Chapter 1
The battle was over but the losses were great.
Stains of blood remained everywhere, on the grimy, broken stone walls, on the gaunt, haunted faces of men, on swords forever tainted with the blood shed that night.
A slight drizzle continued to fall gently, as if cleansing the site of the reckless hatred that had pervaded the air, the very pores of the opponents that night.
Standing atop the stone walls, Faramir surveyed the scene of devastation, feeling a twinge of doubt as to whether his decision to help had been the correct one. True, they had prevailed but was the cost too great? Was such a victory worthy of celebrating?
"It was necessary," A voice seemed to answer his thoughts as a comforting hand petted his shoulder.
Wincing slightly at the pain that shot through his bruised and abused body, Faramir managed to crack a grim smile at Aragon.
"You look like how I feel," Faramir jested, as he took in the sight of Aragon, his black hair limp and stringy, his face covered with smudges of dirt and blood. As for his armor, it was dented and almost completely camouflaged with mud and the blood of their assailants.
"You look worse than how I feel," Aragon countered, his eyes melancholy but holding a glimmer of hope. Now that this battle was won, they had hope at least, hope they needed if they were to have any chance of defeating their greatest and most powerful enemy of all in the forthcoming battle.
Faramir grinned tiredly as he fingered his lank blonde hair which he surmised was now a lovely shade of mud-brown and reddish-black tint, courtesy of the Uruk-hai he had slaughtered.
Almost unconsiously, he turned towards a sudden ripple of appreciative, awed murmurs that rose behind them.
Stunned by the angel that had materialized before his eyes, he could only stand there like a statue next to Aragon, mesmerized by the figure that seemed to radiate a soft glow, accentuated by the grime and gloom around him.
Pristine and pure, the figure was the only untarnished jewel among all these bone-weary, battle-accustomed souls
He was exquisite... and Faramir could feel himself, his soul irresistibly drawn towards this flawless, ethereal being.
Hair spun of shimmering gold fluttered in the slight breeze, as two delicate braids framed the pale, breathtakingly beautiful face.
As a hand swiftly, gracefully tucked a braid behind a delectably pointed ear, Faramir was even more spellbound. Never in his life had he even envisioned that pointed ears could be so unbelievably sexy.
An elf. A voice broke into his thoughts as he remembered the stories he had heard when he was a little boy.
The angels that walk middle earth.
"Legolas. Faramir." Aragon introduced the two as Legolas stepped up next to them.
Faramir tried to revive his brain cells as Legolass face broke into a breathtakingly beautiful smile.
"Hi," He tried not to stutter as he held out his hand, feeling oddly ashamed as his grimy hand tarnished the soft, unsullied hand of the elf.
"Hi," Legolas uttered absentmindedly as his eyes fell on Aragon. Placing a hesitant hand on Aragons arm, he moved closer towards the man.
"Are you hurt?" He asked worriedly, his eyes appraising Aragon swiftly, checking for injuries.
"Just a few bruises," Aragon reassured him. Placing a comforting hand over Legolass, he stared silently into Legolass concerned, sparkling violet eyes for a moment.
The moment seemed to stretch into eternity for the couple and Faramir who was still enchanted by the elf. However, seeing the obvious bond between Aragon and Legolas, a coil of despair began to writhe inside him, the disappointment startlingly deep and painful considering the fact that he had only set eyes on the elf barely seconds before.
Trying to prevent his features from betraying his emotions, Faramir hastily murmured an excuse and hurried away, stealing one last longing glance at Legolas.
The couple barely acknowledged Faramirs absence, too caught up in the heady exhilaration of just touching each other, allowing themselves the pleasure of forgetting about the vile war that was surrounding them and just savoring each others presence.
"Ive missed you," Aragon finally uttered, smiling softly as he gently stroked Legolass silky hair.
"I never left you," Legolas whispered, leaning into Aragons touch. "And I never will."
_____________________________
Chapter 2
Legolass back leaned lightly against Aragons chest as both of them surveyed the bloody scene that stretched as far as their eyes could see.
"It reeks of death," Aragon said grimly, his hands protectively positioned around the elfs slim waist, as if shielding him from any possible danger.
Legolas gently grasped Aragons hands and laid his head on the humans broad shoulders, a small smile crinkling his lips as Aragon bent his head towards the golden hair and breathed in deeply.
"I can still hear the remnants of cries of help, laments of suffering," Legolass voice grew softer with anguish as the smile slipped away from his lips.
"Too many have fallen," Aragon agreed, his eyes clouded over with the memories of the horror he had witnessed and taken an active part in.
"It is a selfish hope but I hope our friends are all right," Legolas uttered in an optimistic tone.
Oblivious to the slight hardening of Aragons hold around his waist, he continued his sequence of thoughts, "I have just seen Gimli and Gandalf engaging in a serious conversation so-"
"Haldir is dead," Aragon suddenly blurted out, wincing inwardly at himself. Surely I could have phrased it in a more sensitive manner, he berated himself as the elf stiffened instantly at his words.
Firmly removing Aragons hands from around him, Legolas turned to face him.
Legolass violet eyes were flashing with sparks, radiating reproach, hurt and above all, pure agony.
