Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My- chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.geocities.com/lirimaer8/index.html http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1231150 http://www.efanfiction.net/authors.php?no=2916 Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG? May go up soon... *is getting poked by My-chan: "NC-17!"* *sweatdrops* Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, others as well *glances over to Elladan & Elrohir* Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan, as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English we have this nearly exhitionistic need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen-bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) we got from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; ______________________________________________________ Aragorn was a brave man. And he was popular among the people of Gondor. They loved their king Elessar Telcontar who participated in the Fellowship of the One Ring that was destroyed in the fires of mount Doom in which it was made by Sauron at the dawn of time in Middle-Earth, when Humans, Dwarves and Elves had been friends. But then again, Dwarves and Elves had never really been friends; they just had tolerated each other once until the one felt betrayed by the other. Humans and Elves had been much closer, be it because they were about of the same height or because they both cherished the light. They loved the fresh air in contrast to the Dwarves who lived in caves and tunnels inside of the mountains where they searched for gold, silver and the most beautiful gems. But this changed when Orcs and the One Ring appeared. Because it was then, in the last legendary battle in which Dwarves, Elves and Humans fought side by side against the great Orc-Army of Sauron, in which Sauron was defeated that Humans spilled the great secret of the Orcs' origin. Orcs had been Elves once, but they were sold to Sauron by their friends, the nine kings, who got their rings from Sauron and were controlled in every movement by him. They were his tools and got immortality for that but lost everything else. The hurt and betrayed Elves disappeared in the deepest and darkest forests of Middle-Earth, making them even more mysterious and creepy than before. 3,000 years had to pass until Elves made their next big step onto the stage of history in Middle- Earth. Rivendell had been a haven for those who searched Elves and Elves who wanted to live closer to the Humans, although the latter was rather seldom. Wizards, Humans, even some Hobbits and the one or other Dwarf were seen there in all the time and everybody like the Rivendell Elves, even though they had hardly ever seen one out of the peaceful city. It was there that Aragorn was raised by his foster father Elrond, educated by him, was trained in the skills of sword-fighting, archery and hand-to-hand-combat by Elladan and Elrohir, his twin brothers and found love in Arwen, Elrond's daughter. She was the most beautiful Elf in all Rivendell with her ivory skin, ebony hair, eyes as blue as the sky and lips as red as blood. Aragorn would have been happy to live in the forest for the rest of his life, having Arwen by his side and forget about the inheritance of the old Kings' bloodline if it hadn't been for the One Ring, which found its way to Rivendell in the hands of a Hobbit named Frodo, with a soul so pure and innocent that the Ring had a hard time seducing him. To Aragorn it was a wonder that none of the four Hobbits seemed to feel the effects the Ring had on everyone, even Elrond. But he was sent to protect the Ringbearer from all danger that wanted to harm him on his way to Morder, along with Elladan and Elrohir, Faramir of Gondor, Gimli the Dwarf and Gandalf the Grey Wizard. The journey was hard and difficult and they lost both Gandalf and Boromir on their way, Gandalf in the halls of Moria and Faramir in a battle against Uruk-Hai that kidnapped the Hobbits. Faramir died in Aragorn's arms, acknowledging him as the rightful king of Gondor even before he himself did. It was after Faramir's death that the Fellowship broke apart, the Hobbits Sam and Frodo were taking the One Ring to Mordor and Aragorn led the others to find the missing two Hobbits, Merry and Pippin. They also found Gandalf on their hunt, along with allies in Rohan who went with Aragorn and his friends to Minas Tirith where the last battle against Sauron's army was fought. So in the end the One Ring was destroyed as well as Sauron, Aragorn was Elessar Telcontar, King of Gondor and married happily to his betrothed Arwen. Arwen was more than happy to come to Gondor. She could now live far away from her father, who she didn't quite understand in his grief over mankind. In her opinion he was still living in the past, didn't go on a day since Isildur died, all those thousands of years ago. Being with Aragorn always brought some life into hers, she had once said to Aragorn in private, all those years ago, when they still shared one bed for other reasons than rejuvenating. Sometimes he pondered about the reasons for the expiry of the heat between them and wondered briefly if it was his fault. He gave Arwen all the love he could, but recently he started missing something in their relationship, something essential, but he couldn't name it. So once again he sat over endless papers that demanded his attention when he would rather be outside and practice archery and sword-fighting or have a nice pint of ale. Being King was a demanding occupation and it wasn't seldom that Aragorn wanted to flee from his kingdom and pass it to somebody else. He could endure it as long as he was sure of Arwen's love and comfort but she had gotten cold. Or maybe it was him. After all those years they spent together he had practically searched every bit of skin of her beautiful body and knew every crevice by heart and she was just the same. He groaned and buried his head into the papers on his desk. "Why me..." "Estel?" Aragorn blinked and looked up with a contract on his cheek from Rohan about giving Boromir, son of the former ruler of Gondor and brother of Faramir, to the Lady Eowyn, one of the many stupid requests that needed his approval. Nobody but Arwen called him by his Elven name anymore. "Arwen," he said and smiled, picking the paper absentmindedly from his cheek as he stood up and walked over to her. "My beautiful wife." She was as young as ever had not aged one day since he had first seen her. She was an eternal beauty and he was getting older each day, each hour and minute; he could feel it in his bones. She replied him with one of her business smiles and parchments on his desk. "Boring matters again?" "Don't ask," he said and looked for a moment as sheepish as the boy she had once found wading through her robes, not even a handful of winters old. "Have you come to lighten up my gray duty?" She shook her head, waves of ebony hair floating over her back. "Well, yes, but... do you remember which day is today?" He looked deep in thought. "I hardly remember which day of the week it is today, but since you ask, it must be something important... Don't tell... I forgot your birthday again!" She laughed, a full mezzo-soprano. "No, Estel, and even if you did, I don't want to be reminded that I will be 3,000 soon. No, my dear husband, it's our wedding day." "Oh," Aragorn said and thought. 'I wonder if I get another horse... A nice chestnut haired mare for the dark stallion I got last year...' He tried to smile and somehow missed the cheekiness on his wife's face. "Don't worry about your present for me, I already got a beautiful necklace from Gimli and gave him a great reward from the treasure room. You know how much he loves gold, don't you?" "Of course I do," Aragorn said with a smirk. "So now that you got my present for you without me knowing what it was... what do I get? You know I am happy the way it is." "I know you are, as am I, but I found something on the market some days ago that I couldn't pass by..." He saw her motioning to her maidens and they brought in a struggling something with a bright red ribbon around the chest. Aragorn blinked than gasped and wasn't sure what to say to his wife. "A..." "Isn't he beautiful? He's a Woodelf! I've never seen anyone of his kind before! I mean, Adar told me that there were other types of Elves with blond hair, but I never thought that they really existed!" She walked a full circle around the blindfolded Elf and then put one of her petite hands on his stomach, drawing little circles. "I've bought him only for you." The king of Gondor stared openly at his wife and her "gift". He would have never believed that she would support slavery as he didn't but Elves were rare these days and those who were lucky enough to catch an Elf sold them for a good price to those who wanted to pay it. "Sell one Elf and you will never have to work again" was a pretty popular slogan in the pubs of Gondor and the rest of Middle-Earth. And this particular one was even able to compete even with Arwen's beauty, although he was a male. Shoulder-length blond hair, skin as ivory as Arwen's, now hidden underneath a silken tunic that was just thrown over his shoulders, rather muscular as Aragorn surveyed them more closely, as if he was used to archery, held together with a silver belt around his waist. A black scarf was bound around his eyes, another around his wrists and then there was this offending red ribbon around his chest. "Arwen..." he started, wanting to tell her to set him free immediately but she just smiled at him, like a cat that had caught a bird and put it before its master. "No Estel, he's yours and he will help you relax." She waved to her maidens and they set off for the King's chambers. "I've ordered a ring put into your chambers where you can tie him... He will be in your chambers for your custody alone." She floated over the floor over to him until she stood right in front of him. "Happy Wedding Day, Estel." For a few moments, the Elf remained still while the gentle fingers drew circles over his stomach, and he shivered slightly. He was afraid, yes. But he swore to himself, never to show fear to any of these strange and brutal creatures. He still had some of his pride left, the men who captured him didn't manage to break all of it, and he would never show any of them that he was afraid. As the Woodelf felt the cold hand grab him again, to drag him out of the room, he started struggling again, trying to get free. He earned another punch in the stomach, which left him rather weak in the arms of his superiors. Without any farther resistance, he let himself be dragged down a hallway into another room. After he was set to the ground, the Elf could feel some tugging on his necklace, and he heard a sound which seemed to be some kind of steel rings... Chains! They had chained him to the wall! The Elf clenched his fists. This was humiliating. But he didn't struggle, he was too afraid to try to escape again. He remembered very well, what had happened the last time he tried. He shivered again and leaned back, to rest his body against the wall. He was tired and exhausted, but wouldn't allow himself to sleep. Also he didn't think that he possibly could, with all the adrenalin rushing through his body. The Woodelf listened carefully, if anyone entered the room and concentrated carefully on his surroundings. And despite his fear, he soon fell asleep, still resting against the wall, blindfolded and tied up. Aragorn and his wife had talked a bit more but she had left his office soon, saying that she had to take care of a few things. Sighing, he had concentrated back on his royal duties: Paperwork. It took him more than just a few hours to finish them and it was pitch-black night when he finally strolled back to his room. The request from Rohan was now on Faramir's desk as it was concerning only him. He had almost forgotten Arwen's present until he walked into his room and found the Elf sitting in a corner, tied to the wall with a big leather and metal collar around his neck, which was chained to the ring Arwen had mentioned. He was lying in a tight ball on the floor, arms wrapped tightly around muscular-looking legs, the silken tunic had moved everywhere but where it belonged and his formerly neatly combed hair was now in a mess. Despite himself, Aragorn smiled. It was the last thing he wanted to call the Elf, but "cute" was the only description that came to his mind right now. He went over to kneel in front of the sleeping prisoner, to remove the blindfold with ginger fingers as he didn't want to wake him. Under closer inspection Aragorn could see quite a few bruises all over the ivory skin, especially where the disheveled tunic revealed it. The man felt strange as he let the tips his fingers ghost over them. "What have they done to you?" he whispered silently, his face turning into a mask of pity. But he could help but admire the beauty of the sleeping Elf... even if it was a male one. His oversensitive senses snapped in when somebody came closer to the room, and sent alarming shivers through the Elf's body, causing him to wake up. He could hear somebody opening the door, and step in, but he remained unmoving, still hoping the person would just turn around and go away. But his inward prayers died unheard as the steps came closer and stopped in front of the captured Elf. 'Go away!' he screamed in his mind, still pretending to be asleep, as the creature apparently kneeled down next to him. Hardly able to suppress another shiver when his blindfold was carefully removed, the Elf's thoughts raced. The adrenalin in his blood seemed to have doubled its intensity, and all he felt like doing was jerk up, and run away. But he knew he couldn't. He was tied up and chained. From the corner of his eyes, the slave caught sight of the stranger. This creature seemed to inspect him, since he could almost feel his eyes on his body. And the Elf used the chance to do the same. The skin of this person was more tanned than his, and his ears where smaller and round, like those of the men who had caught him. Those devils… monsters… Humans. The Elf almost screamed out loud when suddenly gentle fingers moved over his bruised skin. He wanted to fly from the touch, but he was too frightened to move. And the man in front of him was radiating so much power, authority and strength that it was even hard to breath for the captured Woodelf. But then, the Human started to speak, in this strange and sharp manner. For a few more seconds the Elf managed to restrain himself, before he shot up and backed away as far as possible from the Human, as far as the chain would let him. Crawling backwards he bowed his head down, staring on his still tied up hands. He remained still only when he felt the necklace starting to choke him. The men had never talked much to him, but when they did, they only yelled at him, hurt him and "taught" him. The Elf didn't want to be yelled at any more, for those sharp words hurt his ears as well. And he especially didn't want this man to get loud, since he had a strong voice. He could tell from the few whispered words. So the slave bowed farther down, quickly licked his dry lips and croaked out a clumsy "master". One of the few Human words he had had to learn, among many other things. Aragorn's eyes widened both in surprise and shock. Surprise as the Elf jumped up with a start and huddled up in the corner farthest away from him and shock as he saw how submissive he moved and when that one word slipped out of his mouth. His heart sank and he felt the sudden need to strangle somebody, namely the one who sold this Woodelf or Arwen for buying him, but quickly regained his self-control. The Elf was probably trained to react that way to whomever it was that was talking to him. Probably by the same people who were responsible for those bruises as well. 'Great, just what I need now after countless hours of paperwork...negotiating with a scared Elf...' Rubbing his temples, Aragorn's mind raced to find the best ways of gaining somebody's trust... even if they thought you were Sauron himself. Which he wasn't, so he just had to made that clear. He held out his hands to show that he had no weapons, and indicated that he didn't want to cause harm to his present, and talked as calmly as possible. "Don't be afraid... I don't mean to cause you any harm." The Elf's pointed ears twitched slightly when the Human started talking again. But it wasn't the usual tone. Not the sharp, rough manner he was used to. Even though this strange language seemed rather harsh, the Woodelf could hear that this man's voice was unusually soft. But still. He didn't understand the words, and maybe he was just testing him, if he would behave, and if he didn't… Not wanting to annoy his master, the Elf remained in his position, and kept staring on his tied hands. "Do you understand me?" Aragorn asked, slightly taken aback that he received no answer from the Elf and had to see how he maybe just curled up into a tighter ball, staring at his bound hands in submissiveness that made the man feel sick in his stomach. Not one of his words seemed to seep through to the understanding of his ... he didn't want to call him slave, although that was what he was... Trying out another tactic he repeated what he had said in the language of the Elves that he had learned from his foster father. He tried to keep his voice calm and friendly and hoped that he was getting through somehow now. The Elf's head shot up when he heard the same voice, which had only spoken strange, Human language, forming words in a manner that sounded so much like his own kind, that he thought he had woken up from a dream. But when the blond man looked up, his blue-violet eyes met steel blue ones, and he looked into the face of a creature that seemed so unfamiliar like anything else he'd seen lately. His eyes widened slightly and he stared at the man, not able to believe that these kinds of sounds could ever leave the mouth of a Human. Still he didn't really understand what he had said, but his fear was almost forgotten. This one was actually trying to talk to him, instead of talking at him. Aragorn smiled when the Elf finally reacted to his attempts of talking to him. So when his head shot up, he took the opportunity and studied the eyes that looked up at him with a glimmer of hope and surprise sweeping through them. But they were gone soon enough to tell Aragorn, that the Woodelf had recognized the language he was talking to him, but didn't understand the words he said. It confirmed what he had heard... Elves had drifted so far from each other that they didn't really understand each other anymore. But since his gift seemed to feel much more confident when he didn't speak in the tongue of the Humans, Aragorn talked on in the Elvish he learned. "I’m... Aragorn," he said and put his hand on his chest. Then he pointed to the Elf. "Ho...?" The slave listened carefully, trying to understand what the Human said. Which wasn't really hard, since his gesture towards his own body was unmistakable. "Em... Legolas", he peeped quietly, in his own language, pointing to his own chest with his tied up hands. "Legolas Greenleaf." "Legolas..." Aragorn repeated mumbling, tasting the name on his tongue like he would do with a new brand of wine and found that it left a pleasant feeling in his mouth. "Legolas, I'm sorry for what happened," he explained, still a bit stunned by the brazenness of his wife to buy one of her own kind and give it to him like a present...like some lifeless item. "But my wife has given you to me, and there is now way I can set you free now. It would hurt her and drive her further away from me than we already are." He sighed, letting out all the frustration that had build up during the past months, almost years. "I'm pretty sure you don't understand much of what I say to you." He smiled wearily. "I'm sorry." "Laine", Legolas whispered, after he turned his head away again. At least there was one word he was absolutely sure of what it meant. Even though he could tell that the Human had said something about not setting him free. And there was one other word that sounded familiar, but it wasn't possibly true. Why would the Human apologize to him? He was his slave after all. Staring down at his hands again, the Elf swallowed the lump in his throat. His master sounded rather frustrated… Most likely because of him. And it was his duty to make him feel better. "Em… em tên… mûel", he whispered, hoping the words would ease his master's heavy thoughts. Aragorn rather guessed than knew what Legolas said to him, because the words sounded strangely familiar, but then again quite different, as if it was from the same of origin as his Elvish, but had developed into another direction. It was quite interesting from an etymological point of view, but Aragorn had far more important problems at hand. "Yes... unfortunately," he sighed and let his gaze wander over the Elf's body again. "Even if I did set you free... they'd catch you again... in your state of health..." He was rather talking to himself than Legolas, almost mumbling than talking out loud. The train of words was stopped though as his eyes were glued to the offending bright red ribbon, that was still wrapped around the Elf's chest and the - as he had to admit - rather short tunic. He made a face and then crouched slowly towards the being in the corner, who still seemed to be frightened of him. He held up his hands, still indicating that he didn't want to cause Legolas any harm and motioned towards the ribbon. "Let me remove this..." To be continued... ______________________________________________________ As I said... please be gentle. ^^;;;; Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My- chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.geocities.com/lirimaer8/index.html http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1231150 http://www.efanfiction.net/authors.php?no=2916 Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG? May go up soon... *is getting poked by My-chan: "NC-17!"* *sweatdrops* Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, others as well *glances over to Elladan & Elrohir* Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen-bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; To Verve: Thank you very much for your praise. And we have to admit,that we don't know the differences of Quenya and Sindarin, but as I said, (I think) we are using a sindarin-dictionary. And the words that Legolas uses are only bit modified from those. ^^;; It's not really high-educated, we have no idea from Sindarin (at least I don't; I'm still trying to learn Japanese). And the reason why we "killed" Faramir was that My-chan liked Boromir more than Faramir, and since we both know the films better than the movies, it will be a little easier for us to describe Boromir than Faramir for he had more screentime. And thanks for the praise on the grammar and such. It is a bit complicated to use the most beautiful and stunning grammar in a story that is written as a rpg by two people, especially since each of them has their own style. ^^; I hope it is okay though. About the fangirls-comment... I admit, we are both fangirls, but there are borders that we don't like to cross... *sweatdrops* Oh, dear, I think this has gotten a little long. ^^;; I do hope though you like what is happening in this chapter. Have fun reading! ______________________________________________________ When the Human moved closer, Legolas automatically tried to keep the distance and moved backwards. But the chain kept him at the level, and all he could do by retreating was choke himself. So he stood still, suppressing another shiver as the man came closer. But then, he started talking again, and the Elf looked up, since he didn't understand the words. The Human was pointing towards his chest, towards the tunic... Legolas' eyes widened and he swallowed. He was pretty sure hat his words meant that he wanted to take off his clothes, and panic rose in the captured Elf. Not caring anymore, if the necklace choked him or not, Legolas moved farther backwards and lifted his hands to defend himself. Even though he knew he didn't stand a chance against the Human. Aragorn knew he had done something very wrong as Legolas eyes fixed him first in surprise and then widened with horror as he inched closer. The Elf's struggle and his attempts to get away from him were in vain though, as the chain held him pretty perfectly where he was. So the only things between them were the Elf's hands, elegant hands as Aragorn noticed while he was trying to get his hands on the ribbon. But he was having a hard time getting through. So being as frustrated as he was he did what he didn't want to do. "Don't struggle!" He ordered and regretted his words while they shot out of his mouth. Legolas didn't understand the harsh words, but he stopped struggling nevertheless. Shivering violently he bowed his head down even farther, although it hurt his neck, and closed his eyes to hide the tears which filled them. Still holding up his tied hands he lifted them a little higher, as if he tried to cover his head. "Nícaer.... Nícaer..." he whispered over and over again, just hoping the Human wouldn't hurt him. It hurt Aragorn to see Legolas like this. But it was said, he couldn't take it back and all he could do now was trying to regain the little of trust he had won before his outburst. And he knew that it would be much harder than before. Legolas was shaking so violently with fear that the question of what those people who sold him did to him came to his consciousness once again. Furious over himself, he leaned forward and undid the knot of the ribbon, tugging at one end and watched how it fell down and snaked its way around Legolas chest. If the circumstances weren't so bad, this might almost look sweet... He paid careful attention that he didn't touch the Elf, and moved back the instance the ribbon was fully gone from his chest. 'So I did unwrap my present...' he thought, but his mind supplied him with the addition of, 'well, not completely yet.' He frowned and reprimanded himself not to do that at any time. First because Legolas was a man and he usually didn't lay with men and although his brothers had a different opinion about that, he didn't want to assume that Legolas was like them in this matter. So he just sat there in silence on the stone floor, about two arms reach away from the Elf and watched him carefully, waiting for the reaction on something that never happened. Legolas' eyes snapped open, when he felt the band around his chest being removed. Panic and fear still rising, he wasn't able to move, even if he hadn't been chained to the wall. But suddenly the hands withdrew and he could feel the Human backing away from him. The Elf didn't understand what this meant, but he could see the man didn't move anymore as he stared down at the red ribbon which now lay around him on the ground. Pressing his bound hands against his forehead, Legolas closed his eyes again, not able to prevent the tears from falling. "Nícaer," he whispered again and sobbed slightly. He had sworn to himself never to show such a weakness to these brutal creatures, and he didn't until now, but it was just too much. He was far away from home, sold as a slave to people whose language he didn't understand, who hurt him without him even knowing why, and he was cold and tired. If it hadn’t been for the chain who didn't allow him to move, Legolas would have curled up in the corner farthest away from any of these Humans. "Nícaer..." Salty tears streamed down his face, unhindered, and soaked the cold stone floor. The pain in his chest increased, and the situation got even more awkward than before, and all Aragorn wanted to do was say or do something that would calm this Woodelf, make his fear go away. But there was nothing he could think of which wouldn't scare Legolas even more right now. So the man stood up as silently as he could and went to find some food, bread and wine the servants had put into his room for a last meal. He poured some of the red wine, which tasted excellent by the way, into a chalice and broke off a piece of the loaf. Using one arm to hold both of those items, he grabbed a spare blanket with the other from his bed and returned to his place in front of the Elf. Somehow all of this felt like he was trying to talk to a frightened mare, to let her know that she was in good hands and that nobody wanted to cause her harm just that this mare was a beautiful Elf. He put the chalice and the bread next to him, the blanket into his lap and finally tried to say something to sooth Legolas. With a glimpse of remorse he noticed that the stones held a little puddle of tears now. "Legolas..." he said as softly as he could. The Elf's pointed ears slightly twitched when the Human called him. Still sobbing quietly, the blond man slowly looked up, lowering his hands just a bit, so he could look over them. Legolas shyly glanced at his master, and took in the blanket in his lap and the food next to him. Only at the sight his stomach started growling. The Woodelf quickly looked away, bowing his head back down, again whispering his apology, while the flooding tears slowly dried up. Aragorn almost started to chuckle when he heard Legolas' stomach speaking louder than the Elf himself, but managed to keep it down as a smile. He offered the cup of wine to him, trying to look trustworthy...something that worked in counsels and tiring debates, but he wasn't sure if it would work here. After the Elf managed to calm his body down mostly he fearfully looked up again. But what he saw there probably shocked him even more. The man was smiling at him, actually smiling. Not sure what to think, say or do, Legolas stared at his master for a few seconds, until he noticed the cup he was handing to him. He could smell the sweet scent from the shiny red liquid and immediately his throat started to hurt, to remind him how thirsty he was. But the Elf hesitated to take the offered cup, since it meant to move closer to the Human. Legolas swallowed and after another few moments of struggling within himself the slowly moved closer. The pressure from his neck disappeared as he did so, and the chain slightly sagged. Finally the Elf extended his still bound and shaking hands to grab the offered wine, only to withdraw them a few inches before he touched the cup. What if this Human just wanted to gain his trust to hurt him even more afterwards? He could easily take advantage of his thirsty and hungry condition, poison him, and watch his pitiful slave writhe in pain. With a doubtful look in his eyes, and also shades of fear in them, he looked into the steel blue orbs of his master, trying to find an answer to his thoughts. Again it seemed as if Legolas' body decided for him and Aragorn extended his hand a little more, so that the Elf could get the cup without getting within one arms reach of the man. He looked at him expectantly and nodded when he saw that the Elf despised the offer, perhaps because he feared that it was poisonous. He had expected this reaction and showed him that this man wasn't born in slavery and used to live freely with pride. To show him that the wine didn't cause any harm, he raised the cup to his lips and took a good sip from the red and tart liquid and tasted how it flowed down his throat. It was in that particular moment that he noticed how thirsty he actually was and cursed himself for not taking the bottle with him. So he emptied the chalice, put it to the floor and stood up to fetch the rest of the wine and bread. He might as well get some food as well. After he sat down in front of the Elf once again, he poured more of the wine into the cup and finally offered it to Legolas. Seeing the Human drinking the wine convinced the Woodelf that it wasn't poisoned, and he grabbed the cup with a clumsy movement, which betrayed nothing of the Elf's usual grace. Trying not to be too hasty, Legolas quickly drank the sweet liquid to ease the burning sensation in his throat. His eyes never left the bread while he emptied the cup; neither did they after he set the cup down and shove it back into the direction of his master. The Elf felt like his stomach was torn apart, but yet he didn't dare to ask. Aragorn noticed the longing looks Legolas send over to the bread on his side and he immediately offered it to the hungry Elf, but not without eating a small piece of it himself. Waiting that the leaf was snatched out of his hand, Aragorn wondered how long Legolas had to starve...He sincerely doubted that he was given any food in all the time before he was sold to Arwen. "Maybe you're lucky to be here..." he said thoughtfully, munching on his own piece of bread. Trying not to look like the strange pink animals which had been sold on the marked next so the stage he was on, Legolas stuffed as much of the bread in his mouth as he could, afraid it would be taken from him again, if he wasn't quick enough. Even though it gave him a hard time chewing, the Elf took an almost too big bite every time he swallowed down the last one. "Hinead", he managed to get out between two bites and systematically eliminated the bread in his still slightly shaking hands. The stuff tasted awful on his sensitive tongue, but the Elf forced it down. He was grateful for it, grateful that he got the chance to fill his aching stomach. And since he didn't know when he would get something to eat again, he ignored the taste and just swallowed bite after bite. Aragorn stared open-mouthed at Legolas eating and almost forgot that he should chew on the bite in his mouth. It went so far that he closed his mouth only to hide the laughter that was trying to seep out. So when he heard a word from between the crumbs in the Elf's mouth, Aragorn started to laugh. A full, free laughter like he hadn't laughed for ages as it seemed to him. After he had calmed down a little he offered the rest of his bread without second thinking. "Here, for you. But eat a little slower... I don't want you to get sick." Legolas looked up from his bread, scared and startled. Scared because of the loud sound and startled when he saw the Human laughing. The Elf looked at his master thoughtfully while he chewed his last bite and licked the crumbs from his fingers. He slightly backed away when he saw the man's hand reaching out for him, from the corner of his eyes. Legolas looked up and was even more startled when he saw the bread held out for him to grab it. The Elf could only guess the meaning of the words, but it seemed like this man... Aragorn… actually cared for him. Not being very trusting in nature though, Legolas snatched the piece and withdrew his hands quite quickly. Anyone could tell that his movements had already changed. "Hinead", he murmured again and continued eating, slower this time, chewing more carefully. With an acknowledging nod Aragorn returned to watching Legolas and he was almost proud of them both that he was now eating slowly, almost evenly, not as hasty as before. It seemed as if they could build up a relationship based on some kind of trust, at least in some time. But before that, Aragorn had to talk to him more fluently. He could see that the Elf understood parts of what he was saying, but not all of it. As he didn't every word that came out of the other's mouth. But that could wait, at least for now. Aragorn watched Legolas intently as he ate. His pale skin looked a little dull with all the bruises and the bits of dirt that weren't washed away by the diligent hands of Arwen's maidens. Legolas was thin, a little too thin for the man's taste, but the trained eyes of a warrior could see that underneath the battered-looking skin lay well-defined muscles, once strong enough to rip out a tree or something as extraordinary as that. Looking at Legolas made him wonder what the Elf would look like in his natural surroundings, the forest, trees, flowers and all you could think of when the picture of a deep dark forest came to your mind... well, Aragorn could do without the spiders of Mirkwood, but that was something different. It was like watching a unicorn... Something as beautiful, although that was an Elf thing, as ethereal and magical as this blond man was seldom in the world that Humans lived in. And although Aragorn would have preferred if they had met under better circumstances, he considered himself lucky to have met Legolas. The Elf ate up the bread entirely and again licked even the tiniest crumb from his shaking fingers. He felt better now that he was satiated, even though his stomach already started to rebel. The strange taste of the food and his earlier hastiness seemed to cause his starved body some problems in accepting it. Legolas swallowed and tried to get the awful taste out of his mouth. He was quite sure that the bread would stay where it was, if he didn't have the taste on his tongue, which was making him want to throw up. He glanced at Aragorn and then looked at the bottle with the wine. It was empty. The Elf swallowed again. His throat felt dry like dust and it started burning again. Not only did he want to get rid of the taste, he was also thirsty again. Staring down at his tied up hands he slightly rose his voice: "Puêl en rem?" "Huh? Of the bread? I'm sorry, but that's the only loaf I had," Aragorn said, but then noticed that Legolas had been looking at the now empty bottle of wine. He hadn't even noticed how quickly they had emptied it... or rather, himself. There was just a bit left in the chalice... Looking into the cup Aragorn decided to give it to Legolas. "You can have the last bit. I'm going to fetch another bottle." With those words said, he stood up, the blanket fell to the ground, and he went into the other room, to do what he had said he'd do. The Elf watched the other man walk out the room. After he left, Legolas looked at the cup and the few remaining draughts wine in it, obviously offered to him. Crawling a bit forward, Legolas grabbed the cup and emptied in slowly. The cool liquid eased the burning sensation in his throat, but it wasn't enough to end it. So he sat down and waited for Aragorn, who'd said something about getting more. At least that's what he thought he had understood. And he was proven right when the Human came back with another bottle in his hand. Legolas held up the cup in his tied up hands, looking at his master with pleading eyes as he waited for him to fill the vessel. Aragorn almost stumbled backwards as the saw those pleading eyes of the color of the night sky. The man hadn't expected such a ... puppy-like look at this time. He quickly regained his composure though. His hands moving fast from constant training he uncorked the bottle and sniffed at opening, checking if the wine was okay, before he leaned down a bit and poured the alcoholic liquid into the offered chalice. He was a bit concerned though that Legolas might get drunk... and that was something he hadn't intended. "Maybe I should get some water, too..." he said to himself, now in the language of the Humans. The Elf winced slightly when the words touched his ears, causing him to choke on the wine, since it went down the wrong way. He quickly set the cup to the ground as his body started to shake violently at each cough. "Nícaer," Aragorn exclaimed and fell back into talking in Elvish. He didn't mean to scare the Elf again and cursed himself for his thoughtlessness. "I'm sorry..." He didn't quite know what he should do, so he just stood there with the bottle of wine in his hand. Legolas soon managed to calm his body down, but now his throat hurt even more and the stabbing pain had watered his eyes again. Blinking, the Elf tried to dry his eyes, before he looked up again and nodded slightly. "Aranja..." he murmured, and bowed down to lift the cup to his lips and empty it. Then again he extended his hands and looked up at his master. Still eyeing the Elf with some amount of concern he lowered the bottle again to pour some wine into the cup. His concern increased as he saw how fast Legolas seemed to drink it, almost like somebody who was drowning... It would have been okay if it had been water, but wine... even this not as strong as the usual ones made quite an impact on those who were as light as Legolas. After the Elf emptied the chalice again, he put it down and leaned a bit backwards to show that he had had enough. "Hinead." Legolas didn't only feel better now that he was full and had managed to get rid of the awful taste in his mouth. He also started to feel the heavy liquid running through his body, making it heavier and harder to move. Tiredness washed over him, like a huge wave and the warm feeling, caused by the wine didn't help much to stay fully awake. In addition to that there was his weakened condition, which made it possible for the wine to hit like an explosion. If Legolas were in his normal shape, it probably wouldn't have affected him that much. But now his cheeks were flushed and he slowly lost the feel for his body. Aragorn congratulated himself bitterly to managing to make the Elf drunk. He put the half-filled bottle on a table close-by and kneeled down in front of Legolas. Being greeted by the sight of a little pink on those pale cheeks and droopy midnight eyes he had to admit once again that his wife had a good taste. Only she could find somebody as beautiful as this Woodelf. "Are you feeling alright?" he asked, his voice full of concern. He didn't want the other to think that he did this on purpose. Meanwhile Legolas had closed his eyes and he only nodded slightly, since he didn't want to move his head too much and he rested his forehead on his hands to support his head, which seemed to grow heavier every second. For a few moments the thought came to his mind that his master made him drunk on purpose, since the Elf felt rather weak and defenseless. But on the other hand, why should the Human give himself the trouble of doing that? He was superior to his slave anyway. His thoughts soon got blurry, and all Legolas wanted right now was to sleep. The Woodelf slowly passed out, his body sinking to the side and he would have hit the ground quite hard, if it wasn't for a strong arm to catch him and hold him. Somehow... Aragorn had seen this coming and thus he was quick enough to catch Legolas before his head could hit the stones in front of the mantelpiece. They were quite sharp and he didn't want to see more bruises on that already battered skin. "I will sleep on the couch tonight..." he said softly and carefully picked up the Elf. He carried him towards the bed, which was well in reach of the chain and set him down there on the soft cushions. Quite too soft for his tastes sometimes, but now he was grateful for them. He moved to pick up the blanket and tucked the sleeping Elf into it. With a small smile he leaned down a little and brushed some loose blond strands out of Legolas' face. His cheeks were still quite rosy and curled up as he was he looked young... very young, although that could be deceiving with Elves. Aragorn guessed him to be about one of the youngest Elves around, almost the same age as Arwen and even that would make him old enough to have seen over two thousand years. His thumb caressed one cheek idly while he pondered how it was possible for those slave-hunters to catch an Elf. "How did they do it?" he mumbled, still staring down at the sleeping figure on his bed. He pondered for a moment to take off the shackles around his wrists, but decided against it. The first thing he would surely do was an escape try and maybe it wouldn't stop him, but at least hinder him from moving too fast. He couldn't let him go... not yet. The world out there was too cruel for somebody like Legolas...Aragorn pried himself away from staring down at him and went to the other side of room, closer to the mantelpiece again where a big and comfortable armchair stood. Under normal circumstances he would have preferred his bed, but this situation was anything but normal, so he guessed he could be satisfied with sleeping in it tonight... he had slept on worse in his years as a ranger. To be continued... Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My- chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.geocities.com/lirimaer8/index.html http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1231150 http://www.efanfiction.net/authors.php?no=2916 Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG? May go up soon... *is getting poked by My-chan: "NC-17!"* *sweatdrops* Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, others as well *glances over to Elladan & Elrohir* Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen-bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; When Legolas woke up the next morning, the first thing he felt was warmth and a soft fabric surrounding him. He slowly opened his eyes and noticed that he was lying in the Human's bed. Startled he slightly raised his head to glance around, and found his master sleeping in the armchair. Another glance out of the window told him that it was still early morning, probably around 4 am. The light was mild and no bird was heard. They were still sleeping as well. Moving soundlessly as he was used to, Legolas sat up and got out of the bed. He noticed the change in his body. It wasn't weak anymore, didn't hurt with aching need for food and his movements regained most of their usual grace. He had to get away from here... away from the Humans, and back home. Looking down at his tied up hands he found that they were bound very well, and for a normal being it might have been impossible to get free. But not for the Elf. Legolas moved his hands a bit, stretched them, and finally simply slipped out of his ties and laid them on the ground. Then his fingers wandered over his necklace and the chain connected to it. Soon he discovered the mechanism and opened it. It wasn't as easy as getting rid of the ties, but after a few failed tries he managed to get free from the chain. Without making any sounds he slowly set down the chain, glancing to the sleeping Human every now and then to make sure he was still asleep. After he freed himself, Legolas sneaked to the window and looked out, only to find himself being too stunned to move. He was looking down at a beautiful garden, which wouldn't have a hard time compared to his home. So many blooming flowers and trees, slightly swinging in the gentle morning wind, cherry blossoms falling like a rain of silk. Taking a deep breath, the Elf carefully opened the window and bend forward, only to find himself in dizzying height. And even though he as a Woodelf was used to that, it surprised him and made him hesitate for a moment. In his normal condition it wouldn't have been a problem for him to just jump down, but even though he felt better, his body was still weakened. In his dreams Aragorn was chasing through the forests, breathing deeply and he was the happiest man in Middle-Earth because he didn't have to work through all those stupid requests addressed to Gondor. He was feeling free and although he liked being King, this dream was good. But it was disturbed by a sudden gasp that came from the outside realm. He stirred, in his sleepy confusion not fully comprehending what was going on, and pried his eyes open. He didn't know what time it was, but his inner clock told him it was way too early to wake up now. Through the small slits that let the outer world into his consciousness, he saw somebody blond standing at his window and he wondered for a moment who it was. But then he remembered the events of the previous day and he groaned. Thanks to his wife he was now proud owner of an Elven slave. And said slave was trying to get away from him right now, standing at the window, looking like he was ready to jump out of it. All tiredness was suddenly gone from his body, and his mind was clear within a second as he felt his veins like they were on fire and he jumped up, was at the side of Legolas in an instance and pried him away from the sill. "Have you gone crazy?!" The Elf stumbled backwards as he was pushed away from the window and winced when the harsh and loud words hit him. His mind and body weakened from the outburst he sank down on his knees, shaking violently. Legolas bowed his head and squeezed his eyes shut, expecting the first blow from the Human's hand, which came quite late anyway, from what he had experienced, or probably a kick, or whatever he felt like. Digging his nails into the stone floor the Elf remained silent, in case not to anger his master even more, even though he was pretty sure what he'd said. Now that the danger was over, at least for the moment, Aragorn's blood cooled down again and he allowed himself a sigh. He then kneeled down to be on eye-level with Legolas. "I know you want to be free," he said in Elvish, "but the world outside is cruel... I vowed to myself not to cause you any more pain, but also I cannot let you go. First of all, it would hurt my wife and secondly I don't want to be responsible for any more harm. If you go, they will catch you..." His voice faded and he raised his hand to Legolas' cheek. He almost winced as the Woodelf jerked when his hand touched the pale skin. "In a few months' time... you can go... when you gained some weight..." Legolas had slowly opened his eyes again, when the Human started talking. He saw that Aragorn kneeled in front of him, but he didn't dare to look up, and continued to stare on his hands. The Elf didn't understand most of what was said to him, but he started to realized, that his Human didn't want to hurt him, but that he didn't want to let him go as well. A bit scared when he suddenly felt a gentle touch in his face, Legolas slightly backed away and lifted his head to look into his master's eyes. "Naá ú sí laine?" he peeped quietly. "Why not now?" Aragorn repeated in his version of Elvish, just to get it clear. He sighed and put his now empty hand into his lap. "Because you're too easy to catch right now. You are weak and I don't mean this as an insult." He pointed to Legolas. "...I'm afraid you will loose your skin if you start to run." Nodding slowly the Elf looked out of the window. He understood what the Human tried to explain. He was a much too easy to catch prey right now, and he mustn't die. Legolas had a responsibility back home, and he needed to return. "En ablis cuinar", he said and looked back into Aragorn's steel blue eyes. But this also meant for him to be patient, wait and not try to escape, which he was hardly able to. Legolas was still afraid of the people surrounding him, even of the one right in front of him even though he seemed rather friendly. But looks deceive, and as much as he knew about these creatures, they were good liars, good actors and had betrayed the Elves for many, many years ago for their own advantages. So why should he trust this Human now? He didn't, and he was afraid to change it. Therefore he slowly started to move backwards, away from the other man. He would survive, yes, but that didn't mean he had to stay here. Legolas was able to look after himself very well. For quite a long moment they looked into each other's eyes until Aragorn found that he wasn't breathing anymore. He covered his next deep breath with a sigh, as he tried to make sense of the myriads of emotions he had seen in those midnight blue eyes. Understanding, admittance, a single glimpse of longing, determination and then the ever present struggle between trust and disgust of which Aragorn was sure was only meant for him. Legolas' face didn't show much emotion, but his eyes were as deep as the caves of Moria. Aragorn closed his eyes and sighed. Outside it got lighter with every moment that passed while the sun sent its first rays over the horizon. It was no use going back to sleep now, even the birds were fully awake now, betraying the tension in the King's chambers with their happy songs, welcoming the next day. And if that wasn't enough, Aragorn's stomach let out a protesting growl as it didn't get anything to eat last night and he looked at the Elf sheepishly. He blinked and found that Legolas was now further away from him than before and he frowned, knowing that his doubts got the upper hand. "The servants should come in here soon with breakfast. They are trustworthy and listen to my every word, so... don't try to cause them harm," he said, still not sure if Legolas believed him or not that he didn't want to hurt him. It would have been better if the servants saw the Elf in his chains, but he couldn't force himself to suggest this right now. Although the last thing he wanted was for the Elf to escape. Legolas' eyes never left the Human while he constantly moved away from him. Aragorn had said something about somebody coming, so if he couldn't escape through the window, he would use the door instead. After some time the Elf could feel the wooden surface of the bed in his back and stayed where he was. It didn't take long for the said somebody to come, and although he servants moved as quietly as they could, Legolas heard them long before they even reached the door. Opening it carefully one of them stuck his head in to see if his king was still asleep. As he saw the bed was empty he fully opened the heavy door and stepped in, followed by another man. The first one was carrying a plate with several sorts of food on it, while the second held two bottles of something Legolas couldn't make out. The Elf strained his muscles, and quickly glanced from Aragorn to the other Humans, before he shot up and ran towards the door, simply slipping through the surprised servants. They didn't really see what happened, because it all happened way too fast. Once out of the room Legolas didn't stop. He ran down the hallway, looking for an exit. What he found though, were stairs and he quickly ran down, only to find himself in an even bigger hall. Not hesitating he made attempts to cross it when he heard voices. The Elf quickly hid himself behind a pillar, panting heavily. It stunned Aragorn that he wasn't even surprised to see Legolas out of the room quicker than he could blink. He was on his feet the moment he saw some blond strands whip around the corner behind his door. The servants barely made it out of his way as he started to chase after the much faster Woodelf. The only advantage he had was the fact that he knew the halls of Minas Tirith... and Legolas didn't. He could almost sense where the Elf stopped for less than a heartbeat in his elopement, having lost none of his skills as a tracker in the years of being king. Meanwhile Gimli, who was staying at Minas Tirith because of Aragorn's invitation, walked down the main hall in his pursuit of some breakfast. He hadn't seen much of his friend during the past few days, since the king's duties kept a hold of him most of the time, so he had to spend the days with the Queen of Gondor, the lady Undómiel, Aragorn's Elf-wife. She was a pleasant appearance and Gimli like her, but he sensed that he wasn't quite the company she wished for. The necklace he had given to her was of finest Dwarven handiwork and she appreciated and cherished it like every woman in Middle-Earth, but well... she was an Elf. As beautiful as any gem he had ever seen, but there was something about her that he didn't like. He had heard that she had saved Aragorn's life several times and that the man loved her with all his heart, but he couldn't understand it. He stopped dead in his tracks, right in the middle of the large hall when he heard some breathing coming from one corner. Looking around he wished for his axe as he yelled, "Who's there?" Legolas winced when he heard the deep voice yelling in the language on the Humans. And it was directed to him, there was no doubt about that. But how could that be. No Human could possible have seen him or heard him. But as it seemed now they had already discovered him, so there was no use in hiding. Trying to suppress the shivers running through his body, the Elf stepped out from behind the pillar to face the stranger. Legolas was quite startled and let out a surprised gasp when he stood face to face with a... Dwarf... Clenching his fists, the Woodelf calmed his body down. It was only a Dwarf, nothing to be afraid of. But Legolas could already hear steps coming closer, Humans approaching him, most likely alarmed by the yell. Chased as he was, the Elf hastily glanced around to find an exit. Gimli blinked. Right in front of him an Elf had stepped out from behind a pillar. A blond one as well, so he immediately thought it was the Lady Galadriel, the most beautiful Elf he was ever allowed to lay his eyes upon. The three hairs she had given him when the Fellowship of the Ring was found by the Lothlorien Elves were securely in an amulet on his chest. But it wasn't her. "The Woodelf?" he asked with doubt in his voice. Of course Arwen had told him about the present for Aragorn and he had told her quite directly that he didn't approve of the idea, especially not when Aragorn was involved. The man didn't like slavery or using other beings for his own profit, so a slave wasn't the greatest idea of a present for him. He hadn't even spoken the last few words when he heard somebody racing down the stairs that led to the king's chambers. He turned his gaze to see Aragorn taking three steps at once. The man was panting from the long way downstairs and looked more like the ranger he used to be seven years ago. The fire was back in his eyes compared to the last time he saw him, hunched over papers and looking like he hated to whole world for making him do this. It looked like he was having the fun of his life chasing after the Elf. "Hoho Aragorn," he laughed, grinning at the Human. "Seems like I found something that you lost... or it rather found me." Aragorn stopped dead in his tracks, his naked feet almost screeching on the stone floor and came to a halt between the Dwarf and the Elf. "Gimli!" His voice sounded shrill to him and Aragorn took a deep breath to calm down a bit. "Gimli, this is Legolas. Legolas, meet Gimli, son of Gloin." The Dwarf frowned and looked at Aragorn doubtingly. But then he understood. It wasn't like Aragorn to treat a slave like a lower being but like a guest, even if he had to chase after him for a while. Again Legolas ears twitched when Aragorn talked in his maternal tongue, although the man tried to keep his voice down. He was just about to turn around, using the surprise and run towards the windows behind him, when he heard something familiar. Staring at the Dwarf his eyes widened slightly. "Gloin?" he asked doubtfully "Iôn o Gloin?" The Dwarf blinked in surprise and stared openly at the Woodelf. He hadn't expected to be addressed directly by him, and although he didn't understand what he had said to him, he was able to guess the meaning of it, since Aragorn had just introduced them. Aragorn was just as stunned. He looked at Legolas, eyes wide in surprise. "Do you know Gloin?" Legolas glanced to Aragorn, then back to the Dwarf. Actually all he wanted to was to get away from there, but something kept him right where he was standing. And that was Gloin, or rather his son. Regret shimmered in his eyes as the Woodelf looked down at his hand, and the ring that wasn't there anymore. A small stripe of his skin was paler then the rest, and showed that something had been there for a very long time. "Sû", he whispered. Gloin had forged the ring only for him, and it was his duty to wear it all his life, but now the valuable thing was gone. The Humans had stolen it from him, most likely sold it, without knowing its meaning, magic or might. And now he stood face to face to his son, and a wave of guilt washed over the slave. He had been careless, and Gimli had every right to blame him for loosing his most precious property, the ring which would guide his immortal soul to the eternal grounds. Now it was gone and his soul would be lost for eternity if he didn't get a new one. But which Dwarf would give himself so much trouble for such a stupid Elf? Gimli had no idea what Aragorn and the Elf were talking about, but he understood that the Elf... Legolas, knew his father. In fact he seemed rather sad about something. The Dwarf's mind worked hard to find out something that his father might have done in the past for an Elf, but all he remembered was something about a journey to Mirkwood, when Gloin had been nothing more than a midget. He had to present his first important work to somebody but he didn't remember who, just that it was some Elf. Aragorn had studied Legolas' face once again, trying to find out what all these emotions meant. His look followed the Elf's down to his hand but he saw nothing there, just that it seemed as if something was missing there to him. He relaxed a little and took a small step towards Legolas before he spoke. "Where do you know him from?" As soon as Aragorn moved towards him, the Elf snapped out of his memories. He automatically took a few steps backwards to keep the distance to the Human, suddenly being reminded that he had intended to leave. Something he still planned to do. He well understood Aragorn's question, but he wasn't going to answer it. If this Human knew who he was, he probably changed his mind and wasn't all that friendly anymore. Taking another step backwards he slowly approached the windows, not taking his eyes from the other two men. As soon as Aragorn had relaxed he tensed up again as he saw Legolas moving towards one of the windows. This hall wasn't as high as his room and even he might jump out of it without being hurt. The impact would be hard, but he could live with it. Despite better knowledge he quickly made another two steps towards the Elf, offering his hand. "If you don't want to tell me, it's okay... just... don't jump," he almost begged but was interrupted by Gimli. "Hah! Praise the memory of a Dwarf! Now I remember it!" Gimli shot out triumphantly and raised his head to look at the Elf and the man. "You are from Mirkwood, aren't you? You must know Thranduil!" To be continued... This chapter made us wonder about a few things between Dwarves and Elves... like Do Dwarves speak Elvish? Well, since the message on the entrance of Moria was written in Elvish, but Gimli (obviously) wasn't able to read it, we decided that there was a time once, when Dwarves spoke the language of the Elves and had good relationships with them, manufacturing special items... I hope we can explain it a bit better in future chapters. But yet again: Feedback is much craved for and we are willing to answer any question you might have... ^^; Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My- chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.geocities.com/lirimaer8/index.html http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1231150 http://www.efanfiction.net/authors.php?no=2916 Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG? May go up soon... *is getting poked by My-chan: "NC-17!"* *sweatdrops* Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, others as well *glances over to Elladan & Elrohir* Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery, angst... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen- bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; ______________________________________________________ Aragorn's head whipped from the Elf to the Dwarf in surprise. "Thranduil? I’ve heard of him, he's the King of the forest Mirkwood," he said to Gimli. The Dwarf nodded. "My father had to present his first work of jewelry, a special ring for the Elves, to him. I think it was for his son... At least that's what he told me. He doesn't like the Elves very much," the Dwarf added, unnecessarily. Aragorn stared at Gimli a little longer before his head turned back to Legolas. His mind told him that Legolas was missing a ring on his finger, but he disavowed it for now. "Thranduil... do you know him, too?" he asked, his arm still stretched out towards the retreating Elf. Legolas eyes widened when the Dwarf shouted the name of the Elf king. Even though the name sounded very strange in this harsh language he recognized it. But this wasn't good. If the Dwarf remembered what his father had done for Thranduil then he probably knew who the Elf actually was. The Woodelf looked to Aragorn, staring at him as he asked him something about the Elf king, most likely if he knew him. Legolas knew that it wasn't of much use to lie and he didn't like lying either, but he had to, in case to safe himself, and so he slowly shook his head to the question. Still taking one step after another backwards he soon bumped into the sill. He grabbed it for support since he felt his knees getting weak, caused by the shivers which were running through his body again. Legolas glanced over his shoulder out of the window. It wasn't very high and jumping down wouldn't probably even hurt him, if it wasn't for his legs to give in. The Elf clenched his fists. The fear that they found out who he was controlled his body and made it impossible for him to move. Lowering his eyes to the ground he squeezed them shut, while he slowly sank to the ground. His master was most likely very pissed now, because he had tried to escape, and Legolas expected nothing else but to be punished for it. Maybe he even deserved it for being stupid enough to get caught. The Elf bowed his head down when he heard more Humans approaching and curled up into a tight ball, while pressing himself against the wooden surface of the wall, his naked legs on the cold stone floor sending even more shivers up his spine. "Nícaer..." he whispered, while he still tried to hide his fear somehow, or at least most of it. "Nícaer..." Aragorn heard the guards approaching as well but with a snappy motion of his arm he told them to stay where they were. He moved closer to the curled up Elf and hesitantly put a hand on his back as he kneeled down in front of him and the window. He might have shaken his head in denial, but his body told him something quite different. "You do know Thranduil, don't you? Are you trying to protect him from the Humans? I'd understand this. From me?" He sighed, knowing it would be difficult to show him that he didn't want to cause him any harm. Rubbing the Elf's back in soothing motions he looked up at the Dwarf. "Gimli, tell Arwen to get here immediately," he asked, in his usual order tone though. "Tell her that it doesn't matter what time it is, I just want her to face what she has done to him... and me," he added quieter, more to himself. The Dwarf nodded, slightly surprised by the harsh tone towards him, a friend, not a subordinate. As fast as his legs could carry him, he rushed upstairs and knocked at the Queen's chambers. "Lady! Wake up! Your husband wants to talk to you!" Inside her chambers, Arwen was busy putting on her robe, aided by her maidens. She blinked and turned to the door. "It's quite early, isn't it? I'm not dressed yet." Gimli sighed and cursed the Elf inside his mind. "It doesn't matter. He awaits you in the main hall. Now." He sincerely hoped she would listen to him. Arwen glared at the door. "Does he want to embarrass me in front of everyone? And why did he sent you and does not talk to me in person now?" "Because he is keeping an eye on the slave you gave to his custody yesterday," the Dwarf growled in response. "I told you to be wiser in your choice of presents for him." Arwen motioned to her maidens to bring her over-gown to her. If Estel wanted to see her now, she would have to go. Meanwhile Aragorn was still rubbing the Elf's back in soothing motions, babbling non-sense. "I'm not mad at you... just worried... Not all Humans like to have an Elf as a slave." Legolas slightly calmed down when he realized that the man at his side wouldn't harm him. He still held one of his arms protectively over his head though, as if the Humans disappeared when he just couldn't see them. "Naá milui enni?" he asked quietly. He was used to Humans hurting him, and he just couldn't understand why this one didn't. Up until now he had thought Humans hated Elves and loved to humiliate them if they managed to catch one. Aragorn understood the question quite well, but he wasn't able to find an answer at once. He just couldn't say that he just cared about the Elf and that this was the reason why he was nice to him. But there were other reasons as well. "Because somebody has done wrong to you and you are in a situation that you don't like and don't approve of. I just want to help you," Aragorn whispered. "Because I don't approve of it as well..." His words trailed off when he accidentally reached under the tunic of the Elf, and was now touching the bare skin of his sides, the outline of his ribs undoubtedly distinguishable underneath his fingers. He stopped his movements, almost gasping as a bolt of some sort struck him that made his hairs stand on end. It wasn't the kind of feeling that he had when Orcs were approaching him from behind, but a pleasant shudder that he had only with Arwen before she became his Queen. He stared with wide eyes at the Elf, slightly wondering if he felt the same. "Estel, why do you have to bother me this early in the morning?" Arwen's deep, but now somewhat annoyed voice made the king of Gondor snap out of his sudden dreamlike state. He jumped to his feet, trying his very best not to look sheepish and turned around. Somehow the innocent expression on his wife's face made him furious. "My dear beloved wife, as you weren't able to answer my question last night, I'm asking you again, why did you give me a... slave," he asked, barely able to control his anger and was having a little problem with the last word. To him, Legolas was a tormented being, a person and not some kind of animal or object that you had to impress your friends and foes. "My dear Estel, I thought it was a good idea. Or would you have liked another horse?" Aragorn balled his fists so tightly that he could feel his nails digging deeply into his skin. "Yes! More than somebody who was taken out of his usual life and sold like some... necklace or earring!" Somehow he felt good to see her face contort with surprise and even fear. He took a deep breath before he continued. "But..." "Enough! He should just be happy to be with me now instead of somebody less... honorable who would have done who-knows-what to him already!" Gimli, who had kept silence while the couple was talking... debating...yelling at each other, almost gasped in surprise to see a fire in the man's eyes, that he usually shot at Orcs before their heads were detached from their body. He almost felt pity for Arwen who had to withstand the glare directly. But the Elf-woman didn't even flinch the slightest bit. She just stood there and let her husband's words drop off her. She was so calm that Gimli was frightened more of her than Aragorn. "That's what he was trained to do: to help you relax. The man whom I got him from told me he knows various ways to ease your tense muscles. Haven't you been complaining about this backache for a few years now?" Aragorn was boiling with anger. He didn't know what Legolas was taught before he was sold to Arwen, but by the way he looked and how he reacted to every approach of the man, it surely wasn't anything educational. "Arwen," he growled, his voice barely a whisper. "Get out of my sight... if you don't want me to hurt you..." Legolas had listened to the Human's explanation, trying to understand the meaning, and blinked when he did. This man was different from the others, that much was for sure. But before he could spin that thought farther, the Elf was interrupted by Aragorn's hand moving slowly under his tunic while he still stroked over his back. The slave shivered as the warm hand touched his cool skin, but strangely he didn't mind it. Aragorn had only been nice to him since they had met, even though Legolas had tried to escape twice. And whether the Elf wanted to admit it or not, the gentle touch felt good on his bruised body. They where suddenly interrupted by a female voice, talking in... Elvish? Legolas slightly lifted his head after the man jumped to his feet, without removing his arm from above his head though, just enough so he could see the approaching woman. His heart felt as if it was going to stop beating any second as he caught sight of a female Elf approaching them. A beautiful Elf with dark hair. Legolas swallowed. It didn't seem like she was a slave, but then again... didn't Humans hate Elves? Legolas' eyes widened and he gasped as he heard his master calling her his wife. Everything the Woodelf had ever heard about Humans was turned upside down in this particular moment. He had thought that what had happened to him was quite "normal" and now he watched a Human and an Elf arguing like husband and wife, like what they were. And they were obviously arguing about him. Curling up even tighter Legolas covered his ears. He didn't want to hear their yelling, and he didn't want Aragorn to yell at his wife just because of him. Legolas had recognized her voice as the one who bought him. But he didn't care; he just wanted the yelling to stop. And even though he knew that his master had no intention in hurting him, his fear of him grew with every shouted word. Aragorn was so filled with anger, and the way he snapped at his wife made it very clear that one word was enough to make him loose control over his rage. Legolas pressed himself against the wall even closer, wanting to melt with it as he could feel his master's anger rising constantly, until the woman finally turned around and left, and the Elf just hoped that the Human wouldn't draw his attention back to him now, together with his fury. Arwen glared at her husband with all her might in return and with a rustling of her robes she turned around and stormed back into her chambers, not loosing any other word. She was so furious she would have hurt her husband even more if she had opened her mouth one more time so she rather kept it shut, pressed into a thin line. Gimli saw it as she passed him by, storming back to her chambers upstairs. He was quite sure that her lips would see no smile today, no matter how bright the sun shone or how delicious the food of the Hobbit-cook was. He himself was looking forward to something to eat. This had been too much excitement for him and also without breakfast. So now he decided that no matter what would happen next, he would go to the kitchen now and eat as much as he could. But then there was a raging Aragorn in the hall... all alone with a defenseless Elf... who was his slave by the way. Torn between his hunger and his natural instinct to protect the Elf, although he neither liked him nor knew him, he chose to move slowly towards the kitchen, observing how Aragorn treated the Elf now. Aragorn needed several steadying intakes of breath before he was able to face anybody again. His rage over the heartlessness of his wife towards somebody, even from her own race, had made him more furious than on the day Elladan and Elrohir had vent their despair back on that day in Helm's Deep, where they had to face an army of ten thousands of Orcs with about three hundred civilians. They hadn't understood that Aragorn had to fight this battle even for his own sake. He had been ready to die for and with the people of Rohan and this was something the Elves weren't able to fathom. But he survived and they even won the battle in the end with the twins and an army of Elves at his side. The memory of this day made him calm down finally and he was ready to talk to Legolas again without scaring him once more. He kneeled down again and offered his hand to the Woodelf, intending to help him up if he wanted to stand. "I'm sorry you had to witness this..." Legolas slightly backed away and shook his head. The Human didn't have to feel sorry for this. It was him who should apologize for causing all this trouble. And the Woodelf surely hadn't intended to do that. "Nícaer", he whispered with shaking voice and shyly glanced in the direction Arwen had taken off to. But what he caught sight of were the Human guards still standing at the exits of the hall and he quickly turned his gaze away. Aragorn stared at the Elf for a few moments, puzzlement written all over his face. "Sometimes I wonder if that's the only word you know..." he mumbled. But everything else he wanted to say was interrupted by a very loud grumble. "Oh, eh... sorry," the Dwarf said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. Turning his head around, Aragorn looked at Gimli with wide eyes and had a hard time hiding his chuckle. "My dear friend, it seems as if your stomach wants to tell you something. Just go and get something to eat, I think I can handle the situation from here on without your much-praised help." The Dwarf looked at the Human with suspicion in his eyes. He doubted whole-heartedly that Aragorn could handle this situation, but there were important things than that right now, namely his protesting stomach. "Alright, Aragorn. I trust the Elf to you. Don't cause him any harm." Having the satisfaction of hearing the man emit a deep amused laugh, he finally took off for the kitchen to silence his body. Aragorn felt lighter in his heart after Gimli left and managed a smile when he offered his hand to Legolas again. "Would you like to join me for breakfast?" Legolas just looked up at the man for some moments. Some seconds which could also have been an eternity while he looked into the steel blue eyes of the Human and searched for... something. He wasn't really sure himself. Maybe remaining rage, or anything like that. Finding none of that, the Elf finally nodded slightly. But he didn't take the extended hand. Instead he moved farther backwards, shifting a bit until he managed to get on his feet. Once more grabbing the sill for support, Legolas slowly stood up, still looking to the ground though, and waited for Aragorn to lead the way. A bit hurt, Aragorn pulled back his hand and moved to stand on his own feet as well. He knew he should turn his back towards Legolas to show his trust, but the problem was that Aragorn trusted Legolas in that particular moment to take the chance and turn and run away again. The look in his eyes as he had raised his head had been piercing and deep, full of a wish for something Aragorn couldn't put a finger on though. But he knew if he found out, he would be able to turn his back on the Woodelf. He stood, his body turned towards the staircase, his arm outstretched indicating the way Legolas should go when he wanted to join him and his eyes locked on the other's face, letting a little amused smile grace his features. "We're going back to my room. I will show you the way, if you haven't recognized it yet." Legolas almost pouted. Of course he knew the way back. But still he looked at the Human doubtfully. He was obviously expecting him to lead the way now, something the Elf didn't quite understand. And there also were the other Humans, standing next to the stairs, and Legolas really didn't want to get near them, even though they seemed to do what Aragorn told them. Aragorn was a little irritated that Legolas didn't move and looked back, almost encouragingly as he noticed that the guards will standing at the entrances and exits of the hall although he had thought he had ushered them away earlier. But he hadn't done then, he could do now. He raised his voice. "You may go now as well." The men looked at him with raised eyebrows but then left without any word of protest. The King of Gondor turned back to Legolas and waited for him to make a step into the direction he wanted to move. His expression was still soft and encouraging. To be continued... ______________________________________________________ I like my Gimli... My-chan does too, because she encouraged me to put him in here. ^^; Which gave me stress of playing three of the now four main characters... >_< Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My- chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.geocities.com/lirimaer8/index.html http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1231150 http://www.efanfiction.net/authors.php?no=2916 Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG? May go up soon... *is getting poked by My-chan: "NC-17!"* *sweatdrops* Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, others as well *glances over to Elladan & Elrohir* Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery, angst... