Title: The Bonding
Author: Artemis Moon
Email: artemis_moon583@hotmail.com
Pairings: Aragorn/Legolas
Rating: R
Summary: Legolas is about to come of age and his love for Aragorn is
soon to be consummated. But will a dark figure from the past ruin
their chances at happiness?
Warning: Non-Consensual Sexual Situations
Author's Note: Thanks for reading! This is my very first fan-fic, so
any and all comments would be awesome.


Chapter 1


It was a cool, foggy night and the dark face of the ranger sank with
fatigue as he looked up to the stars for direction. Aragorn was at a
loss. He had been up for these past forty-eight hours, hurrying on the
final leg back from business that had taken him to Gondor. And now the
lack of sleep and a proper meal was catching up with him. Which
direction did the elf settlement in Mirkwood lie again? The forest
seemed an impossible labyrinth to his sleep-deprived eyes. And the
moon and stars did little to light the darkness that enveloped him.
Each shadow-inducing tree felt exactly like the next.

Aragorn brought his horse to a halt; it made no sense to go on
wondering aimlessly like this. He dearly wanted to reach the elves for
more reasons than one, but a rest under the trees till morning was the
next best thing. With the added strength of sleep and the illuminating
rays of sunlight, he would soon be where he had so longed to be these
last few weeks.

Looking down from a tall tree near the entrance to Thranduil's realm,
Legolas was keeping watch. His sharp elf's eyes spotted a man a few
hundred yards off on a horse, trotting in a circuitous manner. The
sight brought a large smile to his soft face, bright with sudden glee.
Aragorn was obviously lost, trotting around in that insecure manner.
He would have to tease him about those failing ranger skills later on.
Carefully studying the shadowy form, Legolas sighed. Even in Aragon's
present state of unrest and consternation, Legolas could not help but
think how handsome the muscular outline of his body looked in the
starlight. What he wanted more than anything else was to feel the
strong yet tender arms of his love surrounding him.

Legolas lightly climbed down the tree and made for the spot where
Aragorn had dismounted his horse and began setting up a makeshift
camp. Legolas was all set to announce himself without ceremony as he
rushed silently to greet the man, but the mischievous side of the
centuries old elf quickly rose to the surface of his being.

He decided to wait until the man had laid down to sleep before
carefully sneaking up behind him. Aragorn's head had been on the soft
mossy grass barely a second before his face relaxed in oblivious
slumber. Legolas took time to notice how peaceful and lovely he looked
resting under the shadows of the great trees of Mirkwood. The
moonlight shining through the dense boughs danced in pleasant patterns
upon the flawless, unshaven palette.

After a moment of silent inspection, Legolas could no longer hold
back. In one graceful leap he pounced on the man, straddling Aragorn.

Aragorn gave out a shout as something or someone rudely knocked him
awake. He instantly opened his eyes wide and bolted up to a sitting
position. His hand automatically grasped for his sword, which lay
close by his side. His senses were all discombobulated and before he
could decipher what was happening he felt the gentle brush of lips
against his own. Staying the hand that reached for the sword, Aragorn
centered his ice blue eyes on the deep blues of his assailant.
"Legolas!" he managed to croak. His body was trembling from the shock.

"I got you good!" laughed Legolas, with a sly grin on his face.

"I thought I should have died. You horrible, stealthy little thing!"
Still recovering from the scare, Aragorn steadied himself by pulling
Legolas down into a warm embrace. He breathed in the fresh, woody
scent of Legolas' long blond hair and felt content to lie that way for
hours. In fact he quickly felt himself falling into the world of
dreams, nestled so comfortably in Legolas' arms. Eyelids slowly fell
closed.

"Aragorn, don't sleep here," Legolas said while placing gentle kisses
on his forehead and lips. "I've had a bed made up especially for you.
You'll be more comfortable there than on the ground here."

Aragorn opened his eyes and was humbled by the vision of beauty that
greeted him. "No, all I need is you by my side and I'm content as a
baby in a cradle." Legolas looked down questioningly at his man, a
slight smirk on his face.

"You know I can't sleep all night out here with you. What would my
father say? Come, standup. We are hardly a five-minute's walk away."
Legolas made an effort to stand up, but was stayed by the stubborn
arms around him. "Aragorn, let me go or I'll have to call the guards
to make you," he warned in a mock stern voice. Aragorn relinquished
his object and Legolas stood up. He offered a hand to Aragorn, who
decided it would be best to give in to the elf than argue in his
present state.

The two walked hand-in-hand with the horse following close behind.
Legolas couldn't keep his eyes off his partner. He and Aragorn shared
many blissful glances on their short walk, though they didn't speak
much. Legolas could tell Aragorn was much too tired to carry on any
sort of conversation and that was fine with him. Just basking in the
radiating warmth of the man was enough to please this elf. Legolas was
brimming with excitement for the day he would pledge his love for
Aragorn and finally experience the kind of physical intimacy that had
been denied him up to this point. His bonding was very near.

Legolas gave Aragorn's hand a loving squeeze as they walked up the
steps to Aragorn's bedchamber. The man opened the door and glanced
appreciatively at the comfortable-looking bed, then turned to Legolas
to say good night. He pulled Legolas toward him to steal a kiss, but
Legolas resisted, looking furtively about him in case one of the
guards was watching. No one was, so the elf gave Aragorn a quick but
deep kiss before trotting off toward the main palace hall.

Legolas hated to be so guarded with his affection around his father's
kingdom, but he knew his father had told the guards to keep an eye out
for him. Thranduil was worried about the fact that Legolas had wished
to await the ranger into the night. He made his son promise not to
wait past midnight and to let his personal guard know when he got back
to bed. Legolas always knew his father to be the protective type, but
it was getting a bit ridiculous. After all, Legolas had fought in
battles against incredible odds and won.

But whenever in Mirkwood, his father transformed him into a mere
child. Legolas realized that his father's increased protectiveness had
something to do with his impending bonding, but he only hoped it
wouldn't get worse as the time drew nearer. Thankfully, that blessed
ceremony was only a week away.

Legolas let his father's personal guard know he was back safe and
sound, then turned toward his own bedchamber. As he entered the room
and readied himself for bed he allowed his thoughts to wonder to
Aragorn, that wonderful man that had used up so much of his mortal
life to wait for Legolas to reach the mature age for bonding. Legolas
frowned slightly while undoing the ties on his tunic.

The thought of Aragorn's mortality was indeed a bitter one. To know
that he will be separated from his love eventually was a thought
Legolas tried to shove from his brain. He attempted to convince
himself that it was not that important a distinction. Besides, Legolas
himself could be killed in battle just as easily as Aragorn. It was
even possible that the mortal might outlive the immortal. But that
thought wasn't much better. "Silly mind, why do you not leave me at
peace?" Legolas softly spoke.

Legolas lay down on the bed and resolved to only think pleasant
thoughts of his love. His kingly manners. His ranger sensibilities.
His heat, generated by a powerful heart that wished sincerely only to
do good. His masterful proficiency with the sword and bow.  His soft,
brown hair. His lean, muscular body. His beautiful, strong, dark face.
His incredible eyes that could melt you with their warmth or scar you
with their fury. The taste of his lips. Legolas began to feel that
familiar fire rise in his body at these pleasant thoughts.

"Aragorn…" he whispered while placing a tentative hand on his thigh.
"Touch me Aragorn." He moved his hand to the waistband of his leggings
and pushed them down slowly until he was fully exposed. "Take me
Aragorn." He began to stroke himself, softly at first, but then harder
and with more intensity as his excitement increased. "More, Aragorn,
harder," he gasped, still making sure to only speak in a whisper. It
did not take long before he brought himself over the edge, arching his
back while fighting to muffle the moan that accompanied his release.

Legolas lay still, breathing in deeply. He could hardly imagine what
it would be like to do that with Aragorn actually in the bed with him.
Although Legolas had existed for nearly two thousand years, he was
still a virgin. In the grand tradition of Mirkwood elves, he was
expected to remain so until the day of his bonding once he reached the
age of maturity at two thousand years.

Legolas had not minded his celibacy all those centuries. He had an
innate respect for the ways of his people and had not experienced much
temptation anyhow, being a young elf not yet past sexual maturity.
This all changed, however, when he met Aragorn twenty years ago on a
visit to Rivendell.

