Title: What The Lady Foretells Author: Lessa QT200514@aol.com Pairings: Legolas/Aragorn, Legolas/Haldir Rating: R Summary: What would happen if the Fellowship were changed by two of the members not going. Disclaimer: not mine! Wish Legolas was but.... ::sigh:: Warning: None that you haven't heard already.... Authors Note: Email me if you like it or would like to use it! The surface of the water did not physically ripple as she leaned close to look into the bowl, though a shiver ran through it contents, bending the moonlight and the shadows of the trees. Images flickered within the clear liquid until it settled on a scene of a young Elven male sitting next to a strong rugged man, laughing. The young elf reached out to caress a cheek, and as those slender fingers brushed against him, a flash of black and a silent roar brought a scene of a broken land with raven ridden skies that were a bloodied red. But the scene lasted only but a second before it was back to the couple in the trees, laughing sweetly. The watcher gasped as she stepped back from the image and placed a slender hand to her open mouth. Legolas silently gazed from his lightly spiced wine at the elf that was next to him, not truly seeing him or hearing what he was saying, something about hunting, he imagined. "Legolas?" Elrohir said again, bringing him to the present. Elrohir had a pear halfway to his lips. "Sorry Elrohir, my mind is elsewhere this night. What were you saying?" A sly smile played across lush lips. Legolas knew that look. Elrohir bit into the fruit, licking the juices from his lips. "I asked if you wanted to slip away and visit Elladan, he was tired and did not grace us with his presence tonight, if you had not noticed." Legolas had. He smiled. "Sounds wonderful, Elrohir." They slowly made their way to the side of the small clearing the night's feast had been in, making small talk with groups of elves as they went. Finally they left the soft torch light to make their way through the woods to find Elladan. Elrohir took Legolas' hand and stopped him with a kiss. He moved to the tip of a pointed ear and lightly bit it. "Why wait until Elladan is near?" He took the ear in his mouth again. "I wish to have you to myself this night." He continued. He placed his hands on the lighter elf's waist. As an answer Legolas wrapped his own arms around Elrohir and pulled him tightly to his body, feeling the heat softly caress his flesh. Neither of them noticed the soft steps that came towards them. "Elrohir?" The source of the footfalls asked. Elrohir almost lazily left the tender neck he had been biting and sucking and looked to the direction of the shadow. "It is I, brother Aragorn." Elladan said. Legolas stepped back and turned so he could also face Aragorn. "What are you doing wondering the forest at this hour?" Elrohir asked entwining his fingers in Legolas'. "I could ask the same of you, Brother." Aragorn said coming closer. His smile could be heard in his words. Elrohir laughed. "Why, enjoying a fair moon flower of course." He kissed Legolas' fingertips. Aragorn's sight rested on Legolas. "Legolas of Mirkwood?" Aragorn asked finally realizing whose form it was he was dimly seeing. "It is." Legolas said giving a slight bow. Aragorn took his free hand and kissed it. Legolas suddenly had to resist the urge for more contact with the mortal. "An honor." He said instead. Aragorn seemed to sense a mood change. "Well, my Brother, I will go I have much to do tomorrow and I am sure you are very busy." He said with a wink and disappeared back into the dark trees. As they made love under the sweet innocence of the moon, Legolas kept seeing the face of a man he had only but met hours ago. The morning rays found Legolas wandering through the open halls of Rivendell. He was seeking something, he was sure, though he could not have said what. He turned a corner to find Aragorn sitting in a light chair reading a leather-bound book. He looked up and deep blue eyes met lighter ones and a smile creased them. "Legolas of Mirkwood, a pleasure." He closed his book and stood up and grasped Legolas' forearm in a formal gesture. Legolas let go as quickly as politeness permitted. He was not sure he liked what those blue eyes made race through him. "I was just pondering a nice breakfast. Would a Prince honor me with his acceptance?" Aragorn asked very formally. Legolas had no choice but to agree as he walked with the man to a small room that had a small table with a chair and another chair against the wall. Food was already laid upon the table, enough for Aragorn and the little Legolas ate. Aragorn gestured to the chair already at the table and removed a few books from the other and brought it to the table. With sitting down Aragorn seemed to loose his formality. "The honey here," He said spreading some on a thin slice of milk white bread, "Is the best." He offered it to Legolas who took it with a small thanks. He put honey on a piece for himself, laughing at the bit he