Title: Forbidden ch 8-11 Author: Erandir (striderkingofmen@yahoo.com) Pairing: Aragorn/Legolas Summary: Centuries ago the men of Numenor were banished from Mirkwood forever because of the love shared between the king of men and an elven prince. History is about to repeat itself. When a quest to save the word brings together the prince of Mirkwood, and the king of Gondor. This is their story. Chapter 8 - Stay away Author's Note: Again, sorry updates take so long. I'm just now finishing up with the school musical, which takes months out of my social life and leaves me with little to no free time. And then there's the writer's block, which hits me at the beginning of every chapter. Hopefully things will go smoother from now on. And as always, thanks bunches to my loyal reviewers, you inspire me to update, because I won't if I don't think anyone is reading. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The fellowship's days in Lothlorien grew swiftly to weeks, which grew longer and longer as one by one they stopped counting the days. Each day drawled on just like the one before, with little to do but enjoy oneself. It was a nice life, but left many wondering when they would leave the golden wood and continue their journey. In particular Legolas was worried, he wanted the quest to be over with so he could return to Mirkwood and no longer have to worry about a certain human. Since their truce, Aragorn had attempted to grow closer and closer to Legolas, who was rather uncomfortable with the whole idea. And more and more often Legolas found the man's eyes upon him, swift glances he supposed the elf wound not notice, and lingering stares when he thought Legolas was not looking. It was disquieting, and made the elf want to leave the woods as soon as it was possible just to be rid of the constant attention. As the looks grew more frequent, so did Aragorn's attempts at closer friendship. Legolas could understand why he had wanted it to begin with, trust was essential if their quest was to succeed; but did it need to go this far? Legolas sighed as he heard the man approach. He would arrive in a matter of moments. The elf looked up from the unfinished crown of flowers in his lap and stared hard at the man as he walked closer. "What do you want?" The man looked almost offended at the elf's harsh tone, "Only to speak with you," he said, "Is that a crime?" "Actually it is." Aragorn looked down, realizing his mistake and embarrassed by the slip up, "I apologize," he muttered, "But there was a matter I wished to discuss with you." "And what is it?" Legolas asked, his voice void of any emotion, "I am rather in the middle of something." The ranger eyed the crown of flowers that Legolas held up for his inspection, "You may continue that while we speak if you want." Legolas raised an eyebrow but made no comment so Aragorn continued, "I wish to speak with you about our departure from the golden wood." "Ah, yes, I too have wondered when that would come about," the elf stated sarcastically, almost scathingly. Aragorn inwardly winced at the tone. "Do you know how long we have been here?" Legolas began working on the flower crown once more, "I would venture to guess near a month." "That is what I supposed as well," Aragorn agreed, "Though I lost count of the days, but however long it is the quest has been delayed too long. We must continue soon." "I agree wholeheartedly Aragorn, but why do you need to speak with me on this matter? You are leading us now." The man looked down again, "I suppose... I suppose I wanted to assure myself that I was making the right decision," he answered lamely. Legolas nodded in understanding, "If you wish I will inform the Lord and Lady of our plans to depart." "No, that is fine, I shall, it is my duty as leader after all," Aragorn said, but made no move to do so. He remained rooted to the spot he stood, eyes fixed on the elf before him. His gaze made Legolas uneasy. The ranger was now staring unabashedly at him, eyes running up and down his form, knowing full well that the blond elf was aware of it. Why did the man stare at him so? As though Legolas were some mythical being to be wondered at. He fidgeted nervously under Aragorn's gray eyed stare, wondering when the man would leave. But he did not leave. "Is there something else I can do for you?" Legolas asked nervously. "Actually there is." The answer Legolas had been dreading, he looked up to see Aragorn advancing on him, a strange look in his eyes. Legolas put the flower crow on the ground beside him and stood up cautiously, "What is it?" The man made no response, but continued to advance on Legolas, forcing the elf to back up warily, "Aragorn?" he asked, a slight fear in his voice. "There's something I want you to do," Aragorn said mysteriously, reaching out a hand toward the elf. Legolas took a step back, only to find his back pressed against a tree. His eyes darted about the area, looking for a means of escape if he