*Title: Echoes (Sequel to Silent Shouts)
*Author: Rutaari(pippa250@hotmail.com)
*Pairing(s): Aragorn/Legolas
*Rating: R
*Summary: Legolas and Aragorn are back in Gondor, believing that Legolas is
finally freed from his bondage, until a stranger shows up at the palace. It
looks like Legolas is not as free as he thought he was.
*Disclaimer: I don't own them. I only dream about them...
*Warning :Rape, violence
*Authors Note: This is the sequel to "Echoes" and "Silent Shouts". PLEASE read
those fics (in that order) FIRST! Otherwise, you miss some great stuff in this
fic. Also, please send feedback! It motivates me and keeps me writing!


******************
ECHOES
******************


Legolas stood in the dining hall of Gondor, among a group of old friends and
acquaintances. It was the first time he had seen most of these people since he
had been captured. Many of them had traveled from far places to see him again.
Aragorn had not told them of what had happened to Legolas. He had simply told
him that he had been taken hostage and held against his will by some common
thieves.

“Its good to have you back, Legolas.” Eruseen, an elf from Mirkwood said. “And
it is good to see you in such good health after all that has happened to you!”

“Aye!” All the men in the group cried and raised their glasses.
	
Legolas joined in on the cheer, but his heart was not in it. If only they knew
what had really happened, they would not be so quick to celebrate. Though it had
been nearly two months since his return to Gondor, Legolas’ soul was still not
completely healed from the emotional damage that had befallen him. He glanced at
Aragorn, and noticed that the man was looking at him worriedly.

“Excuse us gentlemen,” Aragorn interrupted the conversation that had started
between the men, “Legolas and I must see to some business. We will be back
shortly.”
	
Legolas followed Aragorn out the doors of the grand hall and down a corridor to
a deserted balcony at the end of the hall. He let out a sigh of relief for the
chance of getting away from the crowds of people. Crowds made him nervous. He
guessed that it was because of all the crowds at the brothel he had worked in.
When men got in crowds they did unforgivable things to eachother and others,
just for a laugh.
	
Aragorn pushed Legolas back to lean against the wall. He knew the elf was
feeling weak,  nervous about the people,  and the talk of his being away was
bringing back terrible memories for him.

“Perhaps we planned this too soon.” Aragorn mused outloud. “Are you alright?”
	
He put his hands on Legolas’ cheeks, framing the perfect face.  Legolas nodded
and let out another shuttering sigh.

“I will be fine.” He said, looking into the bright, blue eyes of the ranger. “I
just needed to get away for a moment.”

Aragorn kissed Legolas head and pulled the elf into a deep embrace.

“Just make sure you tell me if you start to feel as though you can not stand
another moment in there. I will quickly send them all away if you ask me to.”
Legolas’ head shook against the man’s shoulder.

“No, they are enjoying themselves.” He said. “I will last a few hours more.”
He pulled out of the embrace and leaned against the wall, collapsing to the
floor.

“Inya laa ilhanda lindoorea anta i ainu an allalta.” Legolas choked, and a tear
ran down his face. (I do not understand what causes my spirit to break.)
	
Aragorn swooned when he heard the elf speak his language, something he rarely
did in Gondor. Legolas made the words clear and light, and they danced across
his tongue. But the words he spoke now broke the ranger’s heart, and he knelt
beside the elf and took him in his arms. Legolas gave into the comfort of his
lover,  and he rested his head against Aragorn’s strong chest and let the king
rock him back and forth.

“Inya alasse ve il yal melme ya allalta.” Aragorn whispered into the pointed
ear. (I am glad it is not your heart that breaks.)

Legolas looked up at the ranger, staring deep into his eyes, and gave him a
soft, sweet kiss.

“Lau, ve i melme ya kuila.” He whispered, and smiled at the king. (No, it is my
heart that lives.)
	
Legolas rested his head against Aragorn’s, feeling the warm breath of the king
on his face. Aragorn lightly kissed the elf’s lips, and  waited for Legolas to
stand to return the hall. Legolas sighed and stood, offering his hand to Aragorn
to help the king stand. He took the hand and let Legolas pull him to his feet.

