Title:     Strange Shores  
Authors:   Getty; Elfamazone, co-writer P1 & 2; Ignoble Bard, co-writer  
          P3 to the end.  
E-Mail:    LuckyCharm2410@aol.com  
Pairings:  Legolas/Haldir, Aragorn/?  
Rating:    NC17  
Summary:   After Gandalf's fall the Fellowship takes sanctuary in  
Lothlorien, where Aragorn and Legolas discover unexpected  
feelings. But when Haldir finds his former lover has  
returned to the realm of the Galadrim, will the Fellowship  
also lose its Elven warrior?  
Feedback:  You the reader have a chance to change how this story ends,  
               To do so, please see Author's notes at the end.  
Warnings:  None  
Archive:   Yes please, just let me know where so I can visit it.  
Notes:     See end of story.  
Disclaimer: BTW, I happened to have lifted some of the dialogue  
              directly from the movie and Tolkien created all of the  
              characters and I don't own any of it, nor would I want to,  
              as the money would be too much of a hassle. OK, I'm lying  
              about the money.  
 
 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
 
Part 1  
 
Frodo's face was lined with sorrow as he wearily jogged along behind  
Aragorn. Gandalf the Grey had fallen into darkness and now the  
Fellowship numbered eight. Behind him, Merry and Pippin each silently  
grieved, while in front of him, Aragorn, with Legolas two paces off to  
his right, continued driving them on. Somehow, using nothing more than  
sheer force of will, Aragorn kept them on their feet and heading  
towards the sanctuary of Lothlórien.  
 
Out of all the members of the Fellowship, Frodo was easily the most  
sensitive to what was going on around him. Perhaps it was just a side  
effect of the ring, perhaps not. But either way, he was the first to  
pick up on the uneasy tension between Aragorn and Legolas. Boromir made  
him nervous, so just on general principle, he kept Aragorn or Legolas  
between the big man and himself at all times. Sam, Merry, and Pippin  
were as close to him as kin, and Gimli, in his own dwarfish way, tried  
to show him fatherly affection. However, it was to Aragorn and Legolas  
that his thoughts kept straying.  
 
Frodo liked Aragorn, but more importantly, he trusted him. Even though  
Aragorn was dressed in the simple garb of a Northern Ranger, he seemed  
to emanate a self-assured sense of authority. Maybe that was why  
Legolas stayed so close to him, conferring with him, sometimes in  
Elvish sometimes in the Common speech, on one thing or another.  
 
The Company, exhausted beyond measure, slowed to a walk when they  
entered the outskirts of Lothlórien. All around them the forest softly  
glowed with shades of gold mixed with white, silver, and green, while  
above them leafy boughs creaked and swayed, seemingly sharing secrets  
not allowed for mere mortals.  
 
Suddenly the trees came alive and the Company found themselves  
surrounded and facing a very well armed group of Elves. Only Legolas,  
with his quick elven reflexes, had time to nock an arrow. But there  
were too many targets and he only had three arrows left, so he held his  
bow, ready to react should he need to.  
 
An Elf approached Aragorn, arrogance and contempt on his beautiful,  
pale face.  
 
"The Dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark."  
 
"Haldir of Lorien..." Aragorn said, lowering his head in respect.  
 
Haldir paused and looked over the Company, his eyes resting for a  
moment too long on Legolas.  
 
"It is not safe here," he said in Common. "Come with me and we shall  
continue this discussion among the trees."  
 
Sometime later, the Company found themselves high above the ground on a  
leaf-shaped flet as Aragorn continued his anxious exchange with Haldir.  
He spoke rapidly in Elvish, gesturing to emphasize his words as he  
tried desperately to convince Haldir to allow the Company to travel  
through Lothlórien. The others stood or sat silently nearby, awaiting  
the outcome.  
 
Boromir took a step forward and leaned in close to Legolas. Softly he  
asked, "Do you - ", but before he could finish, Legolas, who was  
intently following the conversation between Aragorn and Haldir, raised  
a quick hand to silence him.  
 
Suddenly Haldir broke off his conversation with Aragorn, speaking in  
the Common language he looked directly at Frodo, "You bring great evil  
with you."  
 
At this, the Company all looked grimly in Frodo's direction. To Frodo,  
their looks seemed accusatory, almost hostile. He tried to meet Sam's  
eyes, but Sam just looked away, sad and disillusioned. Feeling  
suddenly, overwhelmingly weary and alone, Frodo drew up within himself,  
knowing they were right. His decision to go through Moria had caused  
Gandalf's death. Now they were leaderless, in territory unfamiliar to  
all save Legolas, with no clear idea of what their course should be.  
Gandalf, like the others, had placed his trust in Frodo and had come to  
death. Was this to be the fate of all the Company? Frodo shuddered,  
feeling a sudden chill, though the night was pleasantly warm.  
 
Only Boromir looked upon him with sympathy. "Gandalf's death was not in  
vain, nor would he have you give up hope. You carry a heavy burden  
Frodo, don't carry the weight of the dead."  
 
Though his heart was still troubled, Frodo nodded gratefully.  
 
Haldir finally reached a decision. Speaking to all of them in Common,  
he said, "Follow me, the Lady of the Wood awaits."  
 
He locked eyes with Legolas for a moment. Legolas held his gaze  
steadily and impassively before Haldir, frowning slightly, turned and  
led the Company to meet Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel.  
 
When they finally arrived, all the Fellowship, including Legolas, were  
nervous in the presence of the two splendid Elves. They all felt great  
power, terrible in its might and dazzling in its purity, emanating from  
Galadriel as they gazed on her in wonder.  
 
She began to speak, catching the eyes of the individual members of the  
Fellowship as she did so. All of them met her gaze at first but, with  
the exceptions of Aragorn and Legolas, could not hold it long. Each of  
the Company was stunned and fearful when the Lady's voice spoke to them  
inside their heads. To them, it seemed, they had been offered a choice  
between continuing the quest and obtaining their heart's desire. Later  
Sam, Merry, and Pippin would share with the Company the choices they  
had been given, but the others would not.  
 
While Galadriel questioned them, Celeborn stood at her side, offering  
his own views from time to time. Then, both the Lord and Lady listened  
silently, with interest and deep sadness, as Aragorn related the story  
of Gandalf's fall into shadow.  
 
Haldir stood behind the Fellowship, watching Legolas surreptitiously as  
he spoke his piece to Galadriel. 'We were led needlessly into the net  
of Moria', he said, and Haldir ached for him and the hardships he had  
endured. Legolas was obviously both angered and saddened, as were they  
all, by the loss of Mithrandir.  
 
What was Legolas truly feeling though, Haldir wondered, about being  
back in Caras Galadon? What sort of memories remained from his time  
spent here, over five centuries ago, when he and Haldir had been  
lovers?  
 
Lost in thought, Haldir almost jumped when he heard Galadriel's voice  
inside his head, "Have a care, Haldir. Legolas' heart is troubled by  
more than this quest, though he does not yet know it."  
 
The conversation with Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel proved  
emotionally draining for the Fellowship, and it was with gratitude that  
Aragorn accepted the offer for the Fellowship stay for a few weeks.  
 
As the party bedded down at the foot of a tall Mallorn tree, Sam and  
Frodo placed their bedrolls close to each other. Sam, moved by the  
singing of the Elves in the trees above, made up an ode to Gandalf and  
the magical fireworks the Hobbits had loved so much. He then sat down  
dejectedly and fell silent.  
 
Merry and Pippin moved a little away from Sam and Frodo and laid out  
their own beds on a soft patch of ground, whispering anxiously to each  
other. Gimli, still uncomfortable within the realm of the Elves, but  
too exhausted to care, took off his helm and stretched out. He fell  
asleep at once, with his hand still on his axe, and began snoring  
softly. Aragorn, smoking his pipe, held brief counsel with Boromir  
before the two of them also settled in for the night.  
 
Only Legolas remained awake and watchful, as was the way of his kind.  
Though he needed little sleep, his reason for remaining awake this  
night was due to a restless spirit. The loss of Gandalf still burned  
his heart, but something far more worrisome was troubling his soul:  
Aragorn.  
 
He had caught Aragorn staring at him many times during their journey,  
but lately, and it troubled Legolas that he couldn't remember just  
when, the looks had become - different.  
 
Frustrated, and unable to pinpoint the source of the nameless emotion  
disturbing him, Legolas finally decided to shed his restlessness  
through activity. Taking up his bow and quiver, he rose and moved  
silently between his sleeping companions. Taking a brief look around,  
he paused, listening to the voices of his elven kin as they continued  
their soft, heartbreakingly beautiful, musical lament for the fallen  
Mithrandir, and then without a sound he vanished into the forest.  
 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
 
 
Part 2  
 
For nearly an hour, Legolas wandered thoughtfully through the trees.  
Slowly his mind began to clear and his previous concerns seemed now to  
be nothing more than the imaginings of a mind overwrought with battle  
and grief.  
 
Turning back toward the camp of the Fellowship, he was startled out of  
his reverie by a voice behind him, "Well, if it isn't my favorite Wood-  
Elf."  
 
Legolas spun around to see Haldir, arms folded, leaning against a  
nearby tree, a familiar arrogant grin on his handsome face.  
 
There was no welcome in Legolas' eyes as he met Haldir's gaze. Haldir's  
smile faded and then died from his lips altogether. This was not going  
as he had hoped.  
 
"I think perhaps it is safe to say that I am no longer your favorite  
Elf."  
 
But this remark also accomplished nothing. Legolas still did not speak,  
just continued to stare at Haldir, his eyes bright and unblinking.  
Haldir searched Legolas' face for any sign of happiness or forgiveness  
at seeing him again, but Legolas seemed wrapped in an icy cloak of  
disdain. He could see that Legolas had changed much in the intervening  
years that the two of them had gone their separate ways. He was taller,  
more muscular, more serious now than the youth Haldir had seduced and  
bedded so long ago. Now, not even the slightest trace of emotion was to  
be seen on Legolas' face, though unconsciously he clenched and  
unclenched his fist.  
 
Turning to leave Legolas flatly replied, "That was a long time ago."  
But he was brought up short as Haldir, trying another tack to pierce  
his frosty manner, grabbed his arm. Leaning in close, the Lothlórien  
Elf leered at Legolas.  
 
"Long ago that may have been, but surely you have not forgotten the  
times we once shared?"  
 
Confronted with Haldir's insistence, Legolas grew angry. He had thought  
he had put Haldir and their relationship behind him, that the emotions  
it stirred were mere shadows of pain. But now, confronted with his  
former lover, all the heartache and anger he had felt upon discovering  
Haldir's infidelity left him suddenly breathless with fury. He found  
himself wanting to relieve his hurt by punching Haldir in his pretty  
face. But a part of him knew that nothing he could do to Haldir would  
restore all that had been ripped from him on the day they last parted.  
 
Yanking his arm away, Legolas stepped back and glared at Haldir. "It is  
because I have not forgotten that I want nothing to do with you now,"  
he retorted angrily.  
 
Haldir's face fell and he took a step toward Legolas. The Mirkwood Elf  
stepped back in disgust. The first flicker of emotion crossed Haldir's  
face at that, but before Legolas could translate what it meant, it was  
gone. Clumsily Haldir tried to explain, "That was not -,"  
 
But before he could continue, Legolas turned on him and, with a fury he  
was finding harder to control, he angrily spat out, "I have no wish to  
listen to your lies, Haldir. I have not traveled hundreds of miles from  
Mirkwood, claimed my part in this quest, watched as Mithrandir fought  
and was taken by a Balrog of Morgoth, to have to deal with the likes of  
you! Whatever there may have been between us died that day."  
 
Haldir took another step toward Legolas, and again Legolas backed away.  
Haldir gave him a smug smile. "Are you afraid of me, little Elf?" he  
asked wickedly.  
 
A sudden, deep, unbidden, mind numbing anger flowed through Legolas,  
and with a quickness that surprised even him, he launched himself at  
Haldir with a shout of rage.  
 
Haldir had watched the emotion burst upon Legolas' face and he had  
anticipated this reaction. He sidestepped the other Elf easily and  
Legolas' momentum hurled him, face first, into the trunk of a tree.  
Haldir came up behind him, giving him a swift kidney-punch before  
pressing Legolas close to the bark and pinning him in place with a  
forearm between his shoulder blades.  
 
He leaned in and spoke directly in Legolas' pointed ear. "Your anger  
makes you clumsy."  
 
Gasping for breath, Legolas ground out, "And your impudence makes you  
careless."  
 
With that, Legolas reached back and snatched Haldir's dagger from his  
belt, elbowing the taller Elf in the ribs sharply as he tried, too  
late, to prevent Legolas from gaining his weapon. Haldir grunted as  
Legolas' elbow made contact, and he stepped back, giving Legolas  
quarter to spin and face him. Haldir straightened with a huff of pain  
and took another backward step, distancing himself from his angry,  
armed adversary. He held out a placating hand.  
 
"Your skills have much improved Legolas," he wheezed. "I yield to your  
mercy."  
 
Legolas threw the dagger, point first, into the ground within a hair's  
breadth of Haldir's boot.  
 
"I am not who I used to be Haldir," he said wearily. "I am no longer  
bound by my desires, for you or anyone."  
 
"Not even Aragorn?"  
 
Legolas went suddenly, utterly numb. He stared at Haldir. A flash of  
realization struck him like lightning. "How did you..." he began, and  
then stopped at the look of hurt and hopelessness in Haldir's eyes.  
 
Legolas wondered at the sudden rush of guilt he felt at the look on  
Haldir's face. He and Haldir were no longer together, so why did he  
care how Haldir felt?  
 
With an air of defeat, Haldir turned away. His voice was heavy with  
resentment when he replied, "It was a guess, I was not certain, till  
now."  
 
Behind him, Legolas remained rooted to the spot, unsure of what to say  
to his former lover, his thoughts churning. Haldir's eyes had seen what  
Legolas' mind had refused to admit; he had feelings for Aragorn,  
emotions that, in retrospect, he had been resisting for many weeks now.  
Still, his pride would not allow him to admit that Haldir was right.  
 
"I belong to no one," he finally declared, "neither you nor Aragorn,  
and whatever I may feel for Aragorn is none of your business." He  
grabbed Haldir by the shoulder and spun him around, placing his face  
within inches of Haldir's own to hammer his point home, "We are  
friends, and I have no intention of that EVER changing."  
 
Haldir pushed Legolas away. He gave a small grunt and gingerly touched  
his sore ribs as he bent to retrieve his dagger, "I am sure of that,  
Elfling. I am feeling your friendship quite keenly right now."  
 
Legolas' eyes narrowed as anger rose in him again. "What you did to me  
was wrong, Haldir. I made a mistake with you, a mistake I will not  
repeat with Aragorn. I do not intend to encourage him."  
 
Haldir snorted derisively.  
 