got on his hand. He brought his hand to his mouth and licked it off. Legolas focused on his bread and took a bite. The honey was quite good. "So how fairs the Wood, Legolas. I have not been there in many years." Legolas licked the stray bit of honey from his lips and set it down on the table. "Much as it has been. Father changes little there." Legolas said folding his hands on the table, careful to keep out of his honey. Aragorn smiled. Legolas lowered his eyes. Was it too warm in that little room? Legolas searched for a window but found none, and rested his eyes back on Aragorn. "So are you and my step Brother are together?" Aragorn asked with a sly smile. Legolas smiled though for a second he felt a tinge of something fleet through his body.... sadness? "You could say that yes." Legolas said. Aragorn laid a hand on Legolas'. "He is a fine lover, no?" Aragorn asked and laughed in a way only a mortal could about such things. Legolas blinked as he realized what Aragorn had meant. "You have bedded him? And Elladan?" Legolas asked before he could stop himself. Aragorn only smiled wider and traced a finger down Legolas' thumb. Legolas followed that finger. "I have my dear Legolas. You can hardly have one without the other, no?" He smiled again. "You are beautiful." Aragorn said suddenly. Legolas's startled eyes rose to meet intense glittering points. Aragorn suddenly seemed bored and looked down at the table and dipped his finger in the honey pot and looked at it. "The honey is wonderful." He said and held it to Legolas' lips, lightly touching the red petals, smearing a little on them. Legolas looked into Aragorn's eyes, seeing a soul that was hurt, reaching out to someone who would understand. Legolas slowly opened his mouth to let his red tongue trail along his bottom lip, tasting the sweet sugary coating. Aragorn's finger was again against his lips with a fresh layer of honey, but this time Legolas opened his mouth and wrapped it around the covered finger, running his tongue over it, letting the sweet taste and feel wrestle in his mouth. Aragorn stood up and kneeled next to Legolas, his finger still in that rose petal mouth. He wetted his own lips and inhaled sharply as Legolas' tongue ran over the sensitive tip of his finger. The elf's eyes closed as he played with the finger. Aragorn pushed the table away from Legolas, a wine glass falling and shattering though neither noticed the splattered wine or the sound. Aragorn swung his leg over Legolas so he was sitting on his lap, facing him. He removed his finger only to claim those still honey sweet lips with his own. She left Lothlorien all but alone, only bringing her husband and a few watch guards, riding a snow white horse hard. She could feel the urgency in her immortal bones well up. She knew the Decision was soon, the fate rested in the hands of two that had no idea the result of their actions, two that were willing to risk the fate of all. Aragorn was sitting upon a naked Legolas, sweat trickling down his body. He had his hands tangled in silky blond hair as he buried the elf within him. Legolas threw back his head and a moan escaped his lips and blood colored the pale cheeks. Aragorn's back curved as Legolas brought him down fully onto his lap and held him there. As Aragorn moaned into an orgasim, he felt a fire and ice, pleasure and pain, light and dark race and battle through his body, and as if this was also felt by Legolas he suddenly shot up straight and came forcefully before he was ready to, leaving them both gasping for a painfully gathered breath. Legolas was trembling slightly. "Aragorn..." He asked uncertain, his voice shaken. Aragorn looked down at his recent lover. "I..." He could not find the words to describe the struggle that had felt like hovering between eternity in bliss and a hellish death. Legolas laid a quivering finger on Aragorn's lips. "I felt it, Aragorn. I felt it through you...." Trailing off removing his hand and placing it on Aragorn's back and put his head to a sweaty chest. "What was it Legolas?" Aragorn asked, not sure if he cared for the answer for he knew it could not have been wrong, him so close to these creature, feeling his hot breath, could not be wrong. "I Do not know, my love." Her horse splashed through a shallow river and she stiffened, her horse sensing the mood and also froze in mid step, whickering worriedly. The trees and birds were silent, the sun seemed to freeze, then everything blazed to life, animals screeching, the sun a fire ball beating down in midsummer... "It has been decided..." She said to everyone and no one. "I just do not know which way it shall go..." She heeled her horse, feeling not much time remained. Aragorn and Legolas found their way to Aragorn's chambers and snuggled in his bed. They were woken early the next morning by Saelbeth. "Lord Aragorn, Legolas, Elrond will have a council today, and you are to attend. Do not be late, for the fate of all rest on this day." Legolas answered