To Save An Elf

Title: Friends are Forever

Author: Carhuinë Malthenel (themuffingirl@punkass.com)

Feedback: themuffingirl@punkass.com I live for feedback.

Disclaimer: I do not own any LOTR characters. J.R.R. Tolkien (and
family) do. Since I am making no monetary profit. This should not be a
problem.

Rating: NC 17 for sex of the m/m variety. Violence and eventual het

Parings: Aragorn/Arwen (eventually),Legolas/Aragorn and Elrond/Legolas

Summary: As Legolas lays near death Aragorn and Elrond both try to
come to grips with their feelings for him.

Warning: Sappy, fluffy, feely touchy romance ahead.

Archive: Sure! just tell me where its going!!

Chapter 1

He urged his horse as fast as it could go praying he would make it. He
gripped the still form in front of him harder hoping he would be ok. He
saw the river border coming up and smiled grimly. They were not to late!
There was still hope. He ran his horse across the river and up the bank on
the other side. Suddenly two dozen elvish archers surrounded him. He
looked around until he saw one he recognized.

"Elladan! Please I need your fathers help. Please let me pass."

Elladan looked at him "Who are you? How do you know me?"

He realised that he still had his hood over his head. They could not see
him. Reaching up he tore the hood away from his face.

"Please help me." Aragorn pleaded. "My friend is wounded. He will not
last long."

Elladan nodded he turned and shouted to someone in elvish. "Go." he said.

"Thank you." Aragorn hoped it was not to late.

He kicked his horse into a run fervently praying. Hoping his friend would
not die. He saw the short footbridge that signaled the entrance to
Rivendell.

He brought his horse to a stop he dismounted and gently lifted his friend to
the ground. He could see Elrond and Arwen hurrying to meet him. He laid
his friend on the ground and clutched t his still hand. Elrond swiftly knelt
down by him.

"What happened?" Elrond asked as he assessed the wounds.

"We were half way here when we were ambushed by orcs. I did what I
could but he is beyond my skill to heal." Aragorn said.

"How long has he been this way?" Elrond looked grim.

"Three days."

Elrond picked up the still elf and walked swiftly toward his healing
chambers. Arwen and Aragorn followed.

"Who is he?" Arwen gently asked.

"A friend who saved my life once or twice. His name is Legolas." A single
tear fell down his cheek.

Arwen lifted her hand and softly wiped it away. "He has a great strength in
him." Arwen concluded.

"Yes he does." Aragorn whispered glancing at the still form. He turned
away as tears fell down his face.

"Come." Arwen said. "You can do no more here. You need food and rest.
Let us go and let my father work."

Aragorn simply nodded and let Arwen lead him away.

Chapter 2

Aragorn sat at a table with Arwen, Elladan, and Elrohir. He had been in
Rivendell for six hours. Long enough to take a bath, change clothes, and
eat dinner. Well he was trying to eat they all were. The table was loaded
with every food imaginable yet no one was hungry. Aragorn looked up
when he heard the light barley discernable footsteps. Elvish footsteps.
Elrond entered the room silently gazing at all of them.

He smiled a bit "He should recover given enough time. He is strong."

Aragorn smiled with relief as he felt Arwen squeeze his hand.

"He is stubborn like his father...." Elrond said wearily.

"You know him?" Aragorn asked taken aback.

"Yes. About 20 years ago I traveled to Mirkwood to try to heal the breach
between us. I met him there." Elrond stood. "It grows late you need to rest
Aragorn. Your usual room has been prepared. Good night" Elrond said as
he left.

Aragorn turned to Arwen. "Good night......milady," he whispered. Arwen
smiled, "Good night Aragorn son of Arathorn."

Aragorn left and went to his chambers to sleep.

Elrond walked slowly to his room his thoughts tormented him. His mind
wandered back to the day he met Legolas.

20 years earlier in Mirkwood..........

