I will take every moment of happiness before we must meet such a horrible foe… I will have no other time to ask properly, and I know your father wouldn’t be so happy about it…but if something were to happen to one of us this night or any night after I want to know—”

Legolas turned in Aragorn’s chest and sat up, taking his strong, scruffy jaw into his hands and smiled, leaning to kiss the man longingly. “ Meleth… I would be honored to be by your side… ”

Aragorn smiled brighter, he hadn’t planned on any of his confessions to be so rushed. He wanted to make it through the journey first, to make sure all was at peace and his elf was safe… but he was not assured that any of that would happen. Who knew if Frodo should succeed? If they should defeat the Uruk—Hai in battle? 

Aragorn leaned back into the kiss, carding a hand through his buttery hair and bringing his head ever so closer. Aragorn teased Legolas’s lips with his tongue, the elf gasping in longing and allowing a deeper kiss. Aragorn gripped the elf’s face with both hands now, stroking his cheeks with his thumbs as the elf climbed further onto his lap.

“E—Estel there is no tim—ah…” Legolas gasped as Aragorn’s thigh slipped between his legs.

“Shh… I know…Let me worry about that… Or would you like me to stop? We can save this for another time—or we don’t even have to if— I know this probably isn’t how you pictured your first time with me…” Aragorn whispered, taking his lips away and reassuring the elf with a few gentle strokes of his hair.

“Or with anyone… But Estel I wouldn’t care if we were still on the road, I knew any intimate moments with you would be wonderful…” Legolas flushed, still perched on Aragorn’s thigh, gasping a little at every movement. 

“Oh, meleth —” Aragorn sighed, he knew that and completely forgot. Thranduil never allowed anyone near his son, much less to touch any hair on his head. He slid his hands down to Legolas’s hips to stabilize him. “Let’s wait for a better time then, I cannot possibly take your first here before looming death, with messy haste, and—”

“ Estel do not be so dramatic … I want this…” Legolas smiled, kissing Aragorn’s forehead.

“ Shh… if you would like me to take care of you I would be honored to do so in a less invasive manner … But Valar help me if we get through this battle I will take you properly… In a warm bed with a fire, food, drink, and no looming dangers upon us…”

“ Meleth danger is upon us always.” Legolas laughed, resting his head back on Aragorn’s chest and allowing the man to hold him close, his thighs still cradling the man’s strong leg. “B—But I would be lying if I said I did not wish for exactly that…”

“Then after the battle… if there is to be an ending to this horror I promise the first thing I will do is carry you away to a prepared bath in our quarters before I take care of you… I would be able to take my time with you like you deserve.” Aragorn whispered, a hand back in Legolas’s hair, tugging a little.

“A—Aragorn please… I cannot wait so long now…” Legolas crooned.

“I know, I’m sorry I teased you…” Aragorn smirked. “But again I can accommodate you other ways… quicker ways… I just don’t want to take you just yet, not until we celebrate our victory, may there be one, I am hopeful.”

“Please…” Legolas whined, lifting his head and kissing the bit of exposed chest from Aragorn’s open tunic, chest hair tickling his nose. “You propose to me so beautifully and with no—ah…”

Aragorn’s thigh lifted further between Legolas’s legs, making the elf tremble in want. The man sat up and helped the elf sit more comfortably before slipping his own and the elf’s leggings halfway down their legs. The man admired Legolas’s arse as the leggings slid ever so slowly off his curves.

Legolas sat up again when the man was finished undressing his lower body, and attempted to cross his thighs as his cock was revealed, fair, erect, and exposed to the air. It was flushed with pink and seeping with want for Aragorn’s touch. Aragorn practically drooled at the sight, it was so pretty… There was not a sliver of hair on any inch of his body… he was completely exposed. His skin was soft, shining with sweat.

“Don’t you dare try and hide from me… fuck dove…” Aragorn whispered. “You are radiant… All of you just for me…” he added, brushing his knuckles against Legolas’s soft cheekbones.

Legolas’s thighs trembled from around Aragorn’s leg. It took everything inside him not to move, not to make friction, and finish himself then and there.

 Aragorn bit his lip at the lovely sight and watched as Legolas ran his eyes over Aragorn’s cock. A trail of hair traveled from his stomach, toned from years of travel and battle… to his length. It was thick, large, and dark compared to Legolas’s, slightly flushed with want as Aragorn stroked himself once, twice, slowly showing off for his elf.

“A—Aragorn please…” Legolas said, attempting at pulling his tunic down over his cock in his continuous embarrassment. He felt the man’s heavy gaze, grey eyes drifting up and down his figure, Legolas’s legs shaking from anticipation.

“I know dove… Just taking you in, you’re so beautiful. Why hide from me?” He asked with a teasing smile, gently taking Legolas’s hand off the tunic and kissing his knuckles. “I will make this quick… only because I must but… Valar I hope you know how much I want you…how much I would take my time if we had it…” Aragorn rasped, using his other hand to take their cocks together. 

Legolas gasped at the touch, he’d never used more than his own hands. His thoughts reflected Lothlorien where his thoughts wandered to the very man in front of him. Warm and gentle, stroking them both in one large hand, their tunics ridden over their bellies. The elf crooned at the movements, pressing himself impossibly closer to Aragorn and sliding his hands beneath the man’s tunic to his strong, hairy chest.

“A—Aragorn! Estel!” Legolas gasped, leaning closer to Aragorn. The man reassured him with a searing kiss, biting Legolas’s pink lips before bringing his own to the elf’s pointed ear.

“Shh, I’m here, right here…” Aragorn whispered into the elf’s ear before nibbling gently. He took his thumb and stroked over the head of Legolas’s cock, smearing precome over themselves before stroking down and up again. The elf’s pert arse bounced with every movement. Legolas’s gentle mewls echoed in his mind until his only thoughts were of the prince. It took all Aragorn could hold back from grabbing the elf by his delicate waist and taking Legolas for himself then and there.

Legolas cried out at the action, his ears were so sensitive. These sensations on top of every stroke of Aragorn’s hand drowned any thoughts other than Aragorn’s name in his head.

“Aragorn—Ah—please I—”

“Me too… fuck… dove I—Legolas come for me…” Aragorn growled into the elf’s ear, stroking them both faster and faster before they came on each other’s stomachs. 

Aragorn stroked Legolas’s sides with a smile and grabbed a damp flannel to clean them both with. The elf trembled even after his orgasm, refusing to remove his head from Aragorn’s chest. He never wanted to leave…

“You did so well meleth … are you alright?” Aragorn asked, stroking the soft strands of pale hair that threatened to fall in front of Legolas’s sweaty face.

“Must we leave…” Legolas sighed with a smile… “Surely there isn’t an orc army anymore? Surely I can stay forever in your arms…”

Aragorn laughed and kissed Legolas’s hair, “I know… I know. I promise the moment we are done we will have a private victory… a proper moment together”

“If there should be a victory…”

“I admit I am unsure… but I am also hopeful.”

“Estel… you are hope. But I fear so much.” Legolas sighed, gently stroking Aragorn’s stubbled jaw.

Aragorn kissed Legolas’s forehead again and smiled sadly. He knew the chances were slim… He knew this terrified not only them but the people of Edoras as well… 

“As do I… Stay beside me as much as possible, you and Gimli.” Aragorn whispered, continuing to clean them both before they had to leave, hoping to stall time just a bit longer.

But as if the dwarf was summoned, their door opened again.

“Lads restin’ time is over, it is time to get comin’ down now before—Oh great Aule!” The dwarf gasped, shielding his eyes with both hands. “I told ye two to rest not—ugh! Lock yer door or put a sock on—” The dwarf groaned dramatically.

Legolas’s eyes widened in shock before he started to glare daggers at the dwarf. Aragorn shielded his elf’s lower body with his arm and pulled the elf on top of him. He buried Legolas’s head back into his chest before throwing a blanket on their lower bodies.

“We will be down soon Gimli…” Aragorn sighed, his elf turning his head to continue glaring at Gimli.

“Perhaps knock! That would solve your problem!” Legolas quipped back, trying to sit up and throw something at the dwarf, but the man continued to hold Legolas against him until Gimli growled once again and rushed out of the room.

Aragorn let out a laugh as the door closed, slipping Legolas’s leggings up and tying them up again before doing his own and kissing Legolas’s swollen lips, “Do you feel well enough to go down with me?”

“Of course, I would follow you anywhere… no matter how sore my legs feel.” Legolas laughed, taking Aragorn’s hand as the man led them off the bed before sighing and realizing that their moment was over, it was time to come back to reality. “I fear the outcome of this battle…” Legolas sighed as they went down the stairs, Aragorn gently stroking his knuckles with his thumb, “I fear Theoden’s confidence…”

Aragorn stopped before the doors to the throne room to kiss his elf once more, holding him tight in his arms. “I fear it too… Let us worry about things as they come, together.”

“I will be found nowhere else but beside you, if I can help it. I am not losing you again.” Legolas said, leaning into the kiss, determined to fight, determined for the three of them to get through this battle alive, to prove his fears wrong.

But his fears were ever-present…

Chapter Text

Theoden was as everyone presumed him to be. Stubborn. He looked at his three saviors and sighed.

“I understand you three worry, I do. I urge you three to see the thickness of the outer wall, the sturdiness of the castle peaks, and—”

“It is not of the strength in your walls we worry for my lord. This army is of ten thousand at least. This army is bred for one purpose and one purpose only, to slaughter… to destroy the world of men!” Aragorn urged, “Your people would have no chance of survival if we sit here and rely on walls!”

Legolas sighed, he felt the grief of so many children within these very walls, so many fathers have died already… will the mothers have to sacrifice themselves? And the children to perish soon after? 

Aragorn looked at his beloved and held his gaze with Legolas’s crystal eyes, the elf was losing the little hope he held already. The sights around them were poor… the sick, the injured, the women and children were all in as much danger as the very few soldiers they had.

Aragorn squeezed Legolas’s hand quietly, his leather fingerless gloves tightening against the elf’s delicate hand. He stroked Legolas’s knuckles to calm him, Aragorn couldn’t let them lose hope now, not when the battle hadn’t even begun.

Theoden held a scowl, “Come, let me show you.” he sighed tiredly, leading the way outside to a corridor. Around them were families, huddled together for warmth as the strongest civilians helped hammer wooden planks against the doors, “We will block all entryways, the causeway, and the gate above. I assure you all no army has ever breached the Deepening Wall.” Theoden stated surely, “Or set foot inside the Hornburg.” He added

Gimli pursed his lips and studied the wall with a scoff, “This is no rabble of mindless orcs!” He claimed. Legolas was surprised at his strong disagreement. “These are Uruk—Hai! Their armor is thick as their shields are broad…” He growled. The dwarf was tired of Theoden’s ignorance.

“I have fought many a battle dwarf. I know how to defend my own keep.” Theoden scowled back before rushing back inside, implying for the three to follow.

Aragorn sighed and was the first to follow, squeezing Gimli’s armored shoulder with a reassuring smile. He knew Theoden was only too worried to face the truth… his people had hardly any chance without a proper battle. Sending the mere few hundred men they had was hardly enough.

Legolas followed behind, laying a gentle hand on Gimli’s shoulder, right where Aragorn just had.

“Come, my friend, soon he will see reason…” Legolas smiled.

Gimli grumbled and let Legolas pull him to follow Aragorn, who was eager to begin pressing further into what Gimli had said. Theoden continued his speech, trying to convince them their worries were unneeded.

“They will break upon this fortress like water on rock. Saruman’s hordes will pillage and burn. We have seen it all before. Crops can be resown, homes rebuilt, Within these walls, we will outlast them. You worry over nothing Son of Arathorn!” Theoden said with a shake of his head.

But Aragorn heard enough.

“They do not come to destroy Rohan's crops or villages! They come to destroy its people, down to the very last child do you not understand that!” Aragorn stressed, ignoring Legolas’s hand on his shoulder holding Aragorn back from taking Theoden and shaking the king to agreement.

But Aragorn was ripped away by Theoden’s strong grasp on Aragorn’s cloak, “What would you have me do then? Look at my men…” He whispered. “Their courage hangs by a thread. If this is to be our end then I would have them make such an end as to be worthy of remembrance…” He glared at the ranger, letting him go and shoving Aragorn back. He was caught by Legolas and Gimli before standing tall again and rushing to the king again as he walked away.

Aragorn wasn’t done speaking his word.

“Send out your riders my lord… you must call for aid!” Aragorn pressed again, “If we do not have enough then let us make enough!”

“Hm… and who will come?” Theoden asked, nodding to Legolas and Gimli, “Elves? Dwarves?” He laughed. 

Aragorn glared at the man, “You insult my company?”

Theoden frowned, shaking his head, “I merely wish to help you see that we are not in as good company as you are with dwarves and elves. We are not as lucky in our friends as you… my old alliances are dead!”

“Gondor will answer!” Aragorn said confidently.

“Gondor!” Theoden seethed, pulling Aragorn by the cloak again, “Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell? Where was Gondor when our enemies closed in around us? Where—Ugh!” He scowled, bringing a hand over his tired old face, “No my lord Aragorn… We are alone…”

Legolas had never seen Aragorn so… defeated after Theoden’s words. His hope was still bright, and his word still rang true. But it was no secret that what Theoden said hurt Aragorn. Though his eyes reflected just as bright and determined. 

Aragorn rushed off to aid the people bordering the walls, Legolas trailing behind him as he explained what they were to do.

“We will place the reserves along the walls, they can support the archers from above the gate… erm… weapons are to be spread throughout the men and—”

“Estel take a moment and sit, please. You are no good to us half alive and fatigued meleth.” Legolas tried, “I know you respect Theoden and what he says but—”

“Legolas please, I must keep—”

“Aragorn!” Eowyn cried desperately, rushing to him., “Aragorn I am to be sent with the women into the caves!”

Aragorn frowned, “That is an honorable charge no?”

“No! You do not understand my meaning. I am to mind the children and find bedding and food when the men arrive again—If they arrive again! What renown is there in that?” She asked with frustrated tears in her pale eyes.

“My lady…a time may come for valor without renown…Who then will their people look to in the last defense?” Aragorn tried, but Eowyn felt too stubborn to take his words.

“Let me stand at your company’s side!”

“It is not in my power to command it Eowyn…”

“You do not command the others to stay! She shouted back, nodding to Legolas behind him and Gimli who sorted through armor nearby. “They fight beside you because they would not be parted from you! Because they love you! You allow your beloved to stay, in fact, you wish upon it because you know Legolas’s will to stand beside you is stronger than your wish for him to stay behind… Why can I not will myself from this prison and fight?” She asked as the tears escaped her eyes and carded down her cheeks.

Legolas’s heart broke for her… he felt that way many a time.

“Your choices will be made my lady… Your uncle wants your protection no matter what you make. This may not be your time to fight Eowyn… your duty will be honorable and your people will continue to look up to you until it is your time."

“And how will I know when that is?”

Aragorn rested a hand on her shoulder and squeezed, “You will know… but your job now is to see to the needy. We will be back as soon as possible, you have your sword to protect them with aye?”

“Aye…”

“Then I see nothing more you need to do than that… patience my lady. Have hope.”

“Our people have hope as long as you and your party are here Sir Aragorn…” She said with a teary smile, bowing to both him and Legolas before leaving to fulfill her duties. 

But Legolas lept to hold her back by the shoulder, surprising Aragorn, “Eowyn wait a moment. I know how you feel.”

“Legolas this is purely a—”

“Not your position as a lady… I had no hope of being anyone but my father’s precious son… My people’s sheltered prince. I had never been on my own until this journey because of the protection under my father. I longed for more and I went against his wishes to come here and I do not regret it… had I not waited for my own time to come and defy him I wonder what would have happened to me… But I know how it feels to be undervalued, pushed aside, and underestimated because how could we possibly know more than our homes? I—I just want you to know it is coming… it came for me and I have never felt more free in my life.”

“And your father?”

“I love him dearly… and I should only hope he approves of my choices… He is much like your uncle.”

Eowyn smiled brighter and wrapped her arms around the elf’s neck, the two embracing tightly before the elf let her go to the caves.

Aragorn smiled a little and led Legolas by his lower back deeper into the keep, Gimli trailing behind. Aragorn was happy his elf felt so free with them, with him. Aragorn only wished that they survived after this night and every night following until the nightmare was over. It was up to them all… and especially up to Frodo.

Aragorn tried his best to keep hope, continuing to tell Legolas and Gimli what last-minute work needed to be done. The elf gave up on trying to tell Aragorn to take a break, he was too stubborn.

 Legolas’s hopes began to sink further as they followed Theoden to where his people were preparing for a quick, painful battle. He looked as sisters cried at their young brothers being recruited to die… their mothers being separated from their families and too young sons to go into the caves for safety. Their guilt of survival echoed through their cries. Fathers were giving quick lessons to their sons, hoping it was the lesson that saved them.

Legolas squeezed Aragorn’s arm. 

Aragorn frowned and squeezed Legolas’s hand on his arm back, “What is it?”

“I am going to help a few children learn to defend themselves I cannot stand to see their terrified faces a moment longer, I will be back to put on armor and fight beside you and Gimli soon, I promise.”

Aragorn sighed and looked around them for Theoden before kissing Legolas gently, the man would surely want an explanation on why he was with Legolas, rather than his niece as he wished. He wanted no more than Gandalf, Gimli, and Eowyn in on their secret until a better time presented itself. “Of course.”

The battle would soon be upon them. Aragorn sat near Gimli, sharpening the poor excuses for weapons in their laps. The people were to use spears, torches, picks, and old abandoned swords in the cellars. So few had proper weapons.

“Look at the lad… Think he’s nervous?” Gimli grumbled, taking in a long drag of pipeweed as they watched Legolas approach a family shyly, offering to give a boy no more than 14 years old, a quick lesson in knife-wielding.

Aragorn sighed with a fond, sad smile, “It is his first real battle… and I wish it were a more organized one with a better chance of victory, even with his skilled hand. I am sure Legolas is trying to keep his nerves at bay and his hope alive but even I see Legolas is restless and worried. I am only happy he has seen and fought a few large raids on the way… I hope it is enough preparation.”

“Aye, the lad will be alright. He is agile, strong, swift, and gets on not only orc’s nerves but mine as well. With us nearby nothin’ will hurt em’. Aye… we will protect and keep an eye on one another.” Gimli nodded, making Aragorn’s worries just a little lighter.

Legolas soon had a small group of young boys and men surround him as he summarized quick skills and tricks with knives and bows. The elf was not as experienced with swords but knew enough to help a few carry their weapons properly. The boys began to have more confidence, practicing deft swings and strong parrys’. Soon Legolas had curious and inexperienced fathers asking him for pointers as well.

Aragorn continued to fall deeper in love with his elf. Even in his worries, Legolas helps others who feel as helpless as he did. Aragorn only wished he could convince Legolas to feel otherwise… but helpless was about exactly the word he would use. Without aid, Aragorn was not sure the battle would be won.

Soon enough it was time for battle. Those who posed as soldiers gathered by the entrance as Aragorn and Gimli passed around swords and armor. Legolas caught up to them soon enough with armor of his own to help. 

“Aragorn look at them…” Legolas sighed, nodding to the various men around them. The looks on their faces were enough to break anyone’s heart. “They’re terrified, frightened. I can see it on their faces.” He said quietly, crossing his arms and leaning close to Aragorn. “Must we allow this? W—We cannot possibly just send them?”

Aragorn couldn’t help but nod, trying to avoid the gazes that were passed at them. Legolas was right, none of them were ready. None of them were supposed to be soldiers. No matter how much they tried to increase their confidence, nothing seemed enough. But it is impossible to have any chance of survival without fighting. 

“...Farmers, farriers, stable boys. These are no soldiers.” Aragorn sighed quietly, passing another sword to a boy of 16, “I know it feels cruel meleth but this is the way the battle is often done unfortunately…”

“Most of them had seen too many winters…” Gimli grumbled, taking another drag of pipeweed. He had been indulging all day.

“Or too few…” Legolas added, his lips pursed in frustration as some boys were given helmets, much too big for their heads. “Valar, I do not blame them for being frightened… they should be!” He said, beginning to speak in Elvish.

“ Legolas…” Aragorn warned, “ This is not the—”

“Three hundred against ten thousand Estel! It is no use, let them hide, let them spend their last moments with their families!”

“...There is a better chance here than there is in Edoras, I realize it feels hopeless but we cannot go down without trying to save as many as we can. This is the age of men we are talking about, my people!”

“They cannot win!” Legolas finalized, tears threatening to fall from his eyes, “ They are going to die do you not see that? We tried and it is all in v—”

“ If they must die then I will die as one of them!” Aragorn snapped, taking two steps closer to Legolas and pursing his lips before turning away and rushing elsewhere. Legolas felt so many eyes on them, but he didn’t care.

Legolas’s brows furrowed in worry before he started to follow, Gimli holding him back by the arm.

“Let em’ go lad… Let em’ be.”

Legolas looked back to the dwarf, a tear falling down his cheek. “Why did I say anything Gimli? I know nothing of proper battle and I—” Legolas worried, sitting next to the dwarf and burying his head in his hands. The dwarf laid a hand on his back and stroked it comfortingly.

“Lad you love em’... he knows that an’ I know that. Yer jus’ as worried as we all are, but losin' hope before the battle even starts already means we have lost… You must keep a little hope in yer pocket lad, no one would fight if there was truly none. He will be back before we must go an’ you can apologize an’ kiss an’ makeup or—.”

“Do you think that they will survive?” 

  “I’m not sure to tell the truth…” Gimli sighed, “But I’ve been surprised before and I’m honored to fight this fight beside friends.”