That first encounter was forever etched in his mind as the beginning
of a new chapter in his life. He had heard older elves talk about the
first time they had touched their future bonding partners, how it was
as if a bolt of electricity passed between them. Legolas had always
pushed that aside as some silly romantic idealization. That is until
he experienced it for himself.

When Legolas' hand came into contact with the stunning
eighteen-year-old man for the first time he felt the jolt, and it
nearly knocked him off his feet. Only with the greatest effort not to
reveal himself was Legolas able to regain his composure and play off
his momentary lack of balance as a sudden headache. Aragorn just
smiled politely and asked if he would like some herbal remedy for the
pain.

The elf couldn't believe this new feeling that had come over him. He
was terrified and had no idea what to do. For days afterwards Legolas
practically stalked the young man, ever watchful of his movements
whether in the dining hall, the fields riding his horse, or the
library reading. Wherever Aragorn was, Legolas was sure to be found in
some obscure corner of the same room or in the boughs of a tree not
too far off. He could not bring himself to make conversation with the
man for fear, yet he wanted to have him always in his eye-line.

After about a week of this constant following, which Legolas fancied
he had done with the utmost stealth, Aragorn cornered the startled elf
in the dining hall. Legolas was existing the room when he felt a tap
on shoulder. Turning around, he was met with the questioning eyes of
the ranger. "Legolas, why do you haunt my every step?" he asked
bluntly. The poor mortified elf stared at his feet and gave the
slightest of shrugs. "Not that I mind," Aragorn added in a gentler
tone while taking Legolas' hands into his own. Legolas looked up into
Aragorn's eyes and saw the smallest hint of affection.

"I follow you Aragorn, because I…I like to be near your presence"
Legolas stammered.

"I can see that, but why do you only watch? Why do you not speak to
me?"

"I…I," Legolas faltered, unable to look into the man's eyes. "I have
been too scared to."

"But you need not fear me," Aragorn said with mirth in his face. "I'm
a mere human. I have only been in this world eighteen years. Surely
someone as experienced and learned as you could not fear a mortal just
coming into manhood."

"You would think that, yet here I stand, trembling at the sound of
your voice." Legolas managed a shy grin.

"Well, I should like to know you better and put you at ease. I don't
bite, despite what you may have heard from my sister Arwen. Would you
take a walk with me?" Legolas nodded his head in assent, bewildered by
the effect this man had on him.

The two spent the rest of the evening walking in the palace gardens,
learning as much as they could about one another. Aragorn spoke of his
life growing up with Elrond and the royal family at Rivendell, sharing
many a story about the pranks he played on Arwen and his brothers
Elladan and Elrohir throughout his adolescence. Legolas talked about
growing up in Mirkwood and the close relationship he had with his
father.

The initially timid Legolas quickly began to feel at ease with
Aragorn. The man seemed more real now that they had spoken at length.
He was no longer some beautiful vision plucked out of a dream. He was
a reality. The more they spoke the more in love Legolas fell. When it
came time to call it a night, the two were already good friends.

Aragorn walked Legolas to his room and said a polite goodnight,
quickly turning on his heels to leave. But Legolas unwillingly caught
his shoulder, and before realizing what he was doing planted a chaste
kiss on Aragorn's mouth. Aragorn stood flabbergasted for a moment
while Legolas winced, horrified by what he had just done.

Suddenly Aragorn grabbed the elf and returned the kiss, but this time
it was not so chaste. The poor, inexperienced Legolas was even more
horrified as Aragorn's tongue pushed against his lips, seeking to gain
admittance. This is not what Legolas had expected. The whole thing was
so new to him. He hadn't even meant to kiss the man. It had just
happened.

Before the kiss could progress any further, Legolas pushed Aragorn
away, confusing him greatly. Aragorn looked at Legolas with a creased
brow and puzzled eyes. This was too much for Legolas. Without a word
of explanation or a look of reassurance, Legolas quickly entered his
bedchamber and shut the door.

Legolas sat shivering on his bed and after a minute or so he heard a
knock on his door. "Legolas," Aragorn called through the door, "please
let me in, Legolas. I'm sorry if I did something to offend you." At
first Legolas ignored the voice, concentrating on breathing regularly.
After a few more knocks and pleas, he decided it was best to let
Aragorn in. At length he opened the door and in walked the ranger.

"What just happened Legolas?" Aragorn stood by the bedpost examining
the elf's downcast face for answers. "Do you not desire me?" He
paused. "Because, I desire you."

"You do?" Legolas' face rose in wonderment.

"Well, I thought my kiss was evidence enough of that. You are a
beautiful elf, Legolas. I've desired you since our first meeting. But
the question is do you desire me?"

"I don't know. I…I think so. I have these feelings of warmth whenever
I am around you. You do something strange to me, something I have not
experienced before."

"Legolas," Aragorn said while sitting on the bed next to Legolas, "was
that your first kiss, out there?"

"Yes." Legolas blushed profusely under Aragorn's inquisitive gaze.

"Amazing! No wonder I startled you. But how can that be? You are such
a magnificent creature. There must have been countless admirers."

"I suppose there have been admirers. But I have never felt anything
like this for any of them, so there have been no kisses." Legolas
bashfully looked at Aragorn and saw tenderness. "I suppose you are
shocked that you have more experience in this realm than I,
considering our age difference."

"I am surprised Legolas, very."

"Well, it is not so uncommon in Mirkwood. We come into full sexual
maturity at two thousand years. Then we usually choose a bonding
partner. Many of the particularly devout even swear off kissing until
bonding."

"That is interesting. It is not so here in Rivendell." He paused a
moment. "Legolas, did I do any harm with my kiss? If so I am sorry."
There was genuine concern in his face.

"No, no. Don't worry about that. I was the one who kissed you first
remember. I was just caught off guard is all." Legolas suddenly felt
completely at ease next to this understanding and gracious man. "I
don't think I would react so again, if I had some warning." He looked
at Aragorn sheepishly, a rosy hue taking over his pale cheeks. Aragorn
touched Legolas's cheek as if to wipe it away and the elf responded to
the gentle caress by closing his eyes and turning his head slightly so
that his lips brushed the inside of Aragorn's palm. "In fact, I am
*sure* I would not react the same way."

A playful smile appeared on Aragorn's face while he gently moved his
hand so that his fingertips barely grazed Legolas' soft lips. His
fingers began their slow descent, tracing the elf's jaw line and
gliding down his throat to rest lightly on his collarbone. Legolas
breathed in deeply. His blood began to boil in some new, maddening
sensation unlike anything he had experienced before. It was
pleasurable, yet torturous at the same time. "Aragorn," he gasped,
"What are you doing to me, and with only the tips of your fingers?"

"Do you want me to stop?" Aragorn asked, a serious look on his face.

Legolas answered his gaze with one of awed surprise. "No. I think I
like it."

"Then maybe you'll like this." Aragorn nuzzled Legolas' neck, placing
delicate kisses on all the exposed skin not covered by his tunic.
Legolas shivered, but this time not from fear.

"I had no idea touch could create this sensation," Legolas whispered,
almost trembling. "I am entering a new world." Aragorn smiled then
brought his lips up to Legolas' chin, kissing it several times before
finally moving up to his mouth. At first he tentatively brushed the
elf's lips with his own, enjoying the smooth texture and the warmth of
the breath escaping through slightly parted lips.

He stroked the side of Legolas' face with one hand and entwined the
other in his lush, golden locks before placing pressure on Legolas'
lips. Legolas let out an appreciative moan and opened his mouth, ready
to give himself fully to the brilliant sensation of Aragorn's
closeness. He put both arms around the man's neck, bringing his chest
flush against Aragorn in an attempt to increase that feeling of
radiating warmth. Aragorn responded with a groan of his own while
deepening the kiss, before gently probing with his tongue. Legolas
welcomed the foreign object into his mouth, marveling how good this
strange contact actually felt. He responded by moving his own tongue
against Aragorn's, relishing the friction it created.

Eventually, the two separated. Legolas, reeling from what he had just
experienced, looked into the beautiful face just inches from his own
and whispered, "I love you, Aragorn."