should need one. "What is it?" he asked again. Aragorn did not speak, but reached up to cup Legolas' cheek. The action caused a jolt to run down the elf's spine, making him shiver slightly. The man smirked slightly and caressed the elf's cheek with his thumb, watching his companions strange reaction. Legolas first made to pull away, but as the warmth of the ranger's hand spread through his body he found himself leaning into the touch. "Aragorn," he asked fearfully, "What are you doing? What is it you want me to do?" "Do not worry, it is nothing you would not want." That statement worried Legolas even more, "Aragorn, what are you talking about?" In response the man pressed his lips softly to Legolas', but the elf pushed him back fearfully, "What are you doing?" he asked, looking confused, scared, and disgusted, "What is wrong with you?" "Noting is wrong," the ranger said, smiling, "You have no idea how long I have wanted to do that." "Aragorn, you are not yourself." "I assure you I am very much myself," Aragorn argued, "Just now I am brave enough to show it. I love you, Legolas." The elf gasped, shocked by the words, and Aragorn seized the opportunity. He pressed his mouth swiftly to Legolas', before the elf had time to react, and slipped his tongue into the sweet cavern. Legolas struggled violently against the intrusion, pushing back against Aragorn's chest with all his might, but the man grabbed onto his wrists and merely pushed them away as he continued to plunder the elf's mouth. Legolas struggled more violently until finally Aragorn pulled back from the kiss and smirked at him. "What are you doing?" Legolas growled in a most un-elf-like manner, "Let go of me this instant!" "Why do you deny yourself something you so obviously want?" Aragorn asked, moving to press kisses along the elf's jaw. "I do not want this," Legolas argued, "Stop it and release me," he demanded, though his struggles lessened and he tilted his head up slightly. Aragorn only smirked and continued his ministrations, placing a kiss at the tip of Legolas' pointed ear, watching contentedly as the elf shuddered in pleasure. "You do not want it?" Aragorn asked skeptically as he continued down the elf's neck, releasing his wrists as he tugged at the clasps on Legolas' tunic. But still the elf struggled weakly, "Aragorn you are not yourself," he insisted, "You are not thinking straight, this is wrong. Do not do this Aragorn." By now the man had Legolas' shirt unclasped and open, revealing the pale skin of his perfectly sculpted chest. Aragorn ran his hands down Legolas' chest, watching as the elf sucked in a breath sharply. The hands that had been pushing at Aragorn shoulders fell to his forearms, ceasing their struggles. "Please Aragorn, stop, this is wrong, do not-" He gasped sharply as the man captured one of his nipples in his mouth, "Valar..." he breathed, arching into the feeling. Aragorn smirked, "Still do not want this?" "Oh, Valar... Aragorn..." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- They lay together in the aftermath, a tangled heap of arms and legs, hard to tell where one ended and the other began. Legolas sighed contentedly, his head resting atop Aragorn's chest as the man absentmindedly played with his golden hair. He closed his eyes, listening to the soothing sound of his new lover's heartbeat. Everything was perfect at that moment, he wished it could be this was forever. But then he remembered. The elf bolted upright, pulling himself out of Aragorn's arms and sitting perfectly straight, a look of sheer terror on his face. Aragorn's brow furrowed in confusion, "Legolas?" "What have I done?" the elf asked, his voice barely above a whisper. His eyes darted fearfully about the clearing as if the surrounding trees would give him an answer, "What have I done?" "Legolas?" Aragorn sat up as well, feeling a growing worry at the elf's strange behavior. But when he reached out to take Legolas back into his arms the elf pulled away, blue eyes wide with fear as he scrambled back. "No, no stay back," Legolas warned, holding a hand out in front of his chest, "Do not come near me Aragorn," he said, scrambling to where their clothes had been discarded carelessly. "Legolas, what is wrong?" Aragorn asked in growing confusion. He watched as his lover dressed, all the while casting fear filled glances in his direction, and wished desperately that he could hold the elf in his arms and sooth away his fear. "This was wrong Aragorn, it never should have happened. Please, just... Stay away from me," the golden prince all but begged as he picked up his boots and tunic and fled into the forest. TBC... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End Notes: I'm not entirely happy with this chapter. It defies the writing style of the whole story, no looking into the character's minds in this one. Oh well, You get what you get. Tell me what you think, and remember, reviews give fuel to the muses. Chapter 9 - Hope Author's Notes: Going back to the old writing style with this one. ^^;; ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ What have I done? I should not have done that, I feel horrible now. He trusted me, as a friend. Did I need him that much? What was I thinking? I... I... Seduced him. No, no seduced is not a good word, it sounds bad. But then again, what I did was bad. At the time he may have consented, but now I know he regrets it. He is never going to trust me again. I all but forced myself upon him. I should go and apologize... But he told me to stay away. He told me never to talk to him again. Not to touch him again. What am I going to do? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aragorn's heart nearly broke at the thought of never being able to touch his beloved elf ever again. To be forbidden from touching him, holding him, loving him. The man let out a heartbroken sigh and hit his head against the tree behind him, he had been such a fool. He had completely ruined everything he had worked so hard to earn, Legolas' friendship, his trust... His love. His love? Did Legolas even love him back? Or had he simply lost his mind in a moment of passion? Like Aragorn had. The ranger sighed again, it was hopeless, Legolas would never even look at him again let alone give Aragorn a chance to prove his love. He brought a hand up to his head and rubbed his temples. He should at least talk to him, apologize, explain himself. Aragorn nodded, yes, that's what he would do, explain himself. But what was there to explain? He loved Legolas more than he had thought it possible to love anyone. So far he was not doing a good job of showing it, so why would Legolas believe him now? But he had to at least try. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Legolas?" The elf looked up and gasped. He scrambled to his feet swiftly, reaching a hand out in front of him as Aragorn approached, "I told you to stay away from me," he said, his voice almost panicked. The man froze instantly, not wanting to offend the elf any more than he already had. "I just wanted to apologize," he said, bowing his head to look at the leaves beneath his feet. "I do not know what I was thinking, and I realize now I should not have coerced you into it." He chanced a look up a the elf who stood as far away from him as possible. "I understand if you no longer wish to see me. You have every reason to hate me now after what I did last night, but I ask you one thing..." Legolas looked at him suspiciously, remembering vividly what had happened the last time Aragorn had asked something of him, "What?" Aragorn took a deep breath before continuing, "I ask you only to realize that I was not myself last night, but still, I love you with all my heart. I know what I did was wrong, but Legolas, please understand that I love you more than I thought possible," He paused, waiting to see if the elven prince would say anything, when he did not Aragorn spoke again. "I would hold no grudge against you if you chose to discontinue the quest from this point. It would not be dishonorable for you to remain here, or return to your home. Your father need never know of this, I will tell no one. I understand completely if you no longer trust me. Your choice is your own, but if you wish to continue with us, we will be leaving on the morrow." With that said, the man bowed slightly to Legolas and left him, never expecting to see him again. So, needless to say Aragorn was surprised to see Legolas waiting with the rest of the fellowship the next day as they bid farewell to the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood. The elf stood by the boats, speaking amiably with the hobbits as they packed their belongings for the downriver journey. He looked up as Aragorn approached the river where the boats waited. Their eyes met, and for an instant the ranger thought he saw something there, not hate, nor fear; but Legolas turned away before Aragorn had a chance to identify it. The rest of the day left Aragorn constantly wondering why the elf continued to travel with them. Legolas had volunteered for the quest, but had every right to leave if he wished. The man dared not even think that perhaps Legolas wished to continue because of him, it was a foolish hope. Be that as it may, he could not help but hope, and it was not until that night that he spoke with the elf again. He had just had a rather disconcerting conversation with Boromir about the direction of the quest. Aragorn now sat at the bank of the river staring blankly as the moonlight reflected off the dark waters. He did not even notice the elf's approach until Legolas sat down next to him. He looked over at the elf in surprise as he sat down. "I pledged myself to the quest Aragorn," the prince said, his eyes never resting on the man beside him, "I cannot leave until it is finished, no matter what you say." There was a long silence as both stared out at the open water, then Legolas