Title: Retribution Author: the_mad_Elf_banger@yahoo.com.au Pairing: Aragorn / Boromir / Legolas Rating: NC-17 Summary: After the council of Elrond, Aragorn and Boromir are rather pissed off at Legolas. They both individually want to teach him a lesson but things turn out quite different from how they’d imagined. Disclaimer: All dear Mr. Tolkien’s, not mine. Warning: Only if you dislike homosexual pairings, but if you do, you’re most definitely at the wrong address, so get lost. Please. Thank you. Authors Note: I know, not at all what the original characters would get up to, but so what? Feedback is very welcome... Special thanks to my beta, Caz. I never knew that I wrote such a heap of bull... Thank you thank you thank you. *********************************************************** “This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance.” Had he known what those three sentences would provoke, the prince of Mirkwood may have reconsidered voicing them. Or then again, he may not have, either. *********************************************************** Chapter 1 The Chambers Aragorn sat in his room, silently sharpening his sword. He had hoped to find some distraction in the maintenance of his weapon, but his thoughts would not cease returning to the council he had attended near on an hour ago. The Ring of Power was a very pressing matter, demanding that it be destroyed as soon as possible, and needless to say their company was not ideally manned. Moreover, one of the members, Boromir son of Denethor, had shown his longing for the Ring right from the beginning, and Aragorn feared that it were possible he may present the nearest danger for the outcome of their mission. But notwithstanding those possible threats, neither were the cause of his restlessness – that was alone Legolas' doing. That the prince of Mirkwood was equally indignant, as Aragorn himself, at the Gondorian warrior's freely shown want for Sauron's Ring, and his sudden outburst towards Aragorn's advice against giving in to the lure of it, did not greatly surprise him. Legolas was an Elf and, as all of his kin, proud and strong-minded, and the ranger knew that had he not raised and spoken no doubt another Elf from his company would have interrupted Boromir in his attempts of persuading them to use it against the Dark Lord. But it was his choice of words which now haunted the ranger, his pointing out who he really were – the future king of Gondor. Legolas could have easily found another way of holding back Boromir, without explicitly telling the entire assembled council of Aragorn's heirdom, and the knowledge that the Elf blurted out his status, which to that time had been officially secret, was most unnerving. Furthermore, the Elven archer did not act as if he believed an error occurred on his side, while Aragorn feared that a great damage was done concerning Denethor's son. He did not trust Boromir, and had not from the start, where he saw him before the shrine containing the shards of Narsil, and the Gondorian's animosity towards himself, now undoubtedly, was even greater than at their first meeting. Suppressed anger let Aragorn draw the whetstone vigorously over the already generously sharpened blade, and he felt his intentions of calming down not working as he had hoped. With every stroke he grew angrier at the Elf, and at himself for his fruitless attempts of ridding his mind of the continuously echoing words spoken at the council. Not only had Legolas spoken where he should have let Aragorn himself settle the matter, he had made it sound like an announcement, using the title he did not want, and letting him look like a celebrity. Words spoken to his defence, while he needed nobody to do so for him, and Legolas should have known that he felt that way, or he would have told them himself. Where at first he had understood the Mirkwood prince's interaction, agreed with his interruption in the two men's argument, he could not help but feel displeased at his insolence for speaking in his stead, as the situation was laden anyhow. Although he could not have known then that they would go on the mission together, he had nevertheless managed to make it even more difficult with his voicing facts that were not his to reveal, as if their quest did not already hardly stand a chance to succeed. Aragorn sighed, and stopped his ministrations. He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, desperately trying to regain his composure. He was totally unfamiliar with so little control over himself, and that made it all just a little more unbearable. He was facing a long journey with a warrior who disliked him, and longed for the Ring's power. On the pro side, the ranger shared a long friendship with Legolas, which should help handle the situation, not worsen it. Knowing it best to rid himself of any bothersome thoughts and feelings before starting on the mission, and that he would only succeed when talking to the Elf, Aragorn laid aside his sword. Feeling somewhat at ease with the decision he still could not keep himself from wondering which steps might be necessary to persuade Legolas from any more such actions, as he stepped out into the corridor. *********************************************************** Meanwhile the son of Denethor paced wildly up and down in his chambers. He could not find the peace of mind to sit and ponder the situation and the way things had developed during the council. He had sensed a superior air about Aragorn when they met the previous evening, and had felt his staring at him as he regarded both the painting of Isildur and the shards of his mighty sword in the shrine. Now that he knew that the grubby ranger was Isildur's heir, and would claim what rightfully should be his, he disliked him even more. There had been a long line of stewards in Gondor for several generations without the need of a king, and he felt that had not changed. Apart from that, the other man acted so much like an Elf he had no right to become king of men, if he did not consider himself amongst mankind. Furthermore, he had neither the courage nor the decency of informing them of his true heritage himself, but had his pet Elf do it for him. Boromir could still vividly see the slender form of Legolas before him, as he stood so suddenly, so full of himself as he spoke of Aragorn, as if the ranger were the most important person in Middle-Earth. The proud look on his face showed nothing less than disgust for Boromir, and the sublimity of the Elven race compared to him, while addressing him as if he were a child. It had been long years since anybody had treated him thusly, and he felt outraged that an Elf would have the nerve to do so in front of an assembly. Especially when said Elf was so quick to obey the order of the ranger. Although Boromir did not understand the words spoken in Elvish, Legolas had retorted nothing and returned to his seat immediately. Boromir swung his fist wildly through the air while continuing his pacing. He was so furious at Legolas for his rude snapping at him, and the longer he thought about it, the more he became certain that the relationship between the ranger and the wood-Elf exceeded mere friendship. He had heard rumours about the perverse way Elves were openly prepared to share their bed with either sex, and judging by the