Author's Notes: Sorry this chapter took so long. First, it was because of something I explained at the bottom of this chapter. Then, my beta was wicked busy and couldn't get it back to me for a while. And then, wasn't letting me sign in to update. Grrrrr. But it's here now!!!!!!
Another Author's Note: THANKIES!!!! Now, oh, my gosh, you guys have NO IDEA how much your reviews made my day (or days, considering I received them over a period of several days)! And I'm so excited! I got another flame! ::laughs hysterically:: I opened up the email i got from the bot review people or whatever, thinking that it would be another lovely, wonderfully sweet review like the rest of ya have been giving me ::huggles all reviewers:: and I get this (and I laughed my ass off!!!):
SLASH HATERS! (this was in the reviewer box; there're two, keep reading)
SLASH HATER 1:
WHAT IN THE WORLD? WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE LIKE SLASH STORIES? THAT IS SO SICK!
HOW CAN YOU WRITE SLASH AND NOT BE GAY YOURSELF? I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT YOU DARE TO SOIL LEGOLAS' BEAUTIFUL NAME! YOU SOIL THE NAME OF ELVES! Elves are the purest creatures of Middle Earth; they are beautiful, graceful, fair, and STRAIGHT! HOW DARE YOU PORTRAY THEM IN SUCH A MANNER! Slash YOU into a MILLION PIECES!
SLASH HATER 2: I'm not here right now, but if I were, I'd agree! AND I'd sick my Nazgul on you!
My response:
::giggles hysterically and falls to the floor rolling around:: Good Lord! Why waste your time reviewing to something if ya don't like it??? Have people gotten THAT moronic??? Listen up, Slash Hater 1&2: 1) People like slash stories cuz they're just so darn cute! (Dunno bout the rest of ya but that's my excuse anyway! Among others ::exaggerated wink::); 2) See, there's a very good reason I can write slash stories and not be gay myself . . . okay, so no there isn't (let's just call it a gift, shall we?); 3) Legolas-NOT REAL, Orlando Bloom (gorgeous boy! ::faints::) POTRAYS him as a FICTIONAL CHARACTER; 4) Elves and Middle-earth—NOT REAL, also figments of Tolkein's talented imagination (and honestly, people, how on earth do we know Elves aren't gay?!? Ya wouldn't know it by the way Legolas acts around Aragorn in RotK and a few choice scenes in TTT and FotR!); 5) "Slash YOU into a MILLION PIECES!" Oooh, I'm scared . . .; 6) Again, people, learn the difference between fiction and reality! Nazgûl-NOT FREAKIN' REAL!!!
To Draco's hot!: First things first-love the name! Hehehe, I could think of a few choice things to say about him, too!!! Anyway I'm sooooooo glad this was first fic you read in this section and you liked it! You really liked it! Sorry, I'm feeling a bit dramatic today, dunno why. And AREN'T there a zillion brilliant scenes for slasherifficness (which, incidentally, YES, is a word; I just made it up) in RotK?!?!?
To Isdule07: Hahaha, well, there's this chapter and then The Two Towers! I've already finished the first chapter and I hope it's good! Are you seriously hooked on this story??? ::squeals:: That's so nice! I think you're right about Galadriel's being able to read minds, but I'm not sure. Then again, she didn't seem terribly surprised when she walked in on them kissing, did she?! Aha! The plot thickens . . . or maybe I'm just being an ass . . . something to think about . . .
P.S. A beta is an online editor sorta person. Mine's the best in the world; she catches everything!
To Babymeeko: The sequel's coming soon!
To SavvySiberian: squeals Omigosh, aren't Aragorn and Legolas the cutest couple?! I dunno what Dumb and Dumber are talking about up there, but they definitely are!
To Zelda Saturn Mistress: Haha, yeah, I finally managed to get the chapter done! I'm so glad you liked the little stream interlude; it was my favorite part of the chapter. I loved you titles, especially the 'Lovers in Rohan' one. Mind if I use it?? ::gets down on knees and begs:: Pleeeeeeeease?????
To ForsakenOn3: Oh, my gosh, I sooo luv you! Chapter one of the sequel will be out soon!
To Nightshade3: Thanks so much for our review! I'm so glad you liked the stream scene! Hehe, can NOT WAIT till I get to RotK!
