Forest of Whispers

Forest of Whispers
PART 3
Of the
Dutiful Lover Series

Pairing: Aragorn/Legolas. L/H. Elrohir/Breachtian Others implied.
Series: Dutiful Lover Series. – Creature Comforts & Gondor’s King should be read first and in order.
Warnings: Non-concentual / violence / angst / abuse/ incest/graphic intercourse / underage(all of the above) .
Disclaimer: Tolkien owns the characters and sub-plot I merely borrow them in order to please. Don’t sue me I’m broke, my cars a shit heap and I already sold my soul to the god that is Paul McD so you won’t get much.

A/N: This is the final story in ‘The Dutiful Lover’ series. It’s been a long tough road and finally the end is near. You’ve all put up with the first two, frustratingly; bad timed endings and your wait will now be rewarded. All answers will be revealed and all smut fanatics will be satisfied. This is kind of a PWP in places but not entirely, so if that’s not your thing then please don’t go flaming me, cause let’s face it I’ve given you ample warnings of it from the very beginning of the trilogy. Apart from that feedback is most welcome as always, as I would love to hear what you think of the trilogy as a whole. Anyway enjoy the final instalment and keep reading on for my own thoughts on the trilogy and what I have planned for my next sad attempt at fan fiction ……….

Chapter 1

A soft wind tells of the promised winter as it brushes my face in the cooling afternoon. We have been riding for days, through the mountains and the low-lying lands. My rear is as sore as if I had been smacked like a childs and I take little comfort in the few places we stay the night to rest. I am getting old, the grey flecks in my hair and beared reflect my dying youth and my body works against me to hinder my progress through what remains of my life. We are heading to Imaldris for the winter and I am nervous for the first time about returning. It has been a lifetime, so it seems since we first departed from Rivendell with the fellowship and only now, in the final winter of the elves, do we return to my childhood home in the forest. The final ships will sail from these shores with the coming of Spring and I, like my companions wish to spend our last season with those of the fairest kind.

“You look weary Aragorn, maybe we should rest a little while. We are still three days from Rivendell and it will do you no good to rush when we have plenty of time.” I smile across at my companion his blond braids are caught up in the breeze and whip lightly around his face. Time has not changed his appearance, only the reflection of wisdom deep within his eyes indicated his long years here in Middle Earth. Legolas has often spoken to me of the sea and it’s calling to him but has never expressed his desires to sail across into the west. Unconsciously I believe I am making this final trip to Rivendell in an effort to convince him to leave with Elrond and the others of his kind. I am not getting any younger and there will be nothing left for him when I die if he does not leave now with his people. The few selfish years I have had him to myself are enough to make me content for the rest of my life and it is only fair that I allow him to leave me and fulfil his own desires. However I have not spoken of this to him yet, but I will when the time is right, for now however a resting place for the night sounds like a very good plan.

“Very well when we come across a suitable place we will set up camp.” Legolas smiles at me approvingly as he gestures to two of my guards to join him at the head of our party.

“I will ride on ahead and scout the edges of the grove to the right. I may find some shelter for us beneath the canopy of the trees.” I nod understandingly and watch as Legolas instructs the two guards to stay close to me while he rides off ahead of us with speed. Since our bond was created those few short years ago Legolas has been like a brother to me. He never leaves my side for more than a day or two at a time, the drain that separation puts on us both is not worth being apart unless necessary. As I would have done for him he gave me his life to save me from my early death. We share feelings as if we are one single being. While I feel his strength in my rare times of illness and need I also feel his pain and sadness when he longs to be home in Mirkwood. It was strange in the beginning to feel his thoughts in my mind but now I take comfort from them and knowing that I am never alone.

“Father do you think Filgree will be happy to see how I’ve grown?” I can just see Legolas in the distance ahead ducking and weaving through the trees on the edge of the grove and I am satisfied that he is still within reach if he should need me so I turn back to my youngest son who rides up level with me.

“I dare say he will, and very proud no doubt to hear of your archery competitions.” Kahual laughs throatily his voice just beginning to break as he comes into his majority. Kahual has grown up so much in the past three years and while having been burdened with taking on the throne over his elder brother he is still enthusiastically enjoying his childhood while it lasts.

“Do you think Breachtian will take us to the waterfalls he spoke off in his last letter father?” Aratula rides to my left a little back from me, behind the protection of the guards. I hold out high hopes that Aratula will marry a warrior from Rohan in the coming spring. While she has not told me of any formal commitment between them I feel sure that she feels for him much more than she is letting on. She has grown so much like Arwen in every regard and her sweet temperament is only that born from those of elvish blood. She will make a very fine wife and mother.