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen- bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; ______________________________________________________ When the Woodelf saw that the men moved away he glanced around to make sure that they were really gone. He was pretty sure that Aragorn didn't want to hurt him, but that didn't mean that the other Humans shared his opinion. Still looking to the ground he only saw his master from the corner of his eyes, but that quick glance was enough for him to make him feel a little safer when he saw the Human's soft gaze on him. Slowly he took a few steps into the shown direction and when he heard Aragorn following him he slightly sped up, walking towards the stairs and then moving up to the king's chambers. The Woodelf felt awkward, with the Human following him, but he tried to keep his pace slow and even, although he felt more like running. Finally they reached the room he'd been spending the night in, and found the doors open and the servants gone. They had placed the plates on the table, tidied the bed and put his hand ties next to the chain at the wall. Legolas tore his gaze away from there and looked at the table. As soon as he did his stomach started to growl, even louder than the Dwarf's had and he quickly turned his head away, bowing it down again. The walk back to his chambers was more uneventful than Aragorn had thought. Something that had happened down there in the hall seemed to have changed his attitude. If not so much that he trusted Humans, but at least so far that he trusted Aragorn a little more than before. As they walked up the stairs in silence Aragorn thought back to that tiny moment when he had touched the Elf's bare skin, to the tingle that had went through his body. He pondered why he felt like blushing when his wife had addressed him afterwards, why it felt like cheating on her for the moment this feeling had lasted. Legolas was a man and while Elladan and Elrohir might have tried to involve him in their "games" when he was younger he wasn't the one to look out for men as possible companions in bed. He preferred the softness of a woman in his bed, in particular that of his wife. But watching the smooth motions of the Woodelf in front of him awakened some kind of longing he could only compare with his longing for the fresh air of the woods when he was in a very long and tiring council. He only snapped out of his thoughts when he heard a loud and low grumbling, coming strangely from the one in front of him. Snapping his eyes open, he saw that his servants had prepared breakfast during their absence. Ignoring the low grumble coming from his own stomach he put a hand reassuringly on the Elf's shoulder, smirking slightly. "Let's start the day with a good breakfast." He hauled the lighter Legolas forward and made him sit down in the chair that had its back turned towards the hook to which the Elf had been tied the previous day. He himself sat down in the chair facing Legolas, closer towards the door. Quite startled Legolas let himself being pushed down to sit in the chair, the table with the food now right in front of him, which made his stomach growl even louder. The Elf's eyes roamed over the plates, trying to make out what all this food was. He saw the bread he'd been eating yesterday and quickly turned his gaze away. He wouldn't eat it again if he didn't have to, that much was for sure. Then his eyes caught sight of a bowl with fruits. He blinked while he stared at the rather big collection of apples, oranges, cherries, pears, peaches, nuts and strawberries. Swallowing, Legolas quickly reached out and snatched a handful of nuts and an apple, before he leaned back in his chair and drew his legs up in automatic manner, to have them as close to his body as possible. Something he got used to over the last month. He set the nuts on the table right in front of him and took big bite from the delicious smelling apple. While chewing the stuff he took one of the nuts in his other hand and cracked it with two fingers. Legolas also stuffed the crumbs of the nut in his mouth and didn't really notice that the Human was still sitting on the other side of the table. The fruits tasted just too good, and the Woodelf almost felt like a king himself, now that he finally was able to fill his stomach in a regular manner, instead of getting a little bit to eat every once in a while. The man watched Legolas closely how he inspected the food in front of him, noticing how he turned his gaze away with a very obvious shimmer of disgust washing over his face. He made a mental note not to offer this kind of bread to Legolas anymore and watched with a silent smile how the Elf made a grab for the nuts and the apples, almost beaming like a little child who found a lollipop. Aragorn, who had no objections towards the bread cut of a slice and put some butter on it, when he heard the sound of nuts being cracked. He looked up, just to see Legolas popped the heart of one nut into his already filled mouth. His eyes went wide with surprise since he didn't expect the Elf to have the strength to crack nuts with his bare fingers, especially not in his weakened state. It seemed as if he had underestimated the remaining strength of the Elf. Which made him wonder once again how it was possible for simple Humans to catch an Elf like Legolas. He poured some milk into his cup, knowing that it came from the royal cows his cook was quite proud of. The Hobbit always praised the succulence of his precious cattle, especially when he was about to prepare a feast with steaks. But they also gave the sweetest milk in the whole kingdom and as soon as Aragorn figured that fact out, he had made it his favorite morning drink. The white liquid poured into his chalice and he couldn't wait to wet his throat with it. Placing the carafe back to its place on the table, it was only a heartbeat until he had the cup on his lips, drinking the sweet and still warm milk hungrily. So when he had finished his drink, he set the cup down on the table again, letting out a deep sigh as he wiped the milk-beard from his real beard. Meanwhile Legolas had finished his apple, not even sparing the core of the fruit and continued cracking the nuts. But the strength in his fingers slowly faded and when he cracked the last one, his fingers already hurt quite badly. Plus the peel seemed to get thicker and thicker with every nut, and this last one was rather sharp as well, causing the Elf's thumb to bleed. "Ouch..." Legolas winced slightly and stuck the red finger in his mouth, sucking it carefully. The Woodelf slowly looked up though when his nose smelled something sweet. It was unfamiliar, but yet it made his hunger rise again. He blinked a few times when he saw the origin of that smell. It was a bottle with some white liquid in it. He didn't know anything like that, but whatever it was, it smelled really good. Aragorn was about to pour himself a second cup of milk when he saw the curious and hungry glance from the Elf at the other side of the table. He saw him sucking on his thumb as if he had cut himself, but as soon as he saw the amount of broken peels on the table in front of the Elf... probably all cracked by his hand... he guessed that it was now most doubtlessly cut. Noticing in which direction the glance went, Aragorn grabbed the carafe again and started pouring some milk into a glass, pushing it over to Legolas afterwards. There wasn't another chalice as his servants hadn't thought that he would feed a slave like a guest. Aragorn had to tell them to bring a set of two breakfast utensils every morning as long as Legolas was staying with them. He looked at the Woodelf expectantly, encouraging him to drink it with a nod of his head. Legolas grabbed the glass slowly and carefully without removing the thumb from his mouth though. He lifted it up and sniffled before he finally released his bleeding finger and took a small sip of the white liquid. After he tasted the sweet stuff and noticed just how good it was, he emptied the glass quite fast, licking the remains from his upper lip. Even though it was just a liquid, it was very satiating and made his body feel warmer from inside. And he wanted more. The Elf shyly glanced at the almost empty bottle, not wanting to take it from his master, since it was his food. But he was still hungry, and now that he had started eating he had to fill his stomach until it was satisfied. "Puêl en rem?" he peeped quietly, once again throwing a puppy- eye-look at his master, without even knowing it. Aragorn smiled. He didn't know if Woodelves knew cows and their milk, but Legolas obviously didn't. And then he was giving him this look again, this I'm-a-lost-puppy-take-me-home-with-you-look that was able to break the bravest man's heart if he didn't fulfill his wish. So Aragorn shared the last bit of milk in the carafe willingly with the Elf, and then made a move to call his servants for a new one. The servants had expected a call like that and were already carrying a full bottle with them, placing it on the table without saying any other word, although they send curious glances towards the actual slave sitting at the table. But they ushered out of the room as quickly as they came. One of them wasn't as lucky as the others though and was held back at his sleeve by Aragorn. "Bring me another two carafes please. It seems that I am not the only one who likes milk..." he said quietly and only meant for the servants ears. Said servant nodded and was out of the room the moment the King released his garment. Legolas made a mental note what the stuff was called in the language of the Humans, even though he was quite sure he'd break up his tongue if he tried to say the word. Waiting for the Human to fill his glass again, the Elf took the chance to study his face more closely. His expression was soft and his eyes weren't as stabbing as those of the other men, the men who caught him. This one was completely different. Plus he was speaking Elvish, something the Elf would never have expected from one of these creatures. All those aspects made Legolas feel rather safe in his presence. He was still afraid, yes. But his fear seemed to fade away with every single moment going by. And then there was something else. His name. The female Elf had called him Estel. Hope. Emptying the glass once more, the slave pondered if he should ask or not. This Human was his master after all, and he as a slave wasn't allowed to talk without being asked. Well... he had already done that, and it seemed like Aragorn didn't mind. And he had said something about not liking to have an Elf as a slave, and he didn't treat him like one either. Setting down the glass Legolas slightly cleared his throat. "Naá he can Estel?" Aragorn had just raised his own cup to his lips, savoring in the taste of the milk when he heard Legolas ask a question. He was quite sure that this had cost the Elf quite some effort as he was surely trained not to ask his "master" any questions or even talk when he was not asked to. At least if you judged by his previous behavior. He assumed that Legolas had understood the word that was his name, and that it was literally eating up inside why an Elf would call him - a Human - "hope", as in his opinion Humans were probably worse than Orcs. Slowly he set down his chalice and fixed his eyes on the Elf. "She calls me Estel because that is the name my foster father gave me...He put his hope in me to renew the friendship of Elves, Humans and Dwarves, become King of Gondor... to bring peace... restore something of the past..." He trailed off as his voice got quieter in embarrassment, thinking that he didn't deserve being called "hope" for all these reasons. He was the hope of the Dunedain, the lost heir of Isildur... but although he had accomplished what he was expected, he still wasn't sure if everything was as good as it should be. Legolas tilted his head while he listened to the explanation and his eyes darkened. It was wishful thinking to hope that Elves and Humans could become close friends again. Probably impossible, and even though Aragorn's intentions were pure he sincerely doubted that he would manage this. Not really sure how he should express what he was thinking, the Elf slightly turned around and gazed at the chain. As long as Humans caught Elves and sold them for a high price, they would never be friends again. Legolas turned his gaze back towards his master and smiled at him shyly. It would be wonderful if it could be like it was thousands of years ago. Without all the fear and hatred. "Estel," he whispered and his smile widened just a bit, still almost imperceptible. Aragorn looked up from his grim thinking as he heard Legolas' voice saying his Elven name. He noticed the faint smile on the Elf's lips, along with the wishful thinking he wanted to read into it. He too hoped that Elves and Humans could be friends and he knew that he was friends with the Elves, but it was clear that his position was special... maybe he was hope because of that. As long as Humans caught both Elves and other Humans and sold them as slaves... there would never be peace at all. He stared back at Legolas, studying his features and wondering why he would call him "hope", too. He had no reason, too as he was the one who held him captive right now. Unwanted, but it was still the man who was taking care of him. The question "why" was nagging on him so much that he couldn't restrain himself anymore and asked it out loud, hidden behind a bit of other curiosity though. "Are you going to call me "hope" as well?" Legolas' eyes trailed off while he had another struggle within himself. On one hand there was his training, and he was supposed to address anyone as 'master' especially the one in front of him. On the other hand there was his desperate longing for freedom, peace and well, hope. This Human was his hope, and probably his only chance to ever get home again. With him there was a little bit of light that slowly came back into his life. And it grew. From second to second. "Nín estel", he whispered and looked to the ground, somewhat ashamed to call his master that, but it was what he felt. This man had brought a little hope back into his body. Said man took his time to study Legolas from where he sat, his mood changing from embarrassment over shame to amusement back to embarrassment. So he had managed to get through to Legolas with what he said, but this was almost a tad too much. It wasn't for the fact that he didn't want the Elf to trust him, he just didn't want Legolas to place too much hope into him, hope that he was not sure if he could fulfill it. Not knowing what he was supposed to say, he assumed that he should feel honored, although he was pretty shocked right now. "If you want to call me that... it's okay," he finally said. "I'd prefer Aragorn though..." He was interrupted by another servant who knocked on the door politely before he walked in. "My king, your duties demand you... Boromir wants to know what this letter you sent him last night is supposed to mean. He's waiting for you in the throne room." Aragorn's eyes narrowed slightly at the whispered news. He wasn't finished with his breakfast yet, and he hadn't even changed his clothes, something that he needed to do. "Tell him I'll be with him in about half an hour. And send somebody to get me fresh clothing," he ordered, whispering as well. When the man had exited the room he turned his gaze back to Legolas, sighing a bit. "I have to attend my duties... I'm sorry, but I have to leave although I would have preferred to talk to you a little longer, Legolas." The Elf nodded. "En henio." Of course Aragorn couldn't stay with him the whole day, and somehow Legolas was also glad about that, because he actually wanted to be alone and rest. The tiredness already started to creep back into his body; one night of sleep just hadn't been enough to compensate the enormous lack of sleep during the past weeks. The Elf held a hand over his mouth and tried hard to suppress the yawn, but didn't quite manage. He could have just lain down on the ground and slept immediately. But he knew he had to stay awake. This was still a strange place and if he was going to sleep, then only with his back against the wall, or probably even two walls. His thoughts being interrupted as the door was opened again, Legolas turned his head to see who was entering and saw the king's servants, bringing new clothes for him, as ordered. One of them had another package of clothes and lay them down separately from the others. The same servant bowed low before the King and said, "These clothes are sent by the Queen for your slave, your royalty. She sends her love and respect and hopes you have fun with your present." The rage that Aragorn had controlled and calmed down so that he could almost forget it came now back with an almost blinding intensity. With a very grim face, he stalked over to the second pile of clothes, that didn't look like his. He picked them up carefully and watched how a green silken gown unfolded itself before his narrowing eyes. It was a beautiful gown and Aragorn remembered seeing it on Arwen a few years ago on a banquet for guests from Ithilien, when she had her phase liking green. Aragorn raised his head again, trying to soften his glare, but he didn't quite succeed. "It seems as if my wife has developed a strange sense of humor..." He threw the gown back onto the bed and stalked over to his wardrobe, pushing surprised servants out of his way. After some serious and deep roaming through the contents he finally brought up a pair of gray leggings and a leather shirt, both looking quite outworn. "You can have those; they might not look good, but are very comfortable. Or you can wear the gown my wife chose for you. It's your choice." Legolas could feel the anger within his master rise again and would have backed away, if it wasn't for the chair he still sat in, to hold him where he was. He didn't understand what the servants had told him, but for some reason, the Elf was pretty sure that he didn't want to know. His eyes widened though when the Human lifted up a dress. Not that it looked bad, but he could guess that it was meant for him. The slave almost winced when Aragorn looked up and when he saw his hard features, and said something about his wife that didn't really sound nice. He was mad at her again, most likely for sending the gown. And Legolas surely wouldn't wear such a thing. He'd rather wear a potato bag - like he had to over the last weeks - or anything like that. Watching his master carefully as he walked over to the closet, Legolas thought how he could deny wearing the dress, without getting himself in trouble because of the disobedience, as he saw him searching through his own clothes. The Elf raised his eyebrow in question. Didn't his servants just bring him something to wear? But then he saw him turn around with some old looking clothes, offering them to his slave. And without second thinking, Legolas extended his arm and pointed towards the leggings and the shirt in Aragorn's hands. Aragorn's anger had cooled down while he had the satisfaction of digging through his clothes and he was now calm enough to accept every choice from Legolas. But it didn't surprise him to see the Elf pointing towards the worn leggings without hesitation. "Very well, you can have it then," the man said and smirked over his little triumph over Arwen, before putting the clothes onto the back of a chair and turning back to his servants. "Tell my wife she shall get this gown changed... get one of her maidens to re-sew it into a tunic for a man if she wants a man to wear it." The servant who had delivered the message of Arwen bowed low again and nodded in acknowledgement. "I will send her your message. Do you need any help changing your clothes?" Aragorn shook his head no. He was able to put on his suit of armor in less time than any of his servants could, thus he should be able to change his clothes himself. The servant tilted his head forward and ushered the others out of the room, taking one step after the other backwards, his eyes never leaving Aragorn's shoes. The man was about to ask if he had stepped into something the previous day, but that was the way his servants acted around the King of Gondor. Seven years and he still wasn't used to it. Sighing deeply he started to undo the knots of his over-shirt. To be continued... _____________________________________________________ *looks pleadingly at the reader* Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My- chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.geocities.com/lirimaer8/index.html http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1231150 http://www.efanfiction.net/authors.php?no=2916 Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG? May go up soon... *is getting poked by My-chan: "NC-17!"* *sweatdrops* Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, others as well *glances over to Elladan & Elrohir* Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery, angst... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen- bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; ______________________________________________________ After the servants had left the room, Legolas slowly rose to his feet and walked over to the chair his new clothes laid on. He lowered his gaze as he noticed his master was starting to undress himself, quickly grabbed the leggings and the shirt and turned around to move a couple of steps away. The Elf let the shirt drop to the ground and unfolded the leggings. He looked at them for a few seconds in thought before he took them on. Pulling them up he already noticed that they were way too wide, but it was better than nothing. Legolas removed the belt from his tunic and put it around the waistband of the leggings to make them stay on his hips. After that he pulled the tunic over his head, revealing a pale back with an ugly red mark under his right shoulder blade. Aragorn was fighting with one of the knots on his shirt. Whoever made them the previous day did a very good job on it; there was no way he could open them from his point of view. So he sighed and concentrated on his trousers instead. Loosening his belt and putting it on his bed, he grabbed for the fresh trousers but hesitated as he caught the glimpse of Legolas' back. Or rather on the red mark there. He'd seen this kind of marks before, in fact had suffered through the wounds that caused them himself more often than he wanted to. At least he now had a clue how Elves were caught by Humans: with arrows, as if they were hunting deer. He could almost see Legolas running through the woods, men with arrows on his track, shooting towards his direction, the Elf able to dodge them several times until one was lucky enough to send an arrow into his back. Weakened he crashed to the ground, not able to get up fast enough... Aragorn turned his head away and stared at his clothes. He felt so much shame for his race that he almost wished they never existed. The x-shaped weal from whips next to the cankerous wound gave him the rest though. He thought he had lost all his motivation to go through his daily routine. But just because he felt pity for Legolas didn't mean that there wasn't any more work for the king of Gondor and since this was him... Frustrated he sat down on his bed and peeled off his old trousers, grabbed his new ones and pulled them on rather harshly. All the while his shirt was still half-opened and as he stood to bind the chord of his pants it was hanging loosely on his body, making him look anything but kingly. Legolas kneeled down to get the shirt after he freed himself completely from the tunic. He shivered as he put it on and the cool fabric brushed his bruised skin. The shirt was way too wide as well, but he didn't mind it. It was soft and warmer than his tunic. Standing up again he glanced over his back he checked on Aragorn if he had finished dressing up as well, and saw him with half buttoned shirt, obviously having trouble getting the knots open. "M... master?" he peeped quietly and turned around fully. It was his duty as a slave to do what was needed, and his master looked like he could use some help there. "En edra?" he added after the Human was looking at him, and pointed towards his shirt. Aragorn almost hadn't heard Legolas talking to him as he was way too frustrated with himself and his inability to open the knots he had put onto his own shirt. It went almost this far that he just wanted to cut the straps open, not caring that his tailor had to sew it back together afterwards. Also, he was still fuming about the wrongfulness of his race towards other beings. But when he heard the Elf's voice he looked up with almost pleading eyes, pleading for somebody - anybody - to help him with those knots. He studied the Elf's face for a moment, not sure if he had the right to ask him to do this, but then he lowered his hands from his shirts and just looked up at the standing Elf. Legolas nodded slightly and walked over to the Human. He kneeled down again in front of his master to get a better look at the knots. Running his fingers over the top knot he eyed it carefully, until he finally grabbed one of the bands and gave a quick tug. It was enough to open the stubborn thing and the Elf continued his work with the other bands until the shirt was fully open. Aragorn was sure he had tried this tactic before and that he had tugged at the bands with all his might and all the tactics he could imagine. He had been sure one had to fumble the knots open with high skill and sure instinct, but Legolas worked so easily and efficiently on the knots that the man could only stare. When he was done, he stared at the Elf for a moment longer, mumbling an astonished "Thank you" before he shrugged the shirt off of his shoulders. Flashing a shy smile at the Human, Legolas rose to his feet again, and took the fresh shirt from the bed to hold it open for his master so he could easily slip in. He hadn't expected the man to thank him, since it was almost natural for him to do these things. But it made him feel a little more like a living being than the unworthy creature he had been treated as. After Aragorn had put on the shirt, Legolas slightly turned his upper body around and began to button it up with fast and efficient movements, ignoring his throbbing thumb. The man couldn't react fast enough to stop the Elf from using his hurt and still bleeding fingers. He didn't care if he had bloodstains on his shirt, not much that is, but he didn't want to increase Legolas' pain. So as soon as he got the chance, he grasped the pale wrist and gently pulled it away from his shirt. "Thank you. I can finish on my own," he said and smiled. "Your thumb is a little more important than the decent looks of my shirt," he added, not wanting the Elf to misunderstand his reasons. "Of which I can now take care of my own, thanks to your help." Legolas blinked quite startled when his hand was moved away from the buttons, but nodded slightly as he noticed that his thumb had started bleeding again. Of course his master had noticed it was hurt earlier. Taking a few steps back so that the Human had enough space to get dressed the Elf stuck his finger back in his mouth and sucked it carefully. Suppressing another yawn, the Elf glanced around to make out a spot where he could lie down to sleep, preferably next to the wall, or probably even in the corner of the room. But the problem was, there was no carpet in the corner, and the stone floor was cold. On the other hand, he was just a slave and if that was the best he could get, so be it. Finishing putting on his clothes, Aragorn followed Legolas' gaze. It seemed as if he was studying the escape-possibilities of this room... or rather, the interior. And to be most exact, he was staring at the floor, so Aragorn guessed he was trying to find out which would be his place along with the bed, the chairs and all the other items of furniture... "You can use anything in this room... if you promise me not to try to escape again. At least not today. I think I had too much excitement for just one day already..." he said, a little sigh in his voice. "I'm getting too old for this..." He adjusted the jerkin with the white tree of Gondor one more time and than turned to leave the room. "Sû", he whispered, the embarrassment clearly audible in the Elf's voice. He didn't intend to try to escape again. Not if it stayed like it was now. There wasn't much more that Legolas could wish for, except his freedom. His master was nice and gentle, he could eat as much as he wanted and he even got new clothes. When Aragorn finally left and closed the door behind him, the Woodelf returned to the table to get another glass of milk. After he had finished it, Legolas studied the carpets once again before he approached one of them, lifted it at one corner and dragged it into the corner he'd been sitting in the night before. Legolas sat down on the carpet, glanced at the door once more to make sure it was shut and nobody was coming in and lay down. Curling up into a tight ball he pressed his back against the wall. The Elf closed his eyes and sighed contently, before he soon slid into a light sleep. The little nagging feeling of concern over the Elf never left Aragorn's consciousness as he went to the throne room where Boromir was surely waiting impatiently for him. The king imagined that the other man had already walked a path into the thin carpets there and chuckled silently to himself. Boromir was quite a firebrand, but he should know how to handle a love-letter from Eowyn of Rohan more calmly. It wasn't like the woman was a bad catch, in fact she was quite nice and if Aragorn hadn't been betrothed to Arwen all those years ago when he had visited Edoras with Gandalf, his brothers and Gimli, he would have considered taking her as his wife. But he had Arwen and that was enough at that time. His face hardened as he thought of his wife. He had never thought that she would betray the Elves' believe of rights for everybody's freedom in purchasing somebody of her own race as a slave for him. He just couldn't fathom it. Meanwhile said Elf-woman was pacing over the carpet in her room. She was so furious that she couldn't even say HOW furious she was. How could Estel DARE to intimidate her like that in front of everyone, including their guest? She didn't care about the slave as he was just some kind of nice decoration in her opinion, but then there was the Dwarf who she had spent a lot of time with since he came to visit her husband. And Estel hadn't even had the time to talk to HIS friend! And how he had reacted to her kind, gracious and generous present! How could one man be THIS impolite and rude? She had only wanted his best and how did he thank her? With a threat! She felt a serious pout coming to her face, and the only thing that stopped her was her fear to get wrinkles. Sighing she relaxed just a bit as she noticed that her face had been contorted in such a grim expression that even without a pout she would get wrinkles soon. "How can he do this to me?" she sighed and sat down on a chair in front of her untouched breakfast. "I am not even able to eat as it is like this..." She was about to heave another sigh, when it knocked on the door of her chambers and Ban entered the room. He was the head of the royal servants and quite sly, even for a Human, as Arwen had to admit. He was the one that told her about the goings-on in her husband's chambers, and those were quite interesting sometimes... although Estel was an exemplary husband. Never had he lain with another woman or if he had, he didn't invite that slut into his bed, at least not for Ban to notice. Arwen didn't even consider the possibility that the king had paid his servants not to let slip out a word about this, because Estel didn't have a clue that he was watched constantly by everybody. "My Queen..." the middle-aged man with the fading auburn hair and the silver temples said as he bowed before the ageless woman. Arwen nodded in response and smiled softly at the man. "Welcome Ban. What can you tell me this morning?" "My lady, I think you would like to know that the King requested that you tell your maidens to change the gown you wanted your husband's slave to wear." He could see how the eternally beautiful features of the Lady Undómiel darkened. "But that isn't what you want to hear, is it?" "No," the Elf said firmly and coldly. "Tell me something more cheerful." "I'm afraid I must fail this... But I can tell you how your husband treats his... present." "I think I know that. I have seen his display of pity and affection for him this morning." The man nodded. "It is worse than you think, milady. He has given him his own clothes and treats him like a guest, even better than his Dwarf-friend. Last night he allowed the slave to sleep in his bed, while he preferred the armchair. He didn't even punish him for his attempt to escape." Arwen's blue eyes widened considerably. "How can he? Aren't slaves supposed to be punished if they do something bad? Isn't it their duty to obey their masters?" "It is, but it seems as if the king doesn't know that." Thinking fiercely, the queen stared at the folded hands in her lap. "I think it is us who have to punish him then. How did he get free of the chain around his neck? I thought you secured it." Ban seemed considerably embarrassed. "I did, milady, but I didn't calculate the fact that the slave could get his hands free and remove the little bolt that held the collar in place." "Why did you use only a bolt in the first place? Wouldn't a lock have been better?" the woman asked in her innocent way of knowing things better. "Oh, how wise you are, my Queen," Ban cringed verbally and was pleased to see a tiny blush on his lady's pale cheeks. "I should have listened to you before I took measures for the slave's... handling." Seeing Arwen wave it off he continued. "I will personally take care that the collar around the king's slave's neck will be improved und replaced." He bowed once more and started to back out of the room. And stopped, still slightly bowed, when Arwen called him. "Ban, send somebody with parchment and a quill to my chambers. I need to write a letter." "Very well." Arwen watched how the bootlicking man disappeared out of the room and allowed herself a little smile. He might have had bad news for her, but she knew just the right way for playful revenge on her beloved Estel. It had been a long time she had last seen her brothers. She would go in for any bet to say that Estel missed them just as much as she did. Ban quickly made his way towards the King's chambers, a new, tiny lock of silver and mithril in his hands. The Dwarf-friend of the king had looked quite surprised as he asked him for an appropriate item, but had found it nevertheless in one of his pockets. It was fine Dwarven handiwork and Ban thought that not even the strongest being in the world could destroy it with its bare hands. So it was the right item to use on the slave's collar. He didn't even bother to knock at the door and just walked into the room where King Elessar spent his nights. He found the Elven slave lying in a corner with his back pressed to the wall, seemingly sleeping tightly on a carpet. The servant was sure that the carpet was supposed to lie quite more in the middle of the room and not in an unimportant corner, being the mattress for a slave. Shaking his head, he walked over where the chain for the slave was still connected with the hook on the wall and dragged it over to the sleeping slave. He then pulled the chain over to the one in the corner and kneeled down. Maybe he didn't even have to wake the blond beauty... Legolas had awakened the moment somebody opened the door, and glancing through his half closed lids he saw one of the servants entering the room again. A couple of minutes before, three men had entered the room to clean up the breakfast table, but they had paid him no mind. But still he didn't move and pretended to be still asleep, hoping the human would just get or bring something and leave without bothering him. But he didn't. Instead he went over to the chain and dragged it into his direction. The Elf winced at the sound but still didn't move, only when the man kneeled down next to him he shot up and wanted to back away, but he didn't even get the chance to move, since the man's hand grabbed his necklace and held him. Ban had predicted the slave to do something like that, and therefore only waited for him to try to escape once he noticed he was already awake. But he wouldn't let him get away again. He had clear instructions from his queen, and he followed them gladly. Pulling the Elf closer to him, he narrowed his eyes and glared at him. "Our Queen orders you back in chains, slave. And you shall not escape again", he hissed and ignored the Elf's struggling while he pulled him closer towards the end of the chain. Legolas' struggling though only increased when the words hit his sensitive ears and he saw the man was about to connect his collar to the chain again. He even managed to kick the steel rings out of the Human's hand, but only one heartbeat later he realized that it had been a big mistake. Once the chain fell to the floor with a loud chatter Ban lost his patience. He had never possessed much of it, thus making it even easier to make him really mad. He grabbed the Elf's wrists and held them together with one hand, roughly pulling the captured man to a stand, before he drove his free fist in his stomach. "It seems you need to be taught how to behave properly, slave!" he almost spit out the words and still held the weakened Elf at his wrists, brutally pressing them together. Legolas coughed and sank to the ground as his knees gave in, caused by the hard impact. He knew he better kept silent and so he just bowed his head down in defeat, indicating that he wouldn't struggle anymore. Ban saw how the Elf bowed his head down, but he wouldn't let him get away this easily. He grabbed the slave's chin and pulled him up again, only to punch his face, sending the thin figure against the wall. Pain struck him as Legolas hit the wall with his head, shoulder and hip and he finally sank to the ground, since the hands holding him up let go of his wrists. His sight became blurry and even the sounds around him seemed far away. The Elf was hardly able to move and he lay there, now fully defenseless and almost unconscious. The servant nodded satisfied. Now he could finally drag the Elf in reach of the chain and connect his collar with it, this time making sure it was safe and locked. Then he went over to the carpet in the corner and put it back where it belonged. Turning around once more, he looked if everything was neat and tidy, and nodded to himself before he left the room without giving Legolas another thought. Closing the door behind him, Ban smiled as he had fulfilled his queen's wishes, and could now continue with his daily chores. But before that he had to send somebody with parchment and quill to her chambers like she ordered, and he was going to do that now. After he was sure the Human left, Legolas moaned lowly and coughed, blood dropping from his bleeding lips to the floor, but he was too weak to wipe it away, and soon he fully lost consciousness. To be continued... ______________________________________________________ *sweatdrops* Don't hurt us... Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My- chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.geocities.com/lirimaer8/index.html http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1231150 http://www.efanfiction.net/authors.php?no=2916 Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG? May go up soon... *is getting poked by My-chan: "NC-17!"* *sweatdrops* Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, others as well *glances over to Elladan & Elrohir* Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery, angst... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen- bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; ______________________________________________________ Talking with Boromir had been quite tiring and Aragorn just wanted to crawl back into his bed - or rather crawl into his bed at all - as he remembered that he had neglected one of his oldest and dearest friends and now the day had come when Gimli had to leave. Reluctantly Aragorn shared one last meal with the good- natured Dwarf, who laughed and told his host that he shouldn't look so crestfallen. "I know that a king has his duties. Your wife entertained me well enough, my dear friend Aragorn. She may be an Elf, but she can gird up her loins and even entertain a Dwarf like me!" he boasted, until he noticed the raised eyebrow of the man. Blinking he noticed his faux-pas and blushed under his red beard. "I mean, you are quite an entertainer yourself, but I understand you have to obey your duties first..." "My dear friend, you don't have to correct yourself, I know that you have just the purest of opinions about me and my wife and I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit here. I am just disappointed that I couldn't find more time to spend with you. I am sorry," Aragorn said smiling although slight sadness was tingling in his voice. The Dwarf fixed him with a stern glance. "Don't be sorry for being king, Aragorn. You are the best man for this job, may it be as tiring and boring as it is, but I know nobody nobler and wiser than you, my friend," Gimli said and raised his chalice to Aragorn, grinning merrily. "And don't you dare to deny it!" The man simply blushed. He felt unworthy of all the praise people were sending him, not if such things as slavery and abuse were happening in his kingdom. Lost in thoughts he couldn't even really enjoy the company of Gimli. With a very heavy heart he said farewell to Gimli as the Dwarf left Minas Tirith back towards his home in the mountains, leaving a very brooding King of Gondor behind. Aragorn went to the stables to talk to his horses and get a clear mind. A few strokes with the curry comb over his chestnut mare's back, working his tired muscles should be sufficient to rejuvenate him at least a bit. He passed the gates of the stables and was greeted by the sight of Rhÿn, an Elven-looking half-blood of at least a few hundred years in age. The raven-haired man shot the king a silver glare as if he was a mere stranger, which oddly managed to lighten up the man's heart. If there were still people who didn't worship him just because he wore the insignia of the king of Gondor, he was still alive. And if he was alive, he could still change certain things. He nodded towards the groom. "Rhÿn, it's me. I want to take care of Diana." Assuming that the glare of the half-Elf's face had already been there on the day of his birth, Aragorn took the curry comb and walked over to the box the chestnut-haired mare stood in. She snorted happily, recognizing him even after one week during which the Human didn't have the time to stop by. He smiled and patted her cheek lovingly as he stepped inside her narrow home. The hay was as clean as if it was just cut in the fields, but since winter was only a few weeks away, it had to be just changed. Rhÿn may be a grumpy person but he took good care of the horses in the King's stables. Diana snorted contentedly as the rough brush massaged her flanks, Aragorn's arm was moving steadily on its own while the dark cloud over his mind got lighter and lighter until it was only a small rain cloud that could be chased away by the right wind. He felt so much lighter in his mood that he grinned at the head-groom and then walked back to the castle, the smile still gracing his lips. While he was fully occupied with brushing Diana's hide Aragorn hadn't noticed how late and dark it had gotten. He couldn't quite believe that another day was already over again. Another day during which he hadn't had the time for himself and just lived for the good of his kingdom. Being king was hard sometimes. "Well, at least I spoke with Arwen today," the man thought out loud as he stood in front of his chambers, about to open the door. A day with a fight between them was better than a day on which they didn't talk at all, and this happened quite too frequently lately. But before Aragorn could ponder about this more, had opened the door and walked into his chambers, to see Legolas lying on the cold stone floor, apparently sleeping. The man frowned. He remembered that he had allowed him to use everything in this room, so he had guessed that the Elf would sit in one of the chairs or already be asleep... He walked closer to the Elf, and what he couldn't see in the dim light of his chambers before, but saw now, made him clench his jaws. The entire light mood he had managed to build up while currying Diana's hide was darkened again by a pitch-black cloud. One or the other bolt of lightening crashed down as well as he tested the dark dried liquid on the floor. Holding the elegant chin in his hands he turned Legolas' face around and his eyes narrowed to see a cut right over the eyebrow and on his lips. Biting down on his lower lip so that he didn't curse out loud, he wiped away as much blood as he could with his thumb. Legolas senses slowly returned to him when somebody carefully lifted up his swollen face. He stirred and moaned lowly at the burning pain caused by the touch on one of the cuts. His eyelids fluttered for a few moments, until he was able to blink slightly. The Elf's sight was still blurred, causing him to see his surroundings only as vague shadows. He hardly managed to lift his gaze enough to be able to look at the Human next to him, but when he did panic filled his heart for he mistook him as the servant who had put him back in chains. Legolas bit his lip to suppress any further sounds of pain as tried to move away. He knew this man had been awfully mad at him, and he didn't want to give him any reasons to hurt him again. "Nícaer…" he whispered lowly and almost inaudible, while he tried to wrap his arms around his upper body. The Elf was shivering with cold - for he had been lying on the cold floor all day - and fear. Aragorn stopped moving his thumb, stopped every movement at all as he saw that he couldn't just wipe away the clumps of dried blood. Also the Elf was shivering both with fear and cold, and there was nothing that the man could do against it from his position. So he did the first thing that came into his mind: He stood up and retrieved a sheet from his bed - namely the one he had already used to cover up the Elf the previous day - and threw it over the shivering Elf. Then he left the bedchambers and called his servants to get some hot water into his tub, food and something to drink. Frustrated and furious as he was, he only remembered at the last moment to call for milk instead of wine... he also asked for honey to put it into warmed milk, hoping that it would relax the frightened Elf. After that was done, the only thing he could do was sit down in the armchair in front of the mantelpiece and wait for either the Elf to calm down or the servants to announce that the bath was ready. As soon as the blanket was thrown over him to cover his body, Legolas realized that this man wasn't the servant from earlier that day. He then heard the dark voice speak and recognized his master, although he sounded quite pissed, probably because he had stained the floor. But somehow the thought of having pissed off his master didn't frighten the slave, for he had a vague feeling, that he wouldn't hurt him. Slowly, Legolas calmed his body down. He was still shivering, but the fear subsided and only left him hungry, hurt and cold. It didn't take the servants long to fill the king's tub with hot water and to bring the demanded items. They put the food and the milk on the table and left as quietly as they came. Only one of them stepped closer to his king and bowed down to whisper: "The tub is ready, your royalty. Do you need any help?" Aragorn looked up where he had been brooding in his chair, staring at Legolas and then again at nothing. "No, thank you. I can handle it on my own. You may go now," he murmured back. The servant nodded and ushered the others out of the room. This left Aragorn staring at the hurt Elf again. With a deep sigh he stood up and walked over to the corner where Legolas sat underneath the warming blanket. He made a move to scoop him up into his arms, and then noticed that the chain was connected to his collar again. Frowning he looked at the new lock, examining it with his eyes and found out that he couldn't open it with his bare hands. He needed the key. His frown deepened as he saw that the lock looked like one of Gimli's handiwork. "Who did this?" he asked, his voice silent and serious. Legolas looked up as his master kneeled next to him. He saw him extending his arms but withdrawing them again when he saw the chain. The Elf didn't understand the question the Human asked him, but it was easy to guess. Or at least he thought that he got the meaning. "Buionâ", he whispered since he had the feeling that if he talked any louder his head would explode. However, his master asking him who had done this to him, made him feel safer around him at the same time, and wiped the pain from his thoughts, since it meant that he didn't approve of it. Aragorn eyes narrowed. So one of his servants did this to him, connected the chain back to his collar. And as they all thought that a slave was something that had to obey everyone's order, they didn't care if they hurt the Elf or not. Somehow that made him even more furious than what Arwen had done to him. He walked over to the hook in the wall, trying to find out if he could remove the chain from this side and then remembered that there had been a little key in an envelope on his desk today. Searching he found another lock, but this was just harder to access. "You think you can remember his face?" the man asked, still in his business voice as he fumbled to get the lock into his hands. The Elf ears followed his master's every move through the room, since he didn't dare moving his head too much. It still pounded like somebody was using it as a drum and Legolas didn't want to increase his pain. He felt some slight tugging on his necklace and realized that the man was trying to get him loose. "Sû", he whispered. He couldn't possibly forget that face again. Neither would he forget the ones of the men who caught him. He would remember them forever, even though he wished for nothing more than to forget those horrible countless hours. Legolas winced, when his master finally got the lock open and the chain fell to the ground, rattling loudly. Somehow the loud clattering of the chain sounded great in Aragorn's ears since he only wanted to hit something, kill something or destroy something; he wasn't that choosy right now. He glanced over to the Elf and nodded. "Good, then I will find the guilty one," he said as he kneeled down in front of him again. He frowned and then tugged at the blanket, removing it from the Elf's body, quite harshly. Producing a knife from his boots he cut open the knots on the front side of the leather-shirt, tugging it open and peeling it off the bruised shoulders. He proceeded in the same manner with the worn leggings, tucking them off of slender hips. Throwing the blanket back over the shivering body Aragorn finally scooped the Elf up in his arms. "They say that you are mine, so I will forbid them to touch what is mine," he added grimly as he carried Legolas from the bedchambers into the bathroom, with the long chain rustling loudly over the stone floor, only muffled when it slid over the carpet. Legolas held still when his master pulled out a knife and started to cut his clothes open. He could sense great anger from the Human and he decided it was better not to move at all. Whatever he wanted to do, the Elf couldn't stop him anyway. The slave gasped though, when the man started to cut the trousers off his legs and left him wearing only his worn-out loincloth. But one moment later, the sheet covered his bare body again and he felt himself being lifted up. Legolas rested his head heavily against the broad shoulder of his master, pressing his ear slightly against him, to cover at least one of his sensitive ears from the loud noise of the chain. They soon reached the bathroom, and Legolas opened up his eyes again, when he could smell the sweet scent of Elven soap. He blinked as he could see the full tub and looked up at his master quizzically, not really sure what to think. Aragorn didn't stop at the entrance of the now steam-filled room and just walked straight on until he reached the tub. There he dumped his bundle unceremoniously into the hot water, not caring whether the blanket or the loincloth got wet or not. He knew he had to calm down a bit, but his Human mind refused to do so, thus his movements were a little harsher than usual, and he just yanked the blanket away before he rolled up his sleeves, grabbed a sponge and started to clean the dried blood away from Legolas' pale skin. Burning with anger inside, a cold, grim mask settled down on his features, a mask he usually wore when he had to debate with chancellors from other countries, who demanded even more foolish things than those who only wrote letters to him, or if somebody tried to convince him to start a war with some other country out of irrational reasons. Those people probably have never been in a war and didn't know about the pain it brought... they just thought about their own advantage, which was something the King of Gondor resented. In his fury he rubbed one of the cuts open with the sponge and cursed silently as he saw a trickle of blood starting to seep out of the wound. He started to dab the cut softer than before, begging it silently to stop bleeding, as it hadn't been his intention to open those wounds he just wanted to clean. Legolas gasped and grabbed the brim of the tub for support as his master let him fall into the hot water. In the first moment it felt way too hot on his cold and bruised skin, and it burned, but the feeling slowly subsided and left the pleasant feeling of his body warming up. The Human's movements were still erratic and rough and when the Elf glanced at him, he saw a coldness in his expression that scared him and made him look away again immediately. He felt the sponge work over his bruised skin and bit his lower lip to muffle any sounds that may escape his throat. He squeezed his eyes shut, hoping his master would calm down before he reached the cuts in his face. But his hope faded as Aragorn began to work over his swollen face. Legolas winced slightly at the burning pain shot through his body but remained silent. He could smell his now fresh blood on his body and heard it dropping into the hot water. Finally he couldn't hold back a low whimper as the Human kept working on the cuts, but yet he didn't dare moving. His master was so filled with anger that he didn't know what he would do to him, even though he promised not to hurt him. He already had. "Please... stop bleeding," Aragorn begged mumbling, still dabbing at the cut he had scrubbed open. He had to remind himself that Legolas wasn't a horse who liked to have its hide scratched with stronger motions than one could usually give to them over a long time. Sorrow rose in his chest as the cut didn't want to stop bleeding and he winced inwardly with every twitch of Legolas. Finally he gave up cleaning the wound and dropped the sponge in the hot water, still staring at the bleeding cut. He bit his lower lip and bowed his head in personal defeat. Everything he touched seemed to go terribly wrong today, or at least not the way he wanted it to be. And Legolas had to suffer from his bad mood. "Forgive me." The Elf took a deep breath as the touch disappeared from his face, and opening his eyes again he blinked away the tears, caused by the stabbing pain. He slightly turned his head only to gasp slightly at the scene before him. His master looked overwrought, as if he was going to break down any second. And he was the one who caused all of that. He really wasn't a good slave; he caused his master nothing but trouble. Not sure whether he was allowed to touch him or not, Legolas decided to leave the Human alone. Whatever bothered him like this, he surely wouldn't need him to be a comfort. So the Elf lowered his hand to fish for the sponge in the already quite dirty water. He found it pretty quick and continued washing himself with clumsy and weak movements After he managed to clean his face from most of the dried liquid he reached out for the soap to wash his blood soaked hair. He failed miserably though. There must have been another cut, covered by his hair, and when he touched it, pain struck him and he winced, causing the soap to slip out of his fingers. It fell to the ground and slithered right before his master's feet. Aragorn had sat down on his behind, his elbows on his knees and was staring at the tips of his boots, but was not really looking at them. He didn't even blink as he was lost in dark thoughts and self- pity. The feeling that he couldn't do anything right was still clouding his mind as he heard the Elf wince and a white rectangular thing bumped against his left boot. He frowned and blinked and then noticed that it was the soap he used when he bathed. Blinking again and he looked up to see Legolas holding his head, trying to sooth a place underneath his blood-soaked hair, from which the man could see a little bright red trickle rinsing down. He narrowed his eyes a bit before he picked up the soap and sat down on his knees in front of the tub again. Next to it stood a copper-plate and this was what Aragorn picked up now and filled it with water from the tub. "Shield your eyes," he said and waited for the Elf to do so. When he finally did it, the man let the water flow over the blond hair. Legolas put his left hand over his eyes and closed them, waiting for the water to wash away the lather and brown crumbs of dried blood. A few moments later he raised his hand once more to feel how much more scab there still was on his head and found that most of it was gone now. Carefully the Elf let his hand roam over his bruised right shoulder, downwards to his hip. He winced slightly as he touched the throbbing skin and withdrew his hand to carefully touch his face. The new opened cut had stopped bleeding, and even though it still hurt, Legolas could feel the pain slowly subsiding. The water was already getting lukewarm and since his upper body was out of the water, the Elf felt the coldness creep back into his body and he shivered slightly. Aragorn winced as Legolas did, but put the plate away in silence and then moved to stand on his feet. Taking the towel from a chair next to the tub, he encouraged the Elf to stand up and get out of the now almost chilling water. He tried to look not too frightening or frightened; he wanted to show self-confidence and sincerity, to make the other more comfortable around him again, despite the pain he had caused. Legolas slowly rose to a stand, grabbing the brim once more for support, since his weak legs threatened to give in any second. He could sense his master felt very uncomfortable, caused by the incident a few minutes ago, and he was awfully tense. Yet he was almost smiling at his slave, making him a little safer again, even though the anger was still present. The Elf slowly stepped out of the tub, moving quite slowly due to his aching head and body. He just wanted to make the last step towards the waiting towel, to wrap it around his shivering body, when he lost balance, stumbled and fell forward, right into the Human's open arms. Even before he could fathom what was happening, Aragorn found himself with an armful of an Elf and out of a reflex he wrapped his arms around the slender body. During the impact he had to let go of one corner of the towel and while he was desperately clutching onto the other one with his right hand, his left had landed on a very firm, but still emaciated buttocks. The only thing that prevented him from touching bare skin was the very thin and very soaked loincloth. Blushing a bright and highly embarrassed red, Aragon tried to shift his position so that he wasn't touching Legolas where he knew the Elf wouldn't want to be touched, but he was lying so heavily on him, that he could only make a step backwards... but if he did that he would surely loose his balance and land on his backside again... with Legolas lying on top of him. And if the current situation wasn't embarrassing enough that one would definitely top it. Legolas gasped as he felt Aragorn's arms closing around him, and the other man's chest against his own. He held his breath and didn't dare to move for a second, since he was pretty sure that any movement would cause his master to lose balance as well. After he regained control over his own body, the Elf slightly leaned backwards, he himself being quite tense now since he was fully aware where the Human's hands rested on him. The slave swallowed tightly and another shiver ran down his spine. "Ni…nícaer", he murmured lowly, and wanted to push himself away from the man, but neither his arms nor his legs followed his commands, and the Elf clutched his master's shirt as his knees threatened to give in again. As soon as Legolas leaned back a bit and gave Aragorn the little bit of space he needed to move them both in a much less embarrassing position he moved the hand from the Elf's buttocks up to the small of his back and took the other end of the towel that was now hanging down on the other's back. Letting Legolas use his chest as something to hold on while he wrapped the towel gently around his body, almost tenderly, he tried his best not to let the rough fabric rub against the wound of the arrow he remembered seeing earlier this morning. "Im na nícaer," Aragorn replied, feeling his anger being suppressed by the embarrassment. He didn't really intend to touch Legolas' bare skin again, although he was surprised to feel that little spark again, the one that hit him when his fingers had unintentionally slipped underneath the thin tunic this morning. And to say that he didn't like that little spark would be a lie, as it was making him feel young again, not this mature king who was carrying the burden called responsibility for an entire nation on his shoulders. He tugged the towel around the slender hips and frowned as Legolas squirmed to the right and it was only then that he saw the full damage that was done. His eyebrow twitched, but he kept his temper under control and just simply put the towel back as carefully as he could. "Let's sit in front of the fireplace. It will warm you up." Legolas noticed the change in the other man. He was now moving more smoothly and calmly. The hand soon disappeared from the rather uncomfortable spot it had been lying on, and the Human even apologized… most likely for hurting him. But the Elf didn't really care about that anymore. The pain had subsided and somehow, the touch on his bare skin felt good. It was a warm and gentle touch, like the one earlier today, so very unlike the touches he had experienced from other Humans. So very unlike any touch he had ever experienced... The thought was disturbed as another slight pain made him squirm when the fabric of the towel rubbed over the graze on his hip. Legolas could see his master's expression darken again, but it was only for a moment, until it disappeared again, and the towel was carefully wrapped around his waist. Legolas simply nodded to the suggestion and was just about to let go of the shirt he was still holding tightly, when he remembered how his legs had betrayed him last time and he clutched it even tighter. If he let go of the Human now, he'd surely fall, and he didn't have the strength to soften his impact on the rather hard stone floor. Another violent shiver ran down his spine, and he swallowed tightly, fighting another battle deep inside. Until finally his courage and need for help won over the fear and taught behaviors. "Hêris… en tulu…?" he asked quietly. Since Aragorn had relied on the Elf to hold himself up using his shirt as something to hold on, he had reluctantly removed his hands completely from the abused body. But as Legolas ask him for help, he simply nodded and put his hands back on his shoulder, sweeping the Elf off of his feet again and carried him back to the fireplace, just like he carried him into the bathroom. The long chain, which had been ignored while the man had to vent his anger and frustration on the poor victim, was now rattling loud again as they moved over stone and carpet. And again he could feel how Legolas pressed his ear against his shoulder, probably to shield the noise away from his sensitive organs. So with every step he made, the sounds of the chain on stone seemed to get louder and louder until he almost started to wince. At the particular moment when they reached the place before the mantelpiece, Aragorn sighed almost out aloud. Gently he sat the Elf down on the thick and warm ram-hide where he preferred to sit when he was on his own. The flames in the fireplace were already bristling in various shades of red and orange, shooting up and blazing almost with glee as the Human picked up the other end of the chain and put it back to where it belonged. It took him all this courage to do this; facing an army of ten thousands of Orcs was easier than doing this to Legolas again. "I'm sorry to do this... but if I didn't do it, they would most likely use that as a reason to do something like that to you again," he said full of sorrow as he turned back to the Elf. Legolas simply nodded. He understood the reason very well, and he himself preferred to be chained rather than beaten up. Even if he had intended to struggle to avoid being chained again, he couldn't for his body felt weak and sapped. The Elf didn't even hear his stomach, as it started to growl when the scent of the delicious milk and the food reached his nose. Just like he didn't notice the smell either. He just sat there at the fireplace, a loose towel around his waist and tried to soak up as much heat as possible to warm his shivering body. The soaked loincloth was still sticking to his skin and it had gotten even colder than the rest, leaving a very unpleasant feeling on his body. But Legolas didn't really want to take it off. It and the towel were the only things that kept him from being totally naked. Aragorn walked over to where the servants had put the milk and put some of it into a little pot and placed it close to the fire, using the heat of the flames as a little hearth. Also he put down the bowl with fruits in front of the blond and handed him a few already peeled nuts he had told the servants to get him because he knew he wasn't able to watch it again how Legolas cracked them open with his bare hands. Standing up again he retrieved a leather-cloak from the dresser and put it around the Elf's shoulders of Legolas and sat down next to him on the soft fur. He nibbled at his piece of bread quite lost in thoughts as he stared into the flames, now and then chancing a curious and concerned glance towards the Elf next to him. The Elven slave felt the soft fabric softly clinging to his upper body and shivered slightly, before it started to reflect the heat of the fire and warm up his cold skin. For a few moments he stared down at the bowl his master had put in front of him and wondered why he did that. Only until he felt the pinching pain in his stomach and realized that he didn't eat anything today, except the breakfast. Slowly he reached out and grabbed the nuts, stuffing them into his mouth and chewing them carefully, in case not to cause any more pain to his already aching head. He ate without hurry, slowly and even, as he picked a pear, a handful of cherries and a peach. After he finished them off, he noticed the glance his master was sending to him and he slowly looked up, meeting his concerned gaze, while he looked at him quizzically. As the Elf started eating the nuts and the fruits, Aragorn's gaze softened a bit, but he wasn't sure how well his stomach would take it, as he was pretty sure that breakfast was the last time anybody gave Legolas something to eat. So the concern stayed in place. When Legolas turned his head to look at him, he quickly looked back into the fire and felt like it was time to check on the milk. For nothing better to use he put his finger into the milk and checked the temperature. Deciding that it was warm enough he pulled the pot back with the poker and poured the now warm milk into another cup, using his clothes to touch the almost burning handle of his pot. He tested the temperature of the cup and then put some honey into the milk, honey he still had from the times when he was Ranger, the sweetest and best honey he had ever tasted. So since he liked it he hoped that Legolas did as well, and that it would ease some of his pain away. "Here, try this," he said as he finally handed the cup over to the Elf. Legolas felt a slight pain in his chest, when Aragorn quickly turned his gaze away from him, like looking at his slave made him feel even more uncomfortable. The Elf bowed his head down again and looked at the stones of the cherries and peach. He heard his master's roaming in the room, but didn't look up. Legolas' stomach was rebelling against the offered food once more, just like the night before. But the Elf was used to that by now, since he hadn't gotten food regularly over the past few weeks. So he just sat still and tried to concentrate on his body's behavior, to possibly calm it if necessary and possible. The slave looked up though, when something was offered to him. He saw a cup in front of his face and recognized the sweet scent of the milk. It smelled differently now though, but still very delicious. Slowly extending his arms, Legolas grabbed the cup carefully and almost immediately lowered his arms again. He was still feeling rather weak, and wasn't even sure if he was able to lift the cup to his mouth to drink. The Elf was afraid of letting it fall. So he looked down at the white liquid, with obvious hesitation written over his features, and a glimpse of longing in his eyes. He really wanted to have this sweet taste on his tongue again, plus to feel the promised warmth, radiated from the cup in his slightly shaking hands. Aragorn watched the Elf closely as he took the cup and stared at it as if he was afraid to drop the cup if he raised it just a little higher. The man's first thought was that Legolas didn't like the milk anymore because of the honey he added, but then he noticed the longing in the stare down onto the cup. After a few moments that look became unbearable for Aragorn and despite his initial trepidation he skidded a little closer. "I'll help you," he suggested gently and put one hand on Legolas back and the other on the base of the cup, holding it steadily as he helped the Elf to raise it to his lips. "But you have to swallow on your own," he added with a small smile to himself. Legolas looked up, surprised by the offer, and a little startled as he felt the gentle touch on his back. He nodded to the suggestion and slightly leaned against the arm around his shoulders, slowly lifting up the cup, feeling better now that he knew that he couldn't break it. The Elf still felt a little awkward since his master had to help him yet again, but he had offered it himself and Legolas surely wouldn't refuse it. So he raised the cup to his trembling lips, taking a small sip to taste the difference, only to hungrily empty the cup pretty soon, without being to hasty. He could feel the warmth of the milk flow through his whole body, slowly warming it up from inside, making him feel tired and heavy, just like the day before. And yet it was different. The dizzying feeling of the wine was missing, and he didn't feel defenseless, just satiated, warm and safe. The Woodelf didn't really notice how his eyelids slowly closed and he sank against his master, resting his upper body against the Human's, almost lying in his embrace. The only thing he noticed was more warmth around him, and the long-missing feeling of safety. Watching the steady swallowing motions, Aragorn didn't even notice how his arm went around the Elf's shoulder and how he held him as the other sagged against him when the cup was empty. So while he was slowly lowering the empty cup away from now white- coated lips, he pulled the smaller frame closer to his chest and rubbed his thumb over the leather-covered shoulder. "Milk and honey...," he murmured, looking at the flames again. "My mother used to give it to me when I was very, very little and couldn't sleep..." "Hmmm…." Legolas almost purred as he slightly pulled his knees closer to his body, and drew his hands next to his head, softly clutching the king's shirt once more. The Elf wasn't really aware of his surroundings any more, thus making him snuggle up to the warm body even closer. "She used to sing me some songs when she put me to bed... to which I don't remember the words," the man chuckled sheepishly. "I just remember the melodies..." He trailed off and started humming quietly, feeling the anger subside as he stared into the fire. This way he could almost pretend that he was sitting in front of a campfire instead of a fireplace, the chilling air of the forest surrounding him instead of the stone walls of Minas Tirith. But as soon as he finished the song he was humming, he was very aware that he wasn't a ranger anymore and this wasn't a forest. Also he noticed that Legolas was now fast asleep. Aragorn looked down to see the Elf clutching his shirt once again and his eyes widened as he realized that he was being used as a pillow by the one people thought he would use as a pillow. Somehow that thought made him smile and he let his thumb caress the shoulder as he decided to look into the fire a little longer, until fatigue was slowly creeping into his bones. A quick glance down told him that Legolas was still sleeping against his chest. With another small smile he picked up the Elf yet once again and carried him towards the king's bed, where he put him down gently. He could feel how the grip on his shirt loosened and then he saw the Elf's hand falling down to his chest. This was when he noticed that the towel got lost somewhere between the fireplace and the bed and that the loincloth was still soaking wet and now as cold as ice. He frowned and felt a bit awkward, but since he didn't want the Elf to get sick in addition to his injuries, he removed the loincloth with wary fingers. The soaking piece of cloth was almost too thin to hide anything, but as it was taken away Aragorn couldn't even stop his gaze as it moved down to the junction of legs, even as the owner was curled up in almost a tight ball. Staring at the pale manhood surrounded by equally pale locks, he found himself wondering how it would look if erect. Almost without his control his hand reached out to touch, inching closer as Aragorn stared at both limbs as if they were a rabbit and a fox, and it was only within hairbreadth that he came to halt all of a sudden. Looking at his hand as if it was some ugly extension, he slowly pulled it back, still feeling somehow disembodied until he shook his head angrily. Frustration rising in him again, he tucked the covers away quite fiercely, but pushed the Elf underneath them rather gently. It wasn't in Aragorn's intention to wake up or hurt Legolas again just because of frustration. He chided himself for almost doing something immoral and then sat down in front the fire once again, staring at the flames before he finally fell asleep on the soft hide. To his luck, his dreams were not coming to his consciousness during his sleep. To be continued... ______________________________________________________ Hm... anybody else than me (the editor) had the feeling this chapter was quite long? And Aragorn's mood was on a devilish rollercoaster-ride... o.o;; my-chan: just fine since the last chapter was rather short I'd say. Legolas was on some kind of rollercoaster himself, btw. Don't you think it's easy to write him :P makiko: I'd never think that! Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My- chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.geocities.com/lirimaer8/index.html http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1231150 http://www.efanfiction.net/authors.php?no=2916 Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG? May go up soon... *is getting poked by My-chan: "NC-17!"* *sweatdrops* Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, others as well *glances over to Elladan & Elrohir* Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery, angst... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen- bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; Legolas didn't wake up. Neither when the Human carried him to his bed nor when he took off his last bit of clothing nor when he finally tugged him into the warming blanket. The Elf had felt so safe in the man's embrace that he allowed himself to fall into a sound and fast sleep, instead of the usual light sleep that he started up from by the most silent sound. It was an even more restful sleep than the night before, and his body really needed it to recover. From the wounds, the pain and the abuse as well. So when Aragorn turned away from him, the Elf only grabbed the blanket and snuggled in the sheets, almost purring like a little kitten. His relaxed body even managed to zone out the nightmares that had kept hunting the slave since he'd been caught, and let more pleasant dreams come back to his mind. He was running through the woods of Mirkwood, breaking through the bushes like the wind as fast as an arrow, but yet almost soundless. He could feel the warming light of the sun on his bare skin and smell the sweet scent of the leaves, blossoms and earth. Birds were singing their happiest songs to cherish the beautiful day and little spirits of the wood joined him as he kept running and running, feeling as free as never before....then he was lying in his master's arms, snuggled up to his chest in a tight and warm embrace. They were sitting in front of the fireplace again, on the soft fur, the shadows of the flames wandering over their bodies. The man murmured that Legolas was only his, and that nobody else was allowed to touch him. And somehow this possessiveness made the Elf feel even safer. The Human's voice held so much warmth, tenderness and even love. It was in this dream when Legolas' fear from his master finally disappeared. This man would not hurt him on purpose and would not let anybody else ever do it again. A small smile graced Legolas' lips in his sleep. Aragorn woke up and just wanted to get some rest. Somehow he had unlearned to sleep on the bare floor in those seven years when he was King. He groaned tiredly and rolled to his other side, only to discover that this position hurt only more than the one before. With a low growl he sat up and rubbed his aching head. Every bone in his body felt like it had rotated where it sat in his body and some even felt as if they had been moved around in his whole body back to a place close to their origin, but only close. He knew that if he had to fight a sword-fight today he would fail miserably. He tilted his head, stretched his limbs and heard his joints crack loudly with every movement until he felt like he could dare to stand up. It still hurt and his head was as dizzy as if he had emptied a whole barrel of Gondor's best wine on his own last night, but he knew he had done nothing like this. Maybe it was his dreams that played with his mind, turning everything upside down. Aragorn was just happy that he didn't remember what they were about or else he would feel even dizzier. He staggered over to his bed, to see if Legolas was still sleeping, which he was. And contrary to all the Elves Aragorn knew, the Woodelf didn't even wake up as he nudged him gently. Frowning the Human leaned down to check the Elf's breathing, but that was deep and even so he decided to let him sleep a little longer as the servants huddled in silently, one after the other. This made Aragorn look up and glare at them, the anger over Legolas' abuse the previous day not forgotten the slightest bit. And with that look he was able to determine who might have been guilty of that and who definitely wasn't. His gaze stopped at the face of the head servant. Walking over to that man with the silver temples who pretended not to look satisfied as he saw the anger in his King's eyes, Aragorn started to talk very calmly with him. So calmly that any obstinate ambassador would have become very small in front of him. And so did this man. "I heard that one of your subordinates abused my slave yesterday?" He felt his eye twitch as he heard himself saying "my slave" and tried to tell himself that it was only a façade that he had to keep up in front of those people. It had nothing to do with the fact that he felt a very strong sense of protectiveness towards the Elf, and that he couldn't stand anybody else besides himself touched Legolas and he didn't even really like that. Ban didn't even try to hide what he did. "I wouldn't say "abused", milord, but he wasn't... obedient, so somebody had to... remind him of his status." The King's eyes narrowed considerably. "The slave has been given to me, so it is my duty to remind him of anything he needs to be reminded of, don't you think so?" "Yes, my majesty, but you seemed... distracted at that particular moment." "Are you trying to say I don't fulfill my duties?" "Oh no, milord. I know that your Royalty doesn't know how to handle a slave so your majesty would not treat his slave properly." Aragorn clenched his jaws. If anybody didn't treat Legolas properly, it was this guy. "So I took the liberty to show his Majesty's slave that not everybody is as...generous as your highness. I hope he didn't disobey your order again?" Aragorn snorted. "Oh no, he didn't. He never did and I am pretty sure he never will." He didn't say out aloud that he didn't intend to order the Elf around so that he didn't have a chance of disobeying his orders as there would be none. Ban stared at his king with doubt in his eyes, but said nothing. Somehow he sensed that he had made a grave mistake when he had treated the slave as what he was. Aragorn lowered his voice once again, so that it was only a barely audible whisper and looked the man in front of him right into the eye. "If any of you touches my Elf again, it will be my personal pleasure to punish whoever it might be, did you understand that?" Ban gulped. "Y-yes, your royal highness." "Good. Now get me fresh water for my bath," the King of Gondor ordered and turned to his breakfast table. "But didn't you already have a bath yesterday?" Ban asked with slight confusion in his tone with that he tried to mask his sudden fear. Elessar's head whipped around and he was hit by a deathly glare. "I didn't, you fool. It was for my slave! Now go and fulfill my orders, or do you want me to remind you of your status?" Ban bowed low in sudden penitence and rushed away to do as his master wished while Aragorn dropped a ripe into his mouth. All the while he studiously ignored the little nagging voice in his head that asked him why he was constantly using possessive pronouns when he was talking about Legolas with others. The servant did hastily as his King had ordered him. He called his subordinates and watched them cleaning the tub and filling it with fresh hot water. Inwardly he groaned. It was more than obvious that fulfilling the Queen's demands didn't get the King's approval and vice versa. He had been used to this before, even though it wasn't as much of a difference as now. He knew that his King didn't want to treat his slave like a slave, but who could have thought that he was this protective of him, and this possessive. Plus he almost treated him like a prince or some sort of higher being. Ban snorted. This was another bad news he had to tell his Queen, and most likely she would unload her anger upon him as well. But this was his duty and he knew better than to shirk it. So Ban went to Arwen's chambers to tell her what had happened, only to find them empty and the Queen gone. For a few moments, he only stood there, frowning until he remembered that the lady Undómiel, after she had written her letter, left her chambers to take a walk in the garden. Afterwards she wandered through Minas Tirith, rather aimlessly as it seemed. But Ban knew very well, that his Queen had had an aim. And she was most likely still there, with her secret lover. The servant didn't know who it was; he just knew that Arwen had someone for the lonely, cold hours. So he just nodded, more to himself, and decided to just wait for his Queen's return to tell her everything. Ban turned around and left Arwen's chambers to continue his daily chores. Meanwhile in the hayloft of the stables a seemingly teenage boy looked to the ceiling, watching the rays of the sun slowly wandering over it. He lay on his back in the hay, one arm around the beautiful girl who slept peacefully in his arms. Thousands of emotions wandered over his face as he just stared up and listened to her steady heartbeat and her breath against his neck. He remembered very well when she came to him last night, looking all wrecked up with swollen eyes and damp cheeks. She almost flew into his arms, clinging to him like he was the only thing that prevented her from drowning...And all just because of him. Rhÿn clenched his jaw. This stupid, ignorant Human. He was the cause of all her heartache. Oh how he hated this stupid king, how he wished he could pay him back all the harm he'd caused his beloved beauty. It seemed like the sleeping girl in his arms had felt him tensing, and the half-breed cursed himself inwardly for being so careless when she stirred. He didn't want to wake her just yet. It was still early and she had enough time left. Sun was tickling her nose as she woke up. As well as some straws that were tickling her sides on which she was lying. But Arwen didn't mind much as she felt the warmth radiating from the one next to her. She stirred a little and hugged him closer, snuggling deeper into his embrace. Something felt wrong though, as if there was something that made him upset – a little flicker in his aura that disturbed the quite stable waves between them. She frowned in her slumber, a tiny little vertical line between her eyebrows showing and slowly blinked her eyes open. Eyes as blue as the summer sky looked up quite droopily and searched for silver pools. "Man raeg?" Rhÿn turned his head to look at the other Elf and smiled at her warmly. He raised his right arm to brush a few strands from her face and gently caressed her cheek. "Al-nad, meleth", he whispered lovingly and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. Nothing was wrong as long as Arwen kept coming back to him, and didn't abandon him, like she did with her husband. Which was of course, more than understandable. This Human didn't deserve her, nor did he appreciate her. Arwen was tempted to smile at her lover as he brushed some wisps out of her face along with a few straws, but it was just enough to soften her frown until the little line disappeared. She laid her head on his bare chest and listened to his heartbeat, the steady sound that lulled her to sleep last night as well as the now dried tears. She had come down to the stables right after finishing the letter for her twin brothers, but the satisfaction she got from that wasn't enough to wipe away her sadness and anger over her husband, she needed somebody to talk to, somebody who listened to everything she said and understood her only like an Elf could. Rhÿn was young, almost a baby still, but didn't look that much younger than the older woman. At first it had been an adventure for her, a sudden hot fire that managed to take away her loneliness when her husband was too busy with the matters of Gondor, preferring to sleep than to spend his free time with her. Is it a wonder that she was soon looking for something or somebody new? One could say that Arwen must have endured Estel's absence before they were married for a longer time than just a day and a night, but that was back in Rivendell, where all her friends lived and everyday was something new. Minas Tirith and its surroundings were the same boring places day in and day out and all the men and even women were so lumpish that Arwen sometimes wished she could go back to her home or the Undying Lands, where every Elf in Middle-Earth was heading as she had heard, especially all those snobbish ones from Lothlorien. Her only diversions were the garden and the horses. She had liked riding for as long as she could remember and she always sought the challenge of taming the wildest horses herself. And that was when she had met Rhÿn for the first time. It was a very wild horse, hard to catch and even harder to tame, but Arwen wanted to ride it. She barely had it under control as they rushed through the city and out on a deserted street that led away from Minas Tirith. And it was only then that she lost control and was bucked off, the traitorous horse disappearing somewhere out of sight, even for an Elf. Luckily the woman wasn't injured and so she walked around and called out for that horse, searching for it by herself since she had nothing else to do. It was then when she met this half-breed with the long black hair and fascinating silver eyes. He was standing there calmly, talking to the horse as if he had known it for its whole life and it was nothing of this wild animal anymore, but seemed like the most meekly of all lambs. They had stared at each other for quite some time, glaring at each other as if the both were suspecting the other to hurt the horse until Arwen explained the situation and got back the reins without further apology. She didn't even ask for that guy's name. But that changed when she was going back to the stables on the next occasion and saw that there was a new groom. A young half-Elf with long black hair and fascinating silver eyes. "My name is Rhÿn, milady", he spoke up after he let silent reign between them for a few moments. His voice was tender, soft, sharp and deep at the same time, a mix that made most people feel rather uncomfortable around him. Something the half-breed didn't mind. He didn't like the people as well. Arwen caught herself staring at the young man in front of her and had to force herself to blink to wet her eyes. The sound of those words had set the little hairs on the back of her neck on end and she had to fight to find more words after that. "I want to ride," she said and let her gaze wander over the groom's lean body, not really noticing how she did so. Rhÿn's smirk widened when he felt the woman's gaze wander over his body, but he still continued his work until she finally spoke up. "Don't you think it's a little too late for a ... ride?" he asked and slightly turned his head to glance at her from the corner of his eyes. Having her eyes firmly glued to his backside, Arwen blushed a shade of red close to crimson as she looked into his face. Which wasn't the best idea either as the enticing silver of his eyes almost made her gasp. "The sun is still shining outside and I can very well take care of myself," she snapped, more furious of herself than anybody else. "Also, I am the Queen and if I want to ride I can ride whenever I want to." Rhÿn still looked at her, a glimmer of amusement flashing through his eyes as he watched her pout. "You sure can, milady", he said reassuringly and the smirk widened on the right side of his mouth, so Arwen could not really see it, but knew it was there. "I wouldn't want to keep you from riding if you wish to do so", he resumed talking and softly caressed the stallion's nose. "But this wild beauty still needs to be tamed." He paused for a little while and picked some straw from the red mane. "May I help you, milady? You surely know that Elf's hands are able to achieve things Human's never could." Arwen bit her lower lip. This half-breed really had her in that moment. But her pride forbad her to let it show. It didn't matter how much she just wanted to continue this conversation with that guy just to hear his attractive voice. "No, thank you very much. I can do it on my own," she growled and stalked by that obnoxious man and grabbed the saddle for the horse she wanted to ride. Which was - of course - the red stallion. "Very well, milady", the half-Elf replied and continued to caress the soft nose of the horse while he watched her walking over to the stand with the saddles and bridles. Like he had thought, Arwen was directly walking towards the equipment for Naur. Rhÿn only chuckled lowly before he followed the female Elf. When he stood behind her, he wrapped his arms around her waist, to grab the bridle from her hand. Whispering in her ear he brushed his other hand along her hip: "Let me take care of that, milady." Then he stepped back, grabbed the saddle and returned to the wild horse without looking at her again. Arwen stood there like frozen, so stiff all of a sudden that she was shaking violently. The little touches, may they have been as accidentally as they were unintentional, set almost every nerve of her on fire. Her breathing rate sped up and she was almost panting when she finally stalked out towards the horse...and the groom. Her cheeks were aflame as she watched how he saddled and bridled the red stallion, but she said nothing. The half-breed closed the last buckle of the bridle and whispered something in the horse's ear before he turned around and handed the rein to the Queen. "To your custody, milady", he said lowly and again this smirk appeared on his features, thus making the dangerous glint in his eyes even more fiery. As fiercely as Arwen had planned it she wasn't able to grab the reins from that guy's hand because he held on tightly to her hand. And as she was about to spit something out, he raised her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. She wasn't quite sure at first but after a while she definitely felt him sucking on her knuckles. Sky-blue eyes widened in surprise and out of a sudden reflex she slapped him right across the face. Slowly, Rhÿn looked up, his slightly narrowed cold eyes gleaming dangerously as he looked deep into her eyes. He grabbed her wrist, almost harshly and pulled it up to his face once more. But this time he turned it around and kissed her palm, never breaking the eye contact. Then he finally let go of Arwen and passed her by, so she could lead the stallion out of the stable. But when he did, he leaned over to the female Elf, brushing her ear with his lips and whispered hoarsely: "Untamed, wild beauty..." Rhÿn then left the stables to look for his master, to ask him what he should do next since he was done with his work. Arwen's knees threatened to give in as that guy's lips touched her ear, as she was still too stunned that he dared to kiss both sides of her hand. She needed at least a minute to recover from her initial surprise, clasping the reins firmly. She then yanked at the leather chords and pulled the horse outside, climbing onto its back and then rushed away, taking out her sudden anger and embarrassment on the poor horse. She urged it on to run faster and faster until she felt like she was faster than the wind. It wasn't a long ride, but it was very grueling and hence satisfying ride. So when she returned to the royal stables, both horse and horsewoman were sweating and exhausted and barely able to walk anymore. The Elven groom had waited for his Queen to return to the stables and was waiting inside, leaning against the wooden surface of the stallion's stable, arms crossed and one leg bent, the foot resting against the board behind him. "I've been waiting for you milady. It seems like you highly enjoyed your ride", he greeted her with a calm voice and expressionless face. Only his eyes held the typical glint. Arwen stopped dead in her tracks and just stared at the groom again, taking in his lazy pose and nearly hissed as she sucked in the breath she was holding. The woman had almost been able to forget the incidence earlier - especially the tingling feeling in her stomach - but as soon as she saw that guy again her heart sank and started to beat faster than before. Outside she tried to stay calm though. "I did, thank you very much." Rhÿn left his place and slowly walked over to the female with elegantly swinging hips. He stopped in front of her and looked into her eyes again for a long moment, before he took the reign from her hand. As he turned away one corner of his lip curled up into the smirk she'd seen before. But it was hardly visible, like it wasn't really there, but she could see it, because she knew what it would look like. The male Elf led the horse back into his stable and took off the saddle and bridle and put them back into their places, before he returned to Naur, grabbed the comb and curried the wet coat until it was dry. Standing there like she had grown roots for a while, Arwen shifted from one foot to the other as she slowly felt her strength return. All of a sudden she wondered why Estel had let somebody hire this half-breed with the fascinating silver eyes, the strong arms and the irresistible smirk when he knew that his wife was going to the stables almost every day. Was he trying to tempt her? Or was she just being paranoid? It didn't matter yet she decided and turned around to return to the castle so she would be back in time for supper. She had come back to the stables almost every day after that and finally she and Rhÿn stopped flirting and found each other in the hay, rather naked but very satiated. It happened so fast that Arwen almost didn't know what had happened to her. Rhÿn was so different from Estel in so many ways that the Elf woman started to find solace in his arms instead of a quick adventure and she stayed longer with each visit. She liked the half-breed, but she wasn't sure how much. More than a friend or her brothers in any case, but more than Estel? She didn't know... didn't want to either. The heartbeat under her elegantly pointed ear was still steady beating life into that gorgeous body, and made her finally smile. Rhÿn smiled warmly at the girl in his arms when her lips curled up into a light smile. "Finally... meleth... It feels good to see you smile again", he whispered huskily and titled her head to kiss her lips tenderly. It had been a while since he last saw this beautiful woman with an even more beautiful smile on her features. Most of the time she'd been brooding, making the soft skin on her forehead frown. The last two days had been the worst though. She had given a slave to her husband, so he didn't have to be alone and got help to relax after a hard day of work. But it backfired badly since the King didn't approve of slavery, and he even yelled at his wife, for giving him one as a present. Whether he wanted or not, Rhÿn had to agree that a slave wasn't the best present for a wedding day, but that still wasn't a reason to yell at Arwen. Not if he really loved her. And the half-breed sincerely doubted that this Human still loved her. Maybe he never did. The black-haired boy lay back into the hay after he broke the kiss. His eyes narrowed at the thought and he glared at the ceiling. This stupid Human didn't deserve her, but Rhÿn didn't dare to speak out his thoughts, since he didn't want to make her even more upset. The kiss left Arwen slightly out of breath and she looked down at her lover, eyebrows drawing together as she noticed him glaring at the ceiling. Something was upsetting him and she didn't know what, she didn't dare to hope that it had something to do with her problems. It probably was the pregnant mare that was giving him sleepless nights as she was going to fowl any time now. The women shifted a little bit so that she was now hovering over him and glared down mockingly. "Something IS wrong, don't deny it!" Rhÿn blinked when suddenly Arwen's face filled his view and blocked the sight on the ceiling he'd been staring at. He looked into her dark blue eyes, slightly frowning, before he tore his gaze away and looked to the side. "There is always something wrong, meleth. I'm not denying anything." The woman's eyebrow twitched slightly as if she wanted to frown. "What is it then?" The half-breed sighed slightly, and smiled as he turned his face back to his lover. Gentle fingers ran over her face and stroked another strand away, caressing the soft skin. "It shall not bother you, meleth", he answered lowly. Normally Rhÿn was a very direct speaking person, so whenever he talked like this, it was very clear that he just didn't want to talk about it. Arwen stared down, starting to frown. Just this sentence alone meant it was something serious. And if it was something serious, Rhÿn would neglect his duties. Not so much that anybody would notice at first, but Estel would see it after a few days. "It is already bothering me, mîr." She said and caressed his cheek. "Please, share your thoughts with me." The male Elf sighed again at the touch on his cheek and looked into her eyes again, clearly seeing her need to know what was going on inside him there. He ground his teeth for a moment, not wanting to make Arwen any more upset, but on the other hand, he couldn't make it much worse, so he might as well tell her. "Your husband is making me angry," he hissed and stared back at the ceiling, not wanting to hit her with his deadly glare. "The way he treats you is just wrong." He clenched his fists and his glare intensified. "He doesn't deserve you", he added lowly. The woman's eyes widened for a moment and then softened. Of course he would feel like this, she was loading the burden of all her concern and frustration about her husband on him. Sooner or he would start to feel like this towards Estel. The problem was though she didn't really know anymore how she stood between both men. She tried to choose her words carefully. "Estel was different when he wasn't King. This burden for so many people is starting to overpower him..." Her thumb moved tenderly along his cheekbone. "He doesn't know how to relax... All he sees is his work..." Rhÿn grabbed her wrist to stop the motion of her hand and looked at her thoughtfully, frowning slightly. "Why do you keep protecting him?" he asked with confusion in his voice. "After all this pain he caused you...." His eyes widened a bit. "You still love him, don't you?" His voice was merely a whisper and he looked away again, since he was pretty sure of the answer and didn't want to see it in her eyes. Maybe he could pretend it wasn't there if he didn't see it. Arwen sighed. "Of course I do. He's my husband and we are bonded until we die." She saw the pain washing over his face. He was so young... and naïve sometimes that Arwen almost felt like his mother. Almost. But then there was this pain in her chest when she saw the pain she had caused, pain she had only felt when Estel had wanted her to leave Middle-Earth for her own sake. "Mîr... Rhÿn..." she started, but didn't know what to say else. "I have to get back to the stables", he said with an icy voice, and sat up, causing her to fall in the hay. With rather harsh and fast movements he reached out for his clothes and put them on, soft leather pants and light cloth covering his slender figure. Then he stood there, black strands covering his eyes as he looked through the cracks between the boards into the rising sun. Silver eyes narrowed slightly at the unusual dark orange color, but a few moments later Rhÿn blinked and turned around to grab the ladder leading to the ground. "You know where to find me", he murmured before he was gone. After Arwen had recovered from her shock and the rather harsh landing on her bum she grabbed the blanket and held it to her chest, before she reached out and called for Rhÿn. But he was already too far away. So she sighed and curled up into a ball for some time. She was wondering why she drove every man away that was precious to her. First her father as she didn't want to go to the Undying Lands, then Estel, though she blamed his work for the state of their relationship and now Rhÿn with one unlucky sentence. She sincerely started to wonder if she was that stupid and everything was her fault. But she chose to push this thought aside as she sat up and retrieved her clothes. Another boring day was about to start and she still had to find her.... belt! She looked around frantically, but found it nowhere. Almost starting to panic she climbed down the ladder and searched for Rhÿn to ask him if he had seen it. Rhÿn heard Arwen approaching as he stood in the chamber with the food sacks and mixed the special food for the pregnant mare. Without turning around or even looking at her, he extended his hand and pointed towards the door where her belt hung over the handle. "Seems it fell down on our way up to the hayloft," he murmured and continued his work. Arwen's gaze followed the extended arm and there she saw it. She walked over and picked up the silvery rope, putting it around her waist again. Her hands worked slowly as she wound the rope around her waist twice and then made a quite complicated Elven knot to hold it back together. She knew she smelled of horses and hay but she could always say that she wanted to witness the birth of the new horse and spent the night in the stables because of that. That Rhÿn was keeping her company was a whole other story. The memory of his hot and sweet kisses all over her, his calloused but tender hands touching her body in the most intimate places hit her quite suddenly and she felt sorry for hurting him. She knew she had to make it up somehow. Silently she approached the working man and reached out to touch his shoulders. But then he moved to a stand all of a sudden and was out of her reach before she could recover from her sudden surprise. She stared at his back for quite some time as he fed the pregnant mare and then turned on her heels and walked back out of the stables towards the castle again. Rhÿn of course, had heard Arwen approaching him from behind, but he didn't want to be touched by her right now. He knew that she still loved Elessar, but still it hurt something inside him. His heart in the first place, but also his pride. He enjoyed being with the female Elf, but he didn't want to be used as a toy, or some sort of soul garbage can. So when she almost touched him, he stood up and almost flew from her. When he finally stood in front of the mare he listened to every move Arwen made and finally almost sighed with relief when she left the stables. He just hoped she wasn't upset with him too now, like she was with Aragorn. Rhÿn just needed to calm down, clear his mind. The half-breed stared at the point she'd been standing at and hoped she would return at night. To be continued... ______________________________________________________ My-chan: Now um... some of you might change their minds now, about liking or disliking Arwen...? The other point is... do you like Rhÿn? *chews her fingernails nervously* Do you? I hope you do cuz he'll be there for the rest of the story...and his part will... get bigger... a little... Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My- chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.geocities.com/lirimaer8/index.html http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://www.geocities.com/alslashfics/ http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1231150 http://www.efanfiction.net/authors.php?no=2916 *works on the library of moria* And any archives of the lists we're on. ^_^ Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG? May go up soon... *is getting poked by My-chan: "NC-17!"* *sweatdrops* Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, others as well *glances over to Elladan & Elrohir* Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery, angst... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn's and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen-bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; _____________________________________________________ After the very much needed hot bath, that relaxed a few of Aragorn's tense muscles, and a good breakfast, the King of Gondor finally went to his study and continued with his never-ending duties of paperwork. This day he also wanted to talk with Arwen, apologize for his harsh words, but because of his meal with Gimli the previous day, there was more paperwork to do than usual even though he had worked for so long the other day. "I need somebody who does this kind of stuff for me," he sighed more than once as he opened another envelope in the shine of a candle. He didn't remember lightening it, but it was burning, so somebody had to have done it, probably one of the servants. He stared at the burning candle for a few heartbeats and then decided that he had worked long enough for one day and his back congratulated him to this decision with a serious loud cracking sound as he straightened from his hunched over position. He gave a low groan, being immobile for another heartbeat before he stood up and quenched the candle. On his way back to his chambers he caught the glimpse of Arwen crossing a corner but she was gone so fast that he didn't even have the chance of following her. He shook his head and continued his way back towards his chambers. Opening the door he found that the servants had brought him supper and that Legolas was still asleep. He frowned and wondered why and how an Elf could possibly sleep so long, but since this Elf didn't show any signs to awaken whenever he nudged him he saw his only option in sleeping on the floor again. Or - after a heartbeat of reconsideration - the armchair. It took him some time, but he finally fell into a light sleep in front of the fireplace. Meanwhile Ban waited in front of his Lady's chambers for her to return. He knew that she was down at the stables, but what she was doing there was none of his concern. He knew that the number her visits had increased when the new groom arrived, and he wasn't so dumb to not draw conclusions out of that, but as long as nobody asked him about it, he would say that she loved horses and visited them as often as she could. What else could she do when her husband was too busy? He stopped pondering as he saw her ethereal body float over the ground around the corner to this corridor and smiled at her. In fact he was delighted to see her smiling back at him as he spotted his presence. Elves may be rare in Middle-Earth at these times, but they were nevertheless magical to him, especially the females. But on the other hand they were lower beings as well, beings so enclosed in their own realm that they needed Humans to show them the ways of the world nowadays. Like elderly people, who were so much like babies. "Ban, it's always a pleasure to see you," Arwen said, opening the door to her chambers and waving the man inside. Then she sat down in one her comfortable chairs, waving for him to do the same opposite to her. "What do you have to report today?" "I simply want to state that I completed the task you set upon me, my Queen." "Is the slave back in his chains?" "Yes, milady. And he will never again try to break free." "Very well." The woman stared into the flames of her fireplace, obviously deep in thoughts. Ban looked quite curious at her and fidgeted a little in his seat, not whether he should tell her about the incidence with the King or not, but he guessed it would be better. "Milady..." "Did you punish him in my husband's place?" "Yes, milady, and that's what I need to tell you about as well," the man said firmly. "The slave told your husband about what I did to him and to say it mildly, he wasn't at all amused. I think that maybe it was a mistake... He downright threatened me." The Elven woman looked at him with wide eyes. "He did? That's... unusual..." Again she stared into the flames as if she could see something in there, some hidden mystery nobody else could see. He looked at her with some concern in his eyes. "Milady?" Looking up from the flames to fix her mystifying blue eyes onto his face, he could see that her features had hardened. "What did you do then? Estel is a calm man, he knows of rights and wrongs." "I did what one should do to a disobedient slave," Ban said, openly surprised by the coldness. "He did not submit to what he was ordered, so I used force to make him understand what was expected of him." "You hit him?" It was a simple question, almost innocent. But it was worse than what the servant had done to Legolas. "Basically, yes. But you make it sound like it is a bad thing." The woman's eyes narrowed. "Are you trying to tell me, it isn't?" she asked, but didn't wait for an answer and simply sighed. "My husband did not approve of it, right?" "No, my Queen. He told me never to touch his property again." Arwen nodded as she looked back into the flames, where she seemed to find some comfort. "Then I wish you never to do it again. Make sure the slave obeys the King's order, but do as my husband wishes." "Very well, milady." Ban was astounded. He didn't expect that his Queen would despise his actions, even though she had commanded him to do so and had even asked him to find new restraints. Slowly he stood up, nodded and was about to make his exit, when her silent voice called him back. "How is his condition?" she asked and as the servant looked at her with an incredulous look, she added, "The slave. How is he?" The man blinked, surprised that she would care for a slave. "The last time I saw him, he was sleeping in the King's bed. After he was bathed by the King last night, I might add. Nobody was able to wake him." Arwen nodded, her features hardening even more. So Estel was having fun with his little slave? While she was alone in her chambers, after she hurt the only one that seemed to have been able to endure her during the past few months. Was she really such a bad person? Only Ban seemed to like her anymore. "Then his condition is weakened. He will probably sleep all day," the Elf said calmly, almost like a medical statement and sighed. "Thank you. You may go now." Ban bowed low before her. "Very well, milady." Then he was out of the room without another word. Legolas had indeed slept the whole day. But once Aragorn was gone his sleep lightened and he woke up each time a servant entered the room. They left him alone though, and didn't even look at him twice, so the Elf decided to almost ignore them as well and as soon as they were gone, he fell back asleep. Finally his body decided that it was enough, or rather his growling stomach said that it was time to wake up and eat something. Slowly his senses returned to him and Legolas stirred. Then he stretched before he lifted his eyelids and blinked several times, until he managed to open his eyes completely. The Elf sat up and lifted his arms to rub his face, the dried blood crumbling from his already healed injuries as if it was dried mud. Done that, Legolas caught sight of his master sitting in the armchair, apparently sleeping. The slave bit his lower lip. His master was sitting in this chair because of him. Because he occupied the bed. And this was just wrong. Legolas grabbed the blanket and lifted it up, ready to leave the bed when he noticed that he was naked. He stopped and lowered the sheets, whilst his thoughts were racing. Why was he naked? Did he Human do anything to him while he was asleep? Not likely, he would have surely woken up from any touch. But on the other hand, Legolas didn't really remember what happened after he drank the milk, and maybe Aragorn drugged him... Then again, the Human looked too peaceful in his sleep, like he couldn't hurt a fly, and the Elf's body felt normal and healed. Legolas shoved the thoughts away and lowly cleared his throat. "Master?" he peeped quietly, trying to wake him up without being too rough. The low growl of a stomach disturbed his light sleep, but he didn't want to open his eyes just because of that. But a few moments later he knew he had to. Aragorn turned his head towards the direction from which he heard a silent voice, probably talking to him. Blinking his eyes open, the man turned his head to see the Elf in his bed awake finally and looking at him with puzzlement in his eyes. He groaned as he straightened in his seat, feeling his joints crack as he did so and then turned to look at Legolas, forcing a smile on his anguished face. "Hello there..." he said and then groaned again as his back protested from another movement. Legolas winced slightly when he heard the cracking sound coming from his master's back and bit down on his lip again. Now he had caused him a bad backache as well. Once again the slave wondered how his master could be this nice to him although he caused him that much trouble. "Naá em hell?" he asked quietly, fixing his master's gaze since he didn't want to miss anything displayed in those steel blue eyes. Aragorn scratched his head and yawned soundly. "Huh? Oh. Your loincloth was soaked and didn't dry fast enough... so... I took the liberty to remove it." He tried to remember if he had seen it earlier that day, but somehow... it wasn't there. "I wonder where it is..." Slowly he moved to stand up and retrieved a candle-holder so he could look around in the darkness of his chambers, all the while rubbing the small of his aching back. The Elf blinked a few times at the explanation, but his doubts were soon gone. His master had removed his clothes only because he didn't want him to get sick and it sounded logical as well. "Hinead", he said lowly in case not to disturb his master. He seemed very tired and exhausted from the day and loud sounds might only hurt his head as well, like his back already did. Aragorn ignored the last word as he looked around. To him it seemed as if the servants had thrown the loincloth away as they might have thought it looked too ragged as if anyone could possibly ever wear it again. And then there was this gown from Arwen that he wanted to be resewn. People probably thought that this would be enough for a slave. The man sighed and walked over to his drawer, retrieving new leggings as the ones he gave Legolas earlier were almost shredded and had to be repaired before anybody could wear it again. Also he found another shirt he could give to the Elf. He returned to the bed and stood in front of Legolas, remembering what he had almost done the other day... and was happy that it was dark enough that his blush couldn't be seen. Offering the clothes to the Elf, he held on to them a little longer than needed as they were taken from his hand. Legolas looked up to his master as he didn't let go of the clothes. When he looked into the Human's face, the Elf was almost sure that he saw a red shade on his cheeks, but maybe it was just because of the candle light. Then Aragorn finally let go of the leggings and shirt and took one step back. The slave put the shirt next to him on the bed and unfolded the leggings, before he shifted a little so his legs hung out of the bed. Legolas slipped on the trousers and stood up in the same swift motion, pulling the leggings over his hips. He didn't even bother to see if his master was watching him or not. To say he didn't care would be a lie, but he'd gotten used to it. The Elf made a tight knot into the waistband of the leggings, before he grabbed the shirt and put it on as well. Aragorn was not only watching, he was downright staring, but was not aware of it as he tried to make out what exactly the Elf was doing. In fact he was staring so intensely at the waistline of Legolas that he would have hit himself very hard if he had caught himself. But he didn't and even if he had he wouldn't have done it, as that would have made the Elf notice what he was doing. As it was now, he could still pretend he was checking if Legolas was putting on his clothes correctly. A lame excuse, but it was an excuse. All of a sudden the man noticed what he was doing and shook his head, turning away quite embarrassed. After Legolas had put on the shirt he looked up at his master, only to see him looking somewhere to the side. For a moment the Elf wondered if he was that ugly, that his master couldn't even bear to look at him. But the thought was soon dismissed as his stomach started to rumble like a hungry wolf's growl. Aragorn was just trying to make up an excuse why he was staring at Legolas' hips when his thoughts were disturbed by the sound of somebody being hungry. Very hungry. He turned his head back to look at the Elf and wasn't sure if he should just smile or look embarrassed. In the end it was a rather embarrassed smile. "It seems you're hungry, aren't you?" Not waiting for an answer though, he turned and lit the candles on the table where he usually ate. He had measured the length of the chain with his eyes some time ago and had decided that it was long enough so that Legolas could sit on one side of the table... although Aragorn would have preferred if the Elf was free of his neck-chain. But he didn't want his servants to notice and treat him like they did earlier again, even though he thought he had frightened them enough to ever do so again. He waved for the Elf to come closer and get a seat. Legolas followed the enticing motion and approached the table slowly. He knew it was well in reach of the chain, since he knew pretty exactly how long it was. The Elf sat down with an elegant movement and looked up at his master, waiting for him to do the same. Somehow the thought that the Human stood next to him and only watched him eat made him feel awkward. Aragorn looked down at the Elf, his eyebrows moving up until he understood what he wanted him to do. So he pulled a chair next to Legolas and then opened his arms as if he wanted to say, "Eat, it's all yours." He had eaten shortly before he went to sleep and he was actually full. So he just poured himself some wine before he raised the bottle to do so for Legolas as well. The Elf held up his hand to stop the Human from filling his chalice with wine as well. He had had enough of the sweet liquid two nights ago. He already spotted a jug of milk on the table and he preferred that over the wine. "No?" Aragorn asked. He then looked over the table and spotted the milk as well. "Okay..." He made a grab for the jug and started to pour it into the still empty chalice. Then he raised his wine and said, "To us!" before he took a quite deep sip. "Hinead," the Elf murmured before he took the cup and slowly drank the white liquid. Then he put it down again, and viewed the food on the table. Once again he grabbed a few fruits and started to eat them, while he inspected the other stuff on the plates. He found that most of the food was very good, except for the awful tasting bread, and he ate pretty much of the stuff he liked, more than anyone thought he was able to eat. But he ate slowly, and his manners were completely different from the first time Aragorn had watched him eat. Nothing of him reminded of the scared, dirty little slave he'd been only two days ago. His looks and his movements were those of an Elf now, smooth, graceful, elegant and calm. While he ate though, Legolas eyed his master and his way to drink the wine with concern in his eyes. There was no way that this could be good for his body, or mind. But he didn't say anything. He was just a slave after all, and it wasn't his right to tell his master what to do. Aragorn took another sip from his wine, partly to forget the shame he felt for staring at Legolas when he was changing. But another part of him didn't want to forget, wanted to see more, to feel more of this lithe pale body underneath his hands, his...He stared down into his chalice and glared at his reflection in the liquid. How could he possibly let himself get this far in his thoughts? He would never let this get outside his mind though if he could... if he wanted to, he would undermine this as well. Feeling quite dizzy already he raised the chalice to his lips once again and emptied it in one go and then moved to refill it once again. It was just then when Legolas decided that he'd been watching this long enough. Whatever his master wanted to drown in the wine, he was sure that there was another solution to the problem then getting drunk on purpose. So the Elf slightly rose in his chair and put his hand over Aragorn's when he was just about to lift the bottle again to fill his chalice. "Don't," he whispered and fixed the Human's gaze as he looked up. Legolas had finally figured out the difference between his version of elfish and the one of his master and it actually wasn't too different to begin with. The man wasn't sure if he should stare at the Elf in surprise for talking directly to him and saying something else than "sorry" or glare at him for interrupting his movement. But then he did nothing of these two options. Instead he slowly set the almost empty bottle down and sighed. He was furious, but he knew he had been drinking too much. His cheeks were red and hot and he felt a very comforting tiredness in his bones. All he wanted to do right now was to go to bed and sleep long and relaxing, with the smell of soft hair tickling his nose when he woke up...Squeezing his eyes shut to get the picture out of his head; Aragorn sighed and locked gazes with Legolas, smiling wearily. "The only fun I have after a hard day's work... and my slave tells me to stop." Legolas smiled a bit sheepishly at those words, but he was glad that his master agreed with him, and didn't get mad, because of his rudeness. "You look very tired, master. You should get to sleep..." he suggested softly and rose from his seat, waiting for Aragorn to do the same. The king chuckled slightly as the Elf was giving him orders again, hidden underneath suggestions but orders still. And of course he looked tired, he had spent two and a half nights outside his bed and worked harder than usual, plus the stress with his wife and everything else...Aragorn just wished in that moment to be a ranger again. The problems he had back then seemed little to him now, compared with a raging Boromir or stupid requests. "Yes, sir," he murmured as quiet as he could and walked over to the armchair again. When Aragorn walked past him Legolas realized that he was about to spend another night in the armchair. He frowned slightly. Why would he do that if he could sleep in his bed? Or was he probably leaving his bed to him, his slave? The Elf scowled slightly and grabbed the Human's arm, stopping him from moving towards the chair and pointed towards the bed. Blinking his tired eyes, Aragorn looked at Legolas who was holding his arm. His first thought was that it was a pity that he was wearing a long-sleeved leather-shirt, but shook it away quickly. Instead he stared at his bed as if it was something he had never seen before in his whole life. "You want me to sleep in the bed? And where do you sleep then?" Legolas nodded to the first question, and one moment later he looked at his master with puzzlement written on his features. But maybe the Human was just too tired and already half asleep...The Elf looked around to see where he could lie down on the floor. Now that he was chained to the wall again, he couldn't curl up in the corner since the chain didn't reach that far. So he pointed to the carpet in front of the bed. The wooden board would have to do for now. "You want to sleep on the floor? Oh, no, I won't let this happen." He put his hand over Legolas' and led him towards the bed, making him sit down there and went back to take his place in the armchair in front of the fire. He was just about to make one step when a stinging pain shot through his back, stopping him dead in his movements as he let out a deep groan. The Elf was too startled to do anything when Aragorn pulled him towards the bed and pushed him down. But when that nasty sound was heard again he winced and almost growled after that. He rose to his feet and grabbed his master's wrist. While putting his other hand on the Human's back, he gave slight pressure to it, causing the pain to subside. Legolas gently pulled Aragorn towards the bed again, pointing him to sit down. "Lie down, master. I'll help you with your back." Aragorn needed a moment to recover from his sudden recovery and just stared at the Elf before he nodded and did as he was told. But then he remembered he was still wearing all his clothes and sat up again. "Give me one moment," he murmured and started to undo the knots of his clothes, again fighting with the ones on his shirt. He was definitely tying them too tightly. Legolas smiled as he witnessed his master's struggle with his knots once again. His movements were so clumsy, just like a little child. Well compared to him, this Human was nothing more than a baby, but yet the feeling was different. The Elf put his hands on Aragorn's and softly pulled them away from the shirt. He kneeled down in front of him and worked through the knots as if they weren't even there. Then he got up again and peeled the cloth from the Human's tense shoulders, throwing it over the waist high wall next to the end of the bed. The man had stared at the blond head of Legolas as the Elf had worked on his knots, kneeling between his legs, moving his fingers over his chest, not really touching him, but freeing him efficiently of his garments. Aragorn sighed as the shirt left his shoulders. His pants were soft enough and he chose to leave them on as he slipped off his boots and swung his legs back over the edge of the bed. There he turned to lie on his stomach, hugging a pillow and sighing into it. Again the Elf smiled into the safety of the darkness in the room, before he walked to the other side of the bed and crawled over it to sit next to his master. He gently ran his hand over the bare back, feeling the tense muscles under his fingers. He shifted a little bit so he could put both of his hands on the Human's back and carefully let them run over his spine. The Elf could feel several bumps under his fingers and grimaced. Hovering over the lying body he gave a quick pressure to each of them once he felt them and pushed the vertebras back in place. Aragorn shivered at the sudden light touch on his bare back and buried his head deeper into the pillow, muffling a low moan. But when he felt both hands on his back, pushing at his spine he almost ate the pillow as a sharp pain went through his back. Whatever Legolas was doing to his back hurt like hell, but the man chose to give him a bit of time to prove that it was helping. The Elf worked his way up the Human's spine setting every bone back into place as fast and as carefully as he could, since he knew it wasn't painless. "Forgive me… It'll subside soon," he murmured and moved his fingers back down after he finished pushing in the vertebras, kneading the reddened flesh gently. On his way down he pressed a few spots on his master's back, close to his spine, which made the tense muscles relax in an instant, thus taking the pain away immediately. This treatment left a rather comfortable feeling in the tired body. A warm prickling feeling dispread from those spots, slightly relaxing the other muscles as well. But merely slightly and so Legolas continued to move his hands over the bare back, kneading Aragorn's shoulders down to his waistline. Aragorn's expression changed from a very tense distortion to a very relaxed and sleepy face as the pain faded away with a silent sigh falling from his lips into the pillow. He relaxed underneath the working fingers of Legolas and felt how sleep wrapped its foggy arms around his mind. Purring slightly he slowly fell asleep. Legolas smiled again, wider this time, when he more felt than heard his master's soft purring and his body relaxing under his hands. He continued to work his magic on the tense muscles until he decided that they were relaxed enough to provide his master a long, peaceful and restful sleep. Soundless as usual, the Elf crawled off the bed and rose to a stand after he was done. He turned towards his sleeping master once more, grabbing the blanket to pull it over the bare upper body. Done that, Legolas moved to the root end, and sat down on the soft carpet, but not without blowing the candles out first. He lay down and moved into a comfortable position, so he could look out of the window to watch the rising moon. Listening to his master's even breath he also fell asleep pretty soon. But his sleep wasn't as peacefully as Aragorn's. Nightmares haunted the Elf, and not very much later he woke up again, with a low cry on his lips, sweating and panting. Legolas shot up and stared into the darkness, with widened eyes. He lifted his hands to his head and slightly rubbed his face and finally he rested his forehead on his palm, his elbow on his knees and he leaned his back against the board of the bed. Aragorn stirred in his most peaceful sleep ever since he remembered as he was king as a cry woke him up. He frowned and then blinked his eyes open, to see what it was. Into his droopy vision the picture of Legolas moving to sit with his back to the bed came along with the sound of him trying to catch his breath after what seemed like he had run from Rivendell to Gondor all night. The man shifted to lie on his side, noting slightly satisfied that his back may feel a little sore from the treatment the previous days, but it didn't hurt anymore. He looked at the back of Legolas' head and cursed himself that he had let himself fall asleep and that the Elf had seen this as an invitation to sleep on the floor. There he probably wasn't able to find the sleep he needed... or wanted, Aragorn corrected himself as he remembered that it was the blond who had been sleeping in his bed all day and night. He raised his voice, but what he said was not louder than a mere whisper. "Your teeth are chattering so loudly... I can't sleep with this kind of noise..." He shifted a little, to make some space for the Elf on the bed that was large enough for three people and lifted the covers a little. The Elf's ears twitched when the Human behind him shifted in his bed and he bit his lower lip. He didn't mean to wake him up. And he wouldn't have if it wasn't for his slave to scream in his sleep. Still slightly out of breath he shook his head to clear his mind off the horrible images. "I'm sorry for... waking you, master... Please pay me no mind... and go back to sleep", he murmured and wrapped his arms around his upper body. Drawing his legs closer to his body he curled up into a tight ball. Coldness was creeping into his body and maybe he could get warmer like this again. But it didn't help as much as he had hoped it would, and one shiver after the other ran down his spine, leaving him with his teeth clattering from the cold. The slave clenched his jaws trying to suppress the sounds, in cause not to disturb his master any further. Frowning at the back of the Elf's head, Aragorn shifted back so his head was next to an elegantly pointed ear. His mind still foggy, he paid careful attention though that he didn't touch it with his lips. "I'm not going to bite," whispered and smiled although he knew that Legolas couldn't see it, if he didn't turn around. He could see that the other's jaws were clenched together so tightly that one could see them working, not showing that they was indeed chattering. Legolas turned his head, startled because of the sudden proximity to the other man, and looked at him with slightly widened eyes. Still trying to calm down his breath and heartbeat, he blinked a few times and processed the words the Human had spoken. Bite? No, of course he wouldn't bite. And the Elf's confusion was easy so see on his features as he finally parted his lips to speak. "... man?" he asked lowly, frowning a little in misunderstanding. "Just a figure of speech," Aragorn murmured slightly embarrassed all of a sudden as he hung his head over the edge of the bed. He took a deep breath, rearranging his words so that Legolas might understand what he wanted to say. "You are freezing, this bed is too big for me alone and you didn't complain last night to lie here," he said sternly. "So if you want me to sleep in the bed, you will have to do so as well." For a few moments, Legolas just looked at the other man, like he couldn't really believe what he heard. His master really wanted him to sleep in the bed as well? This had to be a joke, or maybe a test or something like that. The Elf slowly shook his head. "No... I can't..." he whispered and lowered his gaze. "No backtalk," the man said firmly and put a hand on the other's shoulder. "You are sick and your teeth chatter so loudly that I won't be surprised if the whole castle is here within a moment." He took his hand from the slender shoulder and shifted a bit more to make some space for the shivering Elf. Legolas squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, cursing himself, or rather his body for being so loud and disturbing the Human's sleep. He slowly stood up though, having finally managed to calm his body down, and moved around the bed to the right side. He looked down at his master again, still now sure if he really should do this. But the way the other man held the blanket made very clear, that he expected him to join him in the bed. The Elf bit his lower lip. Shifting some more Aragorn sat up and waved his hand to offer the space on the bed next to him. He looked up at the Elf, inviting him to sit down and use the space he needed on the bed. He didn't mean to look threatening, he just wanted some peace for both of them, so that they could sleep peacefully. Legolas reminded himself that this Human had no intention in hurting him and clenched his fists for a second before he relaxed his hands again and crawled onto the bed. He lay down under the blanket and shifted until he was as close to the edge as he could be without falling out. "I'm sorry for waking you, master," he murmured once again, feeling rather uncomfortable with the present situation. "No problem..." murmured Aragorn and lay back down. He threw a bit of the blanket over Legolas' body and then retreated to his own corner of the bed. Hugging a pillow he buried his face deeper into the feather-bag and sighed as he closed his eyes. Maybe he was now able to find some undisturbed rest. The Elf relaxed a little bit when the Human said that he didn't mind, but yet it didn't seem okay for him. It was his duty to make his master feel better after all, not to wake him up. He soon could hear Aragorn's even breathing again and knew he'd fallen asleep. Carefully the Elf turned around and looked at the sleeping figure for a few moments, before he grabbed the blanket and pulled it over his master, making sure he was completely covered. He still wondered why he insisted on him sleeping in the bed as well. As a slave his place was on the floor, and his teeth didn't clatter that loud actually. But he was ordered to sleep in the bed, no, actually he had been blackmailed. Legolas furrowed his brows. Why would his master blackmail him if he could simply order him? The Elf decided to solve this matter some other time and lay back down after he stuffed the blanket against his master's back, to make sure he didn't get cold. Legolas curled up into a tight ball once more, wrapping his arms around his drawn up knees. He stared into the darkness in front of him, not really wanting to fall asleep again, since he was pretty sure those awful nightmares were waiting for him. But whether he wanted to or not, his still weakened body demanded sleep and he soon fell asleep again. The only occasion Aragorn woke up was when he was sweating so much that he thought he would light up in flames any second. He groaned and kicked the blankets away, turning to the other side. Whoever lay there he wasn't able to process with his sleepy mind, but he knew that when he touched the lithe frame he almost burned his fingers on the cold. Grunting in frustration he threw the blanket over the other body, but felt how it was thrown back, so he frowned and threw the blanket back over him. After the third time that happened, he sighed and rolled over, effectively wrapping his arm around the ice-block in his bed. That stopped any movement from the other one though, but he could feel the person in his arms warm up so he sighed and his body decided that he should sleep some more. When he woke up the next time, he found himself hugging somebody close and his first thought was that it was Arwen, that they were talking again and that she had spent the night with him instead of them both being alone in their respective chambers. He smiled and snuggled closer, nuzzling the soft hair in front of him. When the Human had hugged him all of a sudden, Legolas lay still and didn't dare to move anymore. He felt his master falling asleep again soon, but yet he didn't move away because he was afraid to wake him up again. On the other hand he wasn't able to sleep himself, since he was too tense and stiff. So the Elf just lay there in his master's arms, feeling the warmth surrounding him, warming him up. He patiently waited for the new day to dawn, and for the other man to wake up and release him. Inwardly he kept wondering why Aragorn hugged him, and he came to the conclusion that he was mistaking him for somebody else. And when his master finally stirred and woke up, he buried his nose in his hair, convincing Legolas that he was right. The Human most likely thought that he was his wife. The Elf bit his lip. He didn't want to think about how mad his master might be when he found out that it was his slave lying next to him. So he remained still, in case not to disturb the light slumber. Something was different from hugging Arwen though, the man thought. The glimpse of hair he had seen was blond instead of ebony-colored and then there was the absence of two soft bumps right above where his hands were. He frowned and then blinked his droopy eyes open. He was greeted by the sight of a mass of blond hair and he needed a moment to process why he saw his own clothes on the one he hugged until he found out that he was hugging Legolas. And that was what he needed to be wide awake in an instant. His eyes snapped open, he detached his arms from around the Elf's waist and sat up bolt right and stammered a "Nícaer..." After the hands were gone Legolas slid out of the bed and slowly rose to a stand. He didn't want it to look like a flight, but he needed to stretch his tense muscles badly. Once standing he turned back to Aragorn, flashing a shy smile at him. "No need to be sorry, master. I'm sorry for I'm not being the one you wished me to be", he suggested softly and then made his way over to the window. The air inside the room had gotten rather stuffy, and Legolas lungs were in desperate need for the fresh morning air. But he soon realized that the chain wasn't long enough and he couldn't reach the window. The Elf felt the pressure of the chain against his neck and stopped walking when he was about three steps away from the wall in front of him. "It would be easier if you were the one I wanted to wake up with..." the man murmured as he rubbed his head and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. He wondered how long he slept, because he felt relaxed like never before in his life as Elessar Telcontar, not considering the funny feeling he got from waking up with a man in his arms. Not that it was unpleasant... just... different. Seeing the Woodelf being stopped short by the chain in his approach of the window, the man felt the need to clench his teeth. He knew he should set Legolas free as soon as he could, but there were his servants and then Arwen, who would be royally pissed upset that he didn't appreciate her present so he had to let pass at least a little time... and expand the little trust he had already gained... although that could backfire easily. The man pulled on his boots and walked over to the slightly smaller man not making any sound and put his hands softly on the other's shoulders. "I'll find a longer chain for you soon..." he murmured and then patted the shoulders once before he strode over to open the shutters. Legolas had of course heard the man approach, even though any other Human might not be able to notice the low sounds. He could tell that his master was moving a lot different than yesterday. His movements were smooth and even. "It's fine," he said lowly as Aragorn mentioned the chain. The Elf didn't mean to bother his master anymore than he already had. Once the window was open, Legolas inhaled the cool air flooding the room deeply. The Woodelf blinked when he heard a sound and made a high chirping sound, while extending his right arm. One moment later, a small bird flew through the window, drew a little circle in the room and then landed on the index finger of the Elf's right hand. Aragorn's eyes widened at the whistling sound from the Elf, a sound that was as if he wanted to talk to a bird. He was even more surprised when a bird suddenly flew into his chambers and landed on Legolas' finger. Watching in awe he witnessed how Woodelf and Bird held a little conversation of song before the small animal flew off again. He stared at the trail of the little being for a moment, still enchanted by the scene he just witnessed. During his years as a ranger, he had made friends with animals as well, but he had never had the time to learn the language of them. So he was stunned whenever somebody did, and this was quite seldom. A warm smile crossed Legolas features as he listened to the little fellow's chirping and he whispered something in return, before it flew off again. He watched the bird flying back to its friends, before he turned back to the other man. "Are you feeling better this morning, master?" he asked lowly, not wanting to disturb his thoughts, but trying to call the Human back from where his thoughts had been drifting off to. Adding to his awe over Legolas talking to a bird came the stunning of seeing the Elf smile, which almost managed to take the man's breath away. Silently he added another point to his list of what he wanted to help Legolas to regain... he wanted to see him smile like that again and more often. Aragorn shook his head as he heard the voice of the Woodelf addressing him silently. He sorted his thoughts for a moment before he answered with a soft smile, "Yes, I do, thank you very much. Your hands are able to achieve miracles." Legolas smiled slightly at the praise and nodded. "I'm glad it helped." Then he swallowed and his gaze left his master's face, wandering over the floor for a few moments, before it returned to the other man's face. A shade of something indefinable darkening his eyes. "Is there something else you want me to help you with, master?" he asked lowly and swallowed tightly again. Legolas had felt the Human's hard-on against his butt when the other man was still asleep. It wasn't that big, but it was there, and it was his duty as a slave to help his master with whatever was needed. Aragorn blinked and followed the Elf's look down to his own crotch. His eyes widened in shock and shame and out of sudden reflex his hands wandered to cover the bulge in his leggings. He was so embarrassed that Legolas had to feel his problem that he would have liked to disappear in a hole right now, but something inside of him didn't like that idea. He almost groaned when his hands came in contact with the hidden flesh in his pants that twitched eagerly as he did so. Feeling his cheeks heat up so that they were able to warm the room although the window was open, he gingerly lifted his hands a bit, making a step towards the bathroom. "Er... no... Thank you..." he stammered, a very sheepish grin gracing his features. Legolas nodded slowly as he watched his master retreating towards the bathroom. Inwardly he sighed with relief. It wasn't that he had a problem in touching other men in an intimate manner, or being touched by them, but he was a slave now and that put him into a forced condition, whether it was combined with the use of violence or not. And this, the fact that he couldn't choose or say no made him rather tense. He believed his master saying that he didn't want to hurt him, yes, but there was still a difference between not being forced to do something and wanting to do something. Even though he didn't really fear his master anymore, he was still frightened of Humans in general. He only knew them as violent, brutal creatures that didn't care about others' feelings, pain and needs. The Woodelf slightly shook his head to get rid of the thoughts and turned back to the window to watch the rising sun. Aragorn retreated to the bathroom and stared at the ground, thinking of thousands of Orcs trying to kiss him or even worse, just to force his erection away. He didn't want to relieve himself, because every moment he thought about doing so, the picture of Legolas looking up to him came to his mind. Those fine features, the ivory skin, the pale strands and the dark eyes of an impossible shade of violet... He squeezed his eyes shut to get the picture out of his mind and then snapped them open again, as he remembered that there were no more wounds on his face where there had been blood-crusts over his golden brow. This made him forget about his problem a little lower and sigh in relief, remembering the incredible speed with which Elves were able to heal their injuries if they wanted to. He had seen it often enough when he and his brothers were part of the Fellowship of the One Ring. A few steadying breaths later, Aragorn dared to get out of the bathroom again and saw that breakfast had been prepared some while ago, probably when he was still asleep. He stopped his thought right there, not wanting to have another problem and he was sure he would if he let himself trail off. Sighing he walked out of the bath and towards the table, waving to Legolas to do the same. The Elf had been standing by the window until his master left the bathroom and walked towards the table. He turned his head slightly, and caught sight of Aragorn motioning him to sit down as well. So Legolas walked over to the table and pulled out the chair he'd been sitting on the other day to take a seat after his master sat down as well. Aragorn nodded as he saw the Elf sit down and started to eat in silence, pouring some milk into their chalices, like he did the day before. He didn't talk a word since he was still too embarrassed that Legolas had pointed out he needed some help and that he hadn't really been reluctant to let him do it, just his sense of moral stopped him from accepting the unspoken offer. So he rather kept silent than some unnecessary chatter that would have been even more embarrassing. Having finished his meal, the man stood up and started to dress, getting ready for his daily chores. He nodded to the Elf and left the room, facing another day of paperwork. 'The day started so good...' he thought to himself as he heard the door closing behind him. To be continued... _____________________________________________________ We could write thousands of scenes like this... where they pace around each other and do nothing... but that wouldn't be good story telling... just imagine that Aragorn and Legolas behave like that EVERY time they get together... alone... *sweatdrops* ^^; Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My- chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.geocities.com/lirimaer8/index.html http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://www.geocities.com/alslashfics/ http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1231150 http://www.efanfiction.net/viewuser.php?uid=241 Legolas In Chains Archive (though the adress might change soon) Should be on the Library of Moria soon, too... Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG? May go up soon... *is getting poked by My-chan: "NC-17!" **sweatdrops* Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, others as well *glances over to Elladan & Elrohir* Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery, angst... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn's and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen-bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; _____________________________________________________ While her husband had spent the night in his own bed for a change, Arwen found her feet carrying her towards the stables once again, like almost every night. She didn't know what made her do this, as she had no reason to feel sorry. All she said was the truth and whatever Rhÿn wanted to hear was his own business. But that didn't make that feel of guilt go away that was nagging on her the whole following day. She didn't really pay attention to her maidens that were working on an old gown of hers, the one that she had sent to Estel for his pretty slave, as she thought that the green of it would go perfectly with his appearance. But obviously the man didn't appreciate her generous offer and ordered her maidens to make it look like something that a man could wear. So they had cut the dress into two parts, made loose pants out of the skirt and a rather comfortable top, as she had to admit while she was controlling it. It still had to be smoothed but it was ready now and they would try giving it to Estel the next day. But that was now unimportant. Silently she opened the doors of the stables, hoping that nobody else than Rhÿn was there or else she had to think of other excuses than just being there to see the gorgeous half-breed. She spotted the groom sitting in the stable of the pregnant mare, stroking her back soothingly, whispering quietly in some kind of singsong, his face so soft that it almost broke her heart. She moved as silently as she could, but stopped right in front of the small wooden door to the secluded area of the horse. "Rhÿn..." The Elf had heard Arwen approaching him, but he also heard his master getting closer from the other side of the stables. He wanted to watch after the mare again, not really trusting his groom. The old man narrowed his eyes and almost stabbed the black hair covered back of the half-breed with his stare. There was no reason at all to trust somebody like him. He was sly and insidious, something one could clearly see in his eyes. At least in the opinion of the equerry. "Good evening milady. You're too early. It'll take at least another three hours before she's going to foal," Rhÿn said without turning towards Arwen. Then he tilted his head and slightly turned his head towards the older man behind him. "You may go to sleep; I can handle this on my own." Said man only snorted at the impertinence from the half-breed and glared at him once more, before he glanced at the mare, seeing that she was calmer than usually and seemed to enjoy the presence of the black-haired boy. Then he forced his features to soften and looked at the woman, bowing his head slightly. "Milady..." He looked up again, trying to hide his concern over the Queen staying in the stables all alone with the creepy half-breed. "I would advise you not to stay here all night, your Highness. It's surely going to last another day before the new life is born," he said, making clear that he didn't believe Rhÿn's words, and that he also thought that it was complete nonsense. What did this boy know of horses anyways? Arwen smiled softly at the man. "Then I will wait another day. You may go now; I think Rhÿn is able to take care of the sleeping animals on his own..." Hoping that her status as the Queen of Gondor would be sufficient to make him go, she laid her hand on a wooden pillar and leaned onto it, always glancing to the mare and Rhÿn. "Very well, milady," the man said and turned around after glaring at the groom once more. Said boy sighed after his master finally left the stables. "How I despise him," the Elf murmured and scratched the mare's ears gently. He didn't feel the urge to look up and meet Arwen's gaze though. "Priggish Human." The Elf-woman winced silently. She knew that the Half-breed didn't like Humans, especially since last night, but she herself found them interesting and she loved one. With all her heart, since he was a little child... right? Estel had been so sweet as a child, so cute, so special to her and her family that once he got old enough it was only natural for them both to fall in love. And that they married was only destiny as well, and she would stay with Estel and love him until he died. Right? As she looked at her current lover's back she was not so sure about that anymore. But she didn't want to realize it just yet. There were other things on her mind right now. First, the attempt of getting her husband to feel better and herself for a better relationship with him and secondly the attempt of restoring her friendship with Rhÿn...'Friendship? This has surely passed the state of friendship...' "Rhÿn..." she repeated and then sighed. "Rhÿn..." she started again, but didn't know how to continue. "Yes, milady?" he asked and for someone who didn't know him his voice may have sounded cold. But actually it held nothing. Neither coldness nor anything else. Rhÿn didn't really expect an answer. The way Arwen started three times made pretty clear that she didn't really know what to say. "You see this mare. She trusts us, feels safe around us because we care for her and make sure she's well and has everything she needs. But in the end it's just an egoistic matter. We use her, for our own purpose, and anything else doesn't matter to us." Slowly Arwen moved her gaze from the long black shimmering hair of the groom to the shimmering black hair of the mare and tilted her head slightly to the side, making a small step forward. "But it does matter. I like her..." Slowly she passed the small wooden gates to the secluded area of the mare and softly laid a hand on her hide, caressing her in small little motions. "I have known her from the first day when she came here... I remember how afraid she was... she didn't want to let anybody close to her..." She rubbed her cheek against the mare's, smiling as she felt her lean towards her as if she was curious if she had some sugar for her. "And now she's carrying the child of the proudest stud around..." Smiling to herself she scratched the mare's ear, who snorted happily. Spending a few moments to caress the mare's cheek she only dared then to raise her face and look into Rhÿn's silver eyes. "She was so lonely before she met you... and look at her now, she's happy." With a smile she turned down to look at the mare again, who was nodding her head as if she wanted to say something. If it was in addition, denial or confirmation the Elven woman couldn't quite determine just from the look into the horse's face. Rhÿn watched Arwen caressing the horse listening to her every word and his left brow rose slightly in thought. "So... If she's that happy to have me, why does she keep pushing me away?" he asked lowly. Both of them knew that they weren't talking about the mare. But somehow it was easier to talk about these things in some kind of third person point of view. Arwen looked at the half-breed quite surprised. "She does? I always see her looking at you... and you are one of the few people who are allowed to touch her. She's quite headstrong..." she murmured as he looked down onto the horse's nose again. For a moment she watched how the nostrils widened as the mare breathed before she murmured on. "And she would never allow somebody else than you to take care of her in her special circumstances..." She trailed off as she wasn't so sure anymore if she hadn't already said too much. While she was speaking she was quite aware that she was only partially talking about the horse, but of both of them as well. Some of the things were true for all of them, but others were only about herself and she wasn't altogether sure about some things she had mentioned. "She's very headstrong indeed", the Elf agreed and sighed before he looked up to lock gazes with Arwen. He had had enough of playing around now. It was about time to get the matter straight instead of fooling around with nice words. "Arwen," he started with a voice that made pretty clear that he was talking more seriously now, "this won't get us anywhere. I just want to know what-" Suddenly he stopped dead in his words and almost choked as he slightly backed away. His eyes widened. "You're pregnant??" The female Elf's pale cheeks got a slightly pinker shade as their owner was still staring at the nose of the mare that kept nuzzling her hand. Through all this conversation about the poor horse that was used as a device to conveniently cover their real intention, Arwen had contemplated how far she should go, but now she had obviously gone too far in her allegories. "I... I am not sure... I..." she trailed off. Even it were so, she wanted to keep it a secret until she was absolutely sure of it. And just because she felt so funny sometimes, it didn't mean anything, right? Rhÿn could only stare dumbfounded at the woman in front of him. Then finally his senses returned to him and he took a deep breath while he stood up and took a few steps towards Arwen. The half- breed grabbed her hands and pulled her up, tilting her head towards his face. The boy looked into the midnight blue eyes in front of him, with a stabbing and piercing glimmer in his silver orbs. "How can you be not sure about this?" Fixing the silver eyes with her own, Arwen felt a little frightened for a moment. But that went away as she saw the surprise and shock in them and tried to wiggle her hands out of his steel-like grasp. "I have never seen a pregnant Elf before, and my mother died when I was born." Sadly she turned her gaze away. "I was not taught how to bring a child to life... there was nobody who could teach me..." Slowly she raised her eyes again to look at the boy in front of her lovingly. "Almost 3,000 years and you are the first Elven child I see..." Rhÿn's eyes widened even more as he loosened the grip around Arwen's wrists. He didn't know much about Elves, only what his mother had taught him in his first few years, and this surely surprised him. If not shocked. "No children?" he asked lowly, almost whispering. "You're telling me that there haven't been any in 3,000 years?" Sadly Arwen shook her head, never loosing the contact of their eyes now. "Our people are dying in these lands... They are fighting a battle they know they cannot win, but they are still fighting it until all of us are nothing more than shadows. We are hearing the call of the Undying Lands... it gets louder the longer we stay here..." She sighed. "No matter if you go to Rivendell, Lothlorien or any other place where Elves hide... You will find no children among them. Until I met you, I was among the youngest of my race..." Finally she managed to get one hand free and raised it to caress the groom's soft cheek. "Rhÿn... you are special. Not only to me, but to our entire people..." She squeezed his other hand. "I am not sure why we were destined to meet, but..." "But...?" he asked almost choking on the word since his throat was dry as if he had swallowed sand. Inwardly he was fighting back the urge to cry. He blinked a few times to dry off the tears in his eyes. It was hard to process what Arwen was telling him here, and even more so that she was calling him special. He wasn't special. For the most people he was nothing more than scum, garbage. The result of a dirty sin. And he had been treated like this, all the time he remembered. And now this Elf was calling him special. Arwen smiled, a little unsure though. "But I am happy and honored that we met." She caressed his cheek a bit more and her expression was clouded by worry as she saw the tears shimmering in his eyes. "Rhÿn? Are you okay?" The half-breed broke the gaze and bowed his head down, squeezing his eyes shut. "Yeah," he muttered weakly and turned away from the gentle touch, stepping out of the mare's stable. "I'm not special," he spoke up after silence reigned the room for some time. "I'm anything but special, and "our" people would most likely despise me for all I'm worth... which is nothing by the way. I should have been dead for about twenty times by now. I'm a freak, monster, bastard, demon, scum, living plaque, shit from hell.... Pick one. That's what Humans used to call me when I was little." He turned around again, stabbing right through the woman's eyes with his fiery gaze. It was full of hatred, despair, fear and sorrow. "You know nothing of me, milady. How can you call me special? ... How.... can you...?" Silently Arwen followed the boy as he was walking, in a distance that kept him enough space of his own, but close enough so she could be within touching-range with a few steps. She heard him spat out his hatred over what he was called by Humans and although she knew it would hurt him, she felt pity for him. So when he turned around and stared at her with his unbelievingly silver eyes, she almost stumbled back a step, but to her own surprise she held her ground. "You are special, Rhÿn... You have a good heart and you are a genius around horses. Not every Elf can calm down the wildest stallion and make it a soft horse like you did..." She smiled in an almost reassuring way. "And you have a special place in my heart." "I do?" The half-breed almost choked again and at these words he couldn't prevent the tears from falling anymore. Arwen raised her hand again to touch the cheek that was now covered by hot and salty tears, saltier than Humans' tears ever were. Gently she wiped them away, still smiling at the now crying half-Elf. "You do," was all she said before she leaned up to press her lips to his, tasting the salt of his tears on them. Without being aware of his movements Rhÿn threw his arms around the slender figure in front of him and pulled her close, hugging her tightly. He returned the kiss and even though he tried to be as gentle as possible his aching heart intensified the contact enormously. He pressed her against his body so tightly that he was afraid of hurting her, but in this particular moment he didn't care much about this. He just wanted to feel her close. Her lips on his, skin on skin...Rhÿn made a few steps forward until they reached the wall and he slightly pushed Arwen away, pressed her thin figure against the hard surface. Grabbing her wrists he deepened the kiss even more, making it passionate and filled with lust and need. The half-breed pressed the girl's hands against the wall next to her head, before he slightly backed away to stare into her deep blue eyes. "I love you," he husked breathlessly. The woman didn't quite know what happened to her, just that Rhÿn was suddenly kissing her back, fervently as ever, if not even more. It had hurt a bit when she was thrown against the wall, a good amount of air pressed out of her lungs by the impact, but it didn't bother her. She wiggled her hands a bit to move her wrists out of his grasp just to intertwine their fingers. Looking back into those silver eyes that were clouded by a certain hunger she was slightly scared to hear him say these words. But she didn't know what to say in return. Of course she loved him, but then again, she loved her brothers, too. And her father. But did she love Rhÿn like she loved Estel? Did it even matter right now? Estel had no time for her anymore, and she was reluctant to let him touch her now that he didn't thank her enough for this magnificent present... "Rhÿn..." And now there was this boy who managed to get under her skin with his simple behavior and his almost vulnerable being, although he tried to hide it under a mask of self-consciousness. The corners of her mouth hooked up a bit. "Kiss me." Rhÿn gladly did as he was told and not much later they found each other on the hayloft once more. Their clothes were soon gone and the half-breed covered his lover's body with sweet kisses. He was more careful with her, now that there was the chance that she was pregnant, but even that didn't stop him from being as passionate as always. About three hours later they watched the birth of the foal. It was a red filly with a white star on the forehead and a dark red, almost black mane. Rhÿn just checked it pretty quickly to see if it was healthy and alright, since he wanted to leave the mare and the newborn alone. They needed rest. Especially the mare, since her pregnancy was very exhausting for her. After watching the sleeping animals for some time, they returned to the hayloft and lay down as well to get some sleep. Lying in each others arms the two Elves fell in a deep and peaceful sleep. When the new day came, they both returned to their duties; Arwen to hers as a Queen, and Rhÿn to his as the stableman's groom. The man by the way was quite pissed since he missed the birth of Sûl - wind - and was proven wrong by his groom. A fact which pissed him even more, but Rhÿn didn't mind to feel the hatred of the old man. He was used to it and it bounced off his soul like a ball off a wall. Rhÿn led the mare Sîdh, Naur and the little filly to pasture and watched the parents caressing each other while the little foal jumped around with clumsy movements and fell to the ground more than just once. The half-breed could have watched them the whole day, but he had to get back to the stables and his work. Meanwhile in the King's chambers all Legolas could do was sit around and wait. After Aragorn was gone and the servants had come back to clean up, the Elf sat down on the carpet in front of the bed and looked out of the window. Every once in a while a little bird visited him and told him about the town and the surroundings of Minas Tirith. They told him everything and nothing and by the end of the day Legolas knew almost everything interesting what was going on around. Well interesting from the view of a bird that is. The servants had also brought his new clothes, the resewn green gown. After the Humans were gone, Legolas stripped himself off his master's leggings and shirt and put on the loose green pants and the green top. He had to struggle with this one though. Since he was still chained to the wall he couldn't just pull it over his head. So he stepped into it and pulled it up from his legs. It worked for the fabric was very soft and flexible. Yet it was like a second skin and fit perfectly. The Elf also tried to comb his hair, but since he didn't have a comb or a brush he had to use his fingers and it didn't quite work. After about 15 minutes of struggling with his hair he gave up on it, and just sat down again to wait for his master. But as he was sitting there, listening to the birds and the Humans talking outside, he noticed that a little problem was building up inside his body. Elf's bodies were different from Human ones and their metabolism slower, but he had been eating and drinking for 3 days now and the need to go to the toilet grew with every minute passing by. Legolas bit his lip and prayed his master would return soon. To be continued... _____________________________________________________ makiko: Okay, I admit, this was a rather short chapter... but there will be longer ones... I hope you liked, it though. ^^;; my-chan: if they were all long, what would you be looking forward to? ^^ Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My- chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.geocities.com/lirimaer8/index.html http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://www.geocities.com/alslashfics/ http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1231150 ALSlash Archive Legolas In Chains Archive Should be on the Library of Moria soon, too... Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG? May go up soon... *is getting poked by My-chan: "NC-17!"* *sweatdrops* Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, others as well *glances over to Elladan & Elrohir* Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery, angst... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn's and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen-bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; _____________________________________________________ "Why can't Boromir just take Eowyn and leave me alone with his problems?" Aragorn sighed as he finished reading another stupid letter from the other man, who was complaining about being treated like a child that was not able to pick a bride of his own. Well, if he was, why was he still single then? He may be handful of years younger than Aragorn himself, but didn't look like it and he didn't seem to have found his soul-mate yet, unlike the King. But was he that happy with Arwen? The last few months she was nothing more than a nuisance to him, and that she gave him a slave almost made him think she lost her mind completely. He chided himself for thinking something like that about his own wife and then tried to make up something to say to Boromir that didn't sound too harsh or direct... but he wasn't sure if he could do that in his current state of frustration. If he weren't frustrated like that, he might have been amused or glad that Boromir was there to keep his mind light over all the other unnerving interstate businesses. He was only finished with that letter when it was already dark outside again. On one hand he was frustrated that things seemed to go so slow, but on the other hand he was kind of glad that he could now return to his chambers, have something to eat and maybe talk to Legolas some more. Subconsciously he wondered what one could do all day in day out, chained to a wall with a range of moving not enough to get every where he wanted to, only towards the bed, but not to the window where one could take a look at the sky and the nature outside. Maybe he was sitting on the bed, waiting for somebody to talk to him... and since he seemed to get along with nobody else than Aragorn - or maybe Gimli - it made the man's heart a little lighter to return to his chambers. So when he opened the door to his rooms, he had to suppress a cheery, "I'm back!" and just smiled at the blond Elf, maybe trying to hide his tiredness. Legolas didn't notice the Human entering the room, because of the clatter of the chain. He was desperately trying to get free now, since he knew he couldn't take the pressure in his abdomen much longer. Therefore he was tugging at the chain with all his strength, with wasn't that much of course, hoping he could break it, or tear it away from the wall. Aragorn passed the little wall that secluded the sleeping area from the rest of the room and just stood there to stare at Legolas and the ring to which he was chained to, which was groaning and protesting under the ministrations of the Elf. The man was only a little surprised that his presence wasn't noticed by now so he cleared his throat to announce his being there. The Elf stopped dead in his movements when he heard a sound behind him. He slowly turned around and his blood went cold when he was face to face with his master who looked at him kind of funny. The chain slipped out of his fingers and Legolas lowered his gaze to the ground, biting his lower lip. He had a vague idea what this must look like to the Human. Most likely like another attempt to escape. The slave swallowed tightly but said nothing. Aragorn was struggling between his need to burst out laughing, his concern that Legolas might have wanted to escape again and his anger that the Elf didn't trust him that he would set him free soon, but in the end he decided to display only a mix of the first two on his face. He stood in front of the ashamed Elf and smiled rather amusedly. "The chain seems to be reluctant to let you go." Nodding slowly Legolas squeezed his eyes shut for a few seconds. At least his master didn't seem to be mad at him. And after all he really had a good reason for what he had done, and that was not escaping. The Elf reopened his eyed and looked up, shyly glancing at the Human for a second, before his gaze wandered to the door of the bathroom. Following the gaze of the blond, Aragorn soon spotted that he was looking directly at the bathroom door. He frowned and took a closer look at the one chained to the wall and discovered that he was looking rather uncomfortable. Arms crossed over his lower abdomen, he was almost stepping from one foot to the other. The man raised an eyebrow as he looked back into the Elf's face. "Is there anything you want to tell me?" Once more Legolas glanced at his master's face before he looked back to the ground and nodded slightly. "I... need to go to the toilet, master", he said quietly. Aragorn blinked in surprise and then asked incredulously, "Why didn't you just use the chamber pot?" Legolas tried to hide the disgust washing over his face, but he didn't quite manage. This was yet another thing about Humans which was just repulsive. They weren't only violent and brutal creatures, no, they were dirty and disgusting as well. And they stank. Well, most of them. On the other hand, he was still a slave and he had to follow his master's orders if he told him to use the pot…The Elf swallowed tightly and chased away the very bad images he got by thinking about the Humans and their manners. Watching how the Elf wrinkled his nose in disgust at the suggestion, Aragorn assumed that this was probably not a good idea. He sighed and moved a little closer to Legolas, looking directly into his face. This was going to be a test of trust and confidence. "You want to go to the bathroom then?" The Elf nodded again. "Yes," he said lowly, "if it doesn't bother you too much, master...?" he asked carefully, even though he didn't think the Human would deny his request. Aragorn bowed his head in consent and moved to the other end of the chain. "I'm going to release that chain," he said, his voice full of caution. "But as soon as you are finished I have to get this chain back to the wall." There was sadness in his eyes. "Just as a precaution... I don't want to see you beaten up again because of such minor things... I'm sorry." He waited for the Elf to show his understanding and then opened the little lock with the key he was carrying around in the inner pocket of his robes. Legolas nodded. He knew he had to be chained back for his own safety, and he understood this quite well. Yet his master seemed to be very sad about the fact that he had to do this, and the Elf wanted to do or rather say something to make him feel a little bit more comfortable. "It's fine, master. I understand. Don't let it bother you too much," he suggested softly and watched the Human unlocking the chain and caught it before it could hit the ground. "Okay, I will wait here then," the man said, trying to sound a little relieved over Legolas' reassurance. "You sure know the way to the bathroom, don't you?" He was a little surprised though that the Elf didn't make a leap for the other side of the room at once, as his problem seemed to be rather urgent. The Elf nodded once more, trying to suppress the pout that was spreading over his features and picked up the whole chain before he made his way over to the bathroom. He closed the door behind him and walked over to the toilet. It was made of stone and quite simple, but yet it was better than a pot. Legolas shuddered. He didn't even want to think about that. The Woodelf took the chance to look out of the window while he relieved himself. It was dark outside now, but the Elf's eyes could clearly make out the trees and flowers outside. Even at night it looked beautiful. The urge to just jump out and run away was quite strong, but once more the slave told himself that he was better off if he stayed here until he was completely healed and recovered all his strength and agility. Also his master was nice and treated him well, far better than anybody else did, or had. When he was done, Legolas washed his hands and took the chance to wash his face as well, to remove the last remains of dried blood and dirt on his features. He dried himself with one of the towels and was just about to leave the room again when he spotted a comb. And he just couldn't walk by. Aragorn sat down at the table and poured himself a chalice of wine after Legolas had closed the door behind him and didn't know what he should feel like. On one hand he was rather relieved that another day full of paperwork was over, but on the other hand he was a bit worried that Legolas might use this as a chance to flee and he wasn't sure if he would be sad or angry if he did so. One thing he knew for sure though, he wouldn't be so happy to return to his chambers at night anymore. It was then that he noticed that his leggings were lying on the bed, neatly folded and that Legolas had been wearing something that resembled the gown Arwen had sent over a few days earlier. Both Elves were of about the same height, but still the skirt - or rather the pants - had been kind of low cut and the top was just tight on the Elf's upper body, so when he moved, the edges of both were moving apart from each other. So despite the fact that Aragorn had already seen him naked, he had been trying to figure out how high or low respectively the garments could move on the rather short way of the Elf to the adjacent room. And he was wondering if he would be able to see Legolas' belly button when he walked out of the bathroom. If he walked out of the bathroom, that is. Having just noticed that he had raised the bottle of wine for the second time, Aragorn frowned at the amount of time that had passed. He didn't want to, but he started to wonder if Legolas used his trust to escape... The window in the bath was just as high as the one in his room, and it was only a few days ago that the Elf had tried to jump out of the latter. Maybe he had already done so out of the window in the bath? Deep in thought Aragorn took a small sip from the wine, not really noticing how the red liquid ran down his throat as he was contemplating if he should check on the Elf in the bathroom or just sit there and trust him to come back. In addition to his sudden fear came the concern about what would happen if somebody caught Legolas while he was trying to get away. Whoever found him would not be gentle at all and he would probably be in an even worse condition than he was when they first met. But then again, he had to show the Elf that he trusted him to not run away when he didn't have him in sight... In the end his concern won the upper hand and after he had finished the second chalice of wine, he stood up and knocked at the door of the bathroom, not waiting for an answer though and just opened the door. He was half-expecting to find it empty but he was even more stunned to see a mass of blond hair lying on Legolas' shoulders while the Elf was using his comb from Rivendell to untangle a small portion of his straight hair. His eyes went considerably wide as he simply stared at the blond. When he heard the steps of his master approaching the door and the knock shortly after, Legolas looked up to meet the Human's gaze. He looked at him quizzically and blinked as he noticed how the other man stared at him. Slowly he lowered the comb and straightened up. The Elf thought he could see a glimpse of something like disbelief in his master's eyes. He probably thought that he was out of the window by now. A shade of sadness wandered over Legolas' features. He had said he wouldn't try to escape again. Didn't the Human trust him? Inwardly the Woodelf called himself a fool. Why should the other man trust him, he was just a slave. Nothing more. Trying to hide this thoughts and feelings, Legolas slightly tilted his head and lowly spoke up after some moments of silence. "Master?" Aragorn smiled the best sheepish grin he could find in his repertoire before he started to move backwards. "I'm sorry to interrupt you... but I was just worried. Forgive me." He thought he had never been this embarrassed in all his life, not even when his foster father found him and his brothers playing... with him as their toy. "No need to be sorry, master," the Elf murmured as he watched the Human retreating. "Why don't you trust me? I said I won't try to escape again," he whispered and bit his tongue one moment later. He really needed to learn to shut up. The man had almost closed the door when he heard the nearly- silent question and winced slightly as he reopened the door. He hadn't meant to hurt Legolas' feelings with his actions but in the end he knew in was inevitable. "I... I'm sorry. I was just... concerned, that's all." The Elf simply nodded and kept his gaze down as he continued to brush his hair. Of course he was concerned, but there wouldn't be any concern if he trusted him. On the other hand he didn't have a reason to trust his slave, even though Legolas could have strangled the Human quite a lot of times already, and he didn't. But his master most likely wasn't even aware of that. Legolas slightly clenched his fist after the other man had finally left the room. Maybe he should show him the danger he put himself into with his careless actions, to show him that his slave was indeed trustworthy. He was still an Elf after all, and they were honorable creatures. Unlike Humans. Aragorn retreated to his seat on the table and if he had one he would draw in his horn. But so he just sat in his chair, almost hunched over and felt very, very sorry for what he had just done although his intentions had been only of the best kind. But they could be misunderstood so easily. His brain clouded with guilt, he only managed to pour himself some more wine, but was not able to eat anymore as he waited for the Elf to finally return from the bathroom. The Elf continued struggling with his hair for about 20 more minutes until it was smooth and soft again, not the spiky mess it had been before. With the intention to teach his master a lesson he left the bathroom. A part of his mind yelled at him that he was a slave and had no right to talk to the Human like this, but his pride was stronger and almost muted the little nagging voice. He walked over to the table where the Human sat and his eyes narrowed as he saw him drinking wine - again. And the bottle was almost empty. So the first thing he did was grabbing the bottle to put it on the opposite side of the table, away from his master. "You shouldn't," he said as soft as he could, even though anger rose in him. How could anybody be so careless with his own body that he damaged it like this? "It's destroying your body and mind." He already wanted to add another snappish comment, but he stopped himself from going too far. This would most likely get him into some trouble and he didn't want to make it worse than necessary. Aragorn blinked and stared unbelievingly at the bottle that was now rather far away. His mind needed a fraction of a second to process longer than usual that it was Legolas who had taken the bottle away from him. Frowning, he tried to make sense of the words he just heard. Wine? Bad for him? How could this be? He'd been drinking wine for almost all his life now - though he had to admit that he had never been drinking as much as the last few years - and it had never harmed him. He looked up to the standing Elf and raised his eyebrows in question, waiting for a further explanation or whatever he wanted to say. Legolas swallowed tightly and clenched his fists again, one around the chain which crunched lowly in his hand. He knew he shouldn't go any further, but the stone was rolling and he wouldn't probably manage to shut up now. "I know you don't trust me... and you have no reason to, I admit. But I said I wouldn't try to escape again, and I don't lie. I mean what I say." The Elf lowered his gaze until it fell on the chain. "If I had any intentions of this kind, I would have killed you first, strangled you with the chain while you were asleep and taken the key from your pocket." Legolas let go of said steel rings, causing them to hit the ground quite loudly. "But I didn't," he added quietly, now looking to the ground. "And I don't intend to, master." Wincing as the chains hit the floor with a rather loud slinking noise the man looked into the now lowered face of the Elf. He knew he had hurt his pride as he did not trust him and acknowledged everything the Elf said as true, some of it he realized even just now. Like that he could be dead at least thrice now. He nodded slowly, but felt like he should return something to nurse his pride at least. "As I said, I am sorry; deeply sorry for disturbing your private moment and even more sorry for showing distrust towards you." Sighing he played with the almost empty chalice in his hand. "I didn't mean to. I just thought that if you had escaped, you would have broken every bone in your body from the jump out of the window and if you hadn't I was afraid what would happen to you if you were caught again." He kept silent for a moment before he continued. "I promise I will never show distrust in you again." Legolas simply nodded since he didn't know what else to say and he felt very uncomfortable for speaking his mind. Mostly because it had been some time since the last time he did, and he had been taught that he wasn't allowed to. And even though all of this seemed to change again now, it left him with an awkward feeling. "I'm sorry for making you lose your appetite, master," he murmured, not sure what to do or say next. Aragorn shrugged. "It's okay. I think I need to lose some pounds anyways," he said and patted his stomach. It had been very long ago that it was so flat the he could have washed his laundry on it, but as the years passed - especially those as the King of Gondor - he had started to sport a little bulge under his doublet. It didn't look good, but somehow people thought it looked kingly and he had never paid a thought to it... up until now, as he saw the lean beauty of the Elf, although he was massively underfed. It somehow made him jealous. He spotted the end of the chain and then looked up again. "I have to rebind you." Once again the Elf just nodded and took a few steps in the direction of the wall, handing the end of the chain to his master, while he watched him locking it up again. He himself didn't feel like eating as well, even though he was somehow hungry. But now that he could eat as much as he wanted the little nagging feeling in his stomach didn't really bother him much. After the chain was reconnected with the wall he glanced at his master again, tilting his head lightly in thought as he wondered how his back was doing. His treatment last night might have helped for the moment, but there was a lot more work that needed to be done before it was well again. "How is your back, master?" he finally asked lowly. The man stared at the lock of the chain for a moment after he had closed it and only turned around when he heard the voice of the Elf, now rather shy again. "Hm? Oh... it's better..." Aragorn flexed his muscles and heard his joints crack as he did so. Letting out a groan he managed to look quite sheepish again. He thought to himself that this had to be a record of some kind... well, maybe back that one day he had looked more sheepish and more often when his brothers had made him do... but he didn't want to be reminded of that, no matter what. "But it seems like constant misuse has left its mark." "Yes," Legolas agreed. "But I can help your back to get well again....if you wish?" he added and looked into the Human's eyes again for the first time after his outburst. Aragorn looked back into those midnight blue eyes and found himself thrilled to feel those hands on him again, kneading his muscles, relieving some of his tension with rather simple movements...He blinked and nodded in agreement, but stayed where he was, somewhat frozen in place. "Do you have oil?" the Elf asked. He didn't want to work his master's muscles without the soothing liquid again. It actually surprised him that the Human was feeling better this morning, and wasn't sore from his treatment. But he would definitely be tomorrow if he didn't use some warmed oil to relax the hardenings. "Hm? Oh... Yes." The man moved to a trunk and retrieved a little bag. In it was a little vial with herbal oil, a present from his brothers for him becoming King. He knew pretty much that he ought to use it for something else, but basically it was massaging oil and that's how he intended to use it right now. Aragorn moved back to where Legolas stood and handed him the vial. The Woodelf took the small bottle and nodded. "Thank you." Then he went over to the fireplace and put the vial as close to the flames as possible to heat up the oil, before he turned towards Aragorn and pointed to the bed. "Lie down, master," he ordered softly and approached him again since he was pretty sure that he needed help with the knots on his shirt. Whatever the Human pondered about in the morning, it made him knot the bands so tightly that he couldn't get them open at night. And somehow it looked cute to see the man's struggle with his clothing. Sitting down on the bed, Aragorn started his daily struggle with his knots. He soon gave up though and looked rather desperately at the Elf, his eyes begging him to help him with those rebellious little knots again. He felt kind of funny though, as he would face an army of Orcs each day and probably wouldn't even get only a scratch, but his knots were his nemesis. And he even made them on his own! So he should know how to open them. But alas, he didn't and rather cut than fumbled them open. Besides... that would bring Legolas closer to him... Legolas had a hard time to restrain himself from smirking as he saw the pleading look on his master's face. With smooth movements he kneeled down in front of him once again to undo the tight knots. "Maybe you should think of more pleasant things in the morning", he murmured while he shove the shirt off the Human's shoulders. "It'd keep you from making the knots too tight..." The Elf stood up, hung the shirt over the wall behind him and turned away to return to the fireplace. He grabbed the vial and found it was warm enough. Aragorn wanted to murmur that he was thinking about pleasant things as he did his knots this morning, but then again they maybe were only pleasurable...But all he let out was a grunt. He shook his head and worked his boots off his feet before he lay down on his stomach, hugging the pillow again, waiting for whatever Legolas wanted to do to him. The Elf returned to his master's bed and frowned slightly when he saw that he was still wearing his leather pants. But they would hinder him to treat the human's back properly and had to be removed. "Can you please take off your trousers as well, master?" he asked shyly, not wanting the other man to take it the wrong way. Blinking against the pillow, Aragorn shifted to look up at Legolas who was fixing him with some kind of medical gaze... or rather his back. His back that was still partly covered by his pants and thus not fully accessible for the Elf. Again he felt rather sheepish as he sat up again and peeled the soft leather from his lower body, which left him only with his loincloth. He looked up to the Elf. Silently asking if he should take it off as well, his last hopes were shattered as he saw the silent confirmation. He grumbled something, just to hide his shame and embarrassment as he peeled the soft cloth from his groin. Cheeks aflame, he quickly lay down on the bed again, hiding his face in the pillows, his only hope that he didn't have a "problem" again. The Elf's gaze had been wandering over the floor while his master was fully undressing himself. He didn't really have to look directly at him to know that he was good-looking, also it was impolite. But of course he caught sight of the bright red cheeks of the Human and the right corner of his mouth curled up into a light grin after the other man lay down. Legolas crawled onto the bed and over his master to finally sit down on the back of his thighs. He felt the other man tensing underneath him. "I'm not going to bite," the Elf said softly before he gently rested his weight on the strong legs. Aragorn grumbled something into the pillow that sounded suspiciously like, "maybe not you..." but kept silent and concentrated on breathing instead. If he had hoped he didn't have a problem before, he was now at least starting to get one and he had to concentrate wildly to not let it show. Shifting though wasn't the best idea maybe. But before he could stop himself, he repositioned himself a little, only to emit a small groan at the sudden friction at his groin that was even worse because of the weight on his legs. He changed his hopes back from wishing that he didn't have a problem to praying that Legolas didn't notice it and that he would fall asleep soon... just like last night. He didn't dare to open his mouth right now, but he knew he had to tell that the Elf was welcomed to sleep in the bed again and that he shouldn't sleep on the floor. After Aragorn stopped moving under him, Legolas opened the vial and poured some of the warmed oil on his master's strong back. He put his hands on the liquid and started to move his hands in slow circular motions. Gently kneading the tense muscles he moved over the broad shoulders, leaning forward slightly for better access. Whenever he felt a loose vertebra under his fingers he gave quick pressure to push them back in place. And thanks to his ministration the day before it didn't hurt as much. After he worked once down and up the spine he concentrated his actions once more on the shoulders and upper arms which had to suffer in the daily routine of paperwork quite much. When he was satisfied with that, Legolas moved his hands lower again, caressing the sides of the strong body. He then shifted and moved himself farther down to sit on the back of the Human's shanks. His hands ran over the bottom of his master with a soft and light touch until they reached the backside of his thighs. The Elf grabbed the vial again to pour more oil on his hands and started to massage the muscular legs. 'You don't have a problem, no, you do not have a problem between your thighs, it is nothing...' Aragorn told himself over and over again as Legolas' fingers moved over his back, his arms and practically felt as if they were anywhere, touching him and caressing although he knew that they didn't mean it to be that way. The little bolts of pain whenever something in his back was set back in place tried to convince him of that, but the rest just felt ultimately great. Still it was unjustified that his problem was starting to get bigger with every movement of the Elf on his back, soft silk fabric rubbing against his skin whenever he moved or shifted in his position. But Aragorn was strong, he could withstand this, he would not let himself be controlled by his primal streaks, so he concentrated on the pattern of the pillow he was currently hiding his face in. One part of him hoped that this delicate torture was over soon, but another hoped that it wasn't, so he could feel those slender fingers on him a little longer, just a bit, as he didn't dare to lay his hands on the bruised beauty. Legolas continued to kneed and caress the muscles under his fingers until his own arms hurt as if they were going to fall off his body any second. He only stopped when he wasn't able to lift his hands anymore. The Elf crawled off the bed then and pulled the blanket over his master so he wouldn't get cold. He then put the vial on the nightstand and leaned his back against the wall before he slowly sank to the ground. Even though those movements had been simple and not very hard, the Elf was exhausted and his arms felt weak. And if it wasn't for his now growling stomach he would have fallen asleep right away. Aragorn felt the movements on his back getting weaker and who was he to say that Legolas should gather more strength, if he didn't even want him to hurt his thumb by knotting his shirt? So he simply lay there, did nothing, did not even shift into a much more comfortable position, like on his back, so he would not cause friction to the parts of him that desired it mostly. Only after a few moments he allowed himself to shift, to take a look at the Elf, who was sitting on the ground again, but this time it wasn't his teeth that disturbed the man, but his growling stomach. They both hadn't eaten for the night and although the man didn't need to, he knew that the other should. Also he was pretty sure that all the food was still in place so he fixed his gaze on Legolas. "Get something to eat," he advised the other one, "and then get up here to sleep. You don't need to sleep on the floor." Legolas nodded and waited for a few seconds more, before he struggled to get up. He walked over to the table and sat down on the chair with a small sigh falling from his lips. The Elf grabbed the bottle with the milk first and filled another chalice. While drinking the white liquid he grabbed several fruits and other foodstuffs from the plates and bowls. After the chalice was empty he started eating. Slowly and steady but his rising hunger could clearly be seen on his features and in the way he moved. The Elf felt a little awkward that he was eating alone, but his master obviously didn't want to eat anything. So Legolas just gave an elegant shrug to the thought and continued to eat up everything he liked. Which was left over at the end of his meal was only the bread. Everything else was gone, and the slender Woodelf had eaten the meal for the two of them on his own. Slightly biting his lip, Legolas stood up and returned to the bed. Maybe he should have left something for the Human so he had something to eat later. He shyly glanced down at the lying Human. "I'm sorry for eating it all up alone, master..." he whispered and looked at the sheets, not sure if he really should sleep in the bed. "You left the bread, that's enough," Aragorn said with the hint of a wink, one of those that Gandalf would use. He told himself over and over again, that he wasn't hungry, and even if he was, there would be enough food in the morning. On the other hand he was surprised of the amount of what the Elf could eat at once. The Elves he knew didn't eat that much, but then again, they weren't slaves either. So the man guessed that Legolas needed this food and he was glad to let him take it. He wrapped the blanket more around his body and was glad to find another one for Legolas that he lifted also, expecting the Elf to crawl into the bed with him. Still Legolas made no move to follow the invitation. Instead his gaze was wandering over his master's body now, being anything but oblivious to his "problem" he hid underneath the sheets. Inwardly he wondered what made the Human react this way, and even twice at the same day. But then again, the way he and his wife had fought three days ago made pretty clear that they didn't get along very well. And they probably hadn't had sex for quite some time. The Elf took a rather deep breath before he looked into his master's eyes again. "Are there any other tensions that need to be relaxed, master?" he asked quietly. To be continued... _____________________________________________________ Will Aragorn finally voice his desires? Or will he show them? Or nothing of that? And what happened to this letter Arwen sent in chapter 6? Questions over Questions... hopefully they will be answered in the next chapter. ^_^ -- Makiko Igami AIM: Makiko10482 yahoo: makikoigami ICQ: 156965248 Happy owner of http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com/ Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My- chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.geocities.com/lirimaer8/index.html http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://www.geocities.com/alslashfics/ http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1231150 http://www.efanfiction.net/viewuser.php?uid=188 http://shadowess.dr2.net/lotr/warning.html ALSlash Archive Should be on the Library of Moria soon, too... Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG? May go up soon... *is getting poked by My-chan: "NC-17!"* *sweatdrops* Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, OC/Arwen, Elrohir/Elladan, others as well Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery, angst, incest... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn's and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen-bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm toanybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; ______________________________________________________ Aragorn stared up at the still standing Elf, who had obviously noticed his problem... again. And again he asked if he could help with it. Well, not directly, but still he did. And the man wasn't sure if he could or wanted to decline the offer again like he did earlier that day. Back then it had been easier, with the chance to get away for a while and forget about the boiled up emotions inside of him. Or were they new desires that he didn't know of yet? Well, they couldn't be that new, just unexplored maybe, because... Why did he have to think of Elladan and Elrohir this often today? It was like some kind of omen, as he usually didn't think about them, because the memory of what they liked to do with him was just too embarrassing. If he could he would erase it immediately, but on the other hand... As he looked at Legolas, the thought came to his mind that the knowledge might be rather useful some day. Soon even...He willed this thought away and decided to play dumb. "What do you mean?" The Elf swallowed tightly and his gaze shifted away as he felt rather uncomfortable with the whole situation. Just like earlier that day. And if his master didn't order him to do something he wouldn't. As for that, he was pretty sure that the Human knew what he was talking about, and his question was possibly just an expression of him not wanting to be helped. So he just murmured a silent "Nothing" before he finally crawled onto the bed and under the blanket. Again he turned his back to the Human and moved to the edge of the bed, in case not to steal any space from his master. Aragorn made sure that Legolas was lying underneath the blanket - the other one - before he turned to lie on his other side, his back facing the Elf's. He did not want them to wake up in the same position as on the previous morning, especially not with the problem he had. This kind of problem was quite natural for a man - he knew that - but he didn't want to bother Legolas with it. In fact he did want to bother him, but he didn't want to show it, because it meant that he would make him do the things he was probably trained for and it would bring him into a forced situation, even though he asked for it. Snuggling deeper into his pillow, hugging the blanket Aragorn curled up slightly and did his best at falling asleep, hoping with all his might that he didn't roll around to hug the slender Elf, using him as another pillow, like last night. Fortunately for them both he didn't and the next morning they woke up, having slept long enough and being rejuvenated so that they could face their daily routine again, which was quite boring in both their cases. Aragorn so busy doing his paperwork, calming a bickering Boromir every second day that he wasn't able to do anything else, not even finding a moment to talk to his wife about a few things, and Legolas sitting in the King's chambers, on the floor mostly, staring out of the window waiting for a bird to talk to until he started to read the few parches in his master's room. At first only the very old Elvish ones and then, after he started to understand those he even tried one or the other parchment in the common language although he didn't really want to, but after a week of doing nothing else than staring down of the window, he would have almost tried to learn to speak the language of the Humans as well. By now he was able to understand a few words that were said by Aragorn and his servants, basic orders and other sentences, all quite simple, but he never used those words himself. Aragorn on the other hand noticed one day that Legolas had read about every piece of Elvish in his room, so he ordered some more for the Elf's entertainment. He was still having a problem now and then, but he would never admit so to anybody that might figure out it was because of the Elf who was his slave, something he still didn't like to admit as well. He could say it to his servants or anybody else, but not if Legolas was around. He enjoyed the company of the Elf too much to say that right into his beautiful face. With a certain amount of satisfaction he watched how Legolas' seemed to look better with every day that he ate, drank and rested. Maybe he could set him free soon... But first he had to regain the ability to defend himself. Far away from Gondor, in a village surrounded by beautiful woods and mountains, so peaceful that it could be a scene from a dream, there was an Elf searching for his mate. It was a wonderful and sunny afternoon and the man had a pretty good idea where the searched person was. He opened the door to the chambers of the slightly older man and was greeted with the sight of two figures on the bed, one of them shivering, panting and moaning, while the other was obviously highly enjoying himself. The Elf didn't bother much though and just walked towards the bed, grabbed the Elf on top of the other and pulled him away. "We need to talk," were his only words before he pulled the still dressed man out of the door by his collar. "Hey! I wasn't done yet!" came the disappointed protest, followed by a muttered "didn't even get started" before he mouthed a "later" with a wink to the startled figure on the bed. "This is more important than your afternoon workout," the other one replied and stopped in front of a tree. There was a bench nearby that the other plopped down in a rather frustrated manner. But his mate didn't really listen to him, he was too busy pouting. "Can you fathom how long it took me to seduce HIM? That really wasn't easy... he doesn't even really like men..." The standing Elf just shrugged. "Well then he's not going to run away too soon, is he?" And with that he pulled out a piece of paper and held it right in front of the sulking Elf's nose. The sitting man blinked a few times in confusion before he took the offered sheet. "What is this?" A wide grin spread over the features of the slightly younger Elf and a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes. "An invitation." "Yeah.... From our sister... but why?" Tilting his head, the standing man looked down on the letter. "She seems to be sad.... And lonely. I wonder what our brother has messed up this time," he said frowning slightly in thought. "She seems rather pissed to me", his mate threw in after he read the letter. "It seems to be a very unpleasant combination of all of it." "Hmm... I wonder what might be going on, down there in Gondor..." The younger one grinned down once more. "I already packed." Which was kind of a lie. He started packing, but he wasn't ready yet. But he knew how to excite his love and he used the ability to its fullest. The sitting Elf's eyes went wide and he was on his foots in an instant. "Give me 15 minutes!" His mate chuckled and caressed his cheek softly. "And what about your date?" ".......Okay, give me an hour then." Not able to restrain himself, the younger Elf leaned in to kiss the older one. He just looked too cute when in a rush. "Hurry up, okay?" "Yes sir!" came the euphoric reply before the man bounced back to his chambers. "I'm coo~ooming!" "I believe that without a doubt." The dark haired Elf chuckled and went back to his bag to continue packing. It would be fun to see their toy... sorry, foster brother again. ~~~ Almost three weeks had passed since Aragorn had gotten his "present". Since then his back has gotten a lot better, but he still had to do the royal paperwork on his own. And this particular letter was really freaking him out. Somebody really dared to ask him, if they could hold an exhibition of the finest slaves in Middle-Earth on the grounds of Minas Tirith, "to honor his Royal Highness King Elessar Telcontar." That brought him near to ripping his hairs out and he vowed to himself that as soon as Legolas was free he would make up enough laws to stop slavery once and for all. He was so in rage that he already started to take down notes of his first layout of these laws that he didn't even hear how the door to his working chambers was opened and two slender figures in rather long flowing robes entered the room. They were so silent in their steps that they rather floated over the ground as they approached the hunched over King and his desk. "My, my... Estel... sitting hunched over papers... who would have thought I would see that on my old days?" said a rather cool and smooth voice, but it didn't fail to make the man stop every movement, and look up in utter surprise and even some kind of shock. As Aragorn took in the twin identical faces in front of him, he felt all blood drain from his face and a stupid, rather shy and embarrassed, if not frightened, smile creep on his face. "Elrohir... Elladan... I... didn't expect you..." Elladan grinned as he saw the shocked expression of his foster brother and wrapped one arm around his brother's waist to slightly bump their hips together. A wicked smirk spread over his features as he looked Aragorn over and licked his lips. "Nobody ever expects us, my dear Estel. That's why the effect is so horrible." Aragorn was too stunned to let out any coherent words. He was afraid, very afraid, as he knew exactly what would happen if the twins were getting closer to him; and that they did right now. The only barrier between them was the desk with the papers and somehow... that wasn't very reassuring. Casually Elrohir broke out of his brother's embrace and through this barrier, but didn't yet start any assault on the rather pale King as he simply sat down on the edge of the desk. A few papers took that as an invitation to fall down to the ground while others simply crumpled under the firm behind of the dark-haired Elf. "You look as... good as ever, brother," he said with a tiny little smile that indicated that he had intended to say something else than "good", and Aragorn was pretty sure he heard the word "delicious" instead. Elladan's smirk got even wider and he made a step to the other side of the table to approach Aragorn from the left while his brother sat on the right edge. The Elf licked his lips again and once again his eyes roamed over the strong body. "I agree. And I must say I really, really missed you, Estel." The younger twin made another few steps forward and finally put one of his slender hands on Estel's left arm, lazily stroking up and down. The man tried to evade the touch, but as he was still sitting in his chair and with the other twin on the other side, that was positively impossible. So he simply pulled his arms closer to his body, in hopes he could just vanish. "I..." he started, but found it wasn't what he wanted to say. "What are you doing here?" Elrohir feigned being shocked. "But Estel! No welcome from you? Where are your manners?!" "Yes, really, Estel." Elladan said, but he didn't really mock the hurt tone in his voice. "We didn't see each other for over five years and all you think of is of an excuse how to get away from us, most likely as far as you can." He was silent for a moment and his gaze wandered over the floor. "And there I thought you'd be happy to see us..." "I am happy to see you!" The King said probably a little too fast as he was scolded by the older twin's raised eyebrow. "I mean..." Elrohir leaned a little closer to the man, whose cheeks were sporting a very nice shade of red, close to crimson almost, and smirked. He definitely enjoyed playing this game with his brother. "I know you are happy to see us... and be assured that we are happy as well," he said almost formally as if he was talking to some high representative. Only the little twinkling in his brown eyes told Aragorn that there was so much underneath that simple statement, that he was sure he wasn't absolutely happy that the twins honored him with their visit. Elladan rested his arm on the armrest of the chair and leaned forward as well after his eyes returned to his foster brother. He moved closer until his mouth was next to the ear of the Human and whispered: "We're more than just happy." He almost purred as he darted out his tongue to lick over the round ear of Aragorn. Skidding away from the experienced tongue didn't make sense either as a smooth cheek connected with his rough one on the other side. The man could almost feel the lips in that face curl up higher into an almost evil smirk as he tried to suppress a shudder from the moistness on the sensitive skin on his ear. "O-Obviously." Elrohir chuckled and put one hand on the royal stubble, while his mouth moved up to the Human's cheekbone. "Who would not be happy to see you, King Elessar Telcontar of Gondor?" Aragorn fought for his breath. He knew his brothers were demons, worse even sometimes, but still they were dear to him and he didn't like hurting them. But also he wanted to have a little private space. Abruptly he stood up, not caring that Elrohir's hand was slapping against him along with a rather stinging pain. But that was the extent of courage he was able to gather. "I... You didn't answer my question," he was happy to remember as he was beginning to feel rather light-headed. "Oh, come on, Estel, are you trying to run away from us again?" said the brown-eyed twin calmly, his hand reaching out to pull the King back to sit on his chair. Elladan laid his left arm immediately around Aragorn and held on to the back of the chair to keep the man from getting away. "You know it's no use," he husked in his ear and resumed licking it while his right hand found the Human's knee and moved upwards. "But you're gonna try anyway..." It was more a statement than a question, since the Elf knew his brother didn't like to lose control, especially around them. The King of Gondor squirmed a bit, just to show that he intended indeed to get away from the twins, but actually he knew that he had no chance. First each of them was faster stronger and calmer than he and then they were also two. And no matter how much he would try to struggle they would have their way with him. But if he didn't struggle he would admit his defeat and that was something he did not allow himself. Especially not towards Elladan and Elrohir. "If I didn't try... I'd be screwed." He looked from one twin to the other and was already close to admitting his defeat. "But I am already, aren't I?" The younger twin chuckled and slightly backed away to look into his foster brother's face. Then his expression got unusually serious. "Wrong brother.... You're getting screwed." Right after that was said, the grin returned and his lips curled up evilly. The hand on Aragorn's leg was constantly moving upwards and finally reached his groin. A slender thumb gently stroked over the little bulge in the leather pants while he slightly tugged at the waistbands. Elrohir pushed the King of Gondor gently back into his chair, cooing soothingly into his ear as he searched for the knots on his shirt. He was tracing the lines on the leather of his doublet, the insignia of the white tree of Gondor until he found the most upper knot and tugged gently at it. Aragorn on the other hand tried to squirm away, through the back of the seat, away from his demonic foster brothers. But there was nowhere where he could escape to, especially not when he was trapped by the Elves and the robust chair. It was an old chair, made many, many years ago and it had withstood lots of assaults on its wood, as Aragorn could tell by the feel of the scratches under his fingers, so it would not break by wishful thinking. Trying not to let it show that he was getting aroused by the experienced, feather-like touches on his groin and the lips ghosting on his ear, he just wanted to be somewhere else, with somebody else at that particular moment. "Please... stop... I... have work to do..." Elladan didn't stop. And he didn't intend to either. "Yes, you do, but it's still going to be here afterwards", he purred in his ear and gently nibbled his earlobe. Skilled fingers soon got the leather trousers fully open, while the thumb was idly caressing what waited underneath. Clenching his eyes shut, Aragorn tried hard to simply vanish. He was embarrassed and it was not because of what his brothers were doing to him, but because of his lack of resistance. A silent moan fell from his slightly parted lips that should have been more a protest than anything announcing his pleasure. Having a hard time keeping his eyes open, the man bit his lower lip before he tried to voice his protest again. "But... It has to be done and... If I don't do it now - hrn - it will add to the work that has to be done later..." His protest ebbed into a strange noise that reminded of a purr or groan as wiry fingers slipped underneath his collar. At first they caressed his Adam's apple, making him feel a little awkward, but as they moved a little lower to his collar bones he could only squeeze his eyes more shut, a small gasp falling from his mouth. "Then get somebody to do it for you..." murmured Elrohir as he started to nibble at the man's earlobe, but frowned a little later as he noticed something that was different. "Yeah... Get a secretary," Elladan whispered huskily, but blinked one moment later when he noticed his brother's frown. He more felt it in the tension of his body than saw it, since Estel's head was between them. But one second later he knew what the cause was. It was Estel, or rather his reaction towards them. Normally his resistance was a lot stronger and emphatic. He was now tense as well, but it still was different, as if he actually wanted it, but didn't want to admit. Elladan grinned widely as he slipped his fingers inside his foster brother's pants. "Quite responsive today, aren't we?" If Aragorn still had had his senses together he would have glared at the younger twin, but since he was occupied otherwise he only managed a very heated stare and a growl. But even the stares were cut short when the sensitive skin of his manhood came in sudden contact with the featherlike touch of fingers that were only calloused by lazy work of writing letters. Meanwhile Elrohir was having other problems. Or the lack thereof. "Estel, who did your knots? They are easier to open than usual..." Backing away a little, Elladan watched his brother's hands undoing the shirt. "They even look less tight than usual," he agreed while his cool fingers closed around Aragorn's half-hard erection. He leaned forward again to run his tongue over the now exposed collar bone up to the throat. There he nibbled gently before he murmured: "So you finally got help with dressing up, huh?" The man glared through half-lidded eyes, his eyelashes barely concealing the small flame in them. Of course it had been Legolas who had helped him with his shirt this morning, like he did almost every morning now. Aragorn was grateful for this little bit of help and it was practically the only thing he allowed himself to let the Elf do for him. He had gotten quite fond of the blond Elf the past three weeks, but if he let his twin brother's near him... He already felt pity for him. So he better kept Elladan and Elrohir busy... 'What the hell am I thinking?!' he suddenly snapped at himself with a gasp as Elladan moved his hand lightly in his pants. "Who is it, Estel?" asked Elrohir and let his tongue sweep the ear he was whispering into. "No... no... nobody..." While Elrohir had finished unbuttoning the shirt and Elladan's tongue trailed farther down, drew a circle around the navel and stopped at Aragorn's belly bottom. He nibbled the soft flesh there, sending butterfly-like sensations through his brother's body, while he started to pump the hot flesh in his hand. "If it is nobody... Why are you hiding something from us?" Elrohir said around the round ear. While he talked his hand had trailed down, onto the Human's broad chest and found a nipple that was seemingly getting harder with each moment passing and each ministration of the twins. With a grin that could only be described as wicked, he pinched and twisted said nipple, being delighted to hear a strangled gasp from the King. Even if Aragorn had wanted to answer that question, he was now rather unable to do so. He was much too busy biting his lips in an almost futile attempt to stop little moans falling from his lips than to form coherent thoughts. And since he didn't want to reveal anything, he simply concentrated on that task, which was way too difficult by the way. Elladan was very delighted as well and took the little delicious sounds as a request to go further. While his mouth was still busy with licking and nibbling the soft skin, his hand freed the growing arousal from the now too-tight leather pants. He bowed his head down to blow his hot breath on his foster brother's manhood and smirked as it twitched slightly. It wasn't the only thing that twitched. The man's legs jerked, moving together for a moment, before his primal need kicked in and he spread them slightly, unwillingly giving the Elf more access. He could feel the other at his ear grinning as he caressed the now abused nipple and nibbled his way from the ear over the man's cheekbones. The dark-haired Elf wasn't sure though whether he should be delighted or disgusted by the soft stubble in the man's face. So many years as king and still he hadn't given up this custom of having a really badly shaved beard. The younger twin almost beamed at Aragorn's reaction towards his treatment and darted out his tongue to lick the head of the Human's erection. Without further warning he moved his head farther down and swallowed the stiff manhood, while his fingers sneaked lower to cup his balls and squeezed them gently. "Harn!" Elrohir smirked at the youngest one's reaction. Estel was now shivering so badly that he needed to grasp the arms of the chair for support while the Elf was trying to coax the swollen lower lip out from his clenched teeth with his own teeth, but that didn't seem to work so well. The King of Gondor was obviously not aware of what happened around him, except of what happened between his legs. Bucking his hips into the Elf's talented mouth the primal part of Aragorn's mind sighed in delight, for it was getting its long neglected fulfillment. Elladan welcomed the Human's arousal as it thrust deeper into his mouth and he relaxed the muscles in his throat to swallow as much of it as he could. While his fingers were busy pumping the swollen flesh slowly, the younger twin started soft humming in the back of his throat, sending even more tingling sensation through the strong body. Aragorn was lost. He didn't even notice the change in his behavior, but his movements changed from shy resistance to something that could be described with taking over control in a few heartbeats. His hips' movements started to grow stronger and more forceful, while his one hand started searching for the back of Elrohir's head. The Elf was surprised to feel a very powerful hand that he didn't expect pulling him forcibly away from where he was nibbling at the man's stubbly jaw-line. He only had a moment to blink before his lips were pushed apart by a tongue that was stronger than one could think, as it was only used to negotiate with stubborn chancellors and such. Roughly roaming through his mouth, mapping the interior with more than just primal need, Elrohir couldn't help but emit a silent moan, trying his best to get control back. Aragorn though knew ways to prevent that. Letting his foster brother think he had control over his mouth he made one movement and felt how the other's knees went weak once again, starting the whole game anew. Meanwhile his other hand had found the other twin's head and he was urging him to keep his mouth where it was. He knew the humming was done on purpose and he loved it, so he would not allow the Elf to stop it as he felt his climax building. The kneeling Elf sped up the rhythm of his pumping hand and started to move his head up and down the throbbing flesh in his mouth. He caressed Aragorn's erection with his tongue, tasting every inch of it. And if his mouth hadn't been full, one could have heard him purr in delight at his brother's reaction. Aragorn growled in delight as Elladan sped up his movements and even urged him to do so as he was molesting his other foster brother's mouth. The little vibration coming from the back of the throat, the part that was close to the sensitive head of his arousal was soon sending him over the edge with another growl. He clamped his fingers onto the Elf's head, holding him steady while he gasped shallowly into Elrohir's mouth. The brown-eyed Elf was delighted. He himself was sporting a modest arousal himself and he knew he had to find ways to get rid of it... soon, but later. Right now he was sucking hungrily at the tongue that probably knew his mouth as well as his own did, maybe even better, because Estel was just puffing into his mouth, exhausted from his orgasm. Elladan grinned inwardly as he felt his foster brother's fingers clutching his hair while he came inside his mouth. Eagerly he swallowed every last bit of the hot liquid before he carefully released the softened member and pulled the leather pants back up. With some kind of victory-smirk spread over his features, the younger Elf raised to a full stand again after he had almost kneeled in front of Aragorn and bent forward to whisper in his ear. "You really are.... delicious, brother..." He himself was also quite aroused from his foster brother's moans, gasps and movements, glanced at Elrohir only to grin even wider. Elladan turned towards Aragorn again, who was still busy with catching his breath and wiped some sweat from his cheekbone. "I think we're going to mind our own business now, my dear Estel. And we leave you alone so you can resume your work..." His hand draped lazily over Elrohir's shoulder, who gently removed it as he stood up, Aragorn glared at the younger twin. They had made him loose his temper...again. Like... all the times they really wanted to make him to. And that was why he tried to avoid them, especially when his guilt and even some disgust kicked in afterwards. "Bastard," he spat out between his clenched teeth, but regretted it immediately afterwards. Elrohir patted his head lovingly. "I know you don't mean it, baby. You needed this more than you want to admit, didn't you?" Aragorn simply growled as he tugged the edges of his shirt back over his exposed chest, glaring at them as he now had to close them on his own... and he knew they wouldn't be as elegant as those from Legolas. Elladan chuckled lowly. "I didn't know King Elessar Telcontar considered "bastard" an appropriate way to say thanks. Plus I have to say that I am a little bit offended..." The younger twin was almost sulking. So Aragorn was younger than the Elves, but he didn't like to be called "baby" or to be sulked at as well. He glared at Elrohir as he started to make the first knots and then placed his gaze at Elladan. "You know I liked it, aren't you satisfied with that?" he growled as he fought with the third knot. "I am satisfied, yes," the green-eyed Elf agreed and his expression became unfamiliarly serious. "But still, it would be nice if you were able to kick your pride overboard and actually admit it. It's not that I did something horrible to you that you didn't really like, or... want." Elladan sighed lowly before he gently pushed Aragorn's hands away to tie the knots of his shirt. "It's nothing to be ashamed of, you know? Nobody is going to make you feel bad because of it except yourself." Aragorn raised an eyebrow, but didn't protest as Elladan did his knots for him. "Nothing to be ashamed of? You come here... in the middle of my work and... What do you think would have happened, if somebody had walked in right then?" Elrohir was licking the remnants of Estel's saliva from his lips, savoring in the sweet taste of it. "You would have glared at them and told them to leave. You aren't the King for nothing." "Yeah, but what would they have thought?" "They would have thought that you need both your gorgeous Elven brothers to replace your beautiful wife's ministrations and would have left you alone," Elrohir brushed that protest off and raised an eyebrow at the younger man. "And since when do you care about other's opinions?" The younger twin nodded. "And here I thought we taught you not to. But maybe those five years we were apart made you forget all the useful things you learned from us...?" he asked teasingly and wrapped his arm around his older brother's waist. Aragorn merely glared, but then lowered his gaze to the knots that were done differently from before. The only thought though that came to his mind because of that was the hope that Legolas wouldn't notice it. And as that thought had crossed his mind, he blushed. He thought of snapping back that he wanted to forget what he had learned from the twins, but that wasn't true. In fact he found them quite useful...sometimes... seldom... 'Why is Legolas on my mind again?' he asked himself with a frown. "Have you lost your voice, dear brother?" Aragorn frowned a little more. "No." "Then what is it?" "I... nothing." The man looked up to the twin who had placed his hand over the arm that was draped around his waist. "I'm sorry for my rudeness; please enjoy your stay here." Elladan moved closer to Elrohir and rested his chin on his brother's shoulder while he now hugged him from behind. A warm smile graced his lips as he looked down at his foster brother. "Thank you, Estel. And we really enjoy being here with you again. We missed your pleasant presence a lot," he said lovingly, meaning every word he just said, without double entendre. The older twin smiled as well, just a little brighter. "It's been a too long time for us to meet again." Aragorn sighed. "I know... I have too much to do..." "Really, why don't you get a secretary? You are the King; you really don't have to do everything on your own," Elrohir chided his brother. "I'm just afraid that the job won't be done properly if I didn't do it on my own." The Elf's brows drew together closely, almost meeting over his nose. "Estel, you have changed a lot in the last seven years. You have to let go sometimes, you cannot control everything on your own." "But..." "No buts! You immediately find somebody who does this paperwork for you, and then you take at least a week off, you understand that?" Eyeing the twins with both his eyebrows raised now, Aragorn admitted his defeat. And then it wasn't like he hadn't thought of this himself. "Alright, that will be the next thing on my schedule." Elladan's smile widened into an almost teasing grin. "Now that's a good boy." The younger Elf chuckled and winked at the Human. "We'll be looking forward to spending more time with you soon, Estel. Don't disappoint us." He started to nibble on Elrohir's neck and pressed his groin slightly against the firm bottom of the brown eyed man. "And we're going to take care of our own business now, right darlin'?" Elladan asked lowly and licked his brother's ear. Aragorn wasn't sure if he wanted to spend more time with those demon twins soon again, but somehow he was happy to be distracted... and pushed to change something in his life by them. "Just... don't do it on my desk," he told them with the hint of a grin, seeing how the older twin started to rub his bum against his brother's front. "Oh, I don't know..." Elrohir thought out loud the corners of his mouth twitching. "I'm not sure if it would be as exciting as the last time." The grin wasn't a hint anymore but the man's eyes showed surprise. "When was that?" Both twins grinned as Elrohir answered for them both. "That's a secret." And with silent chuckling they hurried out of the room, leaving the King of Gondor spent, satiated, amused and with no more inspiration to do his work. But being the responsible person that he was, he ordered himself to finish at least the most important work, which would last a few hours as a minimum. To be continued... ______________________________________________________ *bounces* Whee! Elladan and Elrohir! They are SOO fun to play/write! *beams* But look at the rating... the moment they bounce in, it goes up from PG-13 to NC-17... *shakes head* Aragorn's right, little demons they are... yummy little demons. ^_^ Oh, and for those who got quite confused with them (as we did in the beginning), Elrohir is the slightly older one and he has brown eyes while Elladan has green eyes and is a tad more emotional than his brother... you don't really notice it is just a fact here. ^^; Heh... I'd really like to know if you could make out by whom each of them was played... *ish curious* ^^; That's me. Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My-chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.geocities.com/lirimaer8/index.html http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://www.efanfiction.net/viewuser.php?uid=188 Legolas In Chains Archive ALSlash Archive Library of Moria, too Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... R. Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, others as well *glances over to Elladan & Elrohir* Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery, angst... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn's and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen-bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; The two twins soon found an empty room where they jumped each other as if they hadn't seen each other for weeks. Not caring where they were, the Elves soon got rid of their disturbing clothes and ended up having hot and passionate sex in a chair. Elrohir was still busy catching his breath, while Elladan took the chance to look around. He frowned and poked his exhausted brother. "Elrohir... do you know where we are?" "In heaven?" Elrohir breathed, not really caring where they were. He was spent, he was happy and that was all that mattered to him right then and there. The younger Elf chuckled and he leaned forward to nibble his brother's earlobe. "We might have returned from there, darlin... But right now... we're in the throne room.......... On the throne..." As he tilted his head to give his twin more access, Elrohir took in their surroundings. He had to admit it was quite a big room and the chair they were sitting in was quite big too... but what made him pale was the large insignia of the white tree of Gondor hanging down the walls on large banners. He shrugged though and erased that location from his mental list. "I'd like to see Estel's face if he found us like this," he murmured, lips curling up into a smile. "Better not, darlin. He'd have a heart-attack from the sight", Elladan purred and licked down the other Elf's throat. "We should clean up, or he'll really start to hate us", he threw in thoughtfully and shifted on his brother's lap. Smirking, Elrohir threw his head back. "I'd like to see him getting a heart-attack. But you are right, we should better... erase the evidences of our activities here," he added with a grin. He let his hand wander over the sweaty back of the younger Elf until it landed on his hips and he made gentle motions that indicated he wanted to stand up. Reluctantly, Elladan let go of his brother and slid from his lap to stand up. He grabbed his trousers and started dressing. Somehow they could consider their selves lucky that nobody walked in on them. Aragorn surely wouldn't have been too pleased if them having sex on his throne had been reported to him. While putting on his shirt, the younger twin grinned. "What else is on your list, darlin?" "Hm... We didn't try out the King's Royal Chambers last time..." Elrohir said thoughtfully as he put on his pants and threw the robes over his shoulders. "But I think we can do that later, don't you think so as well?" He remembered that there was this young little maiden that had hid behind a pillar as soon as she saw them... and he wanted to know what he had to do to make her addicted to him. "Of course... Estel's Chambers..." Elladan grinned. "It would be a shame to leave them out again. And yes, later is fine with me", he agreed and wrapped his arms around the elder's neck. "I know you have something else on your mind... just don't scare her, kay?" The grin widened a bit before Elladan kissed his brother gently on his half parted lips. Kissing back for a moment, even nibbling lovingly, Elrohir let his hands caress his brother's sides, before he let go of them. "Me? Scare somebody? Ain't I the meekest of all lambs?" Elladan was almost laughing out loud, but kept it down to an amused chuckle. "Sure, darlin. You're meek and I'm modest. Ain't we such a cute pair?" Elrohir grinned. "The cutest that there is in Middle-Earth." He leaned in to bestow a light kiss on the laughing lips and then wiggled out of the embrace, taking in the mess on the throne, considering how much cleaning it needed. "What can we use to clean up the mess?" The younger twin looked around for a second and eyed one of the large banners on the wall. Turning his head back to his brother he pointed towards the said banner and put an innocent look on his face. "That?" Elrohir eyed his twin with a very high raised eyebrow. "Who said that Estel would soon start to hate us?" The innocence was wiped off his features as Elladan grinned widely. "Who said I care?" He nudged his twin and chuckled. Then he took off his shirt and walked the few steps back to the throne. "We can use my shirt. It's warmer here than in Rivendell, and I surely won't need it anymore today," he added teasingly. "Oh really? What are you planning?" Elrohir asked out of pure curiosity. He knew what he was planning to do but what was on his brother's mind on this lovely day was unknown to him. "Planning? Oh darlin, you know I never plan..." he said with a wink and a mischievous grin. "I just see what happens... But I would love to explore Minas Tirith. There surely have been some changes, and I want to know what," Elladan continued explaining while cleaning the wooden throne from all evidence that might show that the twin brothers had been there and above all, what they had been doing. "And therefore I surely won't need my shirt. Mostly I just need it so you can rip it off of me.... Right, darlin?" he asked after a little pause and glanced at Elrohir. The other Elf was rolling up his sleeves as he started to feel the warmer weather as well and chuckled. "I always thought that was the only purpose of shirts." Elrohir walked up to his brother, who was slightly bent over the wooden throne and since he wasn't wearing his shirt, he laid his hand on the small of his back and let his fingers slip teasingly under the waistband of it. "Just as of trousers." Elladan wiggled his butt, causing the other Elf's fingers to slip even deeper under the soft fabric. "As in your understanding it is," he agreed and shifted slightly to press his firm behind against the palm of his brother's hand. "Others may use them to cover their bodies.... like Estel..." The younger twin drifted off in his thoughts and licked his suddenly dry lips, while he still continued cleaning the throne carefully. "Such a delicious body... can you understand that? Why would somebody want to cover it... to hide it...?" Massaging the firm buttocks of his twin, Elrohir leaned down a little so he was breathing against the other's ear. He knew if they would play like that a little more, the cleaning of the throne would definitely be in vain, but the opportunity was just too tempting. "Hm... They may want to wrap themselves up so one could have the chance to unwrap them... like a present... peel off the useless extra-skin so one could cherish what is inside like... an orange: Soft flesh... juicy... sweet... and simply delicious." He knew he lost his point while he was slipping his fingers deeper into the loose pants and he knew he had to stop soon... but he had lost his point. Pulling his hand back out of the pants reluctantly, he took a deep breath before he started to retrieve what he had lost. "Estel... he thinks he has other duties. He pays no attention to how gorgeous he is... how... eatable." Elladan whimpered softly in protest as his brother withdrew his hand and straightened up for he had just finished cleaning the wooden surface of the royal chair. He then turned around to face Elrohir and lifted one hand to caress the back of his neck. Kissing him once more he murmured against full lips: "Later, 'kay?", before he turned away again and headed off to the utility room. "Of course," Elrohir smiled at the back of his twin, and knew that this ass was his. And this he meant in more than one meaning. With a smile he turned around and headed towards that little maiden he wanted to get to know better. "This is like heaven..." he said with a grin and disappeared in the general direction of the kitchen. Meanwhile Legolas was sitting on Aragorn's bed, or rather on his side of the bed, and was busy reading books, very old books. They told the story of Sauron and how he betrayed all the races of Middle-earth, how the Humans betrayed the Elves and how they still fought together, because they didn't know. The Woodelf bit his lip while he read all this, but he wanted to know about it. One of the main reasons why he had learned to read the words of the Humans was that he wanted to know what had happened so many years ago. He wanted to know why they hated each other, and why Humans treated Elves like he was treated. The outcome of it was though, that he saw reasons for the Elves doing horrible things to Humans, but not vice versa. But maybe it was just in the nature of these creatures to do things which couldn't be explained logically. Humans indeed were anything but logical. That was one of the first things Legolas had realized. But it wasn't that hard to see either. He just closed the last book which told the story about how the Ring was destroyed in the end, and was torn between hate, disgust and admiration towards the Humans. In the end they had managed to defeat their weakness towards the One Ring, and it was Isildur's heir himself who withstood its force the longest - Aragorn, son of Arathorn - his master. Legolas smiled when a little sparrow came through the open window and landed on his extended index finger. The Elf listened with great interest to the report of the little being about what was going on outside. His eyes widened when Blackspot told him about two Elves arriving in Minas Tirith a few hours ago. They seemed to be well-known and were treated with obeisance. Trying to figure out who they could be, the blond man listened to the sparrow talking about the other interesting new things around the town - which was quite a lot, at least from the viewpoint of a sparrow. But suddenly the door to the King's chambers was opened and Blackspot disappeared as fast as he came. The Woodelf blinked since he didn't expect anyone to come here. Normally he was left alone around this time of the day, but maybe it was that servant again... Unconsciously Legolas tensed up and his ears twitched as they followed every single movement. But only after the first two steps of the stranger he could tell that it wasn't Ban. He was moving completely different. After Elladan had opened the door to Estel's chambers he stood there for a few seconds, more than startled to see a little bird flying out of the window. He quickly overcame his surprise though and slowly entered the room, walking around the wall that separated the private part of the room from the entry, only to stop dead in his tracks as he saw the figure on the bed. Legolas blinked with slightly widened eyes at the other Elf in front of him and his thoughts raced. That must have been one of the Elves Blackspot had been talking about only a few minutes ago. He waited for the dark-haired man to say something, but he didn't. Elladan only stood there and stared at the blond one on the bed. Looking him over, he took in his slender, yet almost skinny figure, his beautiful face, and the most interesting part: the chain. Without one spilled word he turned around and left the room, as quiet as he came. The Woodelf still sat on the bed, confusion written over his features as he looked at the spot where the other man had disappeared behind the wall. He wondered what this was supposed to mean and who this guy was, but after a few minutes he gave up on it and grabbed another book: Human fairy tales about Elves. Nothing he was really interested in, but it would do to kill time and to learn the language a little bit better. Meanwhile Elladan was on his way downstairs, looking for his twin. This took him quite some time since Minas Tirith was large and Elrohir could be anywhere. He finally found him in the utility room were he was busy freeing the little maiden from her evil, evil clothes. The younger Elf grinned as he saw her flushed face and how she was pretty much lost in sensation. He really didn't want to ruin all the fun, but this was more important that the seduction of innocent girls. So Elladan walked right over to them, grabbed Elrohir's collar and pulled him away from her. The green-eyed man nodded to the startled girl and smiled while he dragged his brother out of the room. "But... you promised... to show me something that only Elves knew about," the girl managed to say in a whiny tone that almost managed to break Elrohir's heart. He blew her some kisses and winked as he was dragged away. "And I will, I promise. Just wait for me... I'll come back soon." Scrambling to his feet as they crossed a corner, idly noticing that there was yet another purpose for shirts as he glared at his brother Elrohir grabbed the other's wrist. "That is the second time in... a VERY short time you dragged me away from my... business. Couldn't you have decided to walk in a LITTLE later? Like... half an hour?" he growled, not at all pleased with the situation. "I know. I'm sorry." And Elladan indeed felt some kind of guilt washing over him as he continued to drag the other one with him. "But this is more important than to seduce a little innocent girl, Elrohir." "What can be more important than that?" mumbled the other Elf as he followed Elladan through the corridors of Minas Tirith. "Trust me, darlin. Did I ever disappoint you?" Elladan asked sweetly and entwined his fingers with Elrohir's, leading him upstairs to Aragorn's chambers. "Not you personally..." murmured his brother. "Just when you promised me that those Lothlorien-Elves you found were delicious... and what happened? They fell asleep." "Don't worry darlin. I'm sure you'll enjoy", the younger twin reassured before he let go of Elrohir's hand to push open the door to Estel's bedroom. Inside the room on the bed, Legolas pricked up his ears as he sensed somebody coming. Then the door was being opened and he thought to recognize the Elf that had been here not too long ago. But this time he wasn't alone. 