To Shadow41: I'm so glad you like the story! Hope you enjoy this chapter cuz after this is The Two Towers!
To Kitsune: Thanks so much for your review! Enjoy the chapter!
To Keryth: ::squeals:: Omigosh, do you seriously think this story is the best??? When I got your review, I literally bounced around the house for HOURS!!! It just made me feel all cuddly and squishy inside! The Two Towers should be up with a week to ten days after I update this fic. I need to fine-tune it a bit and then get it beta-ed. It's already finished, however! Enjoy the chapter!!!
To Legolas19: Thanks so much for your review! I'm so glad you like the fic so far and hope you like this chapter as well!
To Moriana Phoenix: Again, thanks for your review and enjoy the chapter!
To Krystal Ara Malfoy: ::squeals:: Omigosh, you're so sweet!!! I really hope you'll continue to read the future sequels as well as this chapter!!!
To Lullaby: I'm so glad you like the fic! Hahaha, aren't the flames frickin' HILARIOUS?!?!
To hidden-sorrow: Thanks so much for your review. I'm glad you liked what I've done with the fic. Hope you enjoy the chapter!
To skydragonzero: Thanks for the review! I'm really glad that you say I haven't damaged the storyline at all by adding this romance. Enjoy the chapter!
To Tracy: Lol. Thanks for the review. Hope my side notes on the flame and everything made you laugh! Hahaha lol.
To Star Wars Forever: Oh, my gosh!! Was my fic seriously one of the stories that converted you?!?!?! Ooooh, I feel all squishy inside! ::huggles Star Wars Forever to death:: Lol. What was the other fic that you read???
Another Author's Note: This chapter is dedicated to two different groups of people. First, to my beta. Laura, I luv you, you're the best, this fic would be nowhere without you! Thanks so much for all your help!!! And second, ::cackles evilly:: to ::giggles:: SLASH HATERS! ::falls on the floor laughing:: This chapter's for you two! ::laughs again:: If ya don't like something. . . then, DUH! DON'T READ IT!
Chapter 7: A Meeting Between Lovers
Legolas stood watch at their tiny makeshift camp. They wanted to get one more night of rest before they set off after Merry and Pippin. Last Legolas looked, Gimli was soundly snoring and Aragorn was sleeping fitfully. Legolas forcefully expelled a deep breath, thinking of his coming days.
Chasing after a band of Uruk-hai that has kidnapped two Shirelings, he thought ruefully. Fun.
Legolas began wandering away from the camp, although he knew it was dangerous. For the moment, he was just happy to be in the woods. He loved this, being able to walk freely through forests and woods. It reminded him of his youth. Growing up in the forests of Mirkwood, he would always scamper away from whomever was supposed to be watching him. He was actually the reason so many of the Woodland realm royalty left for the regions of Elves nearer the borders of Mirkwood instead of the center of the country, where most Elves lived. It would surprise most folk to learn Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood, archer extraordinaire, had been a terribly mischievous child.
Legolas smiled sadly and sighed, half-wishing he had never left Mirkwood. A breeze blew through the trees from the Anduin, carrying the scent of river water with it. The gentle wind lifted Legolas' long blond locks off his shoulders. The Elf stopped his walk and closed his eyes, savoring the breeze. He didn't notice the shadow cast upon the ground as a figure stepped between the ground and the shining moonlight.
Legolas suddenly felt the sweet sensation of lips preying on his own and immediately knew it was Aragorn. The Elf kissed back passionately, wrapping his arms around Aragorn's neck. He felt Aragorn slide his hands under his shirt, the ranger's warm hands burning into Legolas' pale skin. After a few moments, they ended the kiss for the desperate need of air. Panting slightly, they both pulled away a bit.
"Surprise," Aragorn whispered, a twinkle of mischief in his eye. Legolas grinned and kissed him briefly before resting his head on the other man's chest. Legolas sighed as he and Aragorn held each other close.
"How are you, my Elf?" Aragorn asked after a few moments of comfortable silence. Legolas moved slightly and buried his face into Aragorn's neck.
"Weary of all the fighting," Legolas replied, his voice muffled. Aragorn smiled sadly and kissed Legolas' blonde locks.