Legolas nodded, he thought he understood. Legolas smiled and wiped his eyes, regaining his composure, and laid a hand on where Gimli’s now rested on his shoulder. “ Hannon le … What would I do without you?” 

“Ye both would fall apart without me.” Gimli cackled. “Dramatic lovesick lads the both of ye. Now let’s finish preparin’ aye?”

“Of course…” Legolas sighed, it would be time soon.

Aragorn had settled on the steps before the entrance, here soldiers were traveling to their position, including young men. Aragorn noticed one, young, with long dirty hair and a terrified expression. 

“Hand me your sword…” He beckoned the boy, who walked forward and did as Aragorn asked. “What is your name?” He added, taking the sword gently and casting his eyes over it. 

“Haleth… Son of Hama my lord.” The boy replied proudly before adding timidly, “Erm… The men are saying we will not live the night. They say that it is hopeless…”

Aragorn stayed silent and studied the boy. He was angry that the men were speaking of such horrors around the young ones, though he could not blame them for their assumptions. Aragorn stood and swung Haleth’s sword, it was strong, sturdy. He hoped the sword reflected the young boy before him.

“This is a good sword, Haleth, Son of Hama.” Aragorn smiled, giving Haleth the sword back and kneeling in front of the boy. Aragorn rested a hand on his shoulder, grey eyes boring into Haleth’s, “There is always hope…” 

And with this, Aragorn left to the empty armory. He applied a layer of chainmail followed by multiple layers of clothing, Boromir’s braces, his cloak, his belts, and knives. Aragorn ignored the door opening behind him, too focused on his checklist. He was ready except for his sword, where was—

“ Estel… here” Legolas smiled gently, holding the sword to Aragorn, whose eyes tensed with stress and softened to see his beloved. Aragorn nodded and unsheathed his sword.

“ Hannon le…” Aragorn thanked softly, raking his eyes over his elf. He wasn’t quite sure what to say. He had snapped at Legolas much earlier after the elf voiced his strong worries. He felt bad for being so harsh… and he could see that Legolas felt just as bad for pressing Aragorn so much, his blue eyes turning from Aragorn’s gaze.

“ We have trusted you this far… and I have trusted and loved you far longer than that. You never led us astray and I am ashamed at my outburst. I put so much doubt into the people’s hearts when you worked so hard to keep their hopes alive… Ánin apsenë meleth, I was wrong to despair.”

Aragorn shook his head with a soft smile and reached out to cup Legolas’s cheek, stroking the soft, unmarred, and fair skin, “ There is nothing to forgive… Your fears are reasonable and I fear them as much as you do… but I truly believe there is still hope meleth.”

Legolas nodded and finally met Aragorn’s gaze, leaning into his touch, “You are a beacon of hope for us all… you will make a truly great king, Estel.”

“With you as my consort…I believe I could be…” Aragorn smiled, bringing Legolas in for a soft kiss, his other hand reaching to hold Legolas’s waist, “ Gi Melin…”

“Gi Melin…” Legolas replied with a bright smile, bringing his hands to rest on Aragorn’s armored chest as he leaned into the kiss. Aragorn’s stubble had grown into a short, scruffy beard brushing against Legolas’s nose as they continued.

“Ergh! If we had enough time I’d get this fitt— Well I see ye two have made up… Ye lads are goin’ to be walked in on by someone else one day and ye’d better hope it’s someone reasonable.” Gimli grumbled, trying to find a solution to the all too large layer of chainmail on his small body, “It is a little tight across the chest…” He added.

Aragorn and Legolas sighed, the elf resting his head on the man’s shoulder. The issue of their relationship becoming known was on their minds more often. It wasn’t a secret that it would be a very different union than the men of Middle Earth were used to. 

A man and a male elf would shock many men… and would make them equally envious. Elves were precious and beautiful and men had a history of taking advantage of them, female or male. It was awfully hypocritical as men also tended to stick to traditional families and shunned those who did not, so their king doing the complete opposite of what was expected would be a shock.

 The dwarves would not be so shocked, as they grew accustomed to many different unions, but this was only because of the lack of females, as Gimli explained once before. 

Elves were traditional but heirs were easy to work around and male couplings were not unseen. However, the only concern with the elves was King Thranduil’s reaction being the strongest of all. Legolas knew his father would have liked to choose Legolas’s suitor himself, preferably an elf and not the heir of a completely different kingdom… Thranduil would try everything in his power to keep Legolas home.

But these concerns would have to wait. They had to survive first, and their journey was hardly done.

Legolas laughed as Gimli tried to walk and tripped over his own chainmail. He reached to help the dwarf stand. He kissed Aragorn’s scruffy cheek before separating from him and trying to find a better-fitting layer for Gimli.

This was when a horn was heard and Legolas’s eyes shined with hope again.

He knew that horn.

Legolas practically threw the armor he was holding and rushed up the stairs, Aragorn’s brows furrowing in worry as he followed Legolas, leaving Gimli to grumble over his armor.

“That is no orc horn! Aragorn I know that horn and I know you know it too!” Legolas laughed, “Haldir!” Legolas cheered as they made it to the top of the keep, seeing a sea of elven Lothlorien warriors pass through. Aragorn smiled, watching as Legolas searched the warriors for their friend, taking his hand and dragging Aragorn to where he spotted Haldir.

Aragorn knew the people of Rohan had their hopes heightened the very moment the elves arrived. They had a few thousand more to work with… a few thousand very skilled and experienced fighters. There was a better chance of survival.

Many a young soldier smiled in awe as the elves wove through the crowds, stopping behind their leader, who was indeed Haldir as Theoden made his way to meet him. He too, was in disbelief.

“How is this possible?” He asked Haldir, who nodded respectfully to the king.

“I bring word from Lord Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between elves and men. Long ago we fought together and died together. “ Haldir began, looking up to where Aragorn and Legolas stumbled on the stairs above the floor they stood at, their hands entwined. Haldir smiled at the young prince, he was happy to see him safe… and most worried and fond to see him in love. Their king wouldn’t like this… but the prince was happy and it was all Haldir needed to hold his tongue.

 Aragorn shook his head in amused shock before making his way down the stairs, Legolas behind him. “We have come to honor that allegiance…” He added finally.

“Mae g’ovannen…” Aragorn rasped, tired, and grateful for his father’s wisdom. He then embraced Haldir, surprising the warrior who embraced him back, “You are most welcome… Haldir thank you…”

“When I heard of the battle, of our old alliances with men, I never realized that perhaps this was your fight. It is good to see you well my friend, and Prince Legolas…” Haldir smiled fondly, taking the elf into his arms as Legolas leaped into the embrace. “My how you have grown in wisdom… in experience… I can see it on your face. Your father would be proud of your successes, even in his anxiety.”

“Haldir you have no idea how much this means to us…” Legolas sighed, letting the soldier lift him off the ground a moment before separating, Haldir’s hand remaining to squeeze his shoulder.

“My prince… You are born the son of a warrior. You have come this far and you will let a battle stumble you?” He smiled.

“You most of all know I am not a warrior Haldir…”

“And yet I see a warrior in front of me. Legolas you would not have made it so far if you truly had no idea what to do. I would have taken you home from Lothlorien in a moment if I did not see you capable or considered your companions inept. Even if I am still unsure of the dwarf. I am honored and proud to call you my prince…” Haldir smiled, squeezing Legolas’s shoulder again and turning back to Theoden, “And we are proud to fight alongside men once more.”

Legolas turned to Aragorn with the brightest smile he’d seen since they began preparing. His hope was truly back… 

“I cannot believe this… such little hope rang true, Aragorn could we really have a chance?”

Aragorn smiled and leaned his shoulder to the side to touch Legolas’s, reveling in their last few moments of closeness before battle, “I believe so meleth . A good chance now.” He whispered, hoping they were right.

“You are a truly brilliant man…” Legolas smiled.

“My father was the one who—”

“No… I mean not for Elrond’s actions, I mean for holding on to such positivity in a time of turmoil. I do not know how you do, but I admire it so… and if I could, I would kiss you for being so brilliant.”

“Kiss me when we win…” Aragorn smiled, “I still have my promise to have you to fulfill…” he whispered.

Legolas flushed and turned away, “We must win first…”

“Yes. Find Gimli and take your positions with the archers to command them. I will help Haldir and soon after I will be at your side.” Aragorn sighed, squeezing Legolas’s hand and quickly kissing his knuckles as the soldiers began to travel again, “Be safe, stay close to us as much as you can help it, Gi melin. ”

“As do you… Gi melin…”

As the crowds celebrated silently at their new additions to the army, a deep, disturbing horn was blown from afar. It was time.

The silence was so great you could hear a pin drop. Legolas stood next to Gimli among the castle wall, he held his bow tight. Gimli noticed his white knuckles, the elf was nervous and terrified as he looked at the torches lit in the distance, the growls and cackles of Uruk—Hai were heard as they came closer. The elf’s eyes searched for Aragorn, who stood strongly next to Haldir and met his blue eyes back with a nod of reassurance. Gimli throughout their journey, formed a great fondness for the young elf and wished to ease his worries. Your first battle was one you would never forget.

“Ye could have picked a better spot…” Gimli grumbled, lightening the mood for the prince as the dwarf truly could not see in front of him. “Yer cursed elven—”

Legolas chuckled silently and just smiled down at the dwarf, a silent thanks for his humor before he looked back out. He did not even notice Aragorn leaving his post with Haldir, rushing to them and putting a hand on Legolas’s and Gimli’s shoulders.

“Well lad… Whatever hope or luck you live by… let us hope it lasts the night.” Gimli grumbled up to Aragorn, hands resting atop his axe. 

Legolas rolled his eyes and turned to speak to Aragorn when a clap of thunder boomed throughout, followed by a flash of lightning. Legolas flinched at the noise that overwhelmed his sensitive ears, crystal eyes widening and illuminated by the light. Aragorn stayed still and simply squeezed his shoulder.

“Your friends are with you Aragorn…” Legolas reassured.

“Let’s hope they last the night,” Gimli grumbled again, making Aragorn and Legolas’s worried brows soften slightly. They shook their heads in amusement, grateful to have a friend who never failed to calm their worries with his humor.

“I am only here to make quick rounds… I must away back to Haldir… I will be back again soon.” Aragorn sighed, taking a deep breath before squeezing their shoulders again and leaving to command the elves.

“ Show them no mercy! For you shall receive none!” Aragorn exclaimed strongly, rain pouring down his face. Hair stuck to his cheeks, water droplets stuck to his beard and his clothes clung to his body. The rain was relentless and would not make their fight easy, but when was it ever easy to begin with?

The orcs stopped as their leader rang out a horrible cry in command. They sneered and scoffed, scraping their feet on the muddy ground with a snort like bulls. Legolas held strong, he was to command the archers.

Poor Gimli had no idea what was happening, jumping up and down and left and right trying to find some hint of action. “What is happenin’ out there?”

“Shall I describe it to you?” Legolas shivered, his hair damp and sticking to his armor. “Or would you like me to find you a box?” He added with a sarcastic smile, making Gimli let out a chortling laugh. The dwarf was glad to see the elf held some cheer left. 

The leader of the orcs let out another cry, then what sounded like commands to his army. They were making the first move, smashing the handles of their weapons on the ground until they created a horrific rhythmic noise. At this Aragorn withdrew his sword, the soldiers following. Legolas revealed his bow with the archers also following his example, Gimli still jumping to find where he should be most useful.

The archers were the first line of defense. Elven archers were renowned as the most precise, and Legolas knew archery like the back of his hand much like the soldiers around him. The men shook as they held their bows, but strong nevertheless. 

Legolas was equally eager and terrified to lead his portion of the elven warriors. He had always wanted a chance at leadership, but his father was severely reluctant to give it to him. Legolas held his bow out steady and motioned the rest to hold still until he gave the word.

Unfortunately, one older man could not hold on long enough, and his arrow slipped out of his grip and into the neck of an orc. Legolas winced and motioned more strongly for the rest to continue holding.

“ Hold!” Aragorn commanded, noticing many began to move to fight. The men stopped and continued to hold still as the orcs growled up at their army in protest of their casualty. Their leader snarled at the sky and raised its weapon before releasing his army to the keep. King Theoden sighed from below, leading his portion of the army near the entrance.

“So it begins…”

“Prepare to fire!” Screamed Aragorn over the entirety of the archers. Haldir readied his bow followed by his portion of the elven soldiers, as did Legolas’s, and Theoden’s men.

Legolas took a deep breath and pulled his arrow back tighter, focusing on his target and speaking loudly. “ Their armor is weak at the neck and beneath the arm… May your arrows ring true.” 

“ Release arrows!” Aragorn screamed in command once more, his lips curling in determination as their first line of defense was fired. Many an orc began to fall limply into the muddy ground, thunder continuing to ring throughout the land.

Theoden turned to his second in command, “Give them a volley…” He seethed, permitting to release the men’s arrows. The men shouted in vigor, shooting the next layer of orcs that continued to run towards the keep, kicking and ignoring the corpses of orcs below them.

Aragorn sent wave after wave of arrows until the orcs got much too close to bear. Soon enough the orcs could shoot their crossbows, impaling and murdering many an elf and man.

“No!” Legolas shouted as one of his own fell to the sharp spears. He continued to shoot through frustrated tears, trying to keep an eye on Aragorn and Gimli at the same time. The dwarf was eager for a fight and jumped constantly for a chance to aid his friends.

“Ladders!” They heard Aragorn warn loudly. Legolas’s eyes widened in fear, close combat was not his strong suit…

But it was Gimli’s.

“Let them come! Lemme at 'em’!” He shouted, punching the bricks in front of him before looking up at Legolas, still holding his bow at the ready “Lad get your knives, ye’ll need 'em”

“Gimli I am no—”

“Don’ tell me yer afraid now! Be the stubborn elf I know ye to be and slaughter them one by one with those knives! Close combat is easy when ye just let go and start hittin’. I will be right beside ye doin’ the same with my axe! Now move back!”

Legolas did not think Gimli’s definition of close combat sounded quite right, but it was good enough for him. He unsheathed his knives and held them close.

Aragorn’s jaw shook in anxiety as he saw Gimli and Legolas fall back to ready for the orcs that were to climb up the wall. He sent a prayer to the Valar and hoped it would be answered as he and Haldir also commanded their armies to fall back.

“Swords!” Aragorn shouted the elves unsheathing their shining weapons in unison before the orcs were able to jump onto the wall.

Gimli cheered in a grumble, “Finally!” He exclaimed before swinging his axe in an orc’s face. Legolas stumbled back and let his friend have his fun before an orc was in front of him. Legolas’s eyes widened at the sight, the rain did nothing to block his vision, unlike the orc who swung clumsily around Legolas’s neck. 

Legolas took this opportunity to grasp the orc’s horrid head and bent it impossibly to the side, slicing its neck open and tossing the body down before turning to another and stabbing it under its arm. He used his knives as an extension of his body, slaughtering any orc in his way.

A few slices met Legolas’s arms, his stomach wound that was once healed reopened when he waved through the crowds, an Uruk slicing over his belt. But these injuries did nothing to deter the elf, he was fully committed to the fight and ignored all obstacles in front of him as the black blood of orcs painted his tunic. 

He had a moment to catch his breath and search for Aragorn, who was overwhelmed by a large group of Uruk—Hai and the rain that clouded his vision. They crowded around the ranger and lessoned the man’s efforts to push them off. Legolas’s eyes widened as he tried to fight his way closer, but he too became overwhelmed. Gimli was forced behind him and the two swung with determination to get to Aragorn.

However, Haldir, who had been separated from Aragorn the moment the orcs climbed to the wall, fought valiantly towards the largest orc and sliced its chest, then stabbed its stomach and kicked the corpse away to grasp the wrist of an orc who managed to push Aragorn down. Aragorn dodged every swing at his head before Haldir managed to hit the orc with the end of his sword. 

Haldir helped Aragorn up and sent him to fight at his backside. The man searched for Legolas and he quickly met the elf’s gaze, nodding in reassurance before they both turned to fight again.

Legolas sighed in relief before Gimli screamed him back to reality.

“Lad focus! I am at two already!”

“And I at seventeen! My focus does not wander far my friend!” Legolas smiled, it was easier to smile knowing Aragorn was still okay.

Gimli was pleasantly shocked at the young prince… and slightly insulted. “Seventeen? I will have no pointy—ear outscorin’ me!” Gimli shouted before sliding under the knees of an orc and stabbing its surprised face, then quickly standing up to hit another in the groin “That’s three! And four! Keep goin’ lad Aragorn is fine!”

Legolas rolled his eyes and whipped his bow back out, shooting any and all orcs that dared to climb the ladder before him. Gimli motioned to cover Legolas’s back as he did so, slicing the skull of an orc in half. 

“That’s nineteen!” He shouted triumphantly, “You may want to make haste!” He exclaimed, kicking the ladder down and watching as a dozen more orcs fell to their doom at the bottom of the wall, “thirty-one!” 

The challenge between the two posed as a pleasant distraction in such a dire situation. Gimli was happy the elf still quipped back, his spirit was not sullen. It seemed his advice to just take his weapons and start hitting everything was working and working very well.

Gimli growled and began to slaughter left and right, catching up to Legolas’s numbers very quickly, “Nineteen! Twenty!” He shouted with a laugh when the two heard Aragorn cry out.

“Legolas! Take him down! Go!”

Legolas looked up and nodded to the man before looking exactly where his beloved pointed. There was a very large group of Uruks who had made their way to the causeway in a sea of shields held above and around them by the outside orcs. This was a distraction from what was going on below.

They had placed two large bombs in a tunnel underneath the Fortress wall, where a vent was laid to let water through to the keep. A very large Uruk with a death wish rushed by with a torch to light the bombs. Aragorn knew he could not make it in time, he had to focus on the causeway and Theoden the entryway. Haldir was needed to aid Aragorn in his leadership of the elves. But Legolas was swift and careful and would do well to deter the orc before it got there. 

He was frightened to command such a thing to his elf. But many times Aragorn was scared of Legolas’s safety, it was because Legolas made a rash decision that ended up being exactly what was needed to protect the Fellowship. Legolas was the one who needed to do this.

“ Bring him down Legolas! Shoot! Keep shooting and do not stop!”

Legolas’s brows furrowed in stress as he shot once, twice, his arrows piercing the helmet of the orc but not doing enough to stop his sprint into the tunnel. The orc threw himself inside, exploding the fortress wall open and exposing them.

Legolas’s eyes filled with frustrated tears as he looked back up to Aragorn with Gimli continuing to cover him. He couldn’t see him The smoke was filling the air and fire broke around them. The rain was no match for it.

Boulders from the wall flew around them, crushing the orc army before them. Aragorn was thrown back by the explosion and fell to the ground below. He blacked out for a moment, his body needing a quick rest.

“Gimli!” Legolas shouted, “I failed! I cannot see him!”

“Lad keep goin’! Ye heard what he said, do not stop shootin’! We will not know if he is alright until we get a moment and we don’ have a moment! Keep shooting and fighting or so help me—There he is! Hold strong lad I’ll help 'em. Aragorn!” He exclaimed before jumping from the wall to where the wall was breached.

“Gimli!” Aragorn shouted in disbelief, trying to catch his breath and steady himself. The dwarf swung his axe left and right, the orcs dropping like flies before it became too much for Gimli, who fell into the pool of water around him. The orcs used Gimli as a welcome mat, making their way to the entryway. 

King Theoden closed his eyes tight, it was time.

“Brace the gate!” He demanded. 

Theoden and his soldiers yelled in a battle cry, using themselves as a weight against the entrance wall. The men faltered as the orcs used a battering ram to attempt to force the doors open.

“Hold still! Hold!” Theoden added, unsheathing his sword. Soon enough that door would be braced.

Aragorn stumbled back to the elves and pointed his sword at the orcs running through the hole in the wall, “ Fire!” He shouted desperately as the elves sent out another wave of arrows. “ Charge! ” He added when the orcs fell back. 

Aragorn took his sword, pointing it skillfully at his targets and running towards them with the elves behind him. He hoped to grab Gimli on his way through.

Legolas scoffed frustratingly at the two below. He needed to get down there fast, the three of them promised to stay near one another and Legolas would keep his word. 

And then he got an idea. A rather rash and frankly stupid idea…but if his elven grace alludes to him…

Legolas kicked one of the orc’s shields into his hand and angled it against the stairs, dropping the tip of the shield down and pressing his dominant foot upon it. He rested his back foot behind it and bent his knees, allowing himself to skate down the stairs with his bow in hand, shooting the orcs that dared to come up the same stairs.

Aragorn whipped his body around the waves of orcs, lifting Gimli by the scruff of his cloak and pushing him forward.

 Aragorn stared in absolute awe as Legolas effortlessly made his way through the orcs down the stairs of the wall to meet them. Legolas ended his skating by jumping to the side, allowing the shield to continue down and hit an orc head-on. Legolas soon found his feet and whipped out his knives with a deep breath before slicing the throat of another orc.

“Stop yer starin’ and let’s go!!” Gimli shouted to Aragorn before they ran to Legolas.

“A—Aragorn!” Legolas exclaimed, the man rushing to meet him. He quickly laid his hands to cup Aragorn’s damp and bloody face, “A-Are you—”

“I am fine, you? That was amazing!” Aragorn gasped, feeling over Legolas for major injuries. Some scrapes, bruises, and blood… but most of it was from orcs.

Legolas nodded to Gimli with a tired smile, “I am at forty!”

Gimli scowled up at the elf, “Thirty.”

 Aragorn smiled at the two, squeezing Legolas’s arm before they were taken over once again, the three fighting with their backs against one another.