A visibly surprised Aragorn raised his eyebrows in quiet
contemplation. Then he brought Legolas' hand up to his lips and kissed
it. "I'm afraid it's getting late, Legolas. I think I'll be heading
off to bed."

"Ok, I guess you're right," replied Legolas, trying his hardest not to
be crestfallen at Aragorn's response to his honest confession. Aragorn
stood up and walked toward the door.

"Good night, Prince," Aragorn said with a smile before existing and
closing the door behind him.

Legolas waited until the sound of the man's footfall faded into
silence before violently throwing himself on the bed, collapsing in a
torrent of hot tears. How could he have been so foolish as to come off
so strong? Was Aragorn scared off for good? "What have I done?"
Legolas asked himself through broken sobs. He cried himself to sleep
that night.

As a slightly older and more experienced Legolas lay on his bed in his
father's palace contemplating these past events, he marveled at how
far his relationship with Aragorn had come. His eyelids began to feel
heavy and he drifted off.


Chapter 2


The next day Aragorn woke to the pleasant sound of chirping birds. He
had not had a night's rest that satisfying in many days. He jumped out
of bed, invigorated and happy beyond belief. He looked out the window
and was greeted by an enchanting forest view. On a nearby tree perched
two of the most striking crimson birds he had ever seen. They were
singing to one another what must have been a love song. His heart
filled with gladness and love for the world and all the creatures in
it. He was in Mirkwood with Legolas and in a week he would be bonded
to his beautiful and wondrous elf. He drew in a deep breath of fresh
air, the freshest air in all of Middle-earth, and quickly got dressed.

A minute later Aragorn flew open the door to his bedchamber, intent on
finding Legolas as soon as possible. The search was a short one, for
there sitting down opposite his door was the every elf that had stolen
his heart years ago.

"Legolas!" Aragorn swooped down and gathered Legolas in a
bone-crushing embrace.

"Aragorn, my ribs are cracking!" Aragorn loosened his grip and looked
into the sweet face of the elf. "I'm so glad you're awake." Legolas'
lips sought Aragorn's and they shared a passionate kiss.

"It feels so wonderful to be alive. So wonderful to be with you
again," said Aragorn. He rubbed Legolas' arms affectionately.

"I agree. Those three weeks you were away were the longest of my
life." Legolas cupped the ranger's face in his hand, examining the
man. "You've grown tan, Aragorn."

"Well, that's what happens while spending day after day riding under a
full sun. Does it displease you?"

"No, I like it. It makes you even more dark and mysterious."

"As if that were possible." Aragorn leant in for another kiss.
Legolas' mouth was so warm and inviting. He pushed his tongue in,
feeling every crevice of that glorious cavern. After deciding that he
had explored the inside of his love to the fullest extent he pulled
back. "Well, I'm famished. Can we get some breakfast?"

"Breakfast? Aragorn, it is past lunch."

"What? I slept that long?"

"Indeed, you've kept me waiting much too long." Legolas' lips pursed
in a signature pout.

"I'm sorry. You should have woken me."

"No, you were much too tired. It is better to have you well rested. We
have a lot of work to do you know."

"Oh right, planning the ceremony…Actually, Legolas, I thought you and
your father were going to take care of all that without me." Aragorn
smiled mischievously.

"Ha, you wish." Legolas gave him a playful shove. "Let's get some food
in you, then my father wants to speak with us." Aragorn allowed the
elf to lead him by the arm toward the main dining hall. Soon he was
full of the most delicious soups, pastries, and breads. There was
nothing so good as Mirkwood cuisine.

After Aragorn was finally done stuffing his face, he and Legolas
headed toward Thranduil's chambers. Aragorn had a good relationship
with Legolas' father. Although Thranduil had been against the match
when he first found out about it twenty years ago, on account of the
fact that Aragorn was a mortal, his mind changed in the intervening
years. This had much to do with the fact that Aragorn saved his son
during a battle with a company of orcs. Legolas had been shot in the
chest with an arrow. If it hadn't been for Aragorn's healing
techniques and vigilant care he surely would have died. Plus, Legolas
was obviously madly in love, and no loving father can deny his son
that which he desires with all his being.

Aragorn walked up to Thranduil and greeted him with a friendly hug.
"It is good to see you, my Lord."

"And it is good to see you, Aragorn." Legolas' father had a beautiful
smile, one that almost rivaled his son's. "We were beginning to worry
you wouldn't make it."

"Nonsense, I wouldn't miss this for the world."

"Of course, Aragorn. And judging by the way Legolas has been mulling
around awaiting you, he would have hunted you down and dragged you
back kicking and screaming if you had decided otherwise." Thranduil
let out a hearty laugh. Legolas threw his father a scathing look and
Aragorn observed both elves, thoroughly amused.

"Anyhow, let's get down to business. We only have one week before this
all goes off. We must have you fitted for a new outfit, Aragorn," said
the elf Lord. "And you two must decide on what dishes you would like
at the banquet. The actual ceremony won't be too much work as we
already have the most beautiful forest backdrop you can find in this
land. Oh, and I have asked Galadriel to officiate the bonding and she
has agreed."

"I'm so glad!" piped in Legolas. "I haven't seen her in a hundred
years."

"Galadriel? But I thought you presided over all Mirkwood bondings,
Thranduil" said Aragorn.

"That is true, except for when the one being bonded is my own son. The
rule is that the one doing the official bonding must be an elf Lord or
Lady. It doesn't matter if he or she is actually from Mirkwood. Plus,
Galadriel was like a second mother to Legolas, after his own dear
mother passed on."

"Well, I look forward to meeting her," Aragorn said.

"How about guests, father? Have you heard back from everyone?" asked
Legolas

"Yes. Most everyone can make it. Elrond and his lot in Rivendell and
Gandalf are coming. And Haldir and the other Lorien elves."

"Wonderful." Legolas paused. "What about the draperies for the trees
around the walkway? Will they be ready in time? And my bonding
outfit…"

Aragorn's mind began to wonder as he watched Legolas' lips dash out
question after question. His lips truly were beautiful. Well, all of
him was beautiful, but those lips were the height of perfection.
Aragorn thought back to the first time he had felt them brush against
his own twenty years ago.

He remembered that first tentative kiss of Legolas' and his own, more
passionate response. His elf was so young back then in so many ways,
yet Legolas had been the first to realize he was in love. Aragorn
remembered that first night they kissed in the Rivendell bedroom. At
the time the man had no clue what he was getting into. Up to that
point Legolas had just been some pretty face to have some fun with.
But when Legolas told him, with the unguarded innocence of a child,
that he loved him, everything changed.

Aragorn remembered leaving fairly abruptly after that confession. He
bid Legolas goodnight and walked to his own bedroom in a daze. Love?
What did Aragorn know of love? It is true that the ranger had had more
experience with sexuality than Legolas, but he had never experienced
that pinnacle of life's emotions. Plus, he barley knew Legolas. Yet
there was definite chemistry there, more so than with any of the
maidens he had kissed.

Aragorn laid down on his bed to muse over the night's events. He
certainly liked the elf. Besides being beautiful, he was obviously
very intelligent and was an overall joy to be around. And he had
greatly enjoyed their conversations. But love? Eventually Aragorn grew
tired and resolved to sleep on it. Maybe the morning would bring
greater clarity.

He woke the next morning with a lightness in his heart. His dreams had
done much to wash away the feelings of confusion that he experienced
the night before. Instead of worrying about his own feelings and their
implications, he simply allowed himself to take in the delicious fact
that someone was in love with him. A beautiful Prince of elves was in
love with *him.* He swelled with the kind of pride and glee that only
somebody who is loved can experience.

On his way to breakfast, Aragorn thought about Legolas' beauty and
lusciously soft lips, still amazed that he was the first one to feel
their touch. He walked into the dining hall, immediately scanning the
room for Legolas. At the very end of the table sat the elf. He was
alone and appeared deep in concentration, staring off into space while
mindlessly poking at his uneaten food with a fork.

Aragorn walked toward him, smiling at the gorgeous creature. Legolas,
so deep in mental contemplation, didn't notice the man until he was
nearly upon him. When Legolas did spot the approaching Aragorn, his
eyes opened wide and quickly darted from side to side as if looking
for an escape. But Aragorn was soon within speaking range. "Good
morning, Legolas," Aragorn greeted while sitting down opposite the
elf.