"Let it go, Haldir," Legolas said through gritted teeth.  
 
Haldir gave him malicious look. "You would do your Ranger ill to play  
your little game with him. He is pledged to the Lady Arwen, and her  
father is not as forgiving as I am."  
 
Refusing to be drawn, Legolas angrily pushed past Haldir. "You were  
cruel then, and you are cruel now." He called back over his shoulder.  
"If you are alone and bitter you have no one to blame but yourself."  
 
Legolas stalked away, fully intending to leave Haldir there. But before  
he could take two more steps, Haldir coughed and said a word that made  
him pause in surprise.  
 
"Please -"  
 
Legolas stopped but did not turn around to face Haldir. From his  
stance, Haldir could tell that he was listening.  
 
"Please -" Haldir said again. He paused and Legolas heard him inhale  
sharply, as though trying to gather strength to go on.  
 
Legolas' shoulders sagged in defeat and his anger disappeared like a  
snuffed candle. 'Please' was a word he had never heard from Haldir  
before.  
 
He turned and went back to Haldir. Though he appeared to be addressing  
the forest floor, and spoke in words so soft that Legolas had to strain  
to hear them, Haldir haltingly continued, "I am sorry, do not let what  
we shared be tainted by how we parted."  
 
Legolas sighed, "I will say it but once more, whatever there may have  
been between us is dead."  
 
"Please do not say that, Legolas!" Haldir cried, looking up at him  
desperately, his eyes shining with unshed tears. You have come back to  
me, just as I have hoped. I cannot bear seeing you still angry with me  
after all this time."  
 
"I have not come back to you, Haldir," Legolas said firmly. "If it were  
not for the sake of the Fellowship, I would not have come at all."  
 
Haldir gave him a pained look. "I was wrong, Legolas. I thought I did  
not need you. I have spent five hundred years trying to convince myself  
of this. But when I saw you again, when I heard what you had suffered,  
I realized I could no longer live with this lie. But I do not expect  
you to take me back, I ask nothing of you but your forgiveness."  
 
Legolas looked at the Lady's Captain, and for the first time in five  
hundred years, he believed Haldir was truly sorry for the betrayal that  
had cost them their love and friendship. He looked at Haldir with an  
unexpected, renewed affection, and felt guilt for his earlier  
harshness. He knew such an admission was difficult for one like Haldir.  
 
Haldir now refused to look at him, so Legolas reached out and gently  
tilted up Haldir's face. Beneath his touch, Legolas felt Haldir  
tremble, not with fear, but rather a desire that transmitted itself to  
Legolas through his touch.  
 
"We both made mistakes, Haldir," He said softly.  
 
Legolas dropped his weapons, catching Haldir in a warm embrace, and a  
familiar glow surrounded them. Time became liquid, flowing effortlessly  
from one moment to the next, as Haldir relaxed into his arms; Haldir  
tentatively touched Legolas' cheek, somewhat surprised, yet elated,  
that Legolas did not pull away this time. Legolas simply gazed into  
Haldir's eyes, feeling remorse for having held onto his anger and  
bitterness for so long, and a sudden desire to be with Haldir again,  
the way they used to be, bloomed within him.  
 
They gazed at each other for several moments and a sort of  
understanding passed between them. Their lips met, kisses coming  
hesitantly at first, soft and searching, becoming deeper as their  
mutual passion mounted. It truly had been an age since Legolas and  
Haldir had last been lovers, yet their feelings for each other remained  
evergreen as the pines surrounding the Misty Mountains. Legolas looked  
into his former lover's eyes and Haldir gave him a loving smile.  
 
Legolas gave him an impish grin in return and, consumed with a sudden  
eagerness, tugged open the laces of Haldir's tunic, pulling it over his  
lover's head and exposing his pale, hairless chest to the silver-blue  
moonlight. Resting one hand lightly on Haldir's side, he placed his  
other hand behind the taller Elf's head and pulled him into a deep  
kiss. Haldir playfully sucked at his tongue, and a ripple of excitement  
shivered through Legolas, making him yearn to savor and experience  
every part of Haldir as never before. Legolas broke the kiss abruptly,  
pushing Haldir away slightly as the taller Elf sought more contact.  
Slowing his movements, Legolas moved his head downward, breathing  
deeply Haldir's scent, spring breeze through Mallorn blossoms, as he  
marked a trail of kisses and small nips along the smooth column of his  
lover's neck.  
 
Haldir gave a sighing moan as Legolas licked lightly at his chest,  
responding by urgently pulling loose the lacings of Legolas' tunic,  
trying in his haste to unlace and remove the garment at the same time.  
Legolas chuckled and caught Haldir's hands. He looked into Haldir's  
avid eyes and stepped back, giving him a mischievous smile as, with  
maddening slowness, he slid his tunic up, up, over his navel, his  
nipples, his head, finally allowing the tunic to fall fluidly from his  
fingers as Haldir watched him with pleading eyes.  
 
Legolas took Haldir by the hand and bade him lie down, gliding smoothly  
down beside him. They lay upon a bed of soft, cool ferns under the tree  
where moments before they had fought, and began to unhurriedly explore  
each other with slender fingers. Legolas ran his hands teasingly over  
Haldir's finely muscled torso and hips, rediscovering the feel of his  
former lover, his responses and reactions, as Haldir closed his eyes  
and sighed in pleasure. Yet, as he continued to explore Haldir's body,  
another face came unbidden into Legolas' thoughts: Aragorn. The thought  
fled almost at once, but remained a seed planted in the hidden garden  
of his soul.  
 
By now, the Elves in the treetops above had finished their lament and a  
preternatural stillness filled the forest. There was one, however, who  
found himself surprised by the conflicting emotions he felt in seeing  
Haldir and Legolas together: Aragorn.  
 
He had awoken some time ago to find Legolas gone. Unaccountably  
worried, he had gone searching for him, his ranger skills detecting the  
soft tracks that would have been missed by many others, Elves included.  
He followed them until he heard soft gasps of pleasure, then he moved  
stealthily forward until he discovered his quarry.  
 
The sight of the two Elves, clothes cast aside, bodies entwined in the  
pale forest light, hit Aragorn like a physical blow. Reeling, he  
reached out and groped at the trunk of a nearby tree for support as he  
heard Haldir, wanting, anticipating, his voice a mere whisper, plead  
with his lover.  
 
"Please Legolas, don't make me wait any longer."  
 
A single tear trickled down Aragorn's cheek, as he witnessed Legolas'  
response to his lover's entreaty. Unable to take any more, and  
thoroughly confused by his warring emotions, Aragorn headed back toward  
the camp.  
 
When he arrived, he sat on a rock at the edge of the camp for a time  
and watched his sleeping companions. Gimli's snores were punctuated by  
Merry's sleep-soft mumblings. Boromir slept soundly on his side, his  
sword cradled loosely in his arms. Pippin was on his back, one arm  
flung out, the other over his eyes, and Sam had a corner of Frodo's  
blanket clutched in his small fist, stealing it little by little.  
 
The simple peace that permeated the camp quieted Aragorn's fractured  
thoughts. He chuckled silently to himself as he pried the blanket's  
corner from Sam's hand and tucked it back around Frodo.  
 
Moving away his hand strayed to his neck and he instantly sobered.  
There it was, the Lady Arwen's pledge to him, a necklace made of  
Mithril silver and wrought by the finest elven craftsmen. He loved  
Arwen. She was to be his wife, the mother of his heirs. Their children,  
he had always imagined, would be dark haired, precociously bright and  
equally talented with sword or pen.  
 
But now Gandalf was dead and the mantle of leadership had passed to  
him. It was entirely possible that none of them would survive this  
quest. He knew it was foolish to hope that Legolas shared his feelings,  
but he still felt a stab of jealousy that consumed with grief as they  
all were, Legolas should turn to Haldir to ease his pain. Although, and  
here his thoughts turned very black, the last time he saw Haldir and  
Legolas neither appeared burdened by sorrow.  
 
Aragorn suddenly sensed he was being watched and he whirled around...  
"Legolas?"  
 
He flinched when he saw the Lady Galadriel watching him from the edge  
of camp, her ethereal light dimmed as though in sadness. There was a  
mixture of pity and sorrow in her eyes as she gravely regarded him. In  
that moment, he knew where she had been, what she had seen, and, more  
importantly, what she had heard in his voice when he had called out  
Legolas' name.  
 
Knowing it was useless to attempt to hide anything from her, Aragorn  
levelly met her gaze. She regarded him silently for a moment, and then  
turned away. As he watched her leave, he heard her melodious voice in  
his head.  
 
"That is no bauble you wear around your neck."  
 
Completely taken aback by this, but emotionally drained, Aragorn  
returned to his bedroll. He stretched out on his back and locked his  
hands behind his head, looking at the small stars wink at him from  
between the nodding boughs above. His last thought as he repositioned  
himself more comfortably before sleep overtook him was that, if he  
really loved Arwen, then why was he so disturbed at the sight of  
Legolas and Haldir together?  
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
 
 
Part 3  
 
Aragorn opened his eyes and saw the stars were still shining through  
the branches of the trees. He had no timepiece but his well-honed  
senses told him the night was waxing toward its zenith. He propped  
himself up on one elbow and did a quick survey of the camp and his  
sleeping companions, noting with disappointment that Legolas was still  
not among them. He sat up and listened but the breeze was the only  
thing stirring in the elven glade.  
 
Sighing, Aragorn started to lie back down when he caught a movement out  
of the corner of his eye. Legolas stepped into the camp, casting his  
gaze toward Aragorn even as the ranger turned toward him. Their eyes  
met and there was a pause as Aragorn tried to decide what to say.  
Legolas appeared at a similar loss.  
 
Finally, Aragorn spoke.  
 
"Is all well?" he whispered.  
 
"Yes." Legolas said simply.  
 
Keeping his voice low so as not to awaken the others, Aragorn motioned  
Legolas closer. "I woke earlier and you were gone. I went looking for  
you."  
 
Legolas stiffened. Had Aragorn not seen the Elf's reaction to the  
Balrog in the mines of Moria he would not have recognized the look. It  
was one of fear.  
 
"And what did you find?" he asked, trying, and failing, to keep his  
voice neutral.  
 
"Legolas," Aragorn said gently. "I saw you and Haldir. I know."  
 
"Perhaps what you thought you saw..." Legolas began quickly. He stopped  
and gathered himself. "No, Aragorn, I owe you better. What you saw is  
between Haldir and I, a relationship older than the lives of Men. I do  
not expect you to understand."  
 
Aragorn smiled at this. "There is no need for you to explain, Legolas.  
I have seen much in my wanderings." He grew serious. "We have all  
suffered a great loss, I do not blame you for seeking comfort from your  
own kind."  
 
Legolas knelt next to Aragorn so now they were eye to eye, giving him a  
curiously affectionate look. He reached out tentatively and, receiving  
no rebuff, brushed a strand of Aragorn's tousled hair back from his  
face.  
 
"Haldir cannot ease what troubles my heart."  
 
Aragorn stroked the back of Legolas' hand as it lingered on his face.  
He took the Elf's hand gently in his own and pressed a kiss into his  
palm. The two exchanged looks, gazing at each other with a searching  
intensity that made the air crackle with an unspoken, inquisitive  
desire.  
 
Legolas leaned in and placed his lips experimentally upon Aragorn's.  
The ranger's grey-blue eyes widened in momentary surprise, then slid  
softly closed as he allowed himself to savor the tender moment.  
 
The two deepened their explorations, their tongues testing and tasting  
as they sounded the depths of their newly discovered feelings. For  
several long moments, Aragorn reveled in the bliss of fantasy made  
flesh, and then Legolas moved a hand to his chest, inadvertently  
nudging at the necklace Arwen had given him.  
 
Aragorn broke the kiss abruptly, his hand flying protectively to  
Arwen's token.  
 
"Legolas, this cannot be. I am pledged to the Evenstar and in her light  
I must abide until we are reunited, or until I fall."  
 
"I understand this Aragorn," Legolas said softly. "I do not ask you to  
break your pledge, but Elves have a great many years, Man but a few. I  
ask only for a moment within our spans, a memory to sustain me for the  
thousands of years I sacrifice to your honor and her grace."  
 
Aragorn felt renewed yearning course through him at Legolas' words. "I  
too desire this moment. I will give you this night, Legolas, if you  
swear to ask me for no other. Our task ahead is great and our victory  
far from assured."  
 
"I make you a covenant," Legolas said, tears shining in his luminous  
eyes. "One night to me and the rest of your span to the Evenstar who  
has claimed your heart."  
 
"Let us move a little away from the camp, my friend. It would not do  
for the others to know of our bond, however fleeting."  
 
Legolas nodded and rose. Aragorn slipped off the necklace Arwen had  
given him and, kissing it reverently, he wrapped it in a cloth, and  
placed it in his bedroll. He then rose to join Legolas and the two  
moved a safe distance into the forest. The Elf and ranger swiftly  
stripped themselves to the waist and removed their boots. When the time  
came to divest themselves of their lower garments, Aragorn hesitated  
and Legolas looked at him doubtfully.  
 
"You have changed your mind?" he asked, disappointment clouding his  
fair features.  
 
"No, Aragorn smiled sheepishly, "it is just that I have never done this  
before. Not with another Elf, and not with another male. I find myself  
at a loss as to how to proceed.  
 
Legolas smiled broadly and closed the small gap between the two of  
them. He kissed Aragorn fully, letting his hand trail slowly through  
the hair surrounding Aragorn's nipples. The ranger gave a small gasp  
and returned the kiss with gusto, stroking the remarkably smooth skin  
of Legolas' finely sculpted pectorals.  
 
The ranger marveled at the strangely erotic sensation of the warm, hard  
body beneath his fingertips, so like his own yet so different. The  
gentleness of Legolas' touch contrasted with the small calluses worn  
through hundreds of years of wielding bow and knife. 'These are the  
fingers with which he draws his deadly arrows,' Aragorn thought, 'yet  
so lovingly do they caress my skin.'  
 
Aragorn's arousal grew as he exchanged kisses and small bites, with  
Legolas. They took turns trying the other's reactions to lips and  
tongue upon sensitive parts of chest and belly. Legolas grew bolder and  
slipped his hand into Aragorn's leggings, caressing his turgid length  
with a firm, insistent grip. Aragorn gave a strangled moan and  
desperately pulled Legolas' hand away.  
 
"Not yet," he gasped.  
 
"No," Legolas agreed, though by now he too was nearly mad with desire,  
"not yet."  
 
Quickly Legolas stepped back and removed his leggings, freeing his  
erect penis for his lover's inspection, and Aragorn went lightheaded at  
the magnificent sight before him. He hurriedly scrambled out of his own  
quite-uncomfortably-tight leggings, displaying his tumescence to  
Legolas' hungry gaze.  
 