“Fall back to the keep!” He screamed, separating from the two and waving for everyone to follow him. He looked up at one of the peaks of the keep where Haldir was continuing to fight.

“Haldir! To the keep!”

Haldir nodded and fought his way past. Legolas kept his ground near Aragorn and furrowed his brows as two Rohan soldiers carried a stubborn Gimli, who wanted to continue fighting, to the keep.

“Meleth follow him—”

“No! Not until you are to follow—Haldir no!” Legolas screamed, his pained voice piercing through the cries of men and elves.

Haldir was stabbed once… and then his skull was sliced in half with an axe as he tried to regain his composure and keep fighting. Legolas’s eyes widened once again that night. One of his only companions from home was slaughtered in front of his very eyes. Legolas saw Haldir as an impenetrable stone, a strong warrior who had always told his war stories to the young prince. He always lived, until now…Tears threatened to fall and soon escaped his eyes as blood poured over his dear friend’s face. “No!”

Legolas had noticed not only this, but the corpses of his people laid around his feet. There were hardly any elves left and this terrified him.

“Haldir!” Aragorn shouted, grief creeping into his heart. The possibility of death was too near, two-thirds of the elves were gone, and now their greatest warrior. 

What did this mean for Legolas? Aragorn did not want to find out.

Aragorn grabbed Legolas’s hand and pushed him towards where Gimli had been taken, but the elf refused to leave. 

“Aragorn, Haldir! The elves!”

“I know meleth , I know, please trust me and fall back with Gimli, I will meet you there soon!” Aragorn panted, trying to keep his composure as Legolas panicked. He rested his bloody hands against Legolas’s face and rested his forehead against the elves, brushing their noses against one another in reassurance before rushing away.

“Estel!” Legolas cried out, trying to fight back the crowds but Aragorn was already making his way up the stairs to avenge their friend. Legolas soon realized it was useless to argue and turned to help the others. He would kill Aragorn later for this.

Aragorn did indeed avenge their friend. He took out every bit of his anger on the orc who dared to slaughter the warrior. He screamed in anguish as three orcs fell to the ground around him, one managing to cut open his shoulder. Aragorn panted, holding his fist against his shoulder for pressure before kneeling before Haldir.

“ Mai acáriel, Haldir, Hantanyel órenyallo…” Aragorn grieved, gently closing Haldir’s eyes and whispering a prayer to the Valar for his safe return to the gods. 

Aragorn reluctantly stood above his friend and readied his sword again. The chaos of battle filled his ears once again as the moment of grief was over. 

Aragorn growled as he stabbed yet another orc in the belly before leaping onto the nearest orc ladder. Aragorn used the ladder to fall his way quickly back down, stupidly throwing himself onto a crowd of armed and ready orcs to finish the job.

Legolas and Gimli made their way to the entryway, which had now been breached with the battering ram. Theoden fought stubbornly, soon being stabbed in the stomach before the two could make it in time. Legolas bowed his head for the fallen boys that lay on the floor… some were the ones he had tried to teach to defend themselves.

Haldir… the young ones… the elves. Legolas felt as if nothing would get better and he was terrified that Aragorn would not make it back.

Gimli kept a hand on Legolas’s back, holding onto the fabric of the green tunic so as not to separate from Legolas. He was the first to notice a bloody but alive Aragorn who rushed by, squeezing Theoden’s shoulder before meeting the two again. 

It took everything Legolas had to stop from throwing himself into the man’s arms. There was no time for merriment, not until it was all over, not until the dead were laid to rest.  

The orcs flooded into the keep, overwhelming them once again. Theoden drug himself against the wall to meet Aragorn.

 “I need you to hold them!”

“For how long?” Aragorn asked, Gimli beside him slicing the arm off of an orc.

“As long as you can manage!” Theoden cried again as another flood of orcs tried to breach inside. They growled and hollered, they cared not about anything else other than getting inside, and slaughtering the soldiers, followed by the women and children.

Aragorn sent an apologetic look to Legolas before saying quickly, “I am going to take Gimli, I have an idea and I need you to stay here. Stay vigilant and fight strongly until I am back, Theoden is injured.”

“I wish you would stop leaving and promising to come back, Estel!” Legolas drawled, taking his bow to shoot at the door at excess orcs. He supposed this was better than Aragorn's overprotective sticking to his side as he did before. Legolas noticed how Aragorn began to trust his abilities to take care of himself, which warmed his heart.

Aragorn smiled tiredly and took Gimli’s arm, leading him to a back entryway where it was quiet and unmonitored. The two watched as the crowd of creatures cheered and hollered, celebrating prematurely. They rounded a corner and watched carefully, Aragorn knew exactly what he needed to do but he would need Gimli’s approval if the dwarf were to follow him.

“C’mon, we can take 'em!” Gimli growled determinedly. 

“...It is a long way over…” Aragorn sighed, looking at Gimli and back at the orcs. 

“...Aye…” Gimli agreed thoughtfully, moving side to side in thought before sighing, “Toss me.” He said.

Aragorn smirked, “What?”

“...I cannot make the jump, not like ye might be able to. Toss me.”

“As you wish.”

“Jus’ don’ tell the elf,” Gimli grumbled under his breath.

“Not a word.” Aragorn lied with a straight face, he was absolutely recounting this moment to Legolas at a better time. Or using it as blackmail at Gimli. He wasn’t quite sure yet.

Aragorn respectfully took Gimli by the scruff of his cloak and held tight before throwing Gimli over to the orcs with a strained yell. Aragorn was very surprised at the weight, dwarves may be small but they were very stocky. 

Gimli gave a loud battle cry as he flew to the line of orcs, taking his axe and flinging it side by side, knocking the first waves of orcs off the platform. Aragorn smiled at the effectiveness of their plan and jumped in himself, aiding the dwarf in destroying the orcs with his sword. The two continued to block the entrance as Theoden ordered his soldiers to barricade the doors with large beams.

The orcs below readied a few larger ladders, sending a large crossbow with rope to grip at the wall above. Legolas rushed to end their plan, taking his bow and carefully aiming his arrow at one of the metal hinges on the ropes that held the ladders to the wall. His aim rang true, allowing the ladder to fall and crush over a dozen orcs below. 

Legolas smiled at his triumph and motioned for others to do the same before he heard Theoden’s cries to Aragorn and Gimli to come back up.

The man and dwarf began to rush back when orcs began to notice their attempted escape. One took both Gimli and Aragorn by the necks.

Legolas gasped, his brows furrowed in worry. He took the excess rope from the ladder he shot down and wrapped it around his forearm before aiming his arrow at the orc and confidently shooting it in the neck. He then threw the rope down and motioned for the two to grab on.

“Are ye kiddin’ me, lad! Ye could have hit us!” Gimli shouted up.

Aragorn however smiled dreamily at the elf and gripped the dwarf near him, taking hold of the rope and watching Legolas struggle to pull them up.

“Almost there Legolas!” Aragorn called, trying to help the elf carry them by dragging his feet against the wall to pull him and Gimli up. Legolas strained, his eyes closing in frustration as he pulled the two closer and closer until they were finally at the top. 

Aragorn placed Gimli down first before climbing over the stone. Aragorn couldn’t help himself and took Legolas’s head in his hands with a quick kiss. He smiled at the dumbfounded expression on his face before taking his hand and leading them back inside.

Then the orcs broke through the doors.

“Fall back!” Theoden ordered. It would soon be morning and the battle was still not done… where was Gandalf?

Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli rushed to Theoden’s side. The keep would be breached soon as the orcs took yet another battering ram to the last door.

“It is over!” Theoden growled. “The fortress is taken!”

“You said yourself that this fortress would not fall while there were still men to defend it!” Aragorn stressed, rushing with Legolas to grab more wooden beams to brace the door. “They have still defended it! They have died defending it!” He yelled, “You would let your women and children die without fighting with everything we have left? Is there no other way we can get them out?” 

Theoden’s lead soldier nodded to Aragorn, “A passage through the mountains…But there are too many Uruk—Hai to be sure they will escape safely.”

“Then we will need to take that chance. Send word to Eowyn! Have her lead them through the passage!” Aragorn shouted.

“...So much death…” Theoden sighed defeatedly as the soldier ran. “What can men do against such reckless hate?

Aragorn sighed, he understood the King’s guilt, the temptation to give up. 

But Aragorn knew Theoden was a better man than to let his guilt triumph over what needed to be done. 

It was the fifth morning of battle… The light shone through the windows. 

“Ride out with me.” Aragorn suggested. “Ride out and meet them” 

“For death? for glory?” Theoden scoffed. 

“For Rohan!” Aragorn stated firmly, looking at the light illuminating the room. “For your people…”

“The sun rises…” Gimli smiled.

Theoden sighed. He knew Aragorn was right. What use was there in fighting if he gave up in the last moments? Surely Gandalf and Eomer were coming and he would have his family together again one last time before the orcs should give their final blows.

“Aye… The Horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the Deep one last time…” Theoden smiled, giving a nod to Gimli. The dwarf would sound the horn and the remaining people of Rohan and Edoras would fight them head-on. 

Aragorn smiled and squeezed the man’s shoulder, Theoden doing the same. 

“Let this be the hour we draw swords together,” Theoden said, expressing his utmost respect to the ranger. Aragorn smiled and nodded, following the King with Legolas behind him to prepare their horses for one last fight… one final try.

Aragorn handed Legolas a sword, urging him to use it.

“Arago—”

“You know how to use one yes?”

“Of course but if you know how useless I am with knives imagine—”

“You have surprised us and yourself more than once this battle meleth … use it and fight by my side. I do not think I will be straying from you anytime soon.”

Legolas sighed and smiled, he was so happy to have Aragorn’s confidence in him.

“Of course… Wherever you go I will follow you forever, my king.” Legolas replied before raising the sword in front of him and awaiting the orcs.

The soldiers allowed the Uruk—Hai to break through the doors, only to meet their doom as Theoden led their charge down the path of the entrance. The riders including Aragorn and Legolas swung their swords with their last bits of strength, tossing orc after orc off the path and into the muddy ground below. The rain had stopped and the sun was shining, rising higher and higher until it reached its peak in the east.

Where they saw Gandalf and Eomer smiling down at them.

From that moment they knew the battle was theirs.

And as if the battle couldn’t have been any more victorious, Merry and Pippin were leading a charge of Ent people to Isengard. They overtook the area, destroying the orcs that surrounded the area and trapping Saruman and Wormttongue in the wizard’s tower. The Ents made way to drown the rest, breaking the dam near the tower and releasing gallons upon gallons of water throughout the land.

Saruman was trapped and the orcs he sent to Helm’s Deep retreated to the Fanghorn Forest, only to meet another doom inside. Helm’s deep was safe.

Aragorn looked to Legolas and smiled greatly, grey eyes shining with cheer. Legolas returned this expression with tearful eyes, they were so happy to be alive, to be together in this victory.

Chapter Text

The cleanup of Helm’s Deep was almost just as devastating as the Battle. Orc, elven, and human corpses scattered the ground in pools of dark blood. Gimli perched himself above one of the half-dead orcs for a smoke, lodging his axe into its head to finish it off before taking a long drag.

Legolas followed the dwarf with a proud smile, “Final count? Mine is forty-two.”

Gimli cackled, “Forty-two? Oh lad that is truly a great feat for a pointy-eared princelin’s first battle. You almost beat me, I am sittin’ pretty at forty-three myself.” he said before his smile wiped from his face.

 Legolas shot an arrow between Gimli’s thighs and through the orc underneath him.

“Forty-three!” Legolas smiled. “And now we are even.”

Gimli scoffed, “Even? It was already dead!”

Legolas pouted with a shrug, “...It flinched.”

“It flinched because my axe is embedded in its nervous system! Of course, it flinched!” 

Legolas shook his head and looked off to the distance where Aragorn walked towards them. He smiled at Legolas and took his hand, squeezing it.

“Do you fare well?”

“I am fine… Your shoulder?”

“Mended.” Aragorn smiled.

“An’ I am fine too thank ye very much!” Gimli added. Aragorn chuckled and laid a hand on the dwarf’s shoulder.

“How fare the elves?” Legolas asked, “I have not seen one sinc—”

“Legolas…” Aragorn sighed, shaking his head, sadness in his eyes “They are all gone meleth … they and Haldir will rest in Middle Earth…”

“...Not one?” Legolas asked, feeling sick all of a sudden. “This cannot be…”

“Laddie, the casualties of war are never expected… they fought for a good cause and alongside their prince…” Gimli tried. “They got to see how grown ye are now…”

“...and they were laid to rest?” Legolas asked, turning to Aragorn with tearful eyes, “The young ones of Edoras as well?” 

“As many as we could… We sent word to Lothlorien of their losses, of our gratuity for their sacrifice… we informed the young boys’ mothers and did our best to give a proper burial. I am as horrified as you are… but we will make sure they are respected and remembered right?” Aragorn sighed, raising his other hand to wipe the tears that escaped Legolas’s eyes. 

The elf nodded. He was covered in grime and blood like the rest of them… Aragorn wished to wipe every trace of battle away from the elf as to make his innocence clear again… But Gimli was right, Legolas had grown into a soldier, a leader, a true prince. Aragorn only hoped Legolas continued to be an asset in battle and avoided trouble. 

“You should be so proud that you fought at their side…I am so proud to see you blossom into a warrior with such little expectations and experience… and I am sure Gimli is too.” Aragorn added. 

“Aye… I suppose.” Gimli smiled sadly. “Ye really surprised me out there lad… Ye made us all proud… even for a pointy-eared princeling. A right weapon in combat.”

Legolas nodded with a teary laugh and pressed his forehead to Aragorn’s, his hands pressed against the man’s chest to seek comfort. The three mourned the elves in silence. Haldir held a special place in Legolas and Aragorn’s hearts. He was a dear friend, guard, and mentor. His death was honorable.

Eowyn stepped quietly into their moment, waiting for their silence to be over. She smiled watching the elf and man, wishing for a love just as true as theirs. 

When they separated, Eowyn made a point to embrace each of them. She went to Aragorn first, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck, “You are safe!” She exclaimed.

“And you managed to stay in the caves.” Aragorn laughed, returning the hug around her shoulders “Was it alright?” He asked, separating from her.

Eowyn nodded and gracefully walked over to Legolas and held her arms around his neck as well. “It was terrifying for the babes… for the mothers and I am sure many are mourning as we speak. But we all managed to stay safe and we are so grateful.” She said, tightening her arms around Legolas before moving to Gimli. She knelt down and hugged him just the same, if a little tighter for her small friend.

“Aye lass, ye did well. Before ye know it you’ll be able to fight along with your brother and Uncle.”

Eowyn laughed, “I do not know about being able to. But I am determined to find a way.”

“As I am sure you will. Where are we to go now?” Legolas asked, “Surely we will not stay here?”

“Uncle and Gandalf are urging you all to Isengard before returning to Edoras. He says that Saruman is weakened, that we may have a chance to defeat him now that those horrible Uruks are gone…” 

Aragorn sighed, “This nightmare will be over soon before the next starts…”

“If we are to make it to Edoras, Uncle said there will be a grand celebration to honor the dead and of course our saviors.” She said bowing her head to the men. “Now… I only wished to check on you all before I am to be sent to aid the women and children in traveling home. We will meet you in Edoras. There will be a grand party after everyone has settled.” She smiled.

“It will be something we look forward to my lady…” Legolas bowed back, “I long for a bath…” He sighed, pulling at his muddy hair, bloody knuckles, and smeared clothing.

“As do I…” Aragorn smiled, retaking Legolas’s hand and stroking his knuckles. “Soon enough we will be in better comforts meleth. ”

Legolas flushed lightly, remembering once again Aragorn’s promise to him before the battle. His hand tightened over Aragorn’s, making the man chuckle. 

 “Then we must make haste?” Legolas asked. “I should wish the wizard gets a painful death for what he has done…”

“Oh please…” Eowyn scowled, “Give his friend Wormtongue special attention for me… What I would give to tear him apart…”

“Argh! Yes! Tha’s the spirit!” Gimli chuckled to Legolas, making Aragorn roll his eyes. 

“Do not try to tempt them with your violent urges master dwarf.” Aragorn smiled, “Travel safely my lady, we will come to Edoras soon after we pay the wizard a visit and meet you there.”

“And you three keep safe as well… Make sure my uncle does not push so hard and that my brother keeps his stubbornness at bay.” She smiled tiredly. “May Eru watch over you, my lords…”

And with that, Eowyn was gone to travel back to her home. Aragorn looked at Legolas and Gimli. 

“Let us ready our horses. We are to go into Fanghorn Forest if our next stop is Isengard. The wizard’s tower is not too far away.

“The forest again?” Gimli grumbled, earning a sharp look from Aragorn and Legolas. “Dwarves are meant for caves and I am very much tired of nature.”

“I have had enough of caves after Moria thank you…” Legolas sighed, the memory reminding him of the hobbits. 

“You will hold your axe below your beard until we are out of the forest again.” Aragorn stated firmly to Gimli. “Legolas you will take him on Arod?”

“If I must…” Legolas sighed mockingly, laughing when Gimli scowled at him. 

The three left to pay their respects to the dead once more before getting their horses ready. Brego was happy to see Aragorn once again and pushed his nose towards Aragorn’s hand. 

“ Ah, I am sorry my friend did you miss me ?” Aragorn smiled, brushing the horse’s nose and turning to the stable next to him where Arod was placed. “ Your owner will be here soon.”

“The lad sure is takin’ his sweet time,” Gimli grumbled from behind him.

“I’ll search for him.” Aragorn sighed, it was not like Legolas to take long.

Legolas took a detour to the food cellars and grabbed a few apples for Arod, sneaking a few more in his bag to spoil Brego with. Valar knows Aragorn does not spoil his horse enough. He took the bag and made to rush to Aragorn and Gimli when he bumped into a strong chest. Legolas felt himself caught by the forearms and he looked up.

“Eomer…” Legolas smiled, “Forgive me, my lord.” It was a good thing Eomer had shed his armor for a brown tunic and trousers. Legolas couldn’t imagine bumping his head straight into Rohanian armor.

“No, it should be me who apologizes Prince Legol—, erm, hungry?” The warrior asked, amused at the bag of apples pressed against the elf’s chest.

“Only my horse, what brings you here?”

“I am making sure the food storages are not wasted… Eowyn said she left a fair amount for us to travel with. Although I think we are out of apples.” Eomer laughed, brushing his long dirty blonde waves out of his face. “Are you alright then?”

Legolas rolled his eyes, “Yes. I did not injure myself from crashing into you, Sir Eomer.”

“I assumed not… You are quite sturdy from what I noticed in battle and from when you pointed an arrow in my face many moons ago.” Eomer smiled, softly sliding his large hands from Legolas’s forearms to his delicate wrists holding the bag of apples, pushing them back against Legolas’s chest. He was gentle and let go to not invade Legolas’s space any longer.

“You noticed me?” Legolas flushed, holding the bag of apples impossibly closer to himself. He took a step back, Eomer was an honorable man, but a man nonetheless and it made him slightly nervous that he was showing such blunt interest. Legolas wasn’t sure how he would explain that another man already captured his heart. The way Eomer looked at him was so hopeful and he hated to break the man’s spirit…

“You noticed him?” Aragorn asked with a concerned frown as he arrived, quickly walking to Legolas’s side. “We were waiting for you, wh—”

“Apples for the horses Estel…” Legolas smiled, holding one out in front of Aragorn. “I ran out the last time we traveled. They have a long journey to Isengard and back to Edoras.”

“Ah… and Sir Eomer?”

“Simply checking stocks Sir Aragorn…” Eomer laughed at Aragorn’s accusing eyes, “I bumped into your elf but he is uninjured.”

“Aye, I would be surprised if it should injure him.” Aragorn nodded bluntly, his hand now placed firmly on Legolas’s shoulder. “Theoden has called for us to head out, come.” He said leading Legolas away and leaving Eomer smiling at the two.

Eomer thinks he understands and Aragorn’s attitude toward the situation solidifies it for him. He was slightly confused, knowing his sister was fond of Aragorn and their Uncle told him she was trying to court him as they left for Helm’s Deep. He figured Legolas was free. He never noticed any tokens from a suitor or anyone else to be interested until now. 

Well… from what he has noticed. It had been a while since meeting them in the plains and he hardly had any time to speak with them when he was finally back in Edoras for the first time.

He had a feeling his sister did not in fact begin to court the ranger because of this… His poor sister…

Eomer chuckled, thinking again about Aragorn’s quiet anger. It could be fun to mess with that a little, he did reject Eowyn. Of course, Eomer had no bad intentions other than a bit of entertainment, it was a long road until they got back after all.

Soon enough they were all riding through Fanghorn Forest. It was just as dreary and dark as it was the first time they went through it, except with a few more cut-down trees. It broke Legolas’s heart to see them so horribly slaughtered… the trees were even angrier than before and the anger echoed through his ears in agony and pain. 

Gimli made a point to be much nicer to the trees, keeping his axe low as he rode on the back of Arod. He felt Legolas’s concern for the forest and grumbled.

“Lad ye need to focus…”

“How can I like this?” Legolas sighed, “I will be well when we are out…”

“Sensitive ears, elves have no?” Eomer asked Aragorn, who frowned a bit. They were riding behind Arod in good company before they heard Legolas. “I mean they hear well, too well even.”

“You should think to focus on your own ears Sir Eomer…” Aragorn quipped. He was suspicious of the soldier. It wasn’t as if he and Legolas were out in the open and it was reasonable to assume Legolas was free of suitors.

“I mean you grew up around elves no?”

“Aye… yes they hear exceptionally well. Legolas has been an asset in that regard.”