"Good morning, Aragorn," answered Legolas, visibly shaken. Aragorn was
pained to notice the dark rings under Legolas' eyes. Was he the cause?

"I noticed what a fine day it is today. Would you like to take a long
walk along the river with me after breakfast?"

Legolas smiled kindly, looking at Aragorn with a hint of hope in his
eyes. "I would like that."

"Good, I'll have a lunch made so that we may stay out as long as we
wish."

The two walked and talked for several hours, enjoying the gorgeous
scenery. Aragorn found it was easy to converse with Legolas, despite
the awkwardness of the previous night. Legolas was truly in his
element, as all elves are, in the midst of nature. While passing a few
particularly stunning flora trees, Legolas let out a gasp of awe. The
delight that the elf took from such a simple thing as a beautiful tree
warmed Aragorn's heart. He grasped Legolas' hand in his and kept it
there until they sat down for their picnic.

"Legolas," said Aragorn while they were finishing up lunch, "I like
you a lot."

"As I do you," answered Legolas nervously.

"Yesterday," Aragorn started uncertainly," yesterday, I was caught a
little off guard. I did not mean to cause you any pain. I was just…I…"

"It's alright Aragorn. You need not explain. If all you wish to have
with me is a friendship, then I'll be content with that." Legolas'
eyes were downcast, focused on a stray leaf of lettuce.

Aragorn lifted the elf's chin and looked into his eyes, which appeared
on the verge of tears. "But Legolas, I want more than your friendship.
I may not love you yet, but I can see myself falling that way. I like
you more and more every second we are together."

"Really?" Legolas looked suddenly overjoyed.

"Yes, Legolas." Aragorn put a stray blonde strand in place. Looking
into those transcendent eyes, so full of happiness, Aragorn silently
wondered if perhaps he already was in love. He leant in and lightly
pressed his lips against Legolas'. Legolas met him with unexpected
force, quickly turning the kiss into a passionate embrace.

Aragorn pulled Legolas down to the soft grass while still kissing him.
He swiftly rolled on top of the elf, his legs intertwined with
Legolas', and kissed him again. The feel of the warm body beneath his
own made Aragorn begin to feel hard. He moaned into Legolas' mouth and
began running his hands over the elf's arms and chest, wanting to feel
as much of him as he could.

"Aragorn," voiced Legolas. "I feel something stirring within me."

"You mean here?" Aragorn placed his hand over Legolas' groin.

"Yes!" Legolas exclaimed out of shock and desire. "But Aragorn, no!"
Legolas suddenly pulled himself out of Aragorn's grasp, leaving the
ranger breathing heavily on the grass. Legolas stood up and began
hurriedly pacing back and forth.

"Legolas, I'm sorry. Was I going too fast?"

"Oh Aragorn, my body says to go on, but I must not. I can't make love
with you. It is against my upbringing, my family, my home." Legolas
kept pacing, wrought with guilt.

"Legolas, come sit down. You did nothing wrong. We can stop now. I too
want to make love with you, but I respect your need to wait."

"You do?"

"Yes. I think your devotion to the ways of your people is admirable."
He smiled reassuringly at Legolas, who finally took a seat next to
Aragorn.

"But Aragorn, I cannot make love until my bonding, which is twenty
years away. I cannot possibly ask you to wait for me…and yet it is
thing I want most in the world." Aragorn spotted a tear fall onto the
fair elf cheek. He wiped it away with his hand. His heart opened wider
than it ever had before as he took in the sight of the conflicted elf.
It rapidly dawned on the man that he must be in love with Legolas.

"You need not ask. I would do it willingly."

A surprised Legolas looked at him. "Are you sure? But you are mortal,
Aragorn. That would be giving up twenty years of your life."

"They wouldn't be given up if I got to spend them with you." Aragorn
looked into Legolas' flawlessly compassionate face. "I love you
Legolas."

Legolas' eyes became blurry with tears and Aragorn kissed them away.
"Aragorn, you've made me the happiest elf on Middle-earth. But,
Aragorn, you must take lovers. I would not have you waste your youth
and virility." Aragorn contemplated this idea, but the thought of
sleeping with anyone other than Legolas sounded wrong on so many
levels.

"No, Legolas. I am a patient man, more so than I suppose I have
demonstrated today."

"Aragorn, but that is too much to ask!" Legolas thought a moment.
"Have you ever laid with anyone?"

"No. I am a virgin like you, Legolas."

Legolas' eyes lit up. "And you would save your virginity for me?"

"Yes." Aragorn knew this to be true. Legolas had cast some sort of
spell over him. The elf was the only one he wanted or could ever want.
Aragorn's mind flitted back to the couple of times he had come close
to having sex with random teenage girls. That was nothing compared to
this passion he felt for Legolas. "But it shall be torture not to be
able to pleasure you as I would like."

"I know what you mean." Legolas wrapped his arms around Aragorn's
neck. "But I will never tire of the taste of your mouth." He kissed
Aragorn hard.

Sitting in Thranduil's chambers, Aragorn could not believe the long
wait was almost over. It had been hard, but so worth it. He looked at
the stunning elf sitting next to him, involved in some conversation
with his father. Legolas was glorious. He studied him, taking every
line, every curve, every muscle of his taut body. He felt hot just
looking at him.

"Aragorn, ARAGORN! Are you even listening?" Legolas said, interrupting
his reverie.

"What was that?" Legolas and Thranduil were staring at him
expectantly.

"My father just asked if you had any musical preferences, Aragorn,"
Legolas said, eyeing him suspiciously.

"Oh, no. I mean, anything is fine." Aragorn shrugged.

"Alright, I think that is all for now," said Thranduil. "I'll let you
two scamper off. I know you haven't had much time to yourselves since
Aragorn returned. But do be careful Legolas and promise you won't go
wondering off alone."

"Thank you for everything, father." Legolas stood up and gave
Thranduil a kiss on the cheek. "We will see you for dinner." Legolas
grabbed Aragorn's hand and they walked out of the chambers. Once
outside, Aragorn, still warm from his musing, pinned Legolas to the
wall at attacked him with his mouth. Legolas sighed into the embrace.


Chapter 3


Legolas and Aragorn lay on the grass outside the palace together. It
was two days till the day of their bonding and excitement filled their
beings. They lay in quiet thought until Legolas broke the silence.

"Aragorn, when will you take up your place as King of Gondor?"

"I am not entirely sure. In a few years, perhaps. The timing needs to
be right."

"And then we shall both move to Gondor?"

"Yes. But we've discussed this many times, Legolas. Is something
bothering you?"

"It's just that," Legolas began awkwardly, "won't your subjects expect
you to have a queen, and heirs?"

"I don't care what they expect." Aragorn answered a bit testily.

"But Aragorn, that is not very kingly of you to say." Legolas was
taken aback by Aragorn's sudden mood change. He turned to look at
Aragorn.

"It doesn't matter if there are any heirs, Legolas. I intend to change
the monarchy system. Instead of leadership passing from father to son,
there shall be elections," Aragorn answered with an edge to his voice.

"Oh, well that sounds fair and just." Legolas eyed the man's suddenly
stern-looking face. "Why are you upset with me, Aragorn?"

Aragorn was silent for a moment, then he turned toward the elf.
"Legolas, how could you question our union after all these years, and
so close to the ceremony? We are to be bonded in two days!"

"Aragorn, you are taking what I said entirely too seriously. I was not
suggesting that we not be together."

"But that was exactly what you were suggesting!" Aragorn's voice grew
louder.

Now Legolas was getting annoyed. "Aragorn, please stop acting so…so."

"So what?"

"Like a human." At this comment Aragorn stood up and stalked off in a
huff, leaving Legolas lying on the ground perplexed by the man's
behavior. This was unlike Aragorn. He was a generally immune to the
mercurial nature that was so common in humanity.

Legolas stood up to follow Aragorn, but he thought twice about it and
decided to leave the man alone for a little bit to calm down. Instead,
Legolas set off to take a walk. He found the silence comforting. It
had been a while since he had taken a walk all alone. When he was in
Gondor he would certainly miss the forests, but that was a small price
to pay to be with Aragorn, even if he did succumb to a fit of temper
every now and again.   