facts that Aragorn had been raised by Elves and was permanently in their company, the Gondorian felt he stood good chances to be right with his assumptions. If possible, he was even more disgruntled after making up his mind about that matter, and although his anger should have also been projected towards the man as he was the releaser for all the trouble, he found himself fuming mainly because of the Elf. After the little presentation of his readiness to do as the ranger told him, he had sunk even lower in Boromir's esteem. Furthermore, he had dared to correct him in front of all the members of the council, in a manner that was highly unbecoming for a respectable warrior like himself. "That Elf needs a lesson in manners," Boromir muttered to himself, while pacing ceaselessly in front of the window, "and I should much like to be the one to teach him." Just then he noticed a figure leave the house and head towards the forest, and looking closer, Boromir found it to be just the archer causing his bothersome thoughts. His gaze followed him, curious whom he would meet, but the Elf continued alone, not stopping to wait for or joining anyone along the path. Sensing that now was maybe his last chance to find the Elf without company, in his mind putting an emphasis especially on company of the ranger, Boromir quickly left his room and rushed to follow the archer. He was eager to let him know how wrong his judgement of him was, if he believed he could treat an important warrior like him in such a manner and go unpunished. *********************************************************** At the same time, in another room of the Last Homely House, Legolas lay peacefully on his bed, hands neatly folded on his stomach. Oblivious to the feelings his words at the council of Elrond had provoked in the two men, he had spent the last hour regenerating himself in the Elven form of sleep, with his eyes open and his mind wandering freely, completely at ease with himself and his surroundings. After the meeting he had returned to his chamber with no bigger plans in mind, and as their quest was to begin in only a few short days time, the Elven prince decided he would treat himself to a quiet time-out before. The end of their mission, considered they should manage to do what they set out to do, was unforeseeable, and the prospects on the way where he would be able to tend to himself were rather poor, to say the least, also because their success was more important than their personal well-being. Taking all those facts together, Legolas decided to go down to the hidden lake in the forest behind the house of Lord Elrond for a refreshing soak, but only after a little nap. Waking up from his sleep, the blond archer sat up and stretched leisurely. He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and went over to the table where he sat down gracefully on a chair. Taking up a brush he began stroking the tangles out of his shiny hair and re-plaited his braids. Talented fingers needed no longer than a few minutes to fulfil that task, and getting up he reached for his jerkin, having placed it over the back of the chair when he had first entered the room. Legolas swiftly got into the close-fitting green garment, and headed towards the door. His mind was running before him as he placed one foot quietly before the other, seeing in his mind the still surface of the water which would soon open up for his body and become the source of peacefulness for this afternoon, away from disturbances and allowing him to forget the matter of the Ring for a few hours. Chapter 2 Setting out Legolas had only made a few steps into the forest when he heard two Elves coming towards him, talking softly, and he recognised the voices of Elladan and Elrohir, Lord Elrond's twin sons. He smiled to himself, wondering what indecency they had been busy with to bring them to such high spirits, as the clear ringing of their laughter reached his ears. “Legolas,” he heard one of them call, “where are you heading to, all alone? 'Tis a shame not to share your charming company with others.” A moment later the two brothers emerged from between the trees and stood before the Elf prince, their dark hair still damp and wetting the necks and shoulders of their tunics. “I am seeking the lake,” Legolas answered, “and I consider myself lucky as you have seemingly finished your bathing and I will find it no longer occupied.” “That, my dear Prince, I do not call luck,” Elrohir said. “You have just missed out on a exquisite massage from Elladan, who has the most talented hands in Imladris.” “I thought your father held that title,” the archer replied slyly. The ebony-haired Elves laughed, and Elladan said, turning serious again, and with a meaningful look on his face, “I would greatly appreciate you finding out for yourself.” “Aye, we both would,” Elrohir added, laying his arm around his brother's shoulder, and closing in on the fair Elf. Legolas raised an eyebrow at hearing that, but did not back away. “Are you trying to seduce me?” “As if we would have the nerve to do something in the likes of that!” Elrohir said, forcing a shocked expression onto his face. “It was merely an offer, and one for you to decide your reactions as you see fit.” “But I do not really have a choice,” Legolas continued, more to himself than to the other Elves. “And I would feel rather imprudent casting such an opportunity aside.” Elladan smiled, and leaned back against the chest of his brother while eyeing Legolas admiringly. “You most surely live up to your reputation of a not only stunningly beautiful but also very wise Elf. I am very much looking forward to our next meeting, hopefully in a less ... dressed manner.” “I would rather not put it off for too long, though, as you will be leaving soon,” Elrohir thought aloud. “How would tomorrow suit you, at this time at the lake?” “Very well,” Legolas answered, “I will be there.” “Undressed,” Elladan added smiling. “With as much or as little clothing as you,” he retorted, “lest there be any unwanted disadvantages meddling our plans.” Having decided the next day's program, Legolas continued his way into the forest, leaving the brothers to take the path back to the house, with the clear voices of the ebony- haired couple lingering in the air, as well as in the prince's mind. *********************************************************** “Just you wait,” Boromir muttered to himself. “I will teach you the correct manners to show towards the next Stewart of Gondor.” With long strides he crossed the entrance hall and stepped out into the bright afternoon sun. The Elf was nowhere to be seen, but he remembered the path he had seen him take from his room, and followed it into the slightly gloomy forest. The warrior had just left the clear open behind him when he nearly ran into two Elves, exactly identical and not making a sound even on the uneven forest floor. Boromir looked up angrily and shoved past them, not granting them a single word of either apology or greeting. He did not have the time for courtesies and had just glimpsed a fleeting look of the green tunic his pray was wearing before vanishing between the trees. “Damn those Elves”, he continued his mumbling. “Decent folk do not sneak around like that.” Quickening his pace, he hurried after him, not even trying to keep his