“And in other ways too I have noticed… Strong, sturdy… and yet even through all that grime, a sight to see.” Eomer smirked, nodding to the elf. He couldn’t believe the ranger was taking the bait. 

“You would do well to shield your eyes if he is so tempting to you…” Aragorn said gruffly, trying to contain his anger by stroking his beard mindlessly. 

Eomer chuckled and clapped a hand against Aragorn’s shoulder, “I merely jest my friend. You need to keep your weaknesses at bay, imagine if Saruman or Sauron even caught it.”

Aragorn frowned, “What weakness?”

“You and Legolas need to hide it a little better if you are trying to keep this a secret.”

“...How did you—”

“Aragorn my friend, you may be good at many things but keeping your love hidden around the prince is not one of them. I simply used the information in jest and hopefully, you two are a little more careful.”

“...You do not see fault in our love other than that?”

“It is a new age my friend… it is nothing I have not seen on my travels or have explored for myself. You are truly lucky to have such a beautiful creature and I wish you happiness. Do not worry about me spreading the word, I have no wish to expose either of you.” 

“...I thank you…”

“And I assume this is why you rejected my sister?” Eomer asked with a raised eyebrow.

“...Yes. Actually, it is a very confusing tale. I was originally with another lovely elven lady and then Legolas came back into my life for the journey… Not that your sister is not a wonderful lady, she is quite beautiful and full of spirit, but Legolas holds my heart…”

“Ah… beautiful people do that to those like you and me… romantics. They make you change your entire thoughts and being… I should only hope I find someone made for me.”

 “Indeed, and you will find that person one day. I am sure Eowyn will too, I did not mean to cause any confusion between her, you, and your uncle. Eowyn is unfortunately not courting me and I am not courting her. I apologize.”

“No there is no need. It is uncle who will be disappointed, he respects you.” Eomer smiled, nodding to Theoden and Gandalf in front of everyone. “It is hard for uncle to respect someone so much but I suppose he met his match in you.”

“I am honored to be respected by him…” Aragorn nodded to Eomer, who couldn’t help but try to ogle the prince again, resting his elbows on either side of his horse and relaxing against it dreamily to watch Legolas ride Arod. Eomer instead met the eyes of Gimli, who glared back with his axe slightly raised to him, making Aragorn smirk.

 “You will stop staring if you value our friendship.” Aragorn glared.

“Hm? Ah—Of course!” Eomer smiled awkwardly, carding his hair back, “I apologize,”

“You are a good man Eomer, I would hate to gouge your eyes out…” Aragorn sighed before gently kicking Brego to move next to Arod. Eomer winced at the thought, he’d hardly met any elves and was not sure what to do, they were absolutely enchanting! It was easy to become allured.

The ride through the forest was a short one, but with this, Aragorn felt the ride would feel longer than it was. He went next to Legolas and smiled as Gimli cackled at Eomer’s reaction to him, surprised that such a brave warrior cowers in the face of a dwarf. 

“And what is that sour face for?” Legolas asked Aragorn with an amused smile. “Not even the orcs have seen such an expression on your face.”

“Nothing meleth … do the trees crowd your mind still?”

“Only too much… but it is alright, I gladly listen to their turmoil as a friend.”

Gimli cackled behind Legolas, something about “talkin’ tree friends.” This earned him an “accidental” bump in the road that knocked the dwarf off the back of Arod.

“Hey!” Gimli shouted in the mud, chasing after Legolas who continued to ride on. Eomer laughed at this and felt pity for Gimli. He rode quickly and helped lift Gimli back on with a playful wink to Legolas. Aragorn glared at the man who laughed once again and lifted his hands in defeat.

“Ah… I think I understand now.” Legolas smiled at the ranger. “Do not worry Estel.”

“Understand what? I am fine…” Aragorn shrugged, pretending not to be reassured.

Legolas simply continued smiling, he’d never known Aragorn to be a jealous person. He kind of liked it.

Soon enough the party arrived at the Tower of Isengard. Gandalf was right, Saruman was completely alone. Ent people that surrounded the area seemed to mourn losses and yet cheer victoriously… what had taken place here?

“Welcome my lords, to Isengard” They heard a familiar…if stoned, voice cheer.

“No! By Aule, it cannot be?” Gimli cheered, clapping Legolas’s shoulder.

“Gimli whatever could—The little ones! Aragorn, Aragorn come!” Legolas smiled brightly, jumping off Arod with Gimli and waving for Aragorn to follow them. 

The ranger couldn’t believe it. Here they were, Merry and Pippin… They were safe.

Aragorn had not felt so relieved in so long. His smile was dumbfounded and he shook it in amusement as Merry took an impressive drag of pipeweed. swaying.

“Ye young rascals! Do ye two even know what merry hunt you have sent us on?” Gimli scolded. “Now we find ye feastin’, smokin’?” He asked inquisitively. The pipeweed smelt heavenly.

“We are sittin’ on a field of victory and are enjoyin’ a few well-earned comforts,” Pippin explained, making Gandalf scoff behind them. “The salted pork is particularly good!” 

“Salted pork?” Gimli asked, eyes shining as if he had his eyes on a precious jewel. Oh did he miss the hobbits and their ways!

Legolas laughed merrily to Aragorn, “If they are well enough to indulge in all that I am sure they are more than okay. So many nights worrying for this…”

“They had better share that pipeweed…” Aragorn mumbled, “I could use some…”

Gandalf however continued to shake his head, “hobbits…” He grumbled. He would be impressed if the two were not so out of their minds. “What in the world happened here?” 

“We are under orders from Treebeard!” Merry exclaimed. “He has taken over Isengard management.”

The hobbits lead Gandalf, Theoden, and the rest to look upon their friend Treebeard, an Ent who is very relieved to see Gandalf. The entire area surrounding the tower was flooded, forcing them back onto their horses. Merry was behind Aragorn and Pippin was behind Eomer. The creature explained that the hobbits and the Ents had taken care of almost everything. Everything except Saruman who dwelled in the tower, he stood at the very top, pacing.

Aragorn glared up to the tower, “Show yourself…” He grumbled.

“Careful Aragorn… Even defeated Saruman holds his powers…” Gandalf warned.

“Well let’s just knock his head off an’ be done with it then!” Gimli said simply, very similar to when he suggested breaking the ring with an axe. Legolas shook his head at the dwarf’s statement.

“Be calm Gimli…”

“No master dwarf, we need him alive.” Gandalf disagreed, almost seeming as if he wished they could do what Gimli suggested. Eomer frowned at the wizard.

“Alive?” He asked, folding his arms.

“We need him to talk,” Gandalf explained, making Eomer pout in disappointment. He supposed they should do that.

“You have fought many wars and slain many men, King Theoden… and made peace with them. Can we not take counsel together as we once did my old friend?” Saruman asked calmly to the king, who now bore an angry expression. “Can we not have peace?”

“We shall have peace when you explain the burning of the Westfold! And the children that lay dead there! When the lives of the soldiers, whose bodies were hewn even as they lay dead against the gates of the Hornburg are avenged!” Theoden screamed, his nephew laying a calm hand on his shoulder. “When you hang and are fed to your own crows… that is when we shall have peace…” He spat.

“Crows? That is awfully insulting don’t you think Theoden? And what do you want Gandalf Greyhame? Let me guess… The Key of Orthanc? Or perhaps the Key of Barad—Dur itself? The crowns of the seven kings? The rods of the five wizards?”

“Saruman your treachery has already cost so many lives…Thousands more are at risk. You can fix this!” Gandalf tried. “You were deep in the enemy’s counsel!”

Saruman smiled, “Ah… it is information you seek. I have some for you.” He said wickedly, taking out a large black orb and holding it with one hand. It shone a great shadow, Sauron’s eye glaring through fire in the center. “Something festers in the heart of Middle–-Earth. Something you have failed to see yourself…But the Great Eye has. Even now he presses his advantage. His attack will come soon.” 

The party rode closer to the tower, readying for some form of attack from Saruman himself first.

“You are all going to die… and you know that, don’t you Gandalf?” Saruman added with a laugh, causing Merry to falter on the back of Aragorn’s horse. Then Saruman turned down to Aragorn, the ranger stubbornly meeting his gaze. “You cannot possibly believe this Ranger will ever sit upon the throne of Gondor? This exile crept up from the shadows will never be king!”

Aragorn said nothing and continued to meet Saruman’s gaze, not even as Legolas stared at him to make sure Aragorn was in no danger. Aragorn would not falter at his presence. 

“I do apologize oh ranger, Gandalf does not hesitate to sacrifice the ones around him. The ones he claims to love! Tell me… What words of comfort did you give the halfling before you sent him to his doom?” Saruman pouted mockingly. “The path you have sent him on can only lead to death.”

“I have heard enough!” Gimli grumbled. “Shoot em’ lad, stick an arrow in his gob!”

Legolas made to reach for an arrow before Gandalf scolded them.

“No, Legolas!”

However, this was enough for Saruman to notice him.

“Ah! The Jewel of Mirkwood is still alive and in your company? Tell me, Prince Legolas, do you think your father’s kingdom will survive the enemy’s pull? It is already so decrepit and troubled… and you left him for the first time when he needs you most for a mere ranger?” He laughed.

Legolas’s eyes widened before he frowned. He hadn’t thought about how Mirkwood fared… If it was as worse as Saruman said…his poor father…

“He lies, lad! Don’ Listen to em’.” Gimli said, tugging Legolas’s sleeve as Aragorn moved Brego closer to Arod. Legolas wanted to fight back, to tell Saruman he was wrong but as he opened his mouth Aragorn laid a hand on his upper back, stroking his hair a moment.

“ Do not give into the bait meleth he is only trying to manipulate us… Take nothing that he says as true.” Aragorn whispered as Gandalf began attempting to bring Saruman down to them.

“ But Mirkwood is already dying! Frodo is certainly in danger and—”

“Legolas you were the first to stand up for my title when Boromir assumed my position false… Do not tell me you believe him that I will not make it to the throne?”

Legolas was silent, Aragorn made a very good case with this. He sighed and calmed himself, sending a reassuring look to Aragorn with a soft, “Of course not meleth… Hannon le.”

“I will give you a final chance Saruman, help us and we will spare your life,” Gandalf shouted once more.

“I have no use for your bits of pity!” Saruman growled back, sending a wave of fire that surrounded Gandalf. But no one was concerned, Gandalf now held power to match Saruman’s, even more now that he was the true White Wizard.

Gandalf smiled, that was enough trying, “Saruman… Your staff is broken.” He stated before a shot of lightning rang from the sky and destroyed the former White Wizard’s staff. At this, Grima Wormtongue, who had escaped to the tower from Edoras, stood at Saruman’s side with a guilty expression. 

Theoden realized Grima was probably just as tired of Saruman as they all were. He was once a great counsel to the king.

“Grima…” Theoden began, “You need not follow him. You were not always as you are now. You were once a man of Rohan, come down.”

Theoden would never forgive Grima for how he treated his niece and nephew… but it was their only chance and he truly believed no one deserved to be held hostage by Saruman like Theoden was.

Grima, in tears, shook his head and bowed his head ever lower until Saruman spoke.

“A man of Rohan?” Saruman spat, “What is the house of Rohan if not a wooden and broken barn where brigands drink in the reek and their brats roll on the floor with the dogs? The victory at Helm’s Deep does not belong to you Theoden, Horse—Master… You are a lesser son of greater sires.”

Theoden seethed at his words but simply ignored Saruman and turned to Grima again, “Grima, come down. Be free of him.”

“Free?” Saruman belted, “He will never be free!”

“No…” Grima protested meekly.

“Get down, cur!” Saruman growled with a slap to the poorly man’s face.

“Saruman! You were deep in the enemy’s counsel! What do you know?” Gandalf tried once more.

“You withdraw your guard and I will tell you where your doom will be decided! I will not be held prisoner he—”

Theoden’s words must have worked on Grima, the dark and sickly—looking man gathered his courage and stabbed Saruman once, then twice,

“May I?” Legolas asked again to Aragorn and Gandalf with a nod at Grima, his bow still in hand.

Gandalf smiled and Aragorn nodded to Legolas, “After you, my prince.”

Legolas aimed carefully and shot Grima in the heart, causing him to falter back and fall onto the tower floor. Grima’s body pushed Saruman’s over the edge.

Down

Down

Down

Until Saruman was kabobed through a large spiked wheel on the side of his tower. 

He was gone. 

Merry gasped at the horrific death, hiding his face in the back of Aragorn’s tunic. Pippin simply scowled, amazed at such an atrocity. The rest were only so glad that this threat was done.

“And finally, the filth that is Saruman is gone…” Treebeard smiled. “Trees will be able to come back and live here. Young, wild trees… Thank you, on behalf of us all.”

The hobbits smiled at Treebeard, followed by Gandalf who then turned to Theoden, “Send word to all of our allies and to every corner of Middle—Earth that still stands free. The enemy moves against us and we need to know where he will strike.” Gandalf instructed.

The spiked wheel turned slightly from the weight of Saruman, causing him to drop the dark orb held in his hand as the body was dipped into the water following it. The orb dropped and settled at the bottom of the water, catching Pippin’s curiosity before he jumped off Eomer’s horse to grab it. 

“Pippin!” Aragorn scolded as if he were a child. Legolas shook his head at the little one, he always managed to cause trouble.

Gandalf turned from Theoden and sighed, taking his horse Shadowfax towards the smallest hobbit.

 “Perigrin Took.” He began, “I’ll be taking that, my lad.”

Pippin however pouted, holding the orb closer to his chest.

“Quickly now Pippin…” Gandalf pressed before Pippin finally sighed in disappointment and handed it to Gandalf. The White Wizard folded his robes over the orb, cautious of its power. Cautious of how it allured Pippin, who was still just as curious about it.

And with this, it was time to travel back to Edoras. It was time for some well-deserved rest. 

Chapter Text

Aragorn was bombarded with praise from every citizen he walked by, they were thankful and worshipping the man and his party. Aragorn would politely smile and bow his head, but he was clearly in a rush. Legolas and Gimli trailed behind him as they wafted through the crowds of bowing women and injured men. Theoden led them, his nephew at his side as they stepped into the throne room where Eowyn awaited them.

Eowyn smiled so brightly to see them all safe and ran to wrap her arms around her uncle’s shoulders, kissing his cheek before switching to hug her brother, followed by the Three Hunters. 

“There are chambers ready for you all, Gandalf arrived ahead of you and the little ones are resting so do not fret for them. Please relax and rest yourselves today and tomorrow night come for merriment. You are heroes after all.” She smiled with a twinkle in her blue eyes. She seemed so much more relaxed now that Saruman was no longer a problem for her Uncle and that horrible Grima was out of sight and mind. 

“Was nothin’ lass, we are happy and honored to defend yer home…” Gimli smiled. “Now if ye will all excuse me I smelt salted pork in the kitchens. Ye two behave yerselves…” He added to Legolas and Aragorn, who had not left one another’s side since they left. Legolas turned bright red and scoffed at the dwarf as he walked away for some well-deserved salted pork. 

“I hope you choke on it!” Legolas yelled with a pout, making the dwarf chuckle. Aragorn smiled and took Legolas’s hand quietly, stroking it with his calloused thumb as Eowyn glided over to them.

“Your chambers are prepared, I had assumed you and Legolas wanted to be together so I roomed you both with each other and Gimli will room with the Hobbits.”

“Thank you Eowyn, I should like to be with the prince indeed.” He said fondly, “Please excuse us it has been a long journey, and long since we have felt peace.”

“Oh please do not apologise! You have all fought bravely and true… You have rescued my people and brought hope back to my Uncle.”

Legolas took the girl’s hands and smiled, “You kept all the women and children safe my lady, your deeds will not go overlooked as well, I hope you have rested?”

“Oh as much as I can… I am afraid that the shadows that hovered over my family are not quite gone… but we will enjoy the peace while it lasts. The party will be grand and happy. now I will keep you both no longer, please follow the stairs to the third door on the right of the hallway. There is food and drink waiting for you that you must not let get cold. Hot water has also been ordered so you can bathe.”

“Thank you, my lady.” Aragorn bowed before taking Legolas behind him, taking his waist with one hand when they were veiled from sight. “Are you tired meleth? ”

“You have a promise to keep, Estel, do not think me so tired already.” The elf smiled teasingly.

Aragorn smiled and gripped his waist tighter, pulling the lithe elf against his body, “Then I shall uphold my promise.”

Legolas scoffed and pushed Aragorn’s chest playfully, “After we bathe of course? I don’t fancy laying with you with blood and dirt caked in our hair.”

“Of course, meleth, I would never consider such a thing, you deserve luxury.” Aragorn smiled before looking around them; followed by lifting Legolas into his arms and kissing his forehead, “And I will grant you luxury…” He added in a whisper into the elf’s pointed ear, nibbling lightly at the shell of it. 

“A—Aragorn not so soon!” Legolas crooned, leaning into Aragorn’s chest and kissing the open, hairy skin that was exposed from his open collar.

Aragorn carried Legolas as if he weighed no more than a bird, holding him as if he would never let him out of his sight. They made their way upstairs to their chambers and Aragorn soon stopped at the front of their door, kneeing it open with Legolas still in his hold. He strode over to the side of the large bed and deposited Legolas on the soft sheets, his dirtied pale hair splayed around his head. 

Legolas looked up at Aragorn with wanting, innocent eyes. His delicate hands were still tangled on the shoulders of Aragorn’s tunic as if he wanted to be no more than mere inches apart from the ranger. 

Aragorn smiled fondly at the elf and kissed him softly, nothing more than a chaste exchange of lips. As Aragorn pulled back Legolas leaned up to steal a little more of Aragorn’s lips.

“Please tell me the hot water was delivered already…” Legolas sighed, his legs crossed in an attempt to soothe his coming arousal. “I do not wish to dirty the bed this way…”

“Allow me but a moment to check…” Aragorn whispered with a smile, strolling over to their bathing area where many buckets of hot steaming water awaited them on the edge of the tub. It was made of the finest copper and was large enough for both of them. Along the edge of the tub were soaps, oils for their hair, and warm towels. It was perfect.

Aragorn slipped off his dirty tunic and threw it into a laundry bin before coming back for Legolas, who was awaiting Aragorn to come back. He was sitting on top of the bed trying to undo his braids. Aragorn smiled at him and soon stood in front of Legolas, taking his hand into his once again. The elf froze at Aragorn’s shirtless state. 

He was beautiful. Aragorn was visibly strong, his muscles were especially noticeable in his arms and his chest which was dusted in a generous amount of soft hair that led down to his strong yet ale-softened stomach, finally leading down to his groin. Aragorn was covered in scarring from past adventures along with fresh bruises from mere nights ago. Legolas could not move at the sight. His wide blue eyes dilated and his fair skin flushed impossibly redder. Aragorn was happy he was pleased. 

“Come, hîr vuin the water is here and it is hot.” He smiled teasingly, “Allow me to care for you this night…” 

“Yes A—Aragorn…” Legolas managed to squeak, nearly tripping into Aragorn as he was lifted to his feet, making Aragorn laugh.

“I have never seen you so clumsy meleth ” He smiled before lifting Legolas into his arms again, the elf buried into the crook of his neck and shoulder.

“It is your fault for being so—so—oh Valar!” Legolas flushed, he couldn’t even find the words. “Just keep walking we’re both filthy!”

“And yet you still find me handsome enough to swoon at my feet,” Aragorn added, kissing Legolas’s hair, now freed from his braids. 

Aragorn sat Legolas down in a chair by the tub before lifting heavy buckets of hot water inside. Legolas watched his back muscles ripple at the sheer weight, the steam causing his tan skin to shine. Legolas bit his bottom lip until it was a bright pink, his legs crossed ever tighter.

The ranger turned and smiled at the elf’s gaze before standing over him once again, resting his fingers over the ties of Legolas’s tunic, “May I?”

Legolas nodded slowly and turned away. Aragorn frowned and took his chin into his fingers, leading the elf’s gaze back to him again. Legolas looked up through blonde eyelashes. 

“If you feel a need to slow down never hesitate to tell me, aye? I am here to take care of you and I want you to be comfortable and feel safe. I would never want to do something you are unsure of…”

Legolas smiled and leaned up to kiss Aragorn, “Do not fret over me, I am only nervous. Orcs and goblins seem simpler to handle than this right now.” Legolas laughed nervously. “But believe me, Estel, you are all I want…” He smiled.

Aragorn smiled back softly and continued to loosen Legolas’s tunic before slipping the first layer off, kissing his neck, and feeling the elf’s chest rise and fall against his own. Legolas rested his arms around Aragorn’s strong shoulders, his head buried safely in the crook of Aragorn’s neck. 

Aragorn then removed the final layers of his tunic and pulled back, admiring the elf before him. Legolas was just about spotless, with not a hair or blemish on his ivory skin. However, following their battle, the ranger expected the bruises and healing scrapes, along with the scar on his stomach from the Uruk—Hai. It made the ranger furious that he was not able to protect him from these dangers, but he was equally proud of how it showed the warrior Legolas became.

“You are so strong meleth …” Aragorn whispered before kneeling in front of Legolas’s chair. He began kissing down Legolas’s neck and dragging his lips lower until they brushed a bruise on his collarbone. He focused his lips on it for a moment before moving to another beneath it, then to a healing knife wound, and finally near the elf’s pert nipples. The elf gasped at the intrusion before the man could even kiss them properly.

“Ah—please…” Legolas murmured, unsure now of what to do with his hands. He decided to card one through Aragorn’s hair, pulling lightly to signal the ranger to keep going.

Aragorn understood Legolas’s need, leaning in again to kiss his right nipple, pink and pointed in arousal. The ranger surrounded it with his lips and sucked lightly. Legolas gasped again, his hand tightening in Aragorn’s long curls as he let go and switched to the other side. 