 Legolas walked through the forest for an hour before deciding to head
back for dinner. There he would make up with Aragorn, he was sure.
Five minutes into his trip back, he thought he heard the sound of a
footfall. He stood alert, trying to decipher which direction it was
coming from and cursing himself for leaving his bow and arrows back at
the palace. Legolas had not planned on walking so far. He did however
have a small knife, which he pulled out of his boot. The sound got
louder and more scattered. Legolas' face grew grave. "Orcs," Legolas
said to no one. But what were orcs doing in this part of Mirkwood?

He decided it was best to run. Unarmed, he was no match for a company
of orcs. Legolas broke off into a sprint, but suddenly felt his body
freeze. He couldn't move. What on Middle-earth was going on? He was
getting extremely nervous as he heard the patter of feet get closer
and closer and he still couldn't move. "What foul magic is this?" he
desperately asked the trees.

"It is my magic, dear Prince," answered a menacingly cheery voice
coming from behind him.

"Who are you? Let me go, immediately!" Legolas tried his best to turn
his head to see who this person was. He was shaking with anger and
nerves.

"I am Xerxes, pretty one. But I cannot let you go just yet." A few
orcs ran past Legolas and stopped, forming a circle around him.

"Show yourself!"

"Certainly, Legolas." A tall person, wearing a long, dark hooded cloak
that covered most of his body, including his forehead, walked into
Legolas' eye line and stood about two feet in front of him. Legolas
could not tell if he was an elf or a man.

"What do you want with me?" Legolas asked with a scowl.

"Why, I'm surprised you don't already know, Prince Legolas."

"And how should I know?"

"I would think your father would have mentioned me to you, if only to
warn you against me."

"What does my father have to do with this?"

"Well, he is the reason I have come to get you." Xerxes scanned
Legolas' body, obvious lust in his eyes.

"And what do you plan on doing with me?" Legolas tried his best to
sound brave.

"Why, kill you of course. But not before tasting your fruits." Xerxes
touched Legolas' lips with a long finger. "You are virgin I assume,
like all Mirkwood youths. Untouched fruit is the most enticing."
Legolas felt the bile rise in the back of his throat and fought to
keep it down, not wishing to show the dark sorcerer the effect he was
having on him.

"But why do you wish to harm me?"

"It is a long story, which perhaps I will tell you later. For now, I
want you quiet." Xerxes smiled, revealing two rows of perfect teeth.
Then he punched Legolas hard in the face. Legolas' world went black.

________________

Aragorn was pacing back and forth in his room. He knew he had been
silly to explode on Legolas. Perhaps it was all this pent-up sexual
frustration that caused him to snap. Perhaps it was because his reign
as King of Gondor was a sore subject. Aragorn did not want to be King.
He loved being a ranger. He cherished the feeling of being able travel
in relative obscurity whenever he liked. He loved living among the
elves, whether at Rivendell or Mirkwood. Being King would mean being
stuck in one spot all year round. Plus, the pressure would be
enormous. And although Aragorn hated to admit it, he was a bit nervous
about bringing Legolas, an elf, to Gondor as his partner. He knew
humans could be prejudiced and unreasonable. He wouldn't be able to
live with himself if Legolas felt unloved or feared in their own
kingdom.

It was dinnertime, so Aragorn headed toward the dining hall ready to
apologize profusely to Legolas for his irrational behavior. But when
he got there Legolas was nowhere to be seen, which was odd since he
was usually the picture of punctuality. Aragorn sat down next to
Thranduil.

"Hello, my Lord," Aragorn greeted the elf.

"Hello, Aragorn. Where is my son?"

"I was just about to ask if you've seen him. We had a bit of an
argument this afternoon. I haven't seen him for two hours."

Thranduil's face went pale. He quickly called for a guard and asked
him to check Legolas' room. Turning back to Aragorn he asked, "Did he
go off walking alone?"

"I don't know. I left him just outside the palace. I suppose he may
have taken a walk. But, Thranduil, are you alright?"

"Yes I am fine. But I fear for Legolas."

"Oh, well I am sure he is just mad at me for being so stupid earlier.
I'm sure it is nothing." The guard returned and said Legolas was not
in his room. Thranduil instructed the guard to gather all the warrior
elves together. "Is that necessary, my Lord?" asked Aragorn, beginning
to feel pins of nervousness.

"I fear it may be. Oh, why was I not more careful!"

"You are scaring me. What is the meaning of all this?" The anguish on
Thranduil's face made Aragorn very anxious.

"Aragorn, we must hurry. I'm afraid Legolas has been taken!"

"Taken! By who?"

"His name is Xerxes. There isn't much time to explain, but it should
suffice to say that he is an elf, not of this land, that grew up in
Mirkwood. He and I had a major falling out leading to his turning to
evil and becoming banished. He declared he would get revenge through
my son before his bonding day. Oh why was I so foolish as to believe
him to be dead!?"

Aragorn felt his heart beat at an alarming rate. "And that is why you
were acting so protective these past days."

"Yes, I thought Xerxes was dead, but wanted to err on the side of
caution. I fear I have failed, however." Thranduil brought a hand to
his forehead. "But enough talk, we must find him without delay."
Aragorn nodded and the two headed toward the main chambers, where all
the warriors would be gathered.

After a quick debriefing and description of the captor, the team of
elf warriors headed off into the forest with Aragorn and Thranduil in
the lead.


Chapter 4


Legolas woke up with a splitting headache. He slowly opened his eyes
and realized he was lying on a bed in a small, dark room. There was a
window, but it was barred and no light shone through. Legolas slowly
sat up, wondering how long he had been unconscious. He heard a rattle
at the door and looked up just in time to see the dark, stupid eyes of
an orc through a small sliding window. The orc left, probably to let
someone know he was awake. Legolas' nerves began to take over at the
thought of what Xerxes had threatened to do to him. "Aragorn, father.
Please find me," he whispered.

Suddenly the door swung open and in walked Xerxes. He was no longer
wearing the cloak, revealing a pair of pointed ears and long, black
hair. "So you're an elf," said Legolas, fighting to keep the quiver of
fear out of his voice.

"Yes, fair Prince." He was holding a goblet in his hands. "Drink
this," he said, holding it out to Legolas.

"No, I would rather not."

"It is just some wine to put you at your ease. Drink it." Legolas
shook his head. "If you do not drink it willingly I will force you,
which you know is not beyond my powers." Legolas took the goblet and
drank. The warm liquid was soothing.

"What did my father do to incur your wrath?" Legolas asked between
sips. Xerxes was actually quite an attractive elf, tall and lean, with
a proud figure and the most striking purple eyes.

"Your father wronged me in the worst way imaginable. He stole my true
love from me. Could you imagine what that feels like, Legolas? Imagine
your own love, Aragorn is it? Imagine some other elf going behind your
back to poison his mind into falling in love with him."

"That would never happen. Aragorn and I are as good as bonded."

"But you do not know that for sure, do you?" Xerxes' voice changed
from its cheery tone to one of deep pain. "I too thought I had found
my mate for life. I loved her with all my being and she abandoned me
for your father. I hated them both for it." He paused. "Of course I
was not unused to the prejudice against me."

"What do you mean? Why were they prejudiced against you?" Legolas
found himself growing less nervous and more interested in the story of
this elf's downfall. Forgetting his predicament for a moment, Legolas
felt a pang of pity for Xerxes, who was obviously brimming with pain.

"Well, my Prince, I am not of this land, as you might have guessed.
Not even I know from where I come. I was dropped in Mirkwood as a baby
with nothing but a tag with the word Xerxes on it. In Mirkwood I was
raised, but I was always different. Besides my unnaturally colored
eyes, I had an inert penchant for magic, a gift most uncommon in
elves." Xerxes sat down on the bed next to Legolas, who took another
sip of the wine and found he did not recoil from the dark elf's nearer
presence. But why was he not more afraid? This elf had threatened to
rape and murder him! With a fresh wave of apprehension, Legolas moved
back a little from Xerxes, who didn't seem to notice.