Elrond rode silently through the great forest of Mirkwood alone. He had
brought no guards as a sign of peace. Suddenly his keen ears picked up the
sound of hoofbeats. They were distant but coming closer. A white horse
came into view with a young elf atop it. The rider stopped the horse anger
seeping from every pore. "Who are you? Why do you trespass upon our
territory?" "I "I am Elrond lord of Rivendell. I come to request council with Thranduil
King of Mirkwood."

The young elf glared openly at him trying to find some deception. Finding
none he said "Fine. Come follow me I will lead you to him."

The young elf turned and started back the way he had come. Elrond
followed and wondered why the elf was so hostile.

"Do you have a name?" Elrond heard himself say.

The elf stiffened and replied "Yes. I am Legolas."

Elrond wondered why the name sounded so familiar. The elf Legolas
stopped in front of a huge clearing where they dismounted. There was a
banquet or party of some kind going on. Hundreds, maybe thousands of
elves sat talking and laughing Legolas led him to the first table where a
regal elf sat. He wore a mithril crown and richly appointed robes. Legolas
bowed to him saying "Milord a visitor from Imlardis comes seeking your
council."

Thranduil looked at Elrond then back to Legolas. "And you brought him
here???" his hand lashed out striking Legolas on the cheek. Legolas fell to
the ground a bruise already darkening on his cheek. "Take him to the
palace. I will be there shortly." Thranduil turned away. Evidently they
were dismissed. Legolas got to his feet and bowed. Turning on his heel he
stalked toward the horses. He waited until Elrond caught up with him. "I
will show you the way.."

"Legolas wait let me look at that." Elrond said stopping in front of the
younger elf. Legolas said nothing as Elrond inspected his cheek. There
was a small but deep scratch where one of the king's rings had hit him.
Elrond went to his horse and rummaged through his pack. He found a
small jar of salve. He spread a little bit across Legolas' cheek and handed
him the jar. "It will keep it from festering and there will be no scar. Keep
this salve and use it when ever necessary."

Elrond looked deep into Legolas' eyes and saw gratitude and something
else. It looked like desire he wondered what Legolas saw in his eyes.
Elrond turned and mounted his horse. Legolas did the same and led Elrond
to Mirkwood's palace.

End Flashback

Elrond silently got ready for bed sighing. Even then he had wanted him,
desired him. Every time he thought of how Thranduil had struck him he
grew angry. He loved Legolas and he knew he must never speak of it.

Elsewhere in Rivendell

Aragorn could not sleep. Thoughts of Legolas plagued him, tormented
him. Memories of all the times they shared ran through his mind. He did
not know what he would do if he lost him. Aragorn wandered through
Rivll'll's corridors his mind racing. It was his fault that Legolas almost
died. He should have protected him better. How could he let him down
like that?

Three days earlier

Aragorn and Legolas rode ilenilence each one afraid of what the other
might say. Aragorn wished that Thranduil had not asked him to
accompany Legolas to Rivendell. Being so close to him was torture. He
wanted to stop his horse and hold him, touch him. He wanted to tell
Legolas of his feelings but he did not for fear of rejection. Legolas looked
at Aragorn wondering what was wrong with him. He seemed distracted
and aloof. Legolas had swore to himself long ago never to reveal his true
feelings for him. Men were not as open minded about such things. Surely
Aragorn would be disgusted and never forgive him.

"Legolas.."

Aragorn's voice jarred him out of his thoughts. "Yes Aragorn?" Legolas
replied

"I wish to tell you something.....I........" Aragorn's voice broke "I love
you." he finished.

Legolas stared at him in shock. Had he heard correctly?

Aragorn took his silence as rejection. Stupid idiot! Look what you have
done! You have driven away your only friend!

