Title: The Saving Light Author: Helaku (tkdchik87@aol.com) Rating: PG-13 – R Pairing: Aragorn/Legolas Summary: AU slash. Legolas and Aragorn meet while Aragorn previously battled orcs and was seriously injured. As Aragorn gets better he and the Prince of Mirkwood feel more than friendship between them. Disclaimer: I own none of the familiar characters. They belong to Tolkien. I do own Kael, Nolen, and Aradia from this chapter. Author’s Note: This story is an AU (Alternate Universe) story. No ring and no fellowship. This story will contain slash which is the same gender having sex. Hope you like it. Chapter 1: The Beginning He could taste the copper flavored blood in his mouth from his cut lip and the stabbing pain in his leg. Aragorn had no energy to evade the Uruk-Hai’s next blow that sent him into a nearby tree. Just when Aragorn thought the foul beast standing over him would end his life, an arrow went right through the Uruk-Hai’s chest. The beast fell to the forest floor – dead. “Are there anymore?” an unfamiliar voice shouted. “I don’t sense any, but there is something… or someone that they were attacking.” A more melodical voice answered. Aragorn slipped into unconsciousness, never seeing the faces of those who saved him from darkness. ~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~ Legolas walked into a small clearing that was littered with dead Uruk-Hai. He looked around the area and saw a man lying against a tree. “Is he dead, Legolas?” “I don’t think so. I just found him.” “I’ll check it out, brother.” “Thanks, Kael.” Kael carefully approached the man. He gently placed two fingers on the man’s throat, checking for a pulse. “Well, is he?” “No, he’s alive, but only just. He needs help and fast.” “We’ll take him to Tirios. Nolen and Aradia will help him.” Kael nodded his agreement and helped his younger brother lift the man onto Legolas’s horse. They rode to Tirios quickly, reaching the city by nightfall. “Go get Ada and the healers, Kael. I’ll take him to the healing room.” Kael took off instantly shouting for his father and the two healers. “Ada!!! Nolen!!! Aradia!!!” he screamed running down the hallways of the palace. “What is it, son?” Thranduil asked with concern etched in his features. “Is everything okay? Is it your brother?” “Father, where are Nolen and Aradia?” “We are here.” Aradia answered jogging behind Nolen. “What’s wrong?” “Legolas and I… found a man in… the woods. He is hurt badly and needs healing.” “Where is he?” Nolen asked seriously. “Legolas took him to the healing room.” A/N: // //= Aragorn’s thoughts * *= Legolas’s thoughts Chapter 2: Healing Aragorn cracked an eye open only to see a bright light. He quickly shut it – since he was used to darkness right now. “Hmmm.” Aragorn moaned shifting around. “Don’t move.” A gentle voice said. “What?” he asked slowly opening his eyes again. “Lie still. If you keep moving, you could reopen that wound.” The voice explained. Legolas looked at the man who slowly sat up. “Where am I? Who are you?” Aragorn asked realizing he was not returned to Imladris. “You’re in Tirios, and I am Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood. May I ask you what your name is?” “Aye. I’m called Estel at home, but I’m also know as Aragorn.” “Where are you from Aragorn?” Legolas asked not wanting to use his family name incase they had died in the battle or were captured. “I was brought to Rivendell when I was a baby. Elrond has kept me as one of his own sons ever since.” Aragorn looked closely at the elf in front of him. He could describe him in many different words: beautiful, enchanting, young. Aragorn knew better than to assume this elf was young because an elf’s appearance was always deceiving in age. “Can I get you anything?” “No, I’m fine.” “Legolas, Ada wishes to speak with you.” Kael said from the doorway with amusement in his eyes. “I’ll check on you later, Aragorn.” Legolas walked into the hall with Kael. “I don’t think you have left his side, brother, unless you have been summoned away.” Kael teased. “I worry for him.” Legolas replied curtly. “I’m sure you do.” Legolas knew he was attracted to this