“Try to forget, Legolas. Just for tonight.” Aragorn told the elf softly, and
Legolas nodded his head. Aragorn put his arm around Legolas’ waist, comforting
and giving the elf support, as they both returned to the party.
	
Legolas stood, nearly two hours later, on a balcony overlooking the gardens of
Gondor. Aragorn had gone to see to the guests and thank them for coming. Legolas
could see the king down below, embracing his friends and wishing them well. The
elf smiled at the king, though he knew Aragorn did not see him. He worried about
the ranger. He did not wish to cause his lover trouble, but he knew that
Aragorn’s mind troubled over him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
Aragorn smiled at all the guests as they made their ways out of the palace of
Gondor. It had been good to see some of his old friends, especially the elves,
some of whom he had not seen since he was a young lad in Rivendell, and he was
known as Estel.
	
A face he did not know passed by his eyes, and Aragorn stopped the man with his
arm.

“Stranger,” He said, “I do not recognize your face.”
	
The man turned sharply to face Aragorn, a note of panic in his gesture. He
calmed himself before Aragorn noticed it.

“No.” He said. “You wouldn’t. I am an old friend of Legolas’.”

“Really?” Aragorn asked. “From when?”

The man paused.

“I was a slave with him.” He said quietly. “I came to see that he was alright.

Unfortunately, I never did get to speak to him.”

“Well, you must come see him.” Aragorn smiled, and started to lead the man
toward the balcony where he knew Legolas stood.

“What did you say your name was?”

“I didn’t.” The man replied somewhat coldly. “My name is Drava.”
	
Drava. Aragorn had heard the name before, but he could not remember where.
Perhaps Legolas had spoken of him at one time. He shrugged his shoulders and
continued to lead Drava up the stairs to the balcony.

“Legolas!” He called out. “There’s an old friend to see you!”
	
Drava stepped in front of Aragorn to greet the elf as he came through the
balcony doors. Legolas stopped in his tracks, his eyes wide, his body frozen in
fear. Aragorn jumped to catch him as Legolas tumbled to the floor, not seeing
the malicious grin that spread across the stranger’s face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
Aragorn caught Legolas just before he hit the ground.

“Legolas!” he shouted, shaking the elf gently.

“I think he was a little shocked to see me.” Drava said, plastering a worried
look onto his face.

“Just a little?” Aragorn questioned, picking up the elf. “Excuse me, I must take
him to his room.”
	
Aragorn walked quickly down the halls to his and Legolas’ chambers. He had a
growing feeling that this Drava was not who he claimed he was. Legolas had had a
look of pure terror in his eyes when he had seen the man. Aragorn threw open the
chamber door with his foot, and lay Legolas down on the bed inside. The elf
groaned as Aragorn’s hands let go of him, but his eyes remained glazed and
still, as an elf’s eyes did when he was asleep.
	
Aragorn looked over Legolas once, to make sure he was alright, and then kissed
the elf sweetly before leaving to find Drava. He must question the man who
caused his lover so much pain and fear.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
Drava crept along the hallways after the king of Gondor. The man was completely
ignorant of the fact that he was being followed. He was too worried about his
elf.
	
Drava stopped at a corner and watched Aragorn disappear into a room. He waited
until he saw the king leave, without the elf, and he snuck quietly into the bed
chamber, grinning as he saw the defenseless elf laying uncontious on the bed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
“Herunan!” Aragorn called to one of the guards standing near the dining hall.
“Go inform Captain Faramir that there is a stranger here who should not be. He
is a man, who calls himself Drava. I want him caught and brought to the
dungeons.”

The young guard nodded and hurried off to find the captain.
	
Aragorn decided to search by himself. He took off toward the hall, only half
expecting to see the man still there. He wasnt’. Aragorn hurried down to the
gardens, and began scanning the shadows for any sign of the man. A horn sounded,
and dozens of guards appeared out of the shadows, bustling about, searching for
Drava.
	
Aragorn relaxed a little, knowing his faithful army would not fail him. If
Drava was still in the palace, he would be found.
	
Aragorn walked slowly back to the chambers. His muscles  were tired and sore
from the exertions of the party. He couldn’t wait to kick off his boots, crawl
into bed, and slip his arms around the sleeping Legolas.
	
