Title: You'll Be In My Heart: Prologue
Author: Rutaari (pippa250@hotmail.com)
Pairing: Legolas/Aragorn
Rating: R
Disclaimer: Sure I own them! At this very moment I'm sitting in Legolas' lap
while he and Aragorn suck on my neck and Frodo rubs my feet! Okay, okay, I lie! 
I admit! I, Rutaari, do not own these characters nor make any money from them. I
just borrow them and use them for my own twisted thoughts.
Warning: None
Summary: How the love of Aragorn and Legolas began. (AU)
Feedback: PLEASE! I'll even repeat my email so you can be sure to give me some!
(pippa250@hotmail.com) or if ya want, you can AOL instant message me at
theringerbearer05 or AnironElyEl.
Author's Notes: This is the prologue to You'll Be In My Heart. I wrote this
after I wrote that, though, so I'm sorry if a few minor things don't match.
Kinda long for a prologue, too. Oh well. Just to let you know, the dogs that
Legolas talks about are actually the breed of dog that I raise and train. If you
wanna know what Sarnan looks like, go look up "Belgian Sheepdog" somewhere. (You
won't be disappointed, they're very pretty dogs.) I just didn't call them
Belgian Sheepdogs in the story cuz I figured that since Belgium didn't exist in
Middle Earth, it didn't really work out. Also, Sarnan is the elvish name for
Landon, which is the name of my favorite dog. hehe. Just had to say all of that.
Oh yeah, and I don't know the names of Legolas' brothers. In fact, I'm not even
sure he has any, cuz I can't find anything in the books or anywhere that says he
does. I just made up names for this. If anyone does know the real truth about
that or the names please let me know! Anyway, enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

	Gandalf walked stridently into the sitting room of the lady Galadriel.

“Galadriel.” He spoke as he approached the lady, who sat patiently on her couch,
waiting for the Istari. “You wished to see me?”

“Yes, Mithrandir.” Galadriel spoke, waving her hand in a gesture to offer the
wizard a seat. “I have seen something, something which fills my heart with joy,
but at the same time with grief.”

“It must be something of utter importance and haste, if you called me here three
months early from my visit to the Shire.” Gandalf said somewhat sarcastically,
stroking his beard. “Tell me, what is of such utter urgency?”

“It has to do with the fate of men.” Galadriel said, sitting straight as a post.

“I fear that it will not be easy for those whom it involves.”

“Aragorn?” Gandalf asked.

“Yes, and another.” Galadriel spoke.

“Undomiel?” Gandalf questioned.

“Nay.” Galadriel said. “Though I know that my granddaughter has feelings for the
mortal, he will not return them, he never will. It is another whom he will love.
Unfortunately, I’m afraid these events must be... helped along.”

“In what way?” Gandalf asked, knowing that the lady of light intended for him to
go through with whatever plan had formed in her head.

“I need you to take Isildur’s heir to Mirkwood.” Galadriel said, standing and
facing the balcony doors. “Where he will meet the one whom he will love.”

“Pray tell, lady.” Gandalf said, standing and walking to her. “Speak your
secret. A name?”

Galadriel paused for a moment.

“He is the one whom they call ‘Greenleaf’.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Three Weeks Later in Imladris

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Please, Elrond.” Gandalf pleaded. “I must take Estel with me!”

“For what reason, Gandalf?” Elrond retorted. “I know he is safe with you, but he
is safer still in Imladris, where I can keep a watch on him!”

“For the reason that the one who gave you life says so!” Gandalf responded.

“The lady has foreseen something?” Elrond asked, his face changing from one of
defiance to respect.

“Yes, something of great importance.” Gandalf said. “I must take him to Mirkwood
with me, just for a short while.”

Elrond sighed. “Very well. When will you leave?”

“Tomorrow.” Gandalf said, “Please inform your foster son, I have some business
to attend to.” And the wizard left the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Four Weeks Later In Mirkwood

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Mithrandir! Mithrandir!” A cheerful, young voice came from the top of the
stairs, followed by the quiet pit-pat of elfling feet. “Ada! Mithrandir is
here!”

Gandalf chuckled as young Legolas came racing down the staircase.

“Hello, Princeling!” Gandalf called, and let out an “oomph” as tiny but strong
elf-arms were wound around his waist.

“Mithrandir! Ada said you wouldn’t come for another six months!” Legolas said,
and then suddenly noticed the young boy standing next to the Istari. “Who is
that?”

Gandalf laughed again.

“This, Legolas, is Estel.” Gandalf stepped back and watched the two boys examine
each other. Both looked up and down the other. Legolas seemed quite satisfied
with the way in which the other boy carried himself, but then let out a gasp.

“What happened to your ears? Did someone cut them off? Or are you a man!?” The
elfling exclaimed.

“No, elf! I’m a man!” Estel cried out, and mockingly pushed Legolas’ shoulder,
but the elf didn’t budge. A brief moment of silence passed.

“I’m twelve.” Estel said, breaking the ice. “How old are you?”

“I’m forty-three.” Legolas said matter-of-factly.

“You can’t be.” Estel argued. “You’re a puny little boy!”

Legolas seemed positively insulted by this comment, and his face became hot with
rage.

“I am not, you stinking little man! Elves mature slowly. When I hit my majority
in nine years I’ll look like one of you when you’re twenty-five!”

Estel let out a humph.

Suddenly a booming laugh could be heard from the top of the staircase.

“Mithrandir!  You’ve brought a little monster to my house!” Thranduil laughed.

“Legolas, you’d better be careful, or this one could beat even you at
wrestling.”

“I doubt that, Ada.” Legolas said, facing his father.

“Then lets see you prove it.” Another voice came, and everyone turned to see
Avaro, Legolas’ younger brother standing at the door.

“Fine.” Estel said. “Come on, elf.” And the three young ones walked out of the
palace, leaving the elders laughing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The three boys walked out to a clearing,  Legolas and Estel  giving each other
questionable glances and smirks. Avaro finally stopped them in a dell in the
forest, and took Legolas’ and Estel’s shoulders and guided them away from
each other, before backing away and standing in between the two.

“Simple rules.” Avaro stated. “No biting, pinching, or kissing.”

Legolas and Estel rolled their eyes.

“Okay, fine.” Avaro said. “Then lets start.”

The younger elf backed away from the two other boys and waited for one of them
to do something. At first, both hesitated, but seeing Estel’s pause made Legolas
feel more confident. The blond elfling ran at the boy, and with one sweep of his
leg landed the man on his back in the leaves. Estel quickly scrambled up, and
came at Legolas with his whole body, knocking the elfling to the ground with a
grunt. Estel started to straddle Legolas, but the elf was too quick and too
strong, and he shinnied out of the mortal’s grasp and behind him, where he
jumped on Estel’s back and shoved him face-first into the dirt. Estel squirmed
and struggled, but to no avail.

“One, two, three!” Avaro said. “And four!  Just to prove that elves are so much
better at combat!”
	
Legolas jumped off of Estel and backed away, grinning.  The boy stood up and
brushed the leaves off himself. He turned to face Legolas, scowling, with blood
dripping from his nose, and growled.

“You’ve just cornered yourself a warg, elfling.” The man snarled, and Legolas
gasped as the man came running with all his might at Legolas and toppled him to
the ground. Legolas heard fabric ripping and he lost his breath when he hit the
forest floor. Estel sat over him, pinning him, for a moment more, and then
suddenly something snapped, and both elf and boy realized their childishness,
and broke into fits of laughter.

“You are worthy, elf.” Estel laughed, helping Legolas up.

“As are you, man.” Legolas said, and grinned. The elf stuck out his hand in a
sign of friendship.

“Estel.” He said.

“Legolas.” Estel said, shaking the elf’s hand. “You look terrible.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gandalf and Thranduil sat in the great hall, talking to one another about the
nothingness that was currently happening in their lives.

“It truly is wonderful to have you back, Mithran-” Thranduil stopped in the
middle of his sentence and pointed toward the door.
	
Gandalf turned to see what had the king so shocked. Walking in the door was
Avaro, a stunned expression on his face, and seemingly in a daze. Following him
was Estel and Legolas. Both young ones’ hair was flying in all directions, and
had twigs and leaves tangled into the matts. Scratches and bruises littered
their faces and arms, Estel had dried blood caked below his nose, and Legolas’
tunic was ripped right down the center, hanging onto his body only by a few
threads. But what surprised the elders the most was the fact that Legolas and
Estel were laughing and joking like old friends, and had their arms slung over
Each other’s shoulders.
	
Thranduil looked back at a smiling Gandalf and shrugged.

“Children these days...”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Three Weeks Later

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
What are all these for? Estel asked Legolas, pointing to the rows and rows of
large, wooden barrels.

“For wine.” Legolas said, not really interested. He’d seen barrels before.

“Why are they down here?” Estel asked, not noticing Legolas’ lack of enthusiasm.

“We keep the wine down here, and when its ready we throw the barrels in the
river there and they go downstream, to Laketown. The men pay us for them.”
Legolas explained.

Estel stared in wonder at the barrels, and the river that ran underneath the
palace, and then disappeared into the outside.

“These barrels here and going to be thrown in today.” Legolas said. “But come
on, we’ll get in trouble if we are caught down here playing around.” The elf
turned to drag Estel away, but rolled his eyes when he saw that Estel had
crawled into one of the  empty barrels.

“Look, Legolas! I fit!” Estel cried out, laughing.

“That’s wonderful, Estel.” Legolas said sarcastically, and was about to reach in
and pull Estel out when he heard Elven voices coming down the hall. “Estel!
Hide!” He yelled, and ducked behind a row of barrels. He didn’t think Estel
would choose to hide in the barrel.

The two voices came in and Legolas could clearly hear their conversation.

“These barrels go out today.” One said.

“So throw them in the river.” The other voice retorted. “Just make sure they are
securely closed.”

Legolas gasped as the elf shut a lid over the barrel which Estel hid in, 
apparently not seeing the boy, and was about to cry out for the elf to stop, but
he was too late. The prince watched in horror as Estel was lifted and thrown
carelessly into the river, sinking and then bobbing up just before he exited the
palace walls through a hole in the wall.

“No!” Cried Legolas, and jumped into the river after his friend.

“Prince Legolas!” He heard a voice cry after him, but he ignored the elder elves
and began to kick and dove out the palace walls. The prince came up for air and
to try to find Estel, but there were dozens of barrels floating all about him,
and he was being carried faster and faster away from home.

“Estel!” Legolas called out. “Estel where are you!”

Silence answered him.
	
Legolas began to swim around and knock on barrels and was finally rewarded with
a weak tap answering him. The elf grabbed at the lid of the barrel, but it
wouldn’t budge. He couldn’t get a place to grab  hold of it. Legolas reached
down and pulled his small knife out of his boot, and called out for Estel to
stay still. He stabbed the lid of the barrel, and then braced his feet against
the moving barrel and yanked as hard as he could. The lid came flying off with a
pop, and Legolas reached in before the barrel could sink and grabbed the collar
of Estel’s shirt. Kicking, coughing, and sputtering, the prince dragged Estel to
shore.

Once out of harm’s way, Legolas dropped Estel on the bank and flopped down next
to him, hearing the boy’s cough and gag from the water he’d swallowed.

“You imbecile man.” Legolas gasped. “I told you to get out of the blasted
barrel!”
	
Estel said nothing in return, but kicked out weakly at Legolas’ head,  missing
by a few feet in his weakness. After the two younglings had caught their breath
and could stand easily they turned back to the palace and started walking.
“How far to the castle?” Estel asked.

Legolas stopped and looked at the sky, and inhaled a deep breath. He closed his
eyes and breathed deeply, and then finally opened them and started walking
again.

“About two miles.” He said. “The river moves swiftly.”

“I can’t wait to get back.” Estel whined. “I’m so tired.”

“You’re tired! You were all safe in your nice little barrel!” Legolas yelled,
outraged. He had been in a fine mood this morning, and it was normally very
difficult to get him in a bad mood, but having been swept a few miles from home,
being cold, wet, and hungry, he was in pretty bad shape now. “I was swimming
along trying to save your little mortal head!”
	
Estel growled, but did not provoke the elf. He knew Legolas was mad at him now,
and getting in a fight would only make things worse. Besides, it was his fault
this had happened. How many times had he ignored Legolas’ pleas to get out of
the barrel? Four? Something like that.
	
The boys walked for a long time, taking things slowly, until Legolas cocked his
head, listening hard to something.

“What is it?” Estel asked. “What do you hear.”

“Hoof beats.” Legolas said. “They are Charger’s, my Ada’s horse. He is coming for
me.”
	
Legolas moved out into a clearing and then cupped his hands over his mouth.

“Ada!” He screamed as loud as he could. “Ada over here!”
	
He waited for a moment, listening, and then smiled. A few minutes later a large
chestnut horse came galloping into the clearing, the king of Mirkwood astride
him, with a guard close behind on his own horse.

“Legolas! Estel!” Thranduil cried, jumping from his mount. “What is this all
about? Why are you all wet, and why did you jump in the river, Legolas? You know
you are not supposed to be down there!”
	
Estel opened his mouth to defend Legolas, to tell Thranduil it was his fault,
when Legolas stepped foreword and beat him to it.

“I know that, Ada. It was my fault.  You see, I bet Estel he couldn’t fit in a
barrel, and he showed me he could. Then the workers came and I guess they didn’t
see Estel because the boarded up the barrel and threw him in. I jumped in after
him.”

“Legolas! That was a stupid thing to do!” Thranduil scolded. “Very brave, but
stupid.”

“Yes Ada.” Legolas said, staring at the ground, not seeing the astounded
expression on his friend’s face. “It will not happen again.”

“I’m glad you are both alright.” Thranduil said. “But you are not to leave your
room for three days, Legolas. Do you hear me?”

“Yes.” Legolas said quietly.

“Both of you get on Charger and ride home. I will walk the rest of the way.”

Thranduil commanded. “Legolas, you’d better be in your room when I get back.”
Legolas shook his head and jumped onto the large horse, and then pulled Estel up
after him.

“I’m sorry, Legolas.” Estel whispered as they cantered back to the palace. “The
last thing I wanted to do was get you in trouble. I didn’t expect for you to
take the blame.”

“Its alright, Estel.” Legolas said, smiling. “That’s what friends are for.
Besides, who says I can’t practice my archery indoors?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Seven Months Later

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Do you really have to go?” Legolas pleaded as Estel stood waiting to mount
behind Gandalf.

“Lord Elrond wants me home.” Estel said. “I have to go.”
	
Legolas’ frown became deeper.

“Come back soon. It’ll be boring here without you.” The elf said, embracing his
friend.

“It will be boring at home.” Estel said.
	
The boy turned around to see Gandalf smiling at him from atop his horse, and he
extended his hand and allowed the Istari to pull him up behind him.

“Namaarie, Legolas.” Estel said, waving as he cantered off.

