Note: Sorry this chapter took so long, fans. None of these characters
belong to me, except for Danius and Miranda. This is the factually
incorrect story, where Aragorn is not Elrond's foster son. I have also
changed a few (actually, a lot) more things from the book. If you want the
correct version, read my 'Strangers Alternate' series. Elvish speech is in
' '. Review, please, if you want a story sequel.
Strangers,
Part 5
A.J. Matthews
It was early the next morning when Legolas and Aragorn set out for Mirkwood. Lord Elrond gave them horses, as well as food and supplies for the long journey.
They rode silently for a few hours, anxious to get some miles between them and Mirkwood. They didn't stop to rest until eight hours had gone by.
"Are you tired, Aragorn?" Legolas asked in English, which surprised him.
"Yes," Aragorn admitted. "But I can ride for another couple of hours, Legolas."
Legolas shook his head. "We need to conserve our energy. We can rest for an hour or so, Aragorn." He looked around, trying to find a good spot.
"How about that cluster of trees over there," Aragorn suggested.
"An excellent idea, my friend," Legolas responded. They rode over to it and dismounted.
"Gandalf gave you an English lesson, didn't he, Legolas?" Aragorn asked curiously.
Legolas smiled mischievously. "Yes."
Aragorn took out his water bag and drank a few mouthfuls, before tying it up again. Legolas had done the same, before sinking to the ground.
Aragorn sat next to him. "Legolas?" he asked quietly.
"Yes, Aragorn?" Legolas turned to look at the human.
"Shall we finish our talk, which began right before Elrond interrupted us?" Aragorn's dark eyes met Legolas's green ones.
"As I recall," Legolas said slowly, "we weren't talking much. But I have a question to ask you first."
Aragorn had a feeling that he knew what Legolas was going to question him about.
"What does Arwen mean to you? Gandalf told me that the two of you were-" Legolas bowed his head, unable to finish.
"I don't know, Legolas," Aragorn said honestly. "I thought I loved her, and then I met you. I know I love you, so I must not love her that way."
Legolas nodded slowly. "But if you become a king, Aragorn, won't you need an heir?"
"Yes, Legolas." Aragorn looked at Legolas, smiling ruefully. "Won't you, if you become King of Mirkwood?"
"Not necessarily, Aragorn. First, I do have other brothers who can become King. And if I needed an heir, one of my nephews could be mine. You do not have a brother or sister to give you a nephew, do you?" Legolas asked quietly.
Aragorn shook his head. "No, I don't, Legolas."
"So what can there be between us? You will need an heir," Legolas stated. Pain was in his eyes. "I can't give you one."
"I know, Legolas. Lord Elrond didn't have any ideas, either," Aragorn told him. He gently touched Legolas's face. "And I may not be a king, Legolas. That is only a possibility. We could be worrying for nothing."
"But just in case-" Aragorn claimed Legolas's mouth before he could continue. The doubts in Legolas's heart faded away, as he leaned into the fiery kiss. Their mouths chased each other, yearning for more. Aragorn cupped Legolas's face as the kiss broke.
"I will not be a king if I must lose you, Legolas," he whispered. Legolas's face was smooth beneath his hands.
"Aragorn," Legolas said softly. His hands touched Aragorn's face as well. "I love you as well, Aragorn." His gaze faltered. "But I don't want you to have to choose between me and your kingdom."
"Gandulf may be able to help us, Legolas," Aragorn told him quietly. "I didn't think to ask him before he left." His hands traced Legolas's delicate features.
"Good idea," Legolas whispered in his ear. "If anyone can help us, he can." He kissed Aragorn, who responded back. Their hands ran through each other's hair and shirts.
"Legolas," Aragorn murmured between kisses.
"Yes?" Legolas asked breathlessly.
"Hold on a minute." Aragorn hastily dug through his bag and pulled out a couple of blankets. He quickly spread one out, as Legolas watched.
Aragorn tossed the other blankets to the ground and sat down next to Legolas. The kisses began again, each one more passionate than the next.
Without knowing how, both of their shirts were removed. Aragorn leaned Legolas back against the blanket, his hands tracing the elf's body. "You are truly beautiful, Legolas," he whispered, as he rolled on top of him.
Legolas's hands were on Aragorn's chest. His green eyes met Aragorn's. Wonder shone in them.