A piercing cry met his ears as he rounded the corner to the chamber. A kitchen
maid came flying out of the room, screeching, when Aragorn caught her.

“My lady, what is wrong?”

“My lord! He is gone! Legolas is gone!”She cried, and waved a piece of parchment
in the king’s face.
	
Aragorn grew icy cold, and his hands shook. He suddenly remembered where he had
heard Drava’s name. He was the man who had poisoned Legolas in the brothel.
Aragorn unfolded the parchment and read the words. “The slave is mine.”
	
Aragorn quickly gained control of his emotions and his need to simply burst
into tears. He quickly turned to the maiden.

“Go!” He said. “Fetch Captain Faramir and bring him here. Hurry!”
The terrified girl ran as fast as she could and disappeared around a corner.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
Legolas woke, but was not fully aware of where he was. His head ached, and his
arms and legs burned. He suddenly realized the was bound. He was on a bed, and
his wrists and ankles were tied tightly to the four bed posts. He started to
speak, but realized his mouth was gagged.
	
He felt hands roaming up and down his thighs, but they were not familiar hands.
He squirmed, trying to make the intimate gestures go away.

“Awake, little one?” A familiar voice said.
	
Legolas finally forced his vision to clear, and saw that he was in a one room
house, made of wood. The house was plain, with no decorations at all. The most
colorful thing in the room was the red bedsheet he lay captive on. Drava’s evil
face loomed down on him.
	
Legolas let out a muffled cry and yanked at his bonds, though he knew it was
hopeless.

“I hear you can talk again, elf.” Drava said. “But there is not a soul around
who will hear you.”
	
Legolas’ eyes filled with worry and fear, and a tear of frustration and terror
ran down his face. More than anything he wished he were in Aragorn’s strong arms
right now.

“We will have a fine life here.” Drava said, and ran his fingers down Legolas’
cheek. The elf turned his head, trying to avoid contact, and a sharp slap across
his face forced his head strait again.

“You are mine now, Legolas.” Drava growled. “You will obey me.”
	
He bent down and pressed his lips against Legolas’. Before the elf had time to
turn his head Drava grabbed his lower lip in his teeth and bit down, holding the
elf in place. Blood oozed out of Legolas’ lip, and he whimpered in pain. Drava
held on for a  moment, until he felt Legolas’ body go limp with submission, and
then let go.

“I will take the gag off,” he said, “but if you make one cry for help it will go
right back on.”
	
Legolas just stared at Drava. There was nothing he could do. Drava lifted the
elf’s head and untied the scarf that pulled at Legolas’ mouth. The prince worked
his jaw up and down, letting out the kinks that had grown in his muscles.
	
Drava walked across the room and opened a drawer. His large frame blocked
Legolas’ view, but when Drava turned around Legolas gasped.
	
In one hand Drava held the same sky blue, silk outfit that Avrole, Legolas’
master, had forced him to wear. In the other hand, he held the same chains that
had left permanent scars around Legolas’ wrists and ankles.
	
Drava grinned at the look of horror that came over his new slave’s face.

“You will wear them both.” he said, snapping one iron ring around Legolas’
wrist, smiling as it pinched the elf’s skin.

“Please...” Legolas pleaded, but was hushed by a hand that came over his face.

“Be silent.” Drava commanded, and buckled the rest of the bonds around Legolas’
extremities. Legolas whimpered, remembering how much the chains had rubbed his
skin and made him bleed.
	
Drava untied the ropes from the bed and Legolas bent his joints, glad to be
mobile again.

“Put them on.” Drava said, motioning to the silk outfit.
	
Legolas hesitated, and then slowly stood, inwardly cursing his chains for
mocking him with their clanking.
	
Drava kept both eyes on Legolas, ready to grab him if he tried to run.

“Take off your clothes.” He ordered.
	
Legolas’ face crinkled in worry, and he slowly began to pull off his tunic.

“Hurry up!” Drava yelled impatiently, causing Legolas to cringe.
	
Legolas yanked off his tunic and then slowly pulled off his trousers. He stood
frozen in front of Drava, the wicked man grinning at the sight of Legolas’
scarred body.
	