spoke again, "My father will never hear of this, he will kill you and disown me if he does. All the same, I will never forget it," he turned and placed a chaste kiss on the ranger's stubbled cheek, stood and left. Aragorn froze for a long moment, and by the time he regained control of his mind to look after the elf he was gone. He blinked once before a grin spread slowly across his face. There was hope. TBC... Chapter 10 - Heart Hurts Title: Forbidden Author: Erandir Rating: PG13 Pairing: Aragorn/Legolas Disclaimer: See Chapter 1 Author’s Note: Sorry for the long period between updates, the story will progress slower because I now have absolutely nothing planned plot-wise until Helm’s Deep, and there’s a hell of a lot of time in between then and now, so this could take a while. Aragorn spent the entire next day’s trip, every second he could spare, with his eyes glued to the blond elf’s back as they traveled down the river. Though the elf’s words had been unclear, the ranger had a pretty good idea of what he had meant…. He loves me back. He has not outright told me, but I know it is true. Why else would he act this way? Shun me one moment love me the next? He says he fears his father’s reaction, that is his excuse for everything. Legolas is an adult, he should be able to make his own decisions, Thranduil should not dictate his life. If he loves me he should act on it… If not then… Then he should tell me, and not play with my heart this way. Or maybe he is scared because… Aragorn shook his head. No, the spark of hope had been lit, and he would not let it burn out.The fellowship camped that night on the banks of the Anduin for the last time, in the morning they would cross the river and head East toward Mordor. It was not something any of them looked forward to. As the hobbits set about making camp Aragorn hauled the boats up onto the shore and looked to the Eastern bank, mentally preparing for the next day's journey. "Aragorn." The man looked up, pulled from his thoughts by the familiar voice. Legolas stood further toward the trees, looking over his shoulder at the ranger. Aragorn headed over to his side, concerned about the worried look on the elf's face. "Aragorn I do not think we should stay here." "We have no other choice," Aragorn replied, confused by the elf's words, "Orcs will be patrolling the Eastern shore." "It is not the Eastern shore that worries me, Aragorn," the elf continued, meeting Aragorn's eye with a troubled expression, "A shadow and a threat have been growing on my mind." Aragorn opened his mouth to reply, but before he could Sam noticed, "Mr. Frodo?" the gardener looked about worriedly for his master, who was nowhere in sight. Aragorn looked around as well and was the first one to notice that Boromir was gone as well. So this is it, this is what we have come to. Frodo gone and Boromir... dead. Before this quest I did not know death would be so painful, but maybe it is not Boromir's death that is making me feel this way. Maybe it is the way that Aragorn crouches above him, speaking to him softly as the man of Gondor breathes his last. Maybe it is because he kissed his brow when he was gone. He kissed me like that once... "You mean not to follow." It was more a statement than a question, and Aragorn knew better than to answer it as he strapped on his weapons. Frodo and Sam would have to make it to Mordor alone, right now Merry and Pippin needed them more. He looked up to Gimli and Legolas, his eyes meeting the elf's for a brief second, and in that second he all but lay his heart on the floor. Still weary from battle the three hunters would set off to find the last of their companions. The ones who could be saved. "We shall make such a chase as shall be accounted a marvel among the Three Kindreds; Elves, Dwarves, and Men. Forth the three hunters!" TBC... A/N: Had to put that last quote in there from the book, I'm a purist at heart I think. Well there you have it, the end of FotR, next chapter we shall move on to TTT, hope you have enjoyed the journey thus far. Review. Chapter 11 - Is This Love? Title: Forbidden Author: Erandir Rating: PG13 Pairing: Aragorn/Legolas Disclaimer: See Chapter 1 Author's Notes: Again, sorry for the long wait for this chapter, and again, I still have absolutely nothing planned up 'till... Well... I have a vague idea for something in Edoras, but nothing solid until Aragorn falls off that cliff. I need help, please help. I have to say though, considering I pulled both this chapter and the previous one out of my arse... They are surprisingly good. Ah, the things you learn in religion class - how to completely BS your writing. The three hunters had been running for days; days and days and days, and nights too, with very little rest and still they were not gaining on the Uruk-hai. In fact, it seemed the creatures were even drawing further away. They ran as though their very lives depended on it, and perhaps they did. Who knows what Saruman