"Are you certain, Legolas?" Aragorn asked, as his hands traveled down to Legolas's leggings and began to remove them.
"Yes," Legolas moaned. "Is it always like this, Aragorn?" he asked, as his hands found their way down Aragorn's well-muscled body.
"Always," Aragorn whispered, as he drew Legolas closer.
***********
Hours later
***********
Legolas and Aragorn lay intertwined on the blanket, panting. Legolas was still underneath of Aragorn.
"Aragorn," he murmured reluctantly.
"Yes, Legolas?" came the faint answer.
"We really should continue our journey." Legolas softened his words with a gentle kiss.
"I suppose you're right," Aragorn agreed quietly. He rolled off the elf, and began to put his clothing back on.
Legolas did the same silently. Aragorn rolled the blankets up and looked at Legolas.
"Are you ok?" he asked gently.
Legolas smiled at him reassuringly. "Yes, Aragorn." Contentment showed in his eyes as he stood.
Aragorn smiled back, and placed the blankets in his bag. He stood as well.
They each walked to their horse, mounted, and galloped off.
The sun seemed to shine more brightly than it had before. Legolas and Aragorn rode side-by-side, exchanging looks and secret smiles.
They did not stop until well after nightfall, more than making up for lost time. When they did, Aragorn spread his blankets out, while Legolas prepared some food. After eating, they were so weary that all they had the energy to do was sleep in each other's arms.
At dawn the next morning, they continued their journey after a short breakfast. By then, they could see the forests of Mirkwood.
As they rode into Mirkwood together, Legolas looked at Aragorn.
"Let me speak first, if we are stopped," he said. "My father does not trust many humans, Aragorn."
As if summoned by his words, the Elven King rode towards them, flanked by archers.
'Halt!' he commanded in Elvish.
Legolas and Aragorn did as they were told. They waited as King Thranduil approached them.
'Legolas, it is good to see you again,' Thranduil said, nodding to his son before he looked at the human sitting on the horse next to him. 'But who is this human you have brought with you?'
'It is good to see you as well, Father. This is Aragorn, son of Arathorn, and heir of Isildur,' Legolas explained. 'He wishes to ask you a few questions.'
A strange look entered Thranduil's eyes. 'Aragorn, you say? Also known as Dúnadan?' he questioned.
'Yes, father.' Legolas looked confused.
'Follow me, both of you,' the Elven King said. He gestured to his archers, who followed behind Aragorn and Legolas.
Legolas and Aragorn rode silently.
Thranduil led them to his Elven kingdom silently. His thoughts were his own. He had not missed the way his son looked at the human. Yet, he kept his face impassive as he dismounted.
Aragorn dismounted as well, while Legolas gracefully leapt off his horse. Another elf took the reins of all three horses and led them away.
'Father, what is it?' Legolas asked quietly, as he and Aragorn followed Thranduil into the fortress.
Once they entered a room with a table and chairs, Thranduil gestured for them to sit. He took the head of the table, obviously. He beckoned one of his guards over.
'Fetch Danius for me,' King Thranduil said regally.
The servant bowed and exited.
Thranduil turned his focus on Aragorn. 'A few years ago, Aragorn, a human maiden named Miranda came to us, seeking you. The woman was ill.'
Aragorn gasped softly. 'It was my understanding that she died, King Thranduil,' he said in fluent Elvish.
King Thranduil raised an eyebrow in surprise at Aragorn's knowledge of the Elvish tongue.
'She did die, Aragorn. But she left something behind for you.'
Legolas was confused.
'What is it, your majesty?' Aragorn asked respectfully.
'Did you not know she was with child, Aragorn?' the Elven King asked him.
Aragorn paled. 'What are you saying?'
'Miranda bore a child before she died, Aragorn.' King Thranduil leaned towards him. 'A child she claimed was yours.'
His statement was met with silence. Aragorn looked stunned.
Legolas was as well. Did this mean what he thought it meant, he wondered. His question was answered as the Elven guard entered, carrying a toddler with dark hair and blue eyes. He handed the child over to his king, and then left the room again.
'Does he look familiar to you, Aragorn?' Thranduil set the toddler on the table, where Legolas and Aragorn could see. The child had some of Aragorn's features; dark hair, skin coloring, and Aragorn's face shape, only smaller. However, his eyes were a bright blue.
Aragorn sucked in a deep breath. 'My god,' he whispered. 'He looks just like me.'