Drava finally tore his gave away and glanced at the blue clothes. Legolas
snatched up the familiar outfit and quickly pulled it on, glad to have
something, if not much, to hide his body from his new master’s gaze.
	
Satisfied, Drava stood.

“I must go out.” He said, and kissed Legolas on the lips. “You will remain
here.”
	
Her walked out the door, and Legolas heard it lock. He was trapped.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
Aragorn sprung onto Brego and waited for a moment for the dozen soldiers he was
taking to mount.

“I want every inch of the palace searched.” He commanded. “And every house, hut,
or castle in the woods outside searched. If you find Legolas, blow your horn.”
	
The soldiers nodded their understandings. Aragorn’s kingly side had taken over
for the moment, but inside his heart was skipping beats. Everyone knew that
Legolas was his lover, and now they would search until they found him.
	
The soldiers dispersed quickly, and Captain Faramir approached Aragorn. He
rested his hand on the king’s shoulder. It was more an act of friendship than of
simply being a servant of the king.

“Are you alright?” He asked.

Aragorn gazed out at the gardens.

“I love him with all my heart, Faramir.” Aragorn said. “I will not lose him
again. ”

“You will not.” Faramir soothed. “I will personally see to that.” And he wheeled
his horse and took off for the woods.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
Legolas pounded on every window and every door in the small house. Nothing
budged. He sat on the bed for a long time, and suddenly realising how late it
was, exhaust overtook him. He crawled into the sheets of the bed and curled up
into a fetal position, trying to comfort himself. Aragorn would come to find
him. He knew that. But could his love find him before Drava corrupted him again?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
Aragorn trotted Brego swiftly around the woods. It was nearly light outside
now, and he had seen no sign of Legolas. Faramir had reported that his soldiers
had seen nothing either. They were exhausted now, due to having no sleep at all
that night. It was time to switch them out. He turned Brego and headed back to
the castle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
Legolas awoke immidiantly when he heard Drava enter the house. He sprang out of
the bed, remembering the rules of slavery. He should not have slept in the bed.
Legolas sank to his knees, his eyes on the floor. He could see Drava’s feet
coming towards  him making intimidating thumps on the hard wood floor.

“The bed?” Drava sneered. Legolas could smell beer strongly on his breath, and
noticed that he wavered where he stood.

“I’m sorry...master.” He mumbled. “I forgot.”

“You forgot?” Drava asked.
	
Legolas opened his mouth to respond, but was thrown back as Drava backhanded
him. Legolas’ head hit the floor and his mind reeled. Blood dripped from his
cheek where Drava’s ring had slit his face.

“Please master....” Legolas pleaded, shielding his face with his arms, “I am
sorry.”

“Get in the bed.” Drava growled, ignoring Legolas’ plea.
	
Legolas hesitated. First he was punished for being in the bed, now Drava was
telling him to get in it. There was only one thing the cruel man could want.
	
Drava reached down and yanked Legolas onto the bed. He pulled out a key and
took off Legolas’ bonds, throwing them onto the floor with a clatter, and
climbed onto the bed with the elf. Legolas was shoved onto his back, and Drava
straddled him, holding him down.

“Please no!” Legolas begged, as Drava ripped his tunic off, exposing Legolas’
bare chest.
	
Drava ran his fingers across the scar that cut across Legolas’ abdomen, caused
by the surgery Aragorn had been forced to perform when he found Legolas.

“This was my doing?” Drava asked.

Legolas face contorted in hate, and he nodded his head.

“Yes.” He said so quietly it was barely audible.

Drava grinned wickedly.

“Its twin will be my doing as well.” He said, and started to pull off Legolas’
leggings.
	
The elf writhed, trying the get away. A strong fist met his stomach, and he
grabbed at his middle, trying to make the pain go away.
	
Legolas’ leggings were pulled off, and tossed on the floor, and Drava laid
himself down on top of the elf, trapping him and putting an end to his
struggles.
	
Legolas whimpered as a warm tongue was shoved in his mouth, and he silently
pleaded for Aragorn to save him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
Aragorn rode on, listening for any sounds of struggling, knowing Legolas would
not allow Drava to have an easy time with him. Faramir rode beside the king,
eyeing him, worried about the man.
	
