Title & Chapter Number: The Hand of the King 22-28/46
Author(s): - Author's Index
Website: Dalo's Archive
Fandom: Middle Earth
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: Characters not mine. I'm just a guy who loves guys loving guys, filling in some gaps, with all due respect to Tolkien.
Warnings: Slash (duh), Angst. Homosexual relationships and acts. Nothing kinky, but definitely down and dirty at times (we're talkin' NC-17, folks). You gotta problem wit dat? Here's a tip: DON'T READ IT!!!
Betas: Elfscribe (Luv ya!)
Cast: Legolas/Aragorn/Boromir/A surprise
Timeline: January 17-20, 3019 Third Age
Spoilers: None
Summary: While recovering from Moria in Lothlórien, the Fellowship discovers a mysterious phenomenon that could threaten the future of all.
Notes: Dedication: "The Hand of the King" was written as an expression of love for my partner, Jon, who at times is my Legolas, and other times my Aragorn. Gerich veleth nín, Jonathan. Thank you for loving me so completely. "My heart will be yours until the end of time."
Chapter 22
Aragorn's memory of the previous night and his fantasy blended together as he lay on his back on the rock by the pool, pleasuring himself under the setting sun.
~*~*~*~
Aragorn thrust his hips up towards the elf atop him as they kissed, eliciting a moan which flowed from Legolas into the ranger's mouth, across his tongue and into his soul. Aragorn was consumed with desire and wrapped his arms around the elf's torso, pulling himself up against the smooth hard body . . . .
The elven fingers wrapped around him and began to softly stroke up and down his shaft. He gasped as his body convulsed. This brought a small laugh from Legolas, whose eyes had widened in mock surprise at Aragorn's reaction. "Do you like how that feels?" he asked.
"Gods, yes. Please don't stop."
"Like this?" asked the elf, wrapping both hands firmly around him in one long down stroke, thumbs caressing the sensitive glans underneath. Aragorn arched his back, thrusting his hips as far into Legolas' hands as he could. He closed his eyes and succumbed to the bliss coursing through his body.
Legolas continued to stroke Aragorn's cock, bringing him closer and closer to the edge, then releasing him, leaving him gasping and trembling in ecstasy . . . .
Aragorn reached up and pulled Legolas to him, kissing the elf hard and passionately on the mouth. The elf's only response was a lascivious smile. He pressed Aragorn back to the ground, then lifted both of the man's knees onto his shoulders. The elf moved his hips in closer, the ranger's knees over his shoulders. Aragorn could feel the long blond hair lightly grazing his thighs and the tip of the elf's erection pressing against him as Legolas bent over him, raising the man's hips even higher. Legolas leaned down and kissed Aragorn as he slowly pressed himself into the ranger. They both groaned loudly into each other's mouths as Aragorn reached around and pulled Legolas to him, taking the entire length of the elf into his body.
They continued to kiss and moan as Legolas pulled out all but the very tip and then plunged into him again and again. Moans became cries of pleasure, timed to the elf's thrusts. "Aah! Aah! Aah! Aaaaahhhhhhh!" He came, shooting his load over himself and the elf. Witnessing Aragorn's orgasm sent Legolas over the edge and he thrust himself deep inside the ranger in a final plunge into orgasm. Aragorn watched Legolas' face twist in pleasure as he felt the pulsing of the elf inside him. Their bodies both trembled and convulsed in orgasmic rapture, their hands joined, fingers intertwined.
~*~*~*~
Aragorn looked down to discover he had made quite a mess. His stomach was covered with the sticky results of his fantasy. He stood up and stripped off the white tunic and leggings. Then he jumped into the pool to rinse off. The cool water of the pool against his hot skin sparked a sensation of such intensity that he did not wish to leave it. So he spent the next hour floating on his back, watching the stars emerge from the encroaching darkness.
~*~*~*~
Chapter 23
It was shortly after sunset when the orgasm swept over Legolas. It caught him by such surprise that he lost his footing and tumbled to the ground. Rúmil was immediately at his side.
"Prince Legolas! Are you injured?" he asked with only a hint of alarm.
Legolas barely registered the question as his body reeled from the unexpected rush. He lay on his back, his head resting on Rúmil's bended knee. His breathing came in ragged gasps and his limbs shook in uncontrollable pleasure.
"Prince Legolas!" Rúmil's alarm was increasing.