Agony so deep and excruciating that it pierced Aragon to the very depths of his soul. He unconsciously reached for Legolas, to offer him any measure of comfort he could but the elf shied away, shunning his touch.
Hie eyes bewildered, Aragons arm stayed motionless in space, staring pleadingly at Legolas.
"Hes dead and you didnt think to tell me?" Legolas asked in a monotone, an incredulous expression in his eyes.
"Im sorry, I didnt think," Aragon tried in vain to apologize, attempting to reach for his lover again.
Stepping out of Aragons reach, Legolas shook his head slowly, painfully. "I cant believe you waited so long to tell me. You know how important he was to me."
*flashback*
Earnestly staring at his opponent, Legolas smirked slightly as he correctly recognized a feint to the left and attacked towards his opponents right instead.
His sword slicing cleanly through the air, he lunged forward, only to discover his opponent had quickly recovered to dart backwards in a perfect somersault.
Sighing in exasperation at the slippery character of his opponent, Legolas struck again. However, his move was too rash, too reckless and he was easily swept off his feet, landing painfully on the dewy grass, the glinting edge of a sword pointed at his chin.
Closing his eyes, the edges of his lips turned up into a smile as he felt the familiar, velvety lips of his boyfriend touch his.
Suddenly, unexpectedly, he slid out from under his boyfriend, causing him to fall unglamorously onto the ground.
"Hey!" Haldir yelled, mock glaring at Legolas. "Sore loser!"
Legolass only response was an immature waggling of his tongue as he grinned irrepressibly at his best friend and incidentally, first boyfriend.
*end flashback*
The memories he had shared with Haldir dashed through his mind in a fleeting, tormenting sequence. He reeled inwardly as he realized he would never see Haldirs eyes shining with laughter again, nor his lips curled up in a leering grin that never failed to crack Legolas up...
"I have to find him!" Legolass eyes suddenly lit up frenziedly, his breathing ragged and erratic.
Aragons eyes dawned with compassion even as he questioned at the magnitude of their task. There was dead everywhere, their bodies crumpled and broken on top of each other. It would be a marvel if they could actually find someone in that scene of devastation.
Without waiting for Aragons response, Legolas recklessly started off.
"Wait!" Aragon caught Legolass arm and tried not to shrink back from the intensity of Legolass wild stare.
"I know where he fell. We should start there," Aragon continued, gently leading Legolas to that particular site.
*****************
Eowyn stared silently at Aragon, at what she desired most yet could not obtain.
Her hands twisted the rough fabric of her dress, trying to express her repressed feelings in some tangible form.
"You want him, dont you?" An insidious voice suddenly whispered in her ear.
Whirling around in shock, she was instantly reminded of Grima, that disgusting excuse for a human being. True, the man standing in front of her was much better looking than Grima, with wavy blond locks and striking eyes. However, the sly, deceitful air that emanated off him reminded her inevitably of that slimy worm.
"What do you want?" She snapped, giving off an unconcerned air that she had been caught staring at the object of her dreams.
"The same thing you want," Faramir replied. "To break them up."
___________________________
Chapter 3
Eowyn gazed motionlessly at Faramir, an inscrutable expression on her face. "How do you know what I want, pray tell?"
A knowing sneer upon his face, Faramir drawled, "Lady Eowyn, your eyes betray you. They show your darkest desires."
Sucking in a deep breath to calm her nerves, Eowyn attempted to glare at Faramir. "I will take no part in this charade of yours," she snapped, her skirt rustling as she hastily departed.
Calmly looking at the rapidly disappearing silhouette of Eowyn, Faramir let out a small snort. "Oh, but you will," he said derisively. "You will have a very large part in my plans, Lady Eowyn."
***********
Aragorn stared helplessly as his lover, as though possessed by some incredible force, continued to stride through the ruins and desolation.
Frequently, Legolas would pause as his eyes glimpsed a glint of golden hair and he would stoop down, hoping against hope that it might be Haldir.
*flashback*
"The dwarf breathes so loudly we could have shot him in the dark." A familiar sneering voice suddenly declared as the Fellowship found themselves surrounded by elves bearing ominous bows with arrows aimed at their necks.
Holding up his bow himself, Legolas tried to stifle the grin from appearing on his face, attempting to look properly serious and grim as Aragorn explained themselves.
After the brief standoff, the elves finally condescended to bring them to see the lady of the woods.
Surreptitiously falling behind, Haldir appeared smoothly beside Legolas.
Slyly pinching Legolass delectable behind, Haldir tried to appear properly chastened as Legolas choked down his shriek and glared at him, punching him lightly on the shoulder.
"It has been too long, my friend." Haldir grinned, an effervescent light in his eyes.
"Yes, it has," Legolas replied with an ebullient smile of his own.
The radiance in Haldirs eyes faltered slightly as a rugged and greasy-haired human suddenly interrupted their conversation, placing a possessive arm around Legolass waist.
Looking almost apologetically at Haldir, Legolas introduced the human. "This is Aragorn, my-" Blushing an irresistible shade of crimson, he stammered softly but with undisguised love, continued, "lover."