"I was in love with your mother, Legolas, from a very young age. I
wished more than believed that she loved me back. But when your father
came into the picture, she broke my heart by going off with him almost
immediately." Xerxes seemed rapt in his own memories. "I waited until
the day of their bonding. Then, I gathered a company of orcs and
crashed the festivities. For my transgression they banished me from
Mirkwood. And I, lost and angry beyond belief, vowed to take my
revenge on your father by killing his first son before his own
bonding. I disappeared before they could catch me."

Xerxes looked at Legolas, whose face held a renewed look of terror.
"Keep drinking Legolas…Anyhow, I faked my own death in Mirkwood forest
and fled to Mordor, where I lived with the orcs, using my magic for
ill whenever I had the chance." Xerxes laughed, a heavy, deranged
laugh. "You see Legolas, they drove me to it! They drove me to my
present state of filth and degradation. I travel with orcs, foul,
disgusting orcs!"

Legolas felt a mixture of disgust and pity for the tortured creature
next to him, along with an unwarranted feeling of warmth in his body.
"But you did not have to choose the path of evil. You should have been
strong and gracious in your loss of my mother's love."

"Would you be so strong if it was Aragorn whose heart was stolen?"
Xerxes turned with a sad expression toward Legolas.

"Yes, I would," answered Legolas.

"Even if you knew he held desire for another." Xerxes touched Legolas
face with his hand in a gentle caress. Legolas felt a rush of heat
explode in his body at the touch. What was going on here?

"Of course, I am no vessel of evil," Legolas answered unsteadily.
Xerxes cupped Legolas face.

"That I know to be true, fair elf." Xerxes brought his lips to Legolas
and kissed him. Legolas was stunned by his own enjoyment of the
physical contact. He wrapped an arm around Xerxes' neck before
realizing what was going on.

"No!" Legolas yelled, pushing Xerxes away from him and panting. "What
have you given me?"

"It is only the most powerful aphrodisiac known, Legolas. Do not fight
it. It is no use."

Xerxes placed his hand on Legolas' chest and he unconsciously leant
against the dark elf, wanting to feel more contact. Legolas suddenly
bolted upright, terrified and revolted by his own weakness. "No! I do
not want this!"

"Hush, sweet one. Just give in, it will be much more enjoyable for
you. I gave you the drug to help you, Legolas. You see I could take
you anyway I choose. I would rather take you willingly, but if not…"
He played with Legolas' hair. "You are beautiful Legolas, just like
your mother."

Legolas' eyes began to brim with tears has his temperature rose under
the caresses of the elf. Xerxes kissed Legolas again, pushing him down
onto the bed in the process. At first Legolas was lost in the
tantalizing feeling of the physical contact. Shots of desire went off
all over his body. But an alarm went off in Legolas' head as Xerxes
hands began to travel over his chest and stomach. What was Legolas
doing? He was not this weak. Legolas began to thrash under the weight.
"No!" he yelled.

Xerxes pinned Legolas' wrists to the bed and starred angrily into his
eyes. "Fine. We will do this the hard way then. It doesn't matter to
me." He smiled eerily. "I quite like the fight, actually." Legolas
felt his body freeze as it had done during his earlier failed escape.
Xerxes stood up and retrieved two pieces of rope from a box on the
opposite side of the room. He grabbed Legolas' left arm and tied it to
the bedpost, then did the same with his right arm.

Legolas' eyes widened in abject horror. "Please don't."

"Legolas, there is no point in pleading." He pulled tight on the ropes
and Legolas winced. "There, I think you are ready." Suddenly Legolas
felt the blood rushing back to his body as his limbs unfroze.

"Why don't you just keep me frozen?" Legolas spat, with sudden
vehemence.

"I told you, Legolas. I want to feel you fight. It is quite arousing."
Xerxes smiled. How could Legolas have felt anything but hatred for
this foul being hovering over him? He was not to be pitied, he was to
be spurned and punished. Xerxes leant down and covered Legolas' mouth
with his own. Legolas almost got lost in the sensation until he felt a
tongue rudely push through his lips. That brought him back to reality.
Legolas bit down as hard as he could and Xerxes let out a muffled
scream. He snapped his head back and glared at Legolas with fury.
Xerxes raised a hand and brought it down swiftly, slapping Legolas'
face so hard it hit the bed with a thump.

"You should not have done that, elf," he growled. Legolas' heart
fluttered with fear under the cruel gaze of those purple eyes. With
sudden decisiveness Xerxes grabbed Legolas' leggings and yanked them
off in one rapid movement. Legolas breathed in deeply, a fresh wave of
terror overcoming his being. He became to thrash with his legs, trying
to kick Xerxes, but the dark elf grabbed his thighs and held them down
while he examined Legolas.

"In your present state, Prince, I am sure I could make you want me as
much as I want you. I would like to see that."

"Never," Legolas said through gritted teeth. "You will get no such
satisfaction from me." Xerxes grinned, then began to touch Legolas,
stroking him down his length. Legolas sucked in a tortured breath,
inwardly screaming at his body not to give in to the burning feeling
that shot down to his groin. "No, no, no, no," he softly mumbled to
himself.

Xerxes looked disappointedly at Legolas. "I see you have more strength
of will than I had expected. No matter, I can still take my pleasure
and enjoy it whether you offer me proof of your own gratification or
not." Xerxes stood up and reached for the ties at his own leggings.
Then there was a loud knock on the door.

"What is it?" Xerxes asked in annoyance.

"It is the Mirkwood elves, my Lord. I'm afraid they are near,"
answered the cracked voice of an orc.

"What, already!?" Xerxes immediately exited the room, slamming the
door behind him. Legolas let out a sigh of relief. Aragorn was coming
to save him, as he knew he would. But he was not out of the woods yet.
Xerxes could come back at any moment and rape and kill him in a matter
of minutes. Legolas shook his arms as hard as he could, trying to free
them from their bindings. It was no use; the rope was much too strong.
All he could do was wait and hope that Aragorn would get there in
time.

________________

Aragorn and Thranduil lead the pack of elves on horses. Aragorn's
heart was beating at an alarming rate as he rode swiftly, but not too
fast so as to miss any traces of footprints on the ground. After about
twenty minutes of aimless searching Aragorn noticed the unmistakable
tracks of a company of orcs. Orcs' trails were the easiest to spot.

"Thranduil, could these orcs be in league with Xerxes?" Aragorn asked
with trepidation.


"I would not put it beyond him to team up with orcs. He had a tendency
toward evil and darkness."

"Then let's track this trail, it should be an easy one to follow."
They rode along the trail for about a half hour until the trail
abruptly stopped in between two very old trees. "This is odd," said
Aragorn, "orc trails never stop this suddenly. There is something
amiss here."

"Xerxes was a sorcerer. Perhaps his magic is at work," put in
Thranduil.

"Perhaps." Aragorn jumped off his horse to take a closer look, ever
conscious that each minute they delayed Legolas was in more and more
danger, if he was not already killed. But that was a possibility
Aragorn refused to entertain. He would get to Legolas before that
could happen.

Aragorn felt the ground where the trail ended, looking for anything
suspicious. His hand touched something that sent a shock through his
arm. "There is something here that reeks of dark magic," he announced.
He felt again with his hand, this time pushing it past the point where
he felt the shock. He was amazed to see his hand disappear completely.
He pulled it back, fully intact. "This is some sort of barrier that
blocks anything besides the forest itself. I'm going to walk all the
way through and then call back to you if all seems safe." Thranduil
nodded.

The man stepped over the invisible barrier and felt the electric shock
shake his body as he passed through. He was immediately greeted with
the sight of two orcs, which he quickly made mince meat of with his
sword. Once they were dead, he looked beyond to see a small,
dilapidated house that looked like it hadn't been occupied in hundreds
of years. In front of the house stood a tall, dark elf. "I see
Xerxes," Aragorn softly called back across the barrier.

"We will join you now, Aragorn."

"No, wait. I will speak to him first. Surprise may be our best bet."

"Alright Aragorn, but we're coming through at the first sign of
trouble."

Aragorn began to walk toward Xerxes, who was also walking toward
Aragorn. Suddenly the man's body went stiff. "I can't move. What have
you done to me?" he voiced. Xerxes said nothing while he bridged the
gap.