“A—Aragorn, the bath…”

“You wish for me to strip you faster?”

“If—if you do not I fear this will be over before it started, “The elf laughed, his other hand now caressing Aragorn’s cheek. 

“As you wish, dove,” Aragorn smirked, taking off both of their boots and loosening their britches. The ranger was quick to strip himself, exposing his strong thighs and thick cock, reddened and hard with desire. He moved to take off Legolas’s pants as well, kissing his long pale thighs with every inch that became exposed. The elf had been aching for far too long it seems, his thighs falling open with a needy mewl, revealing his pretty cock, shining with precome.

Aragorn stood and took Legolas’s chin between his fingers, kissing him soundly, the other hand sliding down his back until he is just above Legolas’s arse and helping him stand. The elf sank into Aragorn’s body, gasping softly as he felt their cock’s brush together.

“You’re so pretty Legolas…I cannot get enough of the sight of you” Aragorn sighed, picking up Legolas into his arms again and stepping carefully into the tub. The steam rose around them, Aragorn’s hair getting slightly damp and the tips of Legolas’s dipped into the water spreading around him  Aragorn sat them down, Legolas between his thighs. The elf turned and wrapped his arms around Aragorn’s shoulders, pressing their wet chests together, and desperately kissed him, his hips desperately moving for some friction. It was as if the elf’s body had a mind of its own.

Aragorn chuckled into the kiss before returning the favor, his hands under the water, resting just above Legolas’s arse again. He kissed equally as hungrily, soon teasing his tongue against Legolas’s lips, asking for permission to enter his mouth. Legolas moaned softly and opened his mouth ever so slightly for the ranger to invade. Legolas tightened his hold around Aragorn’s neck and brought them impossibly closer as their tongues curled around one another’s mouths. Legolas’s breathing became desperate inhales for air, but refused to pull away from his ranger. Their legs tangled together awkwardly, their cocks brushing over and over. It was agony to keep from coming.

Aragorn bit Legolas’s bottom lip, softly letting Legolas know he was pulling back. The elf pulled back as well but left a soft kiss against Aragorn’s stubbled jaw as the man grabbed a wash cloth and a vial of sweet lemon soap. He prepared the cloth and began to wash Legolas’s body, beginning with his shoulders, to his collarbone, and to his chest. 

“Estel I—I wish to do the same to you meleth…” Legolas said, leaning over the tub to grab a cloth of his own. Aragorn took the opportunity to stroke Legolas’s smooth back, caressing his shoulder blades and gliding down to his pert arse. He squeezed one cheek lightly, making the elf take a sharp intake of breath and cross his legs by the time he bent up again to return the favor and wash the ranger. 

Legolas glided the cloth similarly to Aragorn but stopped above each old and new scar to bestow a kiss on each. A reminder that Legolas would care for every wound the man would endure from now on. Aragorn’s chest hair brushed his lips and nose with each kiss, causing the man to give a low sigh as he felt every light touch.

Legolas was soon satisfied with his work before moving to wash Aragorn’s hair.

“You have absolutely no idea how much I have wanted to touch you to my heart’s content…” Legolas smiled shyly, taking a pitcher and lightly dousing Aragorn’s hair in water before combing oils into the curls. “You have such lovely hair… everywhere.” Legolas flushed with a chuckle.

“ Hannon le ” Aragorn smiled before returning the favor, dousing Legolas’s long silk locks in water before rubbing oils into every strand possible. “I have to admit however that your hair triumphs, it is as if the sun itself blessed you…”

Legolas bit his bottom lip, it was becoming rather red from how much he had done so. He buried himself back into Aragorn’s chest as the man massaged his hair. 

When he finished, Aragorn rinsed the both of them off and kissed Legolas softly. “Are you ready dove?” he asked, raking his hands up and down Legolas’s sides. The elf nodded with a nervous smile and held onto Aragorn as he lifted him out of the tub, stepping carefully onto a towel and letting Legolas down, drying them both off. Aragorn started with Legolas’s chest and carefully dried him down his body, teasing around Legolas’s poor aching cock. He then dried himself, Legolas’s hands resting on his hips and admiring the ranger’s girth. 

“See something you like dove?” Aragorn chuckled, taking Legolas’s hand in his and guiding it to cup his cock. Legolas took a sharp breath but did not take his eyes off his hardness. His cock was heavy, warm, and so big… it actually made him nervous, causing him to look up in worry at Aragorn.

“I—How—how will—erm…”

“Don’t worry… I will take care of everything. I saved a vial of oil for this very reason.”

“F—for what?” Legolas asked, biting his lip once again. 

Aragorn chuckled and slid one hand down to cup Legolas’s arse, squeezing upwards to expose his hold. His hand surrounded one cheek alone and Legolas’s knees buckled, falling into Aragorn’s arms once again. 

“I will be using it to help ease you open… if that is alright?”

Legolas shivered and nodded into his chest.

“Use your words Legolas…” Aragorn smirked, “I must be sure…”

“It is alright,” Legolas smiled with a kiss to Aragorn’s collarbone. “Can we move to the bed now?”

Aragorn nodded and lifted Legolas, walking them into their bedroom and safely depositing the delicate elf onto the bed. The furs were so soft… perfect for his prince’s pleasure. He admired the elf below him. His wrists fell above his head, his hair splayed about. Legolas looked so nervous, but his wanting eyes showed Aragorn he was waiting for the next step.

Aragorn climbed above him, Legolas taking the opportunity to fondly drag his hand down Aragorn’s hairy chest before lifting his hand again to caress Aragorn’s jaw. He stroked his thumb against the ranger’s stubble and pulled him closer for a kiss. 

“I want to see you… just like this…” Legolas whispered, “Can I?”

“Anything you wish I will provide hîr vuin…” Aragorn smiled, taking the vial of oil beside them and popping it open with his thumb. He then grabbed a pillow from behind them and slid it under Legolas’s hips. “This will help your comfort… are you ready for me to start?”

Legolas nodded before remembering Aragorn preferred he spoke his wants, “Please… I do not know how long I can bear being this way…” He whined, opening his legs shyly for Aragorn. “Help me, my king… I beg you…”

“You are so tempting…I would have you anywhere, anytime…” Aragorn whispered, lifting one of Legolas’s legs onto his shoulder, making the elf whine in anticipation, “I can hardly control myself…” He added, kissing Legolas’s calf before wetting his fingers with the oil. “I will start with one, it may hurt but I promise it will feel euphoric  soon my prince…”

Legolas nodded quickly and reached for Aragorn’s cheek as the man bent the elf’s leg upwards, leaning closer to Legolas’s face and kissing him desperately. He inserted one finger, thick and sopping with oil.

Legolas let out a cry and buried himself in the crook of Aragorn’s neck, his hands now cupped against the man’s chest, “ Ai! Ai… oh Valar…” He panted, kissing Aragorn’s collarbone to reassure him that he was okay. “A—Aragorn…” He whined.

Aragorn smiled softly and kissed Legolas’s forehead, closing his eyes for a moment, “Shh… it is only me, I’ve got you… Let me know when I can start moving a bit…”

Legolas nodded and bucked his hips softly, trying to find a comfortable position on Aragorn’s finger. He gasped as Aragorn’s finger was pushed in deeper, brushing his prostate a little. 

“Aragorn please move—please I need more!” Legolas moaned desperately, it felt so so good… Aragorn was right.

Aragorn nodded and inserted another finger, he allowed Legolas a few moments to become accustomed to the feeling before scissoring his fingers open and closed ever so carefully. 

“There we are... Patience dove, I do not wish to hurt you… I will make sure everything you need is met I promise…” 

Legolas nodded and crooned with every brush of his prostate, He lifted one of his hands to take Aragorn’s cock, eager to make the man feel as good as he did. He shifted his hips so their cocks brushed aside each other and he began to stroke them together. Aragorn’s cock was red at the tip, leaking precome at the elf’s soft hands holding their cocks. 

“Fuck dove… Not so quickly, we must last… just a little—a little longer…”

Legolas smiled teasingly and brushed his thumb over the head of Aragorn’s cock, the man was sensitive here and he knew that because of the absolutely delicious moan, the ranger let out. His moans were deep, Legolas felt him practically purr from within his chest as he groaned. 

“I need you now Estel… please it is far too unbearable now!” he whined, grinding down on what was now three fingers inside of him. 

Aragorn chuckled and kissed Legolas again, “You feel ready?”

“Stop asking me questions and fuck me!” Legolas demanded.

Aragorn smirked and lifted Legolas’s other leg onto his shoulder, causing the blonde to release his hold on their cocks and rest his hands above his head. Legolas looked away from the hungry look Aragorn gave him, still a bit shy. Aragorn aligned himself against Legolas’s hole and guided his chin to face Aragorn again before he moved that hand to lock Legolas’s wrists where they rested on the soft furs of the bed. That one hand was able to hold both wrists with ease as the other reassured the elf’s position by holding his waist. 

Aragorn relaxed himself into Legolas, who let out a loud moan. He fought Aragorn’s hold on his wrists, wanting to cover his mouth. 

“It is alright. Let out as much noise as you need, dove… It is for my ears only, the walls are thick.” Aragorn reassured, kissing his lips before moving to the elf’s pointed ears, sucking on his earlobe and biting it. This only made the elf moan louder. 

“Ahh! Ah! Estel!” Legolas cried, “P—please”

Aragorn began to move his hips, bucking into the elf harder and harder. Legolas’s eyes were teary with pleasure, making their color seem even more vibrant. Their eyes did not wander from one another’s gaze. As their breathing became shallower and shallower.

“Aragorn I—I cannot stand it much longer! Ah!”

“I—me neither Legolas…” Aragorn gasped, releasing his hold on Legolas’s wrists and moving his hand to cup the back of Legolas’s head, softly caressing the soft, damp locks of hair. Legolas writhed beneath him, his moans growing ever louder as he now moved to stroke his own cock.

“Please! Please! Please!” Legolas gasped. it was as if it was the only word he had the energy to voice. 

“Come for me meleth…” Aragorn gasped, his grey eyes peering into Legolas’s.

Legolas moaned as he came onto each other’s stomachs, growing limp as he felt Aragorn release into him. The ranger fell onto Legolas with a kiss, pulling out of him softly and flipping them over with the little strength he had left. Legolas gasped for air, resting now on Aragorn’s chest.

“You did so well… so well Legolas…” Aragorn whispered, bestowing kiss after kiss on Legolas’s face. Aragorn took the elf’s hand in his and rested them on his chest as Legolas continued to hyperventilate. “Shhh…” He hushed, stroking Legolas’s hair with his other hand, “Are you alright meleth?’

Legolas nodded and squeezed Aragorn’s hand in reassurance, “I—I am so happy Estel…” He smiled when he finally caught his breath. “ Hannon Le…”

Aragorn kissed his forehead, now reaching for a cloth on their bedside so he could clean his prince’s stomach and sensitive arse of come. “There are many things I still wish to show you, but for now, agoreg vae , Legolas…we have a celebration to prepare for tomorrow…I will not leave your side…”

“Gi melin, Estel.” Legolas smiled tiredly, snuggling impossibly deeper into Aragorn’s chest, kissing his neck softly as his eyes rested open.  Aragorn smiled fondly and sat them up for a moment to drag the fur blankets over them, shielding his naked elf from view if anyone should interrupt their slumber. 

“Gi melin, Legolas… so much…” He finally whispered before resting his chin over Legolas’s head. The elf was so messy, his hair damp and splayed about, his body covered in new bites and marks from Aragorn. Aragorn admired his work before resting his eyes and falling asleep as well.

Time together was ever precious in these horrid times.

Chapter Text

It was the first full night of rest either of them had in ages, not to mention the hobbits and Gimli as well. Legolas was not one to use the whole night, as elves do not need as much rest as other beings, but the night before left Legolas sore, happy, and relaxed, he couldn’t help but stay asleep. 

As the sun rose and the light shone through their window, Legolas woke up from his slumber as his eyes were resting open. His eyes blinked as he came to consciousness.

“Hm…” Legolas hummed, he had almost forgotten they weren’t on the road anymore, that they won in Helm’s deep. Legolas then felt a weight on his chest, Aragorn had moved in his sleep and buried himself into Legolas’s chest, both arms wrapped tightly around his lithe waist. 

Legolas flushed, remembering their actions the night before, as well as the fact that they were both still naked. He smiled fondly and kissed the top of Aragorn’s head, taking one hand and stroking a few loose strands behind the ranger’s ear. Legolas then slid his fingers down from the back of Aragorn's ear to his jaw, stroking the rough stubbly beard that began to get fuller and fuller with every month.

Aragorn slept the least of them all. He tried and often succeeded to hide his fatigue but Legolas knew after almost drowning, Helm’s deep, and defeating Saruman, it was too much all in the days it took. 

“I am honored you feel so calm with me meleth …” Legolas whispered ever so softly, continuing to stroke his beard, then down his neck. Aragorn’s breathing was deep, a low rumble roared in his chest as Legolas used his fingers to slide from his neck to softly thread through Aragorn’s soft chest hair. “Shh…” Legolas hushed.

“Hm…playing with me, dove?” Aragorn hummed with a smile, his eyes still closed as he rested one hand over Legolas’s on his chest.

“Are you complaining, my king?” Legolas laughed quietly, “Go back to sleep, you need it more than I do… It’s been long since you last rested properly. The party will happen this night so you have time to dream a few hours longer…” he said, kissing the top of his head again before resting his forehead against Aragorn’s.

Aragorn chuckled softly and leaned into Legolas’s forehead, “You cannot expect me to rest as you tease me, my prince? I cannot help but awaken and wish to return the favor.” He said before kissing Legolas’s forehead, then his nose, his cheek, and finally his lips, still red from the night before. “Such beauty before me cannot be ignored.”

“Aragorn! I hardly teased you—” Legolas chuckled as Aragorn sat up and threw himself on top of Legolas, who now sat flat against the mattress with each wrist above his head and in Aragorn’s strong hands. He wasn’t able to cross his legs over his needy cock this time, Aragorn already positioned himself between them and so Legolas’s legs bent to straddle Aragorn’s hips. The blanket slid off Aragorn’s body and fell behind him, exposing them both and giving Legolas goosebumps as he was met with the sight of Aragorn’s large cock for a second time.

“Keep your hands there…” Aragorn hummed, letting go of his wrists and kissing Legolas’s neck, dragging his lips down to his smooth chest. Aragorn used one hand to play with one of Legolas’s pink nipples, hard with need as he sucked on the other. He played with it with his tongue, flicking it back and forth and sucking gently.

“A—aaaahmm” Legolas gasped, finding it hard to keep his hands above his head. He wanted to touch Aragorn back so much! “Estel please!” He cried, covering his mouth with his hand as Aragorn’s fingers on his nipple squeezed before trailing down his flat stomach. He stopped sucking the other and kissed down, down, down, following where his hand trailed, the other holding him above his prince. Legolas shivered as he got closer and closer to his groin. 

“Remember there’s no need to cover your mouth, dove, let me hear you…” Aragorn whispered against his skin, lifting his head as his kisses reached his hips, pausing to rest his hand above it. Aragorn smiled at the elf writhing below him at just his kisses alone. Legolas’s eyes were open and glassy with lust as he closed his mouth with one hand, the other still in its place above his head. Aragorn teased over his hips to squeeze one leg near the inside of his thigh where his flushed cock stood, leaking precome already. Aragorn bit his lip at the sight and decided to tease his elf longer. “Poor thing…” He pouted playfully before gently taking his hand away from the sensitive area and using it to grab from underneath Legolas’s pert arse and roughly turning him over.

“Ah!” Legolas gasped in surprise, moving to hold the pillow in front of him. His cock grazed against the mattress now, the friction becoming too much. “A—Aragorn!”

“Shh… I’m sorry Las’, I fear I got too excited…” Aragorn said apologetically before soothing his elf, stroking his hands against Legolas’s sides twice before gently moving down until he reached the small of his back, right above his arse. “May I try something?” Aragorn asked.

Legolas whined needily at his touch, “But I cannot see you this way!” 

“I am right here… I want to do something that I think you’ll enjoy…” Aragorn smiled, using a hand to stroke small circles around one of Legolas’s arse cheeks, “If you will allow me…”

Legolas flushed and buried his head into the pillow, his body reacting to the touch by pushing more into Aragorn’s hand, “I fear if you do not I will lose my mind, Estel…”

Aragorn smiled, “Try not to come just yet, I still need to fuck you… let me know if you do not enjoy this…”

Legolas nodded into the pillow in response.

“Good… so good for me…” 

Aragorn used both hands now, massaging Legolas’s cheeks with more vigor and moving them in circles. His skin was so fair and sensitive that each squeeze left red marks, it drove Aragorn to insanity the way he was so easily marked. Aragorn then laid on his stomach comfortably and used his hands to separate Legolas’s arse cheeks to expose his pink hole, making Legolas gasp at the cold air.

“E—Estel?” Legolas asked from his place buried in the pillow.

“It’s alright…” Aragorn whispered, kissing one of his cheeks and nibbling softly to leave a bite mark. “You’re okay still?”

“Mmmhm… just—need you”

“You have me… I’ll take care of you…” Aragorn hushed, using one of his hands to now reach for the side of Legolas’s waist in reassurance, squeezing comfortingly before sliding it back and separating the cheeks again. “You have no idea how much I longed for this in particular… You have the prettiest arse Legolas… Pale and pert, flushed red with my touch…”

Legolas crooned at the praise, trying to grind down against the mattress but Aragorn held him still, “Leave it to me… you’ll come eventually, you spoiled prince…” He chuckled before kissing his arse from the top of one cheek, kissing again towards his hole, then again, then finally reaching in between them and taking a lick at the pink ring around it, making Legolas let out a sharp mewl. His toes curled around the blanket behind them as he tried not to buck back into Aragorn’s face.

Aragorn smiled at the reaction, taking this as a silent yes to keep going. He took another lick, being careful not to overstimulate his elf too much with the gentle squeezes of his cheeks but as Legolas continued to moan and writhe his arse, begging for more, it proved difficult to restrain himself. Aragorn pulled back and used one hand to gently finger Legolas open a little. 

“You sound so beautiful…taking my fingers so well…” Aragorn whispered, his squeezes getting a little rougher. With each moan Legolas let out, the harder Aragorn himself became, the blanket behind them serving as enough friction for the time being. He bit one of Legolas’s cheeks beside him until it turned red enough to leave a mark for days. Following this he laid another mark on the top of his other cheek before finally licking his hole one more time and inserting his tongue inside, helped now by his fingers.

“A—Ah! AH!” Legolas moaned, his back arching up, legs bent, and feet straining against the bed as he tried to stay put for Aragorn, who found his prostate rather quickly. “Ah—I—I—Aragorn!” He cried, burning his head into the pillow as tears of pleasure fell from his eyes.

Aragorn smiled from his position, still tonguing through the ring of muscle until his elf was loose for him. He massaged his arse through the pleasurable pain, savoring each delicate moan his elf let out. He could tell by how much Legolas shook that he needed to move on quickly so Aragorn took his tongue and fingers out before sitting up and wiping his mouth of excess saliva.

Aragorn admired Legolas in front of him, one leg lifted for Aragorn’s access and the other laid on the other side of Aragorn. Legolas’s arse was red with hand and bite marks, satisfying Aragorn’s need to make him his. Legolas’s body shook, and the pleasure he was given was now taken away before he reached his peak, it made him whimper into his pillow.

“Legolas…” Aragorn whispered, crawling above his elf and helping him turn around, “Oh meleth… you’re so needy this morning…” He smiled as Legolas whimpered again when he saw Aragorn. “You don’t have the energy to talk?”

Legolas shook his head and wrapped his arms around Aragorn’s neck and buried his face into his chest, grinding his cock up and down the man’s leg.

“You’re like a kitten in heat…” Aragorn chuckled, “Poor thing… You’ll come soon…” He said before taking Legolas into his arms and switching their places, Legolas now sitting on Aragorn’s lap.

“I—it's so sore” Legolas crooned, trying to avoid putting too much weight on his arse. As he sat comfortably now on his lap he realized how close their cocks were now and his body moved as if it had a mind of its own, grinding against Aragorn’s thickness.

“Here, dove…” Aragorn cooed, kissing Legolas’s neck as he grabbed the elf’s arse again with one hand, lifting him and using his other hand to hold his cock steady against it before sitting Legolas down gently on top of it. “There we are… fuck—is that better?” Aragorn groaned

Legolas could hardly speak, as much as his arse was sore the feeling he was seeking was finally there. He nodded and moaned gently as he adjusted to Aragorn’s girth, it was easier than the last time he found. He ground his ass down against it, waiting for more.

Aragorn smirked and kissed his lips with a small nibble to bring more fresh redness to Legolas’s lips. He then moved to Legolas’s pointed ears and nibbled against his earlobe.

“A—Ai!!” Legolas cried, the tears coming back and falling over his cheeks, he was so sensitive.

“You can move as much as you wish, Las’…” Aragorn whispered into his ear before kissing away his tears and wiping their tracks away with his thumb.

Legolas’s eyes widened, move as he wished?

Legolas bit his bottom lip before taking his cock in hand and moving his hips a little as he stroked it. Aragorn smiled, laying back against the pillows to enjoy the show, his calloused hands cupping Legolas’s pretty hips and helping him move up and down.

With Aragorn’s guiding hands Legolas easily moved, one hand still stroking his cock as he did so. His lips pouted as he moaned with each movement downwards, Aragorn’s cock filling him up ever so much.

“E—Estel! Estel!”

“Come as you wish… I will follow you…” Aragorn gasped into his ear, thrusting upwards as he could not control himself anymore.