“Namaarie.” Legolas said softly, knowing Estel could not hear him. “Until we
meet again.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fifteen Years Later In Mirkwood

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas sat perched on a branch high in the trees. His father had sent him out
to patrol the western border of the wood, a good four day travel from the
palace. Half a day ago he had seen a form riding toward the wood on the old
forest road, but could not make out who it was. Now he had followed the man
nearly fifteen miles into the wood, but still could not recognize the figure,
for he wore a hood. He moved like an elf, but looked more in shape like a man.
He was broad and husky, and big boned. The prince stood and jumped lightly onto
another branch below him, making not a sound or movement. It was time he found
out just who was coming into his forest. Legolas climbed higher and jumped
swiftly and lightly from limb to limb until he was a good half mile ahead of the
man on the road, and then stopped and waited. He hid in the leaves, where he
knew the figure could not see him, unless he was an elf, and drew his bow and
notched an arrow to the string. Hopefully he would not have to use it.
	
Five minutes later the form came trotting down the road, leading a young filly
behind him, unsuspecting of his predator. Legolas waited until the man was about
fifteen feet in front of him, and then leaped from the branch and to the ground,
his arrow pointed right at the his heart.

“I am Prince Legolas of Mirkwood!” The elf said sternly. “Who are you and what
is your business in this realm?”
	
The person did not have any reaction to the elf who had just come falling from
the treetops, but paused before speaking.

“I am called Strider.” The form said, halting his horse. “I am here to visit an
old friend.”

“That does not answer my question well.” Legolas said, keeping his bow aimed.

“Show your face, and tell me who you really are.”

“Like I said, I am here to visit a friend.” The figure said, and lifted his hand
to remove his hood. “I am also called Estel.”

Legolas gasped in shock, and lowered his bow.

“Estel!?” He cried, and ran to the man who dismounted from his horse. “Is that
truly you?” The two friends embraced, and held each other out to look at the
other.

“Aye, it is me.” Estel said. “By the Valar, Legolas, I have not seen you since
you visited Imladris those years ago!”

“I remember!  You are not the fragile boy I once knew.” Legolas said.

“Ha! And you are not the little weakling I befriended.” Estel said. “Look at you
Legolas, you are beautiful.”
	
Legolas felt his ears and face go red. Many people called him beautiful, but
coming from Estel, it sounded entirely different.

“Anyway,” Estel said, and turned to mount his horse. “You must lead me back to
the palace, as I’m not sure I remember the way.”

“It is a good three day walk from here.” Legolas said.

“Ah, but we will not walk.” Estel said. “I’ve brought you a gift.” The man
gestured to the pretty, black filly he led. “She is just now three years old.
None could ride her, so I assured Lord Elrond I knew someone who could, and he
let me take her.”

“She’s breathtaking.” Legolas said, rubbing the mare’s nose. “May I try her?”
Estel nodded. “If she’ll let you.”
	
Legolas took the lead from Estel and gently removed the halter from the filly’s
head, whispering in Elvish to her. The prince touched the filly’s back, and when
she showed no signs of resentment he leapt onto her back. The filly did not
flinch.

“I knew she would let you.” Estel said, and Legolas smiled.

“Does she have a name?” Legolas asked.

“Not yet. I left that up to you.” Estel said.

“Then I shall get to know her better, and then give her one.” Legolas smiled,
and whispered to the filly, who sprung into a fast canter down the trail,
Legolas laughing the whole way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two Days Later

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Avaro! Get up!” Legolas pounded on his brother’s door for the thousandth time.

“Up! Up! UP!  Or I shall come in there and yank you by your little pointed ears
right out of that bed!”

“I’m up!” A muffled voice came from behind the door, and Legolas rolled his
eyes. His elven hearing picked up the sound of Avaro padding across his bedroom
floor to the restroom, and then a minute later back to his dresser. After
Legolas had started to get incredibly impatient the door opened and Avaro stood
ready to go.

“All set, brother?” He teased.

“Next time I’ll just leave you.” Legolas threatened as they started down the
hall. “Estel has been waiting for us for nearly fifteen minutes by now.”
	
The two brothers walked down to the stables, where they were to meet Estel to
go riding that day. Sure enough, the man stood there anxiously, shifting from
foot to foot.

“Its about time.” He said when he saw Legolas and Avaro approach.

“It was him.” Legolas said, pointing to his brother.

“Well I’m sorry if I don’t get up with the sun every morning like the little
prince, here.” Avaro jeered. “Now show me this incredible filly Estel has
brought you, Legolas. It’s about time you got another mount. Poor Pilin could
only carry you so many more days. He deserves retirement.”

“I agree.” Estel laughed as they walked into the barn. “Pilin was old when
Legolas got him!”

“Don’t make fun of poor Pilin.” Legolas said, patting Pilin’s nose as they
walked by. “There’s nothing wrong with being old. It makes you wiser.”

“Wiser, yes.” Avaro said. “But stronger, no. And you need strength if you’re
going to carry around the high prince of Mirkwood.”
	
Legolas frowned. He hated being reminded of his stature. More than anything in
the world he did not want to be king.

“Here she is.” Estel said, pulling Legolas from his depression.

Legolas smiled, and patted the filly’s nose. “Isn’t she magnificent, Avaro?”

“She is beautiful.” Avaro said. “But I don’t think she could keep up with Gallad
or Sonnilya.” Avaro referred to his and Estel’s horses.

“Is that a challenge?” Legolas asked, his competitive side shining through.

“No.” Avaro said. “I just think she’s a little young and... scrawny.”

“Scrawny!?” Legolas exclaimed. “Alright then, get Gallad and Sonnilya. We’ll
show you who’s young and scrawny!”
	
Estel just stood back and watched, laughing to himself. He hadn’t started this
at all, but he couldn’t argue to a good gallop through the woods. He went and
retrieved Gallad, and after a few minutes met Legolas and Avaro outside the
stable.

“Don’t be frightened.” Legolas jested. “Get on.”
	
Legolas, Avaro, and Estel all leapt onto their horse’s backs, and the filly let
out an excited whiney.

“See, she knows!” Legolas laughed. “We race to my mallorn. Its not too far, but
no shortcuts! You have to stay on the road!”
	
Estel and Avaro nodded, and the three of them lined up their horses to make the
start fair.

“Would you like to call it, Estel?” Legolas asked.

Estel nodded. “On your mark, get set, go!”

“AIYA!” Legolas screamed at the filly, and the young horse drove her feet into
the ground and leapt from her starting position, immediately taking the lead.
Legolas held on to the horse’s mane, but did not try to hold her back at all. He
let her run. After a few moments it seemed to Legolas like the filly would never
stop accelerating. He laughed and squealed with joy and exhilaration as she
passed Gallad and Sonnilya with ease and kept gaining space. They were just now
half way to his favorite mallorn tree and he already had lost sight of his
brother and friend.

“Nuro lim!  Nuro lim!” He shouted to the filly, who was still gaining speed. Not
a fleck of sweat had broken on her neck. Legolas came around the last corner and
leaned back, telling the filly to halt right under the mallorn. The black horse
seemed reluctant to stop, but she did so, and stood with a proud look on her
face.

“Good girl!” Legolas said, patting the horse’s neck, and sat waiting for the
others to catch up. After a few moments he could hear horse’s hooves thundering
up the hill and he smiled as Avaro and Estel rode up with amazed expressions on
their faces.

“By the Valar, Estel!” Avaro exlaimed, stopping his horse. “Where did you get
that filly?”

Estel grinned. “I bred her. She’s out of Tilinya, one of Lord Elrond’s mares,
and by one of Rohan’s pride and joys. The sire is called Thunderhoof, and he is
something the rohirrim have been toying with. Instead of breeding all their
stock large and muscular, they breed them tall and skinney, but well boned. It
gives them speed, like she has. I daresay she could beat her father, though.”

“Then she has herself a name.” Legolas said. “She is called Larka, for she is as
swift as an eagle in flight.”

“It suits her well.” Estel said.

“Eh, Estel?” Avaro said, turning his horse to go. “Do you think you could get me
one of those Rohan horses?” Sonnilya let out a loud huff of disapproval.

“Go to Rohan, my friend.” Estel said, waving to Avaro, who had business to
attend to that afternoon.
	
Estel and Legolas walked their horses slowly down the path in silence for a
moment.

“So when were you in Rohan?” Legolas asked Estel.

“A few years back.” Estel said. “Actually, I have been living as a ranger in the
south for nearly eight years now. The dunedain, the rest of my kin, live their
lives as such. I thought it would be most enjoyable to go and visit new places
and live in the wilds, Legolas, and it was! I saw everything! I went to Gondor
first, and spent a few years there, but then visited Rohan for a while, and
Lothlorien. I’ve been here and there for  quite some time, and then settled in
the forests near Bree, and visited the Shire for a time.”

“What happened?” Legolas asked curiously.

“I grew tired of life on the road.” Estel said. “It was fun at times, but at
other times, it was quite dull, and lonely. That was the problem most of all. I
was always alone, and never stayed long enough to make any truly good friends,
though I have friends all over Middle Earth now. In truth I wanted to come
somewhere where I knew I fit in, where I knew I belonged.”

“My dear Estel, you came to the right place.” Legolas said. “You are always
welcome here.”

“Thank you, my friend.” Estel said.  “What have you been doing to keep busy all
these years?”

“Not much.” Legolas said. “Ada has been training me for my kingship, but mostly
I have spent my time patrolling the borders of this realm. I’ve also found quite
a hobby in keeping dogs.”

“What kind of dogs?” Estel asked.

“It is a new breed I toyed with for a long time.” Legolas explained. “I call
them Taurhuo, Forest Dogs. Actually, they are quite popular now, and I am
constantly breeding new ones to sell to others. They are herders, but also excel
at hunting. Most of all they are my companions. Sarnan, he is my favorite, my
best friend. You will meet him tonight.”

“I can not wait.” Estel said. “It sounds like you have truly found a worthwhile
passion for something.”

“I have.” Legolas said.
	
Just then the two came to a bank where a large pond lay at the bottom.

“I am hot.” Legolas said. “Do you wish to go for a swim?”

“Badly.” Estel replied, jumping from his horse and tearing off his jerkin.
	
Legolas followed suit, and soon had himself stripped down to nothing but his
leggings. He took a running start and dove into the cool water, his golden hair
flying behind him. Estel watched in wonder, and could not help but think how
beautiful the prince was. He pulled himself out of his daydream and jumped in
after the elf. The man came up and wiped his face free of water, and looked
around for Legolas, but did not see him.

“Legolas?” He called, but received no response. “Legolas?”
 
  The man felt something suddenly take hold of his ankles, and his feet were
torn out from under him, knocking him back into the water with a splash.

“I see you have not overcome your mortal sense of balance!” Legolas laughed,
when the man came up, but gasped when Estel rose inches from his face, wiping
water from his own face and sputtering.

“No, I obviously have not.” Estel said, not moving. “And you have not lost your
childish sense of humor.”

“There is nothing wrong with embracing my inner child.” Legolas chided.
	
Estel shook his head, and suddenly found that he could not force his body to
move away from the elf’s. Then it happened, something drew him in, and he found
his lips pressed to Legolas’ and his hand around the elf’s neck. How was he
going to explain this one? He thought to himself, when he realised he wouldn’t
have to. Legolas’ arms were wrapped around his neck and elf was holding onto
him with all he had.

“Mmmmm.” Legolas moaned, and pulled away. “What was that?”

“That,” Estel whispered, “was a kiss.”

“Why did you kiss me?” Legolas asked, but did not move his arms from Estel’s
neck.

“Why did you kiss me back?” Estel asked.

“Because I think I love you.” Legolas admitted.
	
The thought had not consciously occurred to Estel, but suddenly it all made
sense. He did love Legolas, always had, always would. He had never thought it
outright, but somewhere in the back of his mind he had always known.

“I love you.” Estel said. “That’s why I came back, Legolas. Because I love you.”

“I’m glad you did!” Legolas said. “But now I will not let you leave.”

“Do you promise?” Estel asked.

“Yes.” Legolas said. “You will never leave me.”

“No.” Estel said, and leaned down to kiss Legolas again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One Year Later

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
King Thranduil looked down from the balcony into the gardens of the Mirkwood
palace, smiling at the sight of his son in the arms of the man he loved.

“In truth I have never seen my son so happy.” The king said to Gandalf, who had
come to visit after Estel had spent a year living in Mirkwood with Legolas. “He
does not have complaint with his duties any longer, none of them, and he is
bright and cheerful all the time.”

“Was the prince ever not that way?” Gandalf joked.

“He had his days.” Thranduil laughed. “But has not had a moment since Estel came
to live with us.”

“Then what I have come to tell you will not be pleasing.” Gandalf said, his face
darkening.

Thranduil turned to look at him, worried.

“Is something wrong?” He asked.

“No! Not wrong!” Gandalf said, sitting on a nearby bench. “Just out of place.”
	
Thranduil joined the Istari on the bench, and gave him his full attention.

“You see, Thranduil, Estel is not...” Gandalf started, and paused to find his
words. “Estel is not Estel.”

Thranduil gave the man a funny look.

“Estel is the name that was given to the boy to hide his true identity.” Gandalf
explained. “His true name is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. He is the only heir to
the throne of Gondor.”

Thranduil’s eyes widened, and he bowed his head in concentration.

“Does he know of this?” He asked the Istari, not looking up.

“No.” Gandalf replied. “And we would like to keep it that way, for now. Elrond
is traveling to Mirkwood in eight month’s time to tell Estel of this, and then
it will be his duty to carry out his destiny.”

“He must go.” Thranduil thought aloud. “Estel must become king, for the sake of
Gondor.... and Legolas must stay in Mirkwood, and continue his duties here.”

“I’m afraid so.” Gandalf said. “Please, Thranduil, tell none of this. Let them
have their time of peace, for now. Do not fret over your son’s heart, for the
Lady tells me that it will all end well.”

“The Lady Galadriel knows of this?” Thranduil said, his head snapping up.

“She is the one who informed me of it.” Gandalf said, giving Thranduil a
comforting smile. “Why else do you think I brought Estel with me so many years
ago?” And the Istari stood and left, leaving Thranduil with his thoughts.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nine Months Later

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	
Legolas’ eyes fluttered into focus, having felt something soft and light
running up and down his nose. Something white and fuzzy was in his face, 	and he
pushed it away to get a better look at it.

“A feather?” He asked, turning to look Estel in the eye. “This is your new way
of waking me? What happened to those wonderful kisses?”

Estel laughed. “They are coming.” He said, and leaned down and connected his
lips with the luscious ones of the elf. The couple kissed for many moments, and
Estel raised his body and rolled on top of the prince, not letting his lips
leave Legolas’ mouth. He stopped when something very close to a snort left the
elf’s mouth.