"So, you are Aragorn. The man fair Legolas has fought so valiantly to
protect his virtue for." Xerxes smiled cruelly, appraising Aragorn
from head to foot.

"Don't you dare speak his name," Aragorn spat, struggling to regain
use of his limbs.

"You came alone, Aragorn. That was foolish of you, very like a human.
Surely you knew you would be no match for my powers." Xerxes gave a
manic grin as he raised his arm in a menacing fashion.

"I do not fear you, you horrid excuse for an elf."

"What do you know, human, about the pain I have endured?" Xerxes
challenged, suddenly infused with anger.

"I know that you are a coward. That you gave up your right to any life
with descent folk and teamed up with orcs."

"You know nothing!" he shouted. "And now, Aragorn, you will never see
your sweet Legolas again. You shall die right here and now." Xerxes
held out is hand and Aragorn could see the sputtering of sparks at his
fingertips. Then he felt the most excruciating pain ever, as the
sparks turned into long fiery tendrils attacking his chest. Aragorn
screamed, closing his eyes. But just as abruptly the pain stopped and
Aragorn fell to the ground.

He looked around him. Xerxes was on the ground, with three arrows
sticking out his chest. Aragorn felt a hand on his shoulder and looked
up to see Thranduil smiling at him. "Are you alright, Aragorn?"

"Yes, I think so." Aragorn stood up with the help of Thranduil. "I
feel fine, just a little shaken up. You came through just in time."

"Yes, we listened to your conversation on the other side of the
barrier, and came out just as he began his attack on you. He was too
concentrated on you to notice us. We pierced him with three arrows
before he fell."

Aragorn looked again at Xerxes, who was now drawing his last breaths.
He felt no pity for him. "I must find Legolas."

Aragorn ran into the house, encountering and killing several orcs on
the way. After checking every other room, he finally opened the door
to a small, dark chamber. There on the bed lay Legolas, half-naked and
tied to the bedposts.

"Aragorn!" cried Legolas, a smile of relief and joy spreading on his
face.

"I am here, my love!" Aragorn rushed to the bed, pulling the sheets
over Legolas' body and quickly untying the rope around his wrists. As
soon as Legolas' arms were free he grabbed Aragorn by the neck,
pulling him down on top of him. He kissed him deeply, with a fervor
that surprised Aragorn. "Legolas," he managed to say between kisses,
"Did he harm you?"

"No, Aragorn, you came just in time." Legolas rubbed his hands all
over Aragorn's back, moaning into the man's mouth. "But he did," pause
for a kiss, "give me," pause for another kiss, "a powerful
aphrodisiac."

"Oh!" Now Aragorn understood Legolas' behavior. In the middle of yet
another kiss, Thranduil walked in. Aragorn tried to detach himself
from Legolas.

"Legolas, you are alright!" Thranduil smiled widely, relief plastered
on his face.

"Yes, father, I am fine," Legolas answered, still pawing at Aragorn.
The man tried to stand up in order to allow Thranduil access to his
son, but Legolas wouldn't allow that. He pulled him back onto the bed,
placing an arm around his waist to keep him in place. Thranduil
managed to give his son a hug anyhow.

"I am so sorry Legolas. This is all my fault. I should have warned
you. I should have protected you better." A tear fell onto Thranduil's
cheek. "But Legolas, are you sure you are alright? You seem altered."

"He was given an aphrodisiac, I believe," Aragorn answered while
Legolas nuzzled his neck.

"Oh, well that explains it." Thranduil smiled warily at his son. "We
should get back to the palace and let everyone know Legolas is
alright."

"Right," said Aragorn, attempting to stand up for the second time.
Once again, he was pulled back down. Legolas sure was strong.
"Legolas, we must get back to the palace, ok? I won't let go of you."
Legolas looked up at him and nodded.

"Ok, Aragorn." Legolas put on his leggings before the two stood up and
walked toward the door, Aragorn's arm around Legolas' waist.

The company made it back to the palace in an hour's time to the relief
of the entire kingdom. The elves had a late dinner in celebration of
the safe return of Legolas. As the effects of the aphrodisiac began to
wear off, Legolas became deadly tired. Mid-way into the dinner,
Aragorn carried him to his bedchamber and bid the elf goodnight with a
kiss on the forehead. "Goodnight, sweet Legolas."


Chapter 5


Legolas awoke on the day of his bonding with a flourish of happiness.
He had been through a lot these past couple of days but none of that
could tarnish the fact that he was about to be bonded to Aragorn. He
stretched out on his bed, a smile on his face. His mind momentarily
flitted back to two days ago when he was tied down, at the mercy of
Xerxes. Legolas shivered at the thought. He had not yet found the
strength to talk about the incident in detail, though Aragorn tried
hard to get it out of him. Aragorn had been very kind, even suggesting
that they postpone the bonding ceremony. But Legolas would not hear of
it. He wanted Aragorn's closeness now more than ever. There was a
knock on his door. "Who is it?" he asked.

"It's Haldir." Legolas jumped for joy. He ran to the door, swung it
open, and gave his dear friend Haldir a strong embrace. "It's good to
see you too, Legolas," he laughed while setting a box down on the bed.
"They sent me up to help you get ready."

"Wonderful! Haldir, I am so happy."

"I am glad, Legolas. I'm relieved to see it, and so soon after that
awful ordeal."

"Yes, that was unfortunate. But no permanent harm done." Legolas
smiled awkwardly.

"Well, I'm here if you want to talk about it."

"Thank you, Haldir." Legolas' eyes filled with tears at the genuine
concern and love Haldir had for him. "Well, it does no good for me to
cry now, so close to my bonding ceremony." They both laughed and
Legolas sat down in front of his vanity. Haldir began to fix his hair.

Haldir was soon finished arranging the braids on either side of his
beautiful face and Legolas quickly changed into his new light blue
bonding outfit. When he was done, he examined himself in the
full-length mirror. "Well, I guess that's it."

"Not quite," chimed in Haldir. He opened the box that he had brought
with him and pulled out a gorgeously simple silver head ornament. It
was long and thin, serving as a kind of crown. "Your father gave me
this to give to you. He wore it at his bonding." Haldir placed it on
Legolas' head and stood back to gaze at the end result. "I must say,
Legolas, you look so beautiful I am almost in a mind to steal you away
from Aragorn at this very moment."

Legolas laughed and admired his own image in the glass. "Legolas, you
are radiant!" announced Thranduil, who had entered the room without
knocking. Thranduil was dressed richly in his finest green outfit.

"You don't look so bad yourself, father."

"Why thank you, son. I have come to fetch you. It is almost time to
start."

"Already? How late did I sleep in?"

"Not very late…we decided it was best to let you rest. Anyhow, you are
ready just in time. Shall we?" Thranduil held out his arm for Legolas
to take, which he did after one final look in the mirror. Father and
son walked toward the front of the palace. Haldir followed.

As they got closer to the front doors, Legolas could hear hundreds of
voices speaking in little conversations. It sounded like everyone had
shown up. Thranduil and Legolas stopped just in front of the doors,
and Haldir went through, smiling at father and son. Suddenly the sound
of elven flutes and string instruments started up and a beautiful
voice broke out in song. Legolas recognized the voice as Arwen's.

Thranduil looked at Legolas. "It is time."

"Yes, it is." Legolas took in a deep breath as Thranduil opened the
doors and led Legolas outside, into the welcoming forest. Legolas
immediately felt the warmth of hundreds of pairs of eyes on him as he
stepped out onto the walkway made of flower petals. Feeling suddenly
nervous under the scrutiny of so many, Legolas kept his eyes centered
on the end of the walkway, where Aragorn and Galadriel stood
underneath a canopy of wild flowers and tree branches. Aragorn looked
beautiful in his fancy red tunic and leggings. Legolas smiled and
Aragorn smiled back.

At length, Legolas reached the end of the path, Thranduil took a seat,
and Arwen stopped singing. Legolas gave Galadriel a huge grin while
taking his place in front of her, next to Aragorn. The man took
Legolas' hands into his own and they gazed into one another's eyes.