“You can not enter Rivendell without seeing the waterfalls my dear and if your brother is too busy I believe there will be more than enough elves willing to escort you to their finest viewing sights.” My two youngest children have never seen the pleasures of Rivendell and are more than eager to see the sights Breachtian continually brags about in his frequent letters. My eldest son has been living in exile with Elrohir in Rivendell under the guidance of Elrond for sometime. While Elrond and I both sought to dissolve the relationship by telling the pair of their ancestry and family blood it was all in the end, useless. Elrond reminds me often in their presence, that love has no boundaries and that neither I nor the valar have the right to interfere with the love that Elrohir and Breachtian share. It is unconventional to say the least but I believe they are happy and with Kahual willing to take the throne over his brother I no longer have any worries with them being together.

“Legolas is returning my lord.” My head guard gestures ahead of us and I turn my attention away from my children back to where Legolas rides swiftly towards us again. His hair glows silvery grey in the dying light of the day and the halo of warmth that surrounds him comforts my very soul.

“We should be safe for the night in the grove. There is a stream and a small fresh spring towards the southern end of the tree line, that we may bathe in and drink from. Come, ride swiftly so we may set up before darkness falls.” Legolas brings his horse to a brief pause in front of me and flicks a stray braid away from his face as he gestures back towards the grove he has just ridden from. His blue eyes sparkle like the rarest of dwarven jewels in the moon light, he is in his element in the wild and I feel slightly guilty for having bound him to a life within the walls of Minas Tirith for the past few years.

”Very well, try and keep up Aratula.” My daughter is not the greatest rider but it is not her fault that she was never encouraged to ride out with her brothers as children and I confess that I may have been to blame. Considering however that she will be marrying a man from Rohan I dare say that she will be given more than ample encouragement to become a better horseman in the presence of her husbands talents.

“Make sure they do not fall behind.” Legolas gestures sternly to the three guards that are bringing up the rear of the party before smiling at Aratula and her first maid Jastel who rides obediently beside my daughter. Legolas spurs his horse into motion and with a flick of the reins I follow him, hard at his heels as we race across the flat open grass land towards the protection of the woodland grove. The cooling wind of my face makes my nose run a little and by the time we reach the edge of the grove I am sniffling madly. Legolas finds it all very amusing as I dismount hastily from my steed and step aside from the party to clear my nose on a cloth from my saddlebag.

“You are getting a cold Aragorn, I told you to wear a heavier jacket than the one you chose.” Legolas chuckles to himself as he leads us further under the protection of the trees out of the cold breeze that is sure to pick up as the temperature drops tonight.

“I am not it is merely the wind clearing my head.” Legolas looks back dubiously at me from over his shoulder as I attempt to defend myself fros acs accusation, much to the amusement of my children and the guards that stay vigilant for signs of danger around us. “Besides you sound like my steward telling me what to wear. I am sure you would not wish me to tell you how to dress.”

“I do not need you to tell me how to dress Aragorn, for I am King of Mirkwood and have far better sense in what is appropriate for an trek during the approaching winter than you do.” I snort incredulously at Legolas’ friendly taunt as we come to a small open area of forest.

“But you forget Greenleaf I was once a Ranger and was taught all the elvish ways. So any lack of my appropriate dress at this present time can only be attributed to the lack in my elvish teachings, so therefore is not my fault.” Legolas laughs uproariously as he unsaddles his horse and lays his things beside a large tree on the outer edges of the small grassy clearing.

“Your logic Aragorn continues to astound me even now after oung fng friendship.” Legolas continues to laugh at me as he instructs the guards to gather firewood and to set themselves up around the perimeter of the clearing for some protection should we need it. While the war of the ring has long past, other lesser evils from the lands of men have risen and while not nearly as much a threat as orc’s once were can be just as deadly if undetected. Kahual and I unsaddle our horses together and lay our things out in between the roots of one of the trees that to us look to be the most comfy. Respectful I lay my things down next to Legolas’ content in knowing that he has probably chosen the softest place to rest for the night and that I am best to follow his lead. Legolas helps my daughter and Jastel with their things and I busy myself insuring that we have at least some torches ready to be lit for the evening.

“Legolas, where is the pool you spoke of earlier? Jastel and I wish to wash.” Legolas looks up from where he is building the campfire in the centre of the small clearing and smiles warmly at my daughter and her maid who stand waiting with towels in hand to wash away some of the dirt from the days ride.