A look of pain suddenly filled Aragorn’s eyes, and he let out a cry, clutching
his chest.

“Aragorn!” Faramir yelled as his king fell from his horse. He leapt to the
ground and ran to Aragorn. The man lay curled on the earth in agony. Faramir
lifted his head and looked into the king’s eyes.

“He has been raped.” He muttered, struggling to form the words.

“Gods...” Faramir groaned, rubbing his temples. “We must get you back.”

“No!” Aragorn protested, and sat up. “We must continue. The spell that had once
stopped Legolas from passing to the Halls of Mandros is gone. Drava will kill
him soon.”
	
Faramir’s eyes widened at Aragorn’s words, but he helped the king back onto his
horse.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
Legolas lay perfectly still, afraid of waking Drava. The man had had his way
with him, and now lay passed out next to the elf, an arm slung over Legolas’
waist. The sheets around him were sticky with blood.
	
Legolas’ backside burned and continued to ooze blood. He could feel his light
dimming. He had to escape. If nothing else, he had to see Aragorn one more time.
	
Legolas slowly lifted Drava’s arm and slipped under it. He placed it gently
back on the bed and padded silently across the floor. He quickly pulled on his
trousers and boots, and dug through Drava’s clothes on the floor until he found
the key to the door.  Legolas unlocked the door and crept out. He shut the door,
cursing the click of the lock.
	
The night was cold against his bare skin, but he did not have time to put on a
shirt. He tip-toed around to the back of the house and to a barn. A single horse
stood there.

“Horme, Inya narnaro naarmaari.”  Legolas begged of the beast, (“Please, I must
run away.”) and it turned, allowing Legolas to mount.
	
The elf was taking a step to spring onto the horse’s back, when he saw
something out of the corner of his eye, and all went dark.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
Legolas woke with a throbbing headache. He could taste blood on his lips and
smell it in the air. Reaching for his head, he realized he was bound again, and
laying on the bed, still wet with blood.

“What-?” he started, and then everything came flooding back to him.

“You’re back where you belong.” Drava’s voice came. “You’ve been out for a day
and a half.”
	
Legolas glared up at the man.

“You won’t get away that easily, elf.” Drava said, grabbing Legolas’ chin and
forcing his mouth open. “And you will be punished for every attempt you make.”
He grabbed a vial from a table and Legolas’ eyes grew wide.

“Yes,” Drava grinned, “After this you won’t have the strength to run.” He
uncorked the bottle with his teeth and dumped a large amount of the contents
into Legolas’ mouth. The elf’s stomach began to burn and his lungs were fighting
to keep bringing in air. He arched his back against the pain, and tried to curl
up, but the bonds held him down.

“Great stuff, tirnou is.” Drava smirked. “See how you feel come nightfall.”
	
The evil man checked the bonds to make sure they were tight, and left the
house, locking the door behind him.
	
Legolas fought for consciousness. He could feel a fever taking hold on him, and
his stomach churned. It wrenched once, and Legolas vomited on the bed beside
him. Another heavy heave followed, and soon dry heaves racked his body. Tears
streamed down his face until he finally passed out from the pain.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
A long time later Legolas woke. His mind reeled and his whole body ached.
Looking out the window, he could see the sun beginning to set. Drava would be
home soon.
	
Legolas yanked at the bonds, trying to get free. They wouldn’t budge. The elf
was about to admit defeat, when he saw a small, grey animal scurry across the
floor.

“Horme!” Legolas groaned. “Faire inye.” (Please, free me.)
	
The mouse stopped and looked at the elf on the bed. He had not seen an elf in
quite a while, but he knew that elves were good creatures, and would not harm an
innocent beast as himself.
	
The mouse scrambled up the bed post and onto the bed. He sat on Legolas’ wrist
and began to gnaw on the ropes. They were no match for his sharp dagger-like
teeth.  Before long, Legolas’ wrists were both free, and he painfully pulled
himself up and untied the ropes on his ankles. He stood slowly, feeling very
dizzy, and waited for a moment for his body to adjust to the upright position.

“Hanta, inye mel.” He whispered to the mouse. (“Thank you, my friend.”)
	