him sleepily dismissed him then rolled over to fall softly back asleep. Aragorn was up and getting ready. Legolas woke and smiled. "Aragorn, leaving me in an empty cold bed already?" He rolled onto his side and watched Aragorn move about the room. He stopped and looked at the elf. He moved over and sat next to him, kissing his forehead. "I head Saelbeth as you did. We must go." Legolas frowned in a most becoming way. "Fine..." He grumbled and rolled out of bed, pausing to plop on Aragorn's lap and kiss him deeply with a quick movement to his thigh. "Legolas, we have not the time!" He laughed and pushed him off. Aragorn found himself in the council, sitting across from his hobbit companion Frodo and next to a darkly handsome Rivendell elf he did not know. Legolas was with his Mirkwood kin to his right. Frodo placed the ring in the middle of the gathering. "You have only one choice. It must be destroyed." Elrond said. Aragorn hoped he looked like he was paying attention, but his mind kept traveling back to sugar coated lips. "I will take it!" Frodo said after all the council was on their feet, Aragorn had tried to reach Legolas in the confusion. "Though I do not know the way." He said, scared. The wizard offered his help. The words were on the tip of Aragorn's tongue, ready to spill out... but the feeling of Legolas so close was a poison, killing the words. A man he had not noticed stood up and kneeled before Frodo, "You have my sword." He said. Legolas himself felt compelled to help this small creature, but a glance to Aragorn stilled his tongue. Saelbeth stepped forward, "And you have my bow, little one." The dwarf, Gimli, the Steward of Gondor and 3 hobbits also were joined. They stood in front of the council, and Elrond faced them. "You shall be the fellowship of the ring." Aragorn felt dread, pain, hate, death and corruption race through him sickening him, but was gone as Legolas brushed his hand along Aragorn's arm. The fellowship was the set out in a month. Then it would be high summer and traveling would be pleasant. Two weeks after the council Aragorn was in bed curled next to Legolas, feeling his light slumber. "Legolas?" He asked. Legolas answered without opening his eyes with a nod. "Do you sometimes feel.... that we should have went... on the quest?" Legolas rolled over and looked at him. "You feel it to, love?" He traced a long finger along the man's jaw. Legolas kissed him. "Wild fancies, I would expect. I have you, that's all I need." He kissed him again and rolled onto Aragorn, forcing thoughts of the quest from both of their minds. The fellowship left and Legolas and Aragorn watched them walk away into the wood, out of Rivendell. Legolas wrapped his arms around Aragorn and they walked to one of the many waterfalls in Rivendell and stood before one in each others arms, feeling his love radiate. Legolas had shown his love many times to Aragorn, and every time they experienced the wild rush of emotion they had shared the first time. That evening the Lady of the Light rode in, her and her men's horses worn from the hard run. Elrond was in a frenzy with the unannounced appearance of the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien, and the apparent upset of the Lady. "Elrond, I must speak with Elessar, as soon as possible." Elrond was confused but told her, "You will find him with the young prince of Mirkwood, they have become very close." Elrond was left standing as Galadriel swept from the room. Galadriel found them by a stream, Aragorn with his head on Legolas' lap, slender elven hands playing with the hair or running across the plains of his chest. Legolas noticed her first and quickly got to his feet, pulling the mortal with him. He bowed his head. "My lady," He said. Aragorn echoed him, though did not remove his hand from Legolas'. "Legolas. Elessar. You have changed the fate of the world. I feared I was too late. I still fear I am." She said it all in her monotone, holding no emotion. "Changed the fate of the world My Lady?" Aragorn said, not believing though not disbelieving because it was Galadriel that said this. Galadriel inclined her head yes. "How so?" Legolas asked. "I do not yet know, young Prince. I was gazing into my mirror a fortnight ago and I saw the two of you, within it. Legolas touched your cheek, Elessar, and then it was a vision of great destruction. I fear that if you two are joined, it will be the doom of all." Neither of them said anything, but Aragorn's grip on Legolas' hand tightened. Galadriel noted this. "You have already lain with one another." She said in a slightly misty voice, pitch never changing. Neither of them answered knowing it was not needed. Galadriel stepped closer to Aragorn and laid a hand on his chest, over his heart. "It is for you to decide, young King, what to do." Aragorn looked down, "I am no king." He all but spat. Galadriel withdrew her hand and Legolas put his arm around Aragorn. "Elessar your path has been laid before you. Elrond