step quiet, as he knew he would be heard even if he did his best to tread softly. Apart from that he was much too upset to worry about that as well, and simply barged through the trees without loosing eye contact with the slender form ahead of him. *********************************************************** When Aragorn entered the main entrance hall, he saw Boromir ahead of him, hastily leaving the room. By the looks of it, he was talking to himself, wildly gesticulating with his arms in the air. He wondered where the son of Gondor was going to, as he hadn’t been to Rivendell before and knew nothing of the mostly hidden places his foster father’s realm had to offer. But his mind was otherwise occupied as to ponder the riddle of Boromir’s intentions, and followed the man into the open. Aragorn was sure he would find the Elf somewhere in the garden, for the connection between nature and the fair kindred held the most solace and peace Legolas was bound to look for before setting out on their mission. Aragorn had only just turned to make for the direction of the gardens when he saw two familiar looking Elves coming out of the forest towards him, one leaning on the shoulders of the other. Going by their laughter they were in especially good mood, and feeling he could do with some brotherly encouragement, he stopped and waited for them to meet with him. “What mischief, pray tell, would you be up to?” the man asked, raising an eyebrow, seeing the broad smiles over the Elves’ fair faces. “You always adopt the most dramatic thoughts towards our pass-times,” Elladan said, still smiling. “I know not whether to think that a compliment to our ingenuity or an insult to our modesty.” “Modesty, I believe, is a word utterly unemployable when referring to you,” Aragorn replied, a smile breaking over his features, also. Elrohir snorted a laugh. “Aye, you may be right. But what are your plans for this beautiful afternoon? And, more importantly, what caused you to wear such a bitter frown just a moment ago?” Aragorn paused before answering too quickly. He had not been aware of showing his distress so clearly, and was not sure whether he wanted to inform his brothers of the whole affair, as they would most likely misinterpret the situation, and turn it into something much more amusing in their eyes. Instead of revealing his thoughts, he asked, “You have not per chance met Legolas of late?” Astonished the man witnessed a short smile shared among the dark Elves before Elrohir answered, “Aye, we did. ‘Twas mere minutes ago when we talked to him.” “You do not happen to know where he is now?” Aragorn inquired further. Now it was the Elves’ turn to raise eyebrows. “As a matter of fact, we do,” Elladan answered. “But just what would be your reasons for looking for him?” “I am aware of the direction your thoughts must be taking at hearing this, but I assure you it has nothing to do with matters you usually engage in,” the mortal replied, growing slightly annoyed at where the conversation was headed as he had feared something like it before he confessed his search. “I merely want to talk to him.” “I have always thought you talked too much, dear brother,” Elladan smiled, but was interrupted by Elrohir, a fake touch of indignation tinting his voice. “What do you mean with *matters we usually engage in*? I am sorry, but I do not understand the meaning of your insinuations.” Aragorn sighed and looked at the two identical Elves with growing sureness that they were successfully wasting his time and not helping him at all. Reassured by their previous flirt with the Mirkwood Elf, Elladan decided to tempt his mortal brother with some of their so-called unbecoming activities. He stepped close to him, and said in a low conspiring manner, “We met him on his way to the lake. To have a bath, and soak his sore limbs. Completely nude, only with nature to accompany him.” The other Elf soon understood what his minutely elder sibling had in mind, and added, his voice no more than a whisper, “And as far as I could see he did not even bother to bring a towel and will have to sun-dry. A cruel display of irresponsibility, do you not think?” Aragorn felt himself blush and could not help but feel his stomach stir at the picture manifesting in his mind of a wet Legolas letting the sun lick the drops off his skin. He shook his head determinedly to chase away that vision, and was angrier at himself for reacting thusly as at his brothers who were just behaving like they always did. Seemingly everything they ever did or spoke about was related to sexual topics, and he should be used to it by now. Trying desperately to keep a calm appearance, he managed to growl only softly, “I thank you ever so much for your cooperation.” Elladan laughed at his grim facial expression, and replied lightly, “I believe we now have earned ourselves a favor for helping, but of course not exceeding its worth.” “No need to fret,” his brother put in, “it will only be a small favor.” Aragorn sighed, and prepared himself mentally awaiting their no doubt unsuitable conditions. “Do tell us about your meeting with the fair prince,” Elladan continued. “You would make ever the gorgeous couple.” “What? I cannot believe what are you suggesting!” the man burst out rather taken aback. “I do not ... and Legolas would neither ... you two are really ...” he stammered incoherently. His brothers fooling around was one thing, but getting him involved in the same indecent relationships was mere effrontery. Elrohir smiled sidewise at his twin, then addressed Aragorn, winking meaningfully, “You may be quite mistaken concerning Legolas’ preferences, dear brother.” He paused and let the ranger absorb his last words before continuing in a more earnest manner, “Do not let prejudices smite what has not yet had the chance to develop.” Aragorn frowned, and opened his mouth to reply, but found Elladan’s forefinger coming to his lips, silencing him. “Have fun, brother,” the ebony-haired Elf said, “and do not forget to let us in on some detail.” With that, the Elves turned and took up their walking towards the house with their arms linked, and leaving the ranger in a rather confused state of mind. Aragorn felt certain that Elladan and Elrohir could not have spoken true with their last statement, but as much as he wanted to believe that, his brothers were no liars, even though he could not imagine the prince of Mirkwood finding enjoyment in activities they had tried to assure him of just now. He nevertheless felt that highly inappropriate stir in his stomach again when images of the fair Elf flashed up in his head, and had to force himself not to think of him in such a way – Legolas was his friend, and moreover, he had never before had such strange feelings towards a male, and did not particularly think it appropriate, heedless of his brothers' view to that subject. With his feelings in an even greater uproar than before he guided his steps towards the forest, completely unsure of how he was to handle the problem at hand. Not only had he to find appropriate words to convince Legolas of his erring at the council, whereas he did not even know where to begin the conversation, now he had simultaneously to keep his minds from wandering in the direction of the sight the naked Elf would offer. *********************************************************** Legolas