Legolas pulled his boots on and stumbled across the  the room,  searching for a
way out. His eyes finally settled on the fireplace. He crawled into the small
space, and found bricks inside that would act as footholds. He pulled himself
with great effort up the sooty wall, becoming covered in black ash. His hands
and feet lost their hold a few times, and he would slip back down to the bottom
of the chimney, causing himself more pain than he could stand. Legolas took a
gasping breath when at last he saw the rays of light disappearing over the
horizon.
	
Pulling himself out of the chimney, Legolas threw himself to the ground, crying
out in pain when his weak body his the  earth. He struggled to stand, but forced
himself to his feet, gasping for air. The elf stumbled to the back of the house
and found the horse still standing there.

“Horme, inya an Gondor.” He gasped, leaning against a rail. (“Please, I must go
to Gondor.”)
	
The horse looked at him, and decided the elf truly needed help. He lowered
himself to his knees and allowed the wounded creature to pull himself clumsily
onto his back.
	
Legolas struggled to stay on the horse, fighting with his body’s need to roll
over and fall asleep.

“Gondor...” He whispered, and the horse took off through the woods.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“It is late, my lord,” Faramir pleaded with the king, “you must rest. We should
return to the palace.”

“No!” Aragorn refused, but his voice was weak. He could feel Legolas starting to
fade, and it was affecting him, along with the fact that he had not slept now
for three days.

“I will continue until I find him.” Aragorn said harshly, and then added in a
soft voice, mostly to himself, “ dead or alive.”
	
Faramir sighed and started to continue searching, but a sound caught his ears.

“Aragorn,” he whispered, “do you hear that?”
	
Aragorn cocked his head, listening for any sound in the distance. A large hill
stood in front on them, but coming from the other side was the sound of
hoofbeats.

“They are coming fast.” He said, and stopped his horse, his hand on his sword
hilt.
	
A figure on horseback appeared at the top of the hill. The horse bore no saddle
or bridle, and the figure wore no shirt. His pale skin was covered in black and
blue bruises, and dripped with sweat, caused by a fever. The once golden hair of
the elf was stained red with blood, and his eyes were like shadows.
	
Aragorn froze at the sight of his love, and watched as the horse stopped and
Legolas tumbled to the ground.

“Legolas!” Aragorn cried, and jumped from Brego and charged up the hill. He fell
to his knees at his lover’s side and looked into the shadowed, blue eyes.

“Legolas-” he whispered softly, putting his hand on the elf’s swollen cheek.
	
The elf opened his mouth as if to say something, but instead lifted his hand to
his chest and placed it just over his heart, then touched Aragorn’s chest before
falling into unconsciousness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
“Please, be alright.” Aragorn whispered into Legolas’ ear as he raced back to
Gondor.
	
Legolas’ form hung limply in his arms, and he could hear the elf’s unsteady
breathing and short, sudden gasps for air. Brego stopped in front of the castle,
snorting and pawing the ground. He felt that something was wrong.
	
Aragorn pulled Legolas off the tall horse and pulled him into his arms. As he
carried Legolas, running, down the hall he was hardly aware of the fact that
Faramir was following him, struggling to keep up. The king turned into his
chambers and lay Legolas down on the bed.

“Should I send for Lord Elrond?” Faramir asked, trying to think of some way he
could help.

“No. It would take him weeks to get here. We must act now.” Aragorn said,
pulling out a drawer and a container of herbs. “Please Faramir, shut the door
and then come aide me.”
	
Faramir nodded, and bolted the door shut. He went to the bed, where Aragorn was
pressing herbs into Legolas’ mouth, and stood waiting for the king to tell him
what to do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
Hours later, Faramir walked down the hall toward Aragorn’s chambers. He
silently opened the door and looked in. Legolas lay on the bed, still pale and
covered in a cold sweat. His head was bandaged and oils had been applied to the
bruises that covered his face. Aragorn sat in a chair next to the elf’s head.
The king held Legolas’  hand tightly in his own, and his head was bowed onto
Legolas’ chest. Faramir could hear the king whispering elvish prayers, choked by
his own tears. He opened his mouth to suggest that the king get some sleep. He
had not slept in days, and he looked it. The request would not come, and instead
Faramir left the room and shut the door behind him. One thing he knew Aragorn
would want is vengeance. His men would track down this Drava like the beast he
was.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
Aragorn opened his eyes. How long had he been asleep? Light shone on the
bedsheets. It had been at least a night. He sighed and started to lift his head,
afraid of what he might see. He ignored his feeling of dread and looked to where
Legolas’ face was laying on the bed.
	