Swallowing hard, Haldir merely smiled wistfully. "Take good care of him," he directed his words towards a wary Aragon who was currently looking at him suspiciously.
"You dont have to tell me that," Aragon replied in an amused tone, his eyes softening as he gently dropped a delicate kiss on Legolass cheek.
*end flashback*
Cruelly, Legolass hope would be shattered once again as he reverently laid back the head of another elf, whispering softly, "Rest in peace, my brother."
Letting out a heartfelt sigh, Aragorn let his eyes drift to the rapidly darkening heavens. They had been searching throughout the day and he was exhausted beyond belief.
His tortured body was already pleading for rest and nourishment after the bone-weary battle but he pushed himself on firmly. I have to do this, for Legolas. He reminded himself, determinedly yanking up another infested and repulsive orc that had started to rot, seeking signs of Haldirs body.
A warm rush of gratitude flowed through him as he caught sight of Gimli poking at the carcass of an Uruk-hai with his axe, and Faramir searching through an area piled with unidentifiable bodies.
Everyone was unbearably fatigued and he did not have the heart to ask for any assistance. Hence, he had been immensely touched when Gimli and Faramir, seeing the elf in such distress, had immediately offered their help.
"It pains me to see the elf in such despair," Gimli had said gruffly and rather shamefacedly, waving away Aragorns thanks. Likewise, Faramir had simply grinned at him and emphatically told him not to worry about it.
"Haldir." A breathless, choked voice interrupted Aragorns reminisces and he swerved his head to Legolass direction.
The elf was kneeling on the ground, his arms wrapped around an armored form, golden hair stained with blood spilling over his arms.
Dashing over to his lovers side, Aragorn was startled to see Legolass eyes shut rigidly. He had only witnessed Legolas with closed eyes when he was in deep repose, he had never seen him in such a stance before when he was awake.
When Legolass eyes fluttered open, understanding dawned upon Aragorn. Legolass eyes were filled with such raw pain that it stabbed into Aragorns soul.
The force of Legolass grief surrounded Aragorn as well, enveloping them both as Aragorn embraced his lover tightly, trying to absorb any measure of burden he could, in order to lessen Legolass.
Such agony should not exist for someone who looked so fragile, so vulnerable. Faramir gritted his teeth as he felt his heart wrench at the waves of anguish radiating off the elf.
And those arms around him should be mine.
______________________
Chapter 4
A solitary tear slid down Legolass cheek, hidden by the cloaking, stifling darkness that draped the freshly dug grave of Haldir and the lonely company that surrounded it.
"Rest in peace," Legolas whispered in a trembling voice, laying a hand on the grave and then pressing the hand firmly against his chest, as if imprinting the mark of Haldirs grave upon himself.
Silently, Aragorn kneeled next to his lover and wrapped his arms firmly around Legolas who was shivering violently, from the piercing grief rather than the biting cold.
Leading Legolas away, Aragorn threw a bittersweet smile at Gimli and Faramir as he departed.
As Legolas obediently allowed himself to be led away, he suddenly swayed and was immediately steadied by the vigilant Aragorn.
A worried frown creasing his brow, Aragorn continued to steer Legolas towards the chamber they shared, oblivious to the murderous gaze directed at him.
Almost in a daze, Legolas silently sat onto the bed where Aragorn had led him.
Instinctively drawing his knees up to his chest, he wrapped his arms around his knees, bowing his head forlornly.
Staring helplessly at his lover, Aragorn clambered up onto the bed as well. Reaching out a hand to comfort Legolas, a burning hurt pierced him as his lover shied away, denying the contact.
The couple sat motionlessly, the mere distance of a few inches seemingly unbridgeable, spanning a frigid, vast space.
They were both interrupted from their individual reveries when the door swung open almost apologetically and a familiar face appeared.
"Aragorn, King Theoden wishes your help in deciding the next course of action." Faramir said briskly, his eyes betraying a twinge of impatience and anticipation.
"Of course," Aragorn replied swiftly, sliding off the bed and striding towards the door.
Almost as a second thought, he stopped and walked back towards Legolas. Dropping a soft, chaste kiss on Legolass inclined head, he whispered, "I will be back soon."
The moment Aragorn stepped out of the chamber, Faramir advanced towards Legolas, a hint of a predator stalking a vulnerable prey in his steady, purpose-filled footsteps.
Sitting on the bed beside the quiescent Legolas, Faramir unhesitatingly clasped one of Legolass hands, pretending to be oblivious to the slight resistance and the look of surprise in those violet orbs that looked at him quizzically.
Staring earnestly at Legolas, he chose his words carefully, striving to fill his eyes with as much sincerity and sympathy as humanly possible.
"Its not your fault," Faramir said deliberately. Raising a hand to gently push back a few stray tendrils of hair framing the elfs face, he was satisfied to see a sudden suffusion of color into Legolass pale cheeks.
Faramir was utterly shocked when Legolas yanked back his hand and clambered away from him, towards the far side of the bed.
His eyes shimmering with anguished, pain-filled tears, Legolas murmured in a bitter tone, "It is. Its all my fault Haldirs dead."