parted from the two Rivendell-Elves in good humour, and let his thoughts drift now not only to the peaceful solitude of the hidden lake, but also to the pleasures he would find in the hands of the twins. In all his years he had bedded many Elves, who were a naturally good looking folk, but the fact that Elrond’s sons were so much alike provided him with even greater joy when dreaming of their planned get-together. But his thoughts were soon disturbed by a loud crashing through the undergrowth behind him, and the prince of Mirkwood glanced over his shoulder wonderingly. What creature could possibly cause so much noise, barging ahead with no consideration for the destruction of nature’s beauty? Of course. A man. Boromir son of Denethor was storming in his direction, and visibly furious. His hands were clenched to fists and the Elf’s ears could clearly perceive grumbled mutterings, although his words seemed not to make much sense, but were generally insults towards the Elven race. Legolas characteristically raised an eyebrow in astonishment, but chose not to fathom what had caused the Gondorian to take on such a fowl temper. Instead, he started into a light run, the impact his soft boots made with the ground still completely soundless, and soon the human’s grumbling behind him faded into nothing. *********************************************************** Boromir stopped short in his tracks, and looked around. The Elf had vanished from his vision, and of course without any audible signs of to where he should look for him. “You blasted rotten damn Elf!” he shouted, and kicked furiously against the next tree in his reach. The sudden pain in his foot made him draw in his breath, and he grumbled through gritted teeth, “Just you wait till I get my hands on you, and you will be sorry. Oh, you will be so sorry ...” He trudged on, unable to find the way Legolas had taken – there were no broken branches nor imprints on the ground, due to the fashion of the fair kindred to pass by unnoticed. The only sounds to be heard were made by himself. *********************************************************** His footfall nearly as light as that of an Elf, the ranger made his way through the forest. He knew it was useless to look out for Legolas, for he would not only be far ahead, but also too quiet for even his, compared to other human’s, sharpened senses, and furthermore, he knew where he would finally catch up with him. Having grown up in Rivendell, he knew the way to the quite hidden lake, but this time he had to concentrate hard on finding the path he had used so often over the years. Nothing he tried would stop the disturbing pictures of the blond Elf popping up in his mind, and despite all his efforts he found his thoughts returning to him lying stretched out in the sun, or floating peacefully in the water, with lazy waves lapping up around his slender body, caressing him softly with nature’s slow movements ... Cursing himself and wondering whether sick minds could be hereditary without the need of being directly related by blood, or maybe even contagious, and he had picked up something weird from Elladan and Elrohir a few minutes earlier, he suddenly heard a noise to his left. He could clearly hear somebody, or something, trampling along not far away. Whatever it was, it was making a tremendous din, and Aragorn was about to reach for his sword in defence, when he realised he had left it in his chamber. *********************************************************** The tall trees slowly grew less dense before opening into a clearing. With its surface glimmering in the afternoon sun the lake lay before him, completely still, and Legolas was so eager to let its calmness engulf his body that he momentarily forgot even the prospects the following day held for him and the appalling twins, as well as the peculiar acting man he had seen on his way - although in his opinion all men had a natural tendency to acting weird. He quickly discarded his clothing and placed them in a neat pile at the edge of the lake. He folded them carefully, for even though he longed to get into the water he saw no reason in having to walk back to the house crinkled. The only sound breaking the quietness were the birds whistling in the trees, and as the blond archer stepped into the water, he believed himself in the utmost possible state of well-being. Swimming slowly towards the centre of the lake where a big rock stood a good three feet above the surface Legolas relished the feeling the cold water combined with the warmth of the sun had on his skin. He circled around the rock once, and then settled himself against it, facing the sun. Holding his body up with his arms stretched out sidewise on the stone he closed his eyes and tread water, permitting his thoughts to return to the more active matters he would be engaging in this time tomorrow. *********************************************************** Just as Aragorn began arguing with himself as to whether to proceed towards the unknown source of disturbance without a weapon, and rely on the advantage the element of surprise his sudden appearance would grant him, or stay back to watch whence the stranger would go, he heard said stranger grumble something about “damn androgynous Elves”. Boromir. ‘What in the name of the Valar is he doing alone in the forest?’ Aragorn thought to himself. ‘By the looks of it, getting lost.’ With the situation having suddenly relaxed, he chuckled softly to himself, and decided to offer the warrior his help to get back to the house. Walking towards him, he called out, “Boromir, are you looking for something?” The Gondorian raised his head in surprise and glanced at the man addressing him, but his astonishment was soon replaced by comprehension once looking into Aragorn's face. He had not heard anyone coming near, and this ranger had adopted the same habit of sneaking around from his weird Elven foster family. “What is that to you?” he growled. His anger at the Elf had been ever increasing since he had lost both track of his prey and of the path, and now he had very much reached the highest possible degree of agitation and felt it would not take much more to cause an emotional outburst. And Boromir thought that if this awful Elf-man would cop it, it was absolutely acceptable. Aragorn was somewhat unsettled at being talked to so aggressively, and answered in a what he hoped was a diplomatic manner, “I just thought you might accept a guide in a forest foreign to you.” The other man grunted his disapproval, annoyed at how the ranger had managed not to let it sound like he was in need for aid. “What are you doing here anyway? Most likely getting lost yourself,” he grumbled. “Nay, that I am not”, the ranger replied, and, to ease the tension between them, added, “Should you really care to know, I am on my way to meet Legolas.” All right, Legolas did not yet know of his luck, but there was no need to be too honest, was there? That only sent another disparaging sound over the warrior's lips. “Going to bang your compliant little pet Elf, eh?” he asked, a dangerously soft tinge to his voice. He had known it all along anyway, three cheers for Gondorian predictions. “What?” Aragorn choked out. That was the second accusation of that kind on the same day, and he