Instead of seeing a bruised, solemn face with sunken eyes, it was replaced with
a bright, only slightly colored face with deep sapphire eyes staring back at
him. Legolas’ lips curved into a weak smile at the sight of his lover.

“You’re awake!” Aragorn cried out, tears of joy springing into his  eyes.

“I’ve been awake for more than a day.” Legolas teased. “You, on the other
hand...”

“A day?” Aragorn asked, astounded. “How long did I sleep?”

“Two days.” Legolas said, kissing Aragorn’s hand.

“How do you feel?” Aragorn asked the elf, sitting on the bed next to him.

“Alright.” Legolas replied. “I am still somewhat sore um... back there, and I
feel quite weak, but other than that I feel fine.”

“Good. That will pass.” Aragorn said, and then became quiet. “I though I had
lost you, Legolas.” He whispered, staring into the elf’s eyes, “I thought I had
really lost you for good this time.”
	
Tears began to stream down the king’s face, and Legolas reached up and put his
hand behind his neck, pulling him down to him. He kissed Aragorn passionately,
letting the king sob into his mouth, and then pulled away.

“You would never lose me, Aragorn.” He said. “I will always be with you. Right
here.” The elf put his hand over Aragorn’s heart.  The king sniffed and stopped
his tears, smiling at Legolas. “It was you who kept me alive, Aragorn. You’re
memory kept me willing to go on. Otherwise, I would have gladly let myself pass
to Mandros.”

“Don’t say that.” Aragorn said, caressing Legolas’ face.

“I mean it Aragorn.” Legolas said. “I would not be here.” A smile spread across
the elf’s face. “But right now I am tired of being in this bed watching you sulk
over me. Please, I must see some trees.”

Aragorn laughed. “Of course, my prince.”
	
The king went to his dresser and pulled out some of Legolas’ clothes for him to
wear. He held onto the weak elf as he dressed, and then helped him out of the
door and down the hall, Legolas’ arm slung over Aragorn’s shoulder for support.
As they left the castle, Legolas basked in the glory of the trees in the garden.
The sunlight shone down and caused the trees to glitter gold light on the earth,
and the wind rustled the branches.
	
Aragorn watched, smiling, as Legolas slowly let go of him, and walked to the
center of the garden, each step steadier than the last. The elf closed his eyes,
his face turned to the sky, and took in a deep breath.

“The trees sing of the king’s return and well being.” Legolas said, not moving a
muscle.

“And what of the king’s love?” Aragorn asked slyly, walked toward the golden
prince.

“They sing for him as well.” Legolas grinned, opening his eyes and turning to
Aragorn.
	
Aragorn wrapped his arms around Legolas and pulled him into a deep kiss.

“I love you, Legolas.” Aragorn whispered into the pointed ear.

“I love you, too, Aragorn.” Legolas sighed. “And I always will.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
Aragorn and Legolas walked slowly back to the castle, hand in hand.

“My lord!” Faramir came out of the castle doors. “I was looking for you. I am
glad to see that Prince Legolas is awake and well.”

Legolas nodded his welcome to the captain.

“I also wondered if you would have a moment to come down to the dungeons.”

Faramir requested. “I have a small matter involving a prisoner.”

“A prisoner?” Aragorn asked. “Can’t you handle him?”

“Well, my lord...” Faramir started, he did not know if he should mention Drava’s
name in Legolas’ presence just yet.

“It is Drava, isn’t it?” Legolas asked, somewhat harshly. He could not stand to
say the name of that man.

Faramir nodded.

“I wish to see him.” Legolas stated.

“Legolas, are you sure?”Aragorn asked.

“Yes.” Legolas said, looking into Aragorn’s eyes. “I want to see the face of
that man when I am looking over him, and not the other way around. I would like
to see if it looks any less demonic.”
	