*flashback*
In his sheer exhilaration at seeing Haldir leading the elves to their aid at Helms Deep, Legolas had completely forgotten about the fact that he was supposed to exhibit behavior befitting that of the elf prince of Mirkwood.
Flinging himself at Haldir, he was gratified when strong arms embraced him back.
"You came!" Legolas said in disbelief. His eyes dancing with joy, he pulled back from the embrace, putting his hands firmly on Haldirs shoulders. "Thank you."
"Well, I couldnt possibly leave you here alone to uphold the name of the elves, could I?" Haldir replied in a teasing tone. However, the concern in his eyes sparkled as he gazed lovingly upon Legolas, only darkening slightly as Legolas withdrew from him into the arms of the human.
*end flashback*
Staring in despair at Faramirs bewildered look, Legolas bit his lips painfully, savagely, almost hoping to draw blood.
"Dont you see?" Legolas asked in pure misery. "He came to save me. He gave his life up for me."
Struck by the force of the elfs self-loathing and anguish, Faramir did the only thing he could think of... he moved towards Legolas to gather the elf up in his arms.
________________________
Chapter 5
Enveloping Legolas in his arms, Faramir reverently breathed in the soft fragrance emanating from the elf.
The slight form in his arms was so still, so frozen that Faramir was afraid to tighten his embrace, as if fearing the fragile elf would shatter.
Then, with a deep, sorrowful sigh that seemed to encompass all the agony inside him, Legolas collapsed into Faramirs arms, clinging with a hopeless desperation onto something real, something tangible.
Stroking Legolass silky hair gently, Faramir murmured soothingly, Its all right. Its not your fault.
Repeating the words in an endless refrain, he felt his own heart constrict in pain for the elf. Faramir had no earthly reason why he was so impossibly drawn to the elf, why he would rather suffer a grievous injury than see him suffering like this, why he had this burning resolution to make the elf his.
Was love supposed to be this ruthless, this painful? Was love supposed to eliminate all obstacles without mercy or thought?
Faramir shook himself slightly, his lips turning into a grimace at his traitorous and spineless thoughts. He needed to stay focused if he was to achieve what he wanted and he knew what he wanted above all.
Legolas.
**********
Aragorn! Theoden greeted the ranger with a hasty call, beckoning to him.
What is the problem? Aragorn asked briskly, a faint worry still rubbing anxiously at the edge of his mind about how his lover was coping.
We need to decide whether to rebuild our defenses here or travel to the site Eomer has found. Theoden replied tersely, rubbing his eyes tiredly from the lack of sleep and many worries plaguing his mind.
Nodding in understanding, Aragorn moved closer to the ancient oak table where every inch was covered with sprawling maps and battle plans.
Lady Eowyn, Aragorn greeted her politely as she raised her head from studying the maps to look at him.
Flashing a brief smile at Aragorn, Eowyn lowered her head again, frowning at the unavoidable quickening in her heart rate.
As Aragorn moved next to her and bent his head towards hers in an attempt to map out a strategy, she had to deliberately calm down her breathing.
Reaching out to examine a piece of map more carefully, Aragorns hand innocuously brushed against Eowyn and she had to stifle a gasp.
He is not available! Eowyns mind screamed at her, chiding her for her immature behavior that was completely unbecoming of a shield maiden of Rohan.
To pine after an object that belongs to someone else, that is something I would never lower myself to. Eowyn reprimanded herself mentally.
Stealing a quick glance at Aragorn, Eowyn felt her heart ache undeniably. Now if only I can convince myself of that.
Striving to keep her behavior as natural as possible, Eowyn struggled to overcome the malicious voice in her mind that was urging her to join with Faramir in breaking up Aragorn and Legolas.
She was so caught up in her internal turmoil that she was barely aware of what they were discussing, only mechanically injecting comments at intervals when she realized that Theoden and Aragorn were gazing at her, patiently waiting for her input.
Without realizing the amount of time that had flew by, she immediately felt a sense of loss as Aragorn took his leave and retired back to his chambers.
Staring forlornly after him, she was startled to hear a kind voice consoling her, My dear, some things can never be.
Whirling round to gaze at Theoden who had a knowing look in his eyes, Eowyn averted her eyes.
And some things can be made to happen. The malicious voice in her mind hissed.
____________________
Chapter 6
Faramir reluctantly relinquished his hold of the fragile elf as he felt Legolas drawing back.
Immediately feeling the loss of warmth and fragrant essence that radiated from the elf, Faramir attempted to look properly concerned, and eliminate the confused mix of lust and love that was burning in him.
"I'm sorry," Legolas murmured, embarrassment showing in his eyes as he shyly met Faramir's intense gaze.
"Don't be," Faramir said firmly. "Don't be sorry about anything."
Because I won't be.
***************
As Faramir had been entrusted by King Theoden with the daily operations of Helm's Deep until a decisive, finalized plan was mapped out, he felt as if the heavens themselves were aiding him in his quest.
He rapidly set his plan in motion, gradually escalating the number and duration of meetings Aragorn was summoned to, making sure that Eowyn was also present at those meetings.
Eowyn was trying to be strong but she would crack soon. He could glimpse the weakness in the amour she had built fiercely around herself.