could really not think of a reason for everybody to think that of him. Apart from that, he could live with it coming from his brothers, but it was absolutely none of Boromir's business! He forced his voice to stay calm when retorting, “Whence you get such ideas I honestly do not know and I would rather you keep them to yourself should you have more of the kind to offer. I have nothing of the sort in mind.” “Of course not.” Boromir's voice was by now dripping with sarcasm. “It was only by sheer coincidence that he set out for a walk on his own, into the most remote place of the entire wood.” The words were spoken before Boromir realised what he had said. He desperately hoped the other man would not notice his mistake, and rather rant along and, as before, disclaim any such intentions. But unfortunately, he did not. “So that is the reason you ended up lost, is it? You followed him and he did not appreciate your company and decided to get rid of his bothersome appendage?” Aragorn said, growing rather amused at the thought. Boromir on the other hand did not in the least like the idea of being laughed at by a crazy Elf-lover, who furthermore did not even admit such a most obvious fact. But Aragorn showed no signs as to intending to stop his questions. “Why did you run after him in the first place? To have yourself a poke with our fair companion before departing? Did the prospects of our mission remind you of all the beautiful maidens you would not be able to get your hands on during that length of time? Did you just want to let off some pent up desires, and assumed the Elf prince’s beauty would aid yourself into easily imagining yourself in the arms of a woman?” his voice grew steadily louder as he worked himself up to the idea which had manifested in his mind, and he was more offended by the thought than he at first would have admitted to himself. The other man knew for a fact that he really was full of pent up feelings, but surely not in the likes of those the ranger accused him of having. Gritting his teeth he stepped up to Aragorn, shaking with suppressed anger, and spat, “Do not dare project your sick tendencies onto me, ranger. You would screw that Elf before I had the chance to turn away to spare myself the sight.” “Watch your tongue, you know not what you are talking,” Aragorn answered, moving closer to the Gondorian until their chests nearly touched and they were growling directly into each other’s faces. “Excuse me very much, but would you mind stop talking of me in the third person, as if I were not present?” a melodious voice remarked calmly from behind them. Chapter 3 Unforeseen Changes in Plans Both men froze on the spot, and Aragorn rolled his eyes at himself for not noticing how close they had come to the lake. The Elf must have heard every word that had passed between them, and the Valar only knew why he had kept silent until now. ‘Most possibly out of sheer curiosity at the display of human stupidity we offered him’, he thought, kicking himself mentally. “I did come here to find some peace, you know,” Legolas called out, “and your shouting has completely destroyed the calm atmosphere. So either come and get it over with, or please leave.” Aragorn sighed, and lead the way between the trees towards the clearing. The Gondorian followed him, silently cursing himself for coming so close to his goal without knowing and running into this very annoying ranger. He nearly bumped into the man in front of him and, raising his eyes, he understood what had caused the other to stop short in his tracks. Before his eyes lay a lake, with hardly any ripples disturbing its still surface, and in the very centre was the Elf, resting against a large rock. His arms on the stone shone with wetness, as did the visible upper part of his chest, and his golden hair showed the natural wildness after being dried in the sun, tangled and with the braids partly undone, so seldom seen on Elves. “Well now, what is bothering you?” Legolas asked. Aragorn found himself at a total loss for words, as he stared at the gorgeous being before him. Without even the slightest attempt to try not to, his eyes wandered all over the Elf's exposed body, inevitably coming to rest on his hidden sex, as if he could make the water vanish by sheer willpower. Seeing as the ranger obviously was too busy drooling, Boromir seized the opportunity and began to speak. “I was seeking your attention to discuss the subject of keeping up our acquaintance in future,” he started rather formally. The prince of Mirkwood could not leave his eyebrows to rest. “What would you like to discuss in that matter?” “What would I-?” the warrior began, growing annoyed at the way the Elf pretended not to understand. “I am not used to being treated as an inferior, and I have no intentions to accept your doing so. I demand you to leave your usual disparaging attitude behind when dealing with me.” Legolas shrugged his shoulders, and answered calmly, “If you feel you have been treated in an unjust manner, I am sorry. I hope my previous actions have done nothing to endanger our future relationship.” Mortals were so easily offended, he thought it no great wonderment that Elves tended to stay amongst themselves whenever they had the chance. Boromir opened his mouth to return a sharp remark, but finding the Elf so obliging, remained quiet. As did the man next to him, who had seemingly forgotten why he had come, and was content with staring at the bathing archer. The latter finally broke the silence, and having noticed right from the start the way the ranger was looking at him, proposed softly, “You as well might continue your keeping quiet in here - the water is just fabulous.” “Aye, that would certainly be just to the ranger's liking,” Boromir muttered with a sidelong glance at the man. Hearing the Gondorian speak of him, although as usual rather impolitely, Aragorn snapped out of his reverie. Uselessly he hoped that he had not been too obviously staring, and said, “I did never indicate anything of that kind, 'twas mere delusions on your part -” “Do not act as if I were a fool,” Boromir snapped. “I believe what I see. And you,” at that, he pointed a finger meaningfully at the other man, “are nearly causing the lake to overflow with your drooling.” “Who do you think you are, accusing me of-” Aragorn began, but was quickly interrupted. “Those are no accusations! You have the hots for him, it is most sickeningly obvious! I at least am not so damn secretive about my intentions! I planned to set things right with him, and-” For the second time that day, he noticed he had let the proverbial cat out of the bag, and he groaned in desperation at his bad temper. “So you wanted to teach me a lesson?” Legolas asked, shifting his position into a more comfortable one, his voice tingling with interest. “Because of my intolerable superiority towards you?” He giggled suddenly, as he proved himself right yet again about the prissy humans. “And what were your reasons, Aragorn?” he asked, turning his attention towards the other man, who could not manage to get himself under control, no matter how determinedly he claimed the opposite. “What did I do to you to enrage you so much to come here and burst in on me during my bath?” The ranger rather atypically began to stammer something about having forgotten, not