'Maybe the other one as well?' he wondered inwardly. 'But what do they want here... from me...?' Elrohir wanted to mutter more complaints as he was led into Estel's chambers. He had already opened his mouth when Elladan pulled him forth to the secluded part of the room... and closed it without emitting any sound. He was way too stunned to say anything. On their foster brother's bed sat the most beautiful Elf he had ever laid his eyes (or hands) upon. He mapped every curve and plain of the pale body, the wide green pants and the tight green shirt that seemed as if had once been one of Arwen's dresses, the pale blond hair that lay over his shoulder and the wide blue eyes that showed so much surprise that one could only want to jump him and eat him alive. "Beautiful..." he whispered stunned. Legolas blushed a deep crimson red when he heard the single word slipping from the Elf's mouth. He had been even more stunned when he had noticed that those two were twins. Elladan wrapped his arms around his brother's neck to pull him close and licked over his cheek. "Did I promise too much?" he purred in his ear, his eyes never leaving the startled Woodelf on the bed who looked at them with puzzlement in his eyes. "Only if he falls asleep..." Elrohir said silently, shuddering under his brother's ministrations. He wiggled free soon though and approached the blond Elf on the bed, who was sporting such a cute blush that he couldn't help but smile. "Hello there..." he said. "What's your name?" Elladan chuckled lowly and pinched his brother softly for the snappish comment, before he approached the Elf from the left side, while Elrohir came from the right. Said blond glanced from one stranger to the other suspiciously, not sure what to think about this. But he was quite sure that he didn't like it. "Legolas", he answered quietly and his eyes finally rested on Elrohir, because he was closer to him. "Legolas..." repeated Elrohir, letting the name roll over his tongue, tasting it in all ways you could taste a name while his eyes fell upon the collar around the swanlike neck and the chain that was connected to it. He knew he shouldn't, but he grinned as he sat down on the bed next to the chained Elf. So this beauty couldn't run away from them. Good to know. So Estel did learn something from them in the end. The younger twin also grinned when he saw that expression and knew his brother had finally noticed the chain. He sat down on the other side of the bed as carefully as he could, not wanting to scare the blond Elf since he could feel him tense. And it was this particular moment when the two dark haired Elf brothers sat down on both sides of him, grinning from one ear to the other, when Legolas was absolutely sure that he didn't like this situation. He was awfully tense and all he wanted right now was to run away or hide under the bed, he wasn't that choosy right now. Being unable to do any of that, the Woodelf just moved backwards until he bumped against the wooden headboard. Again he glanced from Elrohir to Elladan and back to the first, fear slightly clouding his eyes. Legolas swallowed tightly. "So... Legolas... are you Estel's toy?" asked Elrohir in his sweetest voice that was only a bit husky and hid nothing of his sudden hunger for the blond. His lips felt so dry all of a sudden, even with the remnants of the girl's saliva and he knew that the only cure would be these slightly trembling lips. The brown-eyed twin leaned closer as Legolas scrambled backwards and in the end the twins had him trapped between their bodies and the headboard with no chance to escape. Right where they wanted him. "No...I'm not.... a toy..." Legolas croaked out and cursed his voice for giving in like that. He was scared, yes, since he could clearly see the lust in the two pairs of eyes resting on him, but he didn't want to show it. He was almost sure that the twin Elves wouldn't hurt him, but yet they were going to have their way with him and there was nothing he could do against it. Elladan put his hand on Legolas' shoulder as he felt him tensing more and more, and squeezed it gently. He ignored the blond's attempt to avoid the touch though and slowly moved closer. "Not a toy?" Elrohir asked sulkily, inching yet a little closer so he was almost breathing onto the other Elf's sensitive ear. "Then why would he keep you in his chambers? On such a short leash?" Legolas shivered as the hot breath touched his ear slightly, but he didn't move. He was not able to avoid the touches anymore for the two already were to close and he had no chance to get away. "I'm his... slave..." he answered almost whispering and fought hard not to squirm as the Elf to his left started to caress his arm with gentle touches. Elladan blinked at the answer and looked up in his brother's eyes, quite startled. Slave? Estel had an Elven slave? 'Interesting... very interesting...' was Elrohir's thought and he winked to his twin. "A slave? I've always thought that Estel didn't approve slavery..." "He doesn't," Legolas answered and gulped as he saw the wink. "So why does he keep you then?" Elladan asked and slipped his hand lazily under the sleeve of the shirt when he reached the blond elf's hand. "Because his wife would be mad at him if he set me free..." came the low reply. "Oh? So it was Arwen who gave you to him? Our dear sister?" Elrohir asked, a little surprised. He knew the young woman was a little naïve sometimes, but that was really... extraordinary. "Where do you come from originally?" "M...Mirkwood..." Legolas didn't quite understand why they were asking him all these questions. Why didn't they just do what they want and leave him alone? Or even better, leave the first part out and just go. Elladan was quite surprised himself. He didn't think Arwen would support slavery and then even one from their own kind. Even though he was a Woodelf he was still an Elf. But the younger twin didn't show his surprise. Instead he moved his hand farther up the slender arm sending more shivers down Legolas' spine and thus making goose-bumps rise. "Mirkwood, huh? One of Thranduil's little Woodelves..." Elrohir murmured, his lips touching the blond's earlobe like a summer-breeze. "How did they get you?" Legolas suck his breath in with a quiet hiss as he felt soft lips on his earlobe and Elladan used the chance to inch closer as well. He darted out his tongue and licked the top of the pointed ear gently. The hiss was turned into a soft moan on the blond's lips and he slightly sagged against the headboard as some tension was drawn from his body. Not really able to answer anymore, Legolas gasped as he felt Elladan's fingers ghosting over the waistbands of his pants. "Hm... I guess we have to continue this... conversation later..." murmured Elrohir as he darted his tongue out to lick over the brim of the ear, up to its elegant point. Smiling because of the shudder that went through the lean body he pursed his lips to bestow a featherlike kiss there. The shivers running through Legolas body increased at the doubled ministration from the twins. He bit his lips to muffle his moans and managed to grab Elladan's hand on his belly button. "Don't..." he managed to get out between heavy breaths, "please...stop..." But Elladan didn't. Instead he started to nibble gently the pale ear in front of him, causing the blond beauty to gasp again. And this time Legolas wasn't able to hold back another moan. "Ahh!" At the strangled moan Elrohir started to suck at the ear on his side, swirling his tongue over the lower brim. His hand sneaked to the blond's chest, playing with the hem of the green top. With every second while the twins were paying their full attention to Legolas, his body relaxed more and more and he glided down onto the mattress until he lay there, eyes half closed and his hands clutching the sheets. Elladan soon abandoned the pointed ear and directed his interest to lower spots on the delicious body trembling underneath him. Slowly he pulled up the green shirt, revealing a well-built torso. Smirking almost wickedly the green-eyed Elf bowed down to lick over the very sensitive navel area of the chained one. "Ahhh!" Legolas cried out at the intimate touch and once more tried to push Elladan away. He buried his hand the dark hair, trying to pry him away from the sensitive spot. "Ahh..... Stop... please..." "Hm.... let me think about that..." Elrohir murmured around the ear. He really kept silent for a moment as if he was considering his request in earnest, but all he said was, "No." With a grin he continued to torture the delicate ear while his hand moved lower and soon three Elf-hands found themselves at the region of Legolas' navel, two pushing the green top upwards while one tried hard to push the other two away. After a few minutes of exploiting the sensitive spot Elladan looked up and took in the sight of the flushed cheeks of Legolas and how he was biting his lips to muffle any sounds, which he failed miserably of course. So far the younger twin was really enjoying himself, but there was still something that unnerved him: the shirt. Elladan nudged his brother and grabbed his hand to lead it to the blond Elf's navel. "Keep him busy for a moment, okay?" he said grinning, before he got up to retrieve a knife from Estel's closet. "No problem," grinned Elrohir and resumed his assault on the elegant ear while his hand kept resting on the blond's belly, caressing softly in circular motions. The touch was gentle but if Legolas would try anything to get away, the hand would push him down firmly, stopping him from escaping. "Enjoying yourself?" he asked with a very mischievous tone in his voice. "Stop it....... please..." was everything Legolas got out between his pants and gasps and tried to sit up, but his body didn't obey him. One moment later Elladan was back at his side with a wide grin spreading over his features. He lifted the knife up and the little silver flash Legolas could see from the blade made him freeze every movement immediately. Elladan noticed this and put his index fingers on the trembling lips of the blond. "Shh...don't worry.... I just want to get rid of your shirt..." And with that said he slightly lifted the soft fabric and cut it in one swift motion from the collar to the hem. Then he put the knife aside and ran his hands over the chest, pushing the shirt aside to completely reveal what was underneath. "Old bruises..." Elrohir murmured as he took in the almost invisible reddish marks on the else way rather creamy chest. Gently he moved his fingers up to touch one of them. Estel would not see them, but the extraordinary vision of an Elf would find the already healed signs that showed the places where Legolas was hit... abused even. But the whole display of the exposed rising and falling chest made him crave for more and wonder what other sounds they could emit from the blond beauty. He had just started to draw imaginary circles and signs on the planes of Legolas' abs, when he heard a deep voice hollering from the direction of the entrance of the room. "What in the name of Elbereth is going on here?" Legolas was completely lost in sensations as the twins continued attacking his sensitive spots and didn't even hear Elrohir's words. Neither Elladan's low answer. "Yes... must have looked horrible... I wonder why Estel didn't make up laws against slavery yet..." before he drew his attention back to the Woodelf's belly button. A few moments later he was disturbed by a loud voice almost yelling at them. The blond Elf didn't notice all of that though he was too busy with holding back sounds and keeping his treacherous body under control. He didn't want to be aroused by their actions but he couldn't help. So now when Elladan looked up to turn to the new-arrival, Legolas took the chance to take a deep breath and mutter out something like "he'll be mad if he finds out you touched me." Expecting nothing evil and especially not his foster brothers in his chambers trying to seduce his slave, Aragorn was flustered just too see just that happen right before his eyes. He knew they were brazen and had seen them doing things that he never expected anybody to do, have the courage or cheekiness to do, but still Elladan and Elrohir did them. Thousands of stories sprung unbidden into his mind and all of them would have made them blush, if he wasn't already sporting a rather angry flush on his cheeks. "Could you two please explain what you are doing there?" he bellowed, barely hearing the whisper coming out of Legolas mouth. It took him a moment to process the words, but when he did, he wasn't sure what he should think about them. Did it mean that Legolas appreciated only his touch or was he just worried about the Elf brothers after that incidence with the head servant? Legolas' rather helpless condition awakened his protectiveness among other feelings though and this was what made him so mad about the other two Elves. The older one of the twins managed a malicious grin as he traced one finger around a rather erect nipple. "Isn't this obvious? Having fun." Aragorn's eyebrow twitched. "I thought you already had enough fun with me!" "But brother..." Elladan grinned. "Who ever said that we're satisfied with only you?" Legolas senses slowly returned to him and it was now when he noticed Aragorn's presence in the room, and that it was him who made the twins stop their actions. The blond Elf slowly sat up and grabbed the now cut shirt to pull it back together, covering his chest. His breath was still a little quicker than usual but he almost had his body completely back under control. The slave retreated towards the headboard again, away from the dark-haired men. "I'm sorry, master. I couldn't stop them..." he whispered lowly. Somehow he felt guilty for letting them touching him like that. He knew his master wouldn't approve of it. Aragorn resisted the urge to bury his head in his hands and shake his head, muttering something like "Insatiable Demons," and simply stared at the twin faces that grinned at him. Finally he found the power in his legs that carried him to his bed. He grabbed the two Elves harshly by their hair, not on his ears as Elrond used to do and urged them to a stand. "Listen, I don't care who you are seeking your satisfaction with besides me, as long as you don't touch what is mine." "Yours? Estel..." Elrohir threw in, trying hard to wiggle his hair out of the man's grasp, but somehow he didn't succeed. "It is not your custom to proclaim living being as your property." That was said as a statement, not a question and it made Aragorn hesitate in his movements. "Elrohir is right, Estel," Elladan agreed and raised his eyebrow. "Here I thought I knew you..." The younger twin poked the Human's nose. "Possessive aren't we? Well..." Elladan looked at Legolas again, "he is very deli- beautiful..." Wiggling his nose under the Elf's touch, the confusion that made Aragorn hesitate was replaced by the anger he felt for the twins touching Legolas. He continued to drag the Elves towards the door, renewing the strength of his grip on their hair. "Yes, he is and you will leave your hands off of him, did you hear that?" Elrohir pouted. "You should really reconsider your morals, dear brother. A lot has changed indeed since we last met." He finally managed to get free of the man's grasp, but it wasn't of any use anymore. They were already at the wide open door and he was only surprised that Estel didn't literally kick them out of the room. "As for that... didn't we teach you to share your toys, Estel? We shouldn't have left you on your own here in Gondor. You're misbehaving," Elladan taunted and stuck out his tongue. "Don't tease me," said Aragorn and didn't really know where it came from, as it was there all of sudden. "I'll see you later at dinner, brothers," was the last thing he said before he closed the door right in front of their faces, turning back to Legolas. Elrohir watched the whole scene with a very high-raised eyebrow, his expression very serious. "This journey seems to be far more interesting than I thought. It is that not only Arwen needs to talk with us, but Estel as well." Elladan simply nodded and linked his arm with Elrohir's. "It seems like their life is being turned upside down, and they can't handle it anymore..." Slowly they made their way downstairs to the dining room. Meanwhile inside the King's chambers Legolas was still sitting on the bed, leaning against the headboard and looked down on the sheets. He was clutching the shirt and tried hard to will his arousal away. "I'm sorry..." he whispered again when he heard Aragorn coming closer again. "I am far more sorry that you had to be introduced to my brothers like this," the man said as he sat down on the edge of the bed, his possessiveness over the Elf still firmly in place, but an incredible softness in his voice, contrasting the harsh tone with which he had spoken to the twins. "They are demons..." Aragorn's murmur faded off as he saw how Legolas tried to hide his arousal with his legs pressed firmly together and a slight tingle went through his own groin, reminding him that he should start wearing pants that were a little wider. Quickly he let his eyes trail higher though and saw the mess that the twins had made out of the green shirt. He frowned before he extended his hand. He didn't know how to sew a gown, but this damage looked like something he could repair. "Hand me this for a moment, please." Legolas looked up and saw Aragorn pointing to his cut shirt. He nodded and slowly peeled the soft fabric off his shoulders, being more carefully when he pulled at the right sleeve, and he finally extended his left arm to hand the top to his master. He withdrew his hand and looked at the man in front of him thoughtfully for a few moments, until he finally spoke up. "... brothers....?" How could Humans have Elven twin brothers? Aragorn frowned as Legolas seemed to be more careful with using his right arm and wondered why. He inspected the shirt and decided for a rather simple solution to fix the damage that was made. This was used as a distraction from his diverting thoughts. He blinked as he heard the silent question. "Well, foster brothers, sons of my foster father Elrond. They like to... torture everything, no, everybody that comes into their reach. I'm sorry they picked you as their victim." Legolas shook his head. "It's okay. I'm fine..." Which was mostly the truth. They didn't hurt him and his hard-on was already gone. The only thing hurt was his pride. The Elf slightly clenched his fists. How dare they call him a toy... As if slave wasn't humiliating enough. The man nodded as he stood up and sat down at the table, retrieved a pair of scissors and cut a few holes onto the front of the shirt. He tried his best to make them as regular as he could and then started to search for a cord that would serve as a thread to hold the now two parts of the top together. "It is not okay," he murmured as he tortured his brain to remember where he might have put what he was searching for. The Elf didn't say anything. He knew his master was stubborn and there was no use in talking back like this. So he just sat there and watched the Human. Aragorn was obviously looking for something and didn't find it. "Master? What are you looking for?" Legolas finally asked. "Nothing..." the man murmured as he rummaged through a trunk. There he found what he was searching for. "There!" He produced a thin leather-chord from one of his old pockets and threaded it through the holes he just made. An appreciating look later he got up from where he sat at the table and presented his work to Legolas, the almost-nakedness of the Elf almost forgotten until then. His eyes were glued to the little fading mark on Legolas left ear as he handed the shirt back. The Elf noticed the look of his master and how he stared at his ear. Out of a sudden reflex he lifted his hand to cover his left ear after he took the shirt from the Human. The dark-haired Elf had obviously left a mark on him and it was probably raising Aragorn's anger again. Something Legolas didn't want to happen. "It'll be gone soon," he murmured and his gaze was lowered to the sheets again. Somehow he was too ashamed to look at his master. Ashamed for what he had let the twin brothers do to him. Aragorn frowned and put his hand over Legolas', pushing it away so he was now caressing the curve of the ear, tracing the brim of it, with a look like he was lost in reverie in his eyes. He was tempted to kiss it, cover the twin's marks with some of his own, as if he wanted to repossess what they had taken from him. A blink later though, he was chiding himself. Obviously Elladan and Elrohir were right. He had to sort out his priorities... and morals. But still his hand was caressing Legolas' ear. Legolas gasped when he felt the fingers on his ear, but he remained still. Or rather he tried, but when the Human continued caressing the sensitive spot, the Elf could feel the heat inside him slowly building up again. It was slower than before, but it still rose. The slave bit his lip and muffled a low moan as he clutched the sheet next to him. His eyes were half-closed and the first slight shivers ran through his body. This man might be Human, but it was easy to tell that he grew up among Elves and that he had learned from them. Aragorn's heart made a leap as Legolas writhed underneath his touch. He blinked, almost forgotten that ears were the almost most sensitive part of an Elf, as he knew from personal experience and usage. And using that on an already...exhausted Legolas was more than just unfair, especially since he had vowed to himself to protect the blond Elf... and he wasn't able to protect him from his twin brothers. Okay, but he was neither able to protect himself from Elladan and Elrohir. Despite what every fiber in his body wanted to do, Aragorn reluctantly pulled back his hand to give Legolas the chance to catch his breath. "I have to meet those brats tonight at dinner... So... you'll be alone tonight..." Legolas simply nodded. He felt a little stitch in his heart though, since he had been looking forward to spending some time with the Human all day and he didn't want to be alone anymore. But he said nothing. Only his eyes saddened a little bit, but it wasn't really visible. It was then when the Elf felt a stronger longing for his home than ever before since he was here. He wanted to leave this place, return to his family and friends. To his woods and its spirits. His freedom....Irritated by those thoughts, Legolas slightly shook his head and chased them away. Then he just looked up at Aragorn, not knowing what to say. 'Have fun' would have sounded stupid. The man - who had been looking away in shame and thus didn't notice the play of emotion on the Elf's face - stood up to choose some clothes he was going to wear that night. The ones he was wearing then were already sticky from the ...help... of the twins earlier. He chose a simple reddish tunic and started to undress. Legolas watched Aragorn's struggle with his clothes for a while, sorting his thoughts, but came to no point... just that he missed his home and was irritated by his wish of being together with that man for the evening. So he sighed and stood up as he trusted his legs to carry him again and started to help undressing and dressing. He noted that the knots were made by different hands and imagined what Aragorn had meant with the twins having fun with him earlier. That they treated a King like him... a slave... It made him frown slightly as he fixed the doublet on the broad chest, taking care that Aragorn didn't see it. But he didn't have to worry about that as the man was more brooding about the late meeting than paying attention to him anymore. On the other hand, Aragorn tried hard not to think about the blond Elf, his little gasps and moans, the half- lidded eyes, the moist, half-open mouth and the thin sheen of sweat that had built under the expert hands of Elladan and Elrohir that he had the honor to see as he entered the room all of a sudden. Idly he wondered if he could elicit more than just muffled moans from those pale lips as he thanked Legolas and headed downstairs for dinner. To be continued... _________________________________________________________________ Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My- chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.fire-angel.net/Seek%20Truth/main.html http://lotr.lirimaer.com/ http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://adultfan.nexcess.net/aff/authors.php?no=2588 Legolas In Chains Archive ALSlash Archive Library of Moria, too Update-List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/seekinbetween/ Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG? May go up soon... *is getting poked by My-chan: "NC-17!"* *sweatdrops* Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, others as well *glances over to Elladan & Elrohir* Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery, angst... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn's and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen-bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; ______________________________________________________ Elladan and his brother were waiting in the dining room for the others to join them. The younger twin had draped himself lazily over a chair, his arms and legs dangling down while his head was hanging down as well giving him a nice upside-down view of the room and his twin. "What do you say? Let's try again tomorrow?" Elrohir had been staring at the yet empty table, his forehead in a deep frown as he was lost deep in thought about their sister and brother-in-law. But his mind kept supplying him with images of this blond slave... Legolas underneath their fingers... writhing, biting his lip and simply looking beautiful. "Of course. Estel has no right to keep his toys from us." "Slave," his brother threw in. "Not toy." It wasn't that Elladan held much of modesty, morals and stuff like that, but he could understand that Legolas didn't approve of being called a toy, and he respected it. "Let's find another name for him... like um...candy?" The green-eyed Elf remembered the taste of the blond man very well on his tongue, and it was very delicious and sweet, so candy served him just well. "Candy..." Elrohir was about to announce his answer to that, when he heard footsteps approaching the dining room. "I guess the others decided that they are hungry as well..." And indeed he saw Boromir of Gondor, Jamiriel of Ithilien, another important person in the matters of Gondor's intercultural relations, accompanying the Queen of Gondor, their little sister, towards this very room. Just Estel was nowhere in sight. "It seems as if the King is being late..." murmured Elrohir as he stood up from his chair and put his most festive smile on his face. "Ellani! Elloni! It's SO good to see you again!" Arwen seemed to be the happiest Elf in Middle-Earth and at least one thousand years younger as she practically bounced towards her brothers, hugging them close. "Tinu! We have missed you!" said Elrohir just as cheery, embracing his sister and planting a little kiss on her cheek. Elladan had stood up when his brother announced somebody was approaching and now he was returning the hug of his sister happily. After Elrohir let go of her, he even lifted her up and whirled her around, laughing softly at her childish squeal. "Oh how we missed you, Tinu." He set her down again and kissed her other cheek. Boromir watched the scene with a warm smile on his features and waited until they finished their welcome and turned towards him. Elladan slightly bowed his head towards the Human. "Sir Boromir. It's our pleasure to meet you again." "The pleasure is all mine, .......?" Boromir wasn't quite sure with which of the twins he was talking to right now. Elladan grinned. "Elladan." The Human grinned sheepishly. "Elladan... I'm sorry, I happen to fail this test every time." Elrohir grinned as well. "We could show you a way to recognize us. The same way Elessar learned it." He received a rather painful nudge into his rips from the Queen of Gondor. Arwen may be happy to see her brothers, but nobody had to suffer from them but Estel. And she was quite sure that Boromir didn't want to know how Estel was able to tell the twins apart. "When did you arrive here? And why haven't you talked to me when you did?" she demanded, tugging at Elladan's arm, which she was clutching closely. A tiny pout had made its way onto her face. "No, thank you," Boromir replied to the offer. The way Arwen reacted made it pretty clear to him that he wouldn't like the way Aragorn had learned to tell them apart. "I'll learn... eventually." The younger twin grimaced slightly and made a little step back when he saw the sulking expression of his sister, but he couldn't escape her since she was still hugging him. But Arwen was most dangerous when she pouted and both brothers knew that. So Elladan just swallowed before he put a wry grin on his face. "We arrived today shortly before noon, Tinu, and we've been... busy. Plus we didn't want to disturb you, so we decided to wait." Arwen glared at him like only a little sister could. In her opinion they could have at least given her an announcement that they were there. "It's my pleasure to meet you, too," she was interrupted by Jamiriel's alto. The middle-aged woman extended her hand towards the twins. "Elrohir... Elladan... sons of Elrond of Rivendell," she added formally. "My name is Jamiriel, daughter of Murimel of Ithilien. Welcome to Gondor." Elrohir raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected this woman to be so straight forward as she looked rather like a little grey mouse who preferred to do bookwork than attending a dinner with the King and his family. Nevertheless he took her hand and shook it. "Jamiriel. Nice to meet you." The formal greeting between his brother and the Human woman was disturbed by a pretty loud grumbling sound coming from Elladan's stomach. He grinned sheepishly and shrugged elegantly as he heard Boromir's chuckle. "Well... I didn't get anything to eat since...." he thought for a moment before he grinned rather dirtily, "shortly before noon, that is. And waiting here for Estel doesn't help the least." He said that with slightly raised voice, making sure that Aragorn who was just about to enter the room could clearly hear him. "Oh, that sounded differently some time ago," the King said, chuckling at the teasing tone in his brother's voice. "I know I let you wait, but there was something I had to... fix before getting here." Elrohir couldn't help but snicker. "I hope we didn't... break... your toy." Aragorn's eyebrows shot up, feigning ignorance. "Which toy?" "The one you keep in your chambers, chained to the wall..." "Oh, you mean Legolas. No, he's is fine. But I still would appreciate it if you didn't come near to him again." Arwen had watched the conversation between the two been and almost forgot to pout. "You saw Estel's slave? He's great, isn't he? It was my present for him," she added with pride in her voice, as if she congratulated herself for such a good choice. To her the slave was not much different than a piece of clothing. Her expression faltered though as she saw five pairs of eyes looking at her with doubt and almost shock. Especially Jamiriel looked at her quite funnily, as if she had seen a ghost or something. Elladan swallowed and decided to speak his mind later. This was neither the right place nor the right time to talk about slavery and that he didn't approve of what his sister had done or that he was really starting to worry about her and Estel's relationship. Instead he just glanced at Elrohir, seeking his support and found it in his eyes. "Um... let's sit down and eat, shall we?" he asked as the servants fortunately entered the room in this moment. Boromir nodded and pulled out a chair for Jamiriel to sit down before he took a seat himself. This whole Elf-slave-thing wasn't his business. He was pretty sure his King was doing the right thing and that he would be able to handle it on his own. That he didn't like the idea himself as well was another story, but he had other problems. Eowyn to name one. Or rather her uncle who was making the whole marriage-affair rather complicated. The woman with the fading red hair smiled at the younger man and sat down in her chair, just as Elessar led his wife to the chair next to him, stoically helping her to sit down, while the Elven twins took their seats on the other side of the two Humans. They had barely sat down when plates with soups were placed in front of them. Arwen was a little confused, but tried not to show it. Why was everybody reacting so strangely towards her when she mentioned that it was her who gave Estel his slave? She had acted with the best intentions and she knew she had done nothing wrong, now did she? But since the others didn't like to talk about it she accepted it. They ate in silence most of the time, except when the twins teased the King with several things. Aragorn fought hard to stand his ground but was defeated quite often as he couldn't compete with the experience of a few thousand years. But he still had more experience than Boromir, who didn't even understand sometimes what the twins wanted from him. Even Jamiriel wasn't safe from the innuendos of Elladan and Elrohir, but she was able to say something in return that had one or both of them gaping at her with stunned expressions. After the third time they asked her where she got her thick skin and she answered laughing that she had 3 sons and 2 daughters and that they had been like that as well when they were younger. So she knew about everything they could come up with. Elrohir laughed merrily at this explanation and told the woman that they could come up with things that she never heard of and that they hadn't been teasing them in earnest, out of respect for the King. That made Aragorn laugh out merrily, asking when they started to have respect towards him. "Never, dear brother," Elrohir grinned, "but we know how to behave in the presence of the one who unified the forces of Elves, Dwarves and Men. That man has earned our respect. Not the little boy who used to hide behind Adar's robes whenever he could." "That was pure self-defense, else you two would have never let me out," Aragorn grinned back. "I would have starved, you know." "Oh, but you got something to eat," added Elladan with a real mischievous grin. The man snorted. "Yes, but I did not like what you gave me as much as you seem to." That conversation was interrupted by a rather embarrassed clearing of a throat, coming from the red-haired woman. "Gentlemen, could you please stop acting like children? I guess there are more important things to discuss, aren't there?" asked Jamiriel, and was stunned to see all three men looking at her rather sheepishly. But they soon found their grins again. "Indeed, dear Jamiriel, there are. My brothers have asked me earlier if I couldn't find somebody who was helping me with my duties as a King. The piles on my desk seem to get higher and higher every day with requests from other countries who ask for Gondor's assistance. So I wanted to ask you and Boromir if you couldn't help me with this," Aragorn asked the woman, whose eyes widened at the request. "My King, 'tis a lot you request from us," she said, lowering her eyes from the handsome face. "We too have a lot to do..." Elrohir chose this moment to step in. "This is understandable, but you look as if you see the sun more often than our dear foster brother. I am curious to know how many hours you spend with this work that is keeping you busy each day." Jamiriel squirmed a little in her seat. It wasn't much indeed, but she knew what kind of work Elessar had to do and she was reluctant to give up her free time to fill it with the tiring work. "'Tis not much..." she admitted, "a handful of hours each day." Elrohir practically beamed. "That's great! If you three worked together for another handful of hours, the work would be done a lot earlier and your dear King would have more time to spend with his lovely wife." Arwen looked at her brother with wide eyes. How did he know that she always mourned over the fact that Estel spent more times with his papers than with her. Yes, she had invited the twins to initiate some changes, but this was almost a revolution in her eyes. But what would Rhÿn say if she didn't come down to the stables anymore, to meet him and keep him company? Elladan of course noticed the change in Arwen's behavior and drew his attention back to his sister. "You don't seem too pleased with that, Tinu. Do you fear you won't have enough time left for your lover anymore when Estel is back in place?" he teased softly his eyes gleaming with mischief. Arwen felt her cheeks heat up, but luckily it didn't stop her from finding words to say. She knew she had to choose her words wisely as Estel's gaze was lying heavily on hers. "What are you saying, Ellani? Estel is my lover, and I will be happy if he has more time for me." Elrohir grinned, taking the ball from his twin. "But Tinu, don't tell me you stayed in your room day in, day out and bored yourself. Such an attractive..." "Please... don't embarrass her more than she already is." The quiet request out of the King's mouth managed to shock Elrohir, making Arwen wonder if Estel knew about her affair with Rhÿn. Ban had told her more than once that he was too busy to notice anything, but you could never know what was on the man's mind. Looking up at her husband with wide surprised eyes Arwen was flattered to see a reassuring smile on his face, and that surprised her even more. If he knew about it, why should he be smiling at her like that? Elladan was shocked as well, but only for a short time. He soon found his voice back. "Why do you always have to spoil all the fun, Estel?" he asked even though his eyes still rested on his sister. "Do you-" He was cut short though by a fresh breeze blowing through the half-open window, making the candles flicker for a moment. The green-eyed Elf looked out of the window and gasped as he was staring right into the bright full moon. "Daw o oltha..." he whispered as the Elves called the night of the full moon the "night of dreams". Elladan's ears twitched slightly and without paying attention to the other attendees he stood up, walked over to the window and pushed it open. Arwen was puzzled by the half-question, and although she feared in that she was directed towards her, she wasn't sure of that fact. So she was a little surprised to see Elladan standing up and walking to the window all of a sudden. Jamiriel followed the Elf as he was practically floating over the ground and was not surprised to see his brother following afterwards. Of the Elves only the Queen stayed seated, staring after the twins though. "The Moon is beautiful," whispered Elrohir as he put his hand on his brother's waist, kissing him right over his ear. As he moved away though he had to frown as he saw that ear twitch. And then he heard it himself. It was shy at first but after a little time the singing voice grew a little stronger. It was melodic and pleasant, not too deep and not too high, just perfect. An Elven voice. The tone rose and fell with the melody of the song. Elladan leaned into his brother's warm embrace. "Yes... beautiful..." He wasn't really sure himself so, whether he was talking about the moon or the song. Boromir also rose from his seat, walking slowly closer to the window where he stood still, mesmerized by the beautiful song. "What kind of magic is this?" he asked lowly. Aragorn stayed seated as well, sitting next to Arwen and sipped on his wine. He was savoring the bittersweet taste of the red liquid, as if he hadn't drunk it for ages. In fact it were only a few days during he didn't dare to drink wine in front of Legolas and thus he didn't drink much of it anymore. Also it was getting to his head, something that had not happened so often before. So in his slightly dazed condition the song that wept through the night felt as if it wanted to embrace him... or at least he thought so. "'Tis no magic, Boromir... 'tis a song..." he said, his voice sounding exhausted. "About the love of home," whispered Elrohir as his hand found a strand of the waist-long hair from his brother and twirled it idly around his finger. He didn't understand everything, just a few clear words managed to get to his ear. "I wonder who this beautiful voice belongs to..." murmured Jamiriel, who just heard the melody and admired the melodic voice. Arwen blinked. It was as if everybody was falling into a trance by the music coming from outside. It was Elvish, yes and since there were only two other Elves on the grounds of Minas Tirith... It had to be Rhÿn! She never knew that he could sing! And she would have never thought that he knew such a beautiful song! She closed her eyes and sighed dreamily, which made her husband look at her in surprise, before he released the goblet of the last drop of wine. And all of a sudden he knew who was singing. This realization made him happy and sad all at once. Sad that Legolas was feeling lonely and happy that he had met Legolas, even though he didn't like the circumstances. It made him wish to see the Elf in his usual surroundings, outside, in the forest and singing with the birds, running with the deer and beaming with the sun as if it was a competition. It was this picture though that made him smile, a little wavering of the edges of his lips. Elladan snuggled closer to his brother, enjoying the feeling of his hair being played with and purred lowly while listening to the beautiful song. It was a sad song, full of longing. "It's a song full of magic," Boromir finally whispered, not really able to do much more as he kept standing there and just listened. Upstairs in the King's chambers Legolas sat on the floor in front of the window, looking at the full moon. His chest rose and sank with his voice and the sad expression on his face would probably have been enough to break Aragorn's heart in thousands of pieces. But he wasn't there. The Elf looked paler than usual in the dim light of the moon and somehow fragile like a doll, like he would break if you touched him. He sang about his home, his family and his feelings when he thought about them. Legolas wanted to be home, more than anything else, but he knew he couldn't be there for a long time. Deep in his heart he doubted that he would ever see them again and it slowly killed his hope. He sang about his brothers and sisters and suddenly he choked and his voice faded out. He swallowed to get rid of the lump in his throat, but he didn't quite manage. A crystal tear rolled down his cheek, leaving a wet trail behind which shimmered in the silver light. Slowly he turned away from the window and retreated into the dark shadows of the room. The Elf crawled onto the bed and curled up into a tight ball, before he cried himself to sleep. Meanwhile Elladan's head rested on Elrohir's shoulder and he purred lowly at his brother's ministration towards his hair and his scalp. He blinked when the song suddenly faded out since it seemed not to be finished too soon. Elrohir frowned when the magic suddenly ended. He had wanted to listen more to it as it was so entrancing and beautiful. With his frown he stopped the play of his fingers with Elladan's hair. "Who was that?" he murmured, but didn't really expect an answer. It was just to voice his thoughts. Both the King and the Queen murmured "I know," but they both seemed not to hear it. Only Jamiriel, who sat with them at the table, heard the whisper and frowned. But she didn't say anything. She wasn't even able to as a deep yawn fell from her lips that she covered quickly with her hand. Then she looked sheepishly at the royal pair. "I am sorry for this disturbance, but it seems as if it would be better for me if I returned to my chambers and found some sleep." With the sound of wood scratching on stone she pushed her chair back. "It has been a nice gathering, milord. I hope we can repeat this soon again." Aragorn smiled at her. "Indeed, Jamiriel. I can take it you will be present tomorrow morning in my study?" She nodded. "Of course, milord. I bid thee a goodnight." "To thee too," Aragorn said as he stood up to shake hands with her. As he stretched his limbs though, he felt that fatigue had taken a hold of him as well and that he craved for sleep. But it would be impolite if he got out of the room so soon. Thus it was his only hope that Boromir was tired as well and wanted to retreat to his chambers, too. Boromir was also slightly taken aback when the song suddenly ended and reality hit him. He shook his head a few times and found he was awfully tired himself. His gaze followed Jamiriel as she left the room and found it was time for him to do the same. As for that he could see Aragorn was quite tired and... drunk himself and that he needed sleep most likely more than him. "I'll excuse myself as well, milord. A long journey to Edoras and tiring debates with Théoden await me on the morrow." In this moment Aragorn forgot all the trouble and stress Boromir had brought him. He walked over and patted the other man on the shoulder. "Send Théoden my greetings. I hope your negotiations will be satisfying... for both sides," he added with a slight grin. "May your journey hold no troubles for you." "Thank you, milord," Boromir said with a nod before he turned to Arwen. "Milady... I hope to see you both well when I return." Then he noticed Elladan and Elrohir looking at him expectantly. "Erm... you too of course," Boromir added with a slight sheepish grin. "I hope you have a nice journey as well, to the Lady Eowyn I suppose...?" The younger twin grinned as he saw Boromir blush in return. Elrohir nudged his brother playfully. "Estel said we should stop teasing him... oh, wait, that was Tinu who he meant then." He noticed the dazed glare from their foster brother and chose to stop any more teasing, but couldn't stop the grin. "I hope you have nice dreams, Boromir." "Good night," was all that Arwen said, putting a hand over her mouth in a polite gesture to stifle the small yawn. "Thanks," Boromir all but muttered before he rushed out of the room, still blushing. Elladan chuckled. "He will have them, darlin'. For sure." Then he eyed Estel and decided that it was time for him to hit the mattress as well. He softly nudged his brother. "What do you say, darlin'? Let's get some sleep as well?" Elrohir faked a yawn. "I think that would be better... the journey was long and tiring... and there's so much to do here... A little rest would be good. We surely need our energy tomorrow, right, Estel?" Aragorn's glare intensified and he would have hissed that they should leave their filthy fingers from Legolas, but if he did that he would admit that he felt more for the enslaved Elf than he would like to. But he was interrupted by a deep yawn. "Indeed Elrohir. And I shall retire now as well. I wish you three a good night." And with that he kissed his wife's forehead, squeezed his brothers' shoulders and moved out of the room. "Ellani... Elloni..." Arwen started and stood up to hug her brothers. "I'm glad you're here." "We're glad to be here too, Tinu," Elladan said and returned the hug tenderly. He suppressed a yawn himself and just squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. Contrary to his brother, he didn't have to fake a yawn for he was very tired. The dark-haired woman smiled. "But you are tired, muindori. Please... return to your chambers, for I will return to mine as well. It should be the usual ones." "I'm sure we will find them, Tinu," Elrohir answered and added in Elvish, "May your dreams be as pleasant as the first rays of light in the morning." "Thank you. Yours too," Arwen smiled back. "Good night." "Good night, lovely," Elladan murmured, already having quite some trouble keeping his eyes open. He watched his sister leaving the room before he turned to Elrohir. "Oh dear... this is going to be some hard work here... Their relationship is like ice..." His brother simply nodded and slowly pulled him forward as they walked to their usual chambers. Meanwhile Aragorn had reached his rooms and found Legolas fast asleep on the bed, curled up in a little ball. He kneeled down before the sleeping figure to be able to look into his face and trace a line over his cheekbone up to his ear. Frowning he noticed a wet trail on the pale skin. As he tasted the remnants of it on his thumb, he was confirmed by a salty flavor. "Tears..." Legolas stirred when he felt a light touch on his face and slowly opened his eyes. He blinked when he saw Aragorn's face before his and slightly moved backwards while he pushed himself up into an almost sitting position, resting on his left arm. He noticed the frown on the Human's face and then the lifted hand between their bodies. "...master...?" Aragorn was a little hurt that Legolas scrambled away from him again, but said nothing. Instead he looked into those deep blue eyes that were slightly reddened. He took a deep breath and smiled warily at the Elf. "Your song... it was beautiful," was the only thing he could say although he wanted to say so much more, about how sad it was, how it touched his heart and how he simply wanted to see Legolas free... but then he would have to say that he didn't want to let him go as well. "You... heard it?" the Elf croaked out, his throat still dry and the lump wasn't fully gone yet. It surprised him that the Human had heard him sing, but then again he didn't know where he had spent the time while he was away. Neither did he know anything about the castle and its rooms. Legolas once more tried to clear his throat like he didn't manage earlier. "Thank you..." he murmured silently. A tiny smile crept on Aragorn's face, his features softening underneath it. "Not only I heard it... it was carried to our ears with the wind..." He looked into the Elf's eyes a little longer and then stood up with a sigh, breaking the eye-contact. "Please go back to sleep. I know this night is special for the Elves and the dreams they present them... I hope you get a chance to see your home." Turning away he loosened the knots of his shirt, this time managing to do so on his own and shrugged the shirt off along with his pants. He yawned heartily and then climbed into the bed on the other side of Legolas, too tired to really do or say anything more. Legolas nodded and lay back down snuggling into the pillow and the blanket. He too hoped that he could see his home and family, but until now his sleep had been dreamless. And the Elf knew what the cause of it was. He didn't like to be alone, or rather he hated it and also over the past weeks he got used to the presence of the Human next to him while he slept, and it seemed like his sleep wasn't as peaceful when he wasn't there. Not only did he hate loneliness, but he especially hated being separated from this Human. But Legolas knew that Aragorn couldn't spend much time with him and he had put up with it. Or so he had told himself. Whatever he wanted though wasn't important for he was just a slave and his master had better things to do than spending time with him. He was the King after all. "Sleep well, master," he murmured before sleep claimed him again. This time though he was more relaxed and he soon drifted off to the realm of dreams. His expression softened and a small smile graced his lips as he finally found his family on those endless grounds. A whispered "Adar" fell from his lips and he sighed silently. Aragorn just lay down to sleep, throwing the covers over his almost nude form, as he heard the whisper and his face contorted with a frown. How long did he have to keep the Elf in his chambers, even if it was for his own good? Or so he told himself. He knew Legolas had grown stronger within the past weeks, strong enough to maybe take care of his own, but the man didn't want to let him go. When his feelings had changed for the Elf like that though, he didn't know and probably didn't even want to know. He sighed once again and rolled onto the side, with his back to Legolas. It wasn't long before sleep claimed him as well, and he drifted off to a land where Elves weren't slaves and he wasn't having so many problems being King. The next morning he woke up, just to find Legolas in his arms once again. It seemed to happen quite often recently, so often indeed that he wasn't even surprised anymore. Legolas had woken up when the King rolled over and wrapped his arms around his body, thus drawing him closer. The Elf lay completely still in his master embrace, quite used to it by now himself and he didn't mind either. Contrary to when it happened the fist time he was relaxed now and enjoyed the feeling of the warmth radiating from the body before him. He simply looked at the Human's peaceful features and wondered idly what his dreams might be about as he noticed the faint smile on his lips. Legolas blinked rather irritated at the thought how these lips would taste on his and he frowned. Where did this thought come from? Not that he didn't mind. Actually the thought left him rather curious. Without even knowing, the Elven slave slowly moved closer towards his master, his eyes never leaving the slightly parted lips. But then he could feel the Human stir and knew he was just about to wake up. Legolas retreated and chided himself for what he had almost done. His master surely wouldn't approve. So he just lay there, waiting for Aragorn to finally wake up and looked at him with big puppy eyes, trying to hide his thoughts behind the innocent expression. The man stirred and was confronted with a minor headache that wanted him to stay in bed for at least another day, but he knew he had an appointment with Jamiriel and if he survived through that, he would have more time for himself, for his training that he neglected shamelessly during the past years, for Legolas and Arwen... He frowned slightly at this thought but dismissed it and opened his eyes, just to clench them close right then again. Legolas' puppy look was just not bearable at this time of day. Slightly taken aback as his master looked at him for mere seconds before he squeezed his eyes shut again, Legolas tore his gaze away as well, staring at the man's bare chest instead. Which was very well built by the way. But the Elf resisted the urge to touch it and just lay there, slightly tensing in the gentle hold. "I hope I didn't disturb your sleep, master," he finally whispered with a small sigh. He knew he would be left in the chambers once more and had to face another handful of boring hours alone. And he just wished it was different. "No, you didn't disturb it. On the contrary, it is always a pleasure waking up and holding you in my arms," Aragorn said and squeezed the almost bare shoulders lightly before he let go of the lithe body and rolled onto his back, rubbing his temples. Legolas was stunned. He blinked a few times and finally slowly sat up, once more staring at his master as he lay there on his back. He couldn't really believe his ears. The Human liked to wake up with him in his arms? The Elf shook his head and chased stupid thoughts away. Of course his master enjoyed his proximity since he couldn't get it from his wife. One of his tasks as a slave was to make his master feel good, and obviously he did. But still being just there as a replacement hurt him. Aragorn didn't like to have him close, but anybody to fill this gap. Maybe this was why he was given to the Human. Still Legolas was sure that his master preferred the presence of his wife over his. How could it be any different? But the Woodelf said nothing and just looked at the Human for a few more moments in silence before he gently touched his shoulder. "Sit up, master. I'll help you with your headache..." Aragorn turned his head and smiled wryly. "It's okay, I need this pain to remind me never to drink so much wine anymore," he said and his smile turned into a grin. "I'd better keep it for the day to remind me of your words." He sat up nevertheless and carefully swung his legs over the edge of the bed. There he paused for a moment, trying to figure out if he was able to move. Legolas blinked a little irritated. Why would the Human want to keep the pain in his head? He frowned slightly and looked at the bare back of the Human. "... Master? ... Are you sure?" he asked, the confusion clearly audible in his voice. Starting to rub his temples, Aragorn simply growled something that sounded suspiciously like an affirmation before he moved to a stand, stretching his limps. He yawned and then padded over to put on some clothes. The Elf couldn't help but stare at the Human's strange behavior, before he slightly shook his head. He also got up from the bed and walked over to help Aragorn dress. "Stubborn little child," he murmured while he grabbed the shirt and held it open for his master after he had put on his trousers. Aragorn's eyebrows shot up at the murmured comment but he said nothing as he slipped into the shirt and just watched how Legolas did his knots for him... once again. And he was wondering right then and there if he wasn't a spoiled child really, not even able to dress properly on his own. When the Elf was finished he couldn't help but pluck at the shirt, a gesture of embarrassment. "Thank you." Legolas looked up from the knots into his master's eyes and as he saw the faint shade of red on his cheeks a warm smile graced his lips. "You're welcome," he said softly and once again his eyes trailed to Aragorn's mouth, but he quickly tore his gaze away. The Elf took a few steps away until his eyes landed on the books by the wall. He had read all of them by now and the days were going to be more boring if he didn't get new ones. So Legolas turned back to the Human and called him lowly, in case not to make his headache even worse. "Um... could I get some more books, please?" The smile that warmed Legolas' features also managed to warm the King's heart and his mouth moved into a smile as well, just as the Woodelf looked down on his face. If he could make the blond one smile by his foolishness, he would be glad to display it more often, especially in situations like this one. Aragorn was quite used to the fact that Legolas didn't look that often right into his face, but this time he tore his gaze away a little too fast and this made the man frown. Which wasn't good with his already aching head and he only noticed how Legolas was asking for new books. He nodded. "I will get you some new ones as soon as I return from my duties. And maybe I will be able to keep you company more often soon..." He trailed off as he considered if he should eat something but decided against it. His stomach didn't feel like it could hold much food for long, so he moved towards the door of his chambers, planning on leaving without breakfast. One impulse though tempted him to just put his arm around Legolas' shoulders and kiss him goodbye on the cheek, and he really stood there for a moment, not moving at all, as he seriously considered doing that. But in the end he simply turned away to hide his reddening cheeks. "I'll see you later." Legolas lifted his arm and waved a small farewell as his master finally left the chambers. The chance of spending more time with the Human and having to endure less loneliness made him smile once more even though it was unseen. The Woodelf then walked over to the table and sat down, eating his breakfast in silence. Once more he let his hunger take the upper hand and he almost ate everything on his own. He spared the bread though as usually and left some fruits for later. He took the bowl and placed it next to the bed on the nightstand so the servants wouldn't take it with them when they came to tidy the room. After that Legolas eyed the books once more and after a few seconds of consideration he decided to read the story of Sauron again - the stories of the Lord of the Rings. A few hours later he was about halfway through the story and this time he already understood it much better than he first time he read it. Every once in a while a little bird had come to talk to him and the last visitor just flew off when Legolas could hear the door of the King's chambers being opened. And it wasn't Aragorn who walked in. To be continued... ______________________________________________________ We had to think of a few nicknames for Elrond's children... anyone who wonders why Elladan is Ellani and Elrohir is Elloni... that comes from the Japanese way of writing those two names. ^^; And since little Arwen wasn't able to pronounce an 'r' when she was little, she says their names as an 'l' ^^;; And Tinu is a word for star... which we thought fit her name. ^^;;; Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My-chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.geocities.com/lirimaer8/index.html http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://fanfiction.alansworld.com/viewuser.php?uid=74 http://adultfan.nexcess.net/aff/authors.php?no=2588 Legolas In Chains Archive ALSlash Archive Library of Moria, too Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG? May go up soon... *is getting poked by My-chan: "NC- 17!"* *sweatdrops* Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, others as well *glances over to Elladan & Elrohir* Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery, angst... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn's and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen-bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; _________________________________________________________________ The night had almost been unbearable. Every time he turned to another side, he had to think of that unfinished task and all the questions that had come to his mind the previous day. He wanted to know the reasons, the background, the events that had led to this but he didn't find any answers in his sleep. So as soon as the sun had risen high enough and he felt ready to face the day, he asked his mate to get up as well. Over breakfast they plotted what to do and discussed what preparations were to make. In the end it seemed like warfare to them both. He gave a last check on what they wanted and needed for their... picnic. "I got the cherries from the kitchen... do you have the other items?" "Yes, we have everything we need," his mate grinned widely and patted the little bag he was carrying. Together they made their way upstairs to the final destination. Elladan opened the door and entered the King's chambers first. He waited for Elrohir to follow him before he closed the door behind him and locked it. Legolas' ears twitched as he heard sounds coming from the door. Suddenly his eyes widened as he realized who had entered the room. It was the two Elves from yesterday. Aragorn had told them not to come near him again, but they obviously didn't care much. And it was also pretty clear what they were there for: to finish what they couldn't the day before. The chained Elf winced as he heard the sound of the door lock and panic started to rise in him. He looked around like he was hunted and his thoughts raced as he tried to find a way to escape these two... After Elladan had locked the door, his grin grew even wider and he walked around the wall just to stop dead in his tracks. The room was empty and Legolas was nowhere to be seen. Elrohir stopped dead in his tracks as well and almost dropped the little bowl of cherries that he had snatched from the kitchen. His mind told him that Estel's slave could not have gone anywhere as he seemed to be chained to the wall all the time. At least that was what he thought because of what it looked like. He spotted the chain still neatly secured to the wall but it disappeared somewhere under the bed, making him frown. "Elladan... do you think what I think?" The younger twin had also spotted the chain after he had overcome his first surprise. "Yes. I think coming here was a waste of time... he's not here..." he said while he nudged his brother and pointed him to go to the right side of the bed while he headed towards the left side. "Why don't we just make out on the bed instead, hm?" He winked at his brother and chuckled softly. "Sounds like a good idea to me," Elrohir winked on his way to the other side of the bed, where the chain disappeared under the bed. He moved silently and placed one knee on the bed, seemingly planning to lean down on it. "Estel surely has nothing against it... since he's not here..." Elladan nodded. "Yes. As for that... we finally can erase it from our list, right darlin'?" he asked with a mischievous grin that showed that he actually wouldn't mind making out on the king's bed right then, but they were here for something different. Just before the younger twin could sit down on the bed so, he *accidentally* dropped his bag. "Whoooops." The green-eyed Elf bowed down to pick up the bag and glanced under the bed where he saw a curled up Legolas pressed against the wall underneath the mattress. "Ai, Elrohir. Look what I just found," he said teasingly, his eyes gleaming with lust and something else indefinable. The chained Woodelf just glared at him with all his might. As if on clue, Elrohir bent down as well, feigning he didn't know what his brother meant. "A mouse? In the King's chambers? Tsk tsk tsk... Estel has to tell his people to clean better... Oh wait!" he exclaimed almost too happily. "This is no mouse! It's Estel's slave!" He smiled, well, it was rather a grin, but he looked down to the Elf in the dirty corner under the bed. "Why don't you just come out there? It's surely rather uncomfortable down there, isn't it?" Legolas just shook his head. He would rather stay under the bed for two days than to come out now. He knew what they were going to do to him and there was NO way he would let them voluntarily. "I don't think he likes the idea, darlin'," said Elladan thoughtfully and reached under the bed with his right hand. Maybe he could persuade the other Elf to come out if he gave him a little push. But one moment later he withdrew his hand with a painful hiss. Elrohir blinked and then fixed the Elf under the bed with a rather nasty glare. "Didn't Estel teach you to be submissive? I thought you were a slave!" He slipped from the bed and sat down in front of the bed, so he could look directly at the Elf hiding underneath, not upside down as before. "Careful, darlin'. He bites," the younger twin murmured while he lapped the blood from the little mark. Legolas had turned to Elrohir and glared at him now. How dared these two... to treat him like a toy you could play with whenever you liked. Yes, he was a slave, but to his master alone. And he had taught him anything but to be submissive. Contrary to whatever those two might think Aragorn had had other things in mind. Legolas had the feeling that the Human had tried to teach him quite the opposite. And the Elf could feel his pride had grown stronger and it was deeply hurt now. "No," he hissed right in Elrohir's face. "And why should I? You don't treat me much differently than him." The dark-haired Elf was hurt only for a moment. "That's right, but Estel knows that resistance is useless when dealing with us... and we're about to show you that, too." He wasn't smiling anymore; there was just a very dangerous gleam in his eyes. "Maybe you should get out there on your own..." Legolas' glare only intensified and he clenched his fists. "Forget it," he growled lowly. "I'm no one's toy..." Elladan had kneeled down on his side of the bed as well, but he made sure that his hands didn't get within the reach of the chained Elf again. Now he glanced over to his brother, looking at him quizzically as if asking him what might be the best way to get Legolas out from under the bed. Elrohir fixed glances with his brother and nodded towards the chain. If the dog didn't want to come to his master, the master would have to use the leash to tell him where to go. He moved to a stand and motioned for his brother silently to do the same. And as they stood he explained with his eyes and hands that he wanted to pull on the chain, thus forcing Legolas to get out and then use what they brought with them to stop any other movement. He asked if Elladan was okay with that, looking at him expectantly. The younger twin thought about it for a few seconds, but he didn't like that idea. Not at all. He didn't want to use actual force on the captured Elf and hurt him. Legolas should enjoy what they did to him after all, instead of being filled with panic and fear. So he slowly shook his head to his brother's suggestion and pointed down with his left hand, indicating that he would crawl under the bed to "persuade" Legolas to come out. Elrohir nodded. In fact he preferred this option over his idea, but he kept that in mind as a failsafe-plan. He just hoped that this would work out as well as it could. Elladan smiled as his brother agreed and handed him the bag so he could prepare what was inside. Then he kneeled down again, looking at Legolas who didn't move one inch. He might have just curled up even tighter as he pressed himself against the wall. 