“A—Ah! N-now Oh! pl—please! Harder!’

So harder Aragorn moved as Legolas did the same before the prince came over their stomachs, followed by Aragorn inside him.

“Estel!” Legolas moaned as he was filled to the brim with Aragorn’s cum.

“Fuck! Legolas….” Aragorn grunted as Legolas fell against him. He held Legolas impossibly close, comforting him as he shook through his orgasm.

The two lay together for a moment, Aragorn stroking Legolas’s bare back gently with the back of his knuckles.

“I love that you still call me Estel…” Aragorn smiled tiredly into his ear, “I don’t think I ever told you that… even after everything I am still your Estel…”

Legolas smiled with tired, hooded eyes, kissing Aragorn’s chest, “You are known as many things… you are Aragorn, Estel, Ellessar, Strider, and more. Whoever you may be, you are mine… and I love you… Estel is who you were when I met you… and the name rings true to now, you are hope…”

“I love you, Legolas… your words make me strive to be just so… hope. It scares me… I must admit.”

“You will not move on alone, meleth…you know that.”

“It is not being alone I fear… I fear the future. If you or I… or both do not make it through to the end… before I can even be threatened by your father first” he chuckled. “I cannot bear to leave you and cause you to fade again… or for you to die in front of me before our lives together even begin…” Aragorn sighed sadly, massaging Legolas’s waist above the scar Legolas earned from the Uruk—Hai. “It could happen so quickly…I fear I am attached to you and I could never part from you again.”

Legolas smiled fondly and cupped Aragorn’s jaw with his hands, “And I, you… No matter what happens, fading would only bring me back to you…”

“I know… But my fears from the beginning are creeping up on me again… that I took you from your home, your father, just to not be able to bring you back safely… and to bring you home to Gondor with me” Aragorn said shakily, kissing the top of Legolas’s head. “Who would care for you as you fade?”

“You hardly took me from home, I was the stubborn one who insisted on coming with you.” Legolas smiled. ” Meleth , being together we take this chance… I am prepared to fade or sacrifice myself for you now or in the future, it is because I love you that I take this chance. I will be immortal, no longer and that is okay… My poor father is the one who will have to get used to that. I am sure he and Gimli would care for me when you should leave me.” 

“I cherish the sacrifice you make for being with me… and I am ready to accept whatever may happen… I just look at you sometimes and know if you died, especially to save me, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself… I would mourn you for the rest of my life, raise statues and gardens in your honor… I could hardly be a good king… I almost lost you once and it tore me apart more than almost dying myself… seeing you sickly pale and dreadfully thin… your eyes closed as your health declined… You must have been in so much pain and I caused it…” Aragorn sighed, holding Legolas tighter.

Legolas shook his head, “It would be impossible for you to be a bad king… I know no matter what you will give Gondor an age in which their king supported them all to the end of his days, even through grief… I was unprepared for how fast fading happened… but I was calm and cared for and all I thought of was seeing you again. Now that it happened once I feel more prepared to accept it when you do die. A shorter life filled with love and memories with you means more to me than anything immortality can grant.”

Aragorn smiled fondly, his tense eyes softening at Legolas’s words. 

Aragorn smiled, “I cannot wait to marry you…” He said, stroking Legolas’s cheek with the back of his knuckles, “ What would I ever do without you?”

Legolas rolled his eyes, “Probably never rest or eat properly or wash your hai—HEY!” Legolas giggled as Aragorn attacked his neck and manhandled him. “Aragorn! No, we’re indecent what if—” He laughed, hitting Aragorn’s back as Aragorn stood up and threw Legolas over his shoulder, spinning them around as he squeezed Legolas’s arse to steady him before tossing him over the bed in a fit of laughter.

“Never toss an elf!” Legolas pouted, mocking Gimli’s deep voice and thick accent, his hair splayed around the pillow except for one thick strand that rested under Legolas’s nose as a makeshift mustache. Aragorn rolled his eyes and kissed his elf.

“Speaking of tossing and Gimli I—”

“Oi laddies! We’ve been waitin’ on ye two all mornin’ the wee ones wanted to see the three of us and Theo— OH GREAT MAHAL!” Gimli cried as he crashed open the door to the sight of Aragorn on top of Legolas.

Aragorn sneered and rolled his eyes at Gimli, using his body to shield Legolas until he grabbed the blanket at the foot of the bed and put it over him. 

“Would knocking and letting us know be out of the question, master dwarf?”

“Well, I didn’ know ye two would be—jus’ wash yerselves and come down!”

“This is supposed to be our time! Including yours Gimli!” Legolas argued, sitting up and the blanket falling to expose his chest, Aragorn picking it back up against his elf. 

“It is! Party preparations are almost finished but there’s still breakfast to eat and people to see. Aragorn, Theoden was lookin’ for ye so I would go down now.”

Aragorn sighed, “Fine… we’ll be down after we wash, now out!”

Gimli didn’t need to be told twice, he was out of there by the last word and Aragorn lifted Legolas into his arms so they could bathe, both grumpy they couldn’t take their time. However, they still savored one another as they washed each other clean and dried off to put on their day clothes. Aragorn had to leave quickly for Theoden so he kissed Legolas gently as the blonde braided his hair in front of the mirror.

“I will see you at the party tonight, my prince. I wanted to see Merry and Pippin but I fear Theoden will occupy me until then…”

“If I can stand up by myself after this morning and last night, you brute!” Legolas laughed, kissing Aragorn back with a hand cupping his bearded cheek. “ I cannot wait to see you groomed and dressed nicely for once…”

Aragorn rolled his eyes with a smile and kissed him again, “And I can hardly wait to see you in your royal garments again… I didn’t get to compliment how lovely they looked on you in Lothlorien…”

“Stop before we get distracted again!” Legolas whined, playfully pushing Aragorn away with one hand and holding a prepared braid steady with the other. “Make sure you grab something to eat if he means to keep you that long.”

“I will…” Aragorn said with a small frown, not wanting to leave. He took the hand Legolas pushed him with, kissing his knuckles with a bow before he was off to see Theoden.

Legolas took his time getting ready, he laid out his royal garments on their bed along with his circlet for later that night, right next to the ones Aragorn laid out for himself. This was the last opportunity everyone would have to relax, to lose themselves in the grief of battle as well as in the celebration of victory. It would also be the last night for a long time that Aragorn and Legolas would be able to share a room alone. 

Legolas sighed as he finished a second braid along his temple. He began to work on the plait coming from his hairline, remembering the days his ada or attendants would do this for him.

It had been so long since he last properly thought about his father. Legolas supposed he was furious that Haldir did not bring him back… and even so, he would not be able to now. It probably terrified his father that Haldir did not come back alive. He knows that if Haldir could not survive how could his father believe his inexperienced son could? Legolas could imagine him now, on his throne unable to eat or drink until he came home safely with the guards he sent. Legolas knew he would not cross to the Undying Lands with the other elves until he knew of his son’s fate.

Legolas sighed and tied the end of the braid, laying it in place. As much as he despised the way his father locked him up… He knew and understood more of where his father’s fears came from, especially now after all Legolas saw. When the elves fell at Helm’s deep, when someone as courageous as Haldir fell, all Legolas wanted was his father to tell him he would be alright. When Aragorn fell and Legolas believed him dead, he wanted his father to be there as he faded, to see him through to his fate before he joined his nana and Aragorn. 

He hoped deep down his father knew he was okay, that despite the turmoil he was happy and looked after.

With this thought, Legolas took a deep breath and stood from his spot at the mirror before he walked downstairs to see Gimli and the hobbits, joined by Eowyn who was curious about the small, talkative creatures.

“Legolas!” Merry shouted, running towards him, followed by Pippin. 

They embraced the elf’s waist on either side and Legolas laughed, hugging the two back with both arms.

“Hello, little ones! I apologize for taking so long… Aragorn will have to greet you later tonight, he has important matters with Theoden.”

“Ah, no need to worry!” Pippin scoffed, “Gimli explained what’s goin’ on between you and Aragorn, we understand perfectly, why at home in Hobbiton having a lass or lad in your bed was—”

“Gimli you did what?” Legolas frowned.

“We all assumed ye two were together back on our first night traveling together anyways! It’s not like ye two are good at hidin’ it!”

“You did?”

“Aye, the way you two looked at each other we thought we missed a detail, thought you two were already engaged.” Merry laughed, “Aragorn would get angry at Boromir if he said anything remotely close to flirting with you…”

Legolas flushed and covered his cheeks with one hand, “...Just be careful, we are only keeping it more or less secret until this is all over. In a town of old-fashioned men, you never know the reaction…”

“Uncle will understand eventually… It is not unheard of for two races, let alone two men, to come together.” Eowyn said. “He respects Aragorn very much after all he and your party have done for us. The world is changing and Uncle will see that soon… Especially when I finally take my own moment of glory in battle” She sighed with a smile.

“Even so, we both know he would rather Aragorn be with you than me… Even after Helm’s Deep, I wonder if he still questions my use in this journey…” Legolas rolled his eyes.

“He would be stupid to question it after everythin’ lad… Jus’ remember ye can still enjoy the love ye and Aragorn share, if anyone has anythin’ to say they can say it to my axe! We need love in these times…it keeps us goin’.”

Legolas smiled, “You are right… it was foolish of me to be so angry with you, I know you only told them because as a Fellowship we trust one another and celebrate each other's happiness…We just don’t want it overshadowing the task at hand.”

“Aye lad…and it hasn’t, ye two have held your love much too long, I am happy we have this time for ye two to enjoy it.” Gimli smiled, clapping Legolas’s back.

“Boromir must be repeatin’, “I told you so” up there!” Pippin snorted, nodding to the sky. “Laughin’ at the irony… He would have enjoyed this news too, as well as Sam and Frodo, wherever they are…”

As they ate and caught up on one another’s separate journeys, Aragorn arrived at the throne room, where Theoden was pacing and Gandalf was studying a map.

“My lord, I apologize for taking so long…” Aragorn greeted with a bow. “Is there news? News of Frodo perhaps?”

“Still nothing… I will be searching for such information throughout the night, I might have more news later on…” Gandalf sighed, “I have hopes that they have reached the border of Mordor… But these hopes are high indeed…”

Theoden stopped his pacing and clapped a hand on Aragorn’s shoulder, “This, however, is not the main reason why I called upon you… Gandalf has taken it upon himself to do this while you rested. You are a hero to my people… It was not I who led us to victory… it was you. A hero like you deserves a reward and I have just the perfect one…”

Gandalf sighed knowingly and met Aragorn’s gaze. Aragorn had a feeling this reward was not one he could accept, that this was the conversation he was dreading with Theoden.

Theoden inspired Aragorn so much, he was a beacon of the king Aragorn wanted to be. Someone who would give his very life for his people, for his family. He hoped to refuse this reward (if it was the one he was expecting) and explaining why he couldn’t, would not take away their friendship and respect for one another.

“My lord?”

“Tell me what do you think of Eowyn? I noticed she enjoyed your company, she does not enjoy the company of men too often.” Theoden smiled.

“...I think she is a beautiful, strong woman who deserves the best in this world.”

“Ah and the best she will have… How would you like to wed her? I have no doubt you would take care of her and—”

“Sir… please” Aragorn sighed, his hands folded together in front of him respectfully. “I unfortunately cannot accept such an offer…”

“Why ever not? It would be perfect, you are not promised—”

“I am, sir,” Aragorn stated. “And I will not stray from him.”

“I—what? Gandalf you did not tell me he was— him?”

“The world is very different than it was…” Gandalf smiled, “I did not tell you because it was not my place, but I will have you know this love he speaks of is truer than if he were to be with Eowyn.”

“Legolas has had my heart since we met… more particularly since this journey began. I am planning to live the rest of my life with him.”

Theoden frowned, “But… You will not live as long as he… You cannot bear children how would this even… I don’t understand… I thought Eowyn liked you and that you accepted her?”

Aragorn smiled a bit, glad that Theoden was more confused than angry.

“I admit I still struggle to understand how it will work… But I love him and we will make it work… Eowyn deserves a love of her own, she indeed had affection towards me but I could not accept it because of Legolas. And I certainly would not accept her as a prize to be won… She is better than that. Respectfully Legolas and I’s love is no one’s business but our own and whomever we trust it with. We did not want those with… differing views to take our happiness from us. I admit I was scared to tell you about it… I respect you Theoden.”

Theoden sighed, his eyebrows furrowing from anger to confusion, to finally softening before he squeezed Aragorn’s shoulder again. “I am sorry you feared such a thing… After all, you have done for me, for all of us… I could never lash back in anger. You’re right, it was none of my business, and I will not pretend I understand… but I am sorry I pushed it this far. After thinking about it, I see now that I was foolish not to see your love before.” 

Aragorn smiled wider, “...Thank you.”

“You are a man who will do great things when you become king, the love you hold for him, no matter who they are, cannot change that. You two are smart in putting the journey first.”

Gandalf nodded in agreement before sighing, “Now that you have that off of your chest, Aragorn, I should like to have your opinion on our next steps before the celebration.”

“Of course…” Aragorn replied, walking to Gandalf with Theoden at his side before they discussed important matters.

The hours felt as if they rushed by. Legolas was back in his and Aragorn’s room, washing once more and fixing his braids before putting on his royal clothing. He was checking himself in front of the mirror for loose baby hairs or wrinkles in his clothes when Aragorn was finally back.

Legolas pretended not to hear his footsteps and the door when Aragorn came inside as he took his silver circlet and raised it above his head to lay it perfectly against his head. As he lowered it, Aragorn walked behind Legolas and put a hand over each of his.

“Allow me.” Aragorn smiled teasingly as he took the circlet and put it on the prince himself. “Valar… You look beautiful…” He sighed lovingly, stroking the soft strands of Legolas’s hair. “Like starlight…” He added, dragging his knuckles softly down his back to feel the soft, shiny, cornflower fabric.

“Oh Estel don’t start again we’ll barely make it downstairs.” Legolas smiled, leaning into Aragorn’s touch. “Go bathe and get ready, I promised to drag you out with me to see the little ones.”

Aragorn smiled and kissed his temple, “In a moment. Theoden knows about us now, I wanted to tell you. All is well, he is rather confused but…I feel lighter…I hope yours and my father react quite the same.”

“Your hopes are much too high for my father, although I do not think Elrond would have an issue about it being me… It is not his daughter anymore that will die with you…” Legolas smiled sadly, “I am glad it went well. I know how much his words must mean to you Aragorn.”

Aragorn sighed and nodded, he seemed to have built the interaction between him and the king more in his head than it came to be. He was grateful for it, it was one less thing off of his mind. At least now he could admire his elf freely in Rohan and know his friend and their king were on his side.

Aragorn bathed soon enough and changed into his clean set of clothes, a brown tunic over a red undershirt that spoke boldly on him. He allowed Legolas to comb his wet curls and trim his beard a little with a razor they found in the bathroom drawer. Legolas laughed when Aragorn started guiding his hand, as Legolas never had a beard before and had no idea what he was doing. 

This felt like a practice of sorts for when they one day host their own parties, or when they attend one together as important leaders of Middle—Earth. 

Legolas smiled at his work, Aragorn’s beard was finally trimmed and both sides looked fairly even, he was proud of it and kissed Aragorn’s jaw. 

“Not bad for an elf, yes?”

“Mhm… I like it when you dote on me so, even if it was bad I would wear my beard proudly.” Aragorn smiled widely before taking his hand, “Shall we?”

The party began with everyone gathering in the dining hall and being given a mug of ale. Theoden was given his own by Eowyn, respectfully bowing as she offered his mug to him. Theoden then gave a toast to honor the dead who fell and aided their cause.

Aragorn was next to Legolas and Gimli, who was chortling at Legolas’s face the minute the toast was over and the celebration began. Legolas had never tried ale and very slightly scrunched up his nose at the stark difference from elvish wine. Aragorn couldn’t help but smile at the movement, it wasn’t often Legolas wrinkled his nose at anything, it was adorable.

 It was more earthy, frothy, and smelled of fresh yeast. It was also a bit stronger than he expected it to be, not as strong as the wine in his homeland, however. A sharp warmth dripped down his throat following his first sip, it was rather comforting.

There was a grand feast, so much warm food, no one had a proper meal in ages. Legolas ate delicately compared to the men, and surprisingly Eowyn who was just as bad as her brother, scarfed her food down with Eomer. It was so different in the land of men, his father or his advisors would scold Legolas for eating like that. Aragorn and Gimli were just as bad and it made him laugh, Aragorn was raised just as eloquently as he was but surrounded by his people he seems to become more of himself. Still as smart and handsome and responsible, but a man nonetheless. 

When everyone was finished, music began to play and an opening on the floor below the stage was free for dancing. Eomer took his sister on the floor first and they led their people into the dance floor. Eowyn laughed as her brother lifted her and twirled her roughly. Theoden was again reminded of what he was fighting for and smiled proudly down on them. 

Aragorn was not much for dancing. He was very good at it but hardly did it because he wanted to. However he turned to the side and saw Legolas watching their movements, elvish dancing was much more delicate than this and not as fun as the dancing he saw in front of him. His elf looked like he wanted to try, having no idea how to invite Aragorn, knowing he was not a fan.

Aragorn did not know the next chance they would have to let loose, he wanted Legolas and the rest of them to experience joy through all the pain they’re having to go through. So he held his hand out in front of Legolas.

“Shall we?”

“...Truly? But you hate—”

“I think I could enjoy this one… I could enjoy anything with you.”

Legolas flushed, “Really? Even in front of everyone?”

“Are you worried? Because I am not… If I shall be king then those who disagree with my devotion to you shall be punished.” Aragorn smiled, kissing Legolas’s knuckles before leading him to the dance floor. 

“You exaggerate.” Legolas drawled, following him. 

“I do not think I am… I truly would never let anyone speak ill of you or us.” Aragorn said, putting a hand around Legolas’s waist and his other holding his hand. Legolas flushed at the action as Aragorn brought their chests together and led him in a quick and upbeat dance. 

Eomer whistled at them, making Legolas stick his tongue out at him and Aragorn rolled his eyes. They began getting some confused glances, even a few glares. But in what Aragorn considers the moment Theoden proved his support for them, he clapped and smiled down at them the moment the song ended. He walked forward and clapped a hand on both of their shoulders and squeezed.

“Love is something to celebrate in these times, no?” He smiled before walking away to get another drink, a hand very clearly on the hilt of his sword as a warning. This caused the crowd to calm down a little, even while some were still confused or angry, most of the crowd paid no mind to them and left them alone to dance. 

Legolas smiled and leaned his head into Aragorn’s neck as a slower song began. “Seems that Theoden feels fatherly of you…”

“He’s a good man… I think we are safe to say no one will bother us…” He smiled, kissing Legolas’s hair and swaying them back and forth. 

The two began to get tired of dancing and made their way to the drinks. Eomer, who had stopped dancing after the first song, drank merrily with Gimli. He began to pour Aragorn a drink but before Aragorn could take it he found himself being pulled by Theoden, who wanted to introduce him to the soldiers and men who regarded him highly after his brave feats. He smiled apologetically to Legolas and Gimli, who laughed at the action before handing him a new mug of ale.

“I wish he would stop pulling Aragorn from me…” Legolas sighed, taking another tentative sip of ale. It tasted sharper than the ones they had drunk earlier. “This is…different…in fact, I’d say worse than earlier, but definitely closer in strength to the wine at home.”

Gimli drank a heaping gulp of his own, “ See! I never thought ye could handle it! The stuff at the toast is nothing compared to this, found a keg of stronger stuff with the Hobbits.”

Legolas rolled his eyes, “Well I may not like it, but I am sure I could handle it. It’s still slightly weaker than what I am used to.”

“Is that a challenge laddie? Because if yer challenging me lad—”

“A challenge of what Gimli?”

Gimli laughed and took the rest of his drink into his mouth, slamming it on the table. A crowd began to form around them, Eomer taking a front seat with a mug of his own ale. 

“You sure he can handle it, master dwarf?” He asked

“Aye, if he can handle challengin’ me he can handle the challenge.”

Eomer shrugged and began grabbing extra mugs, filling two more. Legolas frowned in confusion as the crowd that circled them grew tighter and more rowdy. His father always warned him about the race of men and their nonexistent manners.

Eomer made to hand them both a fresh mug of ale, taking the one Legolas didn’t finish. 

“No pauses, no spills.” He said sternly. 

“No regurgitation” Gimli growled, his beard still wet with his last mug of ale.

Legolas sniffed the ale, beginning to realize what he and Gimli meant by this. This was so much less elegant than drinking wine. 

“So… it is a drinking game?” Legolas asked, cringing a little as the drunken men around him cheered. They were all curious about the contest, a dwarf versus an elf. Both races were famous for the way they handled their alcohol, but it was clear Gimli was more experienced in these games. 

However Gimli, and the rest of the men surrounding them, also severely underestimated how much alcohol it takes to get an elf drunk.

Gimli clapped Legolas’s back, “The last one standin’ wins!”

Legolas was quiet but nodded. The men around them gave a loud cheer to victory before the games began. Gimli inhaled his drink as if his life depended on it, the frothy drink spilled into his beard as he drank, disgusting Legolas.

“Please I thought you said no spills…you animal.” Legolas sneered.

Eomer laughed and motioned at Legolas’s mug, “Drink my prince, show us how it is done.”

Their spectators laughed, doubtful that Legolas could keep up with the dwarf, who was now on mug three. They chuckled to each other about the money they had on Gimli’s win.

“Come on little prince! Surely Sir Aragorn’s little pet can—” A spectator began before Eomer shot them down with a sharp, threatening look.

“I, as my uncle, will have no toleration of such words against our friends and saviors. Go ahead.” Eomer smiled.