Suddenly Legolas stopped and dismounted he looked at Aragorn. Aragorn
slid to the ground in front of him. Legolas could control himself no longer.
His hands framed Aragorn's face as he kissed him. Aragorn returned the
kiss hungry for more. Suddenly an arrow hit Legolas' horse. Orcs swarmed
around them intent on killing them. The fight lasted for hours as more and
more orcs appeared. Aragorn had been separated from his friend and he
fought to get to him. He saw several arrows pierce Legolas.

Fighting like a man possessed Aragorn quickly dispatched the remaining
orcs. He knelt next to Legolas.

"Legolas....hang on." he whispered desperately as he put Legolas on his
horse. Aragorn mounted behind him and kicked the horse into a run.
Hoping he would reach Rivendell in time.

End Flashback

Aragorn laid his head in his arms and cried. He had failed him. How
would Legolas ever forgive him?

To be continued.................

Title: To Save An Elf (2/?)
Author: Carhuinë Malthenel (themuffingirl@punkass.com)
Feedback: themuffingirl@punkass.com. I welcome all feedback! I write for
those who love my stories. Any flames go to the fires that drive meI caI can
produce more of what they don't like. *smirks* Besides I have a delete key
and I am not afraid to use it!!!
Disclaimer: I do not own any LOTR characters. J.R.R. Tolkien (and
family) do. Since I am making no monetary profit this should not be a
problem. But seriously would he want them back after I get done with
them????
Rating: PG-13 for sexual innuendo.
Parings: Legolas/Aragorn and Elrond/Legolas
Summary: As Legolas lays near death Aragorn and Elrondh trh try to
come to grips with their feelings for him.
Warning: Sappy, fluffy, feely touchy romance ahead.
Authors Note: This is from Legolas POV.

I felt as if I was falling, tumbling but to where I do not know. As I fell I
heard words dancing around me. "Hold on Legolas."

I landed completely shrouded in darkness. I was alone or so I thought. I
saw her coming towards me and she was beautiful. I knew it was Elbereth
and I was in awe. She came closer to me and I saw that she looked like
Arwen. She looked at me and spoke, not with her mouth but I could hear
the words just the same.

*Welcome Legolas youngest Prince of Mirkwood*

"Where am I?"

*You are between here and there.*

"Here and there?" I wondered aloud

*Life and death. Middle Earth and Mandos's Halls*

"Are you Elbereth?"

*Yes.*

"Why do you look like Arwen daughter of Lord Elrond?" the words left my
mouth before I could stop them.

* I assume the guise of a friend, or a loved one. Many find it comforting.*
I was inexplicably humbled by those words. "Will I die?"

*Perhaps, perhaps not. You must make a choice Legolas.*

"What choice?"

The Lady pointed behind me and I turned to see why. I saw the darkness
ripple and distort. Suddenly there was a mirror standing there. It was like
Galadriel's mirror in every way.

*Come look in the mirror.*

I walked over and stood next to her as I gazed into the mirror. I saw myself
and Aragorn fighting the orcs. I saw myself get hit again and again by
arrows. I heard Aragorn's tortured cry, I saw him fight to get to me. The
image changed I saw Lord Elrond bandaging me, praying for me. I saw
Aragorn standing outside crying, he was no doubt tormenting himself. He
probably thought he let me down. As the final image came into view I
gasped. What I saw shook me to the very core. I was transfixed by the
images and gav gave me hope. Suddenly the mirror was empty, devoid of
images. The Lady turned to me.

*You must choose. You can go back and take a chance. If you go back
there is no guarantee you will live. You may still die. Or you can stay here
and I will take you to Mandos's Halls.*

"If I go back and die will Mandos's Halls be denied me?" I shook at the
very thought.

The Lady smiled and said *No. Mandos will always be open to you. You
have done more good then you know. Should you die I will be here to lead
you to Mandos.*

I smiled my path was clear " I wish to go back. I care not if I die. I want a
fighting chance to live, to love." I finished softly.

The Lady smiled brighter *So be it Legolas Greenleaf.* pointing to the
mirror.