Legolas leaned forward. 'He does, Aragorn.' He was in awe of this little one who looked just like his lover, except for the eyes. Legolas looked at his father. 'Why didn't I know he was here, father?'
'You are away constantly, Legolas,' King Thranduil reminded him. 'You were not here when the girl was here and when she died birthing Danius.' He looked at Aragorn. 'Are you going to claim him as your own, Aragorn? He is your heir.'
Aragorn nodded slowly, as King Thranduil stood, picking the toddler up. He walked around and placed Danius in Aragorn's lap.
'Take some time and get acquainted with your son, Aragorn. I know it has come as a bit of a shock,' Thranduil said gently, as he left the room.
Aragorn gazed at his son in wonder. Legolas leaned over and touched the child's face.
'He looks so like you, Aragorn,' Legolas breathed in Elvish. Then he switched back to English.
"I know," Aragorn said softly. Young Danius prattled up at him.
"Da-da," he said.
"That's right, Danius. I am your father." Aragorn was filled with instant love for this child. He looked at Legolas, his face still pale.
Legolas was gazing at the child in fascination. He looked at Aragorn. "He is a treasure, Aragorn, for he is as beautiful as you are."
"Legolas, you know that I didn't know about Danius," Aragorn said quietly.
Legolas nodded slowly as he looked at Aragorn. "I know."
"Does this knowledge change your feelings towards me, Legolas?" Aragorn asked hesitantly.
"No, Aragorn," Legolas said. He smiled at Aragorn. "You did not know of his existence; yet you wanted me anyway. And I care about him- because he is part of you."
Danius reached out and touched Legolas's hair, babbling about how pretty it was.
King Thranduil listened from behind the door. Lord Elrond was certainly right about Legolas and Aragorn liking each other. He'd received a letter, delivered by bird, from Lord Elrond prior to their arrival. He could not say that he was entirely happy with his son being in love with a male- especially a man. But he did want his son to be happy.
Thranduil walked away slowly, pondering. Most elves would not understand Legolas's relationship with Aragorn. He didn't understand it himself. He shook his head and continued walking.
But inside the room, Legolas, Aragorn, and young Danius were as happy as they could be. Aragorn had an heir, which meant his kingdom would be secure, should he ever be a king. And he hadn't had to marry, which meant that he and Legolas could be together. And they would raise Danius to be a king someday.
The End
Strangers,
Part 5
A.J. Matthews
It was early the next morning when Legolas and Aragorn set out for Mirkwood. Lord Elrond gave them horses, as well as food and supplies for the long journey.
They rode silently for a few hours, anxious to get some miles between them and Mirkwood. They didn't stop to rest until eight hours had gone by.
"Are you tired, Aragorn?" Legolas asked in English, which surprised him.
"Yes," Aragorn admitted. "But I can ride for another couple of hours, Legolas."
Legolas shook his head. "We need to conserve our energy. We can rest for an hour or so, Aragorn." He looked around, trying to find a good spot.
"How about that cluster of trees over there," Aragorn suggested.
"An excellent idea, my friend," Legolas responded. They rode over to it and dismounted.
"Gandalf gave you an English lesson, didn't he, Legolas?" Aragorn asked curiously.
Legolas smiled mischievously. "Yes."
Aragorn took out his water bag and drank a few mouthfuls, before tying it up again. Legolas had done the same, before sinking to the ground.
Aragorn sat next to him. "Legolas?" he asked quietly.
"Yes, Aragorn?" Legolas turned to look at the human.
"Shall we finish our talk, which began right before Elrond interrupted us?" Aragorn's dark eyes met Legolas's green ones.
"As I recall," Legolas said slowly, "we weren't talking much. But I have a question to ask you first."
Aragorn had a feeling that he knew what Legolas was going to question him about.
"What does Arwen mean to you? Gandalf told me that the two of you were-" Legolas bowed his head, unable to finish.
"I don't know, Legolas," Aragorn said honestly. "I thought I loved her, and then I met you. I know I love you, so I must not love her that way."
Legolas nodded slowly. "But if you become a king, Aragorn, won't you need an heir?"
"Yes, Legolas." Aragorn looked at Legolas, smiling ruefully. "Won't you, if you become King of Mirkwood?"
"Not necessarily, Aragorn. First, I do have other brothers who can become King. And if I needed an heir, one of my nephews could be mine. You do not have a brother or sister to give you a nephew, do you?" Legolas asked quietly.