They lay down, facing each other, and began to touch again, pressing  
themselves together in a full-body embrace. Aragorn put a hand on the  
Elf's firm buttocks, pulling him closer as he feasted on his partner's  
silk-smooth neck. Legolas responded by whimpering his pleasure as his  
hands slid over Aragorn's back, his fingers flexing, kneading the  
ranger's sturdy muscles.  
 
As if responding to an unspoken agreement, they reached for each other  
at the same moment, hands urging hard, wet members toward an explosive  
climax, breath coming in short, panting gasps. Aragorn felt himself  
losing the battle for restraint, as the tried desperately to sustain  
the ecstatic pleasure mounting within him. Closer, closer, he knew the  
moment was inevitably close and he sped up his movements upon the Elf,  
trying to synchronize the moment of release.  
 
"Aragorn," Legolas panted urgently. "Aragorn!"  
 
"Aragorn?"  
 
With a cry of surprise and indignation, Aragorn awoke to find himself  
alone in his bedroll, with Frodo, a look of concern upon his face,  
kneeling beside him.  
 
"Are you okay?"  
 
"What do you mean, creeping up on me, Frodo?" Aragorn snapped. "I could  
have hurt you!" He was nearly shouting now and Frodo shrank back  
fearfully. Aragorn felt a stab of guilt at the wounded look on the  
little Hobbit's face.  
 
Aragorn raised a badly shaking hand to his face and pushed the hair out  
of his eyes. He wasn't sure which was worse, his initial realization  
that he had been dreaming, or the look of sympathetic understanding  
which now became apparent on Frodo's face.  
 
"Forgive me, Frodo, I was having a nightmare," he said quietly.  
 
Gently Frodo replied, "I know, you cried out in your sleep."  
 
Sudden realization struck Aragorn, Frodo knew about his dream. Fearing  
he had called out Legolas' name, but afraid to ask Frodo for  
confirmation, he looked at him unhappily and dropped his gaze.  
 
Frodo felt the confused swirling of emotions that surrounded Aragorn at  
this moment. Unfortunately, the ring was quite adept at taking such  
emotions and magnifying them to the point where Frodo felt nauseous  
from the intensity of them. The lost and defeated look upon Aragorn's  
face was disheartening, and it saddened Frodo to see someone he  
genuinely liked so distressed.  
 
He felt moved to comfort the ranger with a touch, but knew the effect  
would be harmful. He realized his unnatural alliance with the ring  
would serve only to plunge Aragorn once again into the emotional  
maelstrom of his abrupt awakening. Such emotions were more than Frodo  
felt himself ready to bear, so he instead offered Aragorn a reassuring  
smile.  
 
"Breakfast is almost ready."  
 
Briefly cheered, Aragorn smiled at Frodo, "Let me go wash up, and then  
I will be over."  
 
Standing, Aragorn scanned the camp. Legolas still had not returned.  
Masking his disappointment with a yawn, he stretched, twisting this way  
and that to trying to work the kinks out of his back. Finally, he  
turned and headed to a nearby pool.  
 
Grateful for the cold, clear water, Aragorn splashed his face several  
times before cupping his hand and drinking deeply, the cool water  
soothing his dry throat. He dipped his kerchief into the pool and,  
looking around to make sure he was not being watched, took down his  
leggings and wiped away the residue of his all-too-vivid dream. Angry  
with himself, embarrassed that Frodo knew of his dream, and frustrated  
at being awoken at such an inopportune moment, he stood and readjusted  
himself so that everything was back where it should be. He then went to  
join the others for breakfast.  
 
Arriving back at camp, he found quite the cozy scene; Sam was crouched  
at the fire, while Merry and Pippin bustled about, following the cook's  
orders. The smell of bacon floated back to Aragorn and suddenly he was  
reminded that it had been days beyond counting since his last truly  
proper meal. The smell was so good that all other thoughts were  
completely driven from his mind save those of eating, and soon at that.  
Quickly Aragorn walked up and accepted his plate from Merry. A few  
moments later, the food was ready and they all fell to eating. For a  
bit there was no other sound save that of spoons scraping plates.  
 
After he had finished his second helping, Merry looked over at Aragorn.  
 
"What's going to happen to us now?"  
 
Aragorn set his plate down, and reached for the mug of coffee Sam  
offered him. He took a sip before he thoughtfully answered, "I don't  
know."  
 
Seeing the rather stricken looks on the faces of the Hobbits, Aragorn  
forced himself to smile reassuringly, "I am not sure even Gandalf had a  
plan other than reaching the borders of Lothlórien. I would imagine he  
had planned on talking our next course of action through with Lord  
Celeborn."  
 
Privately he felt quite certain that Lord Celeborn could do little more  
than offer theories, but Aragorn said these words with more conviction  
than he felt and his words seemed to have the desired effect. Tension  
around the fire eased up noticeably.  
 
He took another sip of coffee, and then continued. "I will talk to Lord  
Celeborn, these borders are well protected and we have some days yet  
before we must continue on with our journey."  
 
Aragorn looked over at Frodo. The Hobbit's face was thin and pinched,  
and the ranger could see there was a burden heavier than the ring  
weighing on him. Aragorn's heart went out to Frodo. He respected all  
the Hobbits, but in Frodo, he found a rare, admirable courage. At that  
moment, Aragorn renewed his resolve that, no matter what it took, even  
to the point of his own death, and all his divided feelings aside, he  
would do whatever necessary to help Frodo successfully complete his  
task.  
 
As if sensing his thoughts, Frodo looked over to Aragorn and managed a  
faint smile. And for a moment, in that small part of Middle Earth, all  
was well.  
 
As they all pitched in to tidy up from breakfast Gimli turned to  
Aragorn. "Where's Legolas?"  
 
It was an innocent enough question but it was one Aragorn had been  
turning over in his own head, within a completely different context. A  
variety of emotions colored his voice when he replied, "I am not his  
keeper."  
 
Perhaps Gimli was not the smartest of his race, but he was shrewd with  
years of experience, Frodo had not been the only one to notice the  
changing relationship between Aragorn and Legolas, and Aragorn's tone  
had confirmed what Gimli had already begun to suspect. Gimli turned and  
stumped away, muttering under his breath in Dwarvish.  
 
Aragorn stared after him, perplexed. His mastery of Dwarvish was  
incomplete but, if he had understood Gimli correctly, what he had  
suggested was a physical impossibility. He shook his head thoughtfully,  
Lothlórien might be a safe place, but it was turning out to be an  
uncomfortable one.  
 
By this time, the morning meal was all cleaned up and Boromir was on  
one knee talking earnestly to Merry and Pippin. It seemed they wanted  
Boromir to continue their sword fighting lessons. When their plans were  
finalized, Boromir stood up and called over to Sam and Frodo, "We are  
going to look for a larger clearing to practice some swordplay, would  
you like to join us?"  
 
Frodo immediately shook his head no, but Sam wavered between joining  
his friends and spending some quiet time with Frodo. From the look on  
Frodo's face, it was obvious even to Sam that he needed some time  
alone. So, reluctantly, Sam trotted off behind Boromir, Gimli, Merry,  
and Pippin as they went in search of a suitable place to practice.  
 
Their footfalls had not died away before, once again, Aragorn found  
himself completely overwhelmed by the previous night's sojourn. Behind  
him, he heard Frodo rooting around in his pack. The search must have  
been a success, for with a small cry of triumph, Frodo stood up holding  
a pipe in one hand, and a small pouch of tobacco in the other. Aragorn  
turned around as Frodo looked over at him and smiled.  
 
"I can always count on Sam."  
 
Replying more intuitively than he realized, Aragorn kindly replied, "We  
should all be so fortunate to have a friend like Sam."  
 
Frodo's smile faded as he gazed down at the pipe in his hand, Aragorn?"  
 
Sensing that Frodo was deeply bothered by something, Aragorn knelt down  
so he and Frodo were at eye level. Looking at Frodo, Aragorn was  
reminded of deep ocean currents, a calm surface that overlaid a great  
depth of courage and character.  
 
Finally, Aragorn prompted, "Yes?"  
 
A small frown of worry creased Frodo's face, "If something should  
happen to me, you will see that Sam is taken care of won't you?"  
 
Frodo's attitude, that of one doomed, took Aragorn aback.  
 
Aragorn went to place a hand on Frodo's shoulder, "Oh Frodo -"  
 
Quickly Frodo stepped back, "Don't touch me," he cried. "I can feel the  
weight of it -- if the ring has its way we will all perish. In dreams  
so numerous they defy counting I have seen your bodies, dead upon a  
battlefield. It scares me so..."  
 
His voice trailed off.  
 
He gave Aragorn a haunted look. "Sometimes I can hear the thoughts of  
others in my head."  
 
Aragorn, completely unprepared for this non sequitur, looked at Frodo  
gravely, mentally willing him to continue, but Frodo refused to  
elaborate. Instead, he sighed and turned away, heading toward a low-  
lying crook of a tree limb he had spied earlier. It looked to be just  
the right size for a Hobbit to curl up and do some serious thinking.  
 
Watching as Frodo moved away, Aragorn considered the last thing that  
Frodo had said, 'sometimes I hear the thoughts of others in my head'.  
Why had Frodo chosen that moment to make such a revelation? Aragorn  
felt quite certain that the remark was directed at him, and that it had  
a far deeper implication than Frodo's awareness of his dream.  
 
Who else's thoughts had Frodo detected? Boromir, Gimli - Legolas?  
Aragorn understood that Frodo needed time and space to sort these  
things through in his own mind, but still he hesitated, weighing his  
options. He could go over and question Frodo until he got some sort of  
answer, but he feared it would serve only to upset the already fragile  
ringbearer. He decided it would be best to wait, for now anyway.  
Aragorn turned and removed himself a respectful distance away.  
 
Wearily, Aragorn sat down at the base of a tree, with his back against  
the trunk. It had not been an easy night. Had Lady Galadriel offered  
him a full night of sleep with no dreams to disturb it, Aragorn might  
have really found himself tempted to lay aside the quest. But as it  
was, her offer to him of a future where he, Arwen, and Legolas  
coexisted timelessly together left him deeply in doubt and more  
confused than ever before.  
 
That he loved Arwen was never in question, but it had troubled him  
greatly that in his dream he had removed her token for a chance to have  
one night with Legolas. Even though it was just a dream, what kind of  
man did that make him? Was he no better than those who sought the  
spurious comfort of tavern wenches? Only twice had he sought such women  
out, more to alleviate the brutal loneliness of his life than the  
sexual succor they offered. However, since he had pledged himself to  
Arwen, there had been no one else. Aragorn felt as one cast adrift, who  
finds himself on the strange shore of an unfamiliar land.  
 
Time passed as Aragorn's thoughts chased each other in circles. One  
question led to another, but no answers made themselves available. He  
wanted Arwen; his love for her was stronger than life, stronger than  
immortality. He was bound to her with invisible ties, soft as the gowns  
she often wore, but stronger than the metal from which Anduril had been  
reforged.  
 
The many days spent with too little rest began to catch up to him and  
slowly Aragorn's head began to droop, until finally he nodded off to  
sleep, arms loose at his sides his chin resting on his chest.  
 
Again, he began to dream. He saw, one by one, every person he loved  
turn away from him, Arwen, crying upon her father's shoulder, drawing  
her comfort from his strength, the sounds of her sobs changed into the  
mingled sighs of Legolas and Haldir, as Legolas sought comfort of a  
different kind. Their cries of satisfaction blended into that of the  
high-pitched call of a lone eagle soaring overhead. Now he stood upon a  
towering mountaintop, looking out over a desolate landscape, alone.  
 
With a start, Aragorn awoke.  
 
"Help, help -"  
 
Aragorn sprang up, 'Frodo'.  
 
He ran back into camp to see Frodo lying on the ground and Legolas  
bending over him. Without a second thought, Aragorn dashed across the  
camp, barreling full tilt into Legolas and bowling him over.  
 
Legolas was stunned by the sudden, unexpected attack and had no time to  
react. His teeth slammed together and the breath was knocked out of him  
as he took two stagger-steps backward and fell to the ground with  
Aragorn on top of him.  
 
His confrontation with Haldir had taken a surprising emotional toll on  
Legolas, one from which he had not fully recovered. Their frenzied  
first coupling had given way to a second round of gentle lovemaking,  
rekindling old feelings and mellowing hurtful memories. With thoughts  
of Haldir still pleasantly on his mind, he had wandered into camp and  
found Frodo lying on the ground, having fallen from his perch. Just as  
he was stooping to help the Hobbit up, he was thrown to the ground  
himself.  
 
He sprang to his feet, confused and more than a little angry, to find a  
livid Aragorn checking Frodo over for injuries.  
 
For the first time in his long life, Legolas faced a foe he did not  
understand.  
 
"Aragorn?"  
 
Aragorn rounded on Legolas, "What were you doing?"  
 
Surprised by the vehement accusation, Legolas stammered, "Frodo - he  
fell - I was trying to -"  
 
"Take the ring?" Aragorn finished angrily.  
 
Legolas could not believe this claim, coming from a man he trusted and  
admired. What was wrong with Aragorn? He had thought the Man perhaps  
had fond feelings for him. Now, it seemed, Aragorn thought him, at  
best, a victim of the ring, at worst, a thief. He grew angry in his  
turn at the ranger's implication.  
 
"It is Men who cannot control their desires, not Elves," Legolas  
retorted hotly.  
 
"Some Elves cannot even control their lesser urges, let alone the  
influence of the One Ring," Aragorn shot back.  
 
Legolas stared at Aragorn, aghast. "You would accuse me of knavery, yet  
you are no better than a spy."  
 
Miserably Frodo stood between Aragorn and Legolas as the bitter  
argument continued. He tried to interrupt, to explain to Aragorn that  
Legolas had not tried to harm him, but the look on Aragorn's face made  
all reasonable words die in his throat.  
 
'It's the ring,' he thought despairingly, 'even the peace of Lothlórien  
cannot contain it's evil'.  
 
He had fallen asleep in the comfortable spot where he had chosen to  
think, and had begun to dream that he and the Fellowship were in the  
mines of Moria, wandering through the dark emptiness of an ancient  
tunnel. Frodo trailed behind the others, looking about nervously, when  
he saw something shine from one wall, then disappear. He looked for his  
companions, only to find they were far ahead and he was alone. Drawing  
Sting, he noted the blade was dull, not blue as when Orcs were close.  
He cautiously drew near the dark wall; when he heard a foul, raspy  
voice, 'Give me back my precious.'  
 