As the shield-maiden of Rohan, she felt a need, a pressure to remain frigid and emotionless. However, she was clearly infatuated with Aragorn.
In fact, the harder she tried to resist this temptation, the harder she would fall.
And she would fall.
**************
Legolas aimlessly wandered about the towering walls of Helm's Deep, only dimly aware of the people that were walking around him.
Everybody seemed to have a job, a purpose, except him.
Gracefully walking up the grimy steps leading up to the lookout point, he leaned his elbows against the edge of the walls.
Breathing in deeply, he concentrated on feeling the invigorating rush of cool air against his face, the wind whipping his hair back with a tremendous force.
His keen elven hearing detected soft footsteps padding towards him but he pretended to be oblivious, hoping that it would be his lover.
Legolas hadn't seen Aragorn in what seemed like an eternity. For the first time since they had officially declared their love for each other, they had not so much as exchanged a word in countless days.
Aragorn was constantly summoned to King Theoden's side and remained there for hours. When he returned to his and Legolas's chambers, all he seemed capable of doing was to crawl into the bed and promptly fall asleep.
On the rare chance that they were together before the sky had turned an inky, forbiddingly dark black, Aragorn seemed almost fearful of him.
He treated Legolas as if he was made of spun glass and would shatter if he so much as rose his voice above a mere whisper.
When Aragon touched him, it was hesitant and worried, as if Legolas was too fragile to even grasp tightly.
And unfortunately, that was exactly what Legolas yearned for.
To be held in Aragorn's arms for just a precious moment, to have Aragorn reassure him of his love and desire, to know that he was still needed, still wanted.
A fear was also ominously, relentlessly stabbing into his heart, ever since what had happened a couple of days ago.
*flashback*
Absentmindedly tugging at his braids, Legolas picked it loose and started to tie it again with quick, deft fingers as his mind chafed at the lack of activity.
He was rapidly distracted from his boredom when a familiar, sultry voice drawled, "Let me help."
Grasping Legolas's nonresistant fingers and placing them on his lap, Aragorn leisurely ran his fingers through the fine, shimmering hair.
Legolas trembled at the titillating touch and he arched slightly, unconsciously, resembling a kitten wanting to be caressed.
Aragorn expertly entwined the silky hair into a slender, elegant braid, teasingly dropping fluttering touches on Legolas's head.
Gently tilting the elf's head, he lowered his lips towards the delectable, crimson lips silently beckoning him.
Savoring the lusciously sweet taste of Legolas's lips, Aragorn increased the pressure, seeking entrance beyond Legolas's closed lips.
Unexpectedly, there was a sudden loss of contact as Legolas withdrew from him, bending his head so that wispy strands of his hair fell over his face, shielding him from Aragorn's startled eyes.
"What is wrong?" Aragorn asked bewilderedly, bending down in order to gaze into his lover's eyes, to get an inkling of what was amiss.
Averting his face from Aragorn's probing gaze, Legolas replied in a quivering voice, "Nothing."
Raising his eyes to meet Aragon's for a brief, fleeting moment, he lowered his gaze again. "I just can't do this now, not when the memory of Haldir's death is still so fresh," Legolas confessed, a silent plea for understanding in his words.
*end flashback*
Letting a soft sigh escape through his lips, Legolas turned his head slowly.
His eyes clouded over in disappointment as he gazed at the person that was smiling warmly at him.
Faramir.
_______________________
Chapter 7
"Legolas," Faramir greeted him affectionately, relishing the way the beautiful name rolled off his tongue.
"What are you doing here all by yourself?" He asked innocently, as if unaware that he was the one who had suggested to King Theoden that Aragorn and Eowyn should have even more intensive meetings to discuss the intricate details of moving the entire population to a secure, safe location.
"Thinking," Legolas replied cryptically, a solemn look in his eyes. A grin slipping over his face, he admitted with a short laugh, "Actually, nothing."
Faramir inhaled deeply, startled at the power of that smile. It was so dazzlingly perfect that he ached to know that it could disappear any minute, so infectiously happy that he couldn't help breaking into a grin as well, so completely mesmerizing that he couldn't remove one's eyes from it without some compelling force.
Faramir felt strangely gratified, as though he had surmounted some task of great significance. Hence, it was with great reluctance that he proceeded to continue with his plan of planting doubts into Legolas's mind about his lover, aching to know that that smile would be wiped off the elf's face.
"Is Aragorn occupied with discussing plans with Lady Eowyn?" Faramir asked casually, looking closely at Legolas's expression.
"That's where he is most of the time," the elf replied guilelessly, without a trace of suspicion in his tone.
Grimacing inwardly, Faramir coughed slightly. "I don't know if I ought to tell you this."
Innocent violet eyes gazed at him questioningly in response.
******
Aragorn smiled briefly at Eowyn as she passed him a cup filled with a bitter but refreshing drink.
"Thank you," he said politely as their fingers brushed, sending a spark of electricity coursing through Eowyn.
She berated herself for being so affected by such an innocent, simple action but she couldn't help it.
Eowyn was simply enchanted by Aragorn. From the moment he parried her sword moves expertly on their first meeting, she had been irresistibly drawn to this rugged, disarmingly nice man.