Aragorn shuddered at Legolas’ harsh tone and his brutal words, but if he had
been in Legolas’ position, he would want the same thing the prince was
requesting now.

“Very well.” Aragorn said. “We will all go.”
	
The two men and the elf walked slowly down the hall and down many flights of
stairs. Legolas had not been in the dungeons before, and the dankness of the
dark cells, some with glowing eyes peering out, caused the hair on his back to
stand on end. They reached the end of the hall, and Faramir told the guards to
open the doors to Drava’s cell. He led them inside, and Legolas stood fearlessly
at Aragorn’s side.
	
Drava stood when he saw the men in his cell.

“Haha! My king! It is an honor.” He said mockingly, and bowed.

“I am sorry I can not say the same.” Aragorn said, looking the man up and down.

He could not believe this slimy man had tricked him into thinking he was a
friend of Legolas’. His ranger skills were becoming weak.

“Well...” Drava said, and then his eyes noticed Legolas’ frame in the doorway.

“Legolas?” He said in disbelief, panic rising in his voice.

“Do you bow before the king,” Faramir asked, “but not before a prince?”

“He is no prince of Gondor!” Drava yelled.

“No!” Legolas said, suddenly taking his place in front of Aragorn. “But I am a
prince of Mirkwood.”

“As well as the king of Gondor’s lover.” Aragorn added.
	
Drava could not say a word. Instead he stood dumbstruck in the middle of the
cell.

“You are no prince.” He growled.
	
A crack sounded throughout the room as Legolas’  fist met Drava’s face, sending
the man to the stone floor. Legolas advanced on the man, and kicked him hard in
the stomach, followed by a fierce punch.
	
Faramir went foreword to stop Legolas, but was held back by Aragorn’s command.

“Let him.” The king said, and watched as Legolas kicked Drava again. The elf’s
face was contorted in fury and hate, and his muscles flexed. He broke into a
sweat. He had not exerted himself for so long, and his body was weak.
Aragorn nodded at Faramir, and the captain pulled Legolas, struggling, off of
Drava.

“Let me go! I’ll kill him!” Legolas screamed, and pulled away from Faramir.

“Legolas, stop!” Aragorn cried, and started across the cell. He should not have
let Legolas come down here.
	
Before anyone could make a a move, Legolas had pulled Faramir’s knife and held
it to Drava’s throat.

“Legolas, don’t do this.” Aragorn said, frozen in his place.
	
Legolas’ body heaved and shook with the effort of the struggle, and his breaths
came in loud gasps.

“No...” He said, moving away from Drava’s frightened form. “He deserves worse
than death.”

The elf handed Faramir’s knife back to him, and stood proud and tall above
Drava.

“You do look quite different from up here.” Legolas sneered at the cowering man.

“What do you wish us to do with him?” Faramir asked Aragorn.

Aragorn thought for a moment.

“Let the prince decide. He is the one who has been affected the most by this
man.”

Faramir nodded, and looked to Legolas for his instructions.

“Is it not true that Moor Door takes men as slaves?” Legolas asked, not taking
his eyes from Drava’s face.

“Yes, it is true. Regretfully so.” Faramir said.

“Then that shall be his punishment.” Legolas said, turning to Aragorn and
Faramir. “He will live out his life as a slave, as he would have me to do. But
he will do so in the very heart of darkness itself.”

“Very well.” Faramir said. “He will be sent there as soon as I can round up some
guards willing to go.”

Legolas nodded.

“Thank you, Faramir.” Aragorn said, and walked to the door.
	
Legolas turned back to Drava, to look at the evil man’s face one last time.

“You will soon see what it feels like to be under a creature more wicked than
you.” He said, and walked past Aragorn and out of the cell.
	
The two men followed Legolas, not surprised at all by the elf’s harsh words.

They walked in silence down the hall, and then Aragorn spoke.

“Do you feel better?” He asked Legolas.

“More than you could imagine.” The elf said, and fell, exhausted, into the
king’s arms. “But in some ways more than others.” He whispered, laughing
silently.
	
Aragorn planted a kiss on Legolas’ forehead.

“Sin, i melda ingwe, inya faire yal lor almare mi liime tulle.” (“Soon, my
beloved prince, I will help you feel better in many ways.”)