A wave of fear and disgust hit him and he thrust Sting into the  
darkness below the two gleaming, feral eyes. With a shriek, a pathetic,  
shrunken creature fell at his feet. A sudden wild sense of power and  
triumph seized him and the ring began to emanate a blinding golden  
light. He saw Gandalf, racing toward him, crying out, 'Frodo, what have  
you done?' and a chasm opened at the Wizard's feet. A wall of flame and  
smoke leapt from the rocky cleft swallowing Gandalf. A deep, loud  
rumbling began, and stone and dust rained down on Frodo as the walls  
heaved and shook apart. The floor beneath him split, and he pitched  
forward, falling into an abyss, the ring a weight of lead around his  
neck, pulling him down toward a huge eye wreathed in flame.  
 
He had awoken with a start, crying out for help before he was fully  
conscious. He had not even been aware Legolas was there until Aragorn's  
unfortunate arrival. All these thoughts went through his head and Frodo  
was devastated, the demoralized feeling he had felt since Gandalf's  
death swept over him like a sudden, cold flood. He felt like a twig in  
the tide, caught up by events beyond his understanding and control.  
 
The argument between Aragorn and Legolas was becoming ever more heated,  
their voices rising loud enough to be heard at a distance. So loud, in  
fact, that it brought the others racing to the clearing. Boromir, his  
sword drawn and ready was in the lead, followed closely behind by Gimli  
and the Hobbits.  
 
Boromir was a warrior and a man long accustomed to battle, yet he was  
halted by the startling sight of the tall Man and taller Elf shouting  
in Elvish over the head of the distraught little Hobbit. He stood  
frozen, slowly letting his sword arm fall, wondering what to do next,  
when Sam solved the problem by rushing forward and pulling Frodo away  
from the two opponents.  
 
"Here now," he said, shaking a finger at them both "You ought not be  
talking this way, and right on top of Mister Frodo, no less."  
 
Aragorn was stopped cold. He immediately felt ashamed of his behavior.  
He had let his emotions get the better of him, bad form for one who had  
always prided himself on facing any situation with a clear and rational  
head. He looked ruefully down at Frodo.  
 
Sam looked Frodo up and down. "They didn't hurt you none, did they  
Mister Frodo?"  
 
"No Sam, I'm fine." Noting the look of disbelief on Sam's face, Frodo  
reassuringly went on, "Truly."  
 
Now that the ring no longer amplified the anger between Legolas and  
Aragorn, Frodo's thoughts began to clear and he spoke with great  
conviction as he looked sadly at both Aragorn and Legolas. "This has  
nothing to do with me."  
 
By now, everyone was watching the scene with interest as Legolas and  
Aragorn, both clearly embarrassed, cast their eyes down. Mentally  
Aragorn sighed. Frodo was right; their quarrel had nothing to do with  
him. It was the jealousy he had felt at seeing Legolas and Haldir  
together that was causing these problems. Still disturbed by his dream,  
he was taking out his frustration on Legolas when what he really wanted  
was to declare himself to his friend, and damn the consequences.  
 
Once again, Aragorn touched the necklace he wore, a symbol for all to  
see of Arwen's love. The look on his face was thoughtful, faraway.  
Legolas saw the gesture and his heart sank. He did not know exactly how  
much of his tryst with Haldir Aragorn had witnessed, but it was  
apparent to him that Aragorn had taken it badly, and Legolas knew why.  
Aragorn obviously thought him weak for seeking out lustful pleasure  
when the quest had taken such a dire turn.  
 
He strengthened his resolve to keep his feelings for Aragorn to  
himself. It might even destroy the Fellowship if Aragorn were to  
discover his desire, a desire that, perhaps, was only the result of his  
proximity to the ring. No one knew just how it might ensnare a being to  
its evil will, and no one, not even an Elf, was impervious to its  
effects.  
 
Without another word, he turned, and in a half-dozen strides was across  
the camp and out of sight, disappearing silently into the foliage.  
 
Helplessly Aragorn watched him leave before he turned and looked at his  
companions.  
 
"I am sorry, Frodo," he said. He looked at the rest of the silent  
Fellowship. "And I ask your forgiveness also my friends. My actions  
were rash and will not be repeated." He paused, and when no reply was  
forthcoming from the remaining members of the stunned Fellowship, he  
took his leave as well.  
 
When Aragorn had gone, Sam looked at Frodo and raised his eyebrows  
questioningly. Mystified, Merry and Pippin looked at each other,  
shrugged in unison, then looked to Frodo as well.  
 
Slowly Boromir sheathed his sword, "Frodo, what was that all about?"  
 
Before Frodo could reply. Gimli, who had thought he was beginning to  
understand Legolas at last, gave a small harrumph and shook his head.  
"Who can tell with an Elf? Head in the clouds, talking to trees, bah!"  
 
Frodo sighed and spoke, as though musing to himself, "It is the  
feelings we hide from ourselves which cause us the greatest pain, love  
most of all."  
 
He turned and without a backward look walked away, leaving the others  
to ponder his cryptic remark. One by one, they began to put together  
the small things they had noticed in Aragorn and Legolas' behavior  
since the Council of Elrond. The passion with which Legolas had  
defended Aragorn to Boromir at the Council, the way they conversed and  
their body language when they spoke together and thought the others  
were not watching.  
 
Understanding dawned upon their faces then, except for Pippin who  
looked as confused as ever. He turned to Merry. "Is he talking about  
Aragorn and Legolas, then? What does he mean?"  
 
Shaking his head in disbelief, Merry took Pippin by the arm and led him  
a little away from the others. He stopped and, cupping his hand to his  
mouth, whispered urgently into Pippin's ear. The young Hobbit's eyes  
grew wide with understanding and he turned bright red. "Oh, ahem, I  
see," he said in a small voice.  
 
Laughing at the look on Pippin's face, Sam ran off to catch up with  
Frodo as Boromir smiled broadly and clapped Gimli on the shoulder. "As  
you say, Master Dwarf, who can tell with Elves?"  
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
 
 
Part 4  
 
Haldir wandered restlessly through his home in the upper branches of a  
sturdy Mallorn tree taking care of small chores. Knowing he would be  
patrolling the borders again tonight, Haldir picked up his arrows,  
examining them for damage. The shafts all looked fine, but two of them  
needed new flights. As he fletched one of the tattered arrows, Haldir  
considered his earlier unpleasantness with Legolas. He had not realized  
how much he had missed Legolas until that moment when the Fellowship  
had noisily entered the outskirts of Lothlórien and he had seen Legolas  
standing tall and fair among the others. He regretted goading Legolas  
into a fight and tried to understand what had made him act so harshly  
toward his former lover. It had hurt, Legolas' coolness toward him, and  
abrupt dismissal when they had met in the wood. But in all fairness,  
Legolas was completely within his right to do as he did. Haldir was  
just surprised to find that within the sting of rejection from Legolas  
he had found the courage to finally speak the truth.  
 
It was of a certainty that time had changed much with Legolas. The  
restless youth he had been was gone, replaced by the maturity of one  
whose knowledge of life had been tempered by losses both large and  
small. Haldir shook his head and sighed. No, Legolas was no longer his  
to command, his to take when he felt the need, or to spurn when his  
need was filled.  
 
All his tasks now completed, Haldir made a mug of tea and sat down in  
his favorite chair, by a window that overlooked the nearby treetops.  
The tea relaxed him somewhat, and his thoughts drifted as bittersweet  
memories of Legolas and himself began to surface: the gentle rain of  
their leisurely walks and easy conversations, the deluge of their  
ardent physical bonding, the raging storm of their acrimonious parting,  
all returned to him, leaving him feeling both buoyant and strangely  
empty. He had wanted to invite Legolas to come home with him, but did  
not have the courage to ask. Their relationship as it had once been was  
over but, perhaps, once this quest was completed, the two of them could  
come to an understanding, maybe even find a way to distance themselves  
from the past and create something new.  
 
But first Legolas needed time to work out his feelings for Aragorn.  
When Haldir had heard Galadriel's voice inside his head, he had known  
immediately whom Legolas' heart was seeking. The handsome ranger,  
raised among Elves, familiar with their ways, would be an obvious  
choice for one like Legolas, one who had at one time had been easily  
impressed by a show of leadership and authority. Not that he had been  
above exploiting the younger Elf's weakness in that area, Haldir mused,  
a sardonic smile playing upon his lips.  
 
However, Legolas could have no chance with Aragorn, pledged as he was  
to Arwen. But Haldir knew he could not make Legolas see this without  
jeopardizing their newly rekindled friendship.  
 
Twilight had begun to settle over the treetops, when Haldir's reverie  
was interrupted by a knock at the door. Frowning to himself at the  
intrusion, Haldir set his mug down and went to answer. He opened the  
door, and though no emotion crossed his face, inwardly he was surprised  
to see Legolas standing before him.  
 
They silently regarded each other for a moment, then Haldir's delight  
turned to concern as he saw the haunted look on Legolas' face. Minutely  
Legolas swayed, and Haldir's concern turned to worry. Quickly he  
stepped outside, catching Legolas about the waist and helping him in.  
Shutting the door behind them with one foot, he then gently steered  
Legolas to a nearby, low-slung divan. Legolas offered no words of  
explanation as he slowly sank down onto the seat, and Haldir did not  
ask. However, the fact that Legolas had come to him, uninvited, spoke  
volumes to Haldir.  
 
Dispiritedly, Legolas studied the floor in front of him noting the  
familiar cracks and scrapes that had been there for a millennia or  
better. He felt emotionally drained. The four-day trek through the  
mines of Moria, Gandalf's death, his physically and emotionally charged  
reunion with Haldir, and then to be blindsided by Aragorn's rejection,  
well, it would dishearten anyone.  
 
Haldir looked thoughtfully down at the top of Legolas' bowed head. He  
and Legolas had known one another for a long time, and he surmised,  
just as Legolas probably knew he would to some degree, what was wrong.  
Silently he turned away, going over to his small kitchen area, and  
preparing a tea drink that had always been a favorite of Legolas.  
 
Odd, but then not really he supposed, how after all these years he  
still seemed to have the necessary ingredients on hand. He took the  
warm mug to Legolas, pressed it into his hand, and then sat down beside  
him. Shoulder to shoulder they sat together as the silence lengthened  
like the evening shadows that spread over Haldir's house. Even through  
the fabric of their clothing, Legolas could feel Haldir's comforting  
warmth as it spread throughout his body, aiding the calming effect that  
the tea had begun. It was Haldir's way of telling him he wasn't alone,  
and for Legolas it was enough.  
 
Still no words passed between them (though by now none were needed) as  
Legolas finished the last of his tea. Taking the mug and setting it  
aside, Haldir stood and looked down at Legolas, who was now leaning  
forward, elbows on his knees, head down. He held out his hand and  
Legolas looked up at him. The redness of the Elf's eyes contrasted with  
his pale skin, giving him a look of wounded innocence that made him  
appear sadly vulnerable, and Haldir's heart swelled with sudden  
emotion. Legolas took his hand and Haldir clasped it comfortingly. The  
younger Elf managed a wan smile and returned the pressure as he stood  
unsteadily.  
 
Haldir led him quietly by the hand down a small hallway to his bedroom.  
When Legolas sat down on the edge of the bed he stiffened almost  
imperceptibly. But it was enough and Haldir knew he remembered the very  
last time the two of them had been in this room together.  
 
Turning to go, for there was nothing he could do to erase the past from  
Legolas' thoughts, Haldir paused in the doorway. He watched as Legolas  
made an attempt at taking off his boots, but even this simple act was  
beyond him. He looked helplessly at Haldir and Haldir's heart was  
pierced by the look of frustrated futility that Legolas gave him.  
Silently, he walked over and knelt before Legolas, as a supplicant  
seeking forgiveness. Easing Legolas' boots off he placed them next to  
the bed as the weary Elf lay down and stared sightlessly at the  
ceiling. Haldir regarded him a moment more, then turned and left the  
room, closing the door softly behind him.  
 
Lying alone in the room that brought back so many memories, Legolas  
found he was unable to give himself over to the healing dream state of  
his kind.  
 
Emotions cascaded one upon the other so quickly, he found himself quite  
at a loss. He felt foolish for having misjudged Aragorn's actions so  
completely. He thought of Aragorn watching Haldir and himself together  
and shivered miserably. He was angry also, but it was an impotent  
anger, one that smoldered pathetically instead of flaring hot. It was,  
of course, none of Aragorn's business what went on between Haldir and  
himself. He owed the ranger his allegiance, and the members of the  
Fellowship his skill and perseverance, but to no one did he owe  
explanations or excuses for his private actions.  
 
Legolas searched deep within himself for answers, but there were no  
true answers to be found, not then, and certainly not now. All he knew  
was, at this moment, he hurt. Oh, how he hurt.  
 
This was his last thought before the dream state he so desperately  
craved washed over him, and there, within the comforting arms of  
forgetfulness, he found his rest.  
 
 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
Part 5  
 
The days flowed on, and the Fellowship's stay in Lothlórien passed into  
a routine of sorts, with all save Legolas breaking fast together in  
their encampment. Then Aragorn, Boromir, and Gimli would seek out Lord  
Celeborn, and the Hobbits would pass the time as they wished.  
 
Aragorn, Boromir, Gimli, and Lord Celeborn spent many long hours going  
over maps. Big maps, small maps, fragments of maps, letters, notes, and  
everything in between. All of it had been brought from the archives,  
even those things that had been old in the time of Beren and Luthien.  
 
Together the four of them discussed one route after the other, seeking  
one that would allow them the greatest chance of slipping unnoticed  
through the web of Mordor. To Aragorn it was also essential that their  
path detour them around Isengard without bringing them too close to  
Gondor. Boromir, of course, felt the closer they came to Gondor, the  
safer they all would be. Even Haldir had been called forth to give his  
opinion and, though deferential to Lord Celeborn, Gimli, and Boromir,  
he was coolly reserved toward Aragorn - which rankled the ranger to no  
end, though outwardly he gave no sign that he noticed. But Haldir's  
input proved no more helpful than any rendered thus far in that, he  
too, could offer only speculation.  
 
Finally, by the end of their first week in Lothlórien, and after much,  
often heated, debate, two likely routes were decided upon. Though  
privately convinced that both were by now probably under watch by spies  
of the enemy, Aragorn did not demur when Lord Celeborn sent out scouts  
to reconnoiter each way.  
 
Certain that Aragorn would lead them safely on, the Hobbits contented  
themselves with small explorations of the city and quiet smokes under  
the big trees.  
 
At first, Merry and Pippin diligently practiced their swordplay, but as  
the days slipped by, and without Boromir's guidance and discipline,  
they soon found their attention turning to the planning of their daily  
meals and their rations for the journey ahead. Pippin, for his part,  
had become such a fixture in the kitchens, the Elves had teasingly  
nicknamed him "nov kumba" (hollow belly).  
 
They all had briefly discussed the situation that had developed between  
Aragorn and Legolas, but Frodo offered no further comment, and the  
others tired of the subject rather quickly, chalking it up to the  
mysterious ways of Men and Elves.  
 