finding any appropriate words and feeling an utter fool for having overreacted so childishly. The blond Elf looked from one to the other, and could not help but laugh at the sight of two grown men behaving so immature. “You had better start your teaching, because up until now I have learned absolutely nothing. Unless you care to count a rather pathetic exhibition of stubbornness and raging anger. Oh, and badly concealed desire,” he added, with a smirk towards Aragorn, who blushed madly and began to study the ground at his feet. “Could you stop that!” Boromir burst out. “I am no child, so do not talk to me as if it were so!” “I am awfully sorry,” Legolas said, while very obviously not meaning it at all. “Your behaviour did not greatly provide me with proof of your maturity.” “And your arrogant behaviour will one day cause you more problems than any human wrath could do, even to those particularly in danger of throwing fits of rage!” the warrior shouted. “Pray tell, of what kind would those problems be?” the Elf inquired, a queer smile spreading over his fair features. “How would you keep me from acting so unfairly superior towards you?” “I did not in particular speak of myself as the bearer of your personal sticky end,” Boromir answered uneasily, trying to talk himself out of the mess he had inflicted upon himself. “Aye, but please go on. What would you do to me to make me succumb to your wishes?” the Elf continued, greatly enjoying himself in the role of the inflictor of situations upon the two men where they felt helpless. Aragorn and Boromir exchanged a quick glance as they both wondered what the archer had in mind, his questions apparently heading nowhere. Looking back at Legolas, they saw that he had left the centre, and was swimming gracefully towards them. The ranger could not take his eyes off the slender shape of the Elf slowly coming out of the water. Once he came near enough to the shore to stand, he walked up to them, and the sight of his body being released by the water nearly caused Aragorn forgetting to breathe. He was smooth, perfect, immaculate. And completely naked. The picture which had haunted him from the moment his brothers had spoken of him, did not reach the true beauty he was offered now by far. “If you were to be the bearer, what would your message be?” Legolas asked softly while coming close enough to the gondorian warrior to look him eye to eye. Boromir shifted uneasily under the Elf's scrutinizing gaze, not to mention the unfamiliar proximity with his naked body. “You would surely use these large hands to fortify your tidings, would you not?” he asked further, taking one into both his own. “Mere talking does just not sound like you.” “What in all of Middle-Earth are you going on about?” Boromir gasped, snatching back his hand, completely confused. Slowly, the archer pulled up his eyebrow again. “Do not pretend you are not attracted towards me, I know you are. As is our ranger,” he said, glancing over to Aragorn, who had taken to staring all over again, “even if he tends to show it in a more clear way than you do.” Aghast, Boromir stepped back. “How dare you compare me with him,” he barked. “I am no Elf-lover as he, take my word on it. And you can be as starkers as you like, nothing will change my opinion in that matter!” “Is that so? Well, then our ranger definitely proves a more delicate taste than you,” Legolas smiled sweetly. “And, besides, your words belie you, son of Gondor. I can see you growing hard even through your trousers.” A sharp intake of breath let them know that the ranger was still there, and most vigilantly paying attention, while Boromir did not at all enjoy being the centre of attraction. “Choose carefully whom you throw yourself at, you just might come across someone who will not fall for you,” he growled, trying a dangerous touch, but in the present situation it sounded more like a lustful moan. “And if I were to check, would I have to learn that you were lying to me?” Legolas answered, his voice no more than a husky whisper as he closed the distance between himself and the man. Boromir felt his breath quicken, as he held the Elf's gaze. His next words were no more than a whisper. “You would not dare.” He knew that the blond archer had won as he felt a hand reach between his legs, where his private parts had miraculously developed a life of their own and were doing just what the Elf had predicted. But quite astonishingly, he did not mind being lectured this time, and as the Elf gently increased the pressure with his fingers, he closed his eyes and let out a soft moan. Legolas smiled slyly as the expression on the man's face changed from worry and strain to delight, and he moved his fingers along the hardening shaft hidden under the thick cloth of the trousers. Aragorn watched awestruck as the Elf touched the other man so intimately. At first he honestly believed such feelings inadequate, but right now he could not think of anything more natural. And, what more, he was jealous and frustrated that the stirring in his own loins should pass by unnoticed and uncared for. He felt even more left out as Boromir let his hands trail over the Elf's body, beginning rather gingerly at the hips, and moving higher over tight stomach and smooth chest towards strangely broad shoulders, slowly venturing into a firmer touch. Enjoying the gentle way the man's hands stroked over his body, he looked over to the third member of their group. He reached out a hand towards him and asked, “Would you not care to join us here, handsome?” The ranger blushed lightly at the name he had been given, but did not wait to be asked a second time. He took hold of the offered hand, and moved up to the two closely entwined bodies. He let his free hand rest shortly on the small of the archer's back before gently sliding down to the enticing curve of his behind. “You are quite the beauty,” he said, looking deeply into the Elf's eyes. Legolas smiled most alluringly. “Aye, that I have heard once or twice before. Rumours say that may be the reason why I always get what my heart desires.” He leaned close and kissed the man on the lips. Softly at first, but steadily growing more passionately, while removing his hand from Boromir's groin, to fill the gap between them with his body. Leaning fully against one man, and kissing another, the prince of Mirkwood believed he had finally uncovered the mystery about what mortals were really good at. Boromir looked up as he saw them engage in a heated kiss, and decided it was high time for himself to taste the Elf. Very rudely he interrupted them, and turned Legolas' face around to claim his lips himself. They were impossibly soft and his tongue never once stopped its exploring of his mouth, and he had the feeling the Elf could go on forever, had he not himself needed some air before continuing. Meanwhile, the ranger did not take any offence that Boromir had taken over, but moved behind the fair being instead. He ground his hips in slow deliberate movements against Legolas' backside, letting him feel his growing arousal. Legolas himself was delighted to be in the middle of a sandwich, and let out a low sigh at the feeling of two equally aroused manhoods pressing against him. Though, it was rather bothersome that they were both still very clothed. He thought he would