“To the right of the tree there.” Legolas stands up and points towards a large twisted old tree that’s branches extend over the entire clearing e use us. “Just a hundred or so strides in a straight line from there. Would you like me to show you?” Legolas turns back to Aratula who rolls his eyes contemptibly and takes hold of Jastel’s hand pulling her in the direction Legolas just pointed.

“No we are quite capable of finding it ourselves, we will call if we get lost or into trouble and shall be back before dark.” Legolas, Kahual and I all laugh gently as my daughter confidently disappears into the trees from the clearing. Aratula is headstrong like Arwen and her confidence does her justice in the most trying of situations.

Legolas has the fire going in no time and with some water from the stream is cooking a fine meal from some of the fresh vegetables and fruits we have found along our travels in the countryside. Yawning I rest back against the trunk of the tree Legolas and I shall be sleeping under tonight and watch with amusement as Kahual fusses around Legolas and the fire, attempting to help the frustrated elf with the evening meal. A watch is posted from the guards as dusk finally gives way to darkness and the torches are lit to surround the cosy clearing. Aratula and Jastel arrive back clean and fresh from the pool just as Legolas begins ladling out the mushroom and truffle soup he’s made to go with some of the bread we have left from Minas Tirith.

“There we go Estel do you think I could rival the chef’s in the kitchens of Minas Tirith?” Legolas hands me a small bowl of the soup as he sits down next to me with his own meal. Patiently he watches me with avid interest as I take a sip of the warm broth and swill it around in my mouth for a moment before swallowing.

“Very nice…” Legolas looks rather smug for a moment and I allow him a moment of self-praise before continuing in jest. “But I would have liked a little more flavour, perhaps try some herbs in there as well next time.” I laugh heartily at the indignation that crosses Legolas expression before it is replaced with humour as he realises that I am jesting with him.

“You Aragorn are the most unsatisfied King of men I have ever met.” Legolas begins sipping from his own broth happy it seems to see that the rest of our party are enjoying the soup he has made and talking quietly among themselves around the fire.

“Legolas I am the only king of men you have ever met.” I dip my bread into the soup and watch as Legolas rolls his eyes and sighs dramatically.

“Do you two ever stop fighting, I can not think what it would have been like to spend the entire fellowship with the two of you constantly arguing. You are worse than Gimli and Haldir.” Aratula mutters grumpily from where she has finished her meal with Jastel and is folding out her blankets and sleeping mat. Legolas laughs easily at my daughters comment before smiling knowing up at me.

“We are not fighting Aratula, it is merely debates in jest that we take part in.” Both Aratula and Jastel look doubtfully over their shoulders at me as they lie down between two large tree roots and snuggle up into their blankets as protection against the cooling wind that whips around the clearing.

“Still I wish you would both stop it you are far less tiresome when you are content in each others company.” I chuckle quietly at my daughters demand and I stand and move over to pick up the dirty bowls and spoons from where they lie abandoned by the side of their things at the base of the tree they have chosen to spend the night under.

“Well in that case Legolas and I shall endeavour to stop jesting with one another just to please you my love.” I hear Legolas laughing to himself at my comment over by the fire where he is talking to the guards on what is to be done during their watch. Aratual smiles at me from beneath her thick, elven woven blankets content in knowing I have agreed with her. Leaning down I place a gentle kiss upon my daughters forehead and throw another of the spare blankets over Aratula and Jastel, making sure they are both as warm as can be. “Good night Aratual, good night Jastel I will rouse you in time to ready to leave in the morning.” With a small smile I take the torch from the tree branch above the women’s sleeping area and move back towards the main fire, where the guards not on first watch are settling down to a game of some sort to pass the time.

“Legolas will you not sing any of your songs tonight?” Kahual moves back into the clearing after having gone and washed up in the pool, ready for bed. For the past few nights Legolas has sung in elvish of stories he was once told as an elfling and all of us have avidly listened to him by the warmth of the fire until fatigue has forced us to our beds. Legolas sits back from where he is stoking the fire for the long night ahead to smile up at my son who stares down at him patiently.

“I do not wish to wake your sister and Jastel, they have already retired for the night.” Kahual grumps his disapproval as he glances over to where Aratual and Jastel are snuggled up close to one another already fading into slumber.

“Why must women always ruin such fun we men have? They could have at least stayed awake for one song.” Legolas rises slowly and takes the dirty dishes down to the stream to wash them leaving me to stare sternly at my son.