I looked and saw one final image as I watched it I smiled. I saw myself
kissing Aragorn, holding him. Tears sprang to my eyes he looked peaceful I
had never seen him so happy. Tears ran down my face as The Lady
touched my head. I felt like I was falling and flying at the same time. As I
fell I heard her voice one last time.

*I am with you always Legolas of Mirkwood.*

The darkness grew lighter and lighter until it was a bright light. I moaned
as I opened my eyes. My head hurt so much I wanted to slip back into the
dark. But I could not, I must not. I looked around as I realized I was in
Rivendell. I tried to sit up but pain raced through my body causme tme to
cry out. I heard footsteps racing toward my chamber. The door opened as
Elladan ran through, fear evident in his eyes. He smiled when he saw I was
awake. He walked over to me and helped me into a half sitting position.

"Are you thirsty?" He asked gently.

I nodded, my throat hurt and I was unsure if I could even talk. Elladan
poured a cup of water from a pitcher that sat on a table near my bed. He
slipped his hand behind my head to help me drin was was grateful I was so
weak i was afraid I would spill it. When I had drank my fill he sat the cup
on the table. I licked my lips and managed to speak.

"Aragorn.......Is he.........Ok?" I asked afraid of the answer.

Elladan smiled "He is fine a few deep cuts but nothing serious. Speaking of
Aragorn I should tell him and father you are awake."

I nodded smiling knowing that if he did not tell them they would be angry
at him later. Elladan smiled as he walked to the door. "It is good to see you
awake Legolas. We feared the worst." he said as he left. I lay there looking
at the door contemplating The Lady's words. Remembering the image that
had burned in my mind. I was shaken out of my thoughts as I heard loud
fast footsteps running toward my room. I smiled as I recognized Aragorn's
footsteps. The door opened and Aragorn entered the room looking shaken.
His eyes widen as he gazes upon me in disbelief.

"Aragorn." was all I could get out. I held my hand out to him.

He walked to me and knelt next to my bed. He took my hand as he laid his
head down and cried. Using my other hand I stroked his hair soothingly.
My heart bursting with love for him. I knew he had blamed himself, hated
himself for letting me down. Truth was it was not his fault. He had not let
me down. I had failed him.

"It was not your fault Aragorn." I said firmly. Or as firmly as I could given
my weaked condition. *it was my fault. My stupidity.* I thought.

Aragorn looked up in disbelief and shook his head. "I should not have said
what I did."
Hurt welled up inside me at his words. I blinked back tears as I said. "So
you regret what you said?"

Aragorn looked at me surprised and a little offended. "No! That is not what
I meant." he kissed my hand softly before continuing. "I should have waited
until we reached Rivendell."

He leaned over me and kissed my on the lips softly. Aragorn moaned as I
deepened the kiss. I glanced up as I heard footsteps stop outside my door.
Aragorn chuckled lightly.

"That will be Lord Elrond. He promised me 10 minutes alone with you." he
said as he stood. The door opened and Lord Elrond stepped in looking
exactly the same as he did 20 years ago. *of course he looks the same he is
immortal!* I chided myself.

"Welcome to Rivendell Prince Legolas of Mirkwood." Elrond said smiling.

I smiled back but I was caught off guard by something else. A feeling that
was growing inside me. But that was absurd! I loved Aragorn! How could
I desire Lord Elrond if I loved Aragorn? I looked at Aragorn realising I
desired him as well. How could this be?

What sort of madness was this?

To Be Continued...................