“What?” He asked, smiling down at the prince.

“It really takes you no time, does it?” He laughed.

“What takes no time?” Estel asked mischievously.

“You don’t think I can’t feel that, do you?” Legolas retorted.

“Feel what!?” Estel said, now making it obvious he knew exactly what Legolas
spoke of.

“Your need.” Legolas said, caressing Estel’s face, and then running his hand
down the man’s bare chest and wrapping it around his manhood.

Estel let out a gasp, followed by a low, guttural moan.

“And I do need.” He moaned, laying back down on Legolas, and kicking the elf’s
legs apart. “I need you, Legolas.” The man ran his tongue up the elf’s belly,
smiling at the squeal that escaped the prince’s mouth. He reached his hand
around and inserted a finger slowly into the elf’s body, watching Legolas writhe
beneath him, but not struggle.

“I need you very, very, badly.” Estel whispered, inserting another finger, and
stroking the inside of the elf. Legolas arched his back, and moaned loudly, his
eyes fluttering closed.

Feeling that Legolas was ready, Estel removed his fingers, and positioned his
hips just above the elf’s entrance, and slowly pushed into him, enjoying the
elf’s moans of pleasure. Once he was fully inside the elf, he stopped and smiled
when Legolas opened his eyes to see why he had paused.

“Just making sure you were alive.” Estel grinned.

“Oh! I’m very much alive!” Legolas said, and grabbed Estel’s hips and forced
himself upward, impaling himself further onto Estel’s shaft. After making this
motion a few times, Estel took over, and drove himself into Legolas over and
over again, enjoying the whimpers of satisfaction emitted from the elf as he
rubbed his “sweet spot” time after time. Both elf and man orgasmed at the same
time, screaming each other’s names, and promises of undying love.

The two collapsed into each other’s arms, breathing heavily, and sat in
pleasurable silence for a long while.

“Ada and lord Elrond are meeting with us today.” Legolas said finally. “They say
it is something of grave importance.”

“I hope it is nothing bad.” Estel said, stroking Legolas’ blonde hair.

“As do I.” Legolas gave Estel a reassuring smile. “Come, it is time to get ready
to meet with them.”
	
Fifteen minutes later elf and man stood ready to consult with their fathers. 

As they walked down the hall hand in hand, passing servants and citizens smiled
at them, knowing exactly who they were and of their  “secret” relationship.

After a long walk, they arrived at Thranduil’s chambers, where he had asked them
to meet. Legolas knocked politely on the door, and it swung open, Gandalf on the
other side of it.

“Come in.” He said, and Legolas was concerned at the deep lines that etched the
wizard’s face. He followed Estel into the room and sat down on a couch, opposite
from Elrond, Thranduil, and Gandalf.

“Is something wrong?” Legolas asked, getting right to the point.

“No.” Three voices came at once.

“Sort of.” Elrond admitted. “I must tell you something, Estel, both of you. I
want to you to listen and not say a word until I am finished.”

Legolas and Estel both nodded.

“Estel, do you remember why your mother brought you to Imladris?” Elrond asked.
Estel nodded. “She said it was to protect me.”

“Yes.” Elrond said. “But she never told you from what. There are many people in
this world who have searched for you their whole lives, Estel, and never found
you, but they knew you existed somewhere. I am sorry to say that the name you
carry now is not the one you were born with, nor the one that matters.”

“My mother did not name me Estel?” Estel asked, and Elrond gave him an ‘I’m
-not- finished- yet’ look.

“No.” He continued. “The name you rightfully were born with, and will be called
from now on, is Aragorn. Your father was Arathorn, and your lineage is the only
line of Isildur. You are the rightful king of Gondor.”

Legolas and Estel both sat agape, neither able to say a word.

“You must leave here as soon as possible and go to Gondor, and claim your
throne.” Elrond said.

“I will come with you!” Legolas burst out, before his mind could think.

“No!” Thranduil exclaimed, tensing in his chair.

“Why?” Legolas pleaded.

“Because you are the high prince of Mirkwood.” Thranduil said. “You must stay
and become king here.”

A tear rolled down Legolas’ cheek, and he gripped Aragorn’s hand firmly.

“You have no other choice, Aragorn.” Elrond spoke.

Aragorn sat for a long moment in deep concentration, but none in the room could
read his face. Legolas continued to cry silently, and the elders sat on the edge
of their seats, waiting for the young man’s reply. After what seemed an eternity
to everyone in the room, Aragorn opened his mouth and spoke quietly, but with a
sure tone in his voice. “Then I will go.” And he stood and left the room.

TBC...


Title: You'll Be In My Heart
Author: Rutaari (pippa250@hotmail.com)
Pairing: Legolas/Aragorn
Summary: A story of good times, bad times, and times of mourning. But in the 
end, will true love conquer all?
Disclaimer: Do you really think if I owned these wonderful, stupendous, amazing, 
incredible, gorgeous, characters that I would be writing smut like this? Think 
again.
Archive: Library of Moria, and if you wanna take it, please ask first.
Feedback: PLEASE!
Author's Note: This is an AU based on the song "you'll be in my heart" from 
Tarzan. hehe. It took a long time to write, so I hope you like it. A little note, 
Sarnan is the elven name for "Landon" which is my dog's name. If you wanna 
know what Legolas' dogs are sposed to look like, go look up a Belgian 
Sheepdog, they are the dogs I breed. I dont know Legolas' brother's name/s, so I 
made them up. If you do know them for a fact please let me know. Well, I think 
that's it. There will be a sequel to this, so just be patient. Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Please don't leave me." Legolas pleaded, though he knew it was useless. "I wish 
I didn't have to." Aragorn said. "But you know I must."

Legolas shook his head against Aragorn's shoulder, and squeezed his arms 
tighter around the man. Though Aragorn's strong arms engulfed him, and he felt 
the man's warm body against his, he already felt a million miles away from the 
one he loved.

Legolas wasn't a child. He knew Aragorn had to go become king of Gondor, and 
he had to stay and become king of Mirkwood, but he still could not bear to see 
Aragorn leave. The man had come to stay in Mirkwood with Legolas, and had 
been here for nearly two years now, until Lord Elrond had come to tell him of his 
true identity, and Legolas' dreams had shattered like a mirror hit with a heavy 
stone.

The elf stood in the crystal-clear pool of water with his lover, both of them holding 
the other as if they would never let go. Tears streamed down the faces of both 
princes and mingled with the water of the pond.

"I will never forget you." Aragorn said into Legolas' ear.

"Nor I you." Legolas whispered back, his voice choked with tears.

"The Valar is cruel to us, Legolas." Aragorn said. "I'm sorry to cause you this 
pain. I did not know of my true lineage."

"It is not your fault." Legolas sniffed.

The two figures remained in the cool water until the sun rose into the sky and the 
stars disappeared, and Aragorn slowly let go of the elf. "I must go prepare for my 
departure." He said, his voice full of sorrow. Leoglas nodded and wiped the tears 
from his eyes.

The two silently left the water and dressed, and walked slowly back to the palace 
of Mirkwood. Aragorn went back to his rooms to dress in traveling clothes, and 
Legolas went to find his father to be sure everything was ready for Aragorn to 
leave.

A half-hour later, Legolas stood with his hand on Aragorn's horse, waiting for the 
man to appear from the castle. King Thranduil stood with the other royals, 
making worried glances at his son. A small party of elves, already mounted on 
horseback, were escorting Aragorn to Gondor, and they waited impatiently.

What seemed to Legolas like forever later, Aragorn walked slowly out of the 
palace, tense and nervous, which was not at all like him. He hugged Thranduil 
and bayed farewell to the officials of Mirkwood and the other friends he had 
made during his stay. He then turned to Legolas, and everyone else moved 
away, giving Aragorn and Legolas time to say goodbye. Aragorn approached the 
elf, taking his hands in his.

"It will be alright, my love." The man said, wiping a tear from Legolas' cheek 
which he knew Legolas had tried desperately to hold in.

"I know." Legolas sniffed. "You will be a good king."

"As will you." Aragorn said, running a finger across Legolas' cheek.

"I have a gift for you." Legolas said, and turned to look at a servant waiting 
nearby, motioning to him. The servant brought Legolas a wooden box, and 
Legolas reached into it and gently lifted something out.

"He is the best of Sarnan's litter." Legolas said, holding a tiny, black puppy out to 
Aragorn. The man gently took the pup, holding him lovingly. He knew that 
Legolas took great pride in his beautiful, black, hunting dogs. They had long hair 
that glistened in the sun, and temperaments that were so very close to human. 
Sarnan was Legolas favorite of all of his creatures, and Legolas never went 
anywhere without him. A tear ran down Aragorn's cheek as he accepted the gift, 
one that Legolas would not give to just anyone.

"Thank you." Aragorn whispered.

"Take care of him." Legolas said, and Aragorn could see in his eyes that giving 
up the pup was hard for the elf. It only made him realize how much Legolas 
cared about every living thing around him, and it made the man's heart leap out 
to the elf, wanting to just remain here with him.

"I will." He said.

"Do you promise?" Legolas asked.

"I promise." Aragorn said, and gently tucked the pup into his saddle bags. He 
turned to say goodbye to Legolas for one last time, and suddenly did not care 
what the other elves around him thought, and he wrapped his arms around the 
elf and pressed his lips against the rosy-pink ones. Legolas gladly accepted, and 
returned the embrace. Aragorn finally pulled away and climbed onto his horse's 
back.

"Be well, my love." Aragorn said, caressing  Legolas' face.

"And you." Legolas said, taking Aragorn's hand. The man turned and gently 
nudged his horse, and started to trot away. Legolas' hand slid from the man's 
and he stood for a moment, watching the figure move swiftly away from him.

Suddenly Legolas' heart called out to him, and he could not stand still. He could 
not bear to watch his lover leave him. Before he could stop himself he started to 
run. He ran as fast as he could, his bare feet churning across the earth,  his heart 
pounding in his chest. Tears blinded his eyes, but he only ran quicker, and at last 
was forced to stop at the edge of a cliff, where he could look down and see 
Aragorn loping away.

"Aragorn!!!" He cried as loud as he could, and Aragorn's figure stopped and 
turned, searching for the one who had called him, and finally settled on Legolas' 
form in the trees above him. "Amin oloore lle voro mori!" (I will dream of you 
every night!) Legolas yelled as loud as he could.

"Ve Amin!" (As will I!) Aragorn called back. "Amin mellesse lle, Legolas!" (I love 
you, Legolas!)

And with that, the man turned and galloped away, and Legolas watched as he 
disappeared, before collapsing onto the ground.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas lay on the ground, a slender, pale elf curled into a ball among the green 
and gold leaves on the forest floor. Tears streaked his face, his eyes pink and 
swollen, and leaves and sticks were tangled into his hair. He did not know how 
long he had been there, but he knew that the sun had come and gone at least 
once. Normally he would have been overtaken by hunger and thirst, but at this 
time he was simply filled with grief.

Something touched his shoulder, and Legolas knew immediately who it was. 

"Legolas?" His younger brother's voice was meek, as if afraid to speak to his 
brother.  "Are you alright?"

As if in a trance, Legolas turned on his shoulder to look up at his sibling. Where 
Legolas had taken the look of his mother, Avaro looked just like Thranduil, with 
dark hair and dark eyes. Legolas stared deep into those dark eyes, searching for 
solace. "He is gone." Legolas choked on a sob. "Aragorn is gone."

New tears erupted from the elf's eyes, and Avaro bent and pulled his older 
brother to his feet, wrapping his arms around him, and letting Legolas sob onto 
his shoulder.

"Sssh." He soothed. "It will be alright. Everything will be alright. Come, Ada is 
worried about you." Avaro turned Legolas toward the palace and guided him 
back home, comforting and holding him the entire way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aragorn had arrived in Gondor a day ago, and come to his castle to be greeted 
by thousands of eager town-folk. He had simply ridden on, through the streets, 
hoping that these people weren't getting their hopes up for nothing. In actuality, 
he was excited, and quite nervous, at the thought of being crowned king of the 
reunited kingdom in a weeks time. He was impatient for things to start 
happening, but at the same time, a small part of his mind, and a large part of his 
heart, wanted to turn around and run into Legolas' arms, where he belonged.

At this point in time Aragorn was trapped in the office of the steward of Gondor. 
Denethor was hastily making arrangements for the crowning, and Aragorn 
couldn't help but think that the man was eager to get away from the duty of 
stewarding.

"Lift your arms, Aragorn!" A harsh voice cried. "By gods, boy, I don't know where 
your mind has been lately. You were not like this when I saw you last a few years 
ago."

"I'm sorry, Denethor." Aragorn apologized, lifting his arms so the tailor could 
measure him. "I am just a little over-excited about the crowning. If not a bit 
nervous."

"I understand, Aragorn." Denethor  said. "On other matters, have you considered 
yet that you will need to produce heirs for this kingdom? Do you have a certain 
someone residing somewhere?"

Aragorn's face fell. It was not uncommon for male elves to bear children, that was 
not the problem. Legolas had to stay and become king of Mirkwood. Even if 
Aragorn openly admitted that Legolas was his lover nothing would ever be 
allowed to come of it.

"No." Aragorn said quietly. "There is no one."

"Then we must start searching!" Denethor cried, seeming to have missed 
Aragorn's lack of enthusiasm to answer the man's question.

"Yes..." Aragorn whispered, staring at his feet. "I guess we must."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Month Later
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Legolas?" Thranduil peeked into his son's room, afraid of seeing the same thing 
he had seen for the past month. "Legolas, won't you come and dine with us."

Legolas did not look up. He continued to lay on his bed and stare at the stone 
wall, as if he was trying to see through it.

"No." He said. "The servants will bring my food here."

Thranduil sighed and walked over to his son, sitting on the bed with him. 
"Legolas, I can not stand to see you like this. This is not who you are. Look at 
you. You're thin and pale, and your eyes have gone from their glorious sapphire 
blue to sullen grey. Please, my son, dining with us will help."

Legolas sat up to tell his father off. He was in no mood for this, but something 
caught his eye. The mirror across his chambers. He had not looked in it since 
Aragorn left. He used to stand in front of that mirror and smile at himself, just to 
see if what everyone said was true. Now, instead, staring back at him was a 
ghost of who he had been. He looked dead, but eerily living.  A tear rolled down 
his cheek. "He used to call me beautiful." Legolas choked on his own words.

"And you are, Legolas." Thranduil said, rubbing his son's back. "You are very 
beautiful. He would still tell you that, even when you look as you do now. He 
loved you, Legolas. He will never stop loving you."

"But what is the use of love if it can not be celebrated?" Legolas asked in mild 
fury. "Please, Ada, do not make me go tonight."

Thranduil let out another heavy sigh. "Alright, my son. But I expect you tomorrow 
night. I will not take no for an answer then."

"Yes, Ada." Legolas peeped, and curled back up on his bed.