Eomer and a couple of others had their money on Legolas being a surprising winner. However, the rest relied on their knowledge of dwarves, who are more used to ale.

 They all bet prematurely, Legolas quickly and delicately finished his first mug, drinking it as if nothing phased him. 

Then two

Then three

He was beginning to catch up, making Gimli go faster. Legolas didn’t speed up, taking quick and slow sips. Finally, they met at eight mugs of ale, it was only a matter of time before someone passed out. 

Gimli was swaying in his seat, giggling as Eomer handed him and Legolas number nine.

“It is the dwarves who go swimmin’ with little hairy women… HA!” He slurred happily as the drunk men around them cheered, clapping Legolas’s back from where he was sitting.

Legolas looked at Gimli as if he had grown three heads, “That’s disgusting…” 

It wasn’t until the twelfth drink that Legolas began feeling a little more tipsy, it was beginning to hit his bloodstream it seemed. He looked down at his hands and his vision began to get a little blurry. 

“I—I feel something… a slight… tingle in my fingers…I think it is affecting me…” He slowly spoke, Eomer’s eyes widening. He didn’t think they’d get Legolas drunk, he figured he would back out after eight and let Gimli succumb and win. But it seemed he was determined to prove Gimli wrong. It was impressive.

Gimli was worse off, chortling and belching after each drink, he was completely lost in his drink.

“Ahhh what did I say… can’t hold his liquorrrr…” Gimli slurred, now slumped halfway on the table with his mugs piled next to him. “Gonna give up now lad?”

Legolas responded by taking another mug from Eomer and slightly lifted his cup in cheers before drinking it all in three gulps.

This went on for a little longer before Gimli finally sat cross-eyed and fainted into the mountain of mugs he created in front of him. Legolas, now very drunk laughs at him and looks up at Eomer, eyes bright with victory.

“Game over,” He shrugged, grabbing another mug.

“Alright, Legolas that's enough—” Eomer tried, taking the mug from his hands.

“Excuuuseee me! That is property of—of royalty!”

“You have reached your limit, I promise you you don’t want to have any more…”

Legolas scoffed and firmly gripped his mug, taking it back harshly and filling it himself, “Please I am an elf! I can haandle it… Elves seldom get…drunk… Goodness…” He sighed, holding his head, “Why is—the room spinning?”

The men circling them laughed at the prince for his naivety, some already filling him with more mugs of ale. Eomer had enough, it wasn’t funny anymore, and Aragorn would kill him for allowing his elf to be such a vulnerable spectacle. 

“Come here my prince we’re gonna find Aragorn yeah?” Eomer sighed, gently trying again to take his mug while he was calmer. He succeeded and Legolas groaned, leaning into Eomer, having a hard time finding his feet. 

“Aragorn…” He sighed.

“Mmhm, You’ll rest and feel better with some water and food—woah!” Eomer gasped as Legolas lost his feet trying to follow his lead. “Okay c’mere, we’ll do it this way…” Eomer added before lifting Legolas into his arms.

Aragorn and Theoden made their rounds before stopping to watch Merry and Pippin sing and dance to a classic hobbit drinking song. They danced atop the tables, kicking their feet in song, making Eowyn smile with joy. It made Theoden so happy to see her smile so much again. Aragorn excused himself a moment and stepped next to her to watch for a moment, she smiled at him and made to fill him a drink, offering it in elvish. Theoden watched the two, knowing now they were only friends was still hard to accept. He wanted someone just as kind and encouraging and brave as Aragorn for his niece, she deserved it. But Aragorn deserved to choose a love of his own as well, and unfortunately, it was not Eowyn. 

Gandalf was across the room smiling and laughing along with them and caught Aragorn’s eye. The wizard did say he may have more information on Frodo that night. He made to excuse himself from Eowyn and casually stood next to Gandalf, trying not to show the concern on his face.

“No news of Frodo?” He asked. 

“No word… nothing…” Gandalf sighed sadly. 

“We still have time… every day Frodo moves closer to Mordor…” Aragorn tried. 

“But do we know of such a thing?”

Aragorn was surprised at Gandalf’s lack of hope in this, but he could not blame him for it. Aragorn would not let his hope falter, not now that they have come so far. 

“What does your heart tell you?” He asked, receiving a slow smile from Gandalf.

“That he is alive…”

“I think so too…” Aragorn smiled back, “They are sturdy, hobbits.”

“Indeed… Oh look there, it seems you may want to take a certain prince to bed.” Gandalf chuckled, causing Aragorn to look where Gandalf’s eyes wandered. 

Eomer was fighting through the crowd with Legolas held in his arms. Legolas was giggling against the man’s chest, making a small, angry fire burn in Aragorn’s belly. He excused himself from a fondly smiling Gandalf to confront them.

“What happened?” Aragorn frowned, swiftly taking the blonde in his arms.

“He and Gimli sort of… had a drinking contest… I stopped counting at twelve mugs of ale. He had a great deal more than Gimli and it didn’t hit him until… Well…anyways I thought it best to give him to you.”

“You did well in that respect. Thank you…” Aragorn nodded, “can you do me a favor and make sure Gimli gets to his bed?” 

Eomer nodded and Legolas sighed into Aragorn’s chest, “Estel… there you are…” He smiled, curling his hands into Aragorn’s tunic and untying the first few strings of it to expose his chest and neck a little.

“Stop… hey, how do you like ale?” Aragorn whispered, taking Legolas’s hands away and holding the elf’s wrists against his chest. 

“Hmmmm I don’t… but I won…”

“For over twelve mugs full I am surprised you did not grow to like it. I am glad you won.” Aragorn sighed, “It is time to get you in bed…”

“Taking me to bed so soon?” Legolas giggled, kissing Aragorn's jaw.

Aragorn groaned wantingly, he was fairly drunk as well, and the offer was tempting. But he needed to get Legolas out of there first. He tried allowing Legolas to walk himself, holding his waist. However, the elf proved within the first few steps that he could not walk straight. Eomer carrying him made more sense now. Aragorn sighed and took Legolas into his arms in a bridal carry, leaning him against his chest. Aragorn walked them slowly up the stairs, opening the door to their room and slowly lowering a giggly Legolas on their bed. He started by removing Legolas’s circlet and boots.

Legolas insisted on Aragorn lying down with him. He held Aragorn’s wrist tightly as Aragorn made to remove his tunic, his eyes hooded with lust. 

“Estel…”

“Shh, let me get you out of this and into something more comfortable… Then I will be all yours.”

“Feel free to get me out of this but do not bother dressing me my King.” Legolas smiled cheekily, “In fact…” Legolas began before sitting up and grabbing Aragorn’s shoulders, pulling him down, and turning them over so that now Aragorn was lying in bed. The man flushed as Legolas looked down on him, his cheeks and nose red from all of the drinking and his silky hair hanging down so the tips rested on Aragorn’s chest. “I would say it is high time I do something for you… please let me.” Legolas pleaded atop his lap, “I want you so badly… wanna ride you again… suck your cock…”

Aragorn couldn’t find his words, he found it so unbelievably beautiful and arousing that Legolas wanted him so much. His face was fully flushed, his forehead beginning to sweat as he held back his want. This was difficult as Legolas rocked himself on Aragorn’s lap, slipping off the sparkly blue tunic above his head to reveal his soft skin. He followed this by removing Aragorn’s as well and running a hand down his hairy chest. The marks Aragorn left on Legolas that morning did not diminish. Aragorn rested a hand against Legolas’s hip, running his thumb inside the waistband of his leggings and pulling them down a bit.

“Patience, my king!” Legolas giggled, crawling down his body so that his fair head was above Aragorn’s crotch. Legolas smirked before untying the laces of Aragorn’s pants, palming the hardness that rose under the fabric.

“L—Legolas…” Aragorn panted, biting his bottom lip. 

Legolas gently took Aragorn’s girth out of his pants and stroked softly, his thumb swiping the sensitive head. Aragorn groaned in pleasure, burying one hand in Legolas’s silky hair and pulling softly. His curls tangled against the pillow behind him as he arched his back. 

“Feels good meleth ?” Legolas purred, leaning down to kiss the base of his cock and laying kisses towards the tip before surrounding it with his lips. “Mmmm…” he moaned, “I longed for this since Lothlorien…” 

“Oh? Is that so?” He breathed, now petting his hair gently.

“I imagined your cock that night, spreading me open… your large hands… one stroking my cock and the other fingering me… oh Aragorn I longed for so long…” He whined

Aragorn tightened his grip on Legolas’s hair as the blonde worked on his length, his head bobbing softly up and down. Soon Legolas got too excited and attempted to fit Aragorn’s entire cock in his mouth. Aragorn bit harder on his bottom lip and helped his elf relax by stroking his hair.

“Shh… we have our entire lifetimes—slow down, you still—still wanted to ride me yes?”

Legolas nodded and slowed down, Aragorn was so big and thick. Legolas felt the tang of precome hit his tongue as he swiped it over the slit of its head. Legolas lifted his head from Aragorn’s cock, seeing it as a sign to continue quickly before they both succumbed. Legolas sat up and moved to take off his leggings when Aragorn gripped his hips.

“Please allow me this… fuck…” Aragorn sighed, sliding the leggings down Legolas’s milky thighs. “You never fail to amaze me with your beauty, I could stare at you for days just like this.”

Legolas, who now had his arms wrapped around Aragorn’s neck, leaned down and kissed Aragorn softly, handing him a vial of oil from the side table. Aragorn poured some on his cock, then his fingers and with one hand guided two gently into Legolas’s hole, working quickly. Legolas crooned against his fingers and rode them softly.

“S—Someone called me your pet earlier…Ah,” Legolas whispered in Aragorn’s ear..

“Did they? Aragorn whispered back, nibbling against Legolas’s neck, “You’re certainly mine.” He growled, biting harder. "Didn't like that it was Eomer who saved the day."

"He was helpful!" Legolas laughed, "I am here am I not?"

Aragorn just continued with his work.

“Ah! Ah…” He panted, “Estel… please…”

“Wait,” Aragorn instructed as he scissored Legolas open just a little more before retracting his hand and cupping Legolas’s arse. He lifted the prince until he was hovering over Aragorn’s cock. He squeezed his pert arse gently, using his other hand to cup Legolas’s cheek and kissing him. Aragorn helped Legolas relax over his cock as their lips danced together. Aragorn’s hand on Legolas’s arse tightened until it bruised, just another mark to add to the rest. “Mine” Aragorn growled.

Legolas moaned in pleasure, nodding as he adjusted to Aragorn’s cock. “Yours…Oh Aragorn…”

“Good… doing so good…” Aragorn murmured against his lips, now moving to leave bite marks against his neck. “Go ahead and move… we’ll come together?”

Legolas nodded desperately, his gasping becoming louder and louder as he bounced on Aragorn’s length. It was music to his ears and a feast for his eyes. The way their sweaty skin clapped together with each movement, how Legolas’s hair became so uncharacteristically messy, falling over his soft shoulders. Aragorn held Legolas’s hips, continuing to mark his neck and collarbone. They wouldn’t have a moment like this for a long time, Aragorn wanted to make this worth it.

Legolas’s lips trembled and his eyes watered as he began to reach his peak, Aragorn now moved his way to his pert nipples, sucking and biting gently. “Shh, I’m close too…fuck… come for me Legolas.” He whispered, taking one hand from where it rested on Legolas’s hips and stroking his cock.

Legolas let out a loud mewl, he was overstimulated in the best way possible, “Aragorn—Aragorn!” He shouted as he came on Aragorn’s stomach, his back arching beautifully.

 Aragorn followed with a few loud grunts, thrusting upward and filling Legolas up until cum spilled out of his elf. Legolas fell against Aragorn and kissed his hairy chest, gasping. Aragorn smiled and pulled out gently, massaging Legolas’s hips.

“Y—you’re getting very good at this, dove” Aragorn panted with a slight chuckle. Legolas flushed and buried himself into Aragorn’s neck.

“Shush now…”

“Oh, the oh-so-confident prince is shy again?” Aragorn laughed, kissing his forehead.

“The confident prince is feeling a bit more sober now.” Legolas laughed, kissing Aragorn’s stubbled jaw. “That was lovely…”

“Tomorrow we are ready to move again and sleep in the large cottage outside the barn with the rest of us… I wanted to make our resting time together worth it.” Aragorn smiled.

“And you have… I cannot wait for more time together…”

“For more sex?” Aragorn teased.

Legolas slapped Aragorn’s chest, “You oaf… not just that!”

Aragorn laughed and held Legolas tight against him, “Get some rest, we have a long day tomorrow… Gi Melin” He whispered with another kiss on his hair, closing his eyes and falling asleep.

“Gi Melin…” Legolas yawned, curling against Aragorn like a cat as he rested his eyes open in a restful sleep.

Chapter Text

The next morning, a beautiful sunshine came through their bedroom. It was a lovely day, even with the dreaded hours they must spend readying themselves to move on to their next foes. Legolas, lying on his side, watched quietly as Aragorn rested once again. He stroked the man’s face gently, running his fingers over the hills of his cheeks to the rough stubble on his jaw and neck.

“Mmm… I’ll miss waking up like this…” Aragorn grumbled with a tired smile, his eyes still closed.

“Shh… you have a little longer… you’ll need the most rest of us all…” Legolas whispered, continuing to stroke his face. He took a few pieces of loose hair on Aragorn’s forehead and put them back in place before smoothing his furrowed brow. “I can see you’re already stressed.”

“I do not think I could sleep longer if I tried…” Aragorn sighed, “I could sit here and watch you dote on me certainly.” He smiled tiredly, his eyes opening ever so slightly before he brought a hand behind Legolas’s head. He stroked Legolas’s hair before caressing the back of his neck and bringing the prince in for a gentle kiss. “Good morning…”

Legolas smiled into the kiss and laid another and another against his lips. “Good morning meleth …”

“It pains me to know this is the last time we will have any familiar comforts…” Aragorn sighed, rubbing his face as he stressed the days coming. “Helm’s deep will simple compared to what is ahead.”

Legolas nodded and kissed Aragorn’s forehead, “It will be alright… the three of us will stay together… right?”

“I just hope it will be easy to do so…” Aragorn sighed, stroking Legolas’s back as the elf laid on top of him, “I keep… keep replaying my fears in my head. I do not doubt that we are capable of restoring peace… but that simply depends on how things go. We are capable, but it does not mean we are invincible… none of us are.” Aragorn sighed, holding Legolas a smidge tighter.

“I will be by your side as I always am… And if we are separated I will fight my way back to you…Aragorn my priority is keeping you safe. I know I cannot be your first priority, the people come first, and the mission comes first. But if anyone is making it I will make sure it is you, my love…”

Aragorn just kissed his hair, “I am a selfish man… If you are in danger my duty will go out the window… I cannot lose you.”

Legolas sat up on Aragorn’s lap until he was straddled against Aragorn’s body, the blanket falling off his shoulders and revealing his lithe torso. He cradled Aragorn’s face and spoke to him firmly.

“We have talked about this meleth … you come first in the mission. I and Gimli are here to help you and the people… You are the important piece, the one who will be King!”

“And you my consort! You are on the list of my priorities too my love… I will do what I must for my people… and I will do that while also protecting you.” Aragorn stressed, turning and kissing the palm of one of Legolas’s hands against his face. “I am so determined for this to all be over.”

“I believe Frodo gets closer by the day. I feel it in my heart, In my soul. He is still going strong.”

“And so must we with him,” Aragorn replied, resting his hands against Legolas’s naked thighs and squeezing gently.

Legolas bit his bottom lip and looked away, a light blush appearing on his face. 

“Estel… we’ve no time for this!” Legolas laughed as Aragorn’s hands made their way up his thighs and underneath his ass. “A—Aragorn!” He squeaked as the man squeezed again. “W–wait we truly have no time!” 

“I enjoy teasing you dove…” Aragorn smirked, kissing Legolas’s neck gently, “What do you propose we do until we need to make our appearance?”

Legolas rolled his eyes, “How about take care of you? You still look tense my love…” He said before resting his hands on Aragorn’s shoulders and squeezing. Aragorn moaned at the release of tension. “Lay on your stomach meleth , I’ll be back.”

Aragorn frowned and did as he was told, laying on his stomach with his head at the foot of the bed. He reached for Legolas with a pout as he slipped out of bed and put a light robe over himself. Aragorn watched Legolas run to their bathroom and come back with a vial of oil.

“Stop pouting here I am!” Legolas laughed, cupping Aragorns cheek at the foot of the bed and kissing his forehead. He then climbed onto the bed and sat atop Aragorn’s naked body, teasing the man’s ass with a playful squeeze. “I’ll have to cover this half before I get carried away.” He giggled, getting off Aragorn a moment to put a thin sheet over the lower half of Aragorn’s body. 

“Hm…” Aragorn hummed against his arms, crossed underneath his head as he readied himself for Legolas’s hands. “I am your humble slave, dove…”

Legolas smiled and got back on Aragorn’s back, starting with his bare hands and pushing against Aragorn’s neck, shoulders, and finally his back. “Shh… enjoy. My goodness you’re tense… why didn’t I think of doing this before?” Legolas sighed, now pouring a little oil on his hands and sliding his fingertips across Aragorns broad back. He slowly worked his way through the inside of Aragorn’s shoulder blades. Knots covered his upper back from the weeks of hauling a heavy backpack, his sword, and even the Hobbits.

“Fuck… your hands are magical…” Aragorn groaned, causing Legolas’s face to turn red once again. His moans and groans were like music to his ears.

“Does that mean you would like more?” Legolas smirked, running the tips of his fingers down Aragorn’s sides. 

“Mm… ah… if you don’t I will flip us over now and you’ll be at my mercy instead.”

Legolas laughed and leaned down, kissing every scar on Aragorn’s back as he worked down his spine. 

“You’re so brave…so strong and kind… not to mention handsome enough to make my knees buckle.” Legolas scoffed with a fond smile, “I will do this for you whenever you want, my king…” Legolas moved down to Aragorn’s lower back, caressing the small of his back with each thumb and moving outward. Aragorn bit his lip and groaned again and again.

“I fear I will never get up again…”

“I wish you never needed to.” Legolas smiled, kissing in between his shoulder blades as his hair draped over the man’s back, “I want to do this more for you but the sun is much higher than it was when we woke…”

“Back to our mission then…” Aragorn sighed, turning over with Legolas still straddled on his back. Legolas squeaked and fell against Aragorn’s chest.

“You oaf!” Legolas laughed before kissing Aragorn’s lips, the man chuckling into it. 

“Let’s pack our things… Theoden had said something about all the soldiers sleeping in the barn tonight… then moving out in the morning.”

Legolas pouted, “I had just gotten used to having you all to myself…”

Aragorn laughed and softly stroked Legolas’s cheekbones, “You’ll still have me, I promise…”

“And everyone who is coming with us” 

“We will go and set our places first, that way we at least get the place we want” Aragorn chuckled.

The two kissed one more time, savoring their last moment of privacy before getting up and packing and putting their things in the corner of the barn they would all stay in. They then made their way to the mess hall where the kingdom of Edoras was running rampant trying to get resources together. 

Reality had truly set in.

The emotion around Edoras was various. You had the younger idealistic soldiers, the ones who survived Helm’s deep and hope greatly the next battle will be similar. They hid their grief in their pints of ale, in community with one another, distracting themselves from the truth.  You have the experienced older men who survived, who celebrated last night, but now that this day has come you can feel the worry radiating off of them. The self-reflection that even if they survived the last battle, it was likely they would not this time

 Then there are the mothers and young children who have lost husbands, fathers, and even young brothers. These were the majority of those who felt it was too much to celebrate last night. Only to honor their memory during the toast.

It reminded the two of their own grief, Legolas in particular was reminded that Haldir was gone. That many of his people had to die and be sent back to Lothlorien on stretchers. He wasn’t able to go and see them buried, to mourn the many losses around his people, to show his deep respect for every one of them.

Not to mention how his father had probably stayed in Mirkwood, waiting for him to come back the same way Haldir did. Legolas felt a lot of guilt in that respect.

Aragorn, who had been holding his hand, squeezed Legolas’s gently. Elves felt grief pretty intensely and he could tell it hit his elf pretty hard the moment it was all around them.

When Aragorn and Legolas went to the dining hall for a quick meal. They found Gimli eating a nice piece of pork with the Hobbits.

Legolas smiled at them, he could still hardly believe the little ones were okay, as could Aragorn. It brought a spark of joy to their hearts and they were happy to have them around. Even seeing Gimli made him happy, he considered the dwarf one of his greatest friends now.

“There you are, lads!” Merry smiled, “Try a bit of the biscuits with some honey, there’s enough for everyone!”

Aragorn smiled back and sat across them, massaging his forehead a moment. Legolas stroked his back, Aragorn was still pretty exhausted. As relaxed as he was this morning, the stress still lingered on his mind. Legolas grabbed a couple of biscuits, draping a small amount of honey on top and setting aside a few pieces of ham for his king. 

“Eat dear…” He said before he kissed Aragorn’s hair, “I think I need to write father a letter.”

Aragorn’s eyes widened and took Legolas’s hand again before he left “You do not want company? Or even to eat first?” Aragorn asked with a frown. “I know you do not necessarily need to but—”

“I am alright… I simply wish to… mourn a bit. I admit I feel guilt and grief that I could not attend the funeral in Lothlorien and that Father has not heard a word from me… I think it is time I did something just in case anything happens. I will be alright, I promise.” 

Legolas kissed Aragorn’s hair again before leaving his bow with them and taking a small piece of bread and jam to make Aragorn feel better that he was at least eating a little.