Aragorn shook his head. "No, I don't, Legolas."
"So what can there be between us? You will need an heir," Legolas stated. Pain was in his eyes. "I can't give you one."
"I know, Legolas. Lord Elrond didn't have any ideas, either," Aragorn told him. He gently touched Legolas's face. "And I may not be a king, Legolas. That is only a possibility. We could be worrying for nothing."
"But just in case-" Aragorn claimed Legolas's mouth before he could continue. The doubts in Legolas's heart faded away, as he leaned into the fiery kiss. Their mouths chased each other, yearning for more. Aragorn cupped Legolas's face as the kiss broke.
"I will not be a king if I must lose you, Legolas," he whispered. Legolas's face was smooth beneath his hands.
"Aragorn," Legolas said softly. His hands touched Aragorn's face as well. "I love you as well, Aragorn." His gaze faltered. "But I don't want you to have to choose between me and your kingdom."
"Gandulf may be able to help us, Legolas," Aragorn told him quietly. "I didn't think to ask him before he left." His hands traced Legolas's delicate features.
"Good idea," Legolas whispered in his ear. "If anyone can help us, he can." He kissed Aragorn, who responded back. Their hands ran through each other's hair and shirts.
"Legolas," Aragorn murmured between kisses.
"Yes?" Legolas asked breathlessly.
"Hold on a minute." Aragorn hastily dug through his bag and pulled out a couple of blankets. He quickly spread one out, as Legolas watched.
Aragorn tossed the other blankets to the ground and sat down next to Legolas. The kisses began again, each one more passionate than the next.
Without knowing how, both of their shirts were removed. Aragorn leaned Legolas back against the blanket, his hands tracing the elf's body. "You are truly beautiful, Legolas," he whispered, as he rolled on top of him.
Legolas's hands were on Aragorn's chest. His green eyes met Aragorn's. Wonder shone in them.
"Are you certain, Legolas?" Aragorn asked, as his hands traveled down to Legolas's leggings and began to remove them.
"Yes," Legolas moaned. "Is it always like this, Aragorn?" he asked, as his hands found their way down Aragorn's well-muscled body.
"Always," Aragorn whispered, as he drew Legolas closer.
***********
Hours later
***********
Legolas and Aragorn lay intertwined on the blanket, panting. Legolas was still underneath of Aragorn.
"Aragorn," he murmured reluctantly.
"Yes, Legolas?" came the faint answer.
"We really should continue our journey." Legolas softened his words with a gentle kiss.
"I suppose you're right," Aragorn agreed quietly. He rolled off the elf, and began to put his clothing back on.
Legolas did the same silently. Aragorn rolled the blankets up and looked at Legolas.
"Are you ok?" he asked gently.
Legolas smiled at him reassuringly. "Yes, Aragorn." Contentment showed in his eyes as he stood.
Aragorn smiled back, and placed the blankets in his bag. He stood as well.
They each walked to their horse, mounted, and galloped off.
The sun seemed to shine more brightly than it had before. Legolas and Aragorn rode side-by-side, exchanging looks and secret smiles.
They did not stop until well after nightfall, more than making up for lost time. When they did, Aragorn spread his blankets out, while Legolas prepared some food. After eating, they were so weary that all they had the energy to do was sleep in each other's arms.
At dawn the next morning, they continued their journey after a short breakfast. By then, they could see the forests of Mirkwood.
As they rode into Mirkwood together, Legolas looked at Aragorn.
"Let me speak first, if we are stopped," he said. "My father does not trust many humans, Aragorn."
As if summoned by his words, the Elven King rode towards them, flanked by archers.
'Halt!' he commanded in Elvish.
Legolas and Aragorn did as they were told. They waited as King Thranduil approached them.
'Legolas, it is good to see you again,' Thranduil said, nodding to his son before he looked at the human sitting on the horse next to him. 'But who is this human you have brought with you?'
'It is good to see you as well, Father. This is Aragorn, son of Arathorn, and heir of Isildur,' Legolas explained. 'He wishes to ask you a few questions.'
A strange look entered Thranduil's eyes. 'Aragorn, you say? Also known as Dúnadan?' he questioned.
'Yes, father.' Legolas looked confused.
'Follow me, both of you,' the Elven King said. He gestured to his archers, who followed behind Aragorn and Legolas.