Title: To Save An Elf (3/?)
Author: Carhuinë Malthenel (themuffingirl@punkass.com)
Feedback: themuffingirl@punkass.com. I welcome all feedback! I write
for those who love my stories. Any flames go to the fires that drive me so I
can produce more of what they don't like. *smirks* Besides I have a delete
key and I am not afraid to use it!!!
Disclaimer: I do not own any LOTR characters. J.R.R. Tolkien (and
family) do. Since I am making no monetary profit this should not be a
problem. But seriously would he want them back after I get done with
them????
Rating: PG-13 for sexual innuendo.
Parings: Legolas/Aragorn and Elrond/Legolas
Summary: As Legolas lays near death Aragorn and Elrond both try to
come to grips with their feelings for him.
Warning: Sappy, fluffy, feely touchy romance ahead.
Authors Note: Elronds POV

When I saw Elladan coming toward us I was filled with fear. Had
something happened to Legolas? I looked at Aragorn and saw fear, hope,
and several other emotions in his eyes. He looked at me for awnsers, and I
did not have them. For the first time in my life I did not know what to say
or do. How could I reassure him when I myself need comforting? I knew
in my heart that Aragorn loved Legolas, but was his love returned? I was
ashamed at my thinking, Aragorn was a son to me! I knew then that no
matter what I would not get in the way f his happiness, Even if it ment
sacrificing my own. Elladan stopped in front of us and smiled.

"Legolas is awake." he said happily.

I saw Aragorn's shoulders droop in relief. I knew what I must say, what I
must do.

"Aragorn go see to him. I will be in to change his bandages in 10 minutes."
I said slowly.

He looked at me and I could see gratitude in his eyes before he walked
away.

I looked at my son and to my suprise he looked concerned. Was there
something he was not telling me? Before I could ask he turned away
saying. "I will tell Elrohir and Arwen the good news."
Shrugging I walked toward Legolas chamber, my thoughts wandered to the
first time we met.


20 years earlier in Mirkwood


I rode in silence following the elf Legolas to the heart of Mirkwood. My
companion stared straight ahead and said nothing. But I could see that he
was trying not to cry, emotions ran across his face. Among them were
sadness, contempt, anger, and self loathing.

"I am sorry if I got you into trouble with your king." I heard myself say.

"Nothing I dogoodgood enough for my father." he spat out angrily. "I do
everything wrong, say everything wrong. I am never right. He treats me
like I am a child, a slow witted, human child."

"He is your father?" I asked incredulous. I would never have hit my sons!
No matter how angry they made me I could not imagine hitting them. Not
like that!

"Yes. We are here." Legolas lapsed into silence.

The palace was carved from solid rock, it looked like it was carved into
the mountian. We dismounted as attendants came to take our horses.

"I will show you where you can wait for my father." he said. Before we
could take a step a beautiful elvin woman ran from the palace and into
Legolas's arms.

"Legolas!! You are back!" she cried as she embraced him.

"Yes I am home Trianna." he said smiling.

"Oh! What happened to your face?" Trianna asked concerned.

"Father hit me. I screwed up again." Legolas said anger and sadness
aparent in his voice.

Trianna gasped "No.....Oh no. Not again."

Legolas nodded slowly then remembering my presence said "Trianna this
is Lord Elrond from Imraldris. Lord Elrond this is my sister Princess
Trianna."

She curtsyed daintly and said "Well met milord."

I nodded and smiled, she was such a charming creature. *Like her
brother.* the thought crossed my mind.

"Trianna let me show Lord Elrond to the library and then I will awnser all
your questions." Legolas said after a minute.

Trianna curtsyed again before dashing back into the palace.

End Flashback


I rapped lightly on the door before entering, unsure of what to expect. I
entered the room and saw Aragorn standing next to the bed smiling.

"Welcome to Rivendell Prince Legolas of Mirkwood." I said walking to
the bed. My heart was beating fast, I hoped no one else could hear it. I
beagn to check his wounds, and change their bandages. As I worked
Aragorn and Legolas talked about the attack, Rivendell, and other
mindless chatter. I yearned to touch Legolas in other ways besides clinical
healing. But I would not get in the way of my son. Legolas was Aragorn's I
would have to learn to live with that.


To Be Continued.............