Nice.
It seemed so simple and yet it encompassed everything about Aragorn.
Even though Aragorn was the future king of Gondor, he never displayed any airs, always treating everybody with the utmost respect and concern.
He radiated an unmistakable air of nobility but he never flaunted his title or his many skills, preferring to let his actions speak for him.
Eowyn was unbearably drawn to this man and she couldn't see a way out of the dark fog of confusion and self-hatred that surrounded her thoughts every single minute.
******
Faramir tried to poison Legolas's mind against Aragorn, constantly offering insidious suggestions of how he seemed to be getting on very well with Lady Eowyn, of how he seemed to be reluctant to part with her even in the deep of night.
However, to Faramir's bitter disappointment, Legolas didn't show any anger or hurt at Faramir's deliberately callous words.
Instead, his violet eyes betrayed an untouchable sadness, a quiet pain that had resided there ever since he had witnessed Haldir's death.
As Faramir's malicious words continued to swirl around in Legolas's ears, Legolas surreptitiously turned to gaze upon the forests in the distance.
Immediately, his heart grew lighter, as if sensing the songs the trees were singing to him.
A deep yearning crept over his mind, a longing to be lost among the magic of nature once more.
Even as a child, he had always retired to the secretive, comforting solitude the trees offered him whenever he was feeling upset or hurt.
Cutting off Faramir's incessant flow of words, Legolas blurted out, "I'm going to ride into the woods."
Recovering rapidly, Faramir's eyes gleamed as he sensed the opportunity that had just landed in his lap.
"I'll join you," Faramir invited himself smoothly, ignoring the surprised look in Legolas's eyes.
______________________
Chapter 8
Pushing open the heavy, imposing doors, Legolas stepped inside the room where his lover had so frequently disappeared to.
Silently stepping into the towering cavern, he didn't make his presence known as he saw Aragorn's bent head next to Eowyn's.
As Eowyn murmured something into Aragorn's ear, the future king of Gondor grinned at her and casually, playfully flicked her on her shoulder, causing her to gasp in indignation.
"Aragorn," Legolas said softly.
Immediately, Aragorn raised his head to smile warmly at Legolas. Pushing back his chair, he walked swiftly towards his lover.
Legolas nodded his head to Eowyn as the shieldmaiden of Rohan flushed guiltily and nodded back at him.
The moment Aragorn reached his side, Legolas started to explain himself, his need to leave Helm's deep in search of whom he used to be, before this dark war had robbed him of all he had held dear.
However, Legolas had only started to request that Aragorn accompany him in riding to the forest when Aragorn's eyes narrowed in disappointment.
Faltering, the elf's voice trailed off as he gazed mutely at Aragorn. His violet eyes were pleading with Aragorn to understand that he needed to reconcile himself with nature once more, that he needed to cleanse himself in the purity of the trees.
"You want me to go on such a frivolous trip at such an important moment?" Aragorn asked in disbelief, unable to see the reasons shining from Legolas's eyes.
At Aragorn's harsh words, Legolas recoiled as if he had been struck.
Stiffening, he said distantly, "Fine, I'll go with Faramir then."
Refusing to meet Aragorn's startled eyes, Legolas turned to walk away.
"Legolas!" Aragorn grasped his lover's arm fiercely, twisting it to make Legolas face him.
"You're hurting me," Legolas said icily, his eyes blank and frosty.
Aragorn immediately released Legolas's arm and said softly, urgently, "What I am doing is important."
"And I'm not," Legolas stated simply, his chilly tone making Aragorn wince perceptibly.
Seeing Aragorn's distressed eyes, Legolas regretted his hastily spoken words.
"Aragorn-" Legolas said quietly.
However, he abruptly halted his words when he glimpsed Eowyn walking hesitantly towards them.
"Aragorn?" Eowyn asked questioningly, her eyes curious.
"I'll be there in a moment," Aragorn assured her, turning to flash her a tired smile.
When he turned back, Legolas was gone.
*******
Faramir and Legolas rode in silence, the wind rustling their clothes and tousling their hair.
Absorbed by his own thoughts, Legolas was oblivious to the many darting glances directed his way by Faramir.
Mechanically urging his horse to go faster in order to keep pace with the elf, Faramir could barely concentrate on riding his horse.
He was too mesmerized by the elegant stance of the elf on the horse, the way his golden hair cascaded behind his back, glittering almost blindingly in the sunlight.
Captivated by the graceful figure of the elf and the sheer loveliness he radiated, Faramir was content to just exist in the luminousity of this heavenly being.
As they entered the dense forest, a calmness and sereneness seem to pervade their very senses.
The dim sunlight that diffused through the cracks of the canopy was soft and welcoming, suffusing them in a glimmering glow.
Riding deep into the very womb of the forest, Legolas could feel his heart grow lighter and the chaos inside his mind seem to become less entangled.
After riding for a unknown length of time, the two of them finally slowed down their horses.
Lightly sliding off the horse, Legolas gestured to Faramir that he was going to lead the two horses to a nearby, sparkling stream to quench their thrist.
Nodding, Faramir sat down on the dewy grass, smoothly removing the worn leather bag that was slung across his shoulders.