man, but he wanted to get to know Aragorn first. He didn’t even know if Aragorn fancied men. Legolas and Kael continued their walk in silence and entered their father’s study. “Ada? You wanted to see me.” “Ah, Legolas, yes I did want to see you. Has our guest awoken yet?” “Aye, he has.” “And?” “He is Aragorn of Imladris.” “He is not an elf.” Thranduil stated simply while raising an eyebrow for an explanation. “Elrond has housed him since he was a child.” Thranduil nodded his understanding. “Was there anything else, Father?” “Yes, actually. I have noticed you have been neglecting your duties around here.” “I’m sorry, Ada. I-I’ve spent-” “Your time with the human.” Thranduil finished. “Now watch yourself, Legolas, and don’t set yourself up for heart break. Now you may return to Aragorn, my son.” Legolas blushed a deep alluring red that maybe could be mistaken for purple and shifted his gaze to the floor. “Diola lle, Ada. (I love you, Father)” Legolas whispered and headed back to the healing room to see Aragorn. ~*~*~* “Hello again.” Aragorn said cheerfully as Legolas entered the room. “How are you feeling?” “A little dizzy and sore, but better.” “Are you hungry?” //For you. // “Not very, but I’m fine thank you.” Aragorn replied trying to hide the attraction he felt knowing elves can sense these things. “Legolas, is there a way I can tell my father I’m all right? So he’ll know what happened to me?” “You can write him a letter and explain it. A messenger will bring him the message.” “Thank you.” “It is our pleasure.” Legolas looked into the man’s grey eyes and felt like he could stare at them for hours on end. *~*~*~*~ A few Hours later ~*~*~*~* Aragorn awoke from a restless sleep when he thought he had heard something fall over. “SHHH!!! He’s asleep.” “I’m sorry Legolas.” A woman’s voice replied to the command. Aragorn looked around the room and noticed Legolas was still sitting at his side. //Why hasn’t he left my side? He must have other things to do. I don’t want to be a burden to him. // Legolas sensed that Aragorn was no longer resting. *I want to do my duties around here, but this man is just so different. I want to get to know him a personal level and develop a friendship. Maybe even more than that. * “Well, you’re up. You might as well tell us how you’re feeling.” “Us?” Aragorn looked around the room and noticed an elf woman bustling around – making something. “This is Aradia, one of the best healers in all of Mirkwood.” Aradia walked over to the bed, handing Aragorn a goblet. “Drink this. You should be able to walk around later and moved to a more comfortable place tomorrow.” “Thank you.” Aragorn said and drank the substance in one gulp. He grimaced slightly at the bitter taste. Legolas smiled slightly. *I wonder what it would be like to taste those lips* Legolas then handed Aragorn some paper and a quill. “For your letter to Lord Elrond.” Aragorn nodded and started writing. Ada, I have no other way but through a letter to contact you and explain where I am so you won’t worry. I’m in Tirios, Mirkwood with King Thranduil. I am getting better since I came out an ambush unconscious and with a few cuts and bruises. I guess I was rescued by one of the elves around here. I ask you not to worry. I am being well taken care of and hope to return to Imladris soon. Sincerely, Aragorn Aragorn read over the letter and handed it to Legolas. “Well I’ll be back as soon as I can.” “You are delivering it?” “I hear dismay in your voice.” Legolas chuckled. *Maybe this man is attracted to me. * “You are the only elf I know here and-” Just as Aragorn was going to explain a second reason, King Thranduil walked into the room. “Legolas, Kael will deliver this to Lord Elrond. I wish for you to stay with our guest.” Legolas’s cheeks flushed slightly, as his only hope of being separated from Aragorn long enough for him to sort out his feelings and how to deal with or act on them was dashed. “Yes, Ada.” “Good then. I’ll take this to Kael, who will leave as soon as he is ready. I’ll see you both at dinner.” Aragorn looked utterly confused. “You’re son of Thranduil?” Aragorn asked. “You’re a prince?”