Thranduil took a last look at his oldest son before he went to dine. He loved 
Legolas. The blond elf looked just like his mother had, but more masculine. He 
hated to tell Legolas that he had to become king, for he knew that is not what the 
prince wished for. Legolas was a warrior, a free spirit. He deserved to go where 
he wished, without invisible chains keeping him from his dreams. Thranduil 
wished he could just send Legolas on his way, and let him live his life as he 
wished, but that could not happen. The people of Mirkwood would not have it. 
"Perhaps someday, my son, you  will have what you wish for." Thranduil 
whispered to himself, and closed to door quietly behind him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Next Night
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas stood in front of the mirror, staring at himself. His blonde hair was pulled 
back as it should be in the royal hairstyle of Mirkwood, and he wore a pretty 
green tunic and black leggings that framed his body well. He would have looked 
simply magnificent, if it were not for the grievous expression he wore. "Do you 
still think I'm beautiful, Sarnan?" He asked the dog, who lay reclining on the 
carpeted floor. The dog looked up at Legolas, and seeing his master's sorrow, he 
stood and walked over to the prince, and lay his head on his master's hand, 
staring woefully at him.

"I'm sorry, Sarnan." Legolas said, smiling weakly at his companion. "Forgive me, 
my friend. I have not been fair to you as of late. I promise, tomorrow I will take 
you hunting, and you can escape these palace walls."

Sarnan seemed to smile and sat at Legolas' feet, waiting for the prince to do 
something. A tear ran down the elf's face. "You would not leave me, Sarnan, 
would you?" He asked the dog, bending down and wrapping his arms around the 
sturdy, black neck. "You are far too loyal for that."

"Legolas!" A voice broke into Legolas' wonderings, and the prince stood quickly 
and wiped the tears from  his cheeks. "It's time to dine." Thranduil said, poking 
his head into the door. 

"Yes, Ada." Legolas said, and followed his father out the door.

The prince followed the king sedately down the halls to the dining hall, and 
through the door. The small gasps and mumblings that filled the room when 
Legolas entered did not go un-noticed. Prince Legolas had not been to dine in 
nearly a month, and the people of Mirkwood had noticed. Legolas took his seat 
next to his father and across from Avaro, and waited as Thranduil raised his 
hands to speak. The company quieted, and allowed the king to begin the dinner. 
"Welcome all!" Thranduil said. "I hope you all have a wonderful evening tonight, 
as usual. I know you all are somewhat surprised to see Prince Legolas here, as 
he has been absent from the public as of late. His reason for this being that he 
had travelled away on business, and then fallen ill. It was not serious, but was 
enough to keep him in bed for quite some time. But now he is well, and I bid you 
all, feast, in celebration of his successful recovery."

Thranduil sat,  and Legolas leaned over to speak in his father's ear. "What a 
pleasant little fib, Ada." The prince sneered, angered by his father's outnaught lie 
he had told the people.

"Do not become angry with me, Legolas." Thranduil retorted, becoming 
defensive. "You are the one who chose to spend a month moping in bed. Do you 
really wish me to tell the people of Mirkwood that prince Legolas had been in 
hiding for a month because his heart had been broken by a mortal man?"

Legolas looked shocked for a moment, and turned to Avaro to see his brother's 
expression. Avaro's face was passive, but his eyes held some level of 
amazement at the words his father had spoken.

Legolas said nothing. Instead he sat back in his chair and snatched a piece of 
mellon from the table, tearing into it with his teeth.

The royal family ate in silence for the rest of the night, and once the meal was 
officially over Legolas tore out of the dining hall and into the woods. He called for 
Sarnan and then stormed off into the trees with his dog, looking to get rid of his 
anger without doing anything or anyone any physical harm.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Four Months Later
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aragorn lay in his bed, half asleep.  He could feel the steady breathing of a body 
beside him, and a little smile inched across his face. The new king of Gondor 
opened his eyes and turned to look at the golden prince, but he was not there. 
Aragorn let out a disappointed sigh. "Good boy, Eltar." Aragorn said, patting the 
dog's head.

Aragorn had woken every morning believing with all his heart that Legolas was 
beside him, but then he would wake, and the prince would not be there, and 
Aragorn would be lost in dreams once again.

The puppy was now nearly six months old, and was growing into a large, 
beautiful, black dog. Aragorn had named him Eltar, meaning 'warrior elf' after 
Legolas. Already the pup was showing great accomplishments as a hunting dog.

Eltar wagged his tail at Aragorn, letting it thump against the bed. When Aragorn 
went to stand, the dog leapt from the bed, hitting the bedside table as he went 
by. Something fell, and made a large clatter as it hit the stone floor. Eltar turned 
to look at Aragorn, a guilty look resided on his face.
"That's alright, Eltar." Aragorn said, as he bent to pick up the heavy crown. "I 
really don't like it that much anyway. In fact..." Aragorn stopped to think for a 
moment, as Eltar listened intentivly. "If it ever happened that the king's new 
puppy had carried the crown off somewhere..." Aragorn was lost in thought for a 
moment, and the king chuckled as he pulled himself out of his day dreams and 
thought of how funny it would be to see Eltar carry off the ancient crown and bury 
it somewhere. "Nevermind, boy. We'll plot silly schemes later. I've got a meeting 
to call to order."

Aragorn dressed and pulled on his boots and slipped out his chamber doors, 
letting Eltar out as well. "Go have some fun, Eltar. One of us should." The king 
said, and shooed the dog out the castle doors before heading off the the council 
rooms.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas notched an arrow into his bow, and his eyes bore into his target ahead. 
He was silent, as cunning as any fox, and his prey knew nothing of his existence. 
With great accuracy the bow left the arrow and whizzed through the air, hitting 
dead on it's mark. Sarnan leapt from his place at Legolas' side and ran after the 
arrow, becoming only a large, black streak. The dog leapt onto the now dead 
turkey and wrapped his teeth around it's neck, making sure it would never move 
again, and then happily dragged the bird to Legolas, wagging his tail.

"Good boy, Sarnan." Legolas said, taking the turkey and patting his dog's head. 
"We will eat well tonight."

"That was impressive." A voice came from the edge of the clearing, and Legolas 
turned sharply as Sarnan snarled.

Avaro held up his hands in mock surrender. 

"Avaro! How long have you been watching?" Legolas asked, walking toward his 
brother.

"Long enough to have been able to shoot you had I been an enemy." Avaro 
replied. "You were concentrating very hard on that fowl." Legolas laughed.

"You're only jealous of my incredible arching ability."  The prince joked.

"Ha!" Avaro laughed. "You are right, there. Even still, Sarnan knew I was there 
the entire time, and he knew it was me. I could see his left eye locked on me." 
Legolas let out a laugh. "It is good to see you do that again, Legolas." Avaro said, 
suddenly becoming serious.

"Doing what? Hunting?" Legolas asked.

"No. Smiling." Avaro said.

Legolas' face fell. "It feels good to do it again." Legolas said. "But in truth I only 
smile on the outside. Inside I still feel... broken."

"That is understandable." Avaro said, giving his brother a hug. "You will never 
stop loving him, Legolas. There will always be an ache in your heart for him, but 
time will take care of your pain."

"I know." Legolas said. "I only wish time could pass a little quicker."

"As do we all." Avaro said, taking his brother by the shoulder. "Come, it is nearly 
time to meet with Ada."

Legolas shook his head, and whistled for Sarnan to follow as he and Avaro 
headed back to the castle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One Year and Five Months Later
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aragorn sat at his desk, his head leaning against his palm in weariness, and his 
candle flickering, threatening to go out from such frequent use. "Can't these 
people solve these problems themselves?" Aragorn grumbled to the papers that 
piled in front of him. As if in response, Eltar raised his head and groaned. 
Aragorn let out a little chuckle. "I suppose you're right. They can't." He said, and 
stood from the chair, stretching his sore muscles. "But they can wait, and give a 
poor king some rest for one night."

The man walked over to his bed and removed his boots and tunic, and climbed 
under the sheets. As he did every night, Eltar rested his head on the bed, waiting 
for his master to invite him up, and Aragorn waved a hand at the large dog. Eltar 
made no hesitation in jumping onto the bed and curling up against Aragorn's leg. 
The king mindlessly stroked the dog's head, admiring how silky and smooth the 
black coat was, and how incredibly large the dog had grown, even for its breed.

Aragorn let out a deep sigh. He was trying his best to be a good king, but Gondor 
needed an heir. He had tried to keep an open mind, and would note a pretty or 
intelligent girl and try to force his mind to find her attractive or alluring. But every 
time he tried he found himself comparing her to Legolas. Her hair is not as pretty, 
or she doesn't smile like him, and eventually it would turn into the fact that she 
just wasn't Legolas.

Denethor had given up on training Aragorn as king, saying that he was ready to 
do it himself, but Aragorn wasn't so sure. He struggled with many of his duties, 
and found himself constantly exhausted. If only he could just take a month long 
break and go see his elf. No. He knew that would only end in disaster and more 
heartache. He was afraid that if he ever saw Legolas again that he would not be 
able to leave him, and in his heart, he knew he was right.

The man was just starting to drift to sleep when Eltar let out a deep growl, and 
sat up.

"Eltar?" Aragorn asked, sitting up and looking at the dog. The black shadow was 
staring intently at the door, and the dog suddenly leapt from he bed and bounded 
toward the door, his ears pinned back and his teeth showing.

"Eltar! What's wrong?" Aragorn asked, standing from the bed and becoming 
worried. The dog continued to snarl at the door, when suddenly it flung open, and 
a tall, dark shadow entered the king's chambers.

"Who are you?" Aragorn asked, and stood his ground. His eyes went to his desk, 
where his knife sat, but the stranger blocked his way. The stranger said nothing, 
but quickly approached the king.

"Eltar!" Aragorn yelled as the dog leapt at the stranger, and gasped as a knife 
pierced the beautiful dog's chest.

Aragorn started to quickly back away from the stranger, and finally decided that 
he should try to get to his knife. With a loud cry the king ran at the man, reaching 
for his knife on the desk. His body ran right into the surprised intruder and the 
dark man fell to the floor. Aragorn leapt over his body and grabbed for his knife, 
but felt something on his leg, and he stumbled to the floor, hitting his head hard 
on the stone.

"Eltar!" Aragorn called, forgetting momentarily that the dog was wounded, and 
suddenly a searing pain flashed through the man's gut. He gasped and tears 
sprung from his eyes. He looked up, trying to see the man who had stabbed him, 
but there was no one. He felt Eltar's head rest on his leg, and heard the dog 
moan in pain, and then there was nothing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Three Weeks Later In Mirkwood
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas sat at the large table in the dining hall. Avaro sat across from him, and 
his father next to him at the head of the table. Next to Avaro was a guest of his 
father, a man from Gondor. Apparently he was an old friend of Thranduil's whom 
Legolas had not known.

"So, Firion," Thranduil asked, "how has your life been lately. How goes it in 
Gondor?"

Legolas stared at his plate, not wanting to look at this man who made him think 
so much of Aragorn. He did not wish to hear the man speak, but there was no 
way out of it.

"Well, Thranduil, quite well." Firion said, taking a bite of his meal. "Crops are 
good this year and livestock is booming."

"Good!" Thranduil said, and Legolas found it hard to believe that his father was 
so interested in hearing about crops and livestock.

"How are things here?" Firion asked. "Its been so long since I've been here. 
When I was last here Legolas and Avaro were away, so I finally get to meet 
them. And may I saw, Prince Legolas, that your father spoke well of you, but I did 
not realize how true it was until now."

"Thank you." Legolas said quietly, not really understanding what the man meant 
by that statement. "I'm afraid I have never heard him mention you, Firion. Tell 
me, how did you all meet?"

"Actually, we met about twenty years ago, Legolas. "Thranduil said. "While you 
and Avaro were both away in Imladris."

Legolas bowed his head again, and took another bite of his meal. Twenty years 
ago in Imladris... that would have been the first time he met Aragorn. The man 
had been merely twelve years old, but Legolas had immidiantly taken a liking to 
him. Finally, the elf's curiosity got the better of him, and he longed to ask one 
simple question. He opened his mouth to speak, and felt his throat go dry and his 
face grow hot.

"May I ask, Firion..." Legolas started, and took a deep breath, hoping no one 
noticed. "How does the king of Gondor fare?"

Firion turned to Legolas, an astounded expression on his face. "King Elessar? 
You have not heard?"

"Heard what?" Legolas asked, feeling his throat start to close and his breath 
quicken.

"About three weeks ago he was attacked." Firion said. "In his bedchambers at 
night. Apparently the man went after his dog, and then after the king himself." 
Legolas felt his heart stop, and his hands grew cold. He struggled to ask his next 
question.

"Is he alright?" Legolas asked.

Firion shook his head. "Last I heard, he was dead."

Legolas gasped, and his hands flew to his face. 

"Legolas!" Thranduil yelled, as his son fell to the floor and lay still.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Next Day
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Are you feeling alright this morning, my lord?" The healer asked, placing a hand 
on Aragorn's forehead. 

"You look better than you did yesterday."

"I feel fine, Targon." Aragorn said. "Please, I must move around today. Do you 
see how much paperwork is piled on my desk?"

The healer glanced at the papers that had accumulated on the desk and spilled 
to the floor. "I guess a little while won't hurt you." Targon said, and helped 
Aragorn sit up. Eltar groaned and rolled over when his master moved. A bandage 
wound its way around the dog's chest and middle, but he was healing quickly, as 
was his master.

"Could you please bring me a stack of those?" Aragorn asked, pointing to the 
papers, and Targon retrieved a small stack of papers and sat them on the bed 
next to the king. Aragorn started to read the first sheet, and then paused and 
looked at the healer.

"I heard shouting yesterday in the citadel, Targon." He said. "What was all that 
about?"

The healer's eyes grew wide, not sure if he should answer that question 
truthfully. "You, my lord." He said, deciding to tell the king the truth. "The people 
shout for you."

"Why?" Aragorn asked. "Because I was wounded?"

"Somewhat." Targon said. "But the ones who shout most often shout that you are 
dead."

"Dead?" Aragorn asked, astounded. "I am not dead. It would take more than a 
stab with a hunting knife to make me kick the bucket!"

"I know that, sire, but they don't." Targon said. "Rumor started among some that 
you died and left no heir, so there is none to rule the kingdom."

"I want this stopped, Targon." Aragorn said firmly. "Have the guards post notices 
that the king will make an appearance in half a week's time, to prove that I am 
still here."

"Yes, my lord." Targon said, and left the room quickly. Aragorn shook his head in 
disbelief.

"Am I really so bad they want me out that quickly?" Aragorn chuckled, and patted 
Eltar's head before starting his paperwork.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Three Days Later in Mirkwood
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas' eyes fluttered open and he let out a soft moan. He felt as if he had been 
sleeping for years, and his whole body was sore. He suddenly remembered what 
had happed, and a little sob escaped his lips when he thought of Aragorn.