"Don't worry, Legolas," Aragorn whispered. "It will all be over soon. Frodo and Sam will find their way into Mordor and will make their way to Mount Doom. Then, Frodo will cast the One Ring into the fires and the world will be safe from the evils of Sauron forever more." Aragorn paused here, seeing that Legolas still looked a bit apprehensive. "Tare tilden, sennui saira elda er lúme nyárant nîn, 'Úquen harnant ammen ve anda ve ammen garam ilye n'at.' Ar im garan estel mí so." (More to the point, a rather wise Elf once told me, 'Nobody hurts us as long as we have each other.' And I have faith in him.) [1]
Legolas smiled briefly when Aragorn paraphrased what he had said earlier. The smile melted away, however, when a troublesome thought entered his mind. Legolas pulled away from Aragorn slightly so he could see the ranger clearly.
"Aragorn . . ." Legolas paused, unsure of how to broach the topic.
"What is it, my Elf?" Aragorn murmured, immediately noticing something was bothering Legolas.
"If we do win this war against the Orcs and Uruk-hai, and Frodo does throw the Ring into Mount Doom . . . what will happen to us?"
Aragorn was clearly taken aback by the question and took a moment to process it.
"What do you mean, what will happen to us?"
Legolas pulled out of Aragorn's embrace and walked away a bit, his face troubled.
"Aragorn, you know as well as I do your rightful place in the world," Legolas began haltingly. "You must take back what is rightfully yours . . . the Throne of Gondor. It is your destiny. You are Isildur's heir."
There was a heavy pause before Aragorn spoke.
"I did not ask to be," he muttered, looking away. Legolas turned back and lightly ran a hand through Aragorn's hair.
"I know, my love, but it is who you are," Legolas whispered back, his eyes filling with tears. "You must reclaim the throne and only then will we be able to defeat Sauron. It is only you he is afraid of."
"Even so, Legolas, I still don't see how that would affect us and our relationship," Aragorn protested, looking into Legolas' blue eyes. The Elf felt as though Aragorn was looking into the very depths of his soul. Legolas shook his head.
"Aragorn, who will succeed you, after you have left this world?" Legolas asked quietly, his eyes downcast. "Will the Stewards of Gondor be crowned King of Gondor because Isildur's line has ended? We both know it is impossible for two males to create life, no matter what magic exists."
"What are you saying?" Aragorn asked, his face becoming worried and his voice expressing a tone of anxiety and slight pain.
"I don't know, to be completely honest," Legolas murmured. Aragorn diverted his eyes and gazed at the ground. Legolas reached out and touched Aragorn's stubble-covered chin and lifted so he could stare into the ranger's eyes. "Aragorn, you are my life, and I love you with all my heart," Legolas assured him. "Despite everything else that happens in the world and between us . . . know that. Know that, and never, ever forget it."
Aragorn stared steadily into Legolas' eyes for a moment before closing his own and leaning forward. Legolas met him halfway and their kiss was sweet and gentle. A tear slipped, unnoticed, down Legolas cheek as Aragorn kissed Legolas' forehead.
"I love you, too, my Elf, through all the days I am on this Middle-earth and forevermore beyond," Aragorn promised hoarsely, his voice thick with tears. "I could never love anyone as much as I love you. You are my life. Do you understand? I never want you to think otherwise, because it will never be true."
Legolas choked back a sob and nodded as he threw his arms around Aragorn's neck and buried his face in his chest. Aragorn held the Elf and murmured soothing words. Legolas glanced up for a moment and saw the sun beginning to rise in the east. He quickly composed himself and looked at Aragorn.
"The sun is beginning to rise," he told Aragorn. The Dúnedain turned and looked at the sky now being painted with vividly colored lights. He nodded. "We'd better get back to camp," Legolas added, more out of a need for conversation than anything else. He started off, but hadn't stepped more than three feet when Aragorn grasped his arm. He pulled Legolas close and kissed him. The Elf responded in less than a second. When they parted several moments later, Aragorn looked Legolas in the eye, his own eyes shining.
"Le melon, Legolas yondo Thranduiléva, ar im ú-méran le ú-enyala," (I love you, Legolas son of Thranduil, and I don't want you to forget) he whispered fervently. Legolas smiled.