Reaching his hand into the bag, he removed a burnished tin flask and two cups that had seen better days.
Wetting his dry lips with his tongue, Faramir swiftly poured a dark brown liquid into both cups.
With a calm that eluded his inner turmoil, he hastily emptied a leather pouch's contents into one of the tin cups.
As Legolas returned and gently tied up the horses to prevent them from performing a disappearing act, he smiled beguilingly at Faramir, reflecting the tranquility that was gradually calming his senses.
Legolas unsuspectingly took the dented tin cup from Faramir, oblivious to Faramir's quick, nervous intake of breath.
Pressing the cup to his crimson lips, he drank deeply, appreciating the cool liquid sliding down his parched throat.
******
Aragorn poured the fiery draught down his throat, welcoming the burning sensation that banished all his feelings of hurt, confusion and anguish.
He didn't understand why his lover had disappeared in a huff, why Faramir seemed to be constantly at his lover's side and why he seemed to be powerless to halt this erosion of the love between him and Legolas.
Knocking back yet another cup of the lethal brew, Aragorn could feel his senses gradually become duller.
His vision blurring as he reached for more of the liquid, he was startled to feel someone grab his arm.
"You've had enough," a concerned voice said.
Slowly swiveling his head, Aragorn groaned as the room spinned dizzingly.
Squinting in an effort to focus his vision, he was dimly aware of a slender figure with long, golden hair.
"Legolas?" He whispered hopefully.
*******
Aragorn grasped Eowyn's arm urgently, staring at her with such desperation, such need, that she was loath to pry his hand from her's.
She unresistingly allowed Aragorn to press himself against her, smothering her face with frantic kisses.
A tear trickled down her face as she bit her lips savagely, welcoming the tangy, coppery taste of blood in her mouth.
She deserved to bleed for this.
She deserved to die for this.
This... the darkest of her desires, the fulfillment of her dreams.
___________________________
Chapter 9
Aragorn groaned as he struggled to lift his forbiddingly heavy eyelids.
Moaning as the movement sent a piercing pain through his temples, he blinked owlishly, trying to adjust to the dusky moonlight that filtered through the bars that fenced his chamber off from the outside world.
Lying motionlessly on his bed so as not to further jolt his senses, Aragorns head ached unbearably as he fought to recall what had happened.
He faintly remembered downing tumbler after tumbler of the lethal brew but he had scant idea of what had transpired after that.
Someone.
A blurred vision haunted the edges of his stubborn memory as he tried to dredge up the memory of someone stopping him, someone...
Suddenly, he was aware of a presence next to him.
Aragorns ears pricked up at the soft, contented breathing that was uncomfortably close to him as he stiffened warily.
Propping himself up on his elbows, a breath hitched in his throat.
"By the Valar, what have I done?" Aragorn said in horror, staring in disbelief at the unclothed body of Eowyn.
*********
Shaking his head lightly, Legolas was perplexed when images before his eyes continued to blend confusingly into each other.
Without warning, the cup he was holding fell from his unresisting fingers as his limbs seemed to suddenly lose all sense of coordination and strength.
An icy chilliness froze his insides as he shivered, inexplicably feeling as if he was being frozen from inside out.
Turning to face Faramir, trying helplessly to ask for aid, he was startled to see an anticipatory smile on the wavering face of his companion.
Swaying slightly as a wave of dizziness swept through him, Legolas pitched forward onto the grassy surface.
*******
Scrambling away from Eowyn so hastily that he fell onto the unforgivingly solid ground, Aragorn gasped as he discovered that he too, was very much naked.
Shocked into immobility for a second, Aragorn swiftly recovered his wits and rapidly grabbed his clothes that had been carelessly discarded on the floor and shoved himself into them.
Swearing softly under his breath, Aragorn ignored the stabbing pain in his head, welcoming it as an alternative to thinking about what had just transpired between him and Eowyn.
Legolas.
A mixture of guilt and concern immediately speared into Aragorns heart at the thought of his lover.
"He must never know," Aragorn said fervently to himself, nausea rising in his throat as he imagined the disgust, the repulsion in those violet orbs.
"He must never know," he repeated to himself, as if trying to reassure himself as he backed away from the bed from Eowyn.
With one last regretful, desperate look at the figure curled up on the bed, Aragorn fled the scene, with his heart, mind and soul hopelessly chaotic.
He never saw the single tear that trailed a silent path down Eowyns cheek even as the eyes stayed firmly, resolutely shut.
**********
Faramir lurched forward and smoothly caught Legolas, settling the elf gently on the ground.
Legolass wide eyes were dazed and blank and he was covered with a fine sheen of moisture.
Tenderly wiping off the moisture on Legolass forehead, Faramir smiled wonderingly at this angel that was presently in his arms.
Mine.
Faramir thought possessively as he tightened his grip around the elf.
Bending his head forward towards Legolass hair, Faramir greedily inhaled the fragrant, sweet scent of the elf.
Laying the elf gently on the ground, Faramirs lips curled up as his nervous fingers clumsily attempted to remove Legolass quiver and bow.
When the deed was done, Faramir shook slightly with exhilaration as he fumbled to remove Legolass tunic.