'This is not going to be easy,' Elladan thought, 'but also a lot of fun.' The younger twin couldn't help a slight grin as he started to crawl under the bed. "Well then, candy. If you won't come out on your own, I guess I have to talk you into..." He was cut by a low hiss from the slave though. "Candy?" Elladan sweat dropped. "Yes... you... taste like one." An almost innocent smile graced his features as he moved closer and he managed to make Legolas stunned for a moment, thus breaking through his defense. When the blond Elf noticed this it was already too late. He tried to kick the other man, but Elladan dodged the foot and grabbed Legolas' arm, thus turning him around. That again didn't protect him from his nose being hit by the younger Elf's elbow, causing him to wince and a small line blood trickle down to his lips. But he would have got a nosebleed sooner or later anyway so it didn't really matter. The green-eyed man finally managed to turn Legolas around so he was with his back against his chest. He avoided the seeking hands grabbing his own and put his right hand on the slave's belly button, giving slight pressure to it, and thus stopping any movement as Legolas relaxed in his arms and moaned softly. "Don't..." he croaked weakly as Elladan started to massage the sensitive spot. "Let go.... Bastard..." Elrohir retrieved the most beautiful hand-cuffs from their bag and then crawled under the bed as well when Elladan had managed to break through the Woodelf's resistance. But even though the Elf was growing weaker underneath the experienced touch of his brother he had some problems putting them onto slender pale wrists, which only confirmed him he was doing the right thing. He applied a tiny sloppy kiss next to the now tortured belly button before he moved out from under the bed and pulled the other two men out from underneath. Legolas didn't stop struggling though; he even tensed up again when he felt the cold metal closing around his wrists. He reared up in Elladan's grip and was rewarded with a lick over his sensitive ear which sent him back to lie on top of the younger twin, shivering under the ministration as he kept licking the pointed end. "Shhh... calm down, candy," the dark-haired Elf murmured and nibbled the soft skin gently. "We don't want to hurt you.... Right darlin'?" he asked with a glance at his brother from the corner of his eyes. Elrohir chanced him a "maybe a little"-glance, but quickly grinned sheepishly enough to see it as a joke. He helped his brother to get up and took a hold of the blond one's legs, that started kicking right then. "Hush... you are going to feel better afterwards," he cooed with a grin. "I don't want to feel better!" Legolas snapped at Elrohir and kept struggling to get his feet out of his grip. He even managed and kicked him, but he wasn't fast enough. The older twin dodged him with ease and grabbed him again. Elladan sat down on the bed as he was sure the blond's legs were in a secure hold and slowly moved towards the headboard still trying to work his magic on Legolas belly but he had some trouble now. Elrohir glared almost openly at Legolas now, although he was hiding a grin underneath it. He knew that the Elf didn't have any chance against them both, and only that thought made him sit down on the bed as well, making his way towards the footboard of the bed. "You say that now..." he purred as he fished for one of the shackles from where he put it on the bed earlier. "And I mean it!" Legolas exclaimed and tried to get his feet out of the Elf's grip again but right then, Elladan was able to shift in a better position and put his hand on the blond's belly button again. He slightly buried his fingers in the soft skin and moved them in small circular motions which left Legolas moaning and shivering in his arms. "Don't... please.... Let go..." the chained Elf whispered weakly and tried to push Elladan's hand away. "Hm... maybe later?" Elrohir suggested with a sultry grin and pinned one leg with his knee as he shackled the other to a bedpost. He checked the lock once and then moved to the other leg, only able to relax once Legolas wouldn't mean a menace to them anymore and they could have their... "fun". "I'm not your fucktoy!" Legolas managed to spit out right before Elladan started to nibble his earlobe and transformed the slave into a puddle of goo. He bit his lip hard, this time determined to suppress any sounds and keep his body under control. "Hmm...butverydelicious..." Elladan murmured with a mouthfull of ear. Elrohir simply grinned. "No... You are Elladan's candy right now..." Then he moved on to shackle the other leg to the other bedpost, thus spreading the delicious legs wide open. "I still like to call you toy, though..." he said as he worked on the other lock. Legolas didn't really notice what Elrohir was doing to him. He was way too busy dealing with Elladan's ministrations and not reacting to it. Which was impossible for him of course. He didn't want to be treated like a toy, but then again he couldn't do anything against it. And the thought that they would do the same to Aragorn made it almost bearable. "He'll be ... very..... mad... at you..." the Elf managed to get out between his pants as he started to get mad at himself. He didn't really want to, but he was starting to enjoy what Elladan was doing to him. Said Elf of course noticed this and grinned from one ear to the other as he kept nibbling and sucking the soft skin in front of him. It just had been too long for Legolas to be touched like this in a gentle and sweet way, instead of rough, brutal and forcing. And the fact that these two were Elves and not Humans changed the slave's attitude as well, since he knew he didn't have to fear them. "We can deal with it," Elladan finally murmured and licked his way down to Legolas throat, eliciting a soft moan from the pale lips. Elrohir had settled between the Woodelf's legs and was now crawling to higher regions. He didn't get far though as he found that the little belly button could use some more ministration from his tongue, so he darted it out, delved it into the little hollow and started lapping at the soft skin. "We dealt with worse things than Estel's rage," he murmured between two licks. "Armies of ten thousands of Orcs..." Once more Legolas reared up to meet Elrohir's skilled tongue and moaned breathlessly. "I know..." he whispered and struggled with his bound hands. His fists opened and closed and he was desperate for something to hold onto... until his fingers found the older twin's head and grabbed a handful of dark hair. Meanwhile Elladan was still nibbling and sucking the swanlike neck and his hands slowly sneaked lower. They slid over Legolas' chest, shortly teasing a nipple through the soft fabric of the shirt. It was then when Elladan noticed that something was different. He had thought his candy was wearing a new shirt, but now he could feel bands and knots under his fingers and realized that Estel had only repaired the one he cut yesterday. A grin spread over his features as he began to unbutton the shirt, to unwrap the delicious body. Elrohir grinned rather smugly when he felt hands burying in his hair. He paid attention though that the Woodelf didn't pull too harshly on it. The first motion that hurt him and the pale hands would be shackled to the headboard-posts. And in fact he rather liked his victims immobile under his touch. He liked them writhing, craving for his touch, but not able to get it themselves. "You know about us, huh?" he asked, a little muffled by the planes of Legolas' stomach. "Did Estel tell you about his adventures?" "Ahh..." Legolas gasped, "no... I... read the... books," he managed to get out somehow. Unconsciously he let go of the dark hair and caressed Elrohir's head with light strokes. By no means did he want to hurt him or his brother, but he lost control over his body once more. Whether he wanted to admit it or not he was at the mercy of these two demons. Elladan listened to the little conversation the two held, his mouth much too busy to get out any words and he finally finished opening the shirt. He let his hand slip underneath the soft fabric and caressed the smooth skin while he shoved the shirt to the sides. This time he revealed more of the chest than the day before, thus revealing more old bruises as well. This made the younger twin stop his ministrations for a moment as he sat up to get a better view. He let his hands run gently over the fading marks, concern shimmering in his eyes. "Elbereth... this must have looked horrible..." Legolas took the chance to take a few deep breaths as he looked up at Elladan with half-lidded eyes. He wanted to say something. Like it would be gone soon and that he was fine... anything to make the concern go a way, even though he didn't know why he felt like that. Elrohir looked up, somewhat aroused by the soft strokes in his hair and leaned up to see the full damage. He frowned and stopped his movements altogether. The bruises were really ugly in his eyes and it made him wonder once again how Humans were able to catch an Elf. "How did they catch you?" he asked, his voice firm despite his arousal. The Woodelf blinked as both brothers stopped their movements and looked up just to meet both of their gazes. But after a moment he turned his head to look away and slowly shook his head. He didn't want to think about that time when he was caught. Without noticing he tensed up again, clenching his fists. Elladan saw the wave of uneasiness wash over Legolas' features and his body and slightly rubbed the slave's earlobe in a soothing manner. "Please, tell us," he whispered for he also wanted to know. Despite better knowledge, Legolas gave in to the warm fuzzy feeling that built up in his body at Elladan's ministrations. "They... shot me..." he murmured lowly, but didn't turn his head back to them. He didn't want to see them pity him. "How?" was the only thing that Elrohir managed to say at first, his voice only displaying surprise and curiosity. Even if Legolas wasn't looking at them anymore, he was still under their care and they held some kind of power over him. "You look fast enough... and Humans are really not that great at archery... How did they shoot you?" "I was not fast enough," was all Legolas said, still looking away. Even though Elladan made him feel rather comfortable with his actions, the memories and the images were still there and he rather kept them deep down in his soul instead of digging them up. Elladan frowned and looked at his brother. That really was a very unsatisfying answer. Elrohir looked back at his brother and wanted to know more as well. So he moved up and let his tongue twirl around a dark nipple, wanting to see Legolas moan again. "I don't believe you. There must have been more..." he murmured and then bit the hardened nub playfully. "Ahh!" Legolas cried out at the sudden pain and pleasure that struck him almost out of nowhere. He squirmed and grabbed Elrohir's shirt to pull him away. But right then Elladan resumed nibbling and licking his ear thus leaving the Woodelf weak and helpless. "Tell us," murmured the younger twin and started to move his thumb over the other nipple. "Aahhh..." The moans got louder and the meant tug on the shirt of the Elf hovering over him was just a mere pluck. "It's nothing," he husked breathlessly. "Well, if it's nothing you can easily tell us, can't you?" Elrohir asked, smirking just a little at the futile attempt of pulling him away on his shirt and then bit the nipple once again. "Ahh!" Again Legolas squirmed and doubled his effort to pry the Elf away from him. "There's nothing... to tell...." Elladan licked the blond's ear from the lobe to the point and chuckled. "Did anyone ever tell you that you're a horrible liar?" He didn't get an answer though since the Woodelf was way too busy moaning and panting. "Why don't you tell us? What do you fear? We won't cause you any harm, or whomever you're trying to protect..." he said softly hoping he could get through somehow since he really needed to satisfy his and his brother's curiosity. Legolas on the other hand wasn't really able to process what Elladan told him. His mind was too occupied with other things to process any thoughts. Elrohir frowned and motioned for his brother to slow down his ministrations a bit, so that the slave could catch his breath and get the chance to really answer their question. "Right... just tell us what happened... I'm curious... How can a cunning Elf like you be caught by some filthy Humans?" The Woodelf was staring right into Elrohir's eyes as the dark-haired man was hovering over him. He looked into the brown pools searching for something... like incredibility, but found nothing. Legolas took another deep breath and glanced at Elladan who smiled at him softly, encouraging him to tell what was on his mind. "I lead them away... to save my people. I couldn't run as fast... or otherwise they wouldn't have been able to follow... and might have turned back..." he finally told them lowly, trying not to let all the images flow his mind. Elrohir's eyes widened a bit before he nodded in understanding. "You were the only one caught?" he asked, not really waiting for an answer. "That makes you a hero, really." He snorted in a strange mix of amusement and disgust. "And what praise do you get? Sold like cattle, made a slave..." He smirked sympathetically. "Life is cruel, isn't it?" He bowed his head down and nibbled softly at Legolas' ear. "I bet you are some kind of prince..." he murmured as he continued to thoroughly lick and caress the pointed ear. Legolas tensed slightly at the prince comment, but it was imperceptible and one moment later he relaxed fully under the skilled tongues of the brothers both of them licking and nibbling his ears, plus massaging the sensitive area around his belly button. "Aahhh..." Another soft moan fell from his lips and again his fists opened and closed, desperate for something to hold onto. He wasn't able to reply to anything Elrohir had said and he was very grateful for that, even if it meant to give in completely to these two. Elladan had also been quite shocked about what Legolas told them, but this wasn't the time to deepen this conversation and so he shoved the thoughts away and concentrated on the delicious body underneath him instead. And on what sounds he could elicit these tempting, trembling lips. But then he was frowning slightly in irritation. Although he was highly enjoying himself the bound hands of the blond between their bodies somehow unnerved him. "Darlin..." he murmured around the abused ear, "his hands..." "Hm? Oh..." Elrohir was just trying to memorize the ear's texture as he noticed what his twin was trying to tell him. The handcuffs had been practical to get the Woodelf onto the bed, but now... as they wanted to unwrap him... they were only disturbing. So Elrohir interrupted his nibbling and searched for the key in the bag, produced it somehow and opened the handcuffs, motioning for Elladan to look out for the now free hand as he pulled up the other to the headboard and then connected the vacant ring with the post there. Then he started to proceed in the same way with the other wrist. Elladan took Legolas' right hand from his brother, together with the other handcuff and as Elrohir returned to the abandoned ear his younger brother took the chance and chained the other hand as well. Before Legolas could fathom what had happened, both his hands and his legs where tied to the posts of the bed, leaving him spread eagle and completely defenseless. But he didn't even get the chance to utter any protest as Elladan bend over him again and started to lick and nibble one of his nipples. "Ahh..." Legolas cried out softly and reared up into the probing tongue, grabbing the chain of the handcuffs for support. Suckling, licking and nibbling at the sensitive ear, Elrohir bathed in the little cries and moans of the Woodelf and decided that it was time to move on. So he let his hand trail over the pale abdomen, lower and lower until he came to the waistband of the loose green pants and slipped his hand underneath. There he first tickled the soft flesh and combed through golden curls before he moved yet a little lower. Elladan's hand on his belly button kept the blond man busy though, and he didn't even notice how his twin's hand wandered over his body to lower regions. Legolas was still torn between resisting and giving in to the touches, but he tended to enjoying it. The rational part of his mind had long ago shut down and the only thing he noticed anymore was the pleasure these two were giving him. When he now felt the featherlike touch on his lower abdomen and one moment later a warm hand closing around his arousal he slightly jerked off the bed, thrusting into the touch. A loud moan fell from his lips and he tugged at the handcuffs, desperate to do something with his hands, touch something, anything. The green-eyed twin grinned widely at the reaction and let go of the nipple in his mouth as he sat up slowly. His hand was still busy massaging around Legolas belly button, but he had something else in mind. "Darlin'... can you hand me the cherries?" he asked sweetly. Elrohir was reluctant to stop the move movements of his hand and the suckling on the delicate ear to sit up and pass the bowl of cherries that sat at the other edge of the bed, so he grumbled at first, but then sat up nevertheless as he found that although Legolas' pants were wide they were restricting him in his movement. Leaving the ear be as it was with a slight sheen of saliva glistening on its curves, the brown-eyed twin sat up and reached out with his free hand to find the cherries on the other side and handed them to his brother. Also he retrieved a little knife from inside his right boot, grinning maliciously. "I'm going to do something against these obstacles," he announced and then put the knife to start cutting the green fabric from the waist down to Legolas' ankles. Legolas didn't realize any of this. Elladan kept him much too busy after he received the fruits from his brother. He placed the bowl next to him and took one of the red balls. Looking at it hungrily for a second he moved his hand over Legolas belly button and dropped the cherry right into his navel. "Lunch is ready," he said with a low chuckle before he bent down to nibble around the red fruit in smaller growing circles until he finally sucked it into his mouth and chewed luxurious. His actions had managed to draw even louder moans from the blond Elf and Elladan nodded satisfied, only to start over with the procedure again. The stones landed in the little bowl after they were clean. It was about that time when the chained man noticed that his legs were touched by a cool wind breeze and that his leggings were gone. Legolas squirmed under the younger twin's touch and tried to avoid it, but of course his attempts were in vain. "Ahhh... stop..." he gasped breathlessly. This had already gone way too far. What would Aragorn think if he saw him like this? "Stop what?" the older twin grinned as he put the dagger back into his boot. Finally the legs were freed from their confinements and the whole lithe body was exposed before them. Elrohir smiled as the bulge he had seen earlier resulted in being a nice Elven erection and as he saw the stones his brother spat out once in a while, a rather cruel idea crossed his mind and he grinned. Reaching over to grab a handful of cherries from the bowl, he settled himself between the now exposed legs and popped one cherry in his mouth, while he let a pair of cherries hang over the tip, so that they occasionally moved against the hardened flesh. "Ahh!" Legolas gasped and his squirming increased at the strange touch of the fruits against his hot skin. "Stop it... ah.... Stop," he managed to get out between his pants and moans. As Elladan saw what his brother was doing he grinned wickedly and abandoned the cherry in the blond's navel for a moment. He turned his head to the side and blew his breath on the half hard erection, watching with gleaming eyes how it twitched slightly and grew even harder. He just wanted to lean forward to lick the pale erection as some loud shaking from the door made him frown. Looking up at his brother he raised one eyebrow. It looked like Estel had returned to his chambers, but what a pity the door was locked. So the younger twin only grinned and finally bowed farther down to fulfill his intentions. Legolas' hips jerked up at the wet and hot touch and he cried out huskily. Elrohir frowned as well, but they had locked the door, so nobody should be able to enter soon without breaking it. And he didn't think that any of the servants or Estel would go that far in intruding these chambers. So he paid no heed to the noise and continued what he started doing. Along with his brother he licked over the slave's pale staff and used his skillful tongue to run the cherry-stone over the texture of the sensitive skin. "Aahhh!" The chained Elf moaned loudly and tugged at the handcuffs with all his left-over strength, causing the wood to crunch in protest. He couldn't say that it felt bad, it was just funny. But he didn't want it to happen and that made anything else rather unimportant. Little tears formed in the corner of his eyes as Legolas kept struggling as much as he could, which was not really a threat to the twins. "Please.... Stop it...." He whispered weakly and he squeezed his eyes shut tightly, causing the tears to finally stream down his cheeks to his ears. The Elf brothers on the other hand didn't notice this and continued to occupy themselves happily with their individual tasks. It was then that a deep voice announced the King's presence in his chambers, making Elrohir freeze startled. "I thought I told you not to touch my Elf again!!!" To be continued... _________________________________________________________________ *hides* Elladan and Elrohir have... interesting interrogation-methods... *coughs* and well... they are nosy... But please, don't hate them for that. It's the way they are. *sweatdrops* Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My-chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.fire-angel.net/Seek%20Truth/main.html http://www.geocities.com/lirimaer8/index.html http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://fanfiction.alansworld.com/viewuser.php?uid=74 http://adultfan.nexcess.net/aff/authors.php?no=2588 Legolas In Chains Archive ALSlash Archive Library of Moria, too Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG-13 at least? May go up soon... *is getting poked by My-chan: "NC-17!"* *sweatdrops* Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, Elrohir/Elladan, OC/Arwen Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery, angst... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn's and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen-bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; ____________________________________________________________ Aragorn and Jamiriel worked faster than both of them had expected. After a few hours they had sorted the papers by priority and Jamiriel knew exactly which papers were so important that the King had to read them himself and which were not so important at all. And that were only two, while she took care of all the other letters. So the man was released from his duty faster than he had expected and thus had had time to search parchments that held information Legolas didn't know yet... and found a handful which he carried almost happily upstairs to his chambers, just to find the door to it locked. He frowned and tried to push it open again... but it wouldn't move. And that was when he heard the silent cries of pleading coming from inside. "Legolas," he breathed, his eyes displaying horror over what might happen inside as the cries seemed to be provoked by force and displaying resistance, but what made him furrow his brows was the little moaning that was also audible every now and then. In fact it seemed as if the Elf was rather aroused by what was done to him... which could only mean one thing... Clenching his teeth, Aragorn grabbed a loose stone in the wall next to the lock on his door, removed it and put his hand through the hole and pushed the bar of the lock back, thus unlocking the door. After that it was easy for him to make his way into the chambers, finding the situation he feared he would see. It made blood rush to various places. First there was his head, as he was both furious and embarrassed to see Legolas displayed like that, naked writhing and crying in what he would define as pleasure under the double ministrations of the Elven twins that he usually called brothers. But secondly, a fair amount of blood found its way down to his groin and made him want to buy new pants... larger ones that is. So he glared with fury and embarrassment at the scene that displayed itself in front of him on his bed as he put the parchments on a nearby table. "I thought I told you not to touch my Elf again!!!" he bellowed and was satisfied to see how Elrohir's head whipped around and he could see him swallow. Which was not a good idea, as the stone of the cherry was still in his mouth and that made the brown-eyed Elf choke a bit until he coughed out the obstacle. Elladan also froze where he was just bowing down again to suck another cherry out of Legolas navel. But instead he left it be and looked up to meet the very fiery gaze of his younger brother. He swallowed tightly as well and smiled innocently at Aragorn. "Estel... we thought... you were busy with your paperwork...?" Legolas winced at the loud and harsh words that were yelled in their direction and just wished for a place to hide. Preferably under the bed, or at least under a blanket. To say he was ashamed of being 'presented' to his master like this would be an understatement and he couldn't help more tears soaking his face as he tried to turn his head to the side together with his body. But the handcuffs still held him pretty perfectly in place and he didn't manage any movements that might have helped to cover his body or at least to burry his face in the pillow. He didn't think it was possible, but Aragorn glared even harder at the two dark- haired Elves, ignoring that his pants were protesting with every movement. Especially those steps he took forward to the bed were pure torture for him. But he made them anyways and grabbed the sensitive ears of Elladan and Elrohir, just like he had seen his foster father doing so often. "I was," he stated coldly. "But I think it were you two that told me to get some help... and this I did." Elrohir yelped as he ear was squeezed and abused, and he was pulled away from where he sat between Legolas' legs. When did Estel develop so much power? Elladan squirmed under the merciless grip of the Human and started to struggle when he was pulled from the bed. He managed to get his legs under his body only quickly enough so he wouldn't hit the hard stone floor. Inwardly he cursed himself for encouraging Estel to get help with his work. Or maybe he should have just waited another day. "Owwww," the younger twin whined at the painful treatment his ear got from his foster brother and he grabbed the strong arm that forced him to a stand. "You. Will. Never. Come. Back. Here. Again. To. Touch. My. Elf! Have I made myself clear enough?!" Aragorn growled and urged the twins towards the now open door. Elrohir simply winced under the maltreatment of his ear, unable to say anything. He simply let himself being dragged to the exit and felt himself being thrown out of the room. He wouldn't have even been surprised if Estel had kicked them out literally. Elladan also expected something like a kick in his firm butt, but instead he found himself being pushed out of the room quite roughly. He stumbled a few steps before he lost balance and landed on the ground, nose first. The younger twin hissed lowly and sat up, only to see and hear the door of Aragorn's chambers being slammed shut right before them. The green-eyed Elf winced at the sound and then turned to look at his brother. For a moment it was silent between them before Elladan slightly tilted his head. "Maybe we did go a little too far this time," he murmured thoughtfully, but a few seconds later he couldn't hold back a little grin. Now Aragorn was in there with a chained and naked Legolas. "You still have the key, don't you, darlin?" Elrohir was rubbing his ear, the one where Estel had pulled all too powerful, trying to get the numbness out of the sensitive organ as he sat there on the floor where he had fallen on his bum. He winced silently before he stared at his brother with a hint of a frown, trying to process what he said and where the keys were indeed. He remembered putting them in one of his pocket as he was finished with chaining the slave to the bedposts and in a rather sudden movement he searched it with his free hand. And grinned broadly back when he felt a little metal key there. "Let's see how long he needs to notice." Meanwhile Aragorn had turned his back to the door and was facing the reason for the problem in his pants. He gulped once and then stalked over to his bed, his legs as far apart as he could walk with them. There lay Legolas on his bed... naked... aroused... immobile... panting... beautiful... And all he had to do was stretch out his hand and touch him. He clenched his jaws, and took another step forward and almost moaned as he did so. In the full knowledge of what he wanted to do, he did almost the exact opposite and sat down on the edge of the bed, forcing himself to look into the fair face with the half-closed lips and squeezed shut eyes. Gingerly he extended one hand to lay it on the shivering cheek, wiping away some sweat and tears with a caressing motion, his expression full of embarrassment and sorrow. Legolas just lay there, waiting for what would happen next, for what Aragorn would do now that he was presented to him like this. The Elf tried to clear his mind, make it lighter, but the actions of the twins had refreshed his memories of what the Humans had done to him just too thoroughly and it made boil up the fear that his master would do the same. The blond man winced at the gentle touch on his cheek and whimpered lowly while even more tears streamed down his cheeks before they dripped off his ears, soaking the pillow. He was shivering violently now and the fear made his arousal disappear rather quickly. At the new well of tears Aragorn felt his eyes heat up as well, although he didn't know why. And with the amount of tears he knew that it would be wrong to touch Legolas anywhere else than on his cheek. Features softening he wiped away some tears with his thumb. "Sh... it's okay," he cooed, his voice shaking. "They are gone..." He tried to wipe away more tears, tried to calm the shivering Elf on his bed, tried to do anything at all, to stop him from fearing him, but it didn't seem as if it worked. So out of a sudden impulse he bowed his head down and pressed his lips softly to a tear-stained cheek, tasting salt and water as he hoped this would sooth Legolas a bit. The Elf slightly calmed down as he felt his tears being wiped away gently and heard the whispered words. He was glad that the twins were gone, but it wasn't them he feared. Aragorn's earlier reactions towards his proximity had shown pretty clearly that the Human was attracted to him, and even though he promised not to hurt him... Legolas wouldn't have been surprised if he wasn't able to keep it under these circumstances. What he didn't expect though was the soft kiss on his wet cheek which made his eyes snap open and his head slowly turn towards his master. The Elf stared at him with widened eyes, looking for something to either confirm his fear or make it go away. The shiver had subsided a little - good - as did the tears. He leaned back up again and looked into midnight-blue eyes, seeing fear in them the most, but confusion as well. And he planned to use this confusion to stabilize the trust he had gained. He tried his best on a soft smile, but he couldn't get the sorrow out of his expression. "They will never do it again," he whispered reassuringly, still wiping away a few traces of tears from the pale cheeks. Legolas nodded slightly, almost imperceptible before he blinked a few times to get the tears out of his eyes to make the blurry sight clearer. He didn't take his gaze from the Human's face though, taking in every single change of expression. The Elf wanted to trust this man with all his heart, since he needed something to put his hope into, something to hold onto when he was close to desperation. But still there was this nagging feeling in his soul that was his fear and Legolas had a hard time muting it. Another wind breeze blew through the window, carrying cherry blossoms into the room, and caressed the Elf's naked form, making him shiver once more. This time the shiver was different, not coming from fear anymore, but from cold. And it made clear to Aragorn that he couldn't look into the fair Elf's face for long. He blinked and looked down, trying hard not to blush at the naked form on his bed, but was somehow glad to see it not aroused anymore. But what made him frown was the cherry in the little belly button. Slowly he stood up and fished the red fruit from Legolas' belly, just to spot a little bowl with more of these fruits on the other side of the bed. He leaned over and snatched it away, to put it somewhere out of reach, searching for either a free blanket or the keys to the shackles that kept Legolas chained to the bedposts. As he didn't find the latter in the bag that held a few more utensils that Elladan and Elrohir would have surely used on Legolas if he hadn't stepped in, he pulled out the former from underneath the chained Elf and threw it over him, hoping it would be enough to warm him up a bit. Then he went to find the ones responsible for this uncomfortable situation. "Three... Two... One..." Elrohir counted as he heard steps coming towards the door they were still sitting in front of. "Where are the keys?!" "Why do you want to have them, Estel?" Elladan asked sweetly and smiled up at his foster brother. "Why not take the chance and enjoy the possibilities? You know you want it, so where's the problem?" Legolas on the other hand heard the younger twin's words and clenched his jaws, hoping Aragorn wouldn't let himself being persuaded by these two devils. He was still cold, but the blanket slowly managed to warm him up, making the situation a very little bit less uncomfortable as he was now staring up at the ceiling. The vein on Aragorn's temple twitched visibly and he simply wanted to hit his brother. Right across his head and then again over his ass... until it was red and shining, almost glowing in the dark. Instead he glared at him with a very malicious grin. "Of course I want to... As much as I want to kick your ass and throw it down the mines of Moria, take it back out and sink it into the depths of Mount Doom..." he knew he could go on, but instead he took a deep breath and glared down. "You've seen his wounds, haven't you? And you should know that he was forced to do things like that... But you haven't seen him when he came here! He barely spoke any word, he didn't let anybody come near him or touch him. He was shaking with fear, scared like he had seen Sauron himself... He didn't talk; he didn't look anybody in their eyes... Do you know how hard it was to gain his trust? Do you have ANY idea how hard it is to talk to somebody who was treated like that? How long it took to make him want to trust someone... me? I am happy every time he smiles, when he looks openly at me... And you want me to destroy what we have with this simple action of taking from him what I want? How... dumb... do you think I am?!" Aragorn was panting after his outburst, still glaring at the twins with rage burning in his eyes and somehow he felt like they had shrunk about two inches under his death-like glare. Also he noticed that they were not able anymore to look into his eyes. "Now... where are the keys?" he demanded again and looked directly at the older one of the twins. Elrohir didn't know what had happened. This wasn't their little foster brother Estel, who had always been some kind of beloved toy, kind, meek and modest, a little headstrong maybe, but not that raging like the man who stood in front of them. He bowed his head in humiliation and fished for the key in his pockets, offering it to the by millennia younger man who grabbed it from his hand in the same movement that made him turn on his heels and slam the door shut once more, making the brown-eyed Elf wince again. Elladan didn't say anything. He just let his brother's harsh words rain down on him and looked to the ground. Also he didn't move when Aragorn was done yelling at him and stormed back into his room, once more slamming the door. Only now, after the Human was gone he slowly looked up, seeking his brother's gaze, regret shimmering in his eyes as his bad conscience kicked in. "Elrohir..." he whispered "we've gone too far..." He made a mental note to apologize to Estel later and Legolas as well. He just didn't think about these things, he just acted; let his primal instincts lead him. The other Elf simply nodded in agreement. There were a lot of things they didn't think about... but Legolas obviously seemed to enjoy parts of it... But the knowledge that it was so wrong in their brother's eyes... it shocked him. Inside the King's chambers Legolas still lay on the bed, unmoving. He had listened to Aragorn taking out his rage on his brothers and talking about him. The Elf blinked as the outburst was over and didn't really know what to think. His master was happy to see him smile? And when he looked at him...? That reminded Legolas of when Aragorn had told him that he didn't like the idea of having an Elven slave. Once more the Elf had to admit that he wasn't treated like one either. Biting his lip he frowned slightly. So his master most likely didn't want to be called that either, or that he was acting like this... After Aragorn had stalked back to the bed once again, he worked on finding the right keys to the shackles, which wasn't that easy as there was a different key for each lock and they looked rather similar, so he had to test them all. Thus it took him some time to get them all open, but when he did, he grunted and put them back in the bag he found on the ground. It most likely belonged to the twins and that was reason enough to keep it to himself for the rest of the time they stayed at Minas Tirith. "There... free again..." he murmured as he was finished. Only then he noticed the chain that was still connected to the wall. "Well... almost." As soon as the shackles were gone from his feet and hands Legolas rolled over to the side, pulling the blanket with him in the process. He tucked himself in and slightly drew his legs up towards his upper body so that he was finally lying there in an elegant curve. "Thank you," he murmured and wrapped his arms around his chest, trying to get warmer. Legolas felt a very prickly coldness creep into his body but it didn't come from outside. The origin of the strange and uncomfortable feeling was his soul and heart and it couldn't be helped with just a blanket or a fire. What he needed the most were love, tenderness and affection... and a warm body to snuggle up to, a gentle embrace... Legolas swallowed tightly and glanced to the Human who was standing behind him. His state of arousal was obvious and the Elf wasn't sure if he could dare to ask him. But then again, Aragorn had made his intentions clear as he yelled at his brothers and it was also obvious that he didn't want to do anything Legolas didn't approve of. So the blond man finally shoved his doubts overboard and lowly called the Human. "Ma...." He swallowed, licked his dry lips and started again. "... Elessar?" He had read this name in every book that was written about the quest of Fellowship which was sent out to destroy the Ring, and it seemed it was the name he carried as the King. This name seemed appropriate to Legolas, since he didn't want to call him Estel. The Human himself had told him that he didn't really like to be called that. Indeed he told him that he preferred Aragorn, but this again seemed too disrespectful to the Elf. Aragorn had just decided that he would put the bag to his other belongings into the one of the trunks in his room as he heard Legolas call him. Not with "Master," as he usually did, but with his name... not the one he liked best, but it was his name. So he stopped dead in his movements, the bag in his hands forgotten for a moment as he raised his eyebrows surprised and inquiringly at the Elf on the bed. "Yes?" he asked, since anything else seemed foolish to him. Legolas bit his lip, not sure whether he should continue or not. His arms tightened around him, and his need finally won over his uncertainty. "I'm cold..." he whispered. "Can you... please.... hold me....?" He added after a little pause, not really expecting the Human to say yes. Studying the Elf for a moment, searching his face for anything... something... Aragorn didn't even know what he was searching as his head suddenly answered for him and nodded. He was so surprised over the Elf and himself that he almost dropped the bag in his hand. "Give me a moment to put this away," he murmured and turned away before Legolas could see how red his cheeks were underneath his stubble this time. Stowing away the bag in the nearest trunk, not really caring what was also in there, Aragorn turned back to the bed after he took a deep breath. Gingerly he sat down on the bed, placed his legs rather uncomfortably underneath his body and put a hand on the Elf's shoulder, indicating that he was ready to hold him now... well, as ready as he could be then and there. Legolas turned his head at the gentle touch and smiled lightly at Aragorn, since he hoped he could make him a little more comfortable, encourage him. "Lie down," he said softly while he grabbed the Human's right hand and placed it on his side. The frown on his features gave him too much trouble appreciating the smile Legolas was giving him so he nodded in return, shifted a bit, his hand never leaving the Elf's side though. Even as it was covered with the blanket he could feel the warmth radiating from him... the magic that he was holding over him with each single touch. But Legolas wanted this touch, he had even asked for it, and since Aragorn wanted this touch himself... who was he to deny the Elf that little wish? Carefully he lay down on his side, his front parallel to Legolas' back and placed his arm over the blond head. He paid a lot attention though that he didn't directly touch the almost naked beauty... yet. The Woodelf waited until he could feel that the Human lay down behind him. He entwined their fingers and gently pulled at Aragorn's hand until his arm was wrapped around his upper body and his hand slightly pressed against his chest. Legolas slightly moved backwards, bringing their body's into light contact, carefully making sure that he didn't cause any more friction to the Human's groin. "Thank you," he whispered along with a little content sigh before he closed his eyes. Aragorn didn't even notice the smile that had crept onto his face as Legolas had moved their arms how he wanted it, until they were lying rather close together. Little tingles shot through his body, tingles that he deliberately ignored as they didn't help him. He had made a promise to the Elf and he planned on keeping it... even though his body wanted something else. "You're welcome," he murmured back and bestowed a little kiss on top of the blond mop. He shifted a little, so that his chest was now warming the cold body, but nothing more. Legolas' lips slightly curled up into a smile and he slowly relaxed against the strong body behind him. He felt safe in Elessar's embrace. He didn't quite remember when he felt like this the last time, but somehow it made his thoughts drift off to his home once again, where his lover was waiting for him. He was most likely growing old with worry and grief, maybe it even killed him. The Elf tightened his hold on Aragorn's hand and snuggled up to him closer as another shiver ran through his body. Ganoel wasn't the love of his life. To him he was more like a close friend, somebody he could talk to about everything and also somebody for the cold and lonely hours at night. They had shared passion and a certain fire, but Legolas could feel the flame in his heart growing smaller and smaller with each day he spent with the Human. His love for the other Elf was fading out, dying. Chasing away the disturbing thoughts, the blond man sighed once more, being comfortably wrapped up in the blanked and surrounded by the warmth radiated from Aragorn's body, and let sleep claim him. A few hours passed with the two lying there just like they were and Aragorn was glad that he had Jamiriel, who took care of his tiring paperwork, granting him the time to just lie in his bed, holding Legolas in his arms. He was astounded how safe the Elf felt around him, how he was able to chase away the tension and fear that had come with the visit and ministrations of Elladan and Elrohir with just a single touch. He brushed a few loose strands out of the Elf's fair face, and felt how his chest was heaving and sinking under his arm, in regular intervals as he had fallen asleep. "May your dreams be peaceful," he whispered and kissed the other's head once again after a while, before he tried to untangle his hand carefully from the Elf's, which proved to be quite a task without waking Legolas. It probably took him another hour, with his hand moving very slowly, inch by inch, until he had freed it and dared to shift and move from the bed to sit in front of the fireplace in his armchair. On his way over he glanced out of the window where he saw that the sun was already sinking low, but it was still light outside. He grabbed one of the parchments about Mirkwood and started reading. Some things he had heard from Bilbo Baggins, when he visited Rivendell and told about his adventures with the Dwarves, but that wasn't very accurate as the Hobbit rather told about how he freed Thorin and his men from the Dungeons of the King of the Woodelves. He also liked to tell how he fooled the proud King with the half of a giant gem when the Elves tried to get back their lost prisoners. But that was unnecessary knowledge. What he read now was far more interesting and he didn't really notice how time passed as he sat in front of the fire, reading words that were written long before he was born, at about the time when his forefather was betrayed by the One Ring. Hours passed and the sun slowly set until it was dark outside, thousands of stars and the waning moon the only sources of light. Aragorn was still busy reading the parchment as Legolas' finally woke up. He stirred and clutched the blanket before he turned and rolled over. The Elf hugged the pillow and sighed softly before the comfortable blackness wrapped itself around his consciousness once more. The soft sigh brought Aragorn out of his trance-like reading state. He looked over to the bed and was suddenly reminded that the Elf was naked underneath the blanket as a creamy thigh slipped out from underneath. And this thigh did not stop at an equally creamy buttocks that was hidden underneath some kind of loincloth, no, it went higher and higher until the blanket finally hid the rest of the body. He turned his red face away from the body on his bed and sighed. "I need more spare clothes..." Groaning from the long immobility he stood up and walked over to one of his trunks, where he thought he still had one of his old leggings. And luckily he found some. He usually wore them during the summer time and they had their legs cut off, so that they only went down mid-thigh. Aragorn laid them on the bed, then put off his heavy leather garments, and sat down back in the armchair again as he wanted to continue the last script he had been reading. Not long after Legolas snuggled up to the pillow and blanket he stirred again. A shiver ran through his body as a soft breeze stroked his half-covered body. He extended his hand to where he remembered Aragorn lying behind him, but his fingers only touched the cold bed sheets. The hand stopped for a second before he moved farther, patting around within the arm's reach. A frustrated grunt left the slightly parted lips before Legolas forced his eyes open. He pushed himself up on his left arm and blinked several times while he slowly looked around. The first thing he noticed were the leggings next to him. He grabbed them with a clumsy movement and then shifted until his legs hung over the edge of the bed. Legolas put his legs in the trousers and slowly stood up, pulling the leggings over his hips. After he made sure that they wouldn't slip down again, the Elf made a step towards Aragorn's direction. He had spotted him sitting in his armchair once again, but this time the Human was reading. The blond man couldn't make out what he was reading, and he didn't care much either. Legolas just wanted him to come back to bed so he could go back to sleep. The Elf stopped in front of the Human, still having quite the problems with keeping his eyes open and grabbed his shirt. He tugged at it gently with all the strength his tired fingers had and pointed towards the bed. "Come back to bed... I want to sleep... it's cold..." he murmured sleepily. Aragorn blinked slightly irritated as somebody tugged rather forcefully at his shirt and looked up into droopy blue eyes, his face almost falling. There stood Legolas, almost naked, right in front of him and asked him to get back to bed... either all his dreams had come true all of a sudden or he had fallen asleep in front of the fireplace and was dreaming already. He put away the paper he had been reading, about Thranduil and his children and stood up slowly. Gently he brushed some loose strands out of the fair face, watching a little astounded how Legolas leaned into the touch. That was when he had made his decision and let himself being led to the bed without another word. The Elf gently grabbed Ellesar's hand and pulled him towards the bed without any resistance from the Human as if it was the most normal thing in the world. Still not really awake he started to undo the ties of Aragorn's shirt, not as elegantly as usual as he was fumbling the knots open, now having quite some problems himself. Legolas just let out a low irritated sound when he felt his wrists being grabbed. "Let me take care of that," Aragorn murmured gently and started to work on the knots himself, looking quite better this time on doing it than the Elf. He finished them quite quickly and then looked expectantly into the Elf's face, as if he wanted to know, "And what do you want to do with me now?" After the Human had pulled his hands away from the shirt, Legolas looked at him with a little bit of a dumb expression on his face. But he said nothing and just blinked his tired eyes. He sat down on the bed and watched Aragorn undress, meanwhile struggling with himself not to fall asleep again, yet. When the Human was finished and looked at him, the Elf tuned around and crawled unto the bed and under the blanket. Then he turned towards the other man again and patted the mattress next to him, asking him to join him with the simple motion and a silent plea in his half closed eyes. "Are you sure you need me to fall asleep again?" Aragorn asked after he had shed his pants and put them over the footboard of the bed. Not waiting for an answer though, he climbed onto the bed as well and under the blanket. There he faced the Elf and looked questioningly into his eyes, offering his open arms. Legolas simply nodded. In fact he didn't need the Human, but he didn't want to miss the warm feeling of safety he had, lying in his embrace. So when Aragorn opened his arms the Elf inched closer and looked into steel blue orbs, flashing him a light smile. The Elf snuggled up to the warm body in front of him, his own form slightly curled into an elegant curve, resting his head against the strong chest of the younger man. His right arm was between their bodies, gently brushing against Aragorn's belly while the other one was draped lazily over his side. Legolas soon tightened his hold around the strong body and caressed the bare back of the Human as he sighed contentedly against his chest. Aragorn stiffened with each brushing movement the Elf made against his skin. He thought he had his problem under control but with each movement it was coming back to him with double force. He had put his arms around the thinner form of the Elf and thus he was even pulling him closer the more he stiffened. Legolas seemed not to notice that though and was breathing more evenly with every passing moment as the man was feeling how his problem got bigger and bigger. If Aragorn had been any other man, he may have raised his voice, being reminded of an offer the Elf had made some time ago and asked for it now. But last time he had hidden in the bathroom and this time he would have to try to forget about his problem. He gathered that it would be best for him if he simply ignored it and just fell asleep as well. But that was thought easier than done. Legolas felt how the Human tensed and pulled him closer in the process. He knew that once again he was the cause of it and slightly bit his lip. All he wanted was to lie there with Elessar in his embrace and sleep, but yet again he was causing him this kind of problem with such simple touches, arousing him with just his hand on his belly. Once again Legolas was glad for the Human's determination not to do anything. The Elf murmured something like "I'll help you with that" before his hand moved up over Aragorn's back until it reached a special spot between his shoulder blades. The blond gave a quick and gentle pressure with two fingers, thus causing the king to relax completely in an instant. Aragorn had stiffened when the hand on his back had roamed around a little more until it had obviously found the place where it wanted to stay. And what Legolas had said before he did so made his problem just a little more urgent and he was almost thinking that he had voiced what he thought, but then he felt some pressure on the upper part of his back and a sudden tiredness took a hold of him. So within a few heartbeats he relaxed and his eyes fluttered shut, sleep claiming him faster than he could fathom. Legolas smiled as he could feel the Human relax under his hands and snuggled up to him even closer, listening to his steady heartbeat and breath as he fell asleep shortly afterwards. The Elf also closed his eyes and sighed once more before he fell asleep as well. A few hours later he woke up again, being fully awake in an instant as his sensitive ears caught the sound of the chamber's door being opened. Legolas carefully wiggled out of the embrace and slipped of the bed, soundlessly as usual. He kneeled next to the wall in the dark shadows and peeked around the wooden footboard of the bed. What he saw then made his blood run cold. From behind the little wall in the middle of the room there came a tall and strong built figure, heading for the sleeping king in his bed, lifting his right arm. The dim moonlight was reflected by the blade of a one foot long dagger. To be continued... ____________________________________________________________ Whoooo! Cliffhanger! ^^; Thanks for the comments on the last chapter. And yes, we like being evil. *grins* Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My-chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.fire-angel.net/Seek%20Truth/main.html http://www.geocities.com/lirimaer8/index.html http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://fanfiction.alansworld.com/viewuser.php?uid=74 http://adultfan.nexcess.net/aff/authors.php?no=2588 Legolas In Chains Archive ALSlash Archive Library of Moria, too Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG-13? May go up again soon... Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, Elrohir/Elladan, OC/Arwen Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery, angst... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn's and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen-bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; _______________________________________________________________________ After they had spent some much needed time to recover in front of the King’s chambers, Elladan and Elrohir decided that they had had enough excitement for one day. Nursing their aching ears and bodies, they chose that the garden would be good to spend the rest of the day in. So they made their way downstairs and outside into the green sanctuary of Minas Tirith where they soon found a nice little spot to sit down. They spent a couple of hours just sitting or – in Elladan’s case – lying there, enjoying the beautiful flowers and bushes. The sun was already setting and the feeling of their bodies was pretty much back to normal when the younger twin yawned lowly and nudged his brother gently. “Darlin… I’m bored…” Elrohir had leaned against the thick trunk of an old and proud tree, brushing his fingers idly through the long dark strands of his brother, both calming himself and the other with these movements in the process. Shadows of the leaves on the tree were playing with their faces, sometimes irritating him, but most of the time he simply adored the play of the shapes, losing himself in it until his brother called him. “How can you be bored? The weather is great, the grass is soft, your head is lying in my lap, I’m caressing your hair… how can you be bored?” the brown-eyed Elf asked with an exaggerated amount of happiness, looking down into Elladan’s face. The younger one just looked up in his brother’s eyes, his right eyebrow slowly rising. Elrohir managed to withstand that look for a few moments before he looked away and laughed sheepishly. “Alright, okay, I’m bored, too. What shall we do?” Elladan chuckled softly and lifted his left hand to caress his brother’s cheeks. “What about a little ride?” he asked and then grinned as he saw the expression on the face of the sitting Elf. “Not THAT kind of ride!” Elladan chuckled and slightly shook his head at his brother. “I mean the one where horses are involved.” “Never thought you could mean anything else,” retorted the brown-eyed Elf and smiled. “Okay, so we have to go to the stables to get the horses you mentioned… which means, we have to get up.” He looked down, somehow not very edified by the idea. “You don’t look too happy, darlin”, Elladan replied after he sat up. And leaning closer to the other one he whispered in his ear: “We’ll continue cuddling later, okay? After we had another…. ride… as well,” he husked and slightly leaned back to capture his brother’s lips. Returning the kiss softly, Elrohir looked a little disappointed when they broke it. “Why not… ride now? The horses can wait, can’t they?” Elladan’s lips curled up into something that was very close to a pout and his eyes held a malignant shimmer. “So can you, can’t you?” he asked in return before he slowly got up. The older twin almost copied his brother’s expression as he followed suit. “Not if you come this close to me… Can’t we just combine both kinds of riding?” Mentally Elrohir made note that this was still on their “to try”-list… or rather he just noticed that it was missing and he had put it there immediately as he noticed his mistake. Once again Elladan chuckled. “One could think that you managed to built up some self-control around me during the past 3000 years, my dear brother,” he teased with a grin, before he added: “We’ll see…” to answer his brother’s question. Then he turned around and headed towards the stables, certain that Elrohir would just follow him. And that he did, although he would have rather followed him into their chambers than anywhere else. He refrained from any comment on what Elladan had said as they passed the gates of the royal stables. There he first saw an unknown Elf with crow-black hair who seemed to take care of the horses and then their little sister approaching said Elf. Out of a sudden impulse he grabbed the arm of his brother who was walking a little ahead of him and held him back. Elladan let out a surprised gasp as the older twin grabbed him and pulled him in an empty stable. He just wanted to protest as he saw how familiar Arwen and the stranger seemed to be. “Yes, Naur is as headstrong as ever, and it seems I am still the only one he doesn’t wish to kill when he gets the chance,” Rhÿn said and caressed the soft nose of the still wild stallion. “Sîdh is fine and almost back to her normal condition.” He glanced over to the mare and her little filly. “Sûl on the other hand is quite the troublemaker…just like her father…” Silver pools returned to the queen to rest on her body, a silent question in them. “Is she?” Arwen asked and smiled. “Well, this seems to be a strong thread of him… It’s only natural for his daughter to be like that, isn’t it?” She folded her hands over her belly and caressed it softly with her thumbs. “It’s good to hear that they are well…” Rhÿn walked over to his lover, his eyes never leaving her hands on her lower abdomen. He was just about to extend his arms and hug Arwen when he noticed a disturbance in the energy around them…. Somebody was there. So the young looking man took a step to the side instead and turned towards the saddles. “I’m glad to see that you’re fine, milady...” He almost forced his lips to form those words, which were almost the opposite of what he actually wanted to say. Arwen blinked at the words she heard and looked at the back of the black-haired Elf rather irritated. Her lips formed a “What?!” but what she actually said was, “Thank you.” She sent Rhÿn another frown and then turned to look around in the stables, searching for whoever made the rather hot-tempered boy so cold towards her. Elrohir froze as Arwen’s eyes fixed onto him. “Damnit,” he cursed and stepped out of cover. “Hi! My brother and I just… wanted to take a ride,” he said and grinned widely at the other two Elves. “Any horses you would like us to tame?” “Yeah,” Elladan agreed and stood next to his brother, grinning just as wide as Elrohir. Rhÿn just looked at them with his usual icy glare, looking them over in just a heartbeat. “No, I’m sorry. We only have one horse to tame, and he is to my custody alone. He will try to kill anyone else.” With that he turned back to the saddles, checking them for damages or dirt. “Oh really?” Elrohir asked, his grin turning into a smirk. “Our dear sister here likes to tame wild horses sometimes… Would you let her tame him?” Arwen’s eyes widened at the statement and she fought hard not to blush any deeper than what was decent. Inwardly she was screaming why and how the twins were able to join in their secret way of conversation. “She already has,” was everything Rhÿn said before he turned towards Arwen again. “Excuse me, milady. I have to take care of some personal business.” With that he left the stables without looking at the twins again. There was nothing more to say, they already knew everything… Elladan’s eyes followed the black haired Elf and he licked his lips. “Good choice…” he murmured. “Indeed,” grinned Elrohir and walked over to his brother, placing his arm around the other’s shoulder. “You tamed him, huh?” Arwen glared at them. “I tried. But he ran away from me. Rhÿn was the one who caught him for me.” The older of the twins stared at their sister open-mouthed. He had thought that she had gathered that he wasn’t talking about the horse anymore and was thinking that her mental abilities were rather run-down. The younger brother was slightly taken aback as well, but he soon realized that she was just trying to save what was already lost. To pretend that what her brothers witnessed was nothing… “Tinu…” Elladan started and took another step towards his sister. “Stop pretending… we know… it was quite obvious. The energy flowing between the both of you can hardly be overlooked…. Only Humans or blind Elves wouldn’t have noticed…” Arwen looked quite blankly at the two Elves and then looked down again. Shame was written all over her face, and guilt. So many things were running through her mind, but one seemed most important to her. “I know… But… Estel… He… wouldn’t understand it.” Elrohir was tempted to roll his eyes and groan, but he simply shook his head. “You sound like an idiot,” he voiced his thoughts. “Estel has other problems right now.” The female Elf looked back up at them. “I know… but, I still love him, you know?” This made her older brother raise his eyebrow. “Tinu, your love died. I don’t know when it happened, but it is not repairable anymore and you should know that.” “I do,” Arwen said stubbornly. “But Estel is my husband, and I vowed to be with him until he died…” This time it was Elladan who indeed did roll his eyes and groaned. The day did already have a very bad turn, and he didn’t quite have the energy for such a discussion with his headstrong sister. “Arwen,” he finally said and sighed. He took the last step towards her and took her smaller hands in his. “Look, honey. It’s obvious that the glow between you and Estel grew out… smaller…” he corrected himself after a little pause. “Like the flame of a candle… in the wind…” His words slowly died out as he didn’t know what to say to make his sister feel better. Whatever he could tell her to show her that they understood and didn’t mind, that she didn’t have to feel guilty… Arwen looked openly at the younger one of her brothers. “I know that. And I know it is partially my fault. I drove him away from me when he didn’t have time for me anymore…” She looked down to the ground, to her feet and was thinking about what to say else. “Tinu, we can imagine what happened. This… Rhÿn was just there at the right time and place to comfort you in your solitude,” Elrohir murmured and moved to hug his sister. But she backed away from him, looking somehow terrified. “You don’t want to understand, do you?” Arwen said aggravated. “I’m not like you. I do care about the ones I give my heart to…” “Tinu, we do as well,” Elrohir interrupted. “Like us?!” Elladan threw in before Arwen could say anymore. He let go of his sister’s hands and just glared at her with all his might. “What are you trying to say, Arwen? That we are unfeeling creatures who fuck anybody who steps in our way, and that we don’t care the least? That we don’t know what love is?!” The younger twin clenched his fists before he turned away. “Let’s go Elrohir, I had enough for today…” Arwen winced visibly at her brother’s harsh words. She hadn’t meant to be this cruel to them. “Wait! You know I didn’t meant it that way. Please… wait.” The older one of the twins had just put his hands soothingly on his brother’s shoulders, intending as well to go. Some part of his mind supplied that maybe they were just skipping the part with the horses and go back to cuddling, but he quickly shoved that away. Instead he hesitated a moment to hear what their sister wanted to tell them. “I… didn’t want to hurt you… but… it seems like a… sport or something to you… like… your afternoon workout or so. I did not say you don’t care about your… you know, but do you love them? Can you imagine anyone else than yourself to spend the rest of your life with?” Elladan wrapped his arm around his brother’s waist and pulled him closer to him. “We do this for our personal fun, for a change. And I wouldn’t want to spend the rest of my life with anyone else than him.” The green-eyed Elf rested his head lovingly on Elrohir’s shoulder. “Are you trying to tell us that you want to spend the rest of your life with this… gorgeous groom?”, Elrohir asked, covering up his contended smile over his brother’s exclamation. The woman’s eyes widened. “No! I mean… not yet…” She looked away. “I’m not sure. I… love him… how he tends the horses…” “Tinu…” Arwen looked up again, this time her gaze was icy. “Have YOU ever thought about how your… toys feel when you… play with them?” “We…” Elladan started but stopped dead in his words as he remembered Estel’s outburst a few hours ago. A wave of guilt washed over his face. “Yes….. we have…. I mean… we…” Again he stopped and this time it was him who looked away. “What we actually wanted…. to say was… that you should just follow your heart… and your heart only...” he said lowly. Arwen looked at her brothers with wide eyes, all ice gone and replaced by shame. “I’m sorry… I am grateful you… understand what I… feel…” “Tinu, you don’t even know yourself what you feel. Just trust your heart, it will lead you the right way,” Elrohir added and squeezed his brother’s shoulder. “Thank you, I will.” The woman’s smile was not bright or big, but at least honest. Elladan leaned into his brother’s gentle touch, not really able to flash his sister a smile. So he just nodded. “And sorry that we…. chased your sweetheart away…” Elrohir’s eyebrow twitched and his eyes got a rather dangerous gleam, that he quickly hid from his sister though with a grin. He squeezed his brother’s shoulders once again, urging him to get away from their sister. Arwen on the other hand smiled a little more and patted the green-eyed twin’s arm. “Don’t be sorry about that… he flees from almost everyone. But didn’t you two want to take a ride?” Elladan noticed Elrohir’s expression even though he tried to hide it and he grinned inwardly. His brother just added another point to their to-do list. Actually he wanted to follow the older Elf’s silent request to leave, but then his sister addressed him again. “Yes… we wanted to, but we changed our minds. And I am quite exhausted from the day. I prefer a quiet evening with my darlin…” he said and slightly rubbed his cheek against his brother’s. Elrohir grinned even more and couldn’t quite stop himself from saying, “Maybe we’ll get a ride later…” Smiling back, Arwen answered, “Just ask Rhÿn, he knows every horse by heart in these stables.” “Oh yes, we’ll ask him, Tinu,” the brown-eyed Elf said in return. “But we’ll leave you alone now. Do nothing we wouldn’t do as well.” “I sure won’t,” the woman smiled and kissed them both on their cheeks. “Have fun.” “Oh, I will.” “Oh no, you won’t,” Elladan teased his brother before flashing a light smile and a wink to their sister. “Let’s go, Darlin. I want to spend the rest of the day just with you…. In bed that is… cuddling,” he added before Elrohir could think anything wrong. “Good night, Tinu. Sleep well.” “Thank you. You too,” she added and watched how the brothers went out of the stables arm in arm, the older one talking to the younger one who was sending him little playful glares. Arwen wondered if they ever grew up any time and then turned around to search for Rhÿn. But she found him nowhere so she went back to her rooms almost reluctantly, facing the solitude of an evening with reading, writing and talking with her maidens until she finally went to bed. Elladan and Elrohir also went back to their chambers where they spent an unusual quiet and peaceful evening in bed, cuddling. It didn’t take the Elves long to fall asleep in each other’s arms, sleeping a restful sleep like they didn’t in quite a long time. Rhÿn almost flew from the three Elves in the stables. Outside the fist thing he did was taking a deep breath, then he clenched his jaws and fists and cursed inwardly. All of this couldn't be true; it had to be some kind of bad dream, a nightmare. For over seven months they had hidden their relationship from anybody, and then those two men stumbled in, the queen's brothers and found out about them in just a heartbeat. Life wasn't fair. The black haired boy went over to a shed where his master was busy helping the blacksmith to shoe one of the horses of the royal guards. The Elf knocked against the wooden surface of the wall to make himself noticed and grinned satisfied when he could see the equerry wince frightened. "Hey, old man. I'm taking a few days off," he said and turned around to leave. "Hold it, boy. First of all, call me master Kargan! And secondly... you're not going anywhere! What do you think; you can't just take "a few days off" -" He was cut short by Rhÿn who just turned around and shot him with a fiery glare. "I've been working for seven months without a single full day off. I can take a few days off, and that I will. Try to stop me, old man," he growled dangerously and his glare intensified. "If you go now, you don't need to return!" Kargan threatened his groom. The half-breed chuckled and only shrugged. "Do as you please, if you think you can find someone who can do my work as well as me," he replied indifferently. Kargan clenched his jaws. He knew he had lost to the creepy half Elf once more. There was nobody who could possibly replace him. And they both knew that. The confident grin on the boy's face though made him almost freak out and he growled lowly. "Don't be all too self-confident, boy. One day you will fall. And I'll be there to laugh at you." "You'll fall before me, Human," Rhÿn spat out and finally turned to walk away. He went to his chamber, which he didn't sleep in very often... or to get it straight, never. He was either spending the nights on the hayloft, on the roof, or outside of Minas Tirith in the woods. Mostly he used the small room to store his belongings, some food and the money he earned, which wasn't much altogether. So now he just grabbed a little bag and stuffed as much food in it as he had, before he went back outside to look for more. It didn't take long until he spotted a loaf of bread on a windowsill which lay there to cool out. Rhÿn slowly walked over, making sure that nobody saw him and just took it, stuffing it into the bag as well. After he had enough food the Elf left Minas Tirith and went westwards to the Grey Woods. Aside from the old man's threat the black haired boy was pretty sure that he would be thrown out of the castle if Arwen's brothers decided to tell somebody about their sister's affair. Or worse. Rhÿn changed his pace into a fast trot and covered the first 20 miles of the distance in less than two hours. The wind blew from the south and carried his scent towards the Grey Wood, so that the Elf wasn't really surprised to see a big grey wolf approaching him from the direction of the forest. Nevertheless the black haired boy stopped dead in his movements and just stared back into golden eyes with his silver ones. They just looked at each other for what seemed a small eternity until the wolf finally blinked and slowly closed the distance between them. Rhÿn sank to his knees with an elegant movement and set the bag aside, just to throw his arms around the soft neck of the animal as it stood in front of him. "Naneth..." he whispered almost lovingly and buried his face into the soft hide. Now that he was kneeling, the Elf had to loll to close his arms around the strong neck, as the female wolf was almost reaching his belly button when he was standing. "I missed you, Ayesha," Rhÿn added and slowly backed away again. The answer was a soppy lick across his face, and a low whimpering sound from Ayesha's throat that made the brooding Elf finally smile. Slowly he got up again and grabbed his bag, just to turn again and see the wolf waggling her tail. The Elf chuckled lowly. "At least you're happy to see me," he said softly and scratched her ears gently before he climbed onto Ayesha's back. Together they continued their journey into the depth of the Grey Wood, with Rhÿn soon falling asleep on the wolf's back while she was running through the summerly forest. ~~~ Meanwhile upstairs in the king’s chambers Legolas watched every movement of the stranger whom he believed to be an assassin, sent to kill Elessar. Soundlessly he moved closer to the other man who slowly approached the sleeping king. ‘Cowardly Humans,’ Legolas thought grimly, ‘try to kill each other while they are asleep.’ The disgust towards this race which the Elf believed to be faded out, boiled up again as he was now facing this scene. But by no means would he let this person kill his Human. As the blond man was certain that the assassin was well in reach of his chain he shot forward, just when the other one lifted his arm more, ready to attack the figure in the bed. Legolas jumped on the stranger’s back and wrapped the chain around his neck. Holding onto the end that was connected with his collar, Legolas grabbed the loose end, and pulled slightly. "Let go of your weapon," he ordered in the common language of Middle-Earth, even though it sounded a bit broken, but yet a dangerous growl. The other man froze for a second, more surprised than frightened at the sudden weight on his back. But he thought the slender figure was one of the king’s concubines, just a girl who tried to scare him so he would leave. He wasn’t scared the least though and just let out an annoyed grunt. Legolas noticed that the assassin wouldn’t do as he told him, more likely the opposite and strained his muscles to prepare for any assault. The man then grabbed his chain and started to pull it away from his neck, but the Elf reacted between two heartbeats and pulled harder, thus forcing the man a step backwards, away from the bed. The killer choked and cursed under his breath. But he didn’t waste his time with trying to pull the chain away again. He noticed that his attacker had quite strong arms and that it wouldn’t be much use to struggle like this. So instead he moved his right hand with the dagger, turned the weapon so it was now pointing towards Legolas and stabbed him. ~~~ Downstairs in the Elf-brothers' chambers Elladan sat up in his bed with a start. His eyes widened slightly as he was staring into the darkness in front of him, trying to make out what had woken him up. He felt… danger… death… “Elrohir! Wake up!” he shook his still sleeping brother, forcing him to wake up. The older twin groaned at the sudden attack of an earthquake and tried to roll to the other side, hide underneath his covers and hug his brother for support. But then he noticed that his brother was the cause for the earthquake and groaned once more. “Mrahrm…” “No, get up!” was all Elladan replied to his brother’s complaining, before he crawled off the bed. Within no time he was dressed in his pants and grabbed the blanket to pull it away with one quick tug. “Elrohir!” The younger brother pulled the half-awake twin out of the bed by his left food. “Estel’s being attacked, get your lazy ass in some pants and move it!” “Grhmhm,” Elrohir murmured once again and frowned in his slumber. And then he hit the floor, glaring at the one who had pulled him out of the bed and who had disturbed his senses. “Give me a moment please, will you?” he growled and sensed around once more, feeling a threat coming from the general direction of the King’s chambers. Abruptly he sat up and made a leap for his pants, cursing under his breath as he put them on. Elladan waited impatiently until his brother finally finished putting on some clothes, then he grabbed his sleeve and pulled him out of their room, upstairs towards Estel’s chambers. ~~~ Legolas felt a stinging pain in his side when the dagger hit him and he hissed lowly, determined to ignore it. The Elf concentrated his strength in his arms, grabbed the chain tighter and pulled with all his might. He knew he couldn’t expect help from Elessar, for he was still asleep and his sleep was fast and sound thanks to the spots Legolas had pressed earlier to make him relax. Finally he could feel the man underneath him stagger and he pulled even harder, not intending to let the chain loose before the assassin lay on the ground, defeated. The loud rattling of the chain, the low gasps and hissing sounds finally managed to wake the man from his rather deep sleep. Aragorn stirred a little and turned around, just to frown as he felt as if something was missing. But as he was already waking up, more sounds of the chain and some choking came to his ear and he blinked his eyes open. What he saw made his eyes snap wide open though. He was awake within a heartbeat and on his feet even faster, as he saw that Legolas was trying to suffocate somebody with his chain. The next thing he saw was that the Elf was bleeding and his heart sank as he noticed the dagger that threatened to fall down any moment now from the hand of the man whose knees just gave in at this particular moment. “Legolas!” was all that managed to fall from the Human’s lips. As the Elf noticed that the Human underneath him was growing weaker he doubled his efforts once more just to feel him sink to his knees shortly afterwards. He heard Elessar calling him one moment later, but it was almost covered by the sound of the dagger hitting the ground. Legolas gasped as the assassin made another attempt to get him off his back and tried to grab him. The Elf reacted in an instant and pressed his knee in the Human’s back, finally sending him flat on the ground. He didn’t let go though, and still held onto the chain, sweating and panting heavily. In this particular moment, the door to the King’s chambers slammed open and Elladan stormed in, still pulling his brother with him on his arm. He stopped dead in his tracks as he saw the two figures on the ground, and sucked in his breath with a hiss. “Naur,” he whispered to light the candles. Elrohir stumbled in shortly after his brother and took in he situation a little less horrified, as sleep was still trying to get a hold of him. But seeing Legolas on the floor choking some man, who obviously didn’t just want to have a little tête-à-tête with the King, and Estel, looking quite shocked and surprised at the two people on the floor, made the brown-eyed Elf a bit more awake than he was. And then he started contemplating whether the blond Elf needed their help or not. Aragorn had shielded his eyes from the light when candles were suddenly lit in the rather dark room and when he lowered his hand again, he saw that the Elven twins had entered the room. He looked at them wide-eyed for a moment before he did what he had intended to do once he saw what was going on in his bedroom. He lunged forward, kneeled next to the man and Legolas and pushed the strangled one’s head down. “Let go…” he ordered, but didn’t quite know to whom it was directed. Legolas didn’t let the arrival of the twins or the suddenly lit candles distract him in any way as he still held onto the chain tightly. Only when Elessar kneeled next to him and the assassin underneath him, he slowly looked up. Reluctantly he let go of the chain, still making sure that the man stayed down and didn’t get the chance to endanger Aragorn again. Still panting slightly he removed the steel rings from around the lying man’s neck and stood up. He took a small step backwards and yet another one as he noticed the twins. Elladan on the other hand had also moved towards the assassin and picked up his dagger, now holding it to the owner’s neck to keep him from any movement. Elrohir stood in the entrance of the room, guarding the door if the intruder wanted to flee. Well, he didn’t really know what else to do and this seemed to be a good idea, even though it was rather unlikely that the man would find a way to get out. “Who are you and who sent you?” asked Aragorn, his voice now stable and not showing any of his sleepiness anymore. “Nobody,” was the spit out answer after the assassin coughed several times. He looked up at Aragorn, stabbing him with his eyes which were so full of hatred that Legolas stumbled yet another step back. Which turned out to be a mistake as he felt the piercing pain in his side again and hissed lowly. The Elf pressed his hand to the spot and staggered slightly as he was overwhelmed by a sudden dizziness. The King’s eyes narrowed and he shoved the other man’s head hard onto the floor. “Who sent you?!” he demanded again, underlining his words with another hard shove. “Fuck you,” came the muttered reply as the assassin lapped away the blood that dripped from his bleeding nose on his upper lip. Elladan growled at the man and poked his throat with his dagger, indicating that he better watched his mouth. Legolas grabbed a handful of air, trying to find something to hold onto as the world around him started to spin. Everything seemed far away, even the sounds were muffled by something like cotton wool and his sight slowly got blurry. A silent moan slipped from the Elf’s lips before he lost balance and fell forward. “You better tell me who sent you or else…!” Aragorn didn’t get much further before he heard the moan behind him. He turned around right in time to see Legolas fall forward and jumped up, trusting Elladan to keep the obvious assassin down and under control, and caught Legolas before he could hit the ground. His brows furrowed as he felt more liquid under his fingers than he expected. The man shifted a little so he could take a look at the source of the liquid and found a deep and rather long wound on the lighter man’s side. Uncertain if he could gather enough strength to carry Legolas to the bed to tend his wounds, Aragorn did so nevertheless and then pulled a cord to call the guards. Legolas felt Elessar’s strong arms around him and simply leaned into the touch, trusting the Human to steady and hold him. The Elf lay heavily in the embrace and let himself being carried towards the bed since he wasn’t able to do anything. A numb feeling was spreading out from his side, turning into a comfortable blackness, which wrapped itself around his conscience. Legolas’ eyes fluttered shut and another silent moan fell from his half parted lips. He just wanted to sleep, give in to this warm fuzzy feeling, but then he would probably sleep forever… Elladan on the other hand was having quite a good time, poking and pricking the man with his own dagger. He was now sitting on the back of the assassin, hindering him from any movements. He turned his head towards his brother and nodded, silently telling him that he could leave his place in front of the door. Then he turned back towards the captured killer and leaned down slightly to whisper in his ear: “If you don’t want to tell us who sent you… we’ll make you tell later…” The tone in his voice was somehow dangerous and dark, indicating that he wouldn’t be nice to the man and that mercy and pity would be removed from his vocabulary by then. Aragorn grabbed the by now much used blanket and pressed it against Legolas’ deep wound, trying to stop the bleeding. But the red liquid was only hardly stopped and he was already fearing that the blond Elf would die in his arms, when the fabric of the blanket wasn’t soaked as fast with blood anymore. He sighed and pressed the now more red than white cloth back against the pale skin and looked around. Elrohir was assisting his brother in torturing the assassin, sitting in front of him and annoying him as he poked him now and then, always when he didn’t expect it at all. All the while he was grinning like a little child that was just about to get its birthday presents. The King was about to say something when he heard how the door to his chambers was slammed open and bulky guards marched in, looking ready to fight a war rather than arresting a simple assassin. It was their overly serious faces that made Aragorn almost chuckle. “Greaw, arrest this man and get him down to the dungeons,” he ordered coldly. ”Starve him if you must, but I want to know who sent him.” “Yes, your Majesty!” the bulkiest of all the men saluted and walked over to the twins who just started to grin dangerously, which he conveniently ignored. He asked them politely to get up and leave that man to his custody. Elrohir only stood up when he promised that he would be very nice to him, sharing their kind of smile. “Get me some cloths, I need to bandage my slave,” the Kind ordered one of Greaw’s men, who nodded sharply and turned on his heels to fulfill his Lord’s wishes, making the older man smile once more. Some of the young men were really overly dedicated to their duties. It was a good thing, but he just hoped that they would think sometimes before they followed their commander’s orders. When Elladan heard his foster brother’s order he turned towards him, concern written over his features which softened as he looked at the two men on the bed. “Is he hurt very badly?” he asked silently, taking in the slender figure. Legolas was paler than usual and his closed eyes and sweat covered forehead made him look rather dead than alive. Actually the Elf was very close to unconsciousness, and it seemed like he would lose the struggle against the blackness any second. Aragorn nodded and lifted the blanket to show the deep wound that Legolas got. He looked up into the blond Elf’s face, just to see the pale face’s features relaxing. He shoved the blanket in one of the other two Elves’ hands and shook Legolas on his shoulders. “Wake up! You are not allowed to fall asleep yet!! This is an order!!!” Elladan turned towards the door to watch how Greaw and his men took the captured assassin with them to the cellar of the tower and glared deadly him, while Elrohir continued to press the soaked cloth against the blond’s wound. Legolas moaned lowly as he was shaken and his head rolled to the side. “’msorry…iwon’t…” came the whispered reply. “…don’t…go…please…” The younger twin clenched his jaws. They would make him tell for sure. Aragorn had far more important problems right now than an assassin who was being dragged out of his chambers. He had to keep an Elf alive until that boy returned with the cloth. Cupping two pale cheeks in his hands as he steadied Legolas’ head, the man looked determined into his fair face. “I won’t go, but you won’t go anywhere right now as well, you hear me?” he pleaded with the wounded Elf. “What were you thinking, getting wounded like this? You could have at least tried to dodge it, couldn’t you?” Guilt wandered over his face, as Legolas noticed how concerned Elessar was over his condition. “’msorry…” he murmured again and looked into steel blue eyes. “…had to keep him.. away… from you…” And actually the Elf didn’t really notice that the dagger had hurt him. He had been far too busy with bringing the man down. “And I thank you for that,” the man replied with a soft smile as he caressed Legolas’ cheek with a thumb. “But I wished that you would take a little bit more care of yourself.” Elrohir loosened the pressure on the wound a bit to take a look at how much it was still bleeding and was contented to see almost no blood drip out of it anymore. He looked up when he heard footsteps approaching and looked up to his brother. “The boy comes back.” Elladan took a step aside in case not to stand in the way as a maybe 15-year-old boy entered the room heading for the king’s bed, carrying a bowl with hot water, cloths and bandages. He set it down next to Aragorn on his bed, before he spun on his heals and left the room, probably as fast as he could. Legolas closed his eyes again, since the light of the candles was stabbing them with their brightness. He trusted the Human at his side to know what he was doing. And since he also didn’t know how deep the wound actually was, his only task was to stay awake for the time being. The King dismissed the young guard and then stood to clean Legolas’ wound. Elrohir jumped to his feet as Estel gently nudged his shoulder to watch how he dipped a soft cloth into the water. Frowning he somehow knew that it wouldn’t be enough and tugged at his brother’s arm. “Elladan, did we take Athelas with us from home?” “Yes we did,” replied his brother. “We never travel without it…” He resumed looking at Aragorn and Legolas for a few more seconds before he turned to leave. “I’ll get it,” was all he said before he left the room and went downstairs to their chambers. Elrohir nodded and watched how his brother set off to their room. He turned around and looked at the King who was still tending the blond’s wounds, gently washing the blood from the cut and sniffing on it. Aragorn made a face, confirming what they all had feared. “Poison…” ~~~ Elladan chased downstairs as fast as he could, almost flying down the stairs, past a few very surprised Humans who weren’t really sure if they actually saw him or not. He slammed the door to their rooms open and jumped over the bed to his bag. Opening it within the same movement, he dug around in it for a second before his fingers found what he had been looking for. With a satisfied nod he left the chambers again, his fist tightly closed around a tuft of little, white flowers. The younger twin hurried back upstairs and a mere minute after he left he entered the room again and stopped next to his foster brother, not a bit out of breath. “There you go,” he said and offered the plant to Aragorn. The man stared wide-eyed at the green-eyed twin, mumbling his thanks and chewed on the herbs while he still dipped the wound and then pressed the mass in his mouth against the now clean wound, before he bandaged it and hoped that Legolas would heal soon. He stood up again and laid a hand on a pale forehead, wiping away some sweat and loose strands. Elrohir stepped back and put his hand around his twin's shoulders, pulling him closer to stop himself from shivering. He hoped that Estel’s charge wasn’t hurt too badly. Elladan wrapped his arm around his brother’s waist, hugging him in return as he felt the slight shiver run through his body. Together they looked down at Legolas whose lips were pressed to a thin line as he was now finally feeling the pain from his wound. The younger twin clenched his fists and a low dangerous growl came from his throat. “Estel… we would like to…. interrogate… the prisoner, if you don’t mind.” His voice was surprisingly calm, but the tone made clear that "interrogate" could easily be replaced with "punish" or "torture". Aragorn looked into his brothers’ faces for a long moment, wondering if he could bear the responsibility of what they would do to the man, but a glance down to Legolas’ face that was contorted with pain made his features harden. He nodded curtly and raised his voice in a dangerous growl. “Do with him as you wish, but find out who is responsible for this.” “We will, Estel, we will,” grinned Elrohir and squeezed his brother’s shoulders for confirmation. “There will be nothing he will keep secret from us.” “I trust you in this completely,” the younger man smirked back. “You won’t regret your decision, dear brother,” Elladan almost purred with anticipation, but the almost soft tone was betrayed by the wicked grin on his face. The arm around his brother’s waist tightened and he nudged him softly, urging him out the room. “Take care of your Elf; we’ll come back when we’re finished.” “Thank you,” murmured Aragorn, but was yet already too busy looking at Legolas’ face. Elrohir grinned and let himself being led out of the room, somehow looking forward to interrogating the assassin. Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My-chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.fire-angel.net/Seek%20Truth/main.html http://www.geocities.com/lirimaer8/index.html http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://fanfiction.alansworld.com/viewuser.php?uid=74 http://adultfan.nexcess.net/aff/authors.php?no=2588 Legolas In Chains Archive ALSlash Archive Library of Moria, too Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG-13? May go up again soon... Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, Elrohir/Elladan, OC/Arwen Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery, angst... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn's and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen-bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; _______________________________________________________________________ A few hours later Elladan and Elrohir returned to the King’s chambers, reporting what they found out from the assassin. Unfortunately it wasn’t much. “What do you mean: he doesn’t know who sent him? There must have been some hints in his message,” whispered Aragorn in an attempt not to wake the sleeping form on his bed. “He said he has no idea. He met somebody disguised in a very dark alleyway who promised him a fortune of money if he killed the traitorous King. That person gave him no identity but a small taste of that fortune that he spent in the tavern last night. Maybe it helped to make him forget who it was,” Elrohir explained. “Fact is: the assassin has no idea why he wanted to kill you... aside from some personal disliking.” Aragorn paced the room, still not completely assured that the twins had done all they could. “Are you sure you did everything you could do? That you asked him in all ways you could?” Elrohir looked at his twin with a raised eyebrow, asking him silently with his eyes to make it clear to Estel that they pulled all registers. Elladan sighed and rolled his eyes before he went over to the table to take a seat. Then he looked up at his Human brother and his face became unfamiliar serious. “Estel, you know us don’t you? We love to play and hardly take anything serious. We are careless and irresponsible. But, and that’s a big but, IF we are taking something serious, then it’s deadly serious. We are reliable if it really counts, and we know how to make somebody talk. Breaking somebody’s will is quite easy, you just have to know how it’s done... and we know it. And you know that too.” The younger twin got up again and approached Aragorn who had stopped walking. Elladan put his hand on his shoulder and squeezed it gently. “Trust us, Estel. Nothing has been kept secret from us.” He hugged his brother and held him tightly. “I know you worry about Legolas, but don’t let it get to your heart... he’ll be fine.” Aragorn hugged back for a moment but then held Elladan an arm-length away from him, trying to send him at least a wry smile. “It has already gone to my heart too much,” he said quietly before he looked away from the green pools. “I fear Legolas has captured more of my heart than I expected already.” He kept silent for a moment, long enough to hear a sharp intake of breath before he turned around to leave the room. “I need to take care of the formalities concerning that guy’s imprisoning. Take a look at Legolas for me, I will be back soon.” The man was already out of the room when he added, “Look, don’t touch!” Elrohir glared at the now shut door and growled defiantly, “I won’t dare to touch your beloved toy.” “Candy, not toy,” his brother corrected with a chuckle. He turned back to his brother and cupped his cheeks to pull him closer. Capturing Elrohir’s lips with his, the younger twin purred softly. “That was fun... do you think Estel would mind if we repeated that some time?” Elladan asked with a playful gleam in his eyes. “Hm... I don’t think he would... Saves him some long and tiring work,” the older twin said with a smile. Stroking over his brother’s hair he licked his lips. “Should we tell him that we... played... with the prisoner for the bigger part of the time?” Elladan wrapped his arms around his brother’s waist to bring their bodies closer together and tilted his head, as if he really considered it. “Um... no... it would probably make him pity the bastard...” he chuckled and leaned forward to kiss Elrohir again. “Call me crazy, but I’m in a cuddling mood....” He grinned a bit sheepishly and glanced around where he spotted the armchair in front of the fireplace. The green-eyed Elf nodded towards it and looked at his brother quizzically. Elrohir looked from the bed where Legolas still slept to the chair and back, considering if they could keep their promise with a little cuddling in the chair, but the distance was assuring enough that they could keep an eye or ear on the sleeping blond. So he pulled his twin towards the soft-looking chair and sat down. “You are not crazy... we are,” he grinned and pulled the other down to kiss him softly. “Hmhm,” was all Elladan managed to get out as his lips were sealed in a sweet kiss. He crawled on his brother’s lap without breaking the lip contact and made himself comfortable there. Finally he backed away slightly and smiled at the by-mere-minutes-older one lovingly. “Meleth-nîn,” he whispered softly. Snuggling up to his brother, Elladan rested his head on his shoulder and a small contented sigh fell from his lips. One of his arms had sneaked around the younger one’s waist to keep him from falling while Elrohir’s other arm was lying contentedly on his chest, the fingers twirling some strands around themselves. He rubbed Elladan’s shoulder and pressed some little kisses on top of his head. “Mîr...” The green-eyed twin smiled and sighed once more before he slowly closed his eyes, enjoying the warm feeling of his brother’s embrace. When Aragorn returned to his chambers about half an hour later, he was greeted by the sight of the twins being fast asleep in his armchair, hugging each other tenderly and tightly. He smiled and shook his head before he walked over to them, not after checking on Legolas with a short glance though and nudged them carefully. “Hey, you two,” he said, “Didn’t I ask you to look after Legolas?” Elrohir stirred in his sleep, yawning at the once more disturbance of his sleep, especially since he had finally found a comfortable position. “You did,” he murmured, never loosening his hold on his brother. “And you know that Elves can sleep and be alert at the same time as well, don’t you?” Aragorn grinned. “I do, but you don’t look like you were alert at all.” “Oh, but I was,” protested Elrohir half-heartedly. “I had just closed my eyes for a moment... How did it go?” “Everything went smoothly. The assassin will stay in his prison with water and bread until we found the real guilty ones. I took a look at him and he seemed very frightened...” Aragorn had to stop himself from asking how they were interrogating the poor man. “He asked me never to send those two demons to him again... I’m wondering who he could mean?” His tone suggested though that he knew exactly who was meant. “OhIdunno...” Elladan murmured, not fully awake yet. He yawned and rubbed his nose slightly against his brother’s cheek. “Maybe he saw a ghost or somethin’...” Then he glanced up at the Human and grinned sleepily. “Demons? There ain’t any demons around here.... Only two nice little Elven boys... called Meek and Modest...didn’t you meet them yet?” Despite himself Aragorn grinned broader. “Meek and Modest? No, I don’t think I met them. Or are those the ones who I caught in my bedroom yesterday?” “Who are you talking about?!” Elrohir protested with mock-shock. “More assassins?” he grinned. “Do we get to interrogate them as well?” The cheekiness in his by-millennia-older brothers made Aragorn laugh out loud and was only stopped when he feared to wake Legolas. “I hope you won’t have to interrogate any assassins again,” he smiled. Patting Elrohir’s shoulder he walked over to his bed and sat down gingerly. “Not?” The disappointment in Elladan’s voice was clearly audibly and a little pout graced his lips. “Oh but Estel... pleeaase?” he asked with a tone like a little child who wanted to have a pony or something. But then he chuckled lowly and reluctantly got off his seat. “We better return to our own bed now, hm?” The younger twin turned towards his brother and looked at him expectantly. Instead of an answer, Elrohir yawned heartily. “I think so... this was really too much excitement for one day,” he added after another small yawn. “Will you accompany me, my dear brother?” He offered his arm to his brother and turned towards the door. “Of course, darlin,” Elladan answered smiling and linked arms with his twin. Together they walked out the room and closed the door behind them quietly. Aragorn watched them leave and then leaned down to caress Legolas’ face, wiping some more sweat away in the process. He studied the fair Elf's face for a moment, asking why he had done this, why he had saved him. He knew that he had gained his trust some while ago, but he was wondering if the Elf would have done so some weeks ago, when he was there only some days. Would he have risked his life to save the Human when he had still been thinking he was the slave of the King of Gondor? Probably not. After he had pondered about this for long enough, at least in his opinion, he stood up with a sigh and pulled the still warm armchair towards the bed and sat down in it, face to face with Legolas. He put his feet onto a nearby trunk, still watching the Elf, but soon his eyelids became heavier and heavier and finally he wasn’t able to keep them open anymore. Sleep claimed him for another few hours until the noise of two Elven twins entering his room made him stir at last. Elladan slowly approached his foster brother and softly woke him with a kiss on his cheek. “Wake up, Estel. Your duties demand you.” Aragorn woke up with a start and looked into smiling green eyes. He groaned and shifted in his seat before his brain supplied that the younger twin was right. Blinking his eyes open he sat up and thought he had too much mead the previous day. Where once was only one smiling face he now saw two identical ones. “Alright, alright, I get up,” he yawned and stood up, searching the clothes that his servants had put over one of the chairs at the table that held his breakfast. Tiredly he put one foot into his pants and pulled them on. While he dressed he chewed on some bread and downed a few chalices of milk, the Elven twins always at his side. “So, Estel, what are you doing today?” Elrohir asked. “I sincerely hope you kick this guy’s ass.” The man blinked over the edge of his chalice. “Besides the fact that I think you ... kicked his ass enough already... What are doing here so early? I bet I’m not the only one who had a rough night...” “As for a rough night... our night wasn’t rough. A little less sleep, but it was relaxed and peaceful. And as for early.... We let you sleep for about 2 hours longer than usual. The servants didn’t manage to wake you up so they finally asked us to do it. Most likely with the hope that you would let your anger and frustration out on us, and not them,” Elladan exclaimed happily and held Aragorn’s shirt open so he could easily slip in. The man blinked before he put on his shirt with his brother’s help. “Two hours more?” Elrohir nodded, still smiling. “I would kill you, if I still had to do the same amount of work as usual.” “We know,” the brown-eyed Elf beamed. “But we seem to be pretty alive still, don’t we?” “Just because I’m still tired,” Aragorn murmured as he watched how Elladan did his knots, somehow missing the feeling of Legolas’ hands doing this work. But the blond Elf was sleeping on his bed, probably still exhausted from the fight with the assassin last night and the wound he got. The green-eyed twin seemed to read his foster brother’s mind and he smiled. “Don’t worry. In just a few days it’ll be Legolas taking care of your knots.” “He will be okay in no time,” Elrohir added and held the jerkin with Gondor’s white tree open for the King, who shrugged it on and looked at the smiling twins. He stared at them for a moment and then shrugged as he turned around. “I think I will be back soon,” Aragorn thought out loud. “Will you look after Legolas until he wakes up? I’ll change his bandages when I’m back,” he added a little louder. “Of course we will,” answered Elrohir a little too excited and made the man spin around. He grinned at the glare he got obviously not moved by it at all. “Look, don’t touch,” Elladan spoke Aragorn’s thoughts and joined in his brother’s grin. He patted the king’s shoulder, thus giving him a little push out the door. “We’ll take care of him, don’t worry.” The man thought it would be good if he raised his eyebrow in warning, but let himself being pushed out of the room nevertheless. He simply shook his head as he was out of the room but tried his best not to fear for Legolas. Elrohir grinned as long as Estel was in the room and then it turned into a smirk. “Getting into this room was easier than expected, wasn’t it?” “Yeah, we should have tried that from the beginning. Could have spared us a lot of trouble...” “I heard that!” came the growled answer from Aragorn in front of the door. Elladan laughed softly. “Whoops,” made Elrohir and then joined into the laughter. But since Estel didn’t come back he took that as an invitation to snatch some grapes from the breakfast table. Accompanied by the chuckles of his brother he moved to sit in the armchair that had been moved to stand in front of the bed. “He looks so... peaceful when he sleeps...” the brown-eyed Elf said as he watched the sweat-stained face of the blond. "Yes..." Elladan nodded before he sat down on his brother's lap once more. It just was the most comfortable place in the whole room, so why not take the chance? He snuggled up to the slightly older twin and purred as he felt his arms closing around him. They spend some time like this in silence, enjoying their proximity and glancing at the Elf on the bed every now and then. After a few hours Legolas finally seemed to wake up as he stirred in his sleep. Elladan reluctantly got off his very comfortable seat and stretched before he passed by his brother and sat down at the other side of the bed. The younger twin sat down carefully at the edge of the bed, and laid his cool hand gently onto the chained Elf's hot forehead. One moment later though he withdrew his arm as the blond man stirred again. Legolas slowly opened his eyes and blinked as he could only make out vague frames. After a few moments, when his sight was less blurry he found himself face to face with one of Elessar’s Elven foster brothers. The blond Elf glanced to the other side where he saw the second twin and panic filled his heart and eyes. Out of reflex he started to move backwards and winced at the stinging pain in his side. Elrohir knew it was their fault that Legolas was so scared of them, but he couldn’t help but grin. A little wry, but still. He extended his arm with his palm turned towards the Elf, indicating that he meant not to cause any harm. “Stay calm... We don’t want to cause you harm.” Legolas looked at him very doubtfully and didn’t stop his attempt to move away. Elladan slightly raised his brow and shook his head. “Darlin... we already said that the last time we were here... I don’t think he’s going to believe us...” Legolas confirmed his words as he tried to sit up, his jaws clenched tightly, one hand pressed to his side. Elrohir looked hurt for a moment, but remembered his words from the previous day and then the hurt was replaced by a rather sheepish expression. “I mean... We won’t touch you... at all,” he corrected his earlier words and smiled openly. “Promise.” “Well... not more than necessary that is,” Elladan said. “But if you keep on moving and hurting yourself like this we have to stop you,” he added with a serious expression. “So please, just lie back down and rest and we promise not to touch you.” Legolas looked at the green-eyed Elf for quite a long time, searching for incredibility. Finally he nodded slowly and carefully moved back to lie down, not taking his eyes from the two men though. “Good boy,” grinned Elrohir and threw another grape into his mouth, offering the other ones to the other two Elves. He shrugged nonchalantly as Legolas glared at him and declined the generous offer. “So... where did we stop our conversation the last time?” the brown-eyed Elf asked out loud. “Oh, I know. Our little prince wanted to tell more about his capture. Do you think that more of you got caught?” Legolas soon noticed that his weak glare didn’t have the least affect on the dark-haired Elf in front of him and his features relaxed slightly as he watched the other twin grab a handful of grapes. “Is he okay?” the blond asked lowly, ignoring the question of the man right to him. Elrohir was a little irritated for a moment. “Who? Estel? He’s fine. The assassin? Well... Kind of.” “Let’s just say he wished to never have met us,” Elladan finished for his brother with a grin. Legolas blinked at him for a moment or two before he turned away and his expression grew harder again. “I can imagine,” he uttered bitterly. A wave of guilt washed over the younger twin’s face at those words and he swallowed the grape he had been chewing. “..Was on my list... so why not do it now...” he murmured before he looked directly at Legolas who had turned to him again. “I am sorry, Legolas, really sorry. I didn’t think about what we’ve done before we did it... But Estel’s scolding made me realize that it was wrong... I’m sorry.” Elrohir knew he had to say something as well, even though he only regretted that they were this misunderstood. So he said quickly, “I’m sorry, too. We didn’t mean to scare you...or hurt you or something like that.” The Woodelf nodded slightly, still not fully convinced that they meant what they said, and that they wouldn’t do it again. That on the other hand was clearly visible on his features and Elladan quickly added, “And we promise never to do anything like that to you again.” ‘Mostly because we don’t want to know what Mount Doom looks like from the inside,’ he added in his thoughts and grinned sheepishly. Legolas looked at him for a few seconds more before he nodded again. “I accept your apology,” he said, still not trusting them of course, but it was a start. He then turned his head back to Elrohir to answer his question. “I don’t know... I think... no, I hope that I was the only one...” Sadness darkened his blue-violet eyes. Elrohir nodded thoughtfully as he pondered about the clues that there weren’t really any other Elves captured. “If I sold slaves – which I don’t – I would say that Elves are rather hard to find and thus rather expensive. Therefore they should only be sold to rich people like... well, like the King.” He made a face and chewed on another grape. “So if Estel hasn’t heard of any other Elven slaves from his “friends” yet, there shouldn’t be any others. Besides, if I were a Human slave-hunter I’d be the happiest man in Middle-Earth to catch a cute little prince like you are.” The brown-eyed Elf smiled sweetly. Elladan nodded and smiled even broader. “Yeah, Elrohir is right. The men were probably so happy that they caught you that they spun on their heels and left.” The blond Elf blinked at the words and looked at the older twin rather irritated. Why did he call him prince, he couldn’t probably know... “Why are you calling me that?” “Well, you acted like a prince, you look like a prince... Why shall I not call you prince, little one?” the older one of the twins replied. “On the other hand, would you prefer it if I called you toy or candy?” “No,” Legolas said simply and looked away. Was all that really true? Did he really act like that, after several months of enslaving? Or maybe it was just his natural Elven pride which had grown stronger over the past weeks that had kicked in... “Looks like you hit the jackpot, darlin,” Elladan chuckled as he saw the shadows wandering over the blond’s face as he was thinking about the older twin’s words. Legolas head whipped around and he glared at the green-eyed twin for a moment, before his features softened again. “Believe what you want,” he murmured finally and looked down on the blanket. Elrohir chuckled. “So, my little prince, why don’t you tell us something about you? What did you do back in Mirkwood for a pastime? Is there a cute little Elven maiden waiting for you?” Estel had asked them to stay with Legolas and since they weren’t allowed to touch he would have to satisfy his curiosity rather than anything else. The blond Elf looked up, quite startled at the question, but one moment later his eyes darkened even more as he slowly shook his head. “No. There is nobody waiting.” Elladan blinked. “Nobody? You’re such a cute and handsome boy, and there’s nobody waiting for you? What a waste...” he murmured and rested his head on his hand. “What did you do in all these years all alone?” Legolas swallowed tightly to get rid of the lump in his throat. “I have..... had a lover.... But...... He probably died from broken heart by now... I’ve been away from home for almost 5 months....” His voice died out and his eyes wandered off to look out of the window. “This long...” murmured the third Elf and lowered his eyes to his now empty hands. Then he looked up again and tried to look reassuringly. “Maybe he’s still waiting for you,” he tried to cheer the blond up. “It doesn’t matter anyway,” Legolas said and his voice was surprisingly stable again. He looked directly at Elrohir. “I don’t love him anymore. He’d be better off if he died already.” The blond blinked at his own words and wondered where this coldness had come from all over sudden. The dark-haired Elf looked back openly at the blond, obviously just as surprised as him. He hadn’t expected that Legolas was so cool about his obviously agonized ex-lover. In some ways he was worse than he himself, but he wouldn’t dare to tell him that. Instead he felt how his lips moved up into a smile or rather grin. “You don’t care about him anymore? Why that? Have you lost your heart to somebody else already?” Elladan chuckled at the shade of red that was visible on Legolas’ cheeks as he was ashamed of what he just said. The younger twin was just as shocked as his brother, but obviously the Woodelf was as well, thus making the situation a bit more relaxed again. “I don’t know. My heart is in turmoil...” he said and looked down again. It was true; he didn’t know what he felt or should feel anymore. “It’s Estel, isn’t it?” Elrohir asked, now more serious than before although he tried to keep up a light conversation-tone. Legolas didn’t look up. He had expected this question. Other than Elladan who looked quite surprised at his older brother. He himself had thought the same, yes. But it was still a difference between thinking and asking. So now the dark-haired Elf looked at the pale figure in the bed who kept staring down on his hands. The Woodelf just looked down for a pretty long time, trying to figure out his own feelings, sort his priorities. “I don’t know,” was all he finally whispered. "Oh, come on, I can see what's going on between you two," the older twin said. "Estel becomes a berserker when anyone tries to touch you and you... are similar to that. Last night is a good example." Elrohir shifted a bit in his seat, looking at Legolas more directly now even though the blond wasn't looking at him. "You attacked this assassin without hesitation... and don't tell me otherwise. That guy didn't know what hit him and he didn't even have the chance to look around at first." "What was I supposed to do?" Legolas snapped with a sudden anger at the dark haired Elf. "Let him get killed?" His head had shot up and he was glaring at Elrohir with a fire in his eyes that hadn't been there for months. "I like him, and he is the only one who ever cared for me since I got caught! That's reason enough for me to safe his life!" Elladan was flabbergasted at the unexpected outburst of the blond and he stared at him open-mouthed, almost dropping the grape he just wanted to chew. Elrohir smirked self-confidently at the flushed face of the blue-eyed Elf. He had expected an outburst like this. "No need to get so out of your mind. I just found that you didn't think to protect him. You acted out of instinct... okay, he cares for you and you care for him, but don't tell me there isn't more behind it." He waved his index-finger in front of Legolas' face. "You feel more than just gratefulness for our foster brother." "I said I like him," the blond Elf hissed sharply, not caring much about his behavior. He just hated others assuming things if they didn't know the truth. "Hey, hey... calm down. No need to get bitchy," Elladan said and lifted his hands in defense. Elrohir nodded. "You like him, that's all I say. But I think that it is more than just that. Our little brother likes you too much for his own good – or rather the good of his marriage – but he's not to blame alone. He and Tinu grew apart from each other during the years... and it was because of her that you two met. But I bet she didn't intend that Estel found in you what he missed with her." Legolas looked at the older twin with widened eyes. There he sat and was telling him what he had felt when he had been lying in Aragorn's arms for the very first time. He had been a replacement for his wife... was he still? The blond Elf shook his head, now calm again and almost shy. "No... I never meant to... do something like that... like... separating them even further... destroying their marriage.... Never..." His eyes were squeezed shut now and he slightly bit his lip. He didn't know what he wanted, other than that Elessar was happy... Elrohir snorted. "There is no way you could destroy something that was down to its bases already. The fire of passion that was between Estel and Tinu died down long before you... arrived here. Don't blame yourself for something that is out of your reach." "Elrohir is right Legolas. It's really not your fault. From what we know their flame has died out quite some time ago," the younger twin threw in. The Woodelf still shook his head slowly. They didn't understand. Legolas hadn't minded when he noticed that Aragorn was 'using' him as some kind of compensation. No he actually wanted it, he enjoyed it. "You don't understand," he whispered. "I knew I was just some kind of filling for this gap, but I didn't mind. Contrariwise I even... made him.... use... me like this... thus driving him away from her even faster..." And while those words slipped from his lips he wondered why he even told them. The brown-eyed twin looked at Legolas with a great amount of concern in his expression, his brows furrowed deeply. He was trying to process what exactly the other Elf was telling him, mostly trying to understand how far the word "using" went. Counting Estel's softness and caution in this kind of things he somehow knew that it didn't go farther than looking. "If Estel simply wanted to fill a gap, he would have done so long ago... I know there are thousands of maidens and even servants that would love to share his bed. And even though he would never do this because of his morals... if one of them had been persuasive enough he would have found something to fill this 'gap'. No, my little prince, this isn't just a gap that needs to be filled, it is more. And Estel is already starting to realize it." He took a deep breath to finally ask what was on his mind, not even trying to cover his surprise and disbelief of some kind. "You want to be used by him?!" Legolas' eyes widened again as he heard that question. Thousands of images started to fill his mind and he glared at the twin, clenching his jaws so tightly it hurt. "Not like that, you sex-crazed maniac," he growled dangerously. "What do you think I am? In desperate need of getting laid?" "Of course not!" protested the dark-haired Elf, who had a few thousands images wandering through his imagination as well. "Somebody like that would behave differently than you, my little prince." He didn't add though that he often coaxed people into feeling this way. "But how would you feel like if he asked you to not only lie in his bed, but share it with you in passion?" The blond Elf blinked at the question, quite startled for a moment before his features darkened and he looked away again. And somehow Elladan had a feeling that his brother had made a mistake with asking this question as he saw the myriads of emotions wandering over Legolas' face, but he remained silent. "Afraid," the Woodelf whispered finally. "Afraid that he would hurt you?" Elrohir asked, his voice suddenly soft. Deep in his heart he knew as well that he was going to dig out some very unpleasant memories from the depths of Legolas' heart, but he wanted to know and he hoped that he could help the enslaved Elf to overcome his horror if he talked about it. "What is it that you fear about his touch?" Legolas looked away again, not able to meet the gaze of the other Elves and wrapped his arms around his upper body. He shook his head again, drawing his legs closer to his body to burry his head between his knees and his arms, ignoring the throbbing pain in his side as he curled up. Elladan looked at the Woodelf and then at his brother with concern shimmering in his eyes. He knew what his brother was thinking, but maybe it was better to stop at this point. It was dangerous to go any further. Looking back into his brother's eyes, Elrohir knew instantly that his twin didn't approve of his way of questioning, but he had grown too curious now that he could really stop. Maybe he should have studied the ways of the mind a little longer... "I... know this is painful..." he almost murmured, "but... it will be more painful if you keep eating this up into your soul. It could kill you one day..." "No," Legolas croaked out, "You don't know." "Tell us then," Elladan said softly and inched closer to the sitting Elf to gently lay his hand on his shivering shoulders. "Please. Elrohir is right... Those demons won't leave you if you don't manage to make your heart lighter." Nodding the other Elf added, "I may not know the extent of the pain, but I know it hurts. But I also know that it would hurt more the longer you keep silent about it. Try to lift your heart of this burden," he pleaded. He had raised an eyebrow at his twin, silently reminding him of Estel's "look, don't touch"-clause, but not saying anything because he knew that Elladan didn't mean it in the way that Estel feared they would want to have it. "I won't talk about it, just to satisfy your curiosity," Legolas said lowly. "You don't really care..." Elladan sucked his breath in with a slight hiss at the harsh words. As for him, he wasn't only curious, but it hurt him to see Legolas like this. To know that he felt such a pain inside, that he was carrying such a burden with him, probably for the rest of his eternal life if he didn't tell anyone. And Legolas didn't seem to intent to tell anyone. "It hurts me to see you like this... No Elf should have to have so much weight on his heart..." he finally said, trying to show the blond that they didn't do this just because of curiosity. Elrohir leaned in a bit more, fixing the blond in his brother's arms with his gaze. "If I didn't care, I would have approached you once more as you are lying almost defenseless on this bed. But I do care, believe it or not. This isn't for me to silence my curiosity... it is for you... to calm your heart." His voice was soft now, almost tender as if he was trying to calm a crying child. Slowly Legolas looked up again, meeting Elrohir's gaze. And it was about then when he first noticed the arm that lay gently around his shoulders, but strangely he didn't mind. The Woodelf knew that those two were right. It would lighten his heart if he told them, but it would make him think about it, refresh memories he had tried to burry as deep as possible. Painful memories. But it had already begun, thousands of images and sounds were filling his mind and the demons started to crawl out of their corners. Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My-chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.fire-angel.net/Seek%20Truth/main.html http://www.geocities.com/lirimaer8/index.html http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://fanfiction.alansworld.com/viewuser.php?uid=74 http://adultfan.nexcess.net/aff/authors.php?no=2588 Legolas In Chains Archive ALSlash Archive Library of Moria, too Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG? May go up again soon... Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, Elrohir/Elladan, OC/Arwen Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery, angst... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn's and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen-bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; _______________________________________________________________________ "Humans are violent, brutal and stupid creatures," Legolas whispered finally, not breaking the eye contact with the brown-eyed twin. "They did everything to make me obedient, submissive and teachable... make me a slave... and break my will..." Elladan's heart suddenly felt as if it was squeezed hard by an ice-cold hand and he looked up with widened eyes, staring straight at his brother. They couldn't possibly? He swallowed tightly and his arm around Legolas shoulders slightly drew the blond Elf in his embrace so he was now almost hugging him. Elrohir's eyebrows shot up. "Everything?" He knew there were borders for an Elf to be made submissive, i.e. if somebody raped him or her; he or she would most likely die soon from the pain and humiliation. There were a few exceptions, but Legolas didn't look like he had something he wanted to protect with his whole heart... although... on the other hand he had already let himself being captured to save his people. Maybe he already knew what he had to face with those men... The Woodelf nodded slightly and he looked at the older twin while he let Elladan hug him. His eyes though had lost their shimmer and where rather dull now as he remembered this horrible time with the slavers. "Everything," he whispered again. The younger twin rested his head against Legolas', carefully wrapping his second arm around the slender figure as well. Elrohir looked back, barely able to hide his shock and he would have hugged the poor Elf as well, but he was too frozen right now. "Why.... how did you survive?" he managed to whisper, his voice not much more than a croak. "A promise", the blond Elf replied lowly. "I promised... to meet later... to return..." Despite his shocked condition, Elrohir's curiosity got the better of him. "Who did you promise to meet?" "My sister..." Legolas whispered and a wave of pain washed over his face as he thought about her, and the promise he maybe could not keep. Elladan tightened his arms around the other Elf as he felt him shiver in his embrace. "I'm sure you can keep your promise," the younger twin whispered softly in his ear, certain that his voice would give in if he tried to talk louder. He had never seen Humans as this evil, but what had happened to Legolas was just horrible, and he could understand his attitude towards men. Elrohir nodded slowly, in absolute agreement with his twin. He knew that some Humans had a rather dangerous streak in them and he had even heard that they would go this far in pursuit of their goals. But it was still a pity to hear that they were doing so right before their noses. That Legolas managed to survive through it was some kind of miracle. "Little prince..." he murmured, searching for something else he could say. But the only thing that came to his mind didn't really fit. He asked it nevertheless, hoping he could light the mood a bit. "Your sister... Is she as beautiful as you are?" Legolas closed his eyes for a moment, causing pictures of his sister to appear before his inner vision, and when he opened them again, violet-blue orbs were filled with tears. "No," he croaked huskily. "Compared to her.... I'm... ugly..." A salty tear rolled down his cheek and the blond Elf leaned into the gentle embrace of Elladan, grateful for the solace it spent. He didn't care that his side protested against the movement and rested his head against the green eyed twin's shoulder. Elrohir smiled sympathetically and with understanding in his eyes. "Then she has to be more beautiful than the Lady Galadriel and our dear sister Evenstar. I would love to meet her." Elladan also smiled softly at the Elf in his arms who was actually crying his eyes out. And it didn't seem as if Legolas would calm down too soon, and the twins didn't expect him to. There was just too much bottled up inside him that needed to be released. The younger brother tightened his arms around the blond Elf a little more and slightly stroked his back soothingly. Then he looked up to meet Elrohir's gaze, the sadness still shimmering in his eyes but his features softened. Elladan flashed a smile at his lover and told him with his eyes to come closer as well. The older twin smiled back but needed a moment to actually find the strength and conviction to stand up and sit down on the edge of the bed, next to Legolas and his brother. Gently he put a hand on the sobbing Elf's head, stroking the blond strands tenderly. "Little prince, you deserve to be loved..." "Yes.... You really do," Elladan added softly, not stopping his motions on Legolas' back. "Such a kind heart as yours... shouldn't grow old alone, without ever being truly loved and love back just as powerful." The Elf in his arms seemed to finally calm down after what seemed like a small eternity. The tears slowly dried up as Legolas stayed comfortably snuggled up to the younger twin and he could feel that some pressure was gone from his heart and soul. His mind was lighter and a lot clearer as well. "Thank you..." he murmured with a rather weak voice and he turned his head slightly to look at Elrohir. "Maybe you will meet her... one day..." Smiling the brown-eyed Elf replied, "I would love it if you introduced me to her." He was just about to pat the blond's head once more as he heard how the door was opened and somebody entered the room. And froze dead in whatever movement he just wanted to start. A few hours had passed since Aragorn had left his chambers and he had taken care of the assassin's proceedings while the sons of Elrond were trying to coax what they thought they wanted to know out of Legolas. He had also talked with Jamiriel, who suggested that they should work hard on finding the ones behind this attack and that the attacker himself played only a minor role. All in all the King was happy to have assigned such a potent, loyal and headstrong person to the job of taking care of his tiring duties. Jamiriel worked through the papers faster than he ever could and found solutions that he would have never been able to think of. But she always asked him first if she made an important decision, if it was for him or Gondor. And that was what he liked most about her. Today there weren't many important decisions to make, save the one that involved a certain assassin and he was allowed to go back to his chambers even earlier than the previous day. On his way back he didn't feel like something was wrong, not even when he turned the doorknob. But as soon as he stepped into the room he was faced with what he definitely didn't want to see. His fears even multiplied when he saw the saddened expression of his Elf and the tears that rolled down the fair face as it looked up to the slightly older one of the twins. Bracing himself he took a few steps forward until he was standing right behind Elrohir, almost hovering over him. "What did I tell you?" The older twin ? older by centuries at least to the man that was frightening him ? looked up and grinned sheepishly. "Look, don't touch?" Aragorn nodded. "Exactly. So... what are you doing right now?" Elladan couldn't hold back a chuckle as he saw how his twin seemed to shrink and the grin on his face that stayed firmly in place. "Calm down Estel. We didn't do anything he doesn't approve of," he chided Aragorn for threatening his brother like that, his hand never stopping the motions of Legolas back though, even now. "I am calm," the man said. He was trying to hide that he felt a little jealous about the fact that Legolas was crying his eyes out on his brothers' shoulders instead of his own. "What did you do then to make him cry like this?" he asked, trying to sound as calm as he wanted to. Inside he longed to touch Legolas, to sooth him like the twins obviously did. But he also wanted to know the reason why he was so upset. "Why do you assume that we did something to make him cry?" Elladan asked, a bit hurt over his foster brother's words. The two brothers could sense the jealousy from Estel very clearly, and so did Legolas, causing him to let go of Elladan's shirt he'd been clutching. "Just... memories," he said lowly and straightened up after backing away, only to wince at the sudden pain in his side. Out of reflex the younger twin extended his hands and placed them on the blond's shoulders again. "Easy..." Elrohir finally did what he wanted to do the whole time. He jumped off the bed and out of Estel's reach as the younger man leaned down to finally give in to his desire to touch Legolas. His calloused hand found its way to the Elf's cheek, wiping away a few tears. "Lie down again... Relax," he cooed, looking deep into the blue pools, searching for ... something. Elladan also got up when his foster brother came closer and he walked around the bed to stop next to Elrohir, who put an arm around his twin's waist and pulled him closer for some kind of support. Legolas smiled slightly at the tender touch on his cheek and he carefully lay back down. He met Elessar's gaze before he closed his eyes, causing another tear to fall. Once more his feelings were fighting a battle inside him, and once more his fear got the upper hand over? well yes, it was love. A small flame but still a fire. The Woodelf opened his eyes again and smiled at the Human rather shyly. "Are you okay?" he asked finally, as he trusted his voice enough to be stable. He didn't know what else to say, and he actually wanted to know. Not only if he really wasn't hurt, but also how much he was still worried. Aragorn wasn't able to decide whether he wanted to make a face or laugh openly. In the end he decided for a wry smile as he sat down next to the one lying on his bed, the twins almost forgotten. He was so worried about the blond Elf that he could ignore everything around him. Especially when that tear made its way down the already soaked cheek. He almost freaked out over that and had to bite his lip to say nothing. "How can you ask if I am okay? I didn't get hurt, thanks to you. But are you okay?" he asked, a certain amount of fear tingling in his voice. Full of worry he looked down to where he saw the bandage under the green shirt. "Does it hurt much?" Elladan softly urged his brother out of the room. They were only disturbing those two. They probably should talk to Estel later, about what they just found out, but that could wait. Silently closing the door behind him, the younger twin turned to his identical brother and wrapped his arms around him to pull Elrohir closer, being and seeking support. Inside the room the lying Elf did his best to flash a wider smile at the worried Human. Legolas shook his head slightly. "It's okay," he said and slowly extended his hand to grab the fingers ghosting over his face. "I've been worse. It's a small price to pay for your safety....-" Legolas bit his tongue. Why in the world had he said that? Was the poison affecting him so much that he already said what he actually just wanted to think? Aragorn shifted his hand in Legolas' so that he was now holding the Elf's narrower hand in his, clutching it tightly as if he would lose him if he let go of it. Seeing the embarrassment in those midnight-blue eyes he used his other hand to caress the soft cheek now. "I know you've been worse, I've seen it with my own two eyes," he murmured. "How did you dare to move on your own? You should have woken me up before you started any move. I don't want to see you bleeding and hurt in my arms again..." Legolas was staring at the Human with slightly widened eyes as he was chiding him... for getting hurt. Strangely it made him feel a little sheepish and guilty at the same time since he could clearly hear the pain swinging in Elessar's voice at the last remark. Once more the Elf's eyes were glued to the lips moving in front of his face, and despite what had happened just a few minutes ago, the urge to kiss them grew bigger with every second. On the other hand he really didn't like to be chided like that, and he could "dare" to move whenever he wanted. He wasn't a little child that needed to be looked after. Frowning slightly he rose his right hand as well and moved his index finger over the moving lips. The gentle touch made the Human shut up instantly and Legolas smiled lightly as he moved his hand to the back of Aragorn's head to give light pressure to it. The Woodelf leaned up as far as he could with his aching side and finally sealed the trembling lips with his own, causing the other man to shut up completely, silencing any protest that might come from him. When thin lips sealed his own, Aragorn froze completely. He didn't know why it happened, what had happened that he deserved to be treated like this, but he was so shocked and surprised that he was sure his heart stopped beating for at least the instance that he needed to overcome his initial surprise. But when he did, he still didn't move. He didn't dare to as he knew that if he would, he would submit to the building desire for the Elf, who had just started kissing him. He was so puzzled in this particular moment that he wasn't even able to do anything. He felt Legolas soft lips against his, something he had wanted for too long, but somehow he knew... that he shouldn't deepen it, not yet, even if every fiber of his body wanted it. So he leaned down some more, releasing the Elf from the pressure he himself had put on his wound with their lips still connected, until Legolas was lying on the soft pillow. Only then did he break the kiss, looking down rather incredulous and was unable to say anything. The Elf slowly opened his eyes he'd been closing when their lips met, and a light shade of red graced his cheeks as he looked back in Elessar's steel blue orbs. He took a few deep breaths, for the kiss had left him rather breathless, and lowered his hand to lie next to his body. "Shut up," he murmured finally, and his features softened as he looked almost lovingly at the other man. "It isn't your fault that I got hurt, and there is nothing to worry about. It was my decision to do what I did, and don't you chide me like a little child who stole candy." Aragorn was really tempted to say that he heard Elladan and Elrohir call him candy, but refrained from doing so. In fact he was still speechless from what Legolas said and did to him. Even the shade of red on his face seemed to invite him to kiss him in return, but something held him back. "...I know it was your decision, but I... feel responsible for you, even if you are not a child. You got hurt under my custody and even if I am happy that it wasn't worse I still don't like that you got hurt at all," he said as firmly as he could with the butterflies flying havoc in his stomach. Reluctantly he sat up a little bit more and started to lift first the shirt and then the bandages a bit, intending to check on the wound. Legolas shifted on the bed to lie on his other side, slightly turning his back to Aragorn in the process so he had better access to the bandages and the wound underneath. "I know you don't like that... it's obvious. But still it's not your fault, so stop feeling guilty for it. That man was trying to kill you and it was my decision to keep him from doing so.... And if there is a child it would be you," he added murmuring and winced in the next moment, as the Human's hand brushed a certain spot on his back. "I am as much a child as you are," murmured the man as he stared at the point where once had been a rather nasty red spot from an arrow. Hot and red anger boiled up in him and he was reminded that he wanted to work on new laws, in particular those concerning slavery. But he didn't want to get any of his anger about something that shouldn't concern Legolas on the surface. "Does it still hurt?" he asked silently. "A little," the Elf pressed out between slightly clenched jaws. He didn't know what it looked like, but he assumed that it didn't look much differently from the last time Aragorn had seen it. Somehow it refused to heal properly. Maybe the Humans' arrows where the cause of that. Or maybe it was just the fact that he was held captured inside this room, way too long for his taste. Legolas suppressed the need to look out of the window and buried his face in the pillow instead. And it was just then when he could hear Blackspot calling him from outside. The Elf squeezed his eyes shut and deliberately ignored the little bird. Even when the naughty fellow landed on the windowsill and chirped even louder he pretended not to hear him, even tough his ears twitched at every sound it made. With swift hands Aragorn removed the bandages and looked at the wound that was already closing, other than the one on the back. He took the Athelas-blossoms out of the wound and got up then to get some water. On his way he blinked at the little bird that sat on his windowsill, almost crying his soul out of the tiny body. He frowned and then leaned down, not wanting to scare the small being, but looked at him curiously. "I wish I could understand what you are saying..." he rather thought out loud than said. "Your friend is hurt... if you want to, please come in and talk to him," he invited the bird, but was sure he wasn't understood. Blackspot tilted his head and looked at the Human suspiciously as if he was accusing him of keeping Legolas from coming out. He jumped a little bit to the side and back to where he had sat, just to chirp even louder in Aragorn's face, like he was yelling at him. Then he flew inside the room, sitting down on the wall next to the bed. Aragorn blinked, feeling slightly intimidated but shook his head. This was a little bird, how could he be frightened of such a tiny being? But then again he had a vast respect for the Halflings who seemed to go beyond what they looked like they could achieve. Who would have thought that a Hobbit was able to withstand the power of the One Ring long enough to throw it into the fires of Mount Doom? He shook his head and went to get the water he wanted, leaving the Elf alone with his little friend. The sparrow continued his chirping, now again directed to Legolas who still didn't react. Blackspot pranced as he noticed that and his voice rose until the bird was really noisy and the Elf let out an irritated sound and lifted his hand to cover his sensitive ear. But sparrows don't like to be ignored and he made that very clear as he jumped from side to side for a while, before he flew over to Legolas and sat down on his shoulder, slightly pricking the soft skin. Aragorn came back in this particular moment with a little bowl of water in his hand, frowning at the loud chirping from the little bird he just let in. Sitting down on the edge of the bed once again, the man started to clean the wound, sending one or the other curious glance over to the sparrow and Legolas. Frowning he voiced his thoughts. "Why are you not talking to your friend? What is he saying?" The Elf stayed still for another few moments and even Blackspot stopped chirping and looked at the Human with wide and curious eyes. The bird tilted his head and made a rather quiet but high tone, as if it was asking what he was doing. "Because I don't know what to answer..." Legolas finally murmured. "He's asking me to come out..." Aragorn nodded. He was cleaning the bandages and wringing them over the bowl as he heard the hidden requests in both voices. Of course he felt sorry for the Elf and wanted to see him outside as soon as possible, but there was this cut and the fact that he didn't have the key to the chain around Legolas' neck. He could release him from the wall though, but he was sure that Legolas wouldn't like to be led around like a dog on a leash. "Has he told you why?" he asked maybe a little too indifferent, as he put the damp cloth carefully back on the cut. "Nothing important... he just wants to play..." Legolas replied and was rewarded by an angered chirp and an insistent prick from the bird. "Ouch!" The Elf winced slightly. "Okay, okay... it is important... Elbereth... stop poking me, Blackspot." He extended his hand to urge the bird away from his shoulder, but instead he hopped over to sit on the index finger of the blond. "Naughty little thing you..." Aragorn watched the bickering of the bird and the Elf with an amused twinkle in his eyes. He finished his task with the bandages and looked at the uneven pair with a broad smile. "And could you please tell me what important play this is, dear Blackspot?" The bird turned his attention back to the Human whom he didn't fear the least and chirped at him angrily, flapping his wings as if he wanted to chase Aragorn away. Legolas features darkened and now it was him who made a rather angry whistling sound towards the bird which seemed to shrink under the Elf's glare. Blackspot peeped and it seemed as if he apologized. The Elf nodded slightly and replied something before the little fellow finally flew off and out of the window again. "He just wants to find out who's the faster one of us two..." Legolas finally answered Elessar's question. Aragorn was sure that he had just been the target of a few very dirty bird-curses, but somehow it amused him. On the other hand he was glad to see that even sparrows had the decency to apologize when they were told they did something wrong. "Very well then, but I don't think it would be a fair contest," the man said with amusement in his voice. "You are both injured and weakened and I don't think that Blackspot would like to compare his maximum speed with your hindered one. Although I wouldn't necessarily bid on the bird," he added with a smile. Legolas turned to lie on his back again as he noticed that Aragorn was finished and a wry grin spread over his features. "Maybe he wouldn't beat me with speed? but in my actual condition I won't be a challenge in flying?" Once more the Elf stopped himself from talking any more and he turned his gaze away. He couldn't believe what he just did. He was really lying there and telling a Human things about Elves that were kept secret for thousands of years. Legolas hit himself inwardly very hard for his carelessness and hoped that Elessar didn't pay attention to what he said. "My dear Legolas, I have seen many wonders in my life, but I have neither seen nor heard about a flying Elf," the man said as he crossed his arms and looked down at the embarrassed face. "And believe me: I know a few things about Elves." "That's the purpose of secrets," the blond Elf murmured and slowly turned his head back to look into steel blue orbs again. "You're not supposed to have seen it, or know it?" Silently he considered if he should resume talking, but before he finished thinking about it, his mouth answered him the question and formed words to tell Aragorn even more. Legolas knew he could trust him, and it wouldn't hurt if he knew, would it? "It's not really flying," he explained further, "we're gliding on the air, carried by the wind..." He only stopped as he noticed how much longing his voice held as he talked about the flying-like state and remembered the feelings it brought. "Like a really big leap?" suggested Aragorn, still not fully believing what Legolas was telling him. "The Elves of Mirkwood surely are different from those of Rivendell..." His voice faded out at the longing he just noticed that was ringing in the Elf's tone. And again the wish for seeing him in his natural surroundings was rising in him. He got up with a sigh, finally ready to face what he needed to do since Legolas had been given to him... by his wife. And she was the one he had to talk to right now. Legolas blinked quite startled when the Human suddenly got up and left him alone on the bed. He didn't look too happy and whatever was on his mind made him rather upset. "Elessar..? What's bothering you?" he asked softly, halfway sitting up again. Aragorn turned back to smile at the Elf. "I'm sorry, but I have to leave you for now. I want to see if I cannot a find a solution for your... our problem," he said and waved towards the chain on the wall. "It is time that you get the reward you deserve for your braveness." Without second thinking he leaned down and kissed Legolas' forehead gently. "I'll see you when I come back... with good news hopefully." The Woodelf blinked again, way too stunned to reply anything as he felt the soft lips on his skin. So he almost stared at Aragorn open-mouthed and watched him leaving the room. Meanwhile outside the King's chambers Elladan and Elrohir were waiting for their foster brother to come out since they really needed to talk to him. They killed the time with cuddling and as they now heard footsteps approaching from inside Elladan was on his feet in an instant, though he rather reluctantly abandoned his brother's lap. The younger twin waited for the door to open and then grabbed Estel's arm to keep him from storming past them, who gasped promptly in surprise. He had thought that the Elves had gone to take care of their own business when he didn't feel their presence anymore. "Elladan!" gasped the man as soon as the shock was over. "Why are you still here?" "We found out a few things that you should know, Estel," Elrohir replied, patting some imagined dust from his wide tunics. As he raised his head he could see how their foster brother looked at them questioningly. The younger twin laid his arm around the Human's shoulders and urged him to move on. "Yes, something you really should know about... How about walking a few steps?" he suggested and waved for his brother to accompany him on the other side. "Indeed that would be a great idea," the older twin agreed and made way for the other two so they could go away from the thick door, but not thick enough to muffle their voices from an Elf. Aragorn nodded hesitantly and let himself being led away from his chambers. He took care though that they walked approximately into the direction of his wife's chambers. "What is it?" Elladan took a few deep breathes, first to cover his nervousness, and secondly because he didn't quite know how to start. "Estel... we three know that you know quite a lot about Elves..." he started as he was sure they were far enough from the King's chambers. "...and that there are only few things which can kill them..." His voice faded out and he swallowed, glancing over to his twin, not sure whether he should continue or not. Aragorn nodded slowly. "I do know that... they can be slain in battle, die of a broken heart or... chose mortality in two cases: if they are in love with someone or if they are... broken in mind, body and soul." Elrohir nodded in agreement. "Exactly, and actually it's rather seldom that an Elf survives ...rape..." The man looked at him with large eyes. "You mean...?" The younger Elf nodded and his eyes darkened. "Yes," he answered lowly. "The Humans who caught him obviously didn't manage to? tame him with their usual methods? so they tried everything they could think of?" Again his voice died out and he stopped walking as his foster brother did. Elrohir was slightly alarmed as their brother simply glared at the wall in front of them, eyes not really focused on anything. So he explained what else they found out, the words bubbling out of him like a waterfall. "Estel... the reason why we tell you this is... he fears every Human's touch, and of course we know that you don't want to cause him any harm and that you probably expected something like this already, considering the reprimand you gave us, but what I really want to say is, that he likes you and that in the depths of his heart he wants to be loved and we think that it is by-" "I know!" interrupted the Human quite suddenly, his voice hard and cold. He looked confused for a few moments, then blinked and added a little softer, "I know..." Slowly his fingers moved up and touched his lips, remembering the softness of Legolas' petal-like ones against his own rather ragged lips. To him this moment was special, extraordinary and he still felt butterflies flying around like mad inside him, no matter how cold he might seem outside. This feeling of sparks all inside of him made him feel even more protective towards Legolas and harden his resolution to set up hard laws against slavery. Elladan knew that it was kind of ridiculous, but he was close to tears as he looked at his brother's face and saw the hard expression. He could only guess what was going on inside him, but the urge to hug him was awfully strong. And if it wasn't to sooth Estel, then just to sooth himself. He might be an over 3,000 years old Elf, but he just couldn't handle this kind of violence, especially against one of his own race. Finally he made a clumsy step forward and reached out to wrap his arms around Aragorn's neck, and then another step until he was hugging him tightly, burying his head in the crook between the Human's neck and shoulder. "What are we going to do with you...?" he asked whispering, even though it was him who needed the support, not the younger man. Elladan shivered and inwardly he wondered how Humans could be so different... so wrong. Aragorn raised his free hand, the one that wasn't trapped between his and his brother's body and patted the Elf's back soothingly. He smiled at the obvious affection and sympathy the seemingly easy-going twins displayed. Not that he didn't know that they could be rather emotional at times, but that they cared so much was a little new, even to him. "I'm fine and I know what I have to do. But what is with you?" he asked. "You seem rather... battered..." Elladan backed away again, to look into his brother's eyes. He somehow managed to put a wry grin on his face but it didn't match the uneasiness in his eyes. "Nothing... I'm fine... Well, of course, I'm not a little kid like you, you know?" He patted Estel's shoulder and nudged him. "I'm just worried that you might.... break out in tears or something...." His voice lowered the longer he spoke and he blinked to get rid of the water in his eyes. "Or maybe... I just don't want me to..." He swallowed the lump in his throat. "Be stupid enough to do it myself..." Aragorn squeezed the dark-haired Elf's shoulder reassuringly. "That's the second time within a very short period that I've been called a child. How old must one become to be acknowledged as a man by you Elves?" he joked, trying to cheer his brother up a bit as Elrohir moved up to them and pulled his twin into a gentle embrace. "Very old?" was all Elladan murmured as he found himself in his brother's arms. "I'll... leave you alone," Aragorn said with a smile and retreated towards the direction he was heading from the beginning, leaving the cuddling twins alone. Leaning his head against his shoulder, the green-eyed elf looked up to his twin. "Can we go back to bed?" he asked quietly for he wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of the day in his brother's warm and safe embrace. Elladan didn't know why, but he just seemed to be softer than his brother and more sensitive for these kinds of things. It was either that Elrohir was hiding it better than his younger twin, or it just didn't affect him as much. The green-eyed Elf couldn't really tell, but now it was rather unimportant to him and he chased the thought away as he waited for an answer. "Sure we can." Elrohir stroked the dark hair of his brother lovingly for a moment, before he took a small step into the direction of their chambers. Reluctantly stepping out of the embrace, Elladan let himself being led back to their rooms. There he got rid of the disturbing clothes and crawled under the soft blanket, waiting for his twin to do the same. After Elrohir had joined him on the bed, the younger twin wrapped his arms around his slender form and snuggled up to him, zoning the big bad world out as the only thing he perceived was the presence of his brother. Thus he even managed to mute the call from the undying lands which became a lot louder in the past few hours. Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My-chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.fire-angel.net/Seek%20Truth/main.html http://lotr.lirimaer.com/ http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://fanfiction.alansworld.com/viewuser.php?uid=74 http://adultfan.nexcess.net/aff/authors.php?no=2588 Legolas In Chains Archive ALSlash Archive Library of Moria, too Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG? May go up soon... *is getting poked by My-chan: "NC-17!"* *sweatdrops* Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, others as well *glances over to Elladan & Elrohir* Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery, angst... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn's and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: The only thing I have to say... I dunno what to say. ^^;; _________________________________________________________________ Arwen sat on the sill of one of the windows in her chambers and stared down at her favorite place in the whole castle. It was her garden that reminded her of her home and her relatives and her youth. Even her mother and her father... Oh by the Valar, did she feel homesick! At times like these she wished that she had sailed into the West to join her mother, just like her father had asked her to. The previous night, after Estel had visited her, she had started to cry, but she didn't notice until one of her maidens looked at her with such a shocked and scared expression that she wanted to ask what had happened when she felt the girl's cool breath on her cheek. Touching it tentatively she realized that she had been crying for at least an hour. Almost every muscle of her body had grown stiff from sitting hunched up on the cold stone floor in front of the mantle and it had taken her about another hour to get the uncomfortable feeling out of her body so that she was able to move without pain. A sudden desire had drawn her out to the stables and although she had told herself over and over again that she simply wanted to check on Sîdh and her foal she couldn't help but glance around for a long curtain of jet black hair and a pair of stunningly silver eyes. But Rhÿn was nowhere to be seen, for the second day in a row. She dearly hoped that he would be back soon as she was missing him terribly. So after she had watched Sûl and her mother for quite a while, reveling in the sweet family scene that soothed her heart partly, but increased her homesickness as well, she went back upstairs, this time to check on her brothers. But Elladan and Elrohir were not in their chambers, so she guessed that they were probably out on one of their hunts again. Thus she had gone back to her own chambers and sat down on her favorite windowsill, maybe even more depressed than she had been before she went out. She didn't even know if she had fallen into reverie as she sat there, all she knew was that she was still sitting there when the sun rose and when the rain had started to fall. Fascinated she had watched how the buckets of water from the sky had ceased about an hour later and how the sun finally made its way through the clouds, the day becoming more promising of being a very nice one than before. That managed to lighten her mood insofar that she was suddenly registering what happened outside, in her gardens to be specific. She saw how a dark-haired man, who resembled the one she had talked to the previous day, went out and walked right through them, with a beautiful blonde at his arm. Frowning, she shifted in her seat so that she had a better view as the pair suddenly stopped, most probably because the stunning picture of the two Mallorns had come into sight. Now she had the chance to see that it was really her husband and his slave. She admired how beautiful the blond Elf had become, even more when she had bought him. Now he was straining with power and energy even though he had to hold onto Estel's arm for support. She could see clearly that he was trying not to put to much weight onto his right side, where he had probably gotten hurt. Grimly she thought that her husband must have made immediate use of the keys he had gotten from her and set him free, but then she saw the reflection of the sun in the Elf's collar out of the corner of her eye. So he was only freed from the leash he was given, she thought gloomily. But as the blond flung himself into the arms of her husband, she realized what made her feel so dour about him. Even though it seemed as if Estel had trained his slave very well, she knew that a slave would never actually do something like that. Her husband had probably made friends with the Elf... even more maybe. They looked too much of a happy couple than a master and his slave ever could, in fact they looked like the happy married couple that she and Estel should be. A new well of tears made it to her eyes as she saw how the pair sat down on her and Estel's place between the two Mallorns and she turned her head away, her cheeks feeling damp once more. She contemplated to stay in her bed for the next century and sulk, but then she had had a better idea. She would try on the stables one more time and see if her lover was there. She didn't have much hope on that, but as she had made her way down and looked into the hayloft she saw him sprawled over the golden ears. Smiling softly she approached him as silently as she could and lowered her hand to run her fingers lovingly through the long black tresses, that looked a little damp to her. Rhÿn had come back very early in the morning and he had been soaked from the rain and very exhausted. He didn't bother much to put his belongings away and had went straight up to the hayloft, shedding his wet shirt and shoes and had fallen asleep promptly once his head touched the soft hay. His sleep had been rather calm; thanks to his tiredness his body didn't have enough power to provide him with nightmares or any similar niceness. He only woke up a few hours later when he felt a touch on his back. Immediately his eyes snapped open and his hand shot upward to catch his attacker. The half-breed spun around in the same movement after he grabbed a narrow wrist and pulled the other one down, a dangerous growl on his half parted lips that exposed his teeth. His attacker was pinned to the ground underneath him as Rhÿn pressed him down with his own weight, glaring down with fiery silver eyes, strands of his black hair hanging in his face. Arwen winced as her wrist was grabbed too harshly, but didn't fight back as Rhÿn spun her around. She was also too surprised to act in any way and winced even more as the weight of the man crashed down on her, pinning her effectively down. She looked up and found him staring at her like she was his worst enemy, a cold fire in his silver eyes. Of course she couldn't help but feel scared by this glare. Her breath hitched and she knew that he could see this fear displayed in her eyes. Carefully she took a deep breath before she gasped out his name. "Rhÿn... it's me.... Arwen..." The boy's narrowed eyes snapped open when he heard his lover calling his name, and he backed away, releasing his violent grip on the lithe figure. "I'm sorry..." he whispered as he let himself fall back to sit on his bottom. He rested his upper body against the huddle of hay behind him and closed his eyes again as some visible tension left his limps and he sighed lowly. Arwen winced once more as she sat up as well. She brushed some ears away from her sleeves before she looked into Rhÿn's tired face. "No, I am sorry. I shouldn't have approached you so thoughtlessly..." "No, really... You shouldn't have..." he murmured without opening his eyes again. "I could have hurt you..... worse," he added then and reopened his eyes, a silent apology shimmering in them. Then he raised his arm slowly and extended his hand, motioning to the young looking woman to come closer. "I will remember it next time," the woman murmured as she crawled forward on all fours, placing a kiss on the corner of the boy's mouth. "I have missed you. Terribly." Rhÿn's lips curled up slightly when he felt the tender touch on them. The still extended hand sneaked around Arwen's waist and gently pulled her closer. Compared to his movements a mere minute before the Elf now seemed to be a completely different person. "Meleth..." he whispered lovingly, "I missed you too." With these words he pulled her even closer, sealing her mouth with his. Returning the kiss hungrily as this was the first sign of love that anybody showed her during the passing day, Arwen moved closer and let her hands roam excitedly over his exposed chest, feeling the strong muscles and somewhat soft but also rough skin under her fingers. She purred happily as she pressed herself against his body, intending fully to sit into his lap. The boy gasped a little surprised when the other Elf reacted in such an unexpected sweet way towards his proximity, but he did nothing to push her away. On the contrary he wrapped his second arm around the slender body as well and pulled her even closer, deepening the kiss gently. And if it hadn't been for the tiredness to still take a hold on him, Arwen would be at least missing her hair-band already and he would run his hands slowly though the smooth strands, combing them until they felt like silk in his hands... Rhÿn broke the kiss and laid his head back into the hay, sighing tiredly. He knew exactly what his lover was longing for, but right now he knew he couldn't give it; he was still too exhausted from his way back from the Gray Woods. "I'm sorry Meleth... I'm tired..." he murmured as he closed his eyes again, absently stroking her long dark tresses. Arwen leaned back to looked into his face, to see his closed eyes and felt how hers filled with tears once again. Somehow she had lost track of how many times she had cried in such a short time. Now sobs started to shake her body once more, starting as a soft shiver at first, but soon they evolved into something close to an earth-quake as she let her tears soak his hair. The Elf's eyes snapped open again when he felt how the girl in his arms started to shiver and with slight horror he watched the tears that streamed down her face. Rhÿn tightened his hold around her body and pulled her closer until her head rested against his bare chest, mumbling soothing nonsense. "Hush... what's wrong, Meleth? Did I... do you cry because of me now?" he asked with a slightly unstable voice as he was a little horrified that he made his love cry because he was so tired. "Yes... no... I mean," Arwen managed to choke out between several sobs. "Estel..." The boy still stroked the dark mop of his lover soothingly, but his grip around her body tightened even more, became almost painful as he heard those words. He clenched his jaws and his features turned hard and his silver eyes seemed to be made of ice in this moment. "So... what did that bastard do to you this time?" he asked, trying to keep his voice down but it was hard and the words came out as a sharp hiss. But all the while he managed to keep stroking her hair almost tenderly, to his own surprise. Pleasure and pain, those two lay so close together Arwen realized in this moment once more. She sniffled, trying to get her voice stable, to sound like the Queen she was and not like the scared little girl she felt like. "He..." she started, but was interrupted by a new well of tears. Again she squeezed her eyes shut and buried her face into Rhÿn's strong shoulder to cry her heart out just because of the memory. "He... I... we... He doesn't love me anymore!" she finally burst out and started to wail helplessly in his arms. Rhÿn felt how his heart sank at Arwen's obvious pain, feeling as helpless as never before as she was shaking violently in his arms. He held her tenderly and tightly, afraid what would happen if he let go of her now. Actually he should be glad that the relationship between his beloved and this stupid Human finally came to an end as it seemed, but he couldn't find any joy over it in his heart. On the contrary he was sad. Sad because he knew how much it meant to her, and sad that he had to see her like this, crying and weeping like a little child. "Hush... I'm sure he...." The boy squeezed his eyes shut, forcing those comforting words out of his mouth. "I'm sure he didn't... mean it like that..." Actually Rhÿn wanted to storm up into Aragorn's chambers and at least beat him up for making his girl cry again. She was definitely crying way too much lately. She deserved to be treated better. And HE, that stupid king of a Human should know that better than anybody else. He had had the luck of being together with Arwen for the most of his life and still he didn't seem to appreciate that, while the half-breed had yet spent so little time with his love... and it hurt him to see her like this. The woman calmed down under her lover's touch and stopped shaking at least a little. In fact so much that she was able to look up at him without too much shaking and only a sniffle now and then. "Do you think?" she asked, some hope swinging in her voice, ignoring the fact that she was lying in the arms of the man who loved her dearly right now. Rhÿn looked back into tear-stained midnight blue eyes and so much wanted to tell her that she should forget about this jerk. That she should leave him behind once and for all since all Aragorn seemed to be capable of was hurting her. But he didn't. Instead he nodded slightly, almost imperceptible. "Yes... I'm sure..." he whispered as he didn't find more strength for these words and stroked a few strands of hair out of her beautiful face. "Rhÿn... Mîr... You..." the words caught in her throat as she suddenly realized that he was lying to her just to spend some solace. New tears caught in her lashes, but she managed a very wry smile as she leaned and pressed her damp lips to those of her lover, saving him from saying any other word that he only muttered for her. Of course she knew that she and Estel didn't love each other anymore, she was just sad that they - the perfect match of a Human king and an Elven beauty - broke up like this, because they had grown too used to each other. They should be having lots of kids now, live a happy life and not something like this. There should be no need for both Rhÿn and this slave to spice up their life! But then again, maybe this young half-breed deserved her more than Estel ever had. He was gentle, nice and courteous towards her. While anybody else was provided with coldness, she received a smile when others only got a cold stare from those silver eyes. When was the last time her husband had been this nice to her? She couldn't remember. Rhÿn was glad when Arwen silenced him with her tear-stained lips and he returned the kiss tenderly, closing his eyes. He was glad for him because it saved him from lying further, and he hated lying. And also it had been hard for him to get these words over his lips and he didn't know if he would have been possible to say anything else about the Human that made him look better than he was. He sighed softly when the kiss finally broke and his head sagged back against the hay. "Meleth..." he whispered, "can't you just stay here with me... and rest?" His voice was low and heavy from his tiredness. The hunt had taken all his strength away and mixed with the worry it did its job in draining all his energy. Arwen wiped the rest of her tears away and kissed the boy's lips quickly once more. "Only if you promise to make love to me when we wake up," she said, now ignoring the confusing feelings and shattered dreams in her mind. A comfortable tiredness was creeping into her bones, from the night spent awake and all the tearing ups and downs of emotions of the previous day. She hugged her lover close, contentedly lying on top of him and smiling almost happily. It was very soothing to just live in the moment and spent no thought on what would come next and what should be. Forgetting about right and wrong and just living was her only refuge under the given circumstances. A tired smirk found its way on the boy's lips at those words and he placed a little kiss on the dark mop. "Gladly Meleth..." he murmured before he lay back down on the soft hay with Arwen staying comfortably snuggled against his chest. Again the tiredness washed over him in a huge wave, wrapping him up in a comforting black cloud that seemed to take his every problem away, but his concern stayed firmly in place, even in his sleep. Her lover's steady breathing and her own tiredness quickly managed to let Arwen fall asleep as well and for a change she didn't have any dreams, not even good ones. But she was glad for that. Meanwhile outside under the two Mallorn trees Aragorn was still staring at the sky, pondering about a perfect time and place to go out to the city of Minas Tirith. He always wanted to check out this pub Boromir had spoken so highly of, but never really had had the time to it. Absent-mindedly he made a grab for an apple out of the basket Pete had prepared and munched away on it. The Elf wanted to agree with what Aragorn had said about him becoming a man of the woods again, but he thought that it probably wasn't such a good idea to deepen the topic now, since it seemed to make the Human rather sad. So Legolas eyes wandered from the little bird over to the basket that Aragorn had brought with him. Despite the fact that he was actually full it looked very delicious, and he stopped his extending hand in the last moment, before he could grab something. "I fear I'm growing fat if I keep it up like this," he murmured in a lame attempt to change the subject. "Hm?" Aragorn asked around his piece of the apple before he swallowed it and raised an eyebrow. "Fat? You? Where?" Of course he had noticed that Legolas had gained some weight in the weeks he had stayed in the care of Aragorn and his cook, but still, compared to him and even Elladan and Elrohir he was almost painfully thin. Legolas blinked at the question and then lifted up his shirt, poking his belly. "Here, obviously." He poked again and watched how his finger made a little swale in his way too soft skin. "See? That's just skin and fat, without muscles." The Elf grimaced. His condition was just horrible in his own eyes and his body must look terrible. How could anybody possibly be attracted to him when he looked like this? Aragorn rolled onto his side and poked the exposed skin as well. Legolas was right, just fat and skin, but not enough body mass yet to start building muscles. He frowned and poked another place, having the same result. Also he glanced at the bandage of the wound from the dagger. Legolas didn't seem to feel any more pain from it and thus it should be healed soon. So they could indeed start some work out for the slave. "What would you like to do then to make this fat belly go away?" the man asked playfully and patted said skin with his entire hand. When the Human suddenly turned around Blackspot peeped a bit surprised and then fluttered over to sit on Legolas' shoulder instead. This place seemed to be more stable. The blond man grinned a bit defiantly as he heard the slight tease. "Well... anything except sitting around, I guess. I've been sitting enough for the past months..." He looked down at his right hand, moving his fingers slightly. "And actually my fingers are itching to hold a bow again..." Unconsciously Aragorn's fingers twitched on the Elf's belly, massaging the skin under them softly in the process. "Is that so?" he asked, before he added, "Are you good at archery? By your people's standards that is." Too fast to be seen Legolas' hand shot forward and caught the Human's wrist, gently pulling his hand away from the sensitive spot before the touch had the power to affect him. And this it would have if he hadn't stopped Aragorn from continuing it. "Yes. I was said to be one of the best..." he murmured as he stared down at the hand in his grip. Aragorn looked up from the place his hand had just rested on into Legolas' eyes. In a reflex he had tried to struggle out of the sudden grip, but then he noticed it was a rather gentle hold on his hand and just a self-protective motion. Thus he relaxed his muscles. "Then I will see that we can make it to the practice field tomorrow," he said. "I surely want to see what you are capable of." The Elf smiled a bit sheepish and then loosened his grip. "Don't expect too much," he murmured and flexed his fingers. "I might not even be strong enough to hold a bow in an appropriate way in my current condition.... Though I would love to anyway," he added and looked up again to meet steel blue eyes. The man used his now free hand to squeeze Legolas' shoulder reassuringly. "You are strong enough to overpower an assassin. I think even if you are not yet, you will soon be able again to use a bow properly." Legolas blushed a light shade of red at these words and looked to the side. "I needed more strength than I had to overpower him... and without the surprise I wouldn't have been able to fight him at all..." he murmured as he remembered how his arms hurt after the fight was over. He had merely been able to lift them afterwards. "I can't even give you a proper massage due to my lack of strength... really... my condition is... ridiculous..." Aragorn sat up all of a sudden, so that he was now looking directly into the Elf's face. "THEN we really have to do something against your condition!" he cried out with a mock-pout. "Your massages are able to wake the dead, and I sure do not want to miss them too soon." The shocked expression changed into a softer smile. "No, that's not the reason. What I want to say is if you want to change your body's condition, I will see what I can arrange to help you." The Elf chuckled at the unexpected outburst of the Human and then looked back up into his eyes with a warm smile. Slowly he lifted his right hand and gently laid it on Aragorn's cheek, his thumb moving lazily over his cheekbone. "You've treated me with so much kindness ever since I arrived here," he murmured, almost losing himself in those steel blue depths. "But I don't understand why. Is it just because you feel guilty for what happened to me? Or because you were angry that it happened to one of "your" people as you are a son of the Dunedain? Or... do you simply disapprove of having a slave and treat him like one as well?" Legolas asked, one eyebrow quirking in question. Aragorn's eyes widened in surprise, mostly over the time and place this question was asked. His eyebrows moved up slowly in response as he was thinking about an answer. "I..." he started, but found out that he didn't really know what he was about to say. So he started from another side after he took a deep breath. "If those were the only options and if I had to choose one of them... I would say the latter. But it's not that alone... At first I felt pity for your condition and wanted to have revenge on those who did this to you, but then... I'm not sure, but I think I started to see you. Not just your outside and the way you were hurt, but what lies underneath this façade... Well, parts of it. Right now it's my goal to see all of it. To break away this façade of self-protection and humbleness that you built up around you..." Slowly he faded out as he noticed that he had been talking too much, but he knew that he had only said the truth. The truth as he saw it, what he was thinking about Legolas, about his behavior and the background of the way he acted. He was direct, yes, but he was honest. The Elf had listened to the Human's every word and without him even noticing it his eyes widened slightly and when Aragorn finished he was almost staring at him, a hint of shock in the violet-blue pools. Elessar wanted to... break... his façade? To see all of what was inside him, all of what his soul held and what he tried to keep a secret? Even his self-protection... Even though Legolas knew it was irrational he felt fear creep up his throat at these words. The contact of his hand against the Human's face loosened and he slowly pulled his arm away as his gaze drifted off, down to the ground. Did that mean that Elessar only wanted to finish what the other men couldn't? That he was just so kind to make him feel safe to ease this task? Legolas didn't think that it was true, he didn't want to believe it, but what if this Human was really just gaining his trust to destroy him completely afterwards? The blond Elf swallowed hard and closed his eyes for a moment, before he reopened them and looked at the ground in front of him. "What do you mean with... humbleness?" he asked then, his voice unstable, almost shaking. Blackspot noticed how Legolas started to shiver, very lightly, not really visible, but noticeable when you were sitting on his shoulder. Thus he peeped worriedly and flew over to sit on Aragorn's head, from where he had a better view on his Elf-friend's face. There he chirped again and tilted his head to the side. Aragorn didn't even need to ignore the bird on his head as he was much too worried about Legolas. He had obviously used the wrong word at the wrong time and now he had increased the Elf's fears instead of calming them. He raised his arms to put them on the drawn-up shoulders for reassurance, very gently and lightly so that Legolas would be able to shake them off if he was scaring him with his proximity. "You... are holding yourself back. Sometimes I can see that you want to say something, maybe something snappish, but you hold yourself back, bite your tongue and it doesn't come out. Instead you say something that is probably the exact opposite of what you really want to say, something low and... well, decent. It changed, you opened up a little, but it's still there," he explained before he smiled wryly. "I'm not even sure if I want to hear everything of it." Gently he squeezed the shoulder. "But I want to see that, I want you to be free of these fears... I want to see you free," he murmured and added in his thoughts, 'even if it means that I will lose you.' Legolas wanted to add a snappish comment to that as it ghosted around in his mind that a prince had to be decent, that this was what was expected of him, but instead he bit his lips and turned his head to the side, even though he was actually staring holes into the ground, ignoring the hand on his shoulder. "Why?" he asked instead, almost whispering. "Why do you... want to see that?" "Because I know that this is not your usual behavior, because this is not really you," Aragorn said, maybe a little too forcefully and felt Blackspot on his head step from one foot to the other while the bird let out a hoot that sounded like a warning to him. Thus he tried not to move his head too much as he was talking to Legolas. "I... want to see you free... like I want to see a deer set free. It should not be bridled... it is not in its nature," he tried to explain, but somehow words were depriving him. But no matter how foolish these words sounded in his own ears, Blackspot chirped consentingly. The Elf looked up at the little sparrow eyes once more widened, but this time with surprise. When Aragorn had compared him to a deer Legolas felt how his heart sank as a deer was nothing of value to Humans as he had learned. It was something they hunted, shot down and ate, just like they had hunted and shot down him. Elves were noting of value either. But now his little bird-fried chirped his agreement and Legolas was startled. Why would Blackspot agree with something like that? Confused and slightly irritated the Elf whistled a low question to the bird, an incredulous shimmer in his eyes. Blackspot chirped back, both surprise and appall ringing in his tone as he tried to explain that he knew that Humans hunted and ate deer, but also that they were a symbol of grace and pride. He told him that this Human just wanted to see him running free as a deer in its element the forest where it belonged, not on someone's dish! Aragorn was not as dumb not to realize that he had used the wrong words once again, but he was close to despair. What could he say that he Elf understood, but that would not lead him to think that he wanted something bad from him? "Legolas... you... are like a star... a star that... whose light is swallowed by a cloud... and it is this cloud I want to push away... or that I want you to push away so that your light shines down on Middle-Earth once more." Slowly the Elf nodded as he had understood what the sparrow explained to him, but that still didn't answer his question. The question why. But his instincts told him not to ask again. Maybe he would get another answer that he wouldn't like as much, just like before. But his stubbornness got the better of him. "It still doesn't answer the question... why?" he murmured, avoiding looking into Aragorn's eyes still. "Because I like you! No, wait. I like what I've seen of you under that façade you built up around you so that nobody is able to hurt you anymore; the little bits that slip out of your control... that barrier that keeps you away from being yourself." He was breathing heavily now, feeling how a frustrated pout was starting to overcome him, just like it did when he was younger and had tried to explain something that nobody believed. In fact this situation was just the same. Just that he was no little boy anymore. Again the Elf nodded. "I'm sorry for misunderstanding your words, Elessar..." he murmured, now feeling somewhat bad because of his fear, because of the one who caused it. "It seems Blackspot understands you much better than I do... in some ways..." Shyly he glanced up again, meeting the other's eyes that still rested on him. "But... you... your world... all of this... it still frightens me. Maybe I've just spent too much time with people who say one thing and do another. I knew not much of Humans when I was captured and thus I thought all of them are like this... false... insidious...." Legolas lowered his gaze again. "I'm sorry that I... thought... you were like that..." he whispered and squeezed his eyes shut. "Legolas... You should know that I am not like that," Aragorn chided softly, but more to vent his frustration than really meaning it. He could understand why the Elf was so scared of Humans, but he just wanted to sooth and not to rip open those old wounds. Slowly his arms found their way around Legolas' shoulders, not sure whether he should apply more proximity between them two or not. But in the end he decided that he should do so because of earlier reactions from Legolas. He sought his proximity when he felt bad and also it was a good feeling to hold him in his arms, so he hugged him softly. Blackspot let out a protesting peep when Aragorn's head suddenly was tilted forward and he extended his wings and fluttered up just in time before he was thrown off. Finally he decided to sit on the branch of one of the Mallorns nearby since it seemed much more stable than either of them. The Elf buried his face in the crook of Aragorn's shoulder and his arms sneaked around his waist as he needed something to hold onto. "I know... I should know... I'm sorry..." he whispered against the Human's neck and felt how his eyes became watery. "I'll try to be more like myself... but I warn you... you might not like it..." Caressing the Elf's back soothingly, Aragorn smiled wryly. "That's what I'm afraid of... But you can't be as cheeky as my brothers," he added to tone his statement down. He didn't want to hurt the Elf's feelings again. "We start with the rebuilding of your muscles tomorrow... so that you don't have to be embarrassed for your large belly... How does that sound?" Legolas backed away again, a good visible pout on his features that didn't match the water in his eyes. "So you think I'm fat, yes?" he asked with a sulking voice, a slight hint of a grin in the watery pools. The corners of the man's mouth twitched with a hint of a grin as well. "I do not think that, you said that." "Yes... but you don't have to agree with me, now do you?" the Elf asked but then a little mischievous grin made his lips curl up as he leaned forward slightly and poked Aragorn's belly. "And what's that?" "That's... the pride of a King," Aragorn said rather sheepishly. "Or rather the pride of his cook," he added with an even more sheepish look. Legolas' right eyebrow slowly moved up and he looked back into steel blue eyes rather doubtfully. "You know... that there are kings who're much older than you and who also have excellent cooks... but don't look like that?" he asked, slightly teasing the other man, referring to Thranduil of course but he didn't have to actually speak that out aloud. "Much older and much more used to that job, I guess," Aragorn murmured and sighed. "You're right, this is fat. Ordinary fat that I should get rid of... So... it might be better I'd accompany you on your..." Aragorn started and was about to say "training", but didn't want to say it as it would definitely rise unpleasant memories in the Elf. "Your work-out." A small grin spread over the blond's features. "Oh... that should be... interesting..." To be continued... _________________________________________________________________ So here you are. Anniversary-chapter. ^^; Hope you enjoyed it. *looks around for art* Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My-chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.fire-angel.net/Seek%20Truth/main.html http://lotr.lirimaer.com/ http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://fanfiction.alansworld.com/viewuser.php?uid=74 http://adultfan.nexcess.net/aff/authors.php?no=2588 Legolas In Chains Archive ALSlash Archive Library of Moria, too Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG? May go up soon... *is getting poked by My-chan: "NC-17!"* *sweatdrops* Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, others as well *glances over to Elladan & Elrohir* Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery, angst... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn's and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen-bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; _________________________________________________________________ For a few hours Rhÿn's sleep was fast and sound and most of all calm, but then the horrifying pictures of the early morning returned to him with full power and he tensed in his sleep. One of his clenching fists grabbed a handful of hay, while the other one buried itself in Arwen's robes. Arwen stirred in her sleep when she felt how the otherwise soft hold on her tightened. After a while she blinked her eyes open as the earthquake underneath her didn't cease. Rhÿn was obviously having a nightmare, but didn't wake up from it. So she gently shook him, kissed his cheek trying to wake him up. "Rhÿn... wake up, Mîr... you're having a nightmare," she cooed gently, not wanting to start him again. The half-breed felt a stinging pain in his chest and this made him wake up finally, his eyes snapping wide open. Silver pools stared up at the ceiling and his heart pounded in his chest, breath hitching as he clenched his right hand around the hay even tighter, his fingernails drawing blood from his palm. "Rhÿn!" Arwen called him, now more than just a little worried. "Rhÿn! Mîr... it... it's just a nightmare..." Carefully she wiped the cold sweat from his brow, trying to sooth him with her presence. Squeezing his eyes shut for a moment the boy raised his hands to his head, rubbing his face. "No, it's not," he muttered. "I wish it were." Slowly he sat up, taking care that he didn't cause Arwen to fall off him and waited until she rearranged her position. Again he moved his hands over his face, wiping away the remaining sweat and also moved his hands through his hair to tame his wild black tresses. The woman sat down next to him, watching him move with a tiny frown. Which turned into a shocked expression as she saw the blood on his hand and she snatched it into her own hand to take a look at it. "Rhÿn! You're bleeding!" She gently kissed the little wounds that he had obviously caused himself, to make them better, just like she did when she was younger when her brothers were hurt. Then she looked up into his eyes. "Why?" she asked, "What... what happened?" Rhÿn pulled his hand out of her grip and clenched it again, welcoming the pain it brought as a very much needed distraction and a call back to the now and there. Another muttered "nothing" came out between clenched jaws before he turned his gaze away and stared nowhere with an icy glare. "Rhÿn... I know it is not nothing, and it's upsetting you," she said firmly, this scenery being just too familiar to her by now with him. She laid her hand softly on his cheek, turning his face so that she was looking at him. "Talk to me... please..." The boy stared at her for several moments, his gaze much softer now, but still cold. Pain shimmered in his eyes when he finally met hers and he parted his lips to comply her plea. "There was a hunt... in the Grey Woods a bunch of Wolves raced down a hill and I was one of them. Hunters were on our track on horses, with hounds numerical superior to us. When the clearing turned into a narrow path they started shooting arrows. One of them hit my chest... " Absentmindedly his hand moved to the spot on his chest where he had felt the stinging pain. "Then I woke up..." Arwen frowned, not knowing whether this was just the dream or what had really happened. She caressed his cheek softly, the tiny frown still on her face. Not everything he said made sense to her, but she gathered that it must have felt horrible seeing it as vividly as Rhÿn seemed to have seen it. "This... was the dream... right? What... what happened really?" Pain washed over the boy's face when he remembered the events of the night and slowly he lowered his arm again, drawing up his leg. Slowly he pulled up his trouser leg, revealing a red and rather fresh looking bite mark. "I left before the hunt began... They made me leave," he corrected himself bitterly, pulling the cloth back down. "Who? The Wolves?" Arwen asked, not sure what else to say as she was a little surprised by the large bite on her lover's leg. Rhÿn nodded. "Yes. Ayesha bit me slightly to tell me how serious she was about me leaving them... She said she would bite off my leg if I dared to return..." Again he clenched his fists, his facial expression a mix of worry, rage and hatred. "Damn them... damn these Humans!" The words came out as a mix between a hiss and a growl. Arwen was only hurt for a heartbeat. She was still married to a Human and there was still a place in her heart that loved him, but she could also understand Rhÿn's feelings. Some people of that species were really bastards. But she didn't want to talk about it right now. She leaned in, at the same time tugging softly at his cheek and kissed him on the mouth, intending fully to make him shut up with that gesture. The boy's eyes widened slightly when he suddenly felt his lover's lips on his and he hesitated for a moment before he closed his eyes as well. But still he didn't kiss back. He just sat there like this for a moment, until he finally moved his head to the side, slightly rubbing his cheek against hers and simply hugged her, pulling her close to him. "I'm sorry..." he whispered. "I just wish there was something... I could do to make them stop... make them stop hunting... for fun..." Hugging him back tightly, the woman rubbed her cheek back against his, applying a light kiss on his earlobe. She knew it was not a good idea to say this to him, but the words fell as a murmur from her lips before she could stop them, "Elessar... could..." When Rhÿn heard these words a bitter laugh fell from his lips and he wasn't able to hold it back. "Ah yes? Is he? Well yes, probably. But what are you going to tell him?" he asked, his voice sounding a tad colder than usually. "'Estel, darling, I'm sorry that we almost killed each other yesterday, but could you please make a law that forbids hunting wolves for fun? My lover the groom would appreciate it really much.'" His voice was almost void of emotions when he spoke these words but the following snort let the actual sarcasm show that lay behind them. Slowly he backed away so he was able to look into her face. "Don't get me wrong, Meleth. I would be very happy if there was any chance that you could get him to do this, but there isn't. There is no way you could explain it to him without... well... making the scene even uglier than the one yesterday..." Rhÿn gently took her hand in his and kissed her palm. "This is my problem and my sorrow, and you don't need to bother yourself with it..." he murmured, and his face lightened up a bit as he remembered a promise he had made before he fell asleep. "Let's forget about this for a moment, alright? There's a promise I have to keep..." And with these words he leaned in again and sealed her lips with his, silencing any protest that might come from her. Arwen had looked away as he was mocking her and her relationship with Estel. Her own eyes became devoid of emotion as he spoke, feeling how tears crept slowly into the corners of her eyes. The pain she had felt the previous days still sat to deep and was not easy to get rid of, especially not with Rhÿn making fun of the whole scenery like that. Maybe he didn't even mean to make it sound like that, but his bitterness hurt her still wounded heart and she couldn't stop that tear falling from the corner of her eye as he kissed her. She couldn't gather that Estel wouldn't help him just because he was her lover... of course, she shouldn't be the one to ask him, but why Rhÿn was too proud to ask him himself she didn't know. So now it was her turn not to kiss back although it had been her own wish and she had been looking very much forward to it. When the boy noticed that she wasn't kissing back just like he hadn't, he backed away again looking deep into midnight blue eyes. A wave of guilt washed over him as he realized that he had hurt the girl he loved even more with his careless choice of words. "I am sorry, Meleth...." He murmured and let go of her as he stood up and stepped to the window. "This is bothering me more than I can admit, even to myself. I shouldn't have let it out on you... I'm sorry... really..." His look was sad as he stood there, his gaze wandering to the west where the Grey Woods lay, even though he couldn't see them from this position. It took Arwen some time sitting in the hay to stop her silent weeping and to wipe her tears away. She took a very deep steadying breath before she stood up and patted a few ears from her dress. Slowly walking over to him standing at the window she put her hand tentatively on his arm. "It... it doesn't matter... I mean, it does. But it's alright... I will have to overcome this pain..." she murmured, just to sooth herself, not really thinking about the meaning of her words. Slightly red eyes looked up at him. "Will you... kiss me... try again?" The half-breed still looked out the window, much too wrapped into his own worry to care about anybody else. It was hard to put it this way, but it was true. Right now he didn't have the power to spend solace to the girl next to him. And he needed a distraction or he would think about his friends and the danger they were in all day long for sure. Sleeping with Arwen might have been a good distraction, and she was longing for it too, but it would be only temporarily and he also wasn't in the mood for that. So he finally turned to face her again, looking back into her eyes with his cool silver pools and shook his head slightly. "I am sorry, Meleth. I can't give you what you want right now.... I should get to work..." With these words he stepped out of her touching range and walked over to his now dry shirt, putting it on. Arwen stared at his back, not sure if she should be relieved or not. But she only nodded as she started to pick a few ears out of her hair, slowly moving into the direction of the ladder. "I... I'll come back later, okay?" she asked just before she started her descent. "As you wish, Milady..." Rhÿn murmured absentmindedly as his gaze wandered out of the window once more, his eyes darkened with worry. He really needed to get back to his work, to distract himself. Suddenly his eyes widened as he realized what he just said. Quickly he spun around to tell Arwen that he didn't mean to say that to her, but she was already gone and he could hear her steps approaching the exit of the stables. The boy cursed himself for every reason he could find, just to let his utter rage out on something and himself seemed a good choice for this matter. Then he waited until he couldn't hear Arwen anymore and made his way down to the actual stables as well. Meanwhile underneath the Mallorn trees of Gondor Aragorn had reluctantly untangled himself from Legolas embrace. The day was beautiful still, despite the way it had started, and for several hours the pair of them simply enjoyed sitting in the sun, or rather the few rays that made their way through the close roof of leaves provided by the trees. Then, very suddenly, Aragorn remembered what he had been reading the previous day. "So... you told me that you had two brothers yesterday... Do you have any sisters?" Legolas was slightly taken aback when the Human asked him about his family again all of a sudden. He considered his answer for a moment, but finally decided not to lie and nodded. "Yes, I do." Inwardly he was wondering though if Aragorn was actually interested in this or if he was just trying to keep the conversation running. "Why do you ask?" he asked then, looking back into Elessar's eyes. "You didn't answer my question if you had any other siblings yesterday," the man said with a sheepish smile. "And now that you got to know my siblings and their behavior, I was interested what people who are related to you are like. I would like to know more of you, if you don't mind," Aragorn added quickly as an afterthought. Legolas chuckled softly. "That's not fair. My brothers and yours are... so not similar at all... and well... to bring our brothers' behavior in relation to our own seems... unfair... mostly because it makes me look really bad," he admitted with a sweat drop. Aragorn tried hard to follow the Elf's elaborations, but in the end he only understood the very essence of it. "Why should it? What are your brothers like? I mean, you already mentioned that they are not as... 'lively' as Elladan and Elrohir are... but... well, what are they like that it would make you look so bad?" It was clear to the Elf that he had to express his feelings a little better than that. "Well, you see... Your brothers are very interesting persons, full of energy, outgoing and kind. Your life with them made you just as kind and one can see that you love your life." He paused for a moment hoping he was easier to understand now. "My brothers are stiff, introverted, bitter sometimes even. They rarely smile, take everything too seriously, keep me in leading strings whenever they get the chance and... Well.... It's hard to see if they even enjoy their life, and sometimes I think if it wasn't for our father they would have left a long time ago." He paused again, shaking the almost sad expression off his face. "And now if somebody would think that if your brothers made you such a kind person, what would people think that mine made me?" he asked then with a wry smile. "Well, if you use this argument, I'll have to tell you something else about my brothers," Aragorn said with a smirk. "They are lazy and most of all they are the horniest creatures I have ever seen in my entire life. And although I may seem infinitely young to you, I have seen a lot of things. All my life I tried to get away and hide from them... somehow they have the antics to see me as their toy." He shook his head. "You are right, they are the exact opposite of your brothers, but still, I do not think of them as highly as you seem to, maybe just because they are my brothers. You are a kind person as well, so I don't think they can be as bad as you just described them," he said and instantly hoped that neither Elladan nor Elrohir had picked up anything he just said. "I might be, but it's definitely not their doing," Legolas replied with a little smirk. "And my little sister actually saves me from them most of the time. It's due to her that I didn't die a horrible death of boredom by now... several times." "Ah, so you have a younger sister," Aragorn repeated, making it clear to himself. "And she's different to what your brothers are like," he added, "more like my brothers, I guess? Without their horny antics though, I hope." Legolas laughed softly with his clear voice and his eyes sparkled like the sun on the leaves of the Mallorns. Then he smiled warmly as he thought about his little sister, a gentle and warm smile as the thought warmed up his heart. "Yes, she's wonderful. So full of life, so happy, filled with light as if she was reflecting the sun with her heart." The blond man knew he could probably go on like this the whole day and thus he stopped himself a sheepish smile on his features. "She's... my precious..." he added a little lower and his voice sounded a bit sad. He was close to telling Aragorn what he had promised her, but he didn't want to put that pressure on the Human now. He had said he would let him go and he just had to trust in his words and wait until his time came. And so he just stayed quiet. The King watched Legolas talk and laugh, a little appreciating smile tugging at the corner of his lips, while his eyes were twinkling with mirth. This was the Legolas he wanted to see, the one smiling and laughing, talking happily about the ones he loved... "...but?" the man inquired as Legolas stopped with a rather sad expression on his face, although he sounded more like he wanted to say more, probably tell him that she missed him terribly and that he feared worse things about her than what had happened to him. The Elf looked up, a little surprised about Aragorn's reply or rather his question. He held his gaze for a few moments, considering if he should really tell him what was on his mind. But on the other hand the Human had asked for it, more than just once. "I promised her to ... to meet later when I sent her back home... I think she trusts my every word and that she still waits for me, that she didn't lose her hope yet. But still her feeling of time is different than mine... she is still young, and time runs awfully slow for those who're young..." his voice faded out as he realized for the first time how much he really worried about her. Worried that her heart might grow bitter and cold with grief. Aragorn stayed silent for some time, letting sink in how important that girl was to Legolas. Not only did he miss her, no, she probably missed him just as badly, maybe even more. He never had a younger sister - or brother - so he did not really know what it felt like to be worried about them. Sometimes he was worried about his brothers' sanity or even lives, but that was not really comparable. "How long?" he asked quietly, "how long since you last saw her?" Legolas looked away for a second, taking a deep breath and blinking a few times as he felt how his eyes heated up. But he didn't want to cry again, it would neither help him nor his sister in any way. No, he had to be strong. "A little more than six months, I think," he answered then, looking back into the steel blue eyes of the other man. The man nodded slowly. This was indeed a very long time for Humans, but Elves usually needed more time than that to get really scared about somebody. But then again, the youngest Elves he had met were his own foster siblings, so he did not know how it was like for Elven adolescents. "That... is not that long," he tried to sooth Legolas, doing his best at a wry smile. "She will still be waiting for you... One thing I learned is that hope dies the last..." "Yes, it does," the Elf agreed since he knew that very well himself. "I guess I'm just too worried about it... but if she knows what happened... she might... spin her thoughts further... She has a very wild imagination, and in this case it might not be too good," Legolas murmured and lowered his gaze again. Aragorn raised an eyebrow while exactly two things were on his mind. Firstly that she was probably right with whatever she thought and secondly that she must be very similar to Elladan and Elrohir indeed if she thought something like that. He shook his head slightly to get that thought out of his mind and bit his tongue so that he didn't say anything that went into that direction. But that limited his possibilities almost to zero. "Do you think, she thinks... that you are dead?" he asked tentatively. Legolas nodded slowly. "Probably..." He cleared his throat. "I mean... I was almost dead...close to it... maybe she felt that..." He closed his eyes and laid his head back, taking a deep breath. "I sure hope she didn't," he whispered before he opened his eyes again and looked up to the leaves of the tree above him. Then he lowered his head again and looked Aragorn straight into his eyes. "Are you sure you want to talk about this?" he asked. Holding this gaze for a moment, the man answered, "No. But only because I do not think that your sister thinks you are dead. She may be worried, but she should sense that you are still alive. Now even more than some months ago." He made an idle movement with his arm. "Let's see that you get back in your old shape soon, well, better than before that is, so that she doesn't have to worry about you anymore," he changed the topic though. "As you are to rest today, I can only show you where we're going tomorrow... would you like that?" Again the Elf nodded and a smile played with his lips. Aragorn was right. If she could feel when he was almost dead, she also felt that he was much better now, and that there was still hope. Lots of. "Thanks... and yes, I would love to see more of your home." He didn't add though that he would prefer not to meet anybody on their way, wherever they were going, especially no Humans, but that was rather unrealistic since he was surrounded by them and it was time to get used to it. Aragorn stood up and dusted some imaginary dirt from his behind before he offered Legolas to take his hand and pull him up to stand. "This... is not really my home," he explained with some regret in his voice. "It is supposed to be, but just like you I grew up in the woods... and well, I'm missing them from time to time." Legolas took the offered hand and pulled himself up. But the sudden change between sitting and standing made his circulation go crazy for a moment and he felt dizzy. Out of a reflex he grabbed a handful of Aragorn's shirt, thus pulling himself closer to the strong body in front of him. The Elf leaned against him for a moment until his head was clear again and then looked up with a little sheepish smile on his features. Then he nodded. "You miss your real home badly, don't you?" he asked softly. To Legolas it was clear that the Human didn't only miss the woods "from time to time" as he had said since he already talked about going back to the woods earlier today. "And if it was only for one day..." the Elf murmured. When Legolas had threatened to fall, Aragorn's arms had found their way almost naturally around his shoulders to catch and hold him. He breathed deeply for a moment, thanking the Valar that he got this armful of Elf to take care of at least for a little while, before he looked down into that almost violet gaze in front of him. For a heartbeat he wanted to protest, but then he simply nodded. "Yes," he admitted, "But my place is here..." "Oh really?" Legolas asked with a bit of a smug grin. "Judging from what I read and the little I know about you, you did a lot better as a strider than you're doing as a king: It doesn't suit you and one can easily see that you don't enjoy it at all," he said, maybe a little too bluntly. But he meant it and he didn't regret saying it. "Your place might be here, but your heart definitely is somewhere else, far away." Aragorn's eyebrows shot up at this, slightly amused. "Oh really? Do I sense some criticism here? Is there someone who's not happy with my kingship?" he gave back, well knowing that the Elf in his arms was true about his real feelings. He missed being a simple ranger, who went completely unnoticed from everybody else, who was free to go where he wanted to, where he was needed. But this was his destiny and he had somehow known it from the beginning, from the first day he had been able to think that he was bound with his blood to this fate. The Elf shook his head, grinning slightly. "Oh... no... what makes you think that? I would never dare to criticize such a ... mighty King... as yourself..." He cleared his throat and looked to the side, trying to hide the much wider grin that made his lips curl up. "I just heard a little bird whistle it," the man chuckled softly as he saw that grin Legolas sought to hide behind his chest. Right at that moment he heard a rather shrill chirp, coming from one of the Mallorns' branches that sounded somewhat familiar to him. He turned his head slightly just to see how a little sparrow was taking off as if he didn't want to have to do anything with the bickering of the two men and chuckled even more. "And well, it was no sparrow as he seems not to like the idea very much," he added with a very sheepish snicker. The Elf chuckled and turned his head to look after his little friend. Obviously he had enough of their company now and preferred to join his little bird-friends. And Legolas actually thought that he should since he was keeping his company for quite a long time and the other sparrows might become jealous because he was abandoning them. After Blackspot was out of sight, the blond turned his head back to look at the Human, finally letting go of his shirt which he was still clutching as he noticed just now. "So... what did you want to show me?" "Well..." the man said, still holding the Elf gently in his arms. "Do you like horses?" He winced unnoticeably at this question as his mind made him remember just then, that most of his horses had been presents from his wife to him, either to his birthday or the celebration of their wedding day, just like Legolas had been. But he didn't know then who was crueler: his wife or his mind. Legolas' face lightened when he heard that and he nodded. "Yes, I do... I love horses." "Well, what would you say if I wanted to show you the stables?" the man suggested, deliberately ignoring the fact that one could easily say that Legolas was just another horse. Somehow the entire dark humor of this warped situation was not at all appealing to him. "I'd say that I would love to see them," the Elf replied. Actually the thought that he could get the chance to see or feel one of these graceful animals made his heart beat a little faster. Mostly because he hadn't been close to one of them for such a long time as he had been locked up inside most of the time. "Well then, what's keeping us?" Aragorn asked and then finally stepped away from Legolas to offer his arm instead of his embrace. It would be rather hard for them to walk like that. "Your hug, I believe," Legolas chuckled with a soft teasing in his voice and then took the offered arm. It might have made them look a little funny, but his steps were still not as stable as they were supposed to be and he was grateful for something to hold onto, just in case that he stumbled or even threatened to fall. "Well, I didn't mind hugging you... did you?" Aragorn said innocently as he bit his tongue so that he didn't say that it was Legolas who had sought his proximity first. And by the way he was now holding on to him, he didn't seem much like he would be able to start the practice they had talked about earlier. Legolas shook his head. "No, I didn't," he said with a smile. He did not mind it at all, first of all because it was actually his decision to hug the Human and secondly... well, secondly because he found Aragorn's proximity very comfortable. More than just that. But the other man didn't have to know that. He let Aragorn lead the way back inside and inwardly prayed that they wouldn't meet any Humans. Okay, not too many after a moment of consideration, since it was rather unlikely that they didn't meet anybody on their way through Minas Tirith. A few moments after they had entered the fortress Aragorn saw the rather large frame of his guards' commander approach them rather quickly and he slowed his steps to welcome the younger man. "Milord, I've been looking for you all over Minas Tirith... until I asked the cook who told me you were outside with your... slave," Greaw said, smiling a little sheepishly at the blond person with the large collar around his neck. "I... have... done as you told me to," he added, not wanting to elaborate his order further in public. The Elf tensed when he sensed the bulky man approaching them and when Aragorn even slowed down to meet him. Automatically he bowed his head down, not looking at the other man as he started to talk, and he even seemed to shrink at least one inch as he stood there and stared to the ground. He even winced slightly at the words about him and made a small step backwards that brought him a little behind Aragorn, just as if he wanted to hide from the other Human, which actually was the truth. He was afraid of the strong figure, even though his voice was calm and he seemed rather friendly. Legolas couldn't suppress a shiver that ran through his body and he was painfully aware of his arm that was still entwined with the king's, and how it made them look. Thus he made a weak attempt to pull it away. Aragorn nodded and then felt how Legolas squirmed next to him. He frowned and then looked to his side, seeing the Elf hiding behind him, looking absolutely scared. If it weren't for the fact that he knew Greaw would rather kill himself than do something that would harm anybody the King liked he would have let him hide further. But thus he tugged gently at his arm and forced the Elf to stand in front of him. "Legolas, this is Greaw, Commander of Security here. You did his job the other night," he said and patted his shoulder. Smiling at the taller man in front of them he introduced them the other way round. "Greaw, this is Legolas from Mirkwood. He's a little... shy towards Humans." To be continued... _________________________________________________________________ I'm sorry to inform you all there won't be an update for at least the next two weeks. Makiko is going away next Saturday and there is little to no chance that there will be access to the internet for her where she stays in Denmark. But if anybody knows the place Viggo lived... please send it to makikoigami@yahoo.de. She'd love to see whether she can coax her parents to let them visit it. ^^; Title: Tên Mûel Authors: Makiko Igami (makikoigami@yahoo.de) & My-chan (My-chan@gmx.de) Archive: http://www.yaoi.rulestheweb.com http://www.fire-angel.net/Seek%20Truth/main.html http://lotr.lirimaer.com/ http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/src.php?auth=58906 http://fanfiction.alansworld.com/viewuser.php?uid=74 http://adultfan.nexcess.net/aff/authors.php?no=2588 Legolas In Chains Archive ALSlash Archive Library of Moria, too Category: AU, RPG Rating: this chapter... PG? May go up soon... *is getting poked by My-chan: "NC-17!"* *sweatdrops* Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas, others as well *glances over to Elladan & Elrohir* Warnings: Slash, OOC (of Arwen mostly), slavery, angst... Spoilers: A few... not really as I don't remember much of the book, just that Aragorn became King of Gondor in the end and that Arwen was his Queen. Summary: After seven years of marriage, the excitement of being together has vanished from Aragorn's and Arwen's marriage... maybe a present might change this. Disclaimer: You know the deal don't you? J.R.R. Tolkien invented them, and if we owned them, we would be related to him, but since neither I nor My-chan are... we just play around with them, toy with their minds and use them for fun only. Notes&Comments: This was written by me and My-chan as a rpg and ever since Pretending And Being, a wild mix of German and English, we have this nearly "exhibitionistic" need for feedback from various places. ^^;; So please be gentle. Now on to the story itself. I know that this may look like a serious Arwen-bashing story, but please be reassured that we don't mean to cause any harm to anybody who likes her. She is just for causes of story-telling such a bitch here. ^^; The Sindarin we used (and transformed for ourselves) comes from a little program called Dragon Flame (which I always think that it is this game I don't want to play unless I know I am on my own), but since it didn't have all the words we needed, we had to make them up. If you have any questions feel free to send an email to any of us... and hope that we still know what we wanted to say. ^^;;;; _________________________________________________________________ "Legolas, this is Greaw, Commander of Security here. You did his job the other night," he said and patted his shoulder. Smiling at the taller man in front of them he introduced them the other way round. "Greaw, this is Legolas from Mirkwood. He's a little... shy towards Humans." The blond man froze completely when he was suddenly pushed forward and found himself between the two Humans. This was definitely the last place where he wanted to be. He wanted to be far away from any Human and preferably in Aragorn's chambers under the bed, which was one of the best places to hide. So now he just stood there, unmoving and simply stared down at the ground, his fists tightly clenched as they were pressed against his sides. Why was Aragorn doing this to him? Didn't he see that he feared his kind? Or was this his way of making his "slave" used to the other Humans? Legolas squeezed his eyes shut at the bitter thought and tried to get it out of his head. Whatever Aragorn's intention was, it had nothing to do with what he had experienced before he came here. That much was for sure, he just mustn't forget it. But that thought still didn't cease his fear. 'Well, that's obvious,' the other man thought with a highly raised eyebrow as the beautiful Elf didn't dare to look up at him or even move. He looked at his King with a frown who looked at him pleadingly and tilted his head forward a bit, telling him to go on. Greaw thought hard about something he could do to show that he meant not to harm that beautiful creature between him and the King, but the only thing that came to his mind was how he usually showed his dignity. Slowly he dropped down to his knees and bowed his head, looking down to the floor. He wasn't really used to these movements anymore as Elessar usually didn't pay much mind whether he did it or not, but here it was more than just appropriate. "It is my pleasure meeting you, Legolas, charming Elf of Mirkwood," he said, trying to keep his smile at bay. He was absolutely not able to keep those words from his tongue, but he was doing his best not to let it show on his face. Legolas would have stumbled at least one step back when the bulky man suddenly kneeled down in front of him in an absolutely respectful and admiring manner, if it hadn't been for Aragorn's hands that still lay on his shoulders and kept him where he was. But still his eyes widened considerably at the Human's behavior and the Elf could feel how his cheeks heated up and how he blushed a deep crimson red. And if possible he blushed even deeper when the words reached his ears, making them twitch slightly. Also Legolas was almost sure that "Elf" could actually be replaced with Prince, judging from the way it was said. This made him swallow and even though he had been used to people bowing before him in the past, it made him feel uncomfortable now. Still hesitating he extended his hand and touched the surprisingly soft hair of the kneeling man. "Please..." he whispered in the common language of Gondor, hoping it didn't sound too wrong. "Stand up..." There really was no need why he had to show this much respect towards him, as he was just a slave. But then he understood the meaning behind the gesture and a little smile made his lips curl up. It seemed that this one didn't think of Elves as lower beings, that he actually liked them. And despite his rather rough and dangerous looks he actually seemed to be very nice and kind. The red haired man looked up slowly, daring to meet the Elf's fair face which was stained with a deep shade of red, and he nodded as he scrambled back to his feet, now towering over the blond and the King once more. He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, ruffling his own hair where Legolas had touched him. Chancing a little insecure look at Elessar, he saw how the older man smiled openly at the two. Legolas waited until the man stood in front of him again and shyly looked up then to meet Greaw's eyes as he was at least 3 inch taller than the Elf. When he saw his sheepish expression the blond's smile widened a little bit and he slowly extended his hand again, offering it to the other man to grab it. A gesture he had seen the Humans do a lot of times and he figured that it was how they said hello. "And it's my pleasure to meet you, Greaw," the words stumbled from Legolas' lips and made him blush even deeper. It was strange to use this language he didn't really know yet and hadn't got a chance to practice. Aragorn watched contentedly how the commander, who was sporting a little blush as well, took the Elf's hand and shook it. He didn't use his full force, but only wrapped his hand lightly around it, although it was still a very good hold. Greaw beamed brightly at the smaller man, while the King thought it was safe to slowly back away from Legolas as he saw that they were getting along better than they had started off. He put a hand on the younger man's shoulder and the other on Legolas'. "I am glad to see you that you... like each other," he said before he turned to talk to Greaw. "Proceed with those men as you would with any criminal. They deserve no mercy for what they have done." Nodding the other man answered, "Of course milord. I will see that they won't even get water and bread for a while." "Thank you," Aragorn nodded back and than patted Greaw's shoulder. "Is that all?" "Yes milord." "Very well, you may go now." Bowing a bit from the waist towards the King and his company, Greaw smiled one last time at Legolas before he turned away to return to his duties. Aragorn followed him for a while with his gaze before he turned back to Legolas, who was still sporting a nice red shade. "Well... what do you think?" Of course he was aware that this had been a crucial encounter between Legolas and the race of men, but it went almost better than he had expected. Greaw may look menacing, but he had a soft heart when it came to beauty and protection. The Elf flexed his fingers as he stared after the other man. He could easily tell that he only used a small amount of his actual strengths, but still it left the blond with a certain amount of respect. He snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Elessar's voice next to him and blushed even deeper. "I... I think... I need to learn your language better..." he stuttered, now switching back to Elvish again. "I am not sure if I... understood everything... correctly..." Legolas continued, even though he was pretty sure that he had. Aragorn chuckled softly. "Well, you certainly look like he just proposed to you or something," he admitted as he offered his arm for Legolas to hold again, turning to move on. "But what did you think of him?" he prodded further, wanted Legolas to talk about so that he knew exactly whether he could dare to pull a stunt like that again. Only blushing even deeper at those words, Legolas took Aragorn's arm again and continued their way at his side, head lowered to hide the embarrassment on his features. But then he tried to focus again and took a few calming deep breaths. "First... I was scared..." he admitted. "He looks pretty... mean," he said out of a lack of better words. "But he's nice... and gentle... a little like you..." Legolas said then, as he really found that both men had this special kindness in common. "Well thank you," the man said as he crossed a corner. "Are you tempted to accept his... "offer"?" he asked with only the very slightest hint of jealousy in his tone. Legolas blinked and looked at Aragorn with confusion written over his features. "What offer?" "His proposal," the king answered with a grin that was so mischievously that it could rival the ones from his brothers. The blond man blushed again, now actually rivaling the color of a tomato. Despite the fact that he would have preferred to hide his embarrassment somehow he kept looking straight at Aragorn, trying to read his face. "You're making fun of me, aren't you?" he asked then, unnecessarily. The man grinned a little broader. "What makes you think that?" But he only managed to hold this look up for a moment. "Forgive me. I'm being cruel to you; that's not fair." He squeezed the Elf's hand slightly before he finally came to the gates of the stables. "No, it's not," Legolas said and only gave a pout in return. "I really didn't expect anything like that. And it unsettled me... and that's solely your fault," the Elf exclaimed with a nod and slightly poked Aragon in the ribs with his elbow, the pout still firmly in place. The corners of the man's mouth moved down as if he forced himself not to snicker any more. "Forgive me. I thought it was part of your... therapy. You froze rather extremely, if I may say so. Imagine something like that would have happened to you after you had regained your strength, would you have been able to defend yourself?" Aragorn asked worriedly. Legolas looked up again, a little startled by the question and even stopped walking as he looked at the Human with slightly widened eyes and a raised eyebrow. "Against him?" he asked incredulously, as if he wanted to ask if the other man was really serious about that question. "Hardly." He paused for a moment, giving himself a few seconds of consideration. "Well... Maybe... If I'm lucky..... I don't know," he admitted then. It had been so long that he was in possession of his full strength that the Elf wasn't really sure what he was capable of. "Oh, come on," Aragorn said, now stopping as well. He looked into Legolas' face with a serious expression. "Your hands are strong, you're just not that well in shape as usual. Greaw may be strong, but I've seen Elves that look weaker than you who have won against him in arm wrestling faster than you could look." He patted the lither frame. "We work on your... our shape together and then I'll ask Greaw to wrestle with you. Does that sound okay?" Again the Elf sent a rather doubtful look to the Human. "I don't think that would be such a good idea. Aren't you overrating me a little bit?" Aragorn's eyebrows twitched as they wanted to move down into a frown, but weren't allowed to do so. "Don't doubt yourself. I sense you have the capability of being a lot stronger than you are just now, so.... we will see," he concluded and stood right in the middle of the stables considering for a moment what to show Legolas first. But then he took a turn to the left, towards the box of a cream-colored horse. Legolas blinked when he suddenly found himself in the stables as he hadn't even noticed when they had entered it. He had been too busy arguing with Aragorn about how strong he was, or would be. How childish. A sheepish smile made it to the blond's features as he stepped closer to the stable the Human was leading him to. His heart seemed to warm when his eyes fell upon the graceful animal that stood there, snorting contentedly as its nose dug around in the hay on the ground. When it sensed the two figures approaching though it lifted its head, inspecting the strangers for a moment and was just about to turn away again when it spotted Aragorn and snorted happily. Legolas smiled at the obvious affection between those two and slowly extended his right hand, touching the soft nose of the animal. The man walked right into the box and ruffled the mane of the horse. Melui had been another present from Arwen and she was already rather old, but Aragorn loved her just too much. He caressed her neck, patted it affectionately before he cooed something into her ear, making her snort again. Smiling he turned back to Legolas who was just trying to make friends with the mare. "Melui... this is Legolas. Legolas, this is Melui, the oldest horse here," he introduced the two. The Elf greeted the horse in his very own way, using the language of nature instead of words which was a lot more effective. He could see the mare's ears twitch, and also how she stepped from one foot to the other, obviously nervous because there was somebody who spoke in her matter, instead of the Human or Elven language she was used to. But then she realized that this creature in front of her belonged to the nature, just like she did and that the tall man wouldn't case her any harm, would not misuse his knowledge and the power that came with it, and relaxed again. Melui even leaned into the caress of Legolas' hand and the Elf's smile widened. "She's proud, and in her heart she is still wild," Legolas murmured. "And free. Free to love whomever she chooses." He looked back to Aragorn. "Like you. She'll be loyal to you for all her life... but maybe not to anybody else," the Elf said with a little smirk. The man's eyes had widened while he watched Legolas talk to the mare. She had tensed, just as she usually tensed when somebody else than he himself approached her, but then, to his minor surprise, she had relaxed. What had him more aghast though was the fact that Legolas seemed to know everything about her from just one touch. "Well, she's a nice little girl around me, but as soon as the master of the stables or anybody else tries to ride her, she pulls the funniest stunts," he explained, still caressing the horse's strong neck lovingly. "One of Greaw's men wanted to tame her and she was being nice to him as long as they were in the stables, just like the meekest lamb, but as soon as they were outside she would buck and dance and throw him off until he finally landed in a little stream, while she was standing there, grazing as if she had been doing so all day. You should have seen it!" Aragorn laughed merrily as he remembered the sight of a dripping wet soldier while Melui snorted disapprovingly next to him and threw her head back as if she wanted to protest against being made fun of. But on the other hand he wasn't sure whether she laughed as well, remembering that funny prank she did on that idiot. Legolas' smile widened as he watched Aragorn laugh at the memory that seemed to amuse him still and the horse at his side that had mischief shimmer in its eyes at those words, obviously still having that little encounter in good memory as well. "I think I can imagine what it was like," he said while he softly scratched Melui's nose, but suddenly something else caught his attention. Or rather a scent that was carried over to him by a little breeze and a low sound that followed. The Elf was sure that he knew that scent somehow, but he didn't make out what it was and where or when he had smelled it before. Then he felt somebody approaching from the side and turned around to see who it was since he sensed it wasn't Human. He found himself confronted with a beautiful face, slightly tanned skin yet almost as pale as his, framed with a mass of wild black hair. Silver eyes locked with his violet blue ones and Legolas felt how he held his breath. Rhÿn on the other hand blinked in confusion when he suddenly found himself face to face with a beautiful blond Elf. The groom was still busy cleaning the stables and had just been away for a moment to get clean water and when he returned he didn't only find Aragorn but also another Elf that he didn't know. He straightened up again, wiping a sheen of sweat from his forehead with the back of his right hand and then fixed his eyes on the stranger. Aragorn blinked as the groom suddenly approached the box they stood in. He didn't expect him as he thought that he was busy with taking care of horses at the other side of the stables, but as he listened really carefully, he only heard maybe one or two other horses. Sporting a frown he took in how Legolas and Rhÿn seemed to measure each other. Even Melui next to him was quiet, but the air was almost sizzling around them. Carefully Aragorn cleared his throat to make himself noticed. Rhÿn's look wandered from the flawless Elven face to the more tanned one with the familiar stubble. Of course, this was Arwen's present for her husband, the enslaved Woodelf. But this realization didn't keep the boy's gaze from becoming icy when he met Aragorn's, an almost automatic reaction towards the man. Legolas also pried his gaze away from the beautiful face. So there were Elves living with Humans, but this one was only a half-breed, so maybe it was easier for him. Little did he know how wrong this thought was. A glance to Melui told him that there must have been a lot of tension between them since her ears were almost flatly pressed against her head and she looked not happy at all. The blond Elf placed his hand back on her nose and whispered something soothing while his gaze wandered to Aragorn and he waited for him to say whatever he wanted to say to the black-haired boy. Said one's hold around the handle of the bucket tightened as he looked straight into Aragorn's steel blue eyes. There he was. The man that he probably held the strongest disliking for and most likely his only chance to end the misery of his friends and his own worry over their well-being. Rhÿn swallowed hard and just waited, unmoving. Transfixed by a silver stare, Aragorn's own expression hardened a bit although he didn't really know why and he suddenly straightened up a bit. Helplessly he searched his brain for the name of this young groom. "Good day.... Rhÿn." He thanked whatever deity provided him with the name. "I have noticed that there are still a few horses inside here, shouldn't they be outside?" he asked, scratching Melui's ears. "Yes they should," the boy replied and finally continued his way towards the mare's stable. If Aragorn asked him this, then maybe he didn't know that there had been a wolf hunt in the early morning hours and that this was the reason why the horses were still inside. "They need to dry off first, they're still sweaty from the hunt..." Rhÿn stopped himself as he noticed that his tone has become bitter to the end of the sentence. "What hunt?" Aragorn asked, not remembering he allowed any hunting on this day. But maybe this had been one of the tasks that Jamiriel hadn't considered as being important enough to bother him with. Rhÿn gathered all his composure and took a deep breath, making sure that his voice was stable enough to say it out aloud. "The Wolf hunt, in the Grey Woods." The boy looked up to meet Aragorn's eyes once more. "You didn't know about it?" he asked then somehow hoping that the answer would be no. He felt that his left hand started to shake and so the black haired boy clenched his fist praying that his thoughts and fears didn't show on his face. Aragorn thought for a moment, but than he shook his head. "No. I don't remember any wolf hunt recently. Do you know who led... initiated it?" Now it was the groom's turn to shake his head. "No. Ask your guards... or your servants. They know surprisingly much of what is going on around here," he suggested, hoping that it was his disliking of the hunt that had made the King ask. 'If I knew who's responsible for it, I'd slay him right away... or rather... feed him to the Wolves he loves to kill so much,' he added in his thoughts, his face hardening even more. Without looking up again Rhÿn stepped in Melui's box, patted her back to urge her a little to the side and then set the bucket to the ground. He took the herbs he had brought out of his pocket and put it in the water while he pulled a bandage out of the other pocket. Aragorn frowned at the comment with the servants, although he knew that this kind of people probably knew better than he what was going on in his kingdom, but a hunt? Why should they be interested in a hunt? He shook his head to get himself away from pondering too much about that. "I will ask my assistant about it. She should know about these things," he said finally, making a note that he still had to meet Jamiriel anyways that day. "Very well," the black-haired boy murmured, not really paying attention to the two men anymore as he was much too busy making a bandage with the cooling herbs for Melui's ankle. He urged her to the side a bit more and then kneeled down next to her righter back leg, caressing the swollen flesh for a moment, before he fished the green-yellowish plants out of the cold water and put them around the mare's injury. Rhÿn focused on his work, in order not to hurt the horse even more and also to be able to forget about the hunt for at least a few minutes since it had been on his mind all the time. And he surely did hope that Aragorn would be able to put an end to all of this. He was in fact so much into his work as he wrapped the soft cloth around her leg, that he didn't even understand the question he was asked. Freezing in his movements he looked up and blinked slightly confused, where he met the steel blue eyes of the Human. "Where did she get this wound?" Aragorn repeated his question, while he was still petting the horse's neck. Obviously the groom had been so occupied with this task that he could hardly listen when you asked him a question, or his mind had been on other things. Taking in count that he sensed that Legolas wanted to tell him something and the cold tone Rhÿn had used when he had talked to him about the hunt, it was more than obvious that there was indeed something he didn't know yet. The half-breed's ears twitched slightly and his eyes wandered from the King's face back to his work. Carefully he finished putting the bandage around her leg while he answered. "She has been as thickheaded as ever and one of the other grooms lost his patience with her. He yelled at her and scared her with that. She shied and made a clumsy step to the side where she hit her leg at the post next to her," he explained and fixed the cloth before he stood up again. "It's nothing serious and will be healed by tomorrow.... Though the boy's black eye won't," he added much lower as he left Melui's stable after he softly patted her back again. Despite the fact that Aragorn had gotten worried about Melui's condition while the groom talked, he had to grin at his conclusion. "I take it the black eye's her work?" he asked, knowing that her fiery temper wouldn't allow her to be scared too long. If somebody crossed the line, she would start to hit back. Rhÿn turned back to the Human as he spoke up again and replied to the grin with a smirk. "Mostly." With that he digressed with the full intention to return to his duty to clean the stables; that was if Aragorn didn't want anything else from him. The man nodded, but moved to grab the upper arm of the groom, so that he wasn't able to walk off without passing him by. He didn't really want to appear threatening, but there a few little things he wanted to correct about this boy's behavior. "Listen, I love horses just as much as you do, but show a little more respect to me, boy," he said almost threateningly. Said one hissed when strong fingers closed around his arm and squeezed almost invisible bruises. He turned back to face the man that kept him from resuming his work and his eyes narrowed when he heard the words. "I don't give my respect to somebody who doesn't deserve it," Rhÿn spoke coldly. "You don't even know what's going on around you, in your own castle and in your own kingdom. If you want my respect, then earn it." Loosening his grip around the boy's arm who just practically spat at him, Aragorn's eyes narrowed, betraying the fact that he knew that the groom was probably right. But that didn't cease to darken his mood. "Look, I haven't chosen to take this path and a lot of things are out of my responsibility although I wish they were not. I am not able to know about everything, now are you?" he asked, his voice just as cold as that of the half-breed. "No," Rhÿn replied calmly, in extreme contrary to the rage boiling up inside him that made him feel utterly helpless. "But at least I know what is going on around me. But how could that compare? I am just a dirty little groom and you're the king, oh mighty, and I know nothing of life." Meanwhile the boy had a hard time keeping his voice as calm and stable as he wanted it as the helplessness was steadily taking a hold of him. "But if you keep begging me like this, I can show you what a living hell is.... And now let go of my arm," he added with clenched teeth since the man's grip had gotten only tighter and now actually hurt quite badly. Legolas on the other hand was torn between interfering and just keeping quiet, although he would have preferred the first. He swallowed when he heard the boy's words and was slightly afraid that Aragorn would do something thoughtless in his anger, so he finally made a step forward and placed his hand gently on the Human's shoulder. Aragorn didn't need the hand on his shoulder to loosen his grip on Rhÿn's arm. He took a deep breath before he said, "I'm not asking you to show me what a living hell is, because I went through it myself with only my will to keep me alive," he spat back. "I'm just asking you to show a little respect. I don't need much, just a little acknowledgement that I am nothing more than a mere mouse... although I bet it would receive more respect from you than I do." Finally he started to feel Legolas' hand on his shoulder and closed his eyes to calm down a bit. "Now, you are allowed to go back to your work." With that he finally let go of the young man's arm and pushed him forward. "I'll talk to you later." Rhÿn glared at the man in front of him, close to yelling at him that he didn't have the right to treat him like he was something better just because he was born the King, that he didn't have the right to treat him like he was something better just because he was a Dunedain and the boy just a dirty little half-breed. He was so close to yell all his pain right into his face, but he didn't. What held him back though was not a sudden breeze of respect for the other man, but the lump in his throat. "Just don't rush yourself too much," he muttered instead as he turned away, desperate not to let the pain that Aragorn's grip had caused show on his features. 'And since when does a king need a groom's respect to be reassured that he isn't just a little mouse...no... dirt under my shoes,' he corrected himself angrily in his thoughts as he crossed a corner were he rammed his tightly clenched fist into the wall to get partly rid of his frustration. "Oh, sooner than you think," Aragorn muttered back, as he was trying to get his own rage under control. But constant practice with unnerving brothers and consultants had somehow gotten him used to this process, although it didn't work all the time. He took a handful of deep breaths before he could turn to Legolas. "I'm sorry, you had to witness that. Rhÿn... He's actually very good at what he's doing, but... well, he has respect for nothing," he said apologetically. Legolas shook his head as his hand moved higher to caress the other's cheek. "It's alright." His gaze then wandered to the direction where the boy had disappeared behind the wall and his expression became a bit more seriously. "But I believe there is more behind it all than you might think..." he added, not sure how much he should tell Aragorn of what he had felt, since it was the half-breed's life and he had no right to interfere with it. The man nodded. "I know. I just don't know what, but he should tell somebody about it..." "He probably doesn't have anyone... he seems rather lonely to me... lost even, in some ways..." When the Elf noticed what he was doing he stopped himself and smiled rather sheepishly. "But that's none of my business... and you know him longer than just a few minutes..." The blond man chose his words pretty carefully since he had almost said something he didn't want to say, or rather something he didn't have the right to say. That was the fact that this half-breed, Rhÿn, had actually tried to tell Aragorn about it, but there was something that held him back. "Hmhm," made Aragorn, very intelligently, too concerned with other things than that he could care about the relationships of a groom - even if it was a very good one. "It isn't much of my business either; he made that fact rather clear to me. But now let's see where the other horses are." Eyes gleaming with a certain amount of happiness and anticipation the Elf nodded, lips stretching into a smile as he took Aragorn's arm once more as he led him outside. To be continued... _________________________________________________________________ I am SOOO sorry it took so long to update... I hope you're not angry with us? *makes puppy eyes*