While Frodo spent many hours reading such selections from the libraries  
as he was able to make sense of, his knowledge of Elvish being somewhat  
thin, Sam spent some time alone, admiring the local flora and learning  
about the types of trees and other plants that grew in Lothlórien.  
Frodo and Sam also had long conversations about nothing in particular,  
which was just the balm they needed as a respite from their uncertainty  
and sorrow.  
 
Of Legolas, little was seen. He would only enter the camp when Aragorn  
was sure to be away, but he did not remain long, and spoke only briefly  
with the Hobbits. Though Legolas and Aragorn tried to avoid each other,  
they had met in passing a few times. Neither could look the other in  
the eye, and only superficial pleasantries were exchanged.  
 
The argument with Aragorn, and Gandalf's fall, continued to weigh upon  
Legolas, but these things were offset by his unexpected, renewed  
friendship with Haldir. Surprisingly, Haldir had proved sympathetic to  
his plight, and had treated him with an unusual respect and deference  
since their interlude in the wood. Legolas knew from Haldir's conduct  
that the older Elf now saw him as an equal, and realized this was what  
he had missed in their previous relationship.  
 
It bothered him greatly to think that the easy give-and-take banter  
between Aragorn and himself was gone. He knew he could rely on Aragorn,  
trust the Man with his life, in spite of any differences they had. What  
he did not know was whether the ranger could ever feel the same way  
about him. If Aragorn truly thought the ring was influencing him,  
causing him to do things against his better nature, then how could they  
have the trust and camaraderie needed to journey and fight together as  
fellows?  
 
Legolas also knew he wanted more from Aragorn than his trust, he would  
also have his love, and this complicated the situation beyond the  
boundaries of his experience. Despite having forgiven Haldir, despite  
having received comfort and empathy from his friend, he could never  
feel about him as he did about Aragorn.  
 
Yet, he would not entice Aragorn to break his pledge to the fair Arwen,  
and he knew he could not remain with Haldir. His view of the world had  
changed since volunteering for this task. He no longer saw things as  
clearly delineated as before. But one thing remained certain to him, if  
he survived this quest, he would never again be content to roam the  
forests of his father's realm, eschewing the communities of Man, Dwarf,  
and Hobbit. There was too much he needed to understand.  
 
Even in a land such as Lothlórien, time must pass. Though graced by the  
immortal Elves who claimed this lovely place and made it their own, the  
land itself, and as an extension thereof, the grass, the trees, even  
the Elves, felt the pull of time going by. But none felt the passage of  
time more acutely than Aragorn.  
 
He was walking back to camp late one evening after another endless, and  
increasingly pointless, round of discussions with Lord Celeborn. It was  
as he suspected, Lord Celeborn could offer no new insight into what  
plan, if any, Gandalf might have had. For the first time that he could  
recall, he was frustrated and impatient. And there was no peace in  
Aragorn's heart. The scouts had still not returned from their forays  
into Ithilien, and what was even worse was that, deep within his own  
heart, Aragorn was beginning to feel certain that the quest could only  
be successfully completed if the remaining members of the Fellowship  
split up.  
 
Though he recognized the value and strength of each member, it would  
still be easier for three to move safely about than eight. If the  
unpleasantness with Legolas had not surfaced, he would have sent  
Boromir and Gimli on with the Hobbits and taken Frodo and Legolas with  
him, but now, and here Aragorn's thoughts drifted uneasily, there was a  
chasm of misunderstanding between himself and Legolas. One not so  
easily crossed with rope.  
 
Deep in thought with these concerns, and more, Aragorn was startled to  
suddenly find the Lady Galadriel walking along beside him. So silently  
had she appeared, he was at a momentary loss as to what to say or do.  
 
Smiling gently at him, she softly spoke in Elvish, "Walk with me,  
Aragorn."  
 
Replying in the same tongue, he gave a quick bow, "I am yours to  
command my Lady." And he offered his arm to her.  
 
He had always been noble - this son of Arathorn, and Galadriel could  
see the regal king he would someday be hidden below his scruffy  
surface.  
 
"You are troubled." It was not a question.  
 
"Mmm," Aragorn hesitated, he knew there could be no secrets hidden from  
Galadriel. He imagined it could be quite noisy in her mind with the  
clamor of unchecked thoughts. But Galadriel had sought him out for a  
reason, and it would serve no purpose to deny her wisdom for the sake  
of his pride.  
 
Galadriel smiled, Aragorn could say a great deal without opening his  
mouth. He would wear the crown well one day.  
 
Pensively he finally replied, "Gandalf's death has changed everything."  
 
Galadriel offered no response to this. Instead, she gave Aragorn's arm  
a small squeeze indicating that he should continue.  
 
"This quest, and my responsibility to all of the remaining members of  
the Fellowship, lies heavily upon my heart. So many things I used to  
take for granted. Now I question everything. I am no longer certain of  
anything, except the strength of my love for Arwen. I fear for her  
safety, and would have her sail to Valinor with the rest of her people,  
but she is as stubborn as she is beautiful and has refused."  
 
Here Aragorn paused and stared thoughtfully ahead for a moment before  
he continued, "Do you recall what you said to us, when the Fellowship  
met with you after first entering Lothlórien?"  
 
"Yes."  
 
It was a simple word, but the images of that first meeting, now  
conjured up, were hard to let go.  
 
Aragorn quoted her. "You said, 'The quest stands upon the edge of a  
knife, stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all'."  
 
Her voice, though grave, was softly lyrical when she answered him, "I  
remember, but do you not also recall the rest of what I said? 'Yet hope  
remains while the company is true'."  
 
Aragorn shook his head as if chasing off some unwelcome thought. And  
slowly he replied, "The Company is true, but the ring still has power.  
Daily now, I can see it growing. Frodo seems so deeply burdened, and I  
can find no word or action to ease his worries."  
 
Gently Galadriel counseled Aragorn, "Sometimes the most difficult  
burden of a leader is knowing when to step back and wait. I am aware of  
what Frodo is going through now. He is beginning to see there is much  
about going out into the world he has never considered before. Sam is a  
most loyal companion, and I believe that when the time comes, both will  
receive a great lesson in courage and sacrifice. But for now, you must  
let them be. Your presence is reassuring to Frodo, and your courage  
lends him strength.  
 
"Your words give me ease, my Lady. I only wish I had not added to his  
troubles with my thoughtless reaction to..." Here Aragorn paused,  
unable to continue, hampered by a sudden lump in his throat.  
 
Neutrally Galadriel asked, "You have seen Legolas and Haldir together,  
have you not?"  
 
Aragorn nodded in response and it was several moments before he was  
able to go on. He found that it hurt him deeply to recall the sight and  
passionate sounds of Legolas and Haldir together, which he had  
unfortunately stumbled upon his first night in Lothlórien.  
 
Searching deep within himself, Aragorn finally replied, "Many strange  
things have I known and heard tell of in my travels. Some natural, some  
not, but until my own heart was stung, I did not understand how a male  
might seek the comfort of his own kind."  
 
"Comfort comes in many forms," Galadriel said. "As does friendship, and  
even love."  
 
Aragorn looked stricken. "Then it is as I feared, Legolas and  
Haldir..."  
 
"Were once comfort, of a kind, one to the other," Galadriel finished  
diplomatically.  
 
Sensing that it would do no harm for Aragorn to know the rest, she  
continued, "Legolas' path brought him to Lothlórien once, several ages  
of Men ago. He and Haldir had a bond then, which, I believe, was  
Legolas' first. Perhaps Haldir knew this, perhaps not, but their  
desire, and their friendship, was cooled by a betrayal. Legolas went  
away, vowing to never return. Time and wisdom teach that there is  
rarely a 'never', for Elves or for Men, and Legolas is still young  
among our people. Gandalf's fall is the first real trial Legolas has  
faced. Not that he has not seen his share of hardship, or tasted grief,  
but that mortality is largely unknown to him, as indeed it is to most  
of our people.  
 
Legolas has great reserves of strength, as do you, Estel. Both of you  
must face trials yet to come, trials even I cannot see."  
 
"I understand this," Aragorn said, "but how may we face these trials  
with the breach that now lies between us? I am confused and conflicted.  
Even my dreams seem to reflect the turmoil I feel in my heart. I fear  
the weakness of my ancestors might reside in me also. Might not a  
weakness in one area show the whole quality weak?"  
 
Galadriel looked at him thoughtfully, "Only you can know your true  
nature Aragorn, but I can assure you that Gandalf never had such  
thoughts. He believed in you, and your companions also believe."  
 
Aragorn gave her a small smile. "The trust of my companions is yet  
another burden, my Lady. The responsibility for leading them has fallen  
to me much sooner than I had anticipated and I was ill prepared for its  
coming."  
 
Even through the lightness of her touch, Aragorn could feel the  
strength of her aura change as she warningly replied, "It is within you  
to vanquish the coming darkness only if you have the will to do so."  
 
She watched as Aragorn absorbed her words. They were not easy ones to  
bear, for they were of truth, and so, more kindly, she continued.  
 
"I am aware of your dreams. Frodo, due to the ring's evil influence,  
has felt them as well. Because of you and Legolas, Frodo has seen the  
world outside the Shire as a place of great good, a place for which he  
would give his life if need be. Yet, this conflict of your heart has  
taken root in your conflict with Legolas. It is a bitter root, which  
may bear wicked fruit. It must be resolved before the Company can move  
on."  
 
Several moments passed before Aragorn finally agreed, "I will heed your  
wisdom, my Lady, and make my peace with Legolas. We began this quest  
together, and we will finish it together, if that is where our  
destinies lead us."  
 
Galadriel replied, "I also will speak with Legolas, and Haldir, for  
they have choices of their own to make. I cannot guide them on their  
way, only offer advice, which they make take or no. Even the wisest  
cannot predict the future, and I do not hear the thoughts of others  
unless they reveal them to me."  
 
She smiled at Aragorn's look of surprise. "Many important things are  
known to me, Estel, but none, not even the wisest or farthest seeing,  
can gauge the depths of the heart."  
 
They walked on down the path for a few minutes as Aragorn silently  
contemplated the things she had said. By this time, they had reached  
camp. Gently she disengaged her arm, seeing the look of concentration  
upon his face, she offered him one last thought.  
 
"The trail is clearer by daylight, ranger. Give yourself leave to  
rest."  
 
With that, she turned away. Aragorn felt the wisdom of her words  
fortify him to face the dawn, and Legolas. He watched her walk back up  
the path they had just come down, and sighed tiredly before turning and  
entering the camp.  
 
All was quiet as he entered, and it appeared the Hobbits and Gimli had  
bedded down hours before. Only Boromir was awake, sitting on a rock and  
staring thoughtfully into space. At Aragorn's approach, he looked up  
and smiled thinly. Briefly, they spoke before Aragorn moved away and  
prepared his bedroll for the night.  
 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
 
Part 6  
 
As the Fellowship's stay in Lothlórien lengthened, their acute grief  
blunted to dull regret interspersed with the soothing warmth of fond  
memory. The Hobbits, even Frodo, were at their ease and in generally  
good spirits. Boromir, when the meetings of the day were done, had  
taken to spending time with Frodo and Sam, exchanging stories of the  
day-to-day life of a Gondoran noble with stories of Hobbit families and  
general Shire gossip. Sometimes, Frodo noticed, Sam would be telling a  
lengthy, amusing story about the gaffer, and they would all be  
chuckling along, when he would notice that Boromir was looking at him,  
rather than Sam. This always disconcerted Frodo, and he would excuse  
himself at these times and go off by himself to read or wander in the  
forest.  
 
To Frodo's relief, he had not sensed any more of Aragorn's dreams,  
though the ranger appeared to still be tormented by them. What chiefly  
disturbed Frodo was the fact that Aragorn and Legolas seemed no closer  
to patching up their differences. He knew little of the Big Men and  
their ways, but he did not understand why Aragorn was so aloof toward  
Legolas. He knew of Aragorn's conflicting feelings but did not know why  
the ranger was so averse to discussing them with the Elf.  
 
It was certainly not the way of Hobbits to have an unexpressed thought.  
Not any that he knew of anyway, and he smiled at the thought of Merry  
and Pippin, were they to find themselves in a similar situation. Any  
conflict between those two was certain to be talked to death, revived,  
and talked to the brink of demise once more before they were satisfied,  
and then their friendship would continue exactly from the point they  
had left it.  
 
Though Frodo still felt the pull of the ring from time to time, it's  
effect seemed less insistent here. As a result, he was able to relax  
and gather the strength he would need for the long journey ahead. He  
and Sam even found time to play chess occasionally and often in their  
conversations, the subject of the ring never surfaced at all.  
 
While the rest of the Fellowship was enjoying the relative peace and  
beauty of Lothlórien, Gimli spent much of his time trying to catch a  
glimpse of Galadriel. The Lady favored him with a nod and smile  
whenever they met, but Gimli was too tongue-tied to speak to her. He  
would watch for her whenever possible, and when he looked upon her, his  
eyes twinkled with affection, hastily disguised if anyone caught him.  
He was never able to settle in as well as the rest of the Company  
because many of the Elves still did not trust or accept having a  
Dwarf in their midst. To Gimli's amazement, many others did, and he  
found his own dislike of Elves lessen greatly during his stay in  
Lothlórien.  
 
It was during this time that the first set of scouts sent out by Lord  
Celeborn returned. The news was as Aragorn had feared; the way he had  
most hoped to take was impassable. But in this instance, it appeared to  
be the work of nature instead of evil forces.  
 
While awaiting the return of the other set of scouts, Aragorn spent  
much of his time on a hill, overlooking a clear pool, alone and deep in  
thought. He felt restless and knew the time was drawing near when the  
Fellowship must leave the sanctuary of Lothlórien. The quest could  
afford no further delay. It was also time, Aragorn decided, that he and  
Legolas must sit down together and discuss their previous disagreement.  
 
Locating Legolas would not be difficult; Aragorn knew he had been  
staying with Haldir. He had seen Haldir and Legolas together several  
times but did not approach them, for he wanted to speak with Legolas  
alone.  
 
The ranger knew, from speaking to the Hobbits, that Legolas was  
avoiding the camp when he was there, and the thought that his words had  
wounded Legolas so deeply made Aragorn ashamed. He had also hoped that  
Legolas would seek him out, but that had not happened and the time for  
action had now come. The argument had been his fault, Aragorn reasoned,  
so he should be the one to make the first move.  
 
Sighing, he stood up and took the path to Haldir's quarters. A clap of  
nearby thunder suddenly disturbed the normally peaceful silence. It  
sounded as though a storm was brewing. If the dropping temperature and  
darkening sky was any indication, it was going to be a great storm  
indeed.  
 
Standing before Haldir's door, Aragorn hesitated. What if Haldir and  
Legolas were in there right now, together? Aragorn's heart clenched at  
the thought, and he pushed the image aside impatiently. There was also  
the matter of Haldir to consider, he thought. If his presence provoked  
the Elf, it would make it impossible for he and Legolas to devise any  
sort of resolution of their problem. He listened, but could hear no  
sounds from within. Just what one would expect at the home of an Elf,  
he thought wryly.  
 