"Le melon, ve mai, Aragorn yondo Arathornéva. Im avaenyalan," (I love you, as well, Aragorn son of Arathorn. I won't) Legolas replied. He kissed Aragorn once more, briefly, before pulling away. "We must get back. If we stay away any longer, Gimli will wonder where we are."
Aragorn nodded reluctantly and they began their trek back to where their short companion rested.
By the time Legolas and Aragorn returned to camp, Gimli had already risen and was beginning to pack up their things. He looked up at the two in surprise.
"And where have you two been?" he asked. Legolas and Aragorn glanced at each other before Aragorn spoke.
"Legolas thought he heard something down by the river and brought me down to listen," Aragorn replied.
"Oh? What was it? Was it Uruk-hai?" Gimli asked excitedly, his eyes glittering. Legolas smiled in spite of everything. He shook his head and barely held back a grin when Gimli's face fell. "Well, then what was it? What did you hear?"
Legolas' mind raced and he blurted out the first thing he thought of.
"Fish."
"Fish," Gimli repeated disbelievingly. Aragorn snorted and quickly turned it into a cough. Legolas nodded while mentally berating himself for such a stupid reply. "You were afraid of fish?"
Legolas smiled winsomely.
"I'm getting paranoid in my old age, I guess," he answered.
"Did you at least bring any back with you?"
"No, Legolas wouldn't let me catch any," Aragorn told the Dwarf, barely holding back a smirk. Gimli turned to look at Legolas.
"Bad for the complexion," Legolas whispered loudly, completely straight-faced, as he waved a hand in front of his face. Gimli's mouth dropped open and he stared at Legolas for a moment before he turned.
"Elves . . ." Gimli muttered viciously as he walked away. Legolas' eyes sparkled with mirth as he, Aragorn, and Gimli set off after Merry and Pippin.
[1]: This translation was for you guys!! I hope you appreciate it because it's the only reason that's taken this update so long to . . . well, update. I had to look over a bazillion sites to find a damn translator with enough words in its memory to help!!!! By the way, if you're looking to learn Elvish, Quenya, Sindarin, whatever, let me know and I can send you to probably five or six sites. If you need a dictionary or single word translator, I can probably send you to at least five or six more. If you need a name translator, I can send you to a few of them; not many but I came across a few. None of the translations are completely accurate but they come pretty close. Go me! P.S. My name if I was a female Elf would be Elvóthien. Ain't it pretty?!?!?!
Author's Notes: Done!!!!! My work here with the Lord of the Rings: the Fellowship of the Rings is finished. I'd like to thank the actors I temporarily borrowed for this fic (and will soon be borrowing again!): Sean Bean, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, Sir Ian McKellan, John Rhys-Davies, Cate Blanchett, and especially, Orlando Bloom and Viggo Mortenson. Love you all even though I've never met any of you!!!!
Thanks to all my reviewers:
hidden-sorrow
skydragonzero
Tracy
Star Wars Forever
Lullaby
Krystal Ara Malfoy
Draco's hot!
Isdule07
Babymeeko
SavvySiberian
Zelda Saturn Mistress
ForsakenOn3
Nightshade3
Moriana Phoenix
Shadow41
Legolas19
Keryth
Kitsune
Luni Sedai
Elf-Formally-Known-as-Legolas
SireenC
Az
Nicole
Leandra
[blank]
[blank] (another)
VaniaHepskins
Forest Bonevene
Nyctophobia
Anthem
Lady-of-Lorien1
MoroTheWolfGod
Shaan Lien
The girl from Oz
vShadow Dreamerv
Maniac
Shadow41
Jan7
DisenchantedFaerie
D
Alexis
lady ithilmir
PethraGirl
And to my two flamers giggles:
SLASH HATERS!
B. Terry
(Notice how flamers never ever sign in?!?!?! Wonder why??? ::grins::)
Thanks to my beta!!! Laura, you're the best!!!!
Also thanks to everybody that supported me with the two flames!!!!!
Thank you, everyone, and I'll (hopefully) see you for the next fic!!!
Wow, that's a lot of thanks!!!!!
Much love,
Katie
Ten'oio ar' oio amin meluva lle ilya.