“Kahual your sister is tried, you forget she is not as used to travelling as you or I maybe. And I am sure once we reach Rivendell tomorrow you will have more than enough elves willing to sing to you rather than tiring poor Legolas for this one nights grace.” Kahual lowers his head under my chastising tone and wanders back sheepishly to his things. I watch as he sits down and wraps himself up in his blankets. For a moment I just watch him as he removes a small leather book from his pack and turns over into the torchlight to begin reading from an already marked page. Sighing heavily I move over to my own things next to Legolas’ under the tree and begin to pull out my blankets readying my bed for the night. Legolas’ things are still packed up and I do not know whether he will choose to sleep tonight or sit guard in the trees above as he has done on several occasions during our journey.

“Do you wish to bathe tonight Aragorn? The water in the pool is still warm from the sun at the moment but it will not last long now the air is dropping cooler?” I smile lightly up at Legolas as he strides back into the encampment having washed the dishes from the evening meal.

“Maybe if you will come and keep me company.” Legolas chuckles and nods understandingly as I take up a small towel and follow his lead through the now darkened woodland. The reflection of the moon in the pool glistens in the dark as we approach we have not brought a torch with us but we do not need it with Legolas’ keep senses.

“Do you think we will arrive in Rivendell in time for supper tomorrow, Legolas?” Slowly I begin to strip out of my clothes as I watch Legolas sit down upon one of the rocks, which surround the bubbling pool. For a moment he just watches me silently before respectfully averting his gaze to concentrate on unlacing his own boots as I strip from my breeches and wade quickly into the pool.

“Yes I believe we should if we take only minimal rests and quicken the pace.” With his feet freed of their boots Legolas dips his delicate feet into the water before unclipping his quiver and bow and lying it close by his side on the rock. He watches me quietly swim across the pool to him and tread water steadily in front of him as I begin cleansing my skin from the trail grime I have built up over the past week we have been travelling. Occasionally his feet brush my side under the water as he gently swills the water around the pool with his legs. “Haldir sent word before we left Minas Tirith that he will meet us at the ford and accompany us back into the city.” I nod quietly and close my eyes allowing myself to float in the relacing water. While it is still fairly cool compared to a servant run bath, the pool is still very pleasing and warm. I can feel Legolas staring at me in silence and I take comfort in the warmth that passes through my blood at his gaze. Since our bonding we have neither broached the subject of love or our relationship. We have just come to accept that we are very good friends and nothing more. Admittedly my love has not waned for him and there is not a day that goes by without me thinking of what we could have if I had the courage to admit my feelings to him. There is no doubting that he cares for me as he would not have given his life to save mine, had he not cared. Only I hold out hope that he cares for me in such a deeper manner as he came so close to confessing back during the fellowship. But duty has as always kept us apart and while we are bonded in the soul we will never been bonded physically.

“You will turn wrinkled and crisp like the autumn leaves if you stay in there much longer.” Legolas’ chuckle makes my eyes snap open and I right myself in the pool to smile over at where the elf is slowly lacing up his boots again on the rock.

“Yes but at least I will look mildly respectable to meet Elrond tomorrow.” Without shame or embarrassment of Legolas’ presence I step out from the pool and begin drying myself. While he and I share a bedchamber we do not share each other’s bed, like we did during our recovery from the bonding. I have long since overcome my shyness of nakedness in front of Legolas and while I have yet to see him wandering without clothes around the bedroom I know that he does not pass judgement on me for what I look like. I dress hastily aware now that the temperature of the air around us has dropped dramatically and that I am shivering slightly.

“Did I not tell you Aragorn to wear a thicker tunic, you are freezing.” Legolas walks close by my side back to the encampment and we find that the guards have put out all of the torches accept for the single flame above where Legolas and I will sleep for the night. The central fire flickers in the wind creating long shadows from the bodies wrapped up and already asleep around it. Silently both Legolas and I walk to our bedding.

“Are you sleeping tonight?” Slowly I lower myself into my blankets that are cushioned by the large roots of the tree above us. Legolas covers me with his own blankets before shaking his head softly.

“No, I will keep watch tonight with the guards and sleep tomorrow when we are in the safety of Rivendell.” I nod understandingly as I watch Legolas settle himself down to sit next to me between the tree roots. In this position he can see over the entire encampment as well as the surrounding forest and I know why he chose it as the place for him to put his things earlier. Curling onto my side I snuggle down into the woven blankets and stare quietly at Legolas’ as he looks over the whole encampment one final time before dampening out the torch from above him into the dirt and plunges the grove into darkness save for the orange warming glow of the central fire. The night sounds slowly lull me to sleep and before long all I can hear are the sweet sounds of my dreams.

TBC……………….