best begin to change that, and stopped his hands from roaming over the warrior's body. Instead he reached under the tunic to the openings of the constrictive trousers. Boromir involuntarily broke their kiss, but the knowledge of where the Elf's nimble fingers were headed urged him to even harsher breathing. Besides, he was too acquainted with the many hindering hooks and eyes, clasps and belts the dressmaker had found necessary when tailoring his outfit to believe they could be opened with only half one's attention – even if the one happened to be an Elf. Sighing, he stepped back to tackle the problem himself, and did his best to shed the lot swiftly, without tearing it in the process. Aragorn had overseen the beginning procedure of clothes- shedding and was grateful that the only opening on his tunic was a lacing at its front. He quickly loosened it, and tore the piece of clothing over his head, kicking his boots off his feet at the same time. Thusly, when the Elf turned around, as the other man would visibly be busy for quite some time, he met with an impressively half naked ranger. “Why, you are a very appealing sight yourself,” he said, a light smile on his lips. “For a man, very much so.” Aragorn returned his smile, though felt rather awkward as the archer studied his body. When the Elf then sank to his knees in front of him, he simultaneously longed for discarding his trousers, and dreaded the moment of revelation, all of a sudden, and for the first time in his life, self-conscious. But Legolas was audibly content with what he found when pulling the ranger's leggings down over his well-muscled legs. He sighed his approval while aiding the man out of the garment, and placed a soft kiss on Aragorn's stomach, just below his navel. He had wilfully not yet touched the straining arousal which was already crying somewhat for attention, but teased the man further with easily brushing against it with the hollow of his throat whilst moving higher. Aragorn moaned heavily at the pleasures the Elf inflicted upon him, and once he had finished his journey of kisses over his torso, he found his moans swallowed in the fair beauty's tender mouth. The ranger closed his arms around his shoulders, and suddenly felt his hands come in contact with the hairy chest of Boromir. The Gondorian had finally finished getting out of his clothing and had joined them again, finding their positions had changed so that he was now confronted with the Elf's appealing behind. Then he suddenly felt his future king's mouth upon his own, kissing him over the Elf's shoulder, and urging them even closer together. At feeling the man on the other side of the Elven archer, Aragorn had decided it high time to officially pronounce it a three-way meeting. And although he had rather not parted with Legolas, the warrior proved a good substitute, and not at all prepared to lose a battle, not even if its only participants were their tongues. The centre of the Elf sandwich however, was feeling the need for a bit more action, regardless of how enhancing his present position was, and also that the men had momentarily laid aside their previous disparity of views. Aragorn's hands had paused their skimming over his body, and were now busy in tweaking his nipples, and the Gondorian was embracing him tightly while exploring the hairiness of the ranger's chest accompanied by his own fingers. Reaching behind, he took hold of Boromir's throbbing member, gripping it harder than necessary to get his attention. The man quickly stopped his attack on Aragorn's mouth, even if he thusly admitted losing the contest, and rested his forehead on the Elf's shoulder, breathing heavily. “Would you not share yourself with another?” Legolas breathed seductively, “if he asked you nicely?” Aragorn caught a glance from the Elf, and grinned. Winking at the archer, he took hold of Boromir's hand and slowly slipped one finger into his mouth. While he sucked it to wetness, the moans from the warrior increased, and he started pumping into Legolas' hand, but he was rewarded by a very unimpressed squeeze to his cock, hard enough to hurt. “Do not hurry things,” he said sweetly, “we have nearly finished the preparations.” Legolas then nodded to Aragorn, the man released the finger from his mouth. Quickly, the man behind him used the digit to probe into the ring of muscle between the archer's cheeks. As if revenging the tight grip to his sensitive organ, he pushed into him harder than he would have needed, which led Legolas to a sharp intake of breath. The ranger did not want the ethereal beauty to feel more pain than necessary, and tried to distract him by ways of his own. He began kissing him passionately, catching every sound emanating from Legolas' soft mouth whilst Boromir added another finger and scissored the opening apart for the real action. He had a very hard time concentrating on not coming then and there, as his fingers plodded around in the delicious tightness of the Elf. At last he found the spot he was looking for, and moved his hand to hit it with every stroke, feeling Legolas push himself back onto his fingers in pleasure. Meanwhile, to the front of the Elf, Aragorn was busy with kissing and holding him in place, feeling Legolas' free hand grip him harder with every move the man made inside him. He tried hard to restrain his own want while rubbing his member against the Elf's, and silently awaited the signal for him to readjust his position. Finally, Boromir pulled back his hand, and gently pried the Elf's fingers away from around his penis. Legolas sighed in a rather disappointed manner as he felt the man back away, if only to make way for matters of even greater pleasure, but that was just what Aragorn had been waiting for. He knelt down and took the weeping Elfhood deep into his throat, just as the other man gripped the archer's hips firmly and sheathed himself inside the luxurious body before him. The heat and tightness which welcomed him there were nearly enough to undo him, and Boromir bit into the Elf's shoulder to keep from screaming out. Legolas however, after finally not having anybody restraining his voicing his feelings, decided to rather let them know of his pleasure. “Ai, quicker!” he cried, as every move Boromir made into him pushed him forwards into the hospitality of the ranger's mouth. Hearing Legolas cry out, knowing that it was by his doing the Elf was in such excitement, Boromir collected all his wits to concentrate on a few final, deep thrusts before finding his release. Only shortly after, Legolas in his turn reached his orgasm, and shot his hot seed down Aragorn's throat. He swallowed quickly, and licked the long shaft clean from the sweet stickiness. Boromir felt his legs could hold him up no longer, and slumped to the ground. He laid down on his back breathing heavily, the comprehension of what sick activities he had taken part in seemingly just settling in. But as hard as he tried, he could not regret it. Quite in the contrary, he felt quite smug about his accomplishment. Noticing movement behind him, the Elf prince lowered himself also. He rested himself between the man's legs as in an exquisite armchair, and looked over at the ranger, who was still kneeling. A smile spreading over his fair features, he began to stroke over his body, pausing shortly