and myself feel you should join the Fellowship now, if you do not I fear the mirror's vision will become reality." She looked at Aragorn again, uncertainty showing briefly on a face that had not seen it in an age. She kissed his forehead. "Namarie." She said and quietly left them both staring after her. Legolas pulled Aragorn tightly to him. "What is to become of us my love?" Legolas said softly into dark hair. "Will you leave me, now that I have found you?" The elf asked bringing up Aragorn's chin to look into his eyes. Aragorn kissed Legolas. "No, my love, I will not leave." He snuggled deeper then before into Legolas' chest. Legolas stroked the man's hair, softly singing an elvish song of love into his ear, softly caressing it. Galadriel glided her way back from the forest full of despair. She found Elrond waiting. "Elrond, my son, I fear the choice is beyond our hands. Perhaps it is what was meant to be, perhaps the mirror only saw what may happen. It has occurred in the past." Elrond's eyes were creased with concern. "Perhaps. But I still feel we need to at the least try and stop this. You know this, My Lady." "What would you suggest?" Galadriel asked heavily. Before Elrond could answer, the watch guard of Lothlorien walked up and saluted. "Forgive me my Lady, my Lord. I was told to report to the Lord Elrond." Elrond looked at him as if he could not understand why he would interrupt, but he said to Galadriel, "Use Haldir of Lorien. Hurt them, to save them. It is the only way." He said gravely. Legolas left Aragorn's chambers the next morning to talk with the elf that had come to Rivendell with him. He was walking through an open roofed library when a hand was placed on his arm. Legolas turned to meet the blue eyes of Haldir. He smiled. "Haldir, it is always a pleasure." Haldir smiled. "It is." he said. "Tell me, Legolas, how long did you plan to be in Rivendell? Perhaps we could share in a hunt in the woods." Legolas raised a defined eyebrow. "And when has Haldir been into just hunting? What plan do you have forming in your lovely head?" Legolas asked teasingly. Haldir spread his hands in a picture of innocence. "You misunderstand my intentions young Princeling! Because you are beautiful you think I am after you?" Haldir smiled slyly and laughed to show he was kidding. "You make fun of me! Well, Elf of Lorien, I will take up your offer. We shall leave for a day hunt and see who is the better! Be at the West Gate before sunrise." He poked him mockingly. "Don't be late or you shall lose before we begin!" Legolas said and continued on his way. That evening he returned to Aragorn. "Aragorn. Haldir has invited me for a hunt tomorrow. Do not fear, I will be home for the night." He smiled and kissed him. Aragron pulled him down on the bed next to him, playfully pining him. "I'm sorry Legolas, what were you saying?" He asked. Legolas just yanked the man closer so he could kiss him. Legolas was up well before the dawn and quietly dressed so he would not wake his sleeping companion. He slipped on his soft leather knee high boots and smiled at the dark figure on the bed. He leaned down and kissed his forehead lightly then picked up his bow and quiver and slipped from the room. He walked along the dark streets of Rivendell, the air pleasantly warm. He reached the West Gate before Haldir, just as the sun began to lighten the skyline. He sat against a tree and watched the stars slowly fade. Just before the sun broke over the trees in a golden red globe, Haldir strode from the lightening trees. Legolas rose with a grin. "Haldir, I was beginning to think you would not join me." Haldir grasped Legolas' arm in a formal greeting. "I have come young Prince as I said I would." Haldir's eyes lingered on the glittering eyes of Legolas. Haldir smiled then released him and turned and started to walk into the grey trees. Legolas had no choice but to follow. "Do you hunt often, Legolas?" Haldir asked once he caught up. Legolas shrugged. "Not much do I get the chance, but I very much enjoy the time I get." They were speaking softly, snaking along the forest like ghosts. They had saw glimpses of there prey, a small white deer that was quick and silent. The sun was resting atop the trees, still golden red when Haldir placed a stilling hand on Legolas' arm, and then pointed to their left, not saying a word. Legolas bent his bow and aimed it at a small bush about 50 feet from them. A slender deer stepped out, but Legolas held his arrow knocked for it was a fawn, still with pale grey up the legs and along the nose. He lowered his bow, unwilling to kill a fawn or his mother. Haldir took his wrist, guiding him away, to a small stream that shone in the morning light. Haldir crouched and took a handful of the clear water and sipped it, motioning Legolas to do the same. He kneeled next to Haldir and dipped his hand into the cold water, his fingers numbing in the cold, but he drank it tasting sweet spring in a liquid. Legolas tried to warm