Legolas and Aragorn rode silently.
Thranduil led them to his Elven kingdom silently. His thoughts were his own. He had not missed the way his son looked at the human. Yet, he kept his face impassive as he dismounted.
Aragorn dismounted as well, while Legolas gracefully leapt off his horse. Another elf took the reins of all three horses and led them away.
'Father, what is it?' Legolas asked quietly, as he and Aragorn followed Thranduil into the fortress.
Once they entered a room with a table and chairs, Thranduil gestured for them to sit. He took the head of the table, obviously. He beckoned one of his guards over.
'Fetch Danius for me,' King Thranduil said regally.
The servant bowed and exited.
Thranduil turned his focus on Aragorn. 'A few years ago, Aragorn, a human maiden named Miranda came to us, seeking you. The woman was ill.'
Aragorn gasped softly. 'It was my understanding that she died, King Thranduil,' he said in fluent Elvish.
King Thranduil raised an eyebrow in surprise at Aragorn's knowledge of the Elvish tongue.
'She did die, Aragorn. But she left something behind for you.'
Legolas was confused.
'What is it, your majesty?' Aragorn asked respectfully.
'Did you not know she was with child, Aragorn?' the Elven King asked him.
Aragorn paled. 'What are you saying?'
'Miranda bore a child before she died, Aragorn.' King Thranduil leaned towards him. 'A child she claimed was yours.'
His statement was met with silence. Aragorn looked stunned.
Legolas was as well. Did this mean what he thought it meant, he wondered. His question was answered as the Elven guard entered, carrying a toddler with dark hair and blue eyes. He handed the child over to his king, and then left the room again.
'Does he look familiar to you, Aragorn?' Thranduil set the toddler on the table, where Legolas and Aragorn could see. The child had some of Aragorn's features; dark hair, skin coloring, and Aragorn's face shape, only smaller. However, his eyes were a bright blue.
Aragorn sucked in a deep breath. 'My god,' he whispered. 'He looks just like me.'
Legolas leaned forward. 'He does, Aragorn.' He was in awe of this little one who looked just like his lover, except for the eyes. Legolas looked at his father. 'Why didn't I know he was here, father?'
'You are away constantly, Legolas,' King Thranduil reminded him. 'You were not here when the girl was here and when she died birthing Danius.' He looked at Aragorn. 'Are you going to claim him as your own, Aragorn? He is your heir.'
Aragorn nodded slowly, as King Thranduil stood, picking the toddler up. He walked around and placed Danius in Aragorn's lap.
'Take some time and get acquainted with your son, Aragorn. I know it has come as a bit of a shock,' Thranduil said gently, as he left the room.
Aragorn gazed at his son in wonder. Legolas leaned over and touched the child's face.
'He looks so like you, Aragorn,' Legolas breathed in Elvish. Then he switched back to English.
"I know," Aragorn said softly. Young Danius prattled up at him.
"Da-da," he said.
"That's right, Danius. I am your father." Aragorn was filled with instant love for this child. He looked at Legolas, his face still pale.
Legolas was gazing at the child in fascination. He looked at Aragorn. "He is a treasure, Aragorn, for he is as beautiful as you are."
"Legolas, you know that I didn't know about Danius," Aragorn said quietly.
Legolas nodded slowly as he looked at Aragorn. "I know."
"Does this knowledge change your feelings towards me, Legolas?" Aragorn asked hesitantly.
"No, Aragorn," Legolas said. He smiled at Aragorn. "You did not know of his existence; yet you wanted me anyway. And I care about him- because he is part of you."
Danius reached out and touched Legolas's hair, babbling about how pretty it was.
King Thranduil listened from behind the door. Lord Elrond was certainly right about Legolas and Aragorn liking each other. He'd received a letter, delivered by bird, from Lord Elrond prior to their arrival. He could not say that he was entirely happy with his son being in love with a male- especially a man. But he did want his son to be happy.
Thranduil walked away slowly, pondering. Most elves would not understand Legolas's relationship with Aragorn. He didn't understand it himself. He shook his head and continued walking.
But inside the room, Legolas, Aragorn, and young Danius were as happy as they could be. Aragorn had an heir, which meant his kingdom would be secure, should he ever be a king. And he hadn't had to marry, which meant that he and Legolas could be together. And they would raise Danius to be a king someday.
The End