Author: Carhuinë Malthenel

Title: To Save An Elf pt 4
Pairings: Legolas/Aragorn and Legolas/Elrond
Rating: PG-13 (m/m sexual innuendo)
Archive: Sure.
Warning: No happy ending in this chapter.
Feedback: themuffingirl@punkass.com. I live for feedback! Please tell me
your thoughts, good or bad.
Disclaimer: I do not, nor will I ever, own any names, places, and languages
used in this fic. Tolkien Enterprises does (damn them). I just borrow them
and give them action that Tolkien won't. :P
A/N: From Aragorns POV.
*'s are emphsis

I watched my father change Legolas' bandages, and clean his wounds.
Something was not right with my father. His hands kept shaking, and he
did not look me in the eye. I knew that his healing required concentration,
but he seemed to be purposely avoiding looking at me or Legolas. I did not
understand why he was being like this. He said he had met Legolas before.
How well did he know him? I wondered. I suddenly realized that Elrond
had been speaking to me and I had not heard one word. I looked up and
saw that he had turned to the door and was walking out. I was truly
confused at my father's actions and behavior that I simply watched him
walk out the door. I turned my eyes back to Legolas and saw that he was
sleeping. Sighing I decided to talk with Elrond to see if I could find out
what was bothering him. I got up and exited the room. After I closed the
door I saw Elladan and Elrohir coming toward Legolas' room. I could see
confusion in their eyes as well. As they approached they smiled.

"How fares Legolas?" Elrohir wanted to know

"Fine. Ada just changed his bandages and cleaned his wounds. He is
sleeping now." I replied.

The twins exchanged a glance at the mention of our father.

"Did Ada pass this way? I need to speak with him." I pressed them.

"Yes he was going to his chambers, he looked quite weary. I am glad
Legolas is doing well. If you want we will sit with him while you speak
with Ada." Elladan offered.

I nodded gratefully and continued toward Elrond's chambers. On the way I
passed Glorfindel and Erestor they were coming from Elrond's chambers.
They noticed when I was heading and they cut me off.

"Your father does not want to see anyone right now, Estel." Glorfindel said
sighing. "He is very weary."

I became suspicious because Glorfindel never spoke to me in such a
manner. Not even when I was younger and got into trouble. I felt tears
welling up in my eyes. What was going on? I attempted to brush past
them, but Glorfindel grabbed my arm. I looked up in surprise.

"It would be best if you went and rested, young one." Glorfindel's voice
was like ice.

I wanted to see my father, I needed to see him. I wanted him to hold me.
Like he used to when I was younger. I jerked my arm away as tears fell
down my face. I fell to my knees crying, all the days of worrying had
caught up with me.

"I just want to see Ada....." I whispered brokenly as I rocked back and
forth.

Glorfindel looked at Erestor startled by my reaction. Erestor moved to
Elrond's door and entered.
Glorfindel knelt in front of me he wrapped his arms around me and he let
me cry. I was young compared to them but I felt as if I had aged years in
days. I wanted to see my father, I wanted to talk to him. I needed theth th
about him and Legolas. Dimly I heard two elves approach I wondered
who was coming.

"Estel."

It was Ada, he was behind me. Glorfindel pulled me up before he and
Erestor left. I turned and looked at Elrond. I saw sadness and loneliness in
his ageless eyes. He pulled me into his arms. I felt safe and loved, like
everything would be ok. I felt him stroke my hair in a soothing manner. I
cried until I had no tears left. When I had finished crying he led me back to
my room. He swiftly removed my cloak and boots. He led me to the bed
and told me to lay down. I watched him build up the fire and boil some
type of tea. I was so tired that I did as he asked me, he walked over and
handed me the tea.

"I know you are confused by my actions. I cannot explain to you my
feelings yet." he whispered as he rubbed my back.

"Ok." Was all I said.

I felt so tired and relaxed that I started to fall asleep, I felt Elrond lay next
to me and pull me into his arms.

"Sleep Estel." he whispered.

And I did.

TBC.