his fingers in his fist, but Haldir, seeing this, took the wet hand within his and lightly blew warmth onto them. It felt blessedly warm on his cold hand and he hadn't realized he was leaning into the larger elf until he was almost pressed against him. Legolas blushed and pulled his hand back, stepping away from Haldir. Haldir tilted his head to the side, with a sly smile, but he didn't say anything, only started the hunt again. Legolas followed, bow drawn and ready. His eyes scanned the forest but ended up resting on the form ahead of him. Mid-day Haldir stopped them again and sat under a tree and took out a small, leaf wrapped Lembas. Legolas sat next to him and took out his dried berries he brought along. "Would you like one, Haldir?" Legolas asked, holding out his fruit filled hand. Haldir smiled and flicked his eyes along that slender arm, then returned to the fruit and he took a dried strawberry. Haldir set aside his half eaten Lembas and seemed to look at the strawberry very closely, but smiled and winked at Legolas and placed the red fruit to his lips then put it between his teeth and bit down, white teeth flashing. Legolas finished his meal and leaned against the smooth bark of the tree and watched Haldir comb out his hair, the sun glittering on golden strands. Without thinking Legolas leaned over and took up the silky strands and began a small braid to fall down the middle of Haldir's head. He finished the braid and twisted it to make it stay in and ran his fingers through the rest of the silky hair. "Legolas, would you rub my shoulder please, it's been hurting." Legolas placed his slender hands on Haldir's shoulders, feeling the firm muscle beneath the grey tunic. His fingers worked on a small knot that was in Haldir's right shoulder using both hands. His fingers traveled to his back and then slowly made their way to a slender neck. Haldir was slightly leaning into the lean body of Legolas with his eyes closed. Legolas put his slim fingers to Haldir's temple and messaged the tender flesh there, feeling tension leave his body. "You have wonderful fingers, Prince." Haldir said softly. Hladir's back was resting against Legolas' chest while the circles that Legolas was tracing along his temples slowed down and finally stopped. Haldir didn't move, only rested his hands on the knees that were on each side of him. "Why did you stop, Legolas? It was ever so pleasant." Haldir said. Legoals smiled, breathing in the summer afternoon smell of the elf in front of him. But he raised his hands again and gently traced little circles in the sensitive skin and watched Haldir's eyes flutter close. Legolas leaned back against the tree, Haldir following so he was still leaning against him. Legolas laid his head back on the smooth bark and his hands drifted from Haldir's temples to rest lightly on his firm chest, feeling it rise and fall softly. Haldir took Legolas' hand and kissed it softly, "thank you." He said and laid the hand back down, putting his own over it. Haldir moved so his head was resting on Legolas' shoulder. "A rest would be nice on this beautiful day, wouldn't you say?" Legolas asked, leaning his head on Haldir's head, feeling a deep friendship from the elf. "Yes." Haldir said, closing his eyes. Haldir put his hand on Legolas' thigh, feeling the firmness of a well shaped body, snuggled a little closer and smiled. Legoals wrapped his arms around his friend, kissing the top of his golden head. Legoals was back in Aragorn's bed, feeling his lover run his hands along his thigh and kiss his lips gently. Legolas kissed back and pulled them away from the wall they had been leaning against to lay atop him, pinning his arms above his head, kissing his neck. Legolas opened his eyes. Golden hair splayed across a leaf covered ground, a fair head tilted slightly with a smile curving full lips. Legolas held Haldir down with his body, half stripped, feeling Haldir pressed against his body. Legolas froze, but Haldir pressed him harder against himself, kissing him again, his hands skillfully removing the rest of Legolas' clothing before he could stem the flow of passion and stop him. "Haldir.." Legoals said against hot lips, as a tongue flicked out, running along Legolas' lips, searching to enter. Legolas couldn't seem to stop the movement anymore then he could stop the sun from rising. Legolas was helpless to stop them as Haldir pushed into him, making Legolas gasp. He felt a connecting to Haldir. A feeling that everything was right. Not that they were right, just the world was right. It puzzled Legolas, though Haldir gave him little time to ponder and he started to move his hips, causing him to reach out and grasp Haldir firmly. Title: What The Lady Foretells Author: Lessa QT200514@aol.com Pairing(s): Legolas/Aragorn Legolas/Haldir Rating: Summary: What would happen if the Fellowship were changed by two of the members not going. Disclaimer: not mine! Wish Legolas was but.... ::sigh:: Warning: None that you haven't