at his flaccid member, and spread his legs to let his hands trace along the insides of his thighs. Watching Aragorn closely, he whispered seductively, “You have a very talented mouth, my dear ranger. You might want me to return your kindness.” Under the amazed eyes of both men, Legolas gripped his Elfhood and leisurely began rubbing himself erect again. The man he was leaning against looked on spellbound, unable to avert his gaze from the flawless body sprawled out in front of him, nor of the quick readiness he performed for their enhancement, leaving no doubts about rumours of Elven abilities. The ranger caught the lascivious look of the other man, lowered himself to his hands and knees, and breathed, “Albeit your ethereal beauty, I am getting the impression that you are the embodiment of insatiability.” “I prefer to call it perseverance,” the Elf smiled wickedly, “and is it not a mark of good breeding to please others as thoroughly as oneself has been treated?” Boromir took that as a compliment to his previous settling of the situation and gave a grunt of approval. To Aragorn’s ears, it sounded like pure lust, and he decided to agree with him – surprisingly, he found he did that quite regularly of late. Legolas, in the meantime, was holding his cock tightly in one hand, getting close to the verge of ejaculation, while letting the other brush ceaselessly along the insides of his thighs. His face showed no signs of effort, barring the glint in his eyes, and the smile on his lips, which he showed so seldom, seemingly having them reserved for sexual moments such as these. The archer followed Aragorn’s moves intently, or rather his not moving at all, and leaned further back against the other man’s stomach. “I thought you would have chosen to take part in your reparation,” the archer said in a mocking tone, “but if you prefer to watch –“ He closed his eyes and rested his head on Boromir’s shoulder. His lips parted slightly, and the ranger could see the tip of his tongue between two rows of perfect teeth. Quickly, he moved closer to the tempting Elf, and laid his hand on the one around the straining prick to pause him in his administrations. Legolas opened his eyes half way, and regarded him from below his dark lashes. “‘So you want to have yourself a poke with our fair companion before departing?’” he smiled innocently, quoting Aragorn’s earlier conversation with Boromir, letting them know that he heard every word of it. Both men groaned in unison, as the Elf shattered what little hopes there were of him not overhearing their entire talk, which only brought a light chuckle over the Elf’s lips. “Come then, poke away. Give your ‘fair companion’ something to dream about during the journey, for he does not give an Orc’s fowl smell to all the maidens in entire Gondor.” Aragorn wondered how Legolas managed to think straight under these circumstances, for he most certainly could not. Thus, he said nothing, and kissed him instead, whilst lowering his body between the Elf’s spread legs. Legolas eagerly returned the kiss, and began sucking hard on the man’s tongue, imitating his actions on his cock of a few minutes before. He felt hands trail to his hips and hold him in a rather tight grip, probably done so rather unconsciously as he felt the throbbing length grind against his own. The ranger’s arousal had grown nearly painfully hard, and he was glad that the other man had already stretched the archer’s hole enough to skip the ordeal of holding on any longer to prepare him. The tip of his hard member touched against Legolas’ backside, and the moisture of the Gondorian’s seed there, together with his own pre-cum, provided enough lubrication for him to enter easily. The Elf moaned hoarsely at the slow sensation of the ranger’s thick shaft filling him, and leaned even further back against Boromir. The man propped himself up on his elbows to stay in a half-sitting position, and to steady the movements the couple made occupied in their love making. Watching them, he could not decide which one he wanted to swap places with more – Aragorn, who was sheathing himself in the tender body of the Elf, while he voiced his pleasure and arched his back for deeper penetration; or Legolas, as the tanned body of the ranger lay upon and pushed steadily inside him. The member of the Fellowship he had formerly despised most was slowly growing on him, and he would only too gladly take orders of whatever the other man wished, and accept him as his king and leader. Pushing into the archer’s tightness, Aragorn quickly neared his peak, and as he tried to hit the sweet spot inside his lover with every thrust, he rejoiced in the change in the Elf. His previously shown air of loftiness was gone, replaced by the most sexual look of wanton which urged his own body to quicken its pace, and never wanting to stop to keep that look for ever. With the ranger pumping madly inside him, Legolas cried out and clung to his shoulders in a desperate attempt of keeping the angle unchanged so that not one single move would miss its target. Then he felt a hand close around his hard member, stroking him in pace with their movements, and he screamed out in delight. While keeping a close watch on the happenings, Boromir had not realized how tired his arms had become. Slowly, as not to disturb the others who visibly could not be taking much longer, going by the quickened grunting (on the ranger’s side) and increasing yelling of “Ai!” and “Faster!” (from the frantic Elf) he laid down flat on his back. With the next thrust of the ranger, they both pushed down on the other man, who suddenly found himself in a much better position as before, even though he shortly felt the air pushed out of his lungs. He guided his hands, though tingling from the lack of blood circulation to his limbs, underneath the archer’s arms towards his chest and began roaming around there, ever so often tickled lightly by Aragorn’s bodily hairs stroking against the backs of his hands when thrusting into the Elf. Only a short time afterwards, Legolas arched his back, while holding the ranger’s shoulders in a nearly painful grip, and through his quickened breathing still managed to cry out loud as his orgasm shook his entire body. That is, it would have, had he not been so tightly pressed between the two men – one, with a final thrust, coming also and spilling his release into the slender Elf below him, and the other watching the spectacle magnetized, but nevertheless somewhat relieved at the prospects of not being squashed in the foreseeable future, furthermore, not underneath a wildly humping couple. After they had collapsed onto one heap, neither of them moved for a short while, and as Aragorn was the one on top, he was the first to untangle himself. His legs however did not yet find it necessary to obey him, and he slumped rather clumsily to one side of Boromir, and felt he would never get up again. The Elf followed in a much more graceful manner, and rolled smoothly off the Gondorian. Laying himself on one side, he rested his head lazily on one hand, and looked at the two men, sprawled out on their backs, too exhausted to move. Legolas smiled at them, a naughty glint in his blue eyes. “Of all dangers we may encounter on our way, I believe our mission is at least in no risk of becoming dull.” page 1