Legolas reached up to pat his companion's arm to assure him all was well. He felt Rúmil relax, but only a bit. He drew upon his resolve and gathered his wits enough to say, "Be at peace, Rúmil. I am well." This had a significant impact on the elf, and Legolas felt Rúmil breathe a sigh of relief.
Rúmil opened his water skin and presented it to Legolas. "Drink this, Prince. It is a restorative."
Legolas accepted the skin. "I thought I told you not to call me 'Prince'." He took a drink and felt the warmth flow through the sizzling nerves of his body. He took another long draught and swallowed.
"My apologies. Legolas." The use of the familiar name obviously did not come easily to Rúmil.
"Thank you," replied the archer. He drew a deep breath of crisp night air and held it in his chest. He closed his eyes and felt the life force of the forest being drawn into his body and soul. He slowly allowed the air to escape his lips, carrying with it all his cares and anxieties.
He opened his eyes to see the stars peeking through the branches overhead, which waved as if blown by the very breath leaving his body. The earth beneath him felt as if it were pushing up at him, supporting him on its bedrock. The cool breeze brushed across his skin in a loving caress.
The heightened awareness reminded him of the previous evening's experience in the clearing before Aragorn arrived.
Aragorn. How he longed to return to Caras Galadhon and join Aragorn in their private clearing. A part of him felt as if he was actually there, lying on his back in the cool water, watching the stars emerge from the encroaching darkness . . . .
~*~*~*~
Chapter 24
Aragorn's rumbling stomach eventually convinced him to wrench his gaze from the night sky and leave the pool. He dried himself with the white clothing he had discarded, then dressed himself in his normal attire.
The old clothes felt odd. As if they did not fit anymore. But it was not the cut. Rather, the garments represented the old Aragorn. The ranger who allowed no one save Arwen into his heart. Had the white garments he had worn all day been dry, he would have changed once more. But that not being the case, he would have to suffer his current apparel.
After shaking his head vigorously, then running his fingers through his hair in attempt to brush the locks into some semblance of order, he once more set off for the Fellowship's pavilion. He moved silently through the darkness, effortlessly navigating the hazards of the wild forest.
~*~*~*~
Chapter 25
"Legolas?" Rúmil's voice recalled him to his present surroundings.
"I was there," Legolas said in a whisper.
"Where were you, Legolas?"
"Outside Caras Galadhon, in a clearing. I was lying on my back in a pool, watching the stars."
"Did you experience a sense of heightened perception? A sensitivity to the forest around you?"
"Yes. What is this mystery?" he asked.
"Communion," replied Rúmil.
Legolas was instantly sitting up and alert. "What did you say?" he asked urgently.
"You were experiencing communion," stated Rúmil.
"That is what I thought you said. What can you tell me about this 'communion'?" he asked.
"It is one of the mysteries of Lothlórien," began Rúmil. "Every one hundred years, Lothlórien enters a very unique cycle. For thirty nights, the nurturing love of the forest is quickened."
"Quickened?"
"Consider this analogy: The mysterious powers of Lothlórien are like a magical book. Normally, the book sits in a darkened room. The only light with which one may read from the book is provided by a single candle. During the time of Communion, it is as if the light of Eärendil illuminated the room, allowing the mysteries of the book to be easily read. The nurturing life force of the forest during this time is similarly accessible, should one's intent be one of love and respect."
"You are speaking of a 'communion' between the forest and an individual?" asked Legolas.
"Yes."
"Is it possible for two individuals to commune with each other?" asked Legolas.
"Most certainly."
"What would happen should two individuals commune within Lothlórien borders during this special time?" Legolas returned.
"One would offer communion to the other, who would need to willingly relinquish control to the one making the offer. The one making the offer we shall call the provider and the other the recipient. The provider makes love to the recipient, opening a portal between them. The cares and anxieties of the recipient are drawn by the provider through this portal, The recipient is granted healing, peace, and a release from care. The provider experiences a sense of oneness, empowerment, and joy. A bond is created that transcends time and distance, transforming the individuals and the world around them."
"Are you saying that this bond is akin to the binding of marriage?" asked Legolas.
"In many ways, yes. The ceremony is obviously a bit more private. But the spiritual connection created is one blessed by the Valar."
"How so?"
"It is said in legend that the Valar placed a special star in the sky which would create this time of communion every 100 years, increasing the bonds of love within the forest's borders. It is also said that when the time of elves wanes and the time of man waxes to its fullest measure, the Communion of Lothlórien will play a critical role in the passage of the ages."