"You're awake!" Avaro said quietly, and came to Legolas' side. "How do you 
feel?"

"Is it true?" Legolas asked, not answering Avaro's question.

His brother bowed his head. "If Firion says so, I guess it must be." He whispered 
softly.

Fresh tears sprung from Legolas' eyes, and the elf began to sob. "No! It can't 
be!" He cried, and Avaro reached foreword and pulled his brother into an 
embrace, calming him and putting an end to the elf's insistent denials. 

"Please, Legolas." Avaro said. "You must rest. You started to fade, but the healer 
saved you."

"No!" Legolas cried out, and flailed his arms. "Don't let him! Just let me pass! I 
don't want to live without him any longer!" Legolas continued to scream and fight 
until Avaro firmly held him down on the bed, and put his hands over Legolas' 
eyes and waited. Avaro watched a few tears escape from under his hand, and 
roll down his brother's cheek.  In his exhaustion and weakness the prince fell into 
reverie, and Avaro was once again not sure if his brother would make it through 
his pain and loss.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Two Days Later In Gondor
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aragorn lay quietly in his bed, still recovering. He was feeling much better, thanks 
to Targon's abilities. For the past few days he had been working as much as 
possible without causing himself pain, but the paperwork was only piling higher.

The king sighed and put down the paper he had been reading. This was no good. 
He would never get this all finished. There was too much, not to mention the fact 
that the king had been in bed for so long now that he was getting severe cabin 
fever, and needed to get outside and be active for a while. Eltar told him this, by 
the pacing the dog had resorted to up and down the room. Even still, Aragorn 
knew that his body was in no condition to ride, train, or hunt. Instead, he forced 
his mind to try to concentrate on the work in front of him.

"My lord?" Targon asked, knocking on the door.

"Come." Aragorn said, and looked up as Targon entered the room, patting Eltar 
on the head.

"How do you feel?" Targon asked, walking toward the king's bed.

"Overwhelmed." Aragorn sighed, and dropped his paper once again. "Its too 
much, Targon. I can not do it all!"

"It is an awful lot." Targon said, looking at the papers piled on the floor. "Have 
you ever considered hiring someone to help you with this? Someone who's 
judgement you trust and agree with?"

"And who would that be?" Aragorn growled, frustrated.

Targon shrugged. "Perhaps a queen, or a prince consort..." Targon suggested, 
his voice fading.

For a brief moment Aragorn's mood lightened. Legolas! But it faded quickly. 
Legolas would be king of Mirkwood, he had no time for the worries of Gondor 
and Arnor.

"Perhaps." Aragorn said, not wanting Targon to notice his reaction. "Maybe one 
day..."

The room was silent for a moment, until Targon pronounced the king well and 
exused himself. Aragorn continued to work for a few minutes longer, until his 
frustration finally got the better of him. If he couldn't do something active, he 
could atleast do something more relaxing that this. The king crawled out of bed, 
being careful not to jostle himself too badly. He went to his dresser and carefully 
pulled out the clothes in the very back, his street clothes. After pulling them on, 
Aragorn looked in the mirror. On his top he wore a normal, every-day tunic, and 
on his bottom some leggings that looked like they had seen better days. Over it 
all he was covered by a long, hooded, black cloak. The man pulled the hood over 
his head and snuck quietly out the chamber doors and toward the nearest exit, 
Eltar following silently.

Once out of the palace walls, Aragorn straightened himself and walked quickly 
down the street. Surprisingly, his wound did not bother him as much as he 
thought it would have. After walking a few blocks and taking a few turns, Aragorn 
came to his destination- The Black Wood, his favorite inn in town. The beer was 
brought all the way from the cellars of Mirkwood. 

Aragorn sent Eltar off to do whatever he wished to do, and entered the bar. He 
strode silently over to the bar and sat down, waiting for the innkeeper to notice 
him. "Hello stranger. What can I do for you?" The cheery man asked.

"I'll have a pint." Aragorn said, and threw down a coin. He glanced around to 
make sure the usual customers were there, and then pulled down his hood.

"Strider!" The innkeeper cried. "Its been a while, it has. Heard you had up and 
kicked the bucket!"

"Not at all, Mr. Dunbar." Aragorn said, shaking his head. "It'll take more than a 
knife to put an end to me."

"I'm glad to hear it." Mr. Dunbar said, handing Aragorn his beer, and tossing back 
his coin. "This one's on the house."

Aragorn nodded his head in thanks to Dunbar, as a man approached him.

"Ah! Firion!" Aragorn cried, and patted the man on the shoulder. "I haven't seen 
you in weeks! What have you been up to?"

"Much." Firion said, and tossed a coin to Dunbar, who handed him a beer.  "Was 
just over visiting my good friend in Mirkwood."

Aragorn's hand stopped where he was about to take a sip of his drink. "In 
Mirkwood?" He asked. "Whom were you visiting, may I ask?"

"You may." Firion said. "King Thranduil and I have been friends for quite some 
time, and I was lucky enough to meet his two sons."

"Avaro and... Legolas?" Aragorn asked, but he knew the answer. Firion nodded. 
"Can you tell me, how does he- do they- fare?" Aragorn asked, staring into his 
drink.

"Well, Avaro, the youngest, he fares quite well. Cheerful young elf, he is." Firion 
said. "The older of the two, Legolas, is not so well. A shame, too. He was 
something..."

Aragorn felt his stomach clench, and he suddenly wasn't so thirsty for his drink 
any longer. "Not well? How so?" Aragorn asked, gripping his mug so hard his 
knuckles turned white.

"Well, my lord, when I left he was supposed...dead."

Aragorn's eyes grew wide, and he felt his body go weak. His mug fell onto the 
floor with a crash and he stumbled from his stool.

"Strider?" He heard Dunbar's voice, but he did not stop his path to the door. He 
had to get out of there. Aragorn stumbled through the door and onto the deck, 
and had not set both feet into the dirt street before his stomach emptied its entire 
contents to the ground. Aragorn clutched at his stomach, and waited until his 
nausea passed before letting his tears loose. He sobbed a few times, and then 
collapsed to the ground. The last thing he remembered was Eltar's soft nose 
nudging his arm.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Two Weeks Later in Mirkwood
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Legolas?" Thranduil stared up into the giant tree. He knew his son was up there. 
Legolas always climbed the giant mallorn when something troubled him. The 
people of Mirkwood had even come to name the tree Haryon Korda, the 
Prince'sTemple. 

No answer came from the branches above, and Thranduil let out a heavy sigh. 
"I'm too old for this." He grumbled, and grabbed onto a low treebranch, pulling 
himself into the tree. The king continued to huff, puff, grumble, and struggle to 
get to the top of the tree, but finally found his son sitting on one of the highest 
boughs. The golden prince seemed in a trance. He lay in the crook where branch 
meets trunk, with one leg up and the other hanging lazily below him. His arms 
were pulled up behind his head, and he stared through the golden leaves toward 
the sky, his eyes unfocused and glazed. "Legolas? Are you alright?" Thranduil 
asked, taking a tentative seat next to his son. He received no answer. "Please, 
Legolas. You mustn't go through this again. You are empty, emptier than you 
already were. I know you are grieving, but you knew the time would come 
eventually. He is mortal."

With those words Legolas let out a shuddering sigh. "Do you think he is there?" 
He asked quietly. "Do you think he waits for me?" 

"I know he does, my son." Thranduil said, placing a hand on Legolas' leg. "He will 
wait for you as long as he must."

A tear traced a path down Legolas' cheek, and he tore his eyes away from the 
clouds and looked at his father.

"I miss him, Ada." He said, and leaned foreword to welcome his father's 
comforting embrace. He wrapped his arms around Thranduil and sobbed long 
and hard, until only rays of light were left in the sky. Thranduil let his son cry. He 
needed to do it, and he needed someone to help him get through his sorrow. 
That was his job as a father.

Eventually, Legolas let go of his father and wiped his eyes, which were red and 
swollen. Thranduil was suddenly reminded of Legolas as a child, and his pouts 
and incessant tempertantrums. This was different, though. This was not one of 
Legolas' cries for attention, this was his way of grieving for a lost love. Thranduil 
only hoped he would heal fully.

"Come Legolas, it is time to dine." Thranduil said, and gingerly took a step to the 
lower branch.

"Yes, Ada." Legolas sighed, and followed after his father.

"I know I am an elf, but I haven't been in a tree in a very long time." Thranduil 
admitted, and smiled when Legolas chuckled.

"Just don't look up." Legolas said.

"Up?" Thranduil questioned, glancing at his son.

"Yes, up." Legolas smiled weakly. "You might lose your balance and float away."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aragorn tried to open his eyes, but all he saw was darkness. Where was he? 
What had happened? Suddenly it all came back to him, and he choked down a 
sob. Legolas. His ears seemed to open and the man could hear someone talking 
near him, perhaps across a room.

"King found...town pub...passed out..."

"...wrong?"

"...don't know...sick...fever...nausea...perhaps he..."

Aragorn gave up on trying to understand the mens' words. He knew they spoke 
of him, and what had happened, but he couldn't make out exactly what they were 
saying. Instead, he let out a low moan.

"My lord?" It was Targon's voice. Of course, Aragorn was ill, and Targon was the 
healer. That made sense.

"Tar...gon?" Aragorn asked, trying to make his eyes come into focus.

"My lord, are you alright?" Targon asked. "What happened?"

Aragorn's eyes started to focus, and he blinked a few times. Now he could see 
Targon's face peering down at him, and he could hear well, also. "I...I don't 
know." Aragorn lied. He had never told Targon about Legolas, and he did not 
intend to tell him now. All that had happened before he had become  king was his 
own life, and no one else need know of it.

"You don't remember anything?" Targon asked.

"I remember sitting in the inn, and starting to feel nauseous." Aragorn fibbed. 
"And then I vomited, and passed out."

"Perhaps it was the drink!" Targon exclaimed. "We should have the place looked 
in to."

"No!" Aragorn cried, grabbed Targon's sleeve. "It was not the drink. I drink there 
all the time. It has never been a problem before. Besides, no other there had that 
problem."

Targon nodded, seeing the king's point. "Then I do not know what to tell you, my 
lord." He said. "Other than you must have suddenly come down with a strange 
flu. You shouldn't have been out anyway."

Aragorn wanted to smile at the healer's jest, but could not bring his heart to allow 
him to do so. He could not stop hearing those words in his head. *He is dead. He 
is dead. He is dead.* Aragorn struggled to hold back his tears until Targon left 
him to rest, and then he let the floods come, and they seemed to drown him of 
his sorrows in their own pools in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Legolas." Aragorn sobbed. "If I had known... I would have stayed. I 
would have stayed!" But he knew he lied to himself. He would not have stayed, it 
couldn't be done. "I'm so sorry, Legolas..." Aragorn cried into space, until he 
finally fell asleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Five Months Later In Mirkwood
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thranduil smiled as he approached his eldest son. Legolas had made a fair 
recovery. Though he was not fully healed, and Thranduil knew he still cried at 
night, the prince did fine during the day, even if he did hide his true feelings often.

Now, the golden prince stood in the center of a fenced field, giving instruction to 
some children learning to ride.

"Nilenwe, grip with your legs or you'll yank poor Charger's mane right out of his 
neck!" Legolas commanded to a young she-elf. "If you don't I'll throw a saddle 
and bridle up there and have you ride like a Man!"

At this threat the young elfling took her hands right off of her mount's mane and 
squeezed her legs tightly around him, finding relief in Legolas' praise.

"Very good." Thranduil said to Legolas as he approached him. "Your students 
look much better."

Legolas turned to look at his father and laughed. "You'd better be careful, Ada, or 
they'll soon out ride even you."

"Oh really?" Thranduil raised an eyebrow. "Then they must be learned from some 
other elf as well, because if I remember, even you can not beat this old king." 

"Really?" Legolas asked. "Is that a challenge?"

"It could be implied as one." Thranduil smirked.

"Alright, my elflings!" Legolas called out. "Class is over! Go and cool down your 
horses. But Nilenwe and Pilin, please bring me your mounts."

The students all dismounted and Charger and another horse, a pretty black mare 
called Larka, were brought over to the royal family.

"Take your pick." Thranduil told Legolas, gesturing to the horses.

"The mare." Legolas said, pointing to Larka.

"Then Charger is mine." Thranduil said, and leapt onto the horse's back. Legolas 
followed suit, and Larka let out an excited whinney as the prince settled onto her 
back.

"To the river." Legolas said, and Thranduil nodded his understanding.

"Readysetgo!" Thranduil yelled, and took off on Charger.

Legolas was not prepared for such a fast start, and Larka began galloping a few 
seconds after Charger did.

"Nurolim, Larka! Nurolim!" Legolas yelled at the horse. He was still too far behind 
his father. The prince leaned forward as Larka sailed over a fallen tree, and 
continued to churn up the ground beneath her. Steadily, they gained ground on 
Thranduil and Charger, and Larka was nothing more than a black streak in 
space. With a last effort, the mare surged past the stallion, and reached the river 
more than five lengths ahead of the king and his steed.

Legolas leaned back, and Larka stopped, panting for breath. Legolas himself was 
heaving from the effort, and his golden hair was flying in all directions. "My, Ada, 
what was that fast black shadow that past so quickly?" The prince mocked.

Thranduil halted Charger and took a few gasping breaths, staring at his son in 
amazement.

"All I can say, Legolas, is why have I never noticed that mare before now?" 
Legolas laughed and patted the mare.

"Because she is mine, and I have kept her secret." He admitted.

"Ah! So you cheat!" Thranduil joked.

"In more ways than you know." Legolas said, and Thranduil gave him a quizzical 
look. "Her name is Larka." Legolas said. "I named her after her first race, against 
Avaro and his stallion."

Thranduil gawked at his son.

"So you cheat not only by using your own mount, but by using the mount who's 
name means 'swift.' My, Legolas, I have taught you well."

Legolas let out a laugh and started back toward the castle. It would take a while 
to cool down the horses. "You say she is yours." Thranduil began. "Then why do 
I not remember her birth in the barns. The stable hands usually inform me of 
pregnancies."

"Because she was not born here." Legolas said, his voice soft, and his eyes 
becoming sorrowful.

"Where was she born?" Thranduil asked.

"In Rivendell."

"Rivendell? How did she get here?" Thranduil poked, but noticed his son's 
hesitance.

"She was a gift." Legolas whispered. "Aragorn gave her to me."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Seven Months Later in Gondor
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aragorn turned his horse east, staring at the new wall being built on the border of 
Gondor.  Already, it towered into the sky, threatening any intruders who might 
want to force their way into the land.

"Did you call for me, my lord?" A voice interrupted Aragorn's thoughts, and he 
turned to see Darion, the chief architect of Gondor.