"We are here today," began Galadriel in her deep, mellifluous voice,
"to witness the bonding of Legolas, son of Thranduil and Aragorn, son
of Arathorn. It is through this most sacred of bonds that Legolas and
Aragorn will pledge their love for one another and join in an
unbreakable bond that will link them, body and soul, for the rest of
their lives." Galadriel paused and looked from Aragorn to Legolas.
"Aragorn, Legolas. Are you ready to begin the bonding?" They both said
yes. "Well then Legolas, do you take Aragorn to love and cherish, to
support and confide in through the tough times as well as the good
times for as long as you both live?"

"I do," Legolas answered, taking in Aragorn's loving eyes.

"And do you Aragorn take Legolas to love and cherish, to support and
confide in through the tough times as well as the good times for as
long as you both live?"

"I do." Aragorn stated.

"Now, join hands Legolas and Aragorn," Galadriel advised. The elf Lady
put her own hand on top of theirs. "Become one," she whispered.
Suddenly a bolt of electricity, not unlike the one Legolas felt the
first time he touched Aragorn, shot through both their bodies. It was
if their bodies were melded and they were one person with one mind.
The sensation was wonderful. It was a feeling of absolute comfort and
love within one skin. The moment was brief, but powerful. When the few
seconds were over, Aragorn and Legolas leant into one another's arms
for support, recovering from the intensity of the moment.

"Now you are bonded. Go off and live your lives in love and
happiness." Galadriel smiled warmly.

Aragorn and Legolas shared their first kiss as bonding partners to the
cheers of the crowd. "I love you," whispered Legolas.

"I love you too," replied Aragorn before leading his partner to the
banquet hall, where all the guests were headed.

The day's festivities ran far into the evening. Elves were dancing,
eating, laughing, and having an all over spectacular time. Legolas and
Aragorn talked to all their friends that had come from far away to be
there for this most precious of occasions. Aragorn caught up with
Arwen, Elladan, Elrohir, and Elrond. Legolas talked long with
Galadriel and Gandalf, two people he had not seen for many a year. Of
course, Legolas and Aragorn danced many dances together and shared
many loving glances, growing in desire with each passing minute.

At long last the night grew late and guests began to wonder off to
their rooms to sleep. Legolas turned to Aragorn, "I think it is time
to go to bed."

"I believe you are right, Legolas." The two walked toward Legolas'
bedchamber, palms sweating slightly. Once inside, Legolas sat on the
bed while Aragorn poured them both a glass of wine. "Here you are,
Legolas." Aragorn passed him the glass.

"Thank you." Legolas took a large gulp, hoping to quell the sickly
turning of nerves in his stomach. He did not expect to be this
anxious.

"Are you nervous?" Aragorn asked. "I am."

"Really? Good, because I'm terrified! We've waited so long, and now…"

"Now it's as if the past twenty years are riding on this one night."

"Something like that. And I know it's silly. We have the rest of our
lives together. One night is nothing."

Aragorn put his glass on the bureau and sat down on the bed next to
Legolas. "We shouldn't put too much pressure on it. We should just do
what the moment asks of us." Legolas touched Aragorn's face and the
ranger placed his hand on top of the elf's. "I love you, Legolas. I
long to show you how much."

"As I long to show you." Aragorn kissed Legolas, lightly at first,
then more passionately. Legolas slowly pushed Aragorn down on the bed,
placing himself on top of the man, kissing his neck and mouth. Aragorn
began to breathe deeply, that familiar tingling rising in his body.
"I've never even seen you naked," Legolas breathed into Aragorn's ear.

"Would you like to now?" Aragorn asked.

"Yes." Legolas slowly undid the ties to Aragorn's tunic and pulled it
over his head. The elf felt the man's bare chest, running his hands up
and down, examining the fine, dark hair that felt so soft to touch.
His fingers grazed a nipple and Aragorn gasped. Legolas touched his
other nipple, curious at the heated reaction he was getting from the
man. "That feels good?"

"Yes," Aragorn managed to answer.

"Good." Legolas reached for the ties on Aragorn's leggings, noticing
the large bulge for the first time. The discovery sent a fresh wave of
nerves through his body and he decided to go up for another kiss
instead.

"You are still afraid, Legolas?"

"A little, yes."

"Let me try and put you at your ease." Aragorn flipped over, bringing
Legolas with him so that he now lay on top of the elf. Aragorn quickly
disposed of Legolas' tunic and began kissing his way down Legolas'
chest until he reached his navel. Legolas felt himself grow hard with
desire at the feel of Aragorn's lips all over his body. But the
sensation was cut short when Legolas felt Aragorn tugging at his
leggings. A strange irrational fear took over his mind.

"No!" he screamed. Before Legolas realized what he was doing he pushed
Aragorn off of him and huddled in a ball at the head of the bed. He
was on the verge of tears.

"Legolas, what's wrong?" Aragorn asked, taken aback. The man crawled
next to Legolas, wrapping his arms around him for comfort. "Legolas,
what is it? Does this have anything to do with Xerxes?" Legolas
shivered at the sound of that name. "Dear, sweet Legolas, you are safe
here." Aragorn was very afraid. What exactly had happened with Xerxes
anyhow? Legolas had yet to enlighten him.

"Aragorn, I am sorry. I thought that this wouldn't be a problem. I
thought that I was stronger than this."

"That's ok, Legolas. We do not always need to be strong by ourselves.
Let me help you to be strong. Let me in." Aragorn rubbed Legolas' back
reassuringly.

"It's just that. If you hadn't come exactly when you did, he would
have raped me. He had already put his hands all over my body and
pulled down my leggings. And the worst part is…" Legolas paused and
Aragorn drew in a nervous breath. "I had to fight with all my might
not to react to his touch. My body wanted it, Aragorn! To feel that
loss of control was absolute degradation." Legloas looked at Aragorn
with tears in his eyes. "I am so sorry Aragorn. I feel guilty beyond
belief. When he first kissed me I didn't even push him off of me right
away, I was so lost in the sensation. Could you ever forgive me?"

Aragorn tightened the hold on his elf and felt the heat of tears
rising behind his own eyes. This poor, beautiful creature had so much
heart and love in his being it was painful. "There is nothing to
forgive, Legolas," He began softly. "You were drugged. He is the only
one to blame here. You did nothing wrong. Look at me, Legolas, and
believe what I am telling you. You did nothing wrong."

Legolas was comforted by Aragorn's kind words. "I know you speak the
truth, Aragorn. But it is something that will continue to weigh on my
conscience for a long time to come, I fear."

"Please don't let it," Aragorn whispered.

"I will try." Legolas lay his head on Aragorn's shoulder and felt his
body go limp with exhaustion. Aragorn's presence was so comforting and
calming. Soon the elf was asleep and Aragorn laid him gently on the
bed. He pulled the sheets over his body and took his own place at
Legolas' side. Aragorn eventually fell asleep, one arm draped
protectively over Legolas' waist.

Aragorn woke up to the feel of soft lips pressing against his
forehead. He opened his eyes and was greeted with the sight of
Legolas' smiling face. "Good morning, my love," Legolas said.

"Good morning, Legolas." He kissed the elf's lips gently.

Legolas ran his hand through Aragorn's smooth hair, then stared
longingly into his eyes. "Aragorn, I am no longer afraid." He kissed
the man's mouth. "I want you, Aragorn," he whispered, one hand rubbing
against the man's chest. Aragorn felt the heat rise in his loins at
those words.

"You know I can deny you nothing," he replied before pinning Legolas
down on the bed, straddling the elf, who laughed lightly. Aragorn
kissed Legolas, masterfully exploring his exposed body with his hands
until the elf was practically shaking with desire.

"Aragorn, I feel something stirring within me," he managed to say
between heavy breaths.

"You mean here?" Aragorn placed his hand on Legolas' groin and the elf
moaned in response.

"Yes! Aragorn, will you take me?" The man did not need to be asked
twice. He swiftly separated Legolas from his legging and gazed at the
beauty of Legolas' naked body before bringing his mouth down upon
Legolas. "Aragorn!" Legolas shouted, overcome with the intense
pleasure Aragorn's mouth was giving him.

Things continued in this manner until both Legolas and Aragorn reached
their release. And then they kept at it until lunchtime. After his
fourth climax, Aragorn nestled comfortably in Legolas' arms,
exhausted. "I love you," he said.

"And I love you," replied Legolas.

THE END