heard already.... Authors Note: Email me if you like it or would like to use it! Galadriel sat down on the chair that was in her and Celeborn's room and placed a slender hand to her head, closing her eyes tightly. She could see a forest, bright sunlight streaming through green leaves, a soft wind rustling the dead ones on the ground... but there was something more... something she felt she was missing. The forest seemed to fade until it was a dull shadow, than she saw it. Two golden haired figures clad only in silver pale skin holding one another tightly, than the image dissolved completely leaving the watcher to smile despite the pain this vision would cause. Legolas returned to Aragorn just before dusk. Aragorn welcomed him with a smile and a tender kiss which Legolas felt burn on his lips as if acid were laid there. "How was hunting my love? Any game?" Aragorn asked settling on the bed. Legolas just nodded and started to undress with thoughts of retiring early. Aragorn got up to playfully help him. When Legolas didn't respond he stepped back with a pout. "Oh, did Haldir wear you out today with all that hunting?" He said sitting down to complete the pout look. Legolas looked at him and his eyes almost filled with tears. He walked over and hugged him tightly, whispering fiercely into his ear that he loved him. "I know you love me, I love you too." Aragorn said into golden hair. He laid back and brought Legolas with him. "Aragorn, I love you." He was all but sobbing now. "SHH! I know love, what's wrong?" Aragorn asked, embracing the elf tighter in his grip. Legolas felt the love of Aragorn wash over him and the feeling of him for a moment longer, than pushed back, looking at his lover. "Aragorn..." He began. Aragorn took Legolas' hand. "Aragorn, I slept with Haldir.... I couldn't help it," He pulled his hand away and looked away from Aragorn, half closing his eyes, another tear trickling from the blue eyes. Aragorn didn't move, just watched a tear travel down the fair face of his lover. Aragorn's brain seemed to have stopped completely at Legolas statement. Finally it clicked what he and said, "You slept with him?" Legolas nodded wordlessly, looking away. "I see." He said coldly. Aragorn stood up and Legolas' eyes followed him, another tear flowing over. He moved to were his cloak was. He swept it over his shoulders, not looking at Legoals. Finally he turned to the blonde. "Goodbye Legolas. Please do not seek me out. I hope you find comfort within Haldir's arms." Aragorn gave a short mocking bow to the elf prince and left the room. Legolas broke down, tears spilling from his eyes. He laid himself face down on the bed they had so recently shared. He was pulled from his sorrow when the door was opened, he was half expecting Aragorn to stride through, but it was Elrond who entered. "Where is Aragorn?" He asked clearly distressed. Legolas couldn't say anything. Elrond frowned and left. Elrond found Aragorn next to a clear pool, twirling his fingers in the water, watching the ripples disturb the reflected stars. "Lord Elrond," Aragorn said with out looking from his fingers. Elrond could hear the great sadness of his voice. "You move as if you have heard the stars will not shine tonight." Aragorn said, finally looking up to meet the eyes of Elrond. "Aragorn, we have been betrayed." Elrond said bluntly. Aragorn froze at this, all thoughts of Legolas and Haldir fleeing his mind. He stood up. "Betrayed? By who?" He asked, slightly confused. Elrond adopted an angry pose. "Saelbeth." He nearly spat. Aragorn couldn't believe this. Betrayed by an elf?! Why? "Why would he go to the other side?" Aragorn asked, that being the first question his mind could clearly grasp. "Only the Valar know for sure Elessar. He has his own reasons I can only guess at them, and I have not the heart to know for sure." Elrond put a hand on his shoulder. "Aragorn, I feel the sadness you feel. I know it is there. But I must ask you to go after Saelbeth, you are our only hope Aragorn." Aragorn tensed from his touch. "I will go." He said quietly. "I will leave at dawn." He began to walk away from Elrond, feeling despair creep into his bones. Aragorn was up long before dawn feeling restless. He had packed his belongings, took it all out again and repacked it making sure he wasn't missing a thing he might need. He decided waiting was worthless, shouldered his pack and left the room he had taken for the one night. He did walked to his old room where Legolas was sleeping and reached for the handle to open it but stopped and leaned his head on the door, his head swarming with past memories. After a few minutes he left the door and walked to the stable and saddled his dark chestnut horse. He mounted in the darkness of predawn and kicked the horse into a run out of the stable in hopes of placing as much distance as soon as possible. The plan was to catch the Fellowship in Lothlorien, if they survived Moria with the betrayal of Saelbeth. Aragorn rode