"Yes, Darion, I did." Aragorn said, looking down at the man from the height of his 
mount. "The wall is going well, I presume?"

"Quite well." Darion replied, pulling out a sketch of a portion of the wall and 
showing it to Aragorn. "Already it is a might fortification. It is nearly thirty feet 
deep and in the lowest points stands thirty feet tall, and at this point in time 
stretches nearly ten miles. It will be a force to be reconed with, it will." Aragorn 
nodded his approval.

"And how far from watch tower to watch tower?" He asked.

"There's a tower every one hundred yards, sire." Darion replied. "Each with a 
place for a great warning fire to be lit."

"Good." Aragorn said. "Thank you Darion. Now if you'll excuse me, I must be 
back in the city by four." Darion nodded and Aragorn turned his mount around 
headed off through the woods.

The king took his time in traveling. It was a long way to the city, and in truth, he 
was in no rush to get back and do business with his council, though he knew he 
must. Meanwhile, he admired the countryside, taking deep breaths of clean air, 
listening to the creature's sounds, and enjoying his nice, relaxing ride.

After far too short a ride, the king came upon the gates of the city, and hesitantly 
dismounted and walked to his chambers. What would a council think of a king 
who showed up in normal, every-day clothes for a meeting? That would be 
unforgivable.

As Aragorn walked into his chambers Eltar bounded up to greet him, and he 
gladly told the dog hello and let him kiss his face. "I'm sorry, Eltar." Aragorn told 
the dog. "I must go to this meeting, but I promise that when I get back we will go 
for a little hunt."

The dog lay down and rolled over on his back, as if disapproving of Aragorn's 
suggestion, and then closed his eyes to sleep. Aragorn let out a little chuckle, 
and then dressed in his nice but uncomfortable garments and walked down the 
many corridors to the council room. 

"Good afternoon, gentlemen." He greeted the other men as he took his seat. "I 
must admit, I have not been informed of exactly what this council is about, and I 
really and truly have no clue why I am here."

The other men laughed softly, and Nolred, the cheif council member, spoke. "My 
lord, this meeting is about foreign issues. We have received a message from a 
neighboring country about some...er...issues that trouble us. Apparently there 
has been trouble with a group of rogues from Gondor pillaging and ransacking 
their towns. The king had the end of it when some she-elfs reported being...taken 
advantage of. He requests the  presence not only from the guard of Gondor to 
help stop these men, but from the king as well."

Aragorn bowed his head and sighed.

"Why the king? Do they not trust the guard to be capable of stopping a bunch of 
imbecile men?"

"They are hardly imbecile men, my lord." Nolred said. "Apparently the leader of 
the group is of very high stature. They say it is...um...Denethor's son, Faramir."

The council gasped, and Aragorn just sat and stared in awe. "It can not be." He 
said. "Faramir is not one likely to do such a thing. What country is this, anyway?"

"Mirkwood, my lord." Nolred answered.

Aragorn's eyes grew wide, and he suddenly felt very faint. He did not think he 
could stand going to Legolas' home when the prince was gone, but he knew he 
had to. At least he could visit Legolas' grave, and say his final goodbye.

"I will go." Aragorn said, standing from his chair. "We depart in one week's time." 
And the king stalked out of the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Three Weeks Later in Mirkwood
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thranduil stepped into the dim light of the barn, letting his eyes adjust to the 
darkness. He strode down an aisle of stalls and finally came to the last stall on 
the right.

"Legolas?" Thranduil asked, looking over the stall door, but shut his mouth at the 
sight he saw.

Legolas lay sleeping on the ground, curled into the corner with his arm over 
Sarnan's back. In the center of the stall sat a female dog of Sarnan's breed, who 
looked happy but exhausted. Eight healthy puppies squirmed around her, letting 
out funny squeaks and groans.

Thranduil smiled as he watched the puppies, thinking of how well his son took 
care of his beloved pets. Nay, not pets. Friends. The king was so enthralled he 
did not notice when Legolas' eyes opened and the prince lay staring up at his 
father.

"Ada?" Legolas asked finally, startling Thranduil.

"Ah, Legolas. I am assuming they are all healthy?" The king asked.

"Yes, Ada." Legolas said, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. "They were born about 
four in the morning, three girls and five boys."

"It is a beautiful litter, Legolas." Thranduil said, opening the door and coming into 
the stall. The king reached down and patted Sarnan's head, who looked on 
proudly at his newest creations.

"I needed to speak with you, Legolas." Thranduil said, sitting down next to the 
prince in the straw, and laying a hand on Legolas' knee.

"About what, Ada?" Legolas asked, concern lining his face.

"We have some guests coming in to help us with the problem we face with the 
raids." Thranduil said. "The king of Gondor is coming with them."

Legolas' face fell. "While that is not thrilling news, Ada, I must admit that it does 
not bother me too badly. Ara- *He* is no longer king and no other I know is from 
Gondor. I will be alright. I will help in any way I can."

"Are you certain, Legolas?" Thranduil asked.

"Yes, Ada. We will welcome them." Legolas said, and stood. "But right now I am 
famished. I have not eaten since yesterday morning, waiting for the puppies." 

"Then let us go eat, Legolas." Thranduil said, following his son out of the stall 
door. "And after breakfast the party from Gondor will arrive, and I would like for 
you to not be there for that, just in case."

Legolas started to protest, but then changed his mind and nodded. "Alright, Ada. 
I wanted to go swimming anyway." Legolas said, and both king and prince left for 
the palace.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Later That Day
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aragorn rode toward the palace of Mirkwood. His heart fluttered like a 
hummingbird's wings as his anticipation of seeing king Thranduil again rose. As 
he expected, the moment he rode into the castle walls Thranduil came bursting 
out to greet them. Aragorn became confused when suddenly the king stopped in 
his tracks and went deathly pale. He began to walk very slowly and cautiously 
toward Aragorn as the man dismounted from his horse, and Thranduil lay his 
hand across Aragorn's cheek.

"It can not be." Thranduil whispered.

"Thranduil?" Aragorn asked. "Are you alright?"

"Aragorn!" Thranduil said, meeting the man's eyes. "We were told you were 
dead!"

"Dead?" Aragorn repeated, confused. "Who told you such a thing?"

"My friend, Firion." Thranduil said, and embraced Aragorn.

"Firion?" Aragorn asked. "I do not know why he would say such a thing. There 
were rumors among the country I had been slain, but I was merely ill in bed." 

With that, Aragorn's face fell. "Alas, I am very much grieved to hear of Legolas."

"Yes, that was a tragic time." Thranduil said, leading Aragorn into the castle. "But 
he is well now, and will be very glad to see you."

"Well?" Aragorn exclaimed. "I heard him dead!"

"No! Not dead, ill, yes, like you, but not dead." Thranduil said. "Where did you 
hear that?"

"From Firion." Aragorn said, and clenched his fist. "It seems someone has been 
playing us like cats with a ball of yarn, my lord."

"It seems." Thranduil said, and bit his lip. "But let us forget of that right now. 
Come, you must settle in, and then you should go and find Legolas. I warn you 
though, Aragorn, that Legolas took a very long time to heal after he heard you 
dead. Even now, I am not sure he is fully well. Seeing you leave again after this 
will break his heart for a third time..."

"Do not worry, Thranduil." Aragorn said. "I will be careful."

Aragorn left Thranduil in the hall and stepped into his chambers. He was in no 
mood to settle in. Looking around, he realized his chambers had a balcony, as 
most of the rooms in Mirkwood did, and Aragorn quickly climbed over the rail and 
was off into the gardens. He had a feeling he knew where Legolas could be.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas lay lazily on the bank of the stream that ran under Haryon Korda. One of 
his feet hung dangling in the water, sending ripples down the stream. The prince 
hummed quietly to himself, watching the birds flutter above him, and the listening 
to the trickle of the little waterfall that fell a few yards downstream from him.

He had decided that he would not allow seeing the Gondor men to disturb him. 
They were just men, after all. They would come and leave in a few weeks after 
that raids had been taken care of and Legolas would give them no second 
thought. Instead, the prince sat happily on the shore, and continued humming his 
elven tunes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aragorn came over the hill, his skin glistening with a thin layer of sweat from the 
long, hot walk through the woods. As he rounded the bend to Legolas' mallorn, 
his eyes were glued to the treetops, looking for the figure of the golden prince. 
He paused at the bend in the road, and gazed at the tree, reminded of old times. 
The sound of humming caught the man's ears, and he turned his eyes to the 
stream nearby, and gasped at the sight.

There was Legolas, totally oblivious to the intruder, and to everything else around 
him other that his woods. His golden hair caught the afternoon light and 
glimmered against the dark forest floor, and his fair skin seemed to glow 
luminescantly. Aragorn could not breathe, he could not speak, and he suddenly 
felt weak. All these years without his beloved, and he finally was going to see him 
again. The man summoned up everything he possessed and called out. 
"Legolas!"

The elf's head snapped up, and searched for the voice that had called his name. 
He knew that voice, it was imbedded in his heart. Legolas' sapphire eyes landed 
on Aragorn's form, and the man could distinctly see tears spring into his eyes. 
Legolas sat up, and mouthed the man's name, and then suddenly sprung from 
his place on the forest floor and ran as fast as he could toward the man.

The prince was only a golden streak across the green dell, and his feet were 
blurs against the brown earth. Tears stung his eyes and streaked his face, and 
were blown off into the wind by the speed of the elf's flight.

"Aragorn!" Legolas cried outloud as he ran. "Aragorn! Oh Estel!"

The man could do nothing but stand as the elf ran toward him faster than he had 
every run before, and held out his arms as Legolas leapt into the air and into 
Aragorn's embrace. The elf wrapped his arms around the man's neck and his 
legs around his waist, and clung on with everything he had.

"Aragorn!" Legolas sobbed. "I thought I would never see you again! I thought you 
were dead!"

"Sssh." Aragorn soothed, stroking the prince's soft mane. "Its alright. I'm here 
now."

Suddenly Legolas' grip released, and the elf dropped from the man's embrace 
and stood back to look at him, placing his hand on the man's cheek.

"Please. Please tell me it is really you, and not some cruel prank played on my 
broken heart." Legolas whispered. "For if this is an evil joke, then you have not 
only broken my heart and soul, but shattered it into a million tiny pieces and 
scattered them into the four winds and to every corner of this earth."

"Legolas, it is I." Aragorn said, taking the elf's hands. "I am not dead. I never was, 
only ill. Truthfully I had been told you had died, and my heart has not beat since I 
received that news. Until now."

Legolas' face lit up, and more happy tears caressed his face as he hugged his 
lover. Then Aragorn leant in and kissed him sweetly on the lips. Legolas could 
think there no happier time than this, and he kissed Aragorn passionately, 
wrapping his arms around the man's neck.

Then it hit him. This had to stop. If he didn't stop now he didn't know if he would 
be able to later on, and Aragorn would leave him again. Surely then he really 
would die of grief. The prince closed his mouth and pulled away from the man.

"I love you, Aragorn." Legolas whispered, backing slowly away, the man's 
confused face torturing him. "But I can not go through this again. I will not have 
my heart broken a third time."

And with that, the elf turned and ran into the trees, disappearing from Aragorn's 
sight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aragorn walked slowly back to the castle, not really sure of what had happened. 
His mind was in a daze, and his heart was weeping. How could Legolas just run 
off like that? But deep down Aragorn knew that Legolas was being his usual self- 
logical. Aragorn knew that even now leaving Mirkwood again would be difficult, 
but it had to be done.

The man arrived at the castle and walked into the great hall, where he found 
Thranduil seated on a bench, reading. The king looked up smiling, but his face 
fell.

"Where is Legolas?" He asked.

"He ran from me." Aragorn said, his voice full of sorrow.

"He did not believe it was you?"

"Nay, he knew it was I." Aragorn said, taking a seat next to Thranduil. "But he 
was smarter than I, and he ran before his heart could become too attached 
again."

Thranduil nodded in understanding.

"I see. But something tells me Legolas should speak with you, and spend some 
time with you while he has it." Thranduil said. "I can not tell you where he is now, 
but I can tell you that there is a new litter of Sarnan's puppies in the stables."

Aragorn smiled weakly.

"Thank you." He said, and stood to leave. The man took a few steps before 
stopping and turning around. "Thranduil?" Aragorn asked. "Does he really still 
love me?"

Thranduil smiled. "With all of his being."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas walked slowly into the stable, not wanting to disturb the horses at rest. 
He made his way down the aisle and to the stall where the puppies slept, wanting 
to check on them once more before going into the woods to sleep. The elf peered 
over the stall wall to look at the puppies, and gasped when he saw Aragorn 
sitting there, waiting for him. The elf spun on his heel to run, but something 
latched onto his arm and wouldn't let go.

"Please, Aragorn." Legolas pleaded, turning to face the man. "Please do not do 
this."

"Legolas, your father is the one who sent me here." Aragorn said. "Please, let us 
talk?"

Legolas did not protest as he hesitantly sat down in an empty stall with Aragorn.

"I'm sorry." Aragorn said, looking at Legolas. "I'm sorry for putting you through so 
much grief, and causing you to mourn my false death."

"It is not your fault." Legolas replied, staring into Aragorn's intense, blue eyes. He 
loved those eyes. "I am sorry for causing you grief, as well." Legolas said.

Minutes passed in silence, both lovers trying to figure out what the right thing to 
say would be, when Legolas broke the silence. "I don't want to be king, Aragorn." 
Legolas whispered. "The only thing I ever wanted was to stay with you. Even if it 
meant leaving my home and travelling to Gondor, that's all I ever wanted. Its all I 
still want."

"I know that, mellesse." Aragorn spoke, taking Legolas into his arms. "Its all I 
ever wanted, as well."

Legolas couldn't stop his actions. He didn't want to stop his actions, as he slowly 
leaned into Aragorn's arms and raised his lips to the man's. He savored the 
moment, remembering the sweet taste of the man's lips, and the wonderful 
feeling of being completely safe, engulfed in strong arms. Aragorn gently pushed 
his body back, to where he lay flat on the ground under the man, continuing 
kissing him. Legolas let out a low moan, and Aragorn pulled away.

"I'm sorry, I'll stop." Aragorn said, starting to stand.

"NO!" Legolas cried, and grabbed the man's sleeve. "Once more..."

Aragorn hesitated, and then bent back down and kissed Legolas, removing the 
elf's jerking, and then his tunic.  Legolas became suddenly impatient, and ripped 
off the king's top. "Faster..." Legolas pleaded, and Aragorn yanked down the elf's 
pants, and then his own.

At last, both man and elf lay entirely naked, in all their glory in front of each other. 
Legolas held his breath.
"I had forgotten..." He whispered.

"So had I." Aragorn said, and gently licked Legolas' stomach.