Steeling himself for whatever might happen, Aragorn rapped sharply on  
the door. As he did so, a loud peal of thunder sounded and a gust of  
wind hit him, whipping through his long hair and blowing a scatter of  
leaves in his face. He instinctively shut his eyes, for only a fraction  
of a second, but when he opened them, Haldir was before him, a  
disapproving scowl on his face, wearing a long, blue, silken lounging  
robe, cunningly embroidered with green leaves. The symbolism was not  
lost on Aragorn and he grimaced unconsciously.  
 
Haldir looked at him contemptuously.  
 
"Legolas..." Aragorn began, but his words were taken by a blast of cold  
wind.  
 
"He is not here, and if he were, he would not wish to see you," Haldir  
said, and began to close the door. Aragorn placed a hand upon the door,  
quickly and firmly, preventing its closing.  
 
"Wait!" he said urgently. "Please, Captain, I must speak with him."  
 
Haldir looked at him in surprise. He had expected the ranger to be as  
arrogant as himself, and rude, as Men so often were. He had not  
expected the tormented look in the Man's eyes, the earnestness in his  
voice. Haldir hesitated.  
 
"Please." Aragorn said again.  
 
At that moment, the skies opened and a torrent of rain began to fall.  
Aragorn, standing in the door, was drenched in seconds, but still  
Haldir's look of cold regard did not change. The rain falling upon  
Aragorn's face seemed as tears, making his face appear a mask of  
anguish. At last, the Elf relented and stepped back, allowing Aragorn  
to enter.  
 
"Legolas is not here," he repeated.  
 
"Do you know where I may find him? We have a matter of some importance  
to discuss."  
 
"Your last 'discussion' with Legolas was of a matter I doubt he will  
wish to repeat," Haldir said, the scornful look Aragorn had seen before  
was once again upon his handsome face.  
 
Taking a deep breath, trying to calm himself, Aragorn finally managed  
to reply, "I have no quarrel with you, Haldir," he said. "And my  
quarrel with Legolas was a mistake. I want only to tell him so, and let  
him decide his course, to continue with the quest, or to part with the  
Fellowship."  
 
"He has no wish to quit the course of the Fellowship, but he thinks you  
do not trust him. Do you trust him, ranger?" Haldir asked archly.  
 
"I would trust him with my life!" Aragorn countered hotly. "This matter  
does not concern you, Captain. Tell me where Legolas is, or I will take  
my leave."  
 
"I do not know," Haldir said, "but I expect him shortly. You may wait  
if you wish." He turned and strode into another room. Returning with a  
towel, he threw it sneeringly at Aragorn. "If you intend to stay, dry  
yourself. You are dripping on my floor."  
 
Aragorn caught it one-handed and wiped his face and hair. The sound of  
the storm roared loudly in the ensuing silence. Lightning flashed  
outside the window, illuminating Haldir's face starkly.  
 
"I wish only to apologize to him," Aragorn said, his words sounding  
defensive, even to his own ears. "Harsh words were exchanged on both  
sides, but I wish to amend my fault."  
 
"How noble of you," Haldir smiled sarcastically.  
 
Aragorn threw Haldir's towel back in his face. "Tell him I stopped by,  
that he may speak with me when he will." He turned around, preparing to  
leave. The raging storm outside would be preferable to this Elf's  
company.  
 
"Did you really think he was trying to take the ring?" Haldir asked  
suddenly.  
 
Aragorn spun back around, caught off-guard. "Of course not. It was a  
misunderstanding. I only... I..."  
 
"If you cannot be honest with him, at least be honest with yourself,"  
Haldir said meaningfully.  
 
Aragorn felt himself becoming angry again. "And what do you know of  
it?" he snapped. "It is you he has turned to, he avoids me, we barely  
speak. Things were not like this between us, before you..."  
 
He stopped, fearing how his words must sound to Haldir.  
 
Raising a questioning eyebrow at Aragorn, Haldir asked with mock  
innocence, "And what were things like between you... before?"  
 
Aragorn did not want to be having this conversation with Haldir and  
nervously he shifted about for a moment, but finally he replied.  
"It is not what you think. We worked well together, that is all. In  
battle, he seems almost to read my thoughts. When hunting he is quick  
and sure, his shots cause no suffering. Our skills have blended well,  
and we have had to fight to bring the others through safely." Aragorn  
faltered again, then quickly recovered. "I had thought us almost as  
brothers."  
 
"Brother?" Haldir sneered. "Would you accuse your brother of theft, of  
duplicity?"  
 
"I told you, it was an error. I know I overreacted, but you do not  
understand the power of the ring."  
 
"Legolas has told me. He fears you may be right about the ring's  
influence." He waved his hand dismissively at Aragorn's stunned look.  
"Not about Legolas wanting the ring for himself, but about its ability  
to seek out and exploit weakness." At this remark, he stared pointedly  
at Aragorn.  
 
"Then we must speak about this at once," Aragorn said, agitated. Haldir  
was getting to him and it displeased Aragorn greatly. "We must hasten  
to plan our way, our time here grows short."  
 
"And yet you have not sought his counsel. You have spent many hours in  
meetings, planning your way. Even the Dwarf was invited. But not once  
did you ever request Legolas' presence. How do you think he feels about  
that, ranger? Legolas wanted to speak with you, to apologize for his  
part in your quarrel, but I counseled him against it," Haldir retorted,  
giving Aragorn a challenging look.  
 
Aragorn felt a sudden, nearly overwhelming urge to throttle the  
overbearing Elf. "Why would you counsel him so?" he said through  
clenched teeth.  
 
"I thought you should be the one to petition him for forgiveness,  
preferably in front of the Fellowship, since that is where you made  
your foundless accusations." Haldir said smoothly. "And for personal  
reasons as well."  
 
"And by what right do you give such counsel?" Aragorn shouted, enraged  
at the Elf's smug conceit. "You who once betrayed him!"  
 
The challenging, arrogant look dissolved from Haldir's face like river  
ice in a warm spring wind. His expression of pained remorse, startling  
in its nakedness, was gone in an instant. But Aragorn had seen, and he  
felt a sudden pity for the Elf, which dissipated his own anger.  
 
"I think you have overstayed your welcome, ranger," Haldir said, his  
face now the picture of disdainful indifference. "I will tell Legolas  
you came by."  
 
Wearily Aragorn turned to the door. He was sorry he had come, sorry he  
had let his anger speak for him again. The storm had stopped and the  
singing of birds could be heard again in the forest, but he had not  
noticed it until now.  
 
As he reached the door, it opened suddenly, and Legolas stepped in, his  
elven reflexes saving him from running into Aragorn by less than an  
inch. Each stood, startled, for a long moment. Aragorn could feel the  
steamy heat of Legolas' body emanating from his wet cloak and damp  
tunic.  
 
If Aragorn had entertained any doubts about his feelings for Legolas,  
they were gone the instant he found himself close enough to feel the  
Elf's breath upon his face, like a lover's whisper. Aragorn felt a deep  
blush rise to his cheeks and he jumped back at once, as though scalded.  
Legolas simultaneously took a backward step, his normally fair cheeks  
glowing pink as well.  
 
Legolas looked over Aragorn's shoulder at Haldir, breaking the spell.  
There was a moment of tense, awkward silence, then Haldir spoke.  
 
"The ranger wishes to speak with you."  
 
Legolas looked at Haldir, then Aragorn, his gaze alternated between  
them, a look of confusion on his face.  
 
"It was raining, I told him he could wait inside," Haldir explained  
patiently.  
 
Legolas took in Aragorn's wet, disheveled hair, and the blush on the  
Man's cheeks. Then his eyes lit upon the towel Haldir had thrown over a  
chair. They narrowed in suspicion.  
 
"He braved the storm to look for me here?" Legolas asked doubtfully.  
 
Haldir flushed deeply, and though Aragorn could not see him, he could  
feel the tension in the room shift abruptly. Aragorn was puzzled, the  
look in Legolas' eyes, the oddly stilted exchange between the Elves.  
Then it struck him: 'a betrayal', but surely Legolas could not think  
.... Aragorn's blush deepened.  
 
"We need to talk, Legolas," he spoke quickly, to hide his  
embarrassment. He stepped to one side so that his stance would not seem  
to be a barrier between the two Elves.  
 
Legolas looked at him as though truly seeing him for the first time  
since his arrival.  
 
"Yes," he agreed, "but not here."  
 
"Wherever you wish," Aragorn said.  
 
A look of something like relief was writ on Legolas' face as he glanced  
at Haldir.  
 
"I may not return until the morrow," he said.  
 
Haldir raised an eyebrow, but did not speak.  
 
Legolas gave a small nod in reply and Aragorn felt a flash of envy to  
see their ease together, an ease that required no words.  
 
The Elf looked again at Aragorn, "Come."  
 
Aragorn followed him out the door and down the stairs that spiraled  
around the bole of the tall tree where Haldir made his home. The hood  
of Legolas' cloak was thrown back and small drops of rain, like early  
dew, glittered brightly in his fair hair. His face, which Aragorn  
glimpsed in profile at each turn of the stair, was still slightly  
flushed, his lips full and pink. His exquisite pointed ear was  
translucently rosy at the tip where the pale after-storm light shone  
through. Aragorn was struck once again by the Elf's startling, exotic  
beauty. Yet there was nothing soft or delicate about him, just a  
natural, unassuming strength and gallantry.  
 
They reached the forest floor and Legolas set off at a swift pace that  
Aragorn quickly matched, so they were soon walking side by side. They  
continued their march through the wood until they reached the hill,  
overlooking the clear pool, where Aragorn came to be alone. He looked  
at Legolas questioningly.  
 
"I have seen you here." Legolas said diffidently.  
 
"I have not seen you." Aragorn cautiously replied.  
 
"I did not wish to be seen." Legolas answered with a shrug.  
 
Aragorn nodded, he knew Legolas had been avoiding him. "I have not  
sought you out, yet I should have," Aragorn said.  
 
"I thought perhaps I was not welcome. I did not wish my presence to  
distract you from the business of the Fellowship," Legolas answered  
guardedly. He did not meet Aragorn's eye as he spoke, afraid to find  
his fears confirmed in the Man's cold gaze.  
 
Aragorn clapped him on the shoulder and Legolas looked at the ranger's  
hand, then into his eyes. He saw the sincerity of Aragorn's regret  
reflected in the blue-grey depths of his eyes and felt the conviction  
in his firm, companionable touch.  
 
"The business of the Fellowship is your business too, is it not?"  
Aragorn said seriously.  
 
"I was no longer certain you thought so."  
 
Galadriel had spoken with Legolas, as she had told Aragorn she would,  
and she explained to him that Aragorn was facing many demons, only some  
of which were connected to the ring. He had been forced to assume the  
mantle of leadership for the group without the support of one member,  
and it had placed him in an untenable situation. Legolas, recognizing  
the truth of her words, had gone looking for Aragorn. That is why he  
had been out when Aragorn had come looking for him.  
 
Aragorn's hand slid from Legolas' shoulder, and his eyes took on a  
wearied sadness that made him look exhausted, care-worn. Legolas felt a  
pang of shame that he had not spoken with Aragorn before. Their rift  
was obviously weighing heavily on the ranger.  
 
"Despite my harsh words, I have never disbelieved you, my friend,"  
Aragorn said. "The strength of the Fellowship lies in our combined  
skills, and our bond. The others look to me to lead, but I have set a  
poor example, and I fear you have suffered the worse for it."  
 
"No, Aragorn, I am as much to blame. I let my hurt and my pride get in  
the way of the quest, and I ask your forgiveness," Legolas said firmly.  
 
"You do not need my forgiveness," Aragorn said, "for you bear no blame.  
Instead, I extend to you my hand in friendship, and I assure you that  
you have always had, and continue to hold, my confidence, and my love."  
 
Aragorn held out his hand and Legolas took it in a firm-gripped  
handshake, putting their quarrel to an end. Legolas felt an  
inexplicable elation at the Man's words, and a glimmer of hope  
flickered within his breast. He had thought Aragorn did not feel as he  
did, that the Man bore him naught but an affable fellow feeling and  
professional regard. But love? Now that was a different matter.  
Legolas' eyes fairly sparkled with joy as he prepared to return the  
Man's sentiment tenfold. He pulled Aragorn into a rough embrace and  
Aragorn clutched him and clapped him on the back in return.  
 
Having Aragorn this close was what the Elf had wanted for many weeks.  
It felt good to him, right. All thoughts of Haldir and Arwen gave way  
to reckless delight as his elven senses reveled in the feel of  
Aragorn's strong body pressed against his.  
 
Aragorn's heart soared as Legolas embraced him. All his fears, doubts,  
and cares fell away in that instant and he felt more alive, more truly  
himself, than he had since entering the borders of Lothlórien. He  
returned the Elf's heartfelt embrace with exuberance, and it was his  
undoing. His body betrayed him and he became suddenly, painfully  
aroused. Legolas stiffened in his arms and Aragorn broke the embrace  
immediately, praying that Legolas had not perceived his shameful  
desire.  
 
Legolas looked at him in alarm, his face had drained to the color of  
fresh milk. Aragorn's face paled in response. Legolas knew, he thought  
helplessly. What must the Elf be thinking of him?  
 
"You felt it too?" Legolas asked, his voice a choked whisper.  
 
Aragorn could not speak. He stared mutely at the Elf, not daring to  
trust his voice to answer.  
 
"Something has happened," Legolas said, his eyes darted rapidly around,  
as though expecting a sudden attack. "I feel a heavy oppressiveness,  
like the air before a great storm. And yet the clouds have gone and the  
sun shines forth brightly."  
 
Aragorn was still stunned, but he began to understand. Something was  
troubling Legolas, as it often did when danger was near. Aragorn also  
went on alert, looking around warily, listening for the smallest noise.  
He heard nothing, but suddenly an Elf darted out from the trees behind  
them. Aragorn drew his knife in a flash, but Legolas stayed his hand.  
 
"Legolas! Aragorn! Lord Celeborn said you must come immediately.  
Something terrible has happened!"  
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
 
 
Part 7  
 
Legolas and Aragorn hastened to follow the Elf and were soon outside  
the Great Hall. A number of Elves had gathered without, silent and  
solemn. Had Aragorn not been used to their ways, he would have been  
unsettled by their eerie stillness as they waited for news from Lord  
Celeborn. The Elf leading them gave a shout and the crowd parted  
soundlessly, allowing them to enter. Boromir, Gimli, and the Hobbits  
were already there, as were Lord Celeborn, Lady Galadriel, and several  
members of their court.  
 