Dolen-Galad all that day hard until he was foamed at the mouth and sweat poured down his flanks. Finally as the last rays died in the west he stopped urging the tired horse on. Dolen-Galad stopped the second he released pressure and panted hard, head half down. Aragorn dismounted and patted the slick neck. "Galad rest, we will need to ride again tomorrow even harder." He unsaddled the horse and rubbed him down with his hand. He put the bridle back on and tied him to a near tree after allowing the animal to drink from a stream. He laid himself down and fell into a restless sleep. In his dreams Legolas was there telling him that all he did was in vain, that no matter what, Middle Earth would fall and the golden haired elf said that all the beauty of the world would fade and slavery would creep over the land killing all hope. The image of Legolas faded as the early morning sun awoke him. Aragorn woke and took a drink of the cool spring and splashed some on his face washing away the dream. He readied Dolen-Galad and mounted kicking the horse into a hard trot. Aragorn took a small bit of dried meat from Rivendell with no hunger in the motions only habit. When he finished the small strip he urged his mount into a run. Three more days of hard running through the day and most of the night found him at the borders of Lothlorien, how even he was not sure perhaps the Valar themselves had had a hand in it. His horse wearily walked through the forest as Aragorn began to wonder if they were too late. As soon as these thoughts started an elf stepped out of the brush. "Orophin." Aragorn said wearily, dismounting from his ragged horse. A low bird call from Orophin brought two more golden haired elves from the surrounding gloom. "Aragorn. The fellowship passed from these woods three nights ago." The elf said to the man. Aragorn sank to his knees, his feelings finally reaching the surface. "Orophin, Saelbeth betrayed us." He said pushing his feelings down and standing up again facing the taller elf. "We know." The elf to Orophion's right said. "Boromir told us, and Gandalf fell, Aragorn." Aragorn looked at the elf, recognizing him as the brother of Orophin. "Get me a new horse of you can, Galad is all but ran to death. I will go on as soon as that is done." Aragorn said refusing to let the words of the elf reach him. By sunset Aragorn was riding from the green trees of Lothlorien. He was on a white horse named Argo that was light footed and swift like their masters, but this time he was not alone. Orophin's brother, Rumil, rode with him on a grey steed that was just as eager to run as Argo was. They ran threw the night without stopping ignoring the chance of one of the horses breaking a leg on uneven footing. Mid day the next day they were forced to rest the horses. Aragorn was talking with Rumil and checking his gear when he heard one of the horses scream. Argo crashed from the small thicket he was in, his white hide slashed with deep red along his back and flanks. They both leaped to their feet, Aragorn drawing his sword and Rumil bending his ash bow, Argo running terrified from them. All at once they heard the thunder of booted feet and the crashing through the brush as a host of orcs burst into view. Three fell to the arrows of Rumil before they were completely out. 4 more before he was forced to put down his bow and draw his long sword from his back. Aragorn swung his blade at the orcs, watching the blood spill from the slash as if in slow motion. He cut down orc after orc sometimes bumping into the back of Rumil. Aragorn felt everything stop as a sharp pain shot through his chest as he hewed down the remaining orc. Then everything rushed as an orc archer went down to a white fletched arrow. Aragorn was on his knees, fighting for breath that seemed to not want to come. Rumil was at his side. "Aragorn Aragorn! Hold on! Don't leave us!" Aragorn barely heard him as he looked at the blurred image of the elf that was feeling his chest doing what, Aragorn's slowed mind could not decipher. He gasped as the arrow was pulled from his body causing him to fall back as pressure was applied to the wound. He could feel warm liquid seeping from his gasping mouth. "Rumil.." He said weakly. "Tell...." He gurgled blood. "Tell Elrond.... I'm sorry...." He spat more blood as Rumil nodded, wiping the blood from his mouth. "I will tell Elrond you fought the best you could and you will not be shamed." Rumil said for lack of anything else to say to the dying man. Aragorn nodded and raised his eyes to the sky, watching the sun burn across the sky, feeling his body die. The light of the bright sun grew brighter, burning his eyes forcing him to close them as even that darkness was flooded with light as he felt his body go limp and all thought ceased to flow. Legolas woke to the doom of Middle Earth, though none knew of it. He cried over the empty bed he shared and wished Aragorn could come back, though he would never walk the halls of mortals again.