would hold in store for them when he found out that the Halflings brought to him did not carry the ring. It was something neither Elf, nor Dwarf, nor Man wanted to think about for too long. It was on one of their all-too-rare stops that Gimli began to notice something was wrong. The Dwarf woke in the middle of the night to find Legolas sitting at the edge of their campsite merely staring up into the stars. Judging by the position of the moon it was well past midnight, and yet the Elf had taken first watch. Gimli glanced over at Aragorn's bedroll, but the Man was still asleep. Legolas was supposed to wake him for his watch hours ago. Confused, and slightly concerned, Gimli forced himself up and trudged over to his Elven friend. "Elf," He called, as neither of them ever called each other by their actual names, "What are you doing?" "I am standing watch, master Dwarf," The Elf answered without turning around, "I would think that rather obvious." Gimli huffed as he came to stand beside his friend, "I can see that, but you were supposed to wake Aragorn hours ago." "Was I?" Legolas questioned, looking over at the moon, "I must have lost track of the time." "I can see that. Well, go wake him now, he will be furious with you if he finds out you took his watch." Legolas looked past his Dwarven companion to where the Man slept still, huddled amongst his blankets to help ward off the chill night air. The two had not spoken often after the incident in 'Lorien, but since the chase had started they had not exchanged a single word. It was almost as though Legolas was afraid to. He was afraid what he would do, what he would say, and so he spoke as little as possible. Of course, he had not spoken that much to begin with, and so Gimli thought nothing of it. Until now. At the thought of having to wake Aragorn, having to interact with him, a look of uncertainty crossed his face. The Elf was worried again. Worried, afraid, and confused. For a long while Legolas merely stared at the man, and then he simply turned away, looking back at the stars. Gimli raised an eyebrow questioningly, a look that the Elf failed to notice once his back was turned. "Fine then, I will wake him," The Dwarf resigned, turning and heading away muttering, "Crazy Elf." I do not understand these emotions that plague me. Why am I so reluctant to go to Aragorn. I forgave him for what happened in Lorien because... Because I enjoyed it. Because he was gentle with me, he was kind and loving; and yet passionate at the same time. And I have never known that before. I have had male lovers before... Well, a male lover. I thought I loved him, but with Aragorn... With Aragorn it is different. I have never felt this way before. It is something I cannot explain, something far stronger than anything I have ever felt before. I know that if he were and Elf I would not hesitate to throw myself into his arms and claim him as my own. But I cannot. Adar would kill me. Or worse: He would kill Aragorn. I do not think I could stand that. Every time he is in danger I feel my heart lurch, and my chest tighten in worry. My stomach ties itself in knots as I continually worry for his safety. Only when the battle is over, and I see him alive and well, can I relax once more. When he is hurt I want to soothe him, when he is sad I want to comfort him, when he is in danger I want to protect him. Is this was love is supposed to feel like? And if it is, what am I supposed to do? I cannot love him. Ai! Fate, why do you conspire against me! Do I reject Aragorn and go on with my life, forever holding an unrequited love? Or do I go to him, and risk my father's rage; possibly losing him forever? Whichever way I chose I am bound to grief. Yet, depending on which way I choose that grief could be lessened. No. I already know what it is like to be with him, to lie with him, to be held in his arms. I already know what it is like to love him. I may as well resign myself to my fate. I cannot reject a love I know I want, and I know he wants. I am bound to grief no matter what I choose. So I may as well chose to have some joy until the time when we are torn apart. I may as well let myself love him. Who am I kidding? I already love him. It happened a long time ago; I do not know how, or when. But I have always loved him. I was just too afraid to admit it to myself. Well, not anymore. I am in love with Aragorn. End Notes: That's short, I'm sorry. But you guys did say update faster, so be happy with what you are getting. The plot of this is being written as we speak, meaning, I don't know what's going to happen until it happens. This is so short because when I got to the end of Legolas' monologue, it was such a finite ending point that I couldn't write any more after it. It made a good chapter ending. Aragorn loves Legolas, Legolas loves Aragorn; this is established now. All we need, is for them to get together. This is the hard part. This I have not yet figured out. Hmm... Help?