All stood looking at an Elf who knelt, shaking, at Lord Celeborn's  
feet. 'Aronmir', Aragorn thought, barely recognizing the shattered  
creature as one of the scouts sent out nearly two weeks ago. He and  
Legolas went closer, coming to stand with the Fellowship, who were  
gazing upon the scout with sympathy and concern.  
 
The Elf looked as if he were on the verge of total collapse as he  
rocked slowly back and forth. His body was racked with intermittent  
shaking, whether from sobs or exhaustion Aragorn could not tell. His  
long, platinum hair was hanging limply from his head and into his eyes,  
unbraided and unadorned. His face was dirty and streaked with tears and  
blood. An old wound trailed dried blood from the hairline at his  
forehead to his chin, running down his nose on the right side, and  
crossing his chapped lips. It looked as though he had received the  
wound many days ago, and had not had the strength or desire to wipe it  
away. One of his eyes was swollen shut, and the other was hidden  
beneath a tangle of hair; his lower lip was split and swollen. Where  
his neck met his shoulder, the skin was ripped through to the top layer  
of muscle by what looked like a savage bite, now festering darkly.  
Bruises could be seen upon his upper chest where the front of his tunic  
was torn away. His silvery clothing was in tatters, the outer tunic  
missing altogether and the inner tunic hanging in loose shreds, each  
shred revealing angry welts and deep cuts crisscrossing the alabaster  
skin beneath. The soft fabric of the tunic was stiff with dried blood,  
as were his leggings, which were also torn at the knee on one side and  
at the back on the other, over one pale, dirty hip.  
 
Rumil, the other scout, was nowhere to be seen.  
 
Aragorn gave an involuntary shudder and felt Legolas stiffen beside  
him. He looked at Legolas but the Elf was staring at Aronmir, wide-eyed  
and trembling, his fists clenched so hard the knuckles had gone white.  
Legolas looked to Lord Celeborn, fear and horror on his face.  
 
"What has happened to him? Where is Rumil?" he asked in a hoarse  
whisper.  
 
"We have been trying to get him to tell us," Lord Celeborn replied  
softly. "He was found by a patrol, they said he was stumbling toward  
them, weaponless and shouting incoherently. They brought him in  
immediately, tried to revive him with food and drink. But he would have  
none, nor would he let the healers tend his wounds. He insisted on  
seeing me at once. But since he was brought in, he has been as you see  
him, he seems unable to speak."  
 
At that moment, Haldir burst into the Hall, "Rumil!" he called, "Where  
is my brother?"  
 
Aragorn's mouth fell open in shock. He had not known the other scout  
was Haldir's brother.  
 
Haldir's eyes fell upon the wretched Elf kneeling on the floor and he  
went to him at once. Falling to his knees, he grasped Aronmir by the  
upper arms and shook him. "Where is Rumil?" he cried.  
 
The Elf stopped rocking and looked slowly up at Haldir, as if he did  
not recognize him. His one good eye shone a brilliant, sapphire blue,  
but the look was of madness.  
 
"Haldir," Lord Celeborn admonished. "Rumil was not with him. Do not  
beleaguer him. He will tell us when he can."  
 
Haldir released the Elf and looked at him for a long moment. He then  
stood and faced Lord Celeborn and the Lady. He bowed respectfully and  
looked at Galadriel.  
 
"I demand the right of Iluvenoldo," he said.  
 
Galadriel paled. The right of an Elf to demand complete knowledge of a  
situation was only invoked in the most severe circumstances and had not  
been demanded in over two thousand years. Galadriel was one of the few  
Elves remaining in Middle Earth who possessed the ability to project  
the experiences of one Elf - sight, sound, feel, smell, and taste - to  
that of another, in this case from Aronmir to Haldir. But where the  
experience was particularly traumatic, as with Aronmir, the ensuing  
emotions could drive the receiver as mad as the victim.  
 
Still, she could not refuse her Captain, and poor Aronmir appeared  
incapable of giving them the information any time soon. She nodded to  
Haldir and turned to the Elf who had fetched Aragorn and Legolas.  
 
"Tell all the ones waiting without that they must disperse immediately.  
Word will be sent out when the truth is discovered."  
 
The Elf hurried to obey, and at her nod, the remaining members of her  
court left the Hall as well.  
 
Aragorn made to gather up the members of the Fellowship and leave, when  
Galadriel spoke again. "Aragorn I must ask you to remain as I fear this  
may have something to do with your quest. But the rest of your Company  
may leave if they desire to do so."  
 
Legolas looked at Haldir. The stiffly formal way Haldir addressed  
Galadriel belied the apprehension Legolas knew he was feeling.  
 
"I will remain," Legolas said staunchly.  
 
Upon hearing this, Haldir was reassured. That Legolas had chosen to  
stay and support him in what were sure to be fearsome circumstances  
meant the Mirkwood Elf was still true to him, something he had feared  
would not be so after his talk with Aragorn.  
 
Galadriel glanced at Legolas and favored him with an understanding  
look. Legolas looked back steadily. He knew by staying he was declaring  
his bond with Haldir for all to see, but he could not be concerned with  
that now. Let Aragorn think what he may, Legolas thought, I cannot let  
Haldir face this alone.  
 
So, Boromir, Gimli, and three of the Hobbits turned to go. Frodo looked  
after them uncertainly for a moment. He sensed Aragorn's recent  
reconciliation with Legolas and could tell the ranger was most troubled  
at this new turn of events. He wanted to stay to support Aragorn, but  
feared if the ring allowed him to see what had happened, or if it  
magnified the scout's madness, he would succumb. With a last uneasy  
glance at Aragorn and Legolas, he reluctantly followed the others.  
 
The preparations out of the way, Galadriel walked gracefully over to  
Aronmir. When she was before him, he looked up at her; the wild look in  
his eye was gone, replaced by a look of unutterable horror and  
hopelessness. At her nod, Haldir came up and knelt beside Aronmir.  
 
Galadriel placed a hand upon both of their heads.  
 
The atmosphere in the room took on an electric charge, like the air  
before a lightning strike, and a jolt swept through Aragorn. Legolas  
must have felt it too, for he gave an involuntary start, but his eyes  
never left Haldir.  
 
Haldir's breathing became short and rapid, as though he had run a long  
way. A multitude of emotions passed over his face; his eyes would widen  
in fear or he would grimace in disgust. At one point, he howled in pain  
and Legolas flinched at the sound. Then tears began to roll unabashedly  
down Haldir's cheeks and slowly he shook his head from side to side.  
 
Legolas could not see or hear what Haldir was experiencing, but there  
was some emotional bleed-through and Legolas felt a stab of despair  
strike him, then fade in an instant.  
 
With a sigh of grief, Galadriel removed her hands from Haldir and  
Aronmir. Iluvenoldo was complete. She looked down in sorrow at the  
physically and emotionally shattered remains of Aronmir. The healers  
had a mighty task ahead.  
 
Yet the ritual had given Aronmir some ease. His body would heal in  
time, but how much of his elven spirit he would recover remained to be  
seen.  
 
She turned her attention to Haldir, who still knelt at her feet,  
fighting to regain himself amid memories of Aronmir and his final  
moments with Rumil. She thought some time with the healers might be  
necessary for him as well.  
 
Aronmir looked up at Galadriel pleadingly, the madness gone from his  
eyes. "There was nothing I could do, my Lady," he said tearfully, "the  
Orcs tore him apart. I ran and did not stop until I reached our  
borders. Forgive me my Lady. Forgive me Haldir. I could not help him; I  
could not..." For a moment, his eyes had taken on the aspect of madness  
again, and then they cleared.  
 
Galadriel looked down sadly at the two Elves at her feet. "You acted  
bravely Aronmir, we are grateful for your service," she said softly.  
"Now, you must let the healers tend you and I will visit you again  
shortly."  
 
Aronmir nodded. Galadriel made a sign to one of her attendants, and the  
Elf stepped forward at once and helped Aronmir to his feet. Another Elf  
came forward also and the two of them helped Aronmir out of the Hall.  
 
Haldir seemed to come to himself at last. He sprang to his feet and  
rounded on Aragorn, his cheeks still damp with tears. "You have brought  
this evil here!" he shouted.  
 
Underneath the anger of Haldir's words, Legolas could hear the horror  
and revulsion of what his friend had just endured. Haldir's voice had  
taken on a note of hysteria. Rumil's death must have been unspeakable.  
 
Involuntarily Haldir glanced at Legolas before he continued to rail at  
Aragorn, "There is no safe passage to Mordor, and you expect to get  
close enough to Mount Doom to destroy the ring? You will only end by  
getting your companions killed, and allowing the Dark Lord to regain  
his prize."  
 
Aragorn could not deny his words, yet he knew in his heart the  
Fellowship was the only hope of destroying the ring. Though he had not  
been privy to the details, he could tell Haldir's brother had died  
horribly and he understood the Elf's rage, recognized it. But he also  
knew that it was without validity. The evil was a product of the ring  
and was not due to any of the Fellowship, who sought only its  
destruction. He looked at Haldir levelly.  
 
"I am sorry for what happened, Haldir. We cannot change what has gone  
before, but I promise you, your brother will be avenged upon the  
destruction of the ring. When we accepted this quest, we knew our lives  
might be forfeit to its success. In this same spirit, your brother  
volunteered to scout the way for us, and we will remember him and honor  
him as one of us."  
 
"One of you?" Haldir shouted, by now nearly incoherent with rage. "I do  
not think when the Orcs ripped him to pieces he was thinking of you or  
your doomed quest."  
 
"Haldir," Legolas said softly, moving to place himself squarely between  
Haldir and Aragorn. "Aragorn is right, we can do nothing for Rumil. He  
has returned to Elvenhome, he is lost to you for only a time. Yet  
Aronmir has been your best friend since childhood. Let us go to him and  
help him as we may. Then we will honor your brother as befits his  
courage and sacrifice on behalf of our Company."  
 
Haldir began to shake uncontrollably and tears began to stream down his  
face as all that he had felt and seen with Rumil's death overcame him  
once more. Blinded by his tears, he clutched Legolas to him tightly,  
his forehead on Legolas' shoulder. Legolas held and supported him,  
kissing him gently on the top of his head, as Haldir grieved his  
younger brother's loss.  
 
Aragorn looked on, knowing he should leave but unable to make himself  
do so. Despite the hurt he felt, watching Legolas and Haldir together,  
he was touched by their devotion. He felt a flush of guilt. When was  
the last time he'd held Arwen that way?  
 
Legolas shot Aragorn a look of apology and guided the still weeping  
Haldir from the Great Hall. Three sets of eyes followed them out the  
door, which closed behind them softly as the latch caught with a small  
snick.  
 
Sighing, his brow furrowed thoughtfully, Aragorn ran his hand through  
his hair. There was a grain of truth in Haldir's words. He had brought  
the Fellowship through Lothlórien, and all that ensued after had been a  
direct result of their arrival.  
 
Coming to a decision, he addressed Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel,  
"In two days time the Company will depart."  
 
And then with a quick bow of respect he was gone.  
 
"How will they fare, my wife?" Lord Celeborn asked. "What do you see?"  
 
"I have seen the eye again," Galadriel answered. "I must speak with  
Frodo this night."  
 
Evening had long since settled over Lothlórien, and the silence  
surrounding Aragorn as he walked down the forest path was complete. Not  
even the smallest of breezes rustled the leaves. It was so quiet he  
could hear the beat of his own heart resonating with the darkness  
around him and with his sorrow. He could no longer deny what his heart  
told him the moment he had seen Legolas and Haldir walk away. Seeing  
the two of them together reminded him of his bond with Arwen, but  
thinking of her did not ease his pain. Silently Aragorn ached for all  
he had lost the moment Legolas and Haldir left the Great Hall together.  
 
Loneliness settled over him, a mantle of melancholy, and he walked  
slowly to his thinking place by the clear pool, now an inky smudge in  
the darkness. The place where he had regained Legolas' friendship and  
perhaps, just for a moment, his love.  
 
As he drew near, he saw a small figure sitting upon a rock that gently  
sloped down into the water.  
 
"Hullo, Frodo."  
 
Walking over, Aragorn sat down as Frodo looked at him curiously.  
 
"What happened to Rumil?" he asked quietly.  
 
"He and Aronmir were ambushed by Orcs, he did not make it," Aragorn  
replied grimly.  
 
"I feared as much. Seeing poor Aronmir frightened me, Aragorn, but it  
also has made me more determined to see this through. Such cruelty must  
not reach the Shire."  
 
"I admire your spirit Frodo." Aragorn said. "It is not an easy task you  
have set yourself, yet you were willing to face it alone."  
 
Frodo smiled mirthlessly, "I did not know then what I know now."  
 
"And if you had?"  
 
"I would still be right here, with you," Frodo admitted with a sigh.  
 
Leaning back a little, Frodo looked up the night sky. "The stars always  
seem to shine more brightly after a storm."  
 
Aragorn felt the tension begin to leave his body at the undemanding  
simplicity of Frodo's statement. He tilted his head back and gazed  
upward. Indeed, the sky seemed filled with little winking lights,  
jewels that seemed so close a man could reach out and take one to tuck  
into his pocket and save for later.  
 
Frodo's entire being seemed to radiate a sense of peace and Aragorn  
found himself oddly comforted by his presence. Stretching out beside  
him, Aragorn raised his hand and pointed overhead, "See that star, the  
one that seems to be hanging right over our heads?"  
 
"Yes."  
 
"My mother used to call that one Aragil, she called it the star of  
wisdom.  
 
And do you see that one that stands off to the right of it?"  
 
Frodo nodded.  
 
She called that one Luinealkariel. She said it was a dream star and I  
can remember, every night before I went to bed, I would wish upon it."  
 
A rare smile crossed Aragorn's face, for a moment he seemed young  
again.  
 
Casting a quick glance over at him Frodo asked, "Do you still make  
wishes?"  
 
Aragorn continued staring up into the evening sky, "Sometimes."  
 
In his heart, Frodo still believed in the power that a wish, made upon  
a faraway star, might have, for as a young Hobbit he had been raised on  
such tales.  
 
"Have any of your wishes come true?"  
 
"Some of them did." Aragorn replied dreamily. But for what he used to  
wish, Frodo never did learn.  
 
For almost an hour, Frodo and Aragorn lay side by side in companionable  
silence looking up at the stars high overhead. Finally, Frodo stood and  
said, "I must be getting back to camp before Sam sends a search party  
to find me. Will you come also?"  
 
Aragorn shook his head. "There is still much I must consider, but I  
will be on in a bit."  
 
"And Legolas?" Frodo asked. "Do you think he will he return to camp  
this night?"  
 
"I do not think so, but Legolas is where he needs to be right now."  
 