Legolas took the man's head in his hands, and guided the man down toward his 
groin, where his elfhood stood ready. Aragorn had no hesitation in engulfing the 
elf entirely in his mouth, and he began to work his way up and down the staff, 
smiling at the sounds that were emitted from Legolas' mouth. The elf tossed his 
head and arched his back and hips, and screamed when at last he came. He sat 
breathless for a moment, and then grabbed Aragorn's face in his hands and 
kissed him hard.

"I want to feel you in me again, Aragorn." He pleaded. "Please?"

Aragorn nodded and started to insert a finger into Legolas' sacred opening.

"No. Now." Legolas commanded.

"I might hurt you."Aragorn said. "Have you...?"

"No." Legolas replied. "You could never hurt me, Aragorn. Please my body 
craves you."

Aragorn nodded again and gently began to push inside the elf, trying not to 
cause him pain. A grimace spread over Legolas' face, but he told the man to 
continue, until finally the man was completey sheathed within the elf.  Aragorn 
began to move, back and forth, with gradual intensity. Legolas encouraged him 
to move faster, and the man obliged. Legolas writhed beneath Aragorn, and both 
let out grunts and moans and promises they knew would not be kept. At last 
Aragorn came, with a final cry of Legolas' name, and both of them collapsed into 
eachother's arms, falling into a contented sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thranduil smiled when he saw Legolas and Aragorn walk into the castle in each 
other's arms the next morning, but a frown quickly replaced the show of 
happiness. Yes, he was glad his son was happy, but deep in his heart he knew 
that he had to make a choice now. Would he continue to force Legolas to remain 
here and become king, or would he allow him to go live his life as he wished with 
the one he loved?

Thranduil pondered for a long while, and then stuck his head out of his chamber 
doors and sent the guard outside to fetch his son. This would end now.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I don't know why Ada wanted to see us both." Legolas said to Aragorn as he 
opened the door to his father's chambers. "I don't know if I want to know."

Thranduil and Avaro already sat on the bed, and Thranduil motioned for Legolas 
and Aragorn to have a seat on the couch.

"Do you know why I called you all here?" Thranduil asked pointedly, looking at 
Legolas.

"I'm having a distinct feeling it has to do with me and Aragorn." Legolas said. 

"It does." Thranduil said. "I'm going to tell you something, Legolas. I've made a 
decision, and nothing you say or do can make me change me mind. I want all of 
you to listen to me and not interrupt."

Legolas frowned. His father rarely spoke so abruptly, and it frightened him. 
"Legolas, I see your eyes now, as you sit there with Aragorn." Thranduil spoke. 
"They are the same eyes your mother had when she looked at me. I thought long 
and hard last night, and was about to stick with my earlier plan, but then I thought 
about your mother. You are so much like her, Legolas, and I started to think, 
what would she have done if she had been parted from me? Then I knew what I 
had to do. When Aragorn leaves to go to Gondor, he will have one more in his 
party. I will not live with myself knowing that I have caused my son to grieve for 
his love, or die from the grief. You may bind yourself to Aragorn. Avaro has 
already said he would gladly accept the role as king."

Legolas just sat in utter disbelief. Everything the had ever dreamed of was 
coming true.

"But, what about Mirkwood, Ada?" Legolas asked. "What will happen?"

"Avaro will take care of that, Legolas. He will be a good king." Thranduil said. 
"You go and be with the one you love."

Legolas sat agape, and then leapt from his seat and ran to his father, flinging his 
arms around Thranduil's neck and laughing for joy.

"Thank you Ada! Thank you so much!" Legolas laughed, and then gave Avaro a 
hug. 

"Thank you, brother."

"It is my pleasure." Avaro said, and patted Legolas' shoulder. "This will make all 
of us happy, even though we might miss you just a little bit around here."

Laughter filled the room, and the royal family shared a big embrace.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That night at dinner, Legolas and Aragorn sat hand in hand beside Thranduil at 
the table.

"I must do this now, my son." Thranduil said, and cleared his throat as he stood. 
The room filled with court went silent. "Good evening! I'm afraid I have some bad 
news for you all." Thranduil spoke, and faces around the room went dull. "In two 
weeks' time, Mirkwood will lose one of its most prized possessions." Murmurs 
were heard around the room, and Thranduil lifted his hand to silence the people. 
"This news turns into good. Prince Legolas is betrothed. He is binding himself to 
King Elessar of the reunited kingdom." A cheer went up, and all the elves 
applauded. "He will leave Mirkwood, and reside in Gondor with the one he truly 
loves, and who am I, the king of Mirkwood, to deny anyone true love? As of 
today, Prince Avaro will be the high prince of Mirkwood, and as you all know, he 
will do just as good a job as any, if not better."

The applause continued, and Legolas and Aragorn smiled at eachother. All 
would be well.

Halfway through the meal, a guard came in and bent down to speak in 
Thranduil's ear. Thranduil stood and motioned for Legolas, Avaro, and Aragorn to 
follow him.

"They have captured the leader of the raids." Thranduil said, striding quickly 
down the hall.

"Who is it, Ada?" Legolas asked.

"I do not know." Thranduil said. "We will find out when we reach the dungeons." 

The four walked silently down the halls, and down many flights of stairs, before 
finally reaching the dungeons. Four guards met them at the door, and led them to 
the cell where the rogue was being held.

Thranduil gasped when he recognized the face, and was followed by another 
gasp from Aragorn.

"Firion?" Aragorn asked, astounded.

"Only in flesh." The man said, smiling through the bars of the cell. "Thranduil! Its 
nice to see you here. Oh, and the happy couple found eachother at last!"

"Firion, how could you?" Thranduil asked.

"That's really quite simple." Firion smiled, and Legolas thought him to look like he 
was high from some drug, or very drunk. "You see, if I could get Aragorn here to 
believe that Legolas was dead, and Legolas to believe that Aragorn was dead, 
then Gondor would have no reason to be friendly with Mirkwood, and Gondor 
could easily have smashed the elves and taken the wood for themselves."

"That's insane!" Legolas cried.

"I agree." Avaro said. "It never would have worked."

"The elves are too strong." Aragorn added.

Thranduil just stood and stared in shock at the seemingly crazy man, and then 
finally turned and walked out of the door.

"He has committed high treason and murder." Thranduil said to the guards 
outside. "Dispose of him."

Legolas nodded in approval and followed his father out of the dungeons and 
back to the dining hall, with Aragorn and Avaro.

"Life is treating me very well, these days." Legolas whispered to Aragorn, and the 
man smiled.

"Me too."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas smiled sweetly as he walked confidently up the aisle and toward his 
love. The elf looked breathtaking. He wore a silver tunic with intricate leaf 
designs, and silver pants to match, with tall grey boots. His hair was pulled back 
into it's normal braids, the symbol for Mirkwood royalty, but a small crown made 
of woven silver vines had been placed upon his head.

Aragorn wore a dark blue tunic that brought out his eyes, and dark pants, with his 
large, Gondorian crown. The man smiled at Legolas, and caught his eye. There 
were no doubts in either man nor elf's eyes.

Nearly every resident in Mirkwood had shown up at Prince Legolas' ceremony. 
None seemed displeased with Mirkwood's new situation, but actually seemed 
excited to see Legolas finally getting his wish.

Legolas finally reached Aragorn's side, where the man stood under Haryon 
Korda, in front of Thranduil. The king smiled at them both, and then began to sing 
in elvish, a song of blessing and long life. Once he was done, he took a silver, 
silk sash, and bound Aragorn and Legolas' hands together.

"Aragorn, son of Arathorn, do you promise to take Legolas, son of Thranduil, to 
hold and to cherish for the rest of your lives, through darkness and beauty, 
through good and ill, through hard times and pleasant memories? And most 
importantly, do you promise to give him all your love, with your entire body and 
soul?"

"I do, forever and always." Aragorn said, not taking his eyes from Legolas.

"Legolas, son of Thranduil, do you promise to take Aragorn, son of Arathorn, to 
hold and to cherish for the rest of your lives, through darkness and beauty, 
through good and ill, through hard times and pleasant memories? And most 
importantly, do you promise to give him all your love, with your entire body and 
soul?"

"I do, with all my heart." Legolas said.

Legolas suddenly felt the silk band fall from his wrists, though not a soul had 
touched it, yet his hands remained still clasped within Aragorn's. A tingle ran 
through Legolas arms and down his spine, and finally settled in his heart, and he 
knew then that he was forever attached to Aragorn, and he smiled.

"Then you are bound, by the power of the Valar and by your own true love." 
Thranduil said, and Aragorn leaned down and kissed Legolas sweetly on the lips.

"I love you." Legolas spoke.

"I love you." Aragorn replied, and a loud cry went up from everyone around as 
Aragorn and Legolas made their way quickly back to the castle for the 
celebration, hand in hand.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Late that night, Aragorn leaned over to Legolas from where he sat next to him at 
the dining table.

"I think its about time for us to disappear." Aragorn whispered into the elf's ear. 
"Seeing as a few guests have made their way out already." Legolas smiled 
mischeviously.

"I believe you are right." The prince agreed, and turned to look at his father, who 
was in a conversation with Lord Elrond.

"Ada?" Legolas asked to get his father's attention, and Thranduil faced his son. 
"The moon has already been high in the sky and back down again. I believe 
Aragorn and I will go get some rest."

Thranduil and Elrond both exchanged amused glances and laughed loudly. 
"Fine, my son. If you believe that you need some *rest* then go right ahead."

Legolas and Aragorn rolled their eyes at eachother and Aragorn took Legolas' 
hand and started to lead him away from the table.

"Have fun!" Elrond called out laughing, and Aragorn and Legolas both shared 
glances, knowing that the other thought exactly what they thought. How 
immature parents could be!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I thought this day would never come." Aragorn said, caressing Legolas' face. 
"And now it has been and gone, and yet I still feel like it has only just started."

"I feel that way as well." Legolas said, smiling.

The two lovers stood in the center of their elegant chambers, the doors from the 
balcony open, so that the wind blew through and teased their hair, and made the 
draperies fly in all directions.

Legolas leaned forward and pressed his lips to Aragorn's, running his hands 
down the man's rough face and to his chest, where he paused before continuing, 
and unbuttoning the man's tunic. Aragorn let out a moan of pleasure into the elf's 
mouth as his tunic was pulled from his body, and he began working on Legolas' 
tunic, pulling desperatly at the latchings and finally letting out a cry of victory into 
the elf's mouth as the top fell to the floor.

	Legolas desperatly wanted to get to the bed and continue his 
explorations of Aragorn's body, but he did not wish to let go of the man's lips. He 
gently took Aragorn's hands and guided the man over to the bed, and pulled the 
king down on top of him. Legolas let out a disappointed moan when the man 
pulled his lips
away and lay just out of the elf's reach above him, staring at him.

"You are so beautiful." Aragorn whispered, and Legolas smiled.

"As are you." The elf replied. "But stop your admirations for now, and let your 
body do the talking."

Legolas reached down and quickly pulled Aragorn's pants off his legs, savoring 
the feel of the man's skin against his. Aragorn in turn slipped the leggings off of 
Legolas' legs, and ran his fingers up the elf's thighs.

"I want you in me." Legolas whispered, pulling Aragorn closer to him.

"Alright." Aragorn said, and started to kiss Legolas again.

"No. Now." Legolas said, turning his head from the man.

Aragorn was a little surprised by the elf, as he had rarely been so commanding, 
but he did not deny that he enjoyed it. The man grabbed a vial of oil from the 
bedside and lubricated himself, and then placed his already throbbing member 
over Legolas' tight entrance.

"Saes, Estel!" Legolas cried, and thrust himself into the air as Aragorn came 
down on him. The elf felt a sharp pain, but then it was gone, and he was only 
filled with pleasure. Aragorn began rocking against him, and soon found the elf's 
sweet spot, causing him to cry out in exstacy.

"Ai! Elendil!" Legolas cried as Aragorn hit his spot again and again. "Aniron! 
Estel!"

Both lovers came simultaneously, and Aragorn pulled Legolas into his arms and 
lay peacefully on the bed, breathing heavily. The two lay for a long while 
together, when Aragorn opened his mouth and started to sing. "Lende tampa lle 
nallale ta na teera." The man sang in his soft, low voice, which made Legolas 
melt. "Hauta Amin quaare, foa ta tunga. Amin varya lle, ho ilya korima lle. Amin 
na sinome, uya lle nalla." Legolas let a tear slide down his face, and he began to 
sing softly with Aragorn. "An er pinilya, lle vela tulka. Amin ranko foa lle varna ar 
lauka. Sina weere imbe atta, uyu na raakina. Amin na sinome uyu lle nalla."

Before long, Legolas' voice faded, and Aragorn looked down to realize the elf had 
fallen into a peaceful reverie. Aragorn wrapped his arms tightly around the elf 
and closed his eyes.

"Lle mi Amin indo, melme." He whispered into Legolas' ear, and then drifted into 
sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I will miss you, Ada." Legolas said, giving his father a huge embrace.

"We will all miss you, my son." Thranduil said, but smiled.

"Goodbye, Legolas." Avaro said, giving his brother a hug.

"Goodbye, Avaro." Legolas answered. "Don't burn anything down just because 
I'm away." 
Avaro laughed.

"Don't worry, Legolas." Avaro joked. "I believe that pup you gave me will see to 
that."

"She will." Legolas said. "She does outrank you in intelligence." Avaro smiled, but 
it turned quickly into a frown.

"I will miss you, brother." He said, giving Legolas another hug. "Come visit us 
soon, it will not be the same around here without you."

"I will miss you as well, Avaro." Legolas said, and then gave his father another 
hug before mounting Larka.

"Take care of him, Aragorn." Thranduil ordered the man who sat ready on his 
horse.

"I will, Thranduil." Aragorn promised. "Thank you, for everything."

"You're welcome, my boy." Thranduil said. "Now you all hurry and go home 
before I change my mind and decide to keep Legolas here with me. And take 
these creatures with you." Thranduil gestured to Sarnan and Eltar, who were 
jumping about joyously.

Aragorn and Legolas laughed, and turned their horses toward Gondor, waving 
goodbye as they disappeared into the trees.

The company rode for a short while, when they came upon the clearing which 
housed Haryon Korda.

"I will miss this place." Legolas said, staring up at the trees.

"I know you will." Aragorn said, rubbing Legolas' hand.

As the two stepped into the light they could see something sparkle and shimmer 
on the bark of the tree, and as they came closer they realized it was words, 
written in silver bands. 

"Haryon Korda, yaana an Legolas, haryon Mirkwood." Aragorn read the elvish 
script outloud, so that all that travelled with him may hear the words and 
understand them. "The Prince's Temple, sanctuary to Legolas, prince of 
Mirkwood."

Legolas smiled sweetly at the words, knowing when his father had done his 
magic. The tree stood proud and magnificent, honored to display such a high 
honor.