Legolas felt there was something missing. "It seems to me that the process is not completed with the exchange you described. Nature will always bring a reflection of the gift, completing the cycle and providing closure."
"You are very wise, Prin . . . ." He stopped himself. "Legolas. The recipient becomes focused on the provider, to the exclusion of everything else, seeking to reconnect. Until that reunion is made, the bond is yet incomplete."
Legolas recalled Lady Galadriel's words: "You must not offer yourself to him. You must persuade him to claim you." A connection existed between her admonition and the conversation at hand. It was still unclear, but Legolas was certain of its existence.
"When an individual communes with the forest," Rúmil continued, "the energy is returned to the forest in a commitment to protect and serve. This is what inspires the Galadhrim."
"I have experienced such inspiration. It is what brings me to the northern borders. But the experience that brought me to my knees just now felt like . . . .," Legolas hesitated.
"An orgasm?" prompted Rúmil.
"Yes. But how is that possible?"
"Connections are felt on a deeper level during the time of Communion. One's intentions and desires carry great power now. This would more than likely be the result of another's fantasy about you. The stronger the desire and intent, the more powerful the connection."
Aragorn.
Legolas smiled.
"Rúmil, I thank you. Your words have answered a multitude of questions that have troubled my mind today. And I appreciate your discretion in not asking why I am so interested in this communion of which you speak."
"I give thanks that I have provided some solace," replied Rúmil with a gratified smile.
"Come, I feel much better." He placed his hand on Rúmil's shoulder for support as he rose to his feet. "Let us press on. Your brother surely requires our assistance."
"As you wish, Legolas," said Rúmil, rising and dusting the debris from his knees.
"Lead on, good Rúmil. You are my guide in more ways than one tonight."
Rúmil nodded, then turned and broke into an easy sprint. Legolas followed his lead, looking forward to seeing Haldir again. He also felt the need to confirm Boromir's participation in the northern border patrols. He felt more strongly than ever that the Gondorian posed a grave threat to Aragorn. The ranger was obviously not himself, as was indicated by his behavior this morning, and Legolas was determined to protect him until he was able to protect himself.
No matter. He would see both Haldir and Boromir soon enough.
~*~*~*~
Chapter 26
Aragorn arrived at the pavilion in time for the latest meal.
"Aragorn! There you are," cried Frodo.
"You missed dinner and supper. But you've made it in time for evening tea," informed Pippin. His words slurred and bumped into one another, like a tired caravan brought to a sudden stop.
Gimli looked very uncomfortable. "I'm glad you've returned, Aragorn. I've never seen such large appetites possessed by such small creatures."
"Creatures, are we then?" asked Sam indignantly. "Is that how you see us?" It was clear to Aragorn that his friend had been enjoying the wine.
"My apologies, Master Gamgee. I use the term with affection. But this old dwarf can barely keep up with you. Food-wise, that is."
"Then make room, old dwarf," declared Merry. "For in this battle against the diabolical onslaught of food, we hobbits are the strongest warriors you shall find." Aragorn sensed the familiar sound of wine-inspired bravado and had to laugh quietly to himself.
"If I weren't so full, young Merry, this old dwarf would come over there and -"
"Gimli," interrupted Aragorn, laughing out loud.
"Very well, Aragorn," grumbled Gimli as he hopped down from his seat. "You take my post at the table and I shall attempt to walk off this growing ache in my belly. I believe it was the third course of dinner that doomed me to this discomfort. Blasted hobbits."
"Nobody forced you to eat that last piece of meat, Gimli," admonished Frodo.
"It was a matter of pride!" sputtered the dwarf over his shoulder as he left the pavilion.
Aragorn joined the hobbits for yet another meal. Gimli eventually returned, having walked off his stomach ache, and the six remaining members of the Fellowship enjoyed an evening of food, wine, and story. Occasionally, Aragorn would ponder the whereabouts of Legolas and Boromir, but the hobbits would not allow his focus to waiver. They were constantly vigilant regarding his attention. He suspected they were feeling a bit neglected and abandoned.
After a final bedtime snack, everyone agreed to retire for the night. The hobbits rarely had the opportunity to eat food of such quality or quantity, and felt the need to recover before resuming the 'battle' on the morrow. Aragorn suspected the wine contributed to their drowsiness as well. He visited each hobbit in turn as they were falling asleep, wishing them all pleasant dreams. His eyes met Gimli's and they both nodded to each other, wishing each other a good night in silence. As Aragorn laid his head upon his own pillow, he thought of Legolas and smiled as he slipped into peaceful slumber.