“Don’ worry about him laddie, he’s been thinking about his father since we left. It’ll make em feel a bit better after.”

Aragorn nodded, “I’m glad he is writing to him…Gimli I have something to ask of you now that he is away.”

“Yes, lad?” Gimli asked, pushing an excited Pippen away from taking any more pieces of meat off the plate in front of the dwarf.

“...I need to know that if I don’t make it you will bring him home for me…make him comfortable before he’d fade.”

“Aragorn…”

“I am serious Gimli.”

“I know ye are… Of course, I would take em’ home. I’d take care of him as long as the King allows.”

Aragorn nodded and took a bite of his biscuit, a bit of the sweet honey sticking to his lips. He pinched the bridge of his nose and rubbed his eyes, “Thank you… truly.”

“Of course laddie. I would care for you too if the other outcome should happen. Ye both are the best friends a dwarf could ask for… I know you would do the same for me, bringing the news to my family, and of course my axe.”

“Of course, my friend” Aragorn smiled sadly back, clapping a hand on his shoulder and squeezing it. 

“If we keep talking about dying I will perish just hearing about it!” Pippin drawled, “We’ve survived this long after all!”

“Aye, Sauron won’t have a clue of what’s coming to him!” Merry smiled, holding his mug of ale in the air.

Gimli and Aragorn smiled at the two, it was nice to have such cheer back around them.

Legolas meanwhile wandered back to the barn and took out some parchment and ink he had been saving. He did not imagine he would ever talk to his father again. He was so angry with him and so tired of being held in a cage… but Thranduil held his pride and joy in Legolas and he knew that. Part of him felt horrible for deceiving him. It was said that the elves were all traveling to the Undying Lands before the age of men had come. Legolas knew his father would not go without him or knowing what happened to him. 

In the corner of the barn, Legolas moved his bedroll a bit further back and sat against a wooden pillar, his knees bent close to his chest. He put a book on his knees underneath the parchment and took a deep breath before dipping his pen in ink.

Ada, 

I hope this letter finds you swiftly. I don’t know where I will be by the time you receive it. I have been en route with the Fellowship of the Ring, as I know you have heard. I have seen many horrors. I witnessed death in two of our members before Gandalf had miraculously come back from the dead. I have faced goblins, orcs, trolls, and the dreaded Uruk—Hai in many fights and wars where we feared death and severe injury. 

Despite everything I have witnessed, I feel more alive than ever. I assume you are very angry that it has taken me this long to say anything to you, that I did not go with Haldir when you sent him for me in Lothlorien. The truth is ada that I have never felt more alive in my life. Two thousand years in Mirkwood had not prepared me for the things I have seen and done and it angered me so that you never took the time to teach me more than I needed to know living in Mirkwood. The world is so beautiful and vast as it is dangerous. It has been worth every hour and I do not regret my decision to come with the Fellowship. I feel it is my duty to myself and Middle Earth to carry out this mission. However, ada , what I do regret is my hasty exit. 

Every day I think of and worry for you and I know you are beside yourself with worry as well but I assure you I am in good hands. I have made friends who give me every support and joy. I have found kinship with a dwarf named Gimli and found for myself that dwarves are not what elves believe them to be, what you taught me that they are. If I live through this I will make it a point to help change this belief. 

I also found love, love like the kind you once shared with Nana . A love you will not accept, just as I know you will not accept Gimli as a friend of mine. I am happily bound to Aragorn for the rest of my life. He has protected and cared for me as I have him. I nearly lost him a mere week ago and felt the effects of fading for what felt like death’s door. I could never imagine the pain you suffer every day to stay with me in Mirkwood and not in the Undying lands to see Nana , and the pain you feel now that I am out of your sight. I now understand that love is wonderful as it is painful. 

If I am alive by the time this is over, I hope you have had enough time to process this and that we will reconcile under better circumstances. Half of me expects banishment… you banished Tauriel after all for her love with the dwarf. 

I do not wish to hurt you ada, but my life outside of Mirkwood has begun and It is my hope you will support that life and continue loving me as your son. Your son who has felt more alive than ever, experiencing love and loss and friendships that will follow me forever.

Until we meet again, I give you all my love. Please think of me and pray to the Valar as we enter the last steps in our goal to help Frodo, the brave ring-bearing hobbit. And If not me, then for him, for the kingdom. Remember me well. Remember that we share the same Earth, an Earth I will fight with everything I have to save. No matter where I am, I am with you.

-Your Little Leaf, 

Legolas

Legolas took one more deep breath as he finished. A few tears fell to the page and Legolas couldn’t help more from coming. He shakily folded up the piece of parchment before taking one of his knives and cutting a piece of his hair off. He put this and the letter in an envelope. Legolas then melted some wax, stamping the envelope closed with a leaf he found on the ground to make a small indentation. 

He had no idea who would even send a letter for him here. In Mirkwood they had a messenger, there must be someone like that in Edoras. He hoped they were still taking letters in these trying times. 

Legolas took a few moments to calm himself, holding his knees tight to his chest so he could just breathe and mourn the relationship he had with his father. Once he felt able he went to go find Eowyn, she must know where he could give the letter.

Eowyn had been charged to watch the children yet again. It was easy to find her in the nursery after getting a couple of pointers from guards. Legolas stepped inside where children, mainly little girls, were sitting quietly by the fireplace. Eowyn was reading to them while she held a baby who couldn’t have been more than six months old. She was animatic and fun and the kids loved the voices she made, using a wooden sword as a prop.

“Hello? I am sorry to interrupt—”

“It’s the pretty elf!!!” One of the girls exclaimed before a crowd of them took off and held him at the waist. Some were pulling the bottom of his tunic, touching his hair and his bow. 

“Oh my goodness Legolas I am so sorry! Children off of him!”

“Can you shoot your bow for us?”

“Tell us about elves!”

“Can you braid my hair like this?”

“Where is mister Aragorn?”

Legolas smiled fondly and softly placed his hands against their little heads, stroking their hair and gently pushing them away. He was not so used to human children, the only one he met was Aragorn almost eighty years ago. It was a bit overwhelming for his ears to hear so many giggles and squeals begging for his attention. 

“No, do not be! I am only caught off guard, forgive me I am not used to children.” Legolas laughed as Eowyn fought against the little ones to go back and sit by the fire to have a snack while she talked with him. This elicited many whines and groans of disappointment that carried to the fireplace.

 The little baby was still in her arms and Legolas’s eyes widened at the bundle. If there was one thing he had never seen, it was a human baby.

“What has you so entranced? It is but a babe.” Eowyn giggled, showing Legolas the sleeping baby in her arms. “Her father died in battle and the mother is sickened with grief… While she is taken care of I am put in charge of this little one along with many others. Their fathers are either busy… injured, or missing. I am to bring them joy while their mothers gather their bearings. I do not have many qualms with this… motherly job, I admit. Children make you feel quite important no?”

“I truly would not know much…” Legolas smiled, “I have seen elven children very few times and I only met one human child of no more than ten… in fact it was Aragorn.” Legolas laughed, “He made me feel like I knew all in the world, when in fact in the blink of an eye he would grow up and know more than I ever did. Age is a funny thing… I watch the world grow while I merely stay the same.”

“You have certainly grown in knowledge since you left no? And in combat and human culture? You may not be truly aging Legolas but it does not sound like you are the same elf who left home.”

“Certainly not” Legolas scoffed, “I never want to be him again…” He sighed, looking down at the baby in Eowyn’s arms. She was so tiny in her swaddle. A baby blue blanket was wrapped tight around her, thin blonde curls poking out from the top of her little head.

 “Would you like to hold her?”

Legolas’s eyes widened at the question, he was not sure. What if he broke it?

Eowyn laughed and had Legolas sit on one of the sofas, giving him the little one and taking the envelope in his hand. Legolas was stiff as a board, not wanting to move too much or disturb the baby. He had completely forgotten his reason for coming in the first place. 

“What is this?” Eowyn asked, softly dragging her thumb across the wax leaf seal. 

“Erm…it’s—sorry give me a moment…” Legolas couldn’t stop watching the baby, as though if he looked away it would grow in an instant. It wasn’t often life paused for an elf, but at that moment it did.

Eowyn giggled, “You can relax Legolas… it’s okay. She’s not going anywhere.”

The baby cooed and shuffled in its sleep, resting closer to Legolas’s chest. Legolas laughed quietly and wrapped the blanket a little closer around it, thumbing against its tiny cheek. 

“Forgive me…erm—that is a letter I wrote for my father… I just did not know where to take it.”

“I will have our messenger send it… I thought you were on not-so-good terms with him?” Eowyn asked

“I am not… and I confessed many things in that letter that I know he would not approve of. But I wanted him to have closure after I so cruelly left his side… as much as he controlled my life I know he only did it to protect me. He truly loves me and was scared to let me go. My mother was killed brutally by orcs. My father is often seen staring into space missing her. He can hardly look at me sometimes because I remind him of her. He is in pain every waking moment and he suffers to make sure our kingdom and I are taken care of. After almost losing Aragorn I think I understand him much more. I only hope he will do the same and try to understand me.”

“...my parents were not as protective as my uncle is of me. They had high hopes for our combat skills. When they died and Uncle took us in he told me a lady had no place knowing combat, not anymore since the shieldmaidens died out. I hoped I had proved him wrong after Wormtongue, that horrible oil slick, pushed himself into my space, and no one but myself could do anything. But he still stresses that it is not my place. I suppose it comes out of protectiveness like your father. I plan on doing something with my skill very soon whether he likes it or not. I suppose we will defy our guardians together.” She sighed, bumping her shoulder against his. 

It was now the afternoon and Aragorn started to get worried. Perhaps the letter was too much to bear alone?

He left to look for his elf in the barn. Aragorn noticed Legolas’s bedroll had moved slightly back against a pillar, a small jar of ink and a used pen beside it. Seems he had finished, so where did he go off to?

Aragorn checked a few rooms and asked around until a guard was able to tell him he went to see Lady Eowyn in the common room upstairs. 

He followed the guard's directions and indeed heard Legolas’s soft singing as he neared the large wooden doors that led to the common room. He smiled fondly and let himself inside where he was met with a beautiful sight.

Legolas was holding a baby, Eowyn next to him with a little girl laying on her lap as many other little girls surrounded them while he sang an elvish lullaby. They were all so entranced by his melody that it was hardly noticed that the man came in. Aragorn walked in quietly and stood against the doorway, his hands clasped together against his stomach, fingering at the ring on his right index finger.

Legolas flushed when he noticed Aragorn across the room and looked back down at the children to finish singing them all to a calm sleep. He did not feel comfortable moving while the baby was still in his arms. Knowing this, Eowyn waved him to come sit with them.

The children woke slightly to see the man, giving tired cheers and a few trying to move from their spots to go say hi to the ranger. Eowyn gently pushed them back into their spots and ordered them to sleep.

“ Meleth , I was starting to worry.” Aragorn smiled, walking towards them and sitting next to Legolas. “I see now that you’ve been busy, who is this?” Aragorn kissed Legolas’s temple and held his hand against Legolas’s holding the baby.

“His first human baby interaction.” Eowyn giggled, “He hasn’t let go of the babe since I handed her to him. 

Legolas leaned into Aragorn next to him, “It is true, I fear I will never let go of the precious bundle… and that I must do so at all. She knows not of the horrors outside yet… so tiny and innocent. I couldn’t believe you were both once this small.”

Aragorn laughed, “When we are back in Imaldris you can ask Elladan and Elrohir all about it. You were small once too.”

“Many many years ago, I hardly remember it. Though I remember a mischievous young Estel running about those very grounds.” 

Aragorn rolled his eyes fondly and squeezed his hand with a sigh, “Indeed… And following you every which way you went the day you visited…”

Eowyn sighed, adoring the way the two interacted with each other. She wanted that so much.

“I hate to break you from your small friend Legolas but I must deliver the letter and take her and ready the others for their mothers when they wake. I am sure you both have much to do.” She took the little one gently out of Legolas’s arms, the elf pouting sadly at the loss of warmth. Aragorn smiled fondly before leading them both back out to finish getting ready.

It was soon night and what was left of the Fellowship rested in the barn. The Fellowship lay close together in a small circle, Legolas and Aragorn in the corner followed by Gimli and the Hobbits, and of course then Gandalf who rested with his eyes open, guarding the horrible Plantir orb they retrieved from Saruman in his arms.

Aragorn slept soundly holding Legolas against him, Aragorn was facing them to the corner of the barn to feel more secure. Legolas felt restless, he sensed the great evil in the Plantir as it seeped into his being, peering at the group of them. He tried to bury his face in Aragorn’s neck, his chest, even turning around to be spooned so he wasn’t facing it. The feeling of being watched was still there. Sauron was plotting, his eye moving and waiting for someone to pick up the cursed object.

Legolas attempted one last thing, closing his eyes and trying to sleep as if he had never seen the orb at all, that he never sensed its evil presence. This however made it worse, his head was overwhelmed with thoughts of Sauron, thoughts of death to their friends and family. The orb willed him to come take a look at what Sauron saw, perhaps get a better idea of who he would strike next—

“ Daro! Ego !” Legolas gasped, a glimpse of the eye flashing in his mind. He pushed out of Aragorn’s arms and holding himself, “Valar… no…”

“Wh—Las…” Aragorn gasped, reaching for Legolas and finding nothing. Aragorn quickly opened his eyes to Legolas taking his cloak out of his bag and draping it over himself. “Hey… what’s the matter?” He whispered softly, getting up as fast as he could manage in the middle of the night and taking Legolas’s hand, cupping his cheek with his free hand. 

“You do not feel it? That horrible thing?” Legolas breathed. 

“...Probably not as much as you do… It is certainly trying to tempt us… I thought maybe we would all be able to sleep through it. I did not realize it called to you.”

“Not all of us can sleep like Gimli…” Legolas drawled, nodding to Gimli who was snoring loudly and cuddling his axe. “It would be a wonder if he could hear anything but his own breath!”

Aragorn smiled amusedly, “It certainly would…”

“It wants us to grab it—I just know it and I do not trust myself around it right now Estel.”

Aragorn frowned and kissed Legolas’s knuckles, “Shh…It only targets your sensitivity to evil and sound… nothing will happen to us here. It is quite literally just an orb unless we touch it it seems. Gandalf will keep it from everyone.”

“I just wish he did not hold it in front of him like that…You must be tired, go back to sleep I will be fine, it just spooked me a moment.” Legolas whispered with a soft smile, stroking Aragorn’s hand with his thumb.

Aragorn kissed his knuckles again and helped Legolas fasten his cloak. “No it is alright, truth is I am anxious to move tomorrow anyways… If anyone is allowed to wake me it is you.” He smiled softly, “Do you wish to find somewhere outside to rest?”

“I do not think I can rest anymore… I will keep watch outside I suppose…” Legolas breathed. “Please do not let me keep you from sleep…”

“You do not…” Aragorn smiled, taking the back of Legolas’s head and resting it against his chest with a kiss. “Go ahead and sit outside on the ledge a moment, I will join you when I find my pipe and gather my bearings.”

Legolas nodded, “I got too used to the silence… to having only you next to me. It feels odd having everyone around us again…I did not miss the loud dwarven snoring.”

“You had me then and you will have me now.” Aragorn said, squeezing Legolas tight before letting him go, “I will be but a moment.”

As soon as Aragorn was finished fastening his belt and sword, he stepped into his boots and followed Legolas outside. As soon as they were out of sight a particularly curious hobbit was feeling a similar draw to the orb. He couldn’t help himself and got up as soon as he was sure Aragorn and Legolas were truly out of sight. 

Aragorn smiled seeing Legolas watching the horizon at the ledge of the barn, his back facing him. It was not yet dawn, but it was clear the sun would be peaking soon. 

Aragorn walked to the spot next to Legolas, whose eyes did not leave the horizon. He looked worried when he spoke.

“The stars are veiled… Something stirs in the east. A sleepless malice. The eye of the enemy is moving.”

Aragorn frowned and turned to look forward as well, taking Legolas’s hand. 

“Indeed. I wonder where Frodo is now. I only hope it has not seen him yet.”

“Poor thing…” Legolas leaned his head on Aragorn’s shoulder, his hood folding against his cheek, “It orries me so, to think of what he must be going through. If Sam ended up finding him I am sure he is being looked after as much as the little one can manage.” He sighed sadly. “It is not fair.”

“No… none of this is.” Aragorn sighed, leaning his head on top of Legolas’s. “When this is over we will make sure he gets the treatment of a king. That he never wants for anything ever again. He and all of our friends.”

“Hm… I think of when it is over often. What our lives will be like. Especially us.” Legolas smiled.

“I as well. I imagine you at my side during parties, during meetings. Perhaps taking in a few children who would be our heirs. My father and brothers and your father doting over them and helping educate them for their futures. The fellowship reuniting often in Gondor or in Hobbiton to catch up with each other's lives.” Aragorn smiled back. “I had a hard time not imagining us with children after seeing you with the baby…”

Legolas chuckled quietly with a sigh, “Indeed… that is if my father accepts us. I wrote to him and confessed about us and my friendship with Gimli.”

“I meant to ask you how you felt about it. Does it frighten you?”

“A little. I only hope it helps him think. I was very clear about what my future would be if we made it through this. I am actually more anxious about seeing Father again than defeating Sauron. I hope you are not against me telling him, I realize I did that rather rashly.”

“My father must know by now after I rejected Arwen. I think it is only fair.” Aragorn shrugged, kissing Legolas’s head over his hood. “It was probably a good idea to write him before we won’t have time… It will be alright, he loves you more than life itself. If this sent him to Valinor I would be very surprised.”

“I just do not want to be banished like Tauriel, and even if I am not I would order for him to take it back before I am even allowing civility. We have much to talk about…”

“I would love to meet her, I remember you talking about her in your letters.”

“She must be having a cow knowing where I am.” Legolas laughed. “Escaped from home, battle-worn, and engaged to a future king.

“I wish I had given you a proper engagement. I do not regret asking when I did… It just occurred to me how clumsy it was… I didn’t even have a ring ready.”

“Who said you needed a ring?”

“Something to tell others you’re mine… Perhaps deter Eomer from staring at you like he did.”

“I never pegged you as one to be jealous,” Legolas said turning his head to face Aragorn. “It’s rather fun watching you fight for me.”

“I cannot bear any longer keeping you secret, enough now that I think… it would be appropriate to give you this until I find one more suitable.”

Aragorn took his hand from Legolas’s and gently removed his ring. A ring that was passed down to him, his right as heir to Gondor.

“Aragorn no that’s—”

Aragorn smiled softly and retracted himself from Legolas, still holding his hand as he knelt in front of him.

“This ring is everything I am… you are more precious to me than anyone in Middle Earth could ever be… it would make me proud for you to wear it. It ensures a part of me will be with you no matter what.”

Legolas’s eyes reflected in the moonlight as happy tears filled them, “Of course, I will wear it, you sentimental man! I would be proud to.” Legolas allowed Aragorn to slide the ring onto his left ring finger and they kissed softly.

The moment was interrupted by screams coming from inside.

“HELP! GANDALF! HELP ITS PIPPIN!” Merry called out.

At these cries Legolas and Aragorn rushed inside, noticing a great orange glow that illuminated the room. It was coming from the Plantir Pippin held tight against his chest as he screamed and convulsed painfully.

Gandalf shot up but Aragorn was closer, he took the orb from Pippin. Legolas rushed to support Aragorn by his shoulders and held the man tight against his chest as Aragorn now screamed.

“ARGHHH—”

“Darling let go— Meleth !” Legolas called before he tipped them to the side and pushed the orb away so it rolled on the floor, “It’s alright, shh…” he whispered, holding Aragorn’s head to his chest as he lowered them to the ground. He was shaking, holding Legolas’s arm like a lifeline.

Gandalf gathered a blanket and threw it on top of the orb, wrapping it up before taking Pippin’s hand into his and checking his pulse. 

“How is he? The little one?” Legolas breathed to a quiet Gandalf, stroking Aragorn’s sweaty hair as he began to gather himself. “Gandalf?”

Merry rushed to Gandalf, holding the old man’s shoulder tight as he held his cousin’s pale hand, the other against his forehead as he whispered something under his breath. Pippin inhaled sharply and opened his eyes widely. Aragorn managed to collect himself, thanking Legolas with a shaky kiss on his cheek before they moved closer to inspect Pippin.

“Gandalf—Please forgive me I couldn't help it…” He whimpered.

“What did you see?” Gandalf asked, his hand still holding Pippin’s cheek. Pippin closed his eyes so tight as if it pained him just thinking of what he saw. 

“A tree…There was a white tree in a courtyard of stone… It was dead. The city was burning…”

Aragorn’s eyes widened, as did Gandalf's.

“Minas Tirith? Is that what you saw?”

“I—I saw him…His voice was in my head.

“Did you answer?” When Pippin did not say anything Gandalf shook him, “Speak boy!”

“He asked—he asked for my name but I did not tell him. He hurt me in return.” Pippin shook.

“What did you tell him of Frodo? The ring?”

“Nothing sir…”

The breath they all held in was now released.

“Fool of a Took…” Gandalf breathed. “All of you come with me. Wake up that god-forsaken dwarf!”

Legolas looked to the side where Gimli was still snoring peacefully cuddled up to his axe. With a long sigh, he took a pillow from the ground and tossed it at Gimli, waking the dwarf from his deep slumber.

“Wh—Where's the danger!” Gimli grumbled, sitting up with tired eyes and his Axe held in front of him. “Lemme at it!” He added before falling back into his pillow. In response, Legolas took his axe and followed everyone into the throne room to await Eomer and Theoden, who Aragorn rushed to wake up. Gimli would follow soon after realizing his axe was gone.