"As are we all." Frodo said, and he disappeared silently into the  
forest."  
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
 
 
Part 8  
 
The next morning Aragorn awoke to find the camp already buzzing with  
activity. With only two days to finish their preparations, the Hobbits  
had wanted to get an early start on collecting provisions. Boromir and  
Gimli were seen discussing the finer points of river travel. Though  
Gimli had no actual experience with boats, he had definite opinions as  
to how the party should navigate the Anduin, which amused Boromir  
greatly. As Aragorn settled in for breakfast, he noticed that Frodo  
seemed unusually pensive. Perhaps his dreams had been disturbed by the  
previous day's events, Aragorn thought.  
 
He also noticed that Legolas had not returned to camp. It was as he  
expected, but he still felt a twinge of disappointment that the Elf was  
not with them. There was much to be done.  
 
But as the Fellowship was finishing breakfast, Legolas appeared. The  
others greeted him warmly, and Pippin asked him how Aronmir was doing.  
Legolas told him that the scout had slept almost nonstop since the  
healers had treated his wounds and that he was expected to recover in  
time. He then thanked the young Hobbit for his concern.  
 
Legolas sat down beside Aragorn and accepted a plate of leftovers from  
Sam. Slowly and without enthusiasm, he began to eat.  
 
"And how are you faring?" Aragorn asked, when the others had moved out  
of earshot.  
 
Thoughtfully Legolas shoved the food around on his plate, "I am well,  
just a bit tired."  
 
"We will be leaving day after tomorrow."  
 
For the first time since he had returned to camp, Legolas looked at  
Aragorn, "That soon?"  
 
"We must now move with all speed. The enemy will expect us to take the  
same route as the scouts, but if we pass through Emyn Muil, and can  
navigate the Dead Marshes, we will be able to make our way through  
Ithilien and bypass the Black Gate."  
 
"It seems that is now our only option," Legolas agreed. "Do you think  
the Hobbits will make it?"  
 
Aragorn glanced at Pippin, who was trying to stuff an entire joint of  
mutton into his waistcoat pocket.  
 
"Some will, others most likely will not."  
 
Legolas nodded bleakly.  
 
The rest of the day passed swiftly. The Elves showed the Company the  
boats they had crafted for their trip down river, and everyone,  
including a most reluctant Sam, practiced rowing them around the lake.  
Merry and Pippin engaged in some horseplay, splashing each other with  
their oars and rocking the boat when the other one was getting in or  
out, trying to make him fall into the water. Sam clucked at them like a  
mother hen, predicting dire consequences for their foolish behavior,  
while Gimli, Boromir, and Aragorn laughed at their antics. Frodo and  
Legolas looked on impassively, both too preoccupied with their own  
thoughts to find any humor in Merry and Pippin's pranks.  
 
As the day ended, Legolas decided he needed to check in with Haldir,  
and Aragorn watched with mixed emotions as he left the camp. Legolas  
had said nothing nor shown any sign since their reconciliation to  
indicate his feelings were anything more than simple friendship, and  
Aragorn was strangely relieved. The task ahead would be immeasurably  
difficult. And if the ring were destroyed, Aragorn knew he would  
finally claim Arwen for his own, provided she had not left Middle Earth  
already as he had urged her to do. So turning away, lest any unseemly  
emotion cross his face, Aragorn went over to help Boromir and Gimli as  
they prepared their weapons for the journey ahead.  
 
Legolas found Haldir coming from the Hall of Healing and fell in step  
beside him.  
 
"How is Aronmir doing?" Legolas asked.  
 
"He has already regained some strength, but his infected wounds and the  
trauma he suffered have given him brain fever. The healers had to  
restrain him three times today." Haldir said, shaking his head sadly.  
 
"I am sorry, Haldir. I wish I could stay and help you through this but  
Aragorn tells me the Fellowship will be leaving the day after  
tomorrow," Legolas said.  
 
Haldir stopped and grabbed Legolas by the arm, swinging him around so  
that they were now standing face to face.  
 
"I fear for you, Legolas. The evil grows daily and I do not trust the  
ranger. He is a Man, and Men are weak and susceptible to the seduction  
of power. How do you know he will let the Hobbit destroy the ring when  
the time comes?  
 
Briefly, Legolas considered the travails that had befallen the Company  
on their quest so far. Finally, he replied, "I believe if any Man has  
the strength to resist the ring's influence, it is him."  
 
Haldir studied Legolas for a moment; his face radiated a steady, calm  
assurance that when the time came, if they did not die before then, the  
ring would indeed be destroyed.  
 
Nodding his acceptance of this, Haldir started walking back down the  
trail toward his home. He was heartened that Legolas chose to continue  
walking with him, though he gave no outward notice of it.  
 
But Legolas must have had an idea of what Haldir was feeling, because  
he reached out and, without invitation, took Haldir's hand in his own.  
Companionably enough they walked on, finally arriving at Haldir's tree.  
 
Even years later when Haldir chose to think back to his last night with  
Legolas, he could remember each small detail with perfect clarity. The  
moonlight shining in through the bedroom window, illuminating the white  
sheets, and the blue-black shadows of the leafy tree branches caressing  
the walls around them with loving fingers. The deep, heady scent of the  
forest, wafting in upon the cool night breeze, filling the curtains  
like a sail. Shared breaths and limitless surrender, electric touches  
of smooth skin upon smooth skin and the pulse-pounding sensation of  
drowning in the essence of another.  
 
But if Haldir's heart was filled with peace at the last night he and  
Legolas spent together, it was also broken by the conversation that  
followed.  
 
As daylight started to edge around the corners of Haldir's room,  
Legolas finally began to stir. Stretching and yawning, he untangled  
himself from the sheets. He had not meant to stay so long. There was  
still much packing and preparation for the trip ahead to be finished.  
 
He looked around to find Haldir sitting up on the bed with his back  
facing him. He appeared to have been sitting there for some time and it  
struck Legolas rather oddly that he couldn't recall when Haldir had  
done so.  
 
Reaching out, Legolas placed a hand on Haldir's back, and briefly  
Haldir leaned into his touch. The warmth of Legolas' hand against his  
shoulder blades was reassuring, strong, the connection of one person to  
another, and to Haldir it felt good.  
 
Legolas finally removed his hand and started to search about for his  
clothes. Without looking around, Haldir silently sighed. He wanted to  
talk to Legolas but he was scared. His stomach fluttered nervously and  
there didn't seem to be any air in his lungs. He was a fierce warrior,  
having battled the Orcs for many years now, both before and after his  
appointment as Captain of Galadriel's guard. But he was completely and  
utterly struck dumb by this battle of his heart.  
 
Behind him, Legolas continued dressing.  
 
Nervously Haldir took another deep breath as Legolas sat down on the  
bed to pull his boots on.  
 
"Do you have feelings for him?"  
 
There it was, he'd said it. He'd spent five hundred years telling  
himself he didn't need or even really want Legolas around. But their  
unexpected reunion here in Lothlórien had reawakened Haldir's heart to  
all the joy and pain that go along with loving someone.  
 
Legolas' only reply had been utter stillness.  
 
Time spun out as the room lightened. Haldir's breath seemed harsh and  
overloud in his ears but Legolas still did not stir. Finally, Haldir  
turned around and looked at Legolas. He was fiddling with the lacings  
on his tunic; he was completely dressed now. All that remained was for  
him to gather his weapons from the front room and then he would be  
gone.  
 
Slowly Legolas turned around to face Haldir. He managed to look  
confused but it was only for a moment. He had been caught completely  
unawares by Haldir's question. He knew what Haldir was really asking.  
He also knew that his feelings for Aragorn were something he had never  
planned to discuss with anyone. But hoping to deflect further  
questioning, Legolas answered somewhat truthfully.  
 
"I will always think of him as my friend."  
 
At this Haldir turned around and really stared at Legolas. Nervously  
Legolas hitched his leg up on the bed. He'd hated it before, when he  
and Haldir had last been together, how Haldir seemed to be able to sort  
through any subterfuge on his part merely by looking at him. And even  
after all these years, he liked it even less.  
 
"I said do you have feelings for him?"  
 
Cursing himself mentally, for Haldir had always been adept at ferreting  
out truth from falsehood, Legolas dropped his eyes, refusing to look up  
at Haldir. He could just answer with brutal honesty, pick up his things  
and leave, but for some mysterious reason Legolas felt compelled to at  
least make some attempt at sparing Haldir's feelings, although why he  
was trying to do so was completely beyond him. But for some reason this  
was just one thing he could not bring himself to explain to Haldir,  
perhaps it was because he had no answers for himself either.  
 
But finally, Legolas replied, "Tomorrow we leave and it is entirely  
possible that we will all die." Legolas' voice took on a pleading tone,  
"Why is it so important for you to know?"  
 
Haldir looked down. Legolas had made no physical movement toward him  
when this conversation had started nor had he pulled away. But the  
evasiveness of Legolas' answers was all the confirmation Haldir really  
needed. By what perverse need to punish himself for sins committed so  
long ago had he initiated this conversation, Haldir wondered? Would all  
his suffering ever truly atone for the hurt he had caused Legolas?  
 
Scooting across the bed so that he and Haldir were now facing one  
another, Legolas reached out and smoothed the hair back from Haldir's  
face. In the intervening years it was true Legolas had matured, and it  
was through this wisdom that Legolas recognized Haldir's need to punish  
himself for actions that now belonged to a past which no longer seemed  
so important.  
 
"When you betrayed me (beneath his touch he felt Haldir flinch at that  
remark) I truly thought I would die from grief. I swore I would never  
forgive you (another flinch). Dropping his hand from Haldir's face  
Legolas reached out and took Haldir's hand into both of his own. Slowly  
Haldir raised his eyes, surprised at the emotions that were both  
present and missing from Legolas' face as he earnestly looked at him.  
 
"Seeing you again and seeing how you've changed has eased my pain. But  
whatever my feelings are for Aragorn, they are completely my own, to be  
shared with no one."  
 
Haldir's only reply to this was a short nod, whether of understanding  
or acceptance Legolas never would know.  
 
"But I can tell you this for certain. There was a time when I loved you  
like no other. And no matter where I go or what I do I will always  
carry fond memories of you in my heart."  
 
With that, Legolas stood up to take his leave. But Haldir neither moved  
nor spoke, and it hadn't occurred to Legolas until just that moment  
that saying goodbye to Haldir would hurt.  
 
Leaning down, he brushed his lips against Haldir's bowed head. At the  
door he hesitated, then turned, casting one last look at Haldir. But  
Haldir refused to look back. Instead, he just gazed pensively out the  
window. So, with that, Legolas turned and took his leave, closing the  
door softly behind him.  
 
Haldir listened as Legolas collected his weapons and left. The sound of  
the front door closing pierced his heart like no Orc arrow ever could.  
 
Finally, with a deep sigh, Haldir laid back down on the bed, staring at  
the ceiling. He stayed that way for a long, long time.  
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
 
 
Part 9  
 
The next day, as the Company finished their preparations, Aragorn spoke  
with Lord Celeborn, thanking him and his people for their hospitality.  
Lord Celeborn told Aragorn the Elves would be giving a small banquet in  
the Great Hall that eve in honor of the Fellowship. Aragorn told him  
they would all attend.  
 
When Aragorn told his companions, all agreed readily. Merry and Pippin  
had a few of the Elves they especially wanted to say good-bye to, and  
Boromir expressed his delight at having a fine meal before they were  
reduced to eating dried meat and fruit again. Gimli was secretly  
pleased to have the opportunity to look upon the Lady Galadriel again,  
though he only muttered something about how happy he would be to leave  
Lothlórien and get out from under all the blasted trees.  
 
Aragorn took Frodo aside, seeing he was still quite thoughtful and had  
not smiled once since their talk in the dark two nights ago. Frodo  
would tell him nothing, save that he was worried about Sam. Aragorn did  
not press him, but he was concerned that Frodo was keeping something  
else from him. He hoped the ring was not becoming too much of a burden  
for the Hobbit. Frodo's resistance to its evil was their one best hope.  
 
The banquet was a fine affair with rich food and good wine. Only a few  
select Elves had been invited to say their good-byes to the Fellowship  
and wish them a safe and speedy journey. The news arrived that  
Aronmir's fever had lifted and he was resting comfortably, for which  
all were thankful. Aragorn made a toast to Gandalf that had the guests  
wiping their eyes as they remembered the wizard with a sweet sadness.  
 
When the meal was finished, the Fellowship made their way back to their  
camp for the last time. As Aragorn went to join them, Galadriel stopped  
him and asked for a private moment with which to speak.  
 
They walked out onto a terraced flet overlooking an unusual garden.  
Flowers and shrubs grew splendidly on a series of small platforms,  
placed at irregular intervals, upon the sturdy branches of the same  
enormous tree that held the Great Hall. Galadriel allowed Aragorn a  
moment to admire the beautiful garden before she spoke.  
 
"I believe that the timing of your departure is most fortuitous," she  
said.  
 
Aragorn looked at her solemnly. "I hope that is true, my Lady. But if  
we win through to Mount Doom, what will you do then?"  
 
"If the One Ring is destroyed, my power will diminish and I will go  
into the West," she said wistfully. "But it is your time now Aragorn.  
If your quest succeeds, your rule will be a golden age for Middle Earth  
and your children's children will know peace."  
 
Acknowledging Galadriel's words with a nod of his head Aragorn replied,  
"I had doubted my suitability to lead the Fellowship after Gandalf's  
fall, and my feelings for Legolas clouded my judgment, but you helped  
me find my way, my Lady. I will ever be grateful for your advice."  
 
"You have found your path, ranger. Rule wisely, rule well."  
 
"I will, my Lady. Thank you," Aragorn said. With that, he took his  
leave and made his way back to camp.  
 
When he arrived, he joined the Fellowship, Legolas included, who were  
all listening to a story Merry was telling and laughing until the tears  
ran from their eyes. Even Frodo had joined in, and Aragorn found  
himself laughing also, even though he had no idea what the story was  
about. It was good, he decided, just to see his companions so  
pleasantly cheerful.  
 
At dawn the next morning, everyone was packed and ready to go, though  
Pippin was complaining he had not yet finished breakfast.  
 
"If we wait for you to finish, Master Took, we will be able to stroll  
down the Anduin upon the winter ice," Boromir chuckled, moving off with  
the others.  
 
Pippin pulled a face, then stuffed the rest of his meal hurriedly into  
his mouth and picked up his pack, scurrying to catch up.  
 
Aragorn was already at the lake, loading the boats with supplies as he  
waited for the rest of the Fellowship, when Haldir approached him.  
 
The ranger stood up and greeted him cautiously.  
 
"Haldir."  
 
"Greetings, ranger. The Lady has asked that your party wait here upon  
the bank. She has some gifts to bestow before you depart."  
 
"We will do so," Aragorn said.  
 
Haldir looked at Aragorn for a moment, then said, "I feel also that I  
owe you an apology for my outburst upon the completion of Iluvenoldo. I  
did not know the power o