Chapter Text
Chapter 3 "Last Challenge" (Setting: * Elsewhere* and Lothlorien, during the Quest)
This time they landed on their feet, still with arms entwined, in a dark forest very reminiscent of the * worst* parts of Mirkwood. Dank, unnaturally deformed trees rose in staggered ranks and clammy groundcover twisted under their bare soles. They were still quite naked and observed that the brightest thing in the vicinity was their own soft luminescence.
Legolas stepped back and caressed the man's cheek. "I am afraid we make good targets. I am sorry, this looks dreadfully familiar." He cocked his head in that alert way Aragorn had learned to both love and respect, and then in the distance they heard an ominous, snarling shriek.
Bow strengthened fingers gripped the ranger's biceps. "Not good. Spiders are coming. Real or not, I know this evil, and without weapons you are more vulnerable." Crashing sounds were rapidly drawing close. "I can lead them astray, take to the trees my captain!"
"Nay, we both go." Sterling eyes flashed dangerously as the Dúnadan dragged the resisting Sindar toward the nearest thick trunk. "Even if this is a dream, do you think I would abandon you to those creatures?! We will improvise something. Climb!" And to emphasize his point, the mortal gave the snowy backside a resounding slap. The Firstborn yelped and moved.
As they both struggled up the slippery bark, Aragorn continued to mutter angrily. "Stubborn Elf. We have fought together under many conditions. Being lovers should not change the issue to one of sacrifice."
Legolas hissed back. "Peace future king! I yield to your judgment. Quietly—let us see what cooperation can produce." He reached down from a wide branch and pulled the human up to sit beside him and soon they could discern two rather large spiders circling the area below.
Blond hair shook gently near the ranger's shoulder. "They are too big to climb."
The smaller of the two children of Ungoliant stretched as far up the trunk as her length would allow and shoved violently into the dark tree. If not for the Elf's lightening reflexes, the human morsel would have slipped within easy reach.
"Big enough to cause problems—" commented the man wryly, as the other spider went to the opposite side and tried the same maneuver. "It seems we are being given a lesson in team work." The arboreal growth swayed alarmingly in response to the double action.
The ranger pointed to long, thick vines adorning the branches nearby. "Ropes?" He pointed to the scrabbling spiders. "Many legs." He made a twirling motion. "Tangle and trap!"
The prince nodded in swift understanding and reached up as the Dúnadan enjoyed supporting flexible hips and assisted the Elf to pull down numerous snaky vines. The tree oscillated vigorously while they knotted together a generous length of the fibrous substance with fast, coordinated efforts. Once done, it took only a brief contact of azure and gray orbs to decide the next move.
Each held an end of the improvised rope and in a surging leap, man and Elf propelled themselves from their unsteady perch to land with athletic balance on either side of the largest spider. Even in mid-flight, the ranger could not help but observe the graceful extension of his Elf's glowing limbs and floating golden mane as he descended to the ground.
The same appreciation was not found in their enemy as the bright bits of prey proceeded to unexpectedly dart * toward* their attacker and wrap an annoying restraint around rearing front legs. The larger arachnid, correctly termed "he" by the supposed victims, tumbled forward and became completely entangled in the successfully deployed vine. The second smaller spider charged around the tree and tripped into the wildly thrashing appendages of her mate, and both set up an ear-splitting series of angry screeches.
Legolas flashed a brilliant grin and landed a triumphant whack on the ranger's rump before sprinting off into the underbrush. Aragorn yelled insults, turned to follow and felt something cold and slimy impact into the center of his back. He didn't want to think about what it was, and it didn't slow him down at first. After several minutes of the fastest running he had ever done in his life, he was forced to stop, called out to the archer, and sank to his knees breathless on the forest loam. The prince was beside him in an instant, apologetic and concerned at the man's labored respiration and blanched features.
Legolas' heart pounded harder as he realized what must have happened. It was venom; one of the spiders had fired a shot as they were escaping. He avoided touching the black liquid between clenched shoulder blades and caught the ranger as he slumped forward. If this dream encounter was following the rules of reality, then the amount was not enough to strike down an Elf, but it might be enough to seriously damage a human. And if Irmo had spoken accurately, true harm could be experienced here.
"Legolas, keep going, I will only slow you down -" gasped the man.
"Nay, do not be foolish. By my will and your own we are in this * together*" The Elf replied.