Inhaling deeply, he marveled at this creation of nature that had been bestowed upon him.
A luminous radiance surrounded Legolas, his alabaster skin so perfect, so fair that it seemed oddly incongruous with the toned muscles that were clearly visible.
Kneeling next to Legolas, Faramir bent his head towards Legolass petal- soft, dewy lips.
Closing his own eyes, he savored every moment as he claimed those luscious lips, unaffected in the slightest by the method in which he had achieved this.
Slowly opening his eyes, Faramir felt a twinge of conscience as he glimpsed those shimmering eyes seemingly glistening with tears.
Swerving his gaze, Faramir was struck by how alien his hand looked on the elfs bare chest.
Staring at it powerlessly, almost as if some force was drawing his eyes to it, Faramir felt a creeping revulsion coiling inside him.
His hand was tainting the unsullied skin of the elf.
He was tarnishing the loveliness of this fair elf.
He was defiling this heavenly creature.
Abruptly retracting his hand, as if he had been burned, Faramir fell backwards, his eyes fixed on the fragile, vulnerable elf.
I couldnt. He screamed inwardly at himself, detesting himself for his weakness, his wretched thoughts that were taunting him, tormenting him.
But if I cant possess his heart, at least I can possess his body. A malevolent voice argued insidiously inside Faramirs warring head.
___________________
Chapter 10
As Faramir stared at Legolas's dazed, innocent eyes, he was transfixed, held by the power of the purity that was radiating off the elf.
Wrestling with his inner lust, his yearning to possess this fair creature, he inhaled deeply, harshly.
Faramir clenched his hands, fisting them so tightly that his veins stood out starkly, rigidly.
His nails pierced his palms forcefully, causing a trickle of blood to slip between his fingers, falling softly onto Legolas's bare chest.
The crimson drop fanned out across the creamy white skin, mesmerizing in its startling contrast of colors.
Faramir's lips trembled as his tongue snaked out and licked away the drop of blood.
Reaching out a tremulous hand, he gently stroked Legolas's face, savoring the very sensation.
*******
Legolas was drowning uncontrollably.
He clawed desperately for air, begging for strength to drag himself out of this mire he was trapped in.
He couldn't see a way out of this abyss of darkness and he seemed to have relinquished all control of his limbs.
Legolas felt oddly disconnected from his body, unable to discern any sensation at all from his usually intensely responsive senses.
He was willing to swear that his eyes were wide open but everything was blurred and indistinguishable as formless shapes vacillated before his eyes.
His senses had all deserted him and he was overwhelmed and stricken by this unpreceded incident.
In a corner of his mind, he supposed he was petrified.
However, in the midst of all the fear, confusion and bewilderment, only one thought engulfed Legolas's mind.
// I did not even bid Aragorn farewell. //
********
The faint tangy taste of the blood remained in Faramir's mouth as he bowed his head, his nerves torn and his mind overwhelmed.
Finally, he raised his head, a new spark of light igniting his eyes as he made a final decision.
// I would not act on this basest, most despicable desire. //
// I could not. //
Pressing his lips softly against Legolas's delicate, pliant lips, Faramir smiled bitterly.
Slipping his arms under the elf's body, he laboriously clothed Legolas, his movements jerky and reluctant.
Faramir had to constantly battle his thoughts that were belittling him for his lack of courage, his lack of manhood.
// Shut up! // He screamed inwardly.
// I will make him give himself to me willingly one day. // Faramir promised himself, holding the lifeless elf possessively.
// I will. //
********
Aragorn paced feverishly outside the stone walls that entombed Helm's Deep, his eyes constantly searching the wide expanses for any sign of Legolas returning.
He was so confused, so torn that he could not keep still. Fidgeting uneasily, his darting eyes suddenly caught sight of figures on the horizon of his vision.
Blinking rapidly, he wondered briefly if his eyes were deceiving him.
Inhaling swiftly, harshly, fear swept through his chaotic mind as Aragorn grasped the reins of a snorting, startled horse.
Ignoring the yells of protest from the even more astonished warrior that was previously leading his horse into the compounds of Helm's Deep, Aragorn urged the horse on, praying that no harm had befell his beloved.
*********
"Legolas!" Aragorn gasped as he reached Faramir who was possessively holding a seemingly unconscious Legolas.
Reaching out a trembling hand to caress Legolas's ashen, lifeless face, Aragorn's heart wrenched with pain.
"What happened?" Aragorn demanded, smoothly dismounting from his horse.
His face grim and solemn, Faramir replied in a convincingly sincere voice, "Legolas appears to be stricken with some illness."
"Elves do not succumb to illness," Aragorn snapped, his eyes suspicious and wary.
Faramir merely shrugged helplessly, only a brief flash of emotion flickering in his eyes as he reluctantly relinquished the elf in his arms to Aragorn.
Aragorn reverently, carefully placed Legolas on the horse and settled himself firmly behind him, his arms protectively wrapped around the elf's slender waist.
"Everything will be fine," Aragorn whispered into Legolas's delicately pointed ears, pain twisting inside him at the sight of the lack of spirit, vivacity that normally resided in his lover's eyes.