~*~*~*~
Chapter 27
Boromir returned from his expedition to the Anduin to find the Fellowship asleep; everyone save Legolas, who was nowhere to be seen. Boromir found Aragorn and stood at his bedside, watching the rise and fall of the ranger's chest as he slept. He reached down and brushed a stray lock of hair from the man's forehead. Aragorn stirred and groaned sensuously.
Tomorrow he would find some way for him and Aragorn to spend some time alone together.
Looking around the pavilion, he noticed a solitary plate remained on the table, filled with aromatic food. He sat down and proceeded to devour the repast with his hands. As he ate, the weight of his eyelids began to increase to the point where it was difficult to keep them open. After wiping his mouth on his sleeve, he retreated to his bed and threw himself on it, asleep before he landed. But his dreams were troubled with echoes of lost love.
A hooded figure entered the pavilion and stood silently at Boromir's bedside, watching the tears fall from the Gondorian's eyes as he slept.
~*~*~*~
Chapter 28
A freshly bathed Aragorn returned from his morning visit to the clearing to find Boromir packing a bag with food and cooking utensils.
"So where are you going today, Boromir?" asked Pippin.
"I am returning to a peaceful spot I found on the banks of the Anduin."
"Peaceful?" asked Merry. "What's wrong with right here? I can't remember visiting a more peaceful spot since we left the Shire."
"We missed you yesterday, Boromir. Why do you have to leave again?" inquired Pippin, with just a bit of a whine.
Boromir closed the pack and threw it over his shoulder. "As entertaining as your constant chattering can be, I found that I enjoyed the day of silence and wish to enjoy another."
"You wound me, Boromir," said Merry with a mock pout.
"And just what do you mean by 'constant chattering,' I'd like to know," demanded Pippin. "I'll have you know that -"
"Pippin," interrupted Frodo, quietly yet sternly. "If Boromir wishes to explore his surroundings again today, who are we to interfere?"
"But Frodo -," began Pippin, but was interrupted this time by Merry who had just noticed Aragorn had returned to the pavilion and had been listening to the conversation.
"Aragorn, will you talk some sense into this stubborn Gondorian? He wants to go 'exploring' again today."
"Aragorn is coming with me," stated Boromir with authority.
"He is?" asked Merry and Pippin in unison.
"I am?" asked Aragorn.
"Yes, Aragorn," replied Boromir. "I found a cave with some interesting markings. I thought you would like to see it."
"A cave?" asked Gimli with enthusiasm. "Now that sounds like an interesting exploration."
"More importantly, I wish to acquaint myself with the man who aspires to be my king and the king of my people."
"Now that sounds rather dull," observed Gimli with considerably less enthusiasm.
"Boromir, I think such a discussion is a bit premature," said Aragorn. "I find it difficult to think about leaving Lothlórien, much less where we will go after that or what we can hope to accomplish."
"But it is your role, Aragorn," challenged Boromir. "Do you wish to turn aside from your responsibilities? You have spent your life hiding your heritage. Do you not wish to now claim what is rightfully yours?"
Aragorn did not want to think about kingships or rings of power. These things held no interest for him anymore. "What I wish is to enjoy the beauty and peace of this forest while I may." And to return to Legolas' arms, he thought.
Boromir had advanced toward him and now stood directly before him, staring into his eyes. "Then come with me. I will show you a place that will fill your soul with such peace that you will not wish to leave it."
Aragorn found he had not the will to resist the man's earnest invitation. "Very well," he said quietly. "I will join you."
"Good," said Boromir clapping him on the shoulder with great satisfaction. "I will meet you at the city's gates. Bring your bedroll. We'll be spending the night." He shouldered his own roll before moving to Merry and Pippin and crouching down so he could look them in the eyes. "We'll be back tomorrow. I promise we'll do some exploring of our own after that."
"That's assuming we'll be wanting to go then," replied Pippin with feigned indifference.
Boromir poked him in the chest, rocking him back on his heels. "If I must, I will pick you up and carry you, one under each arm," he said with a smile. Aragorn's heart was warmed by the man's genuine affection for the troublesome pair.
"Just do us a favor and bathe first," requested Merry.
Boromir ruffled Merry's hair. "Do not test my forbearance, hobbit," he cautioned with mock severity, then rose to leave the pavilion. "Do not tarry, Aragorn," he called over his shoulder as he left.
All eyes turned to Aragorn.
"What?" he asked.
"That was strange," commented Sam, understating what was apparently on everybody's mind.