"Goodbye, my friend." Legolas said, running his hand over the smooth bark. "We 
will meet again soon."

Legolas turned to look at Aragorn and smiled at him. "Now I am ready." He said. 
"Lets go home."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Three Weeks Later, Entering Gondor
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"There are so many people." Legolas said in wonder, more to himself than 
anyone else. "How do you do it?"

"Carefully." Aragorn replied, taking Aragorn's hand and helping him off his horse 
at the city gate.

"You do not ride to the castle?" Legolas asked.

"Not when there is a celebration going on." Aragorn replied, leading Legolas 
through the city gates. What met Legolas' eyes was something he surely had not 
expected. The streets were lined with people upon the thousands, all cheering 
and waving their hands. Music blared from somewhere Legolas could not see, 
and one child even ran out to touch his cloak. The elf smiled at the child and 
lifted him up, returning him to his mother, who was babbling apologies.

"They must love you." Legolas said, referring to the people, as he walked with 
Aragorn toward the palace.

"They do." Aragorn said. "But they love you more." The man pointed toward a 
crowd of people who were waving flags, but instead of the black and silver of 
Gondor, the flags were green and gold, of Mirkwood.

"They know?" Legolas asked.

"Men are nosy. They know everything." Aragorn laughed, and led Legolas up a 
flight of stairs onto a balcony, where he looked out onto all the people of Gondor.

"People of Gondor!" He cried, and Legolas was surprised at how well everyone 
seemed to hear Aragorn's voice. "I give you the new Prince Consort of Gondor, 
Legolas Greenleaf, son of Thranduil!"

Aragorn took Legolas' hand and led him to the front of the balcony, where a small 
crown of silver leaves was rested on Legolas' head. The crowd roared and 
Legolas could make out chants of his name and some people even calling his 
name in Sindarin. Aragorn stepped up next to Legolas and put his arm around 
the elf's waist.

"Are you happy?" He asked.

"If I smile any more my mouth will tear." Legolas whispered, laughing.

Aragorn bent down and laid a kiss gently on the elf's lips. "Then we have some 
celebrating to do." Aragorn said, and led Legolas through a pair of doors inside a 
great hall. "I love you, Legolas. I will never leave you again." The king whispered 
into Legolas' ear.

"I love you, Aragorn." Legolas whispered back. "And I will stay by your side 
through whatever events life may bring."


*Ada-Father
*Larka- Swift
* Saes- Please
*Aniron- I desire

*Aragorn's Song- Come stop your crying it will be alright. Just take my hand, hold 
it tight. I will protect you from all around you. I will be here, don't you cry. For one 
so small, you seem so strong. My arms will hold you keep you safe and warm. 
This bond between can't be broken. I will be here, don't you cry.



Title: You’ll Be In My Heart: Part 2
Author: Rutaari (pippa250@hotmail.com)
Pairind: Aragorn/Legolas
Rating: R
Disclaimer: Stealing is a sin. I’m going to hell. But I’m not making any money!
Summary: Aragorn and Legolas finally get what they’ve always wanted.
Warnings: mpreg
Author’s Notes: Please read the prologue and part 1 before you read this
chapter. Otherwise it makes no sense.
Feedback: PLEASE!
Archive: Please do! But let me know eventually.

	Legolas looked up from the paper he was reading and let out an exhasperated
sigh.  “Are the men of Gondor really this helpless?” He asked.
Aragorn looked up from his paper and right into Legolas’ eyes.  “Yes.” He said,
and bent back down to his paper.
	Legolas groaned and started to turn back to the paper, but he was so bored with
this work! He looked back at Aragorn and grinned.
“I can think of something a whole lot more exciting than all these legal
documents.” He grinned mischeviously.
“Can you really?” Aragorn smiled back at him and set down his paper, leaning
into his chair..
	Taking this as a cue to move foreword Legolas put down the paper and stood from
his chair, bending down to lick Aragorn’s neck.
“Mmmm.” Aragorn moaned, and kissed Legolas’ lips. “That was lovely, Legolas.”
The king paused as if to add more, but then picked up his papers and began to
read.
“That lovely, huh?” Legolas grumbled, sitting back down. This time Aragorn
looked up at him with a sorrowful expression.
“I’m sorry, love.”  He said. “I forget that you are an elf and not accustomed to
being indoors for so long a time. Why don’t you go take a walk outside and I’ll
join you when I’m done here?”
Legolas shook his head.  “No. That’s alright. You work too hard as it is and if
I were to wait for you to be done even I as an elf would have grey hair!”
Legolas joked. “I will help you finish here, or go atleast until dinner. But you
must promise me that after dinner tonight you are mine.”
“I promise!” Aragorn said, grinning, but crossing his hand across his chest.
	Satisfied, Legolas smiled and picked up his paper again, continuing the
never-ending work of a king and his prince consort. Atleast Aragorn would be his
tonight.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	Aragorn winked at Legolas and motioned under the table for the elf to follow
him out of the dining hall. Legolas grinned and slowly stood up, creeping after
Aragorn, hoping that no one would see the king sneaking away from dinner. Once
they were out in the corridor Legolas let out a giggle and took the hand Aragorn
had offered him.
“What a naughty king.” The elf whispered, laughing.
“You haven’t seen a thing yet, elf.” Aragorn threatened, and quickened his pace
back to his chambers.
	By the time they had reached the chambers the couple were kissing madly, and
Aragorn pinned Legolas to the wall while fumbling with the door knob. He raised
his foot and kicked the door open, and dragged Legolas in after him. The lovers
continued to kiss for a moment longer, when Legolas opened his eyes and stepped
back.
“That just ruins the moment.” He said, and Aragorn looked behind him to see what
Legolas was smirking about. The dogs. Sarnan and Eltar both lay on the carpet
staring at the two like exasperated parents, and Aragorn could not hold in his
chuckle.
“Excuse us?” Legolas said, raising an eyebrow at the dogs, and the black beasts
stood, Sarnan letting out a single bark of approval, and padded silently out of
the room. Aragorn shut the door behind the dogs and laughed.
“Where were we?” He asked Legolas, turning back to the blonde prince. “Oh yes.”
Before Legolas could respond the king had lifted him into the air and thrown him
onto the monstrous bed, gasping when Aragorn jumped on top of him and began
licking his neck. Legolas let out a squeal of surprise and exctasy and heard
Aragorn laugh against his skin. The king started to pull back but Legolas put
his hands on the dark head and pushed him back down against his neck.
“Don’t stop.” He ordered, and Aragorn obliged, but took his hands from Legolas’
waist and started furiously undoing the fastenings on the elf’s tunic.
“Grrrr.” The man let out a growl of frustration at the buttons that would not
come undone, and instead grabbed the tunic and pulled, ripping it off the elf.
“Hey! That was my favorite shirt!” Legolas cried, but stopped when a wet, hot,
mouth came down over his nipple. “But then again...” The elf panted, “buttons...
can... be fixed.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

	Aragorn woke to a terrible sound. He couldn’t place what the sound was, but it
was very familiar. Slowly, he opened his eyes, wincing at the harsh light. It
was then that he realized Legolas was not next to him in the bed. Quite the
opposite, he noticed. Legolas was crouched on the stone floor in the corner of
the chambers, his head half visible above a wooden bucket. The sound was coming
from the elf, but what was it? Aragorn rose, watching for a moment as the elf’s
body heaved, and there that sound was again.
“Legolas? Are you alright?” Aragorn asked, standing to go to his lover. That was
when he realized what Legolas was doing. He was throwing up. The entire contents
of the elf’s stomach was in that bucket, and tears of frustration and pain
streamed down the prince’s face and he slowly shook his head no.
“But how can you be sick?” Aragorn asked, bending down and stroking Legolas’
back comfortingly. “You’re an elf.”
“Well obviously.” Legolas said, his stomach seeming to have quieted down. “I
dont’ know why this is happening. It just won’t stop. For the past few days I’ve
felt fine in the day, but during the morning I-”
“Wait!” Aragorn interrupted. “For the past few days? Why didn’t you tell me?”
	Legolas dropped his head. He knew that if Aragorn found out about this he would
make a big deal. That’s why he hadn’t told him.
“I didn’t want to make a big deal about it.” Legolas whispered, still not
looking up.
“But it is a big deal, Legolas!” Aragorn said. “Elves getting sick is a *big*
deal!”
“I’m sorry.” Legolas said.
“I want you to go to the healer’s today.” Aragorn said, standing up, and Legolas
knew he was not asking him, he was telling him.
“Aragorn I’m fine!” Legolas cried out, rising to his feet as well.
“No, Legolas, you’re not!” Aragorn yelled, and then immidiantly regretted it
when he saw the elf cringe at his harsh voice. He stepped toward his lover and
took him in his arms, kissing his head. “I’m sorry. Its just that I love you so
much, and I don’t ever want to lose you. I almost did already. Please, just go
for me?”
Legolas sighed. “Alright.” He said. “I’ll go after lunch.”
“Good.” Aragorn said. “I’m sorry I can’t come with you, but I have a meeting
with the council.”
“That’s alright.” Legolas assured him. “It’s nothing. I’m sure of it.” But
inside Legolas felt differently. Something felt... out of place. He couldn’t put
his finger on it, but something wasn’t right. No, it wasn’t not right. Actually,
it felt very right, but it was simply, misplaced.
“If you’re sure.” Aragorn said, and turned toward his closet to get dressed.
“Just remember you can always pull me out of those stupid meetings if you must.”
“I’ll remember.” Legolas said, and got dressed to go to the healer’s.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Hello Targon.” Legolas greeted the healer as he entered the room. “How are you
today?”
“Hello Legolas.” Targon smiled, and continued pulling a sheet over a bed. “I’m
well. Why are you here, is something amiss?”
“Very.” Legolas said. “I do not wish Aragorn to worry, so I did not make a fuss
about it, but something is... off.”
“Tell me.” Targon said, and patted the newly made bed, inviting Legolas to sit,
which he did.
“I don’t feel ill.” Legolas began. “I’ve thrown up every morning for the past
four days, but by afternoon, I feel fine.” The elf stopped.
“That’s all?” Targon asked, raising an eyebrow.
“That’s it.” Legolas said.
Targon shook his head and raised in finger to his lips. “No, there is something
you are not telling me. Come on, out with it.”
Legolas squirmed a bit and continued. “Something feels, out of place. I don’t
know what, but it just feels... odd.”
“Aaaahhhh.” Targon let out a breath of realization, and gently put his hands on
Legolas’ shoulders and pushed the elf to lie down.
“Ah what?” Legolas asked as he was being pushed. “Do you know what’s wrong?”
“Nothing is wrong, my boy.” Targon said, and began poking and prodding at
Legolas’ middle, making the elf confused. “Now that I think about it, you’re
behavior was different today at lunch, I recall. How much did you eat?”
Legolas wrinkled up his face. “I don’t know. Alot. I was hungry.”
“How much is a lot?” Targon asked, continuing his examination.
Legolas squeezed his eyes closed  to think. “Um... four apples, two peaches, a
piece of chicken (a large one), and two-no three pastries.”
Targon raised an eyebrow. “And you didn’t feel sick after that?”
Legolas shook his head.
“If I remember, I’ve seen you normally eat about half of that, if not less.”
Legolas shrugged.
	Targon stepped away from his patient and Legolas sat up, feeling that Targon
knew something, he listened intently.
“Do you know what it is?” Legolas asked.
“I do.” Targon said. “I’m going to tell you, and leave it up to you to tell King
Aragorn.”
“Why must I tell him?” Legolas questioned.
“Because he’s the father.” Targon stated.
“Well of course he’s the father, who else-” Legolas stopped. “You’re not
serious!?”
“I’m very serious.” Targon smiled.
“I can’t believe it!” Legolas exclaimed, jumping from the bed. “This is exactly
what I’ve been hoping for! What we’ve been hoping for! Thank you Targon! Thank
you!” Legolas cried, bounding out the door. He had to go tell Aragorn! He would
be thrilled!
	The elf was nearly running down the halls, only slowing down when he passed
someone, so he didn’t look too much like a child. The people of Gondor were
quite used to seeing the elf’s boyant antics, but this was pushing it. Legolas
finally arrived at the doors to the council room, but stopped himself from
entering. This could wait ten more minutes. Aragorn would be out in ten more
minutes, and then he could tell him. The elf turned and noticed a bench across
the hall behind him, so he walked over and nervously took a seat.
	After what seemed like forever of twitching one leg, then the other, then
twiddling his thumbs, cracking his knuckles, and then grinding his teeth, the
door finally opened and the council members began to pour out. Legolas stood
from the bench and ran to Aragorn, leaping into the man’s arms, and ignoring the
funny looks he received from the other men.
“Hello there.” Aragorn said sarcastacly. “Did Targon tell you what was wrong?”
Legolas let go of Aragorn and nodded his head. “Yes.”
“Well what’s wrong?” Aragorn asked, worriedly.
“Nothing’s wrong. Nothing’s wrong at all!” Legolas laughed. “Everything’s
great!”
“Then why did you throw up?” Aragorn asked, confused.
“Because of this.” Legolas stated, and took Aragorn’s hand in his and placed it
on his belly.  The man’s confused face only became worse, but after a moment he
gasped.
“Really!?” He cried.
“Yes!” Legolas laughed, and Aragorn grabbed him in his arms and spun him around.
“I’m going to be a father?” Aragorn cried out. “I’m going to be a father!”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Two Months Later in Gondor
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
	News travelled fast of the Prince Consort’s not-so-secret. A letter was sent to
Thranduil, telling of the news, in hopes that the king could make it to Gondor
before the day of the baby’s arrival. Dwarf Gimli, called elf-friend, promised a
hand-crafted crown laid with stones of green and silver for the new arrival, as
soon as he knew whether to craft the ornament for the delicate features of a
woman, or the strong features of a man. Many other gifts and congratulations
came from around Middle Earth, even woven blankets from the hobbits in the
Shire.
	At this point in time, Aragorn sat at the dining table watching Legolas
furiously gulp down massive amounts of food. Elven pregnancies were faster than
Humans’, and only lasted seven to eight months. At two months gone, Legolas
already had quite a belly coming off his middle, and was developing an odd
waddle to his normally graceful elven walk.
“Legolas?” Aragorn leaned over and whispered to Legolas.
“Hmm?” Legolas responded, taking another big bite into a piece of melon.
“Don’t you think you should slow down?” Aragorn asked tentatively. “I mean, the
baby isn’t that big yet.”
“Isn’t that big yet?” Legolas burst out, standing from the table. Aragorn was
tremendously glad that it was only himself, Legolas, Faramir, and a few guards
in the room. Legolas grabbed Aragorn’s hand and placed it over his rounded
belly. “Do you feel that? Do you see the way I walk? Why don’t we just take your
unborn child and stuff it into your gut and see how much you eat!?”
	Aragorn sighed. Legolas was having another one of t