Note: None of these are my characters! This fic contains slash between Legolas/Haldir and implied Aragorn/Legolas. Elvish speech is in ''. Aragorn is an Immortal in this fic. High rating for violence! Major angst and deals with character death! Takes place about ten years after LOTR. Hate this? Like this? Tell me in reviews. This story (and my muse) wouldn't leave me alone until I wrote the Prologue. Don't expect more for a while, though, until finals are over.

The Blood Oath

Prologue:

It seemed as if the Heavens themselves were weeping, upon this sad, sad day.  It was not known which of the two the world was crying for; the murdered, or the suspected murderer.

Numerous Elves were gathered around, as well as the inhabitants of Gondor. The mortals wept openly in their grief, while the Immortals were incapable of doing so. They had anger and sadness on their faces, as they watched the burial of one of their own.

The King of Gondor kept his composure barely, as he watched. A grim look was on his face, before he turned to the one who had caused it all. Anger and betrayal shone in the grey eyes, as they met blue ones.

Gandalf was looking at the suspected killer, and could not believe that this was so. Even though the kill was done by his bow and arrows, the wizard did not believe that the prisoner was guilty of this crime, if for no other reason than for what he was hearing the Elf say.

'May Elbereth watch over your soul,' Legolas Greenleaf whispered in Elvish to the departed, mourning the loss of a friend. A dear friend, who had not deserved this fate. The bound Elf felt eyes upon him, and looked back, betrayal and anger also in his flashing blue eyes. If Legolas could have wept, he would have. Not just for his dead friend, but for what was about to happen to him.

The two guards that were watching him received the signal from their king. Each were holding onto one of the two long ropes on the slender Elven wrists. One was on the right, and the other was on the left. At the signal, they yanked the imprisoned Elf forward, and dragged him over to their King.

Cold eyes met cold eyes, as Legolas's legs were kicked out from under him, forcing him to kneel on the muddy ground. Gandalf saw the fear in the Elven Prince's eyes, and cursed the day that Aragorn had turned aside his council on this matter. In a few moments, an innocent life would be taken, and Aragorn himself would be a murderer.

"Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of Mirkwood," Aragorn said, in a cold, empty voice. "You are charged with the murder of the Queen of Gondor, Arwen Evenstar. How do you plead?" It would make it much easier for Aragorn if Legolas would confess his crime and admit the truth.

"Innocent, as I have throughout my judgment," Legolas answered, no trace of fear in his eyes. He knew in his heart that he was innocent.

The crowds booed and yelled names at the Elf, whom they believed was merely being proud. Anger flashed on several of the elves' faces, though sadness, along with resignation was on King Thranduil's face, as he watched. His youngest child was about to die.

Aragorn's grey eyes gave Legolas a final, silent warning; if you do not confess, I will kill you, as is the law.

Legolas's blue eyes answered, I cannot say I am guilty when I know am not.

"Very well. Your punishment will be death, by beheading," Aragorn said coldly. "Hold him down."

The guards gripped the Elf's arms, and forced him to bare his neck. Their king drew Anduril, and gently tapped the back of Legolas' neck. Aragorn stood behind the Elf, and slowly brought the sword up.

Legolas spoke quietly, so only Aragorn could hear him. 'You know I did not do this.'

'I know that my wife is dead, by your hands,' Aragorn hissed. The sword began swinging down slowly, as if in slow motion.

Out of nowhere, a hooded rider appeared, galloping on a pure-white Elven horse. He brought up his bow and an arrow, and took careful aim, meaning only to wound. Then the arrow was released.

It plunged directly in Aragorn's shoulder, and the king dropped his sword. Everyone cried out, except for Legolas. All pressed around the king, to aid him.

'I swear, by the blood that has already been spilled from me, you will pay for this, Strider. One day, I will get my revenge. For you know as well as I that I never touched Arwen,' Legolas told his former friend, before yanking free of the two guards that held him.

The figure on horseback rode towards him, and offered a hand. Legolas took it, and swung up behind him. The two made their getaway, leaving behind a stunned crowd. Gandalf was relieved, as he watched the two figures disappear as fast as the rider had come.

King Thranduil of Mirkwood locked eyes with the wizard, with barely disguised relief. A life as an outcast was better than no life, and he had done what he could to save his son. It was up to them, now. Though Elessar would probably pursue them forever.

Aragorn was pain-stricken, as he was assisted to the nearest bed, where his injury could be tended to. He had heard what Legolas had said, before escaping. The blond Elf would face his own  wrath, as soon as he was found. Right now, however, it was imperative that the arrow be removed. Once he was whole, he would find the one that had killed his wife, or die trying. It did not matter Aragorn what Legolas had meant to him in the past.

Legolas clung to the figure in front of him, breathing hard. That had been too close, though he had truly expected to die. He briefly wondered who his rescuer was, as they galloped through the rain. It had abated slightly.

The silent, hooded figure continued to press the horse further, until they were miles from Gondor, inside of a dark forest. The trees were tall, and gloomy, at least to Legolas. He had been facing his potential death.

When they were around the middle of the forest, the unknown person drew the horse to a stop, before dismounting into the soaked earth. Legolas did the same, looking at the figure.

'Who are you?' Legolas questioned, not daring to voice he hoped it was.

The hood was pulled off, and the figure was revealed.

'Haldir!' Legolas cried, before rushing into the strong arms of his lover. 'How did you-'

Haldir embraced the younger Elf. 'Your father wrote and told me what had happened. I was afraid I would be too late.'

The two stayed close, embracing each other.

'I need to find somewhere to hide,' Legolas said. 'I will not be accepted anywhere, because of what they think I did.'

'I know. And I am coming with you,' Haldir told the one he loved firmly.

Legolas shook his head. 'You'll never see our Kin again, lest they shoot us. I cannot do that to you.'

Haldir firmly said, 'I will not leave you again. And you do not know me very well if you think I will go.'

Legolas smiled, relieved. 'It will be good to have you with me.'

Haldir tenderly kissed Legolas, a burning kiss of passion and desire. They clung to each other tighter, as warmth sizzled through their veins. It also relieved some of the tension that the younger Elf had, which was not surprising, considering what he'd been going through for the past few days.

'Mmm…' Legolas murmured, enjoying the sweet taste of Haldir's lips. He held it for a few moments, before breaking the contact. 'Tis not safe right now. Better to wait until we know we are safe.'

Haldir nodded. 'I will follow you, Legolas. To Mordor if need be.' The two mounted once more, their desire and passion evident in their flushed faces, even as rain trickled down around them.

'I do not think we will have to go to Mordor. But Aragorn-' the name was said with hate and anger-'will hunt us forever.'

'Then we will stay together forever,' Haldir said calmly. 'I need no other if I am with you.'

'As long as you are by my side, I need nothing else,' Legolas told him, as the two galloped off, wondering where their path would take them.

To be continued