He quickly used broad leaves with trapped rain water to wipe away as much of the poison as possible and saw with worry that the human's eyes had closed. The lean figure remained unresisting as the prince hoisted him across resilient shoulders and with surprising agility took a rapid path through the dense growth in search of sanctuary and further distance from the arachnids. As they progressed, the thick clouds overhead added their burden to the already damp forest and began deluging the area with torrential rain.
The landscape did not correspond exactly to Mirkwood's territory but many of the features were similar and a rocky outcropping ahead promised a possible refuge. Climbing the uneven path was a challenge while carrying a slack body, but the royal archer had more than enough motivation to seek higher ground. The sudden downpour had gathered into thick streams atop the moist ground and now threatened to flood the jungle-like environment. The Dúnadan began stirring as the prince reached a flat ledge and gently lowered him beneath a stony projection. They were both drenched and muddy as the Elf wrapped supportive arms around the shivering human, huddled close and spoke into the wet, darkened ringlets.
"We are safe for the moment - unless other creatures seek the same location. You appear to have survived the venom and the rain helped remove the residue."
Aragorn turned into the comfort of a luminous shoulder. "Le hannon, meleth. Do you think we have learned our lesson of cooperation yet?" He gritted chattering teeth and gazed fondly into aquamarine eyes as droplets sparkled in dusky lashes and chased down flawless cheekbones.
"Possibly, but doubtless we need further experience. With Eru's blessing we may have a future in which to do so. I have seen more of your fine character with each obstacle we faced, and I tell you again, you * are* worthy to be king."
Cool lips advanced to barely a breath away. "Elessar is already king of my heart." A pink tongue stole several beads of water from the ranger's smile before meeting the responsive mouth in a thoroughly amorous kiss.
An inarticulate murmur rose from the bearded throat and the Elf was enveloped by suddenly strong human arms. They shared a long moment of passionate renewal while rivulets of water coursed over their warming bodies.
Unfortunately, this time the feel of the earth moving was not the result of blissful overload, but the vibration of something large and unfriendly treading nearby.
Pewter eyes narrowed. "We have company." Rattling gravel could be heard over the dissipating rain.
The archer also tensed. "Aye, trouble." He rolled to the edge of the overhang and peered above, intently listening and extending acute Elven senses. "Warg. Several. They haven't scented us yet because of the water." Facial radiance illuminated a deep frown as he realized they were trapped in this rocky corner.
Aragorn understood and spoke in a low whisper. "This nightmare has posed many interesting problems, all of which must be treated as real interactions. We are not done learning." A grim smile gleamed in the shadows and he gripped the Sindar's forearm. "So, my life partner, do we hide or run?"
A tightening of white fingers on the mortal's arm sent a quick answer. "Run. Together. Now."
They emerged from beneath the ledge as an ugly fanged snout appeared at the end of the path. Another soon followed, and the decision to depart rapidly turned into a need to climb when the exit was blocked by more furred, smelly bodies. Agile fingers and toes proved to be assets as the bipeds outmaneuvered the four-footed ones on the vertical stone face. However, the predators could still run like the wind and the hunt went back up the trail immediately.
The Firstborn's strength pulled the ranger up the last few feet as they reached the rock summit. The warg pack howled scant yards away and escape choices grew limited. The prince looked to where the opposite edge fell away in a foggy rift of unfathomable depth and crystalline eyes gazed at the ranger in bleak distress.
Time expanded infinitely as Aragon focused on small strands of Elven hair glinting in slow motion breezes. Arda held briefly still while images past, present and future telescoped into a vision of simultaneous experience.
He saw Legolas' features in every exquisitely remembered detail, as well as the vibrant faces of his Fellowship companions. He heard the song of his Elven family and the anonymous hum of mortality in greater Middle Earth, and overshadowing all, the turbulence of light and darkness that surged in a never ending symphony of opposing melodies. The core of this gestalt was brilliant warmth that offered a refuge amidst conflict and a welcome home to every spirit. Those who shared a portion of inner light were connected to others on the great journey, and at the End of All Things were destined to be together.
In startling clarity, two points of illumination stood out in the flow of images. A silver moon was inexorably drawn to a golden sun and the pair ignited an incandescent nova that nurtured numerous stars. Their unconditional love was a guiding beacon that inspired hope and generated faith for the future. It was all there and could happen if --
Golden hope and silver faith spiraled down to the moment of decision.
They stood on the hilltop facing alternatives: on the one side, ravening fangs, on the other, a mysterious abyss.
The Elf's proud head lifted resolutely. "Aragorn - this