'What was so strange about it?" asked Aragorn.
"Oh, nothing, Mr. Strider," replied Sam, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "The future Steward of Gondor orders the future King of Men around all the time. I don't know why we would be so surprised at this behavior today." His sarcasm was then replaced by incredulous disapproval. "What do you mean 'What was so strange about it?' Granted, his boldness is nothing new, but your acceptance of his domineering behavior is. New, that is."
"I think you judge Boromir a bit too harshly, Sam," answered Aragorn.
"I think you judge Boromir a bit too lightly, Mr. Strider," countered Sam.
"Sam!" cried Merry.
"He only wishes to protect his people," countered Aragorn. "He is not thinking of himself alone."
"So he maintains," argued Sam. "I say he's up to something."
"I think I would be able to tell if Boromir had intentions that were less than honorable," asserted Aragorn.
"Are you so certain?" questioned Sam.
"What are you implying, Mr. Gamgee?" asked Aragorn with increasing annoyance.
"Begging your pardon, Mr. Strider," said Sam. "No disrespect intended, but you don't seem to be yourself lately."
"And you're not the only one," chimed in Pippin. "Boromir is changed as well."
"And let's not forget about Legolas. He seemed to be in quite a state before he left yesterday," added Merry.
"So there is now a conspiracy?" asked Aragorn, annoyance turning to amusement. "Honestly, are all hobbits so rich in imagination?"
"Scoff if you wish, Mr. Strider. But I say watch your back with that one, I do," cautioned Sam.
"Samwise Gamgee, your counsel is heard and heeded. I shall 'watch my back' as you advise," acquiesced Aragorn with a smile. His friends' concern for his welfare reminded him how much he was enjoying being a member of a group. His many years of being on his own seemed empty and meaningless when compared to the joy and pain of the last few months. Perhaps his self-imposed exile was truly coming to an end.
He gathered his bedroll and joined Boromir at the gates. They proceeded south around the city and then followed the stream that flowed from the city's wall to the Anduin in the east.
They spent the rest of the morning walking in silence, enjoying the reassuring presence of the other's company without the need for conversation. Aragorn knew the way, but allowed Boromir to lead, not wishing to rob the man of the opportunity to share what he believed to be his own discovery.
He found he enjoyed Boromir taking the initiative. Had he not, Aragorn would have been content to lounge around the pavilion with the hobbits and Gimli all day. But now he had the opportunity to acquaint himself with this enigmatic and contradictory man from Gondor. Perhaps the future Steward would relax while in the company of a solitary fellow human away from the others.
They reached their destination shortly after the noon hour, coming suddenly upon the embankment looking down on the mighty Anduin. The stream tumbled over boulders on their left into a small waterfall which pooled in a small depression in the rock before overflowing the edge and joining the river's current.
"So," said Boromir. "What do you think?"
"You were right. It is very peaceful. How did you find it?" Aragorn had visited this spot before, but felt no need to tell Boromir that.
"I didn't. I believe it found me," replied Boromir. Aragorn thought the statement a bit odd, but did not question it. Boromir lowered his burdens to the ground and said, "I brought some food, but we'll need fresh meat. Why don't you procure us some game while I take a few moments to bathe."
"Gladly," replied Aragorn, thrilled that the Gondorian was finally going to bathe. "I shall return shortly." And with that he set out with his bow and arrow to track whatever wild animal he could find.
His mission soon accomplished, he returned to the waterfall with two large rabbits. He looked down over the embankment to see Boromir standing naked under the waterfall, rinsing the grime from his muscular body.
Aragorn watched as Boromir raised first one arm and then the other, rinsing his armpits and then rubbing his hands over his massive chest. Aragorn crouched down to one knee and lowered the rabbits to the ground as he watched Boromir bathe. The sunlight glistened off Boromir's wet body, highlighting the hard and defined musculature of the impressively fit warrior.
Aragorn found the strength and power of the man's physique exceedingly attractive and wondered how he had failed to notice Boromir's allure before today. Boromir turned his head and caught Aragorn watching him. The man smiled mysteriously then turned his back and returned to his bathing. Embarrassed to have been caught peeping, Aragorn who took the opportunity to quickly move out of sight.
Aragorn recalled Sam's words of caution. But Boromir gave no indication that his intentions were malevolent in any way. Aragorn's intuition insisted that Boromir genuinely wished to become better acquainted with him. The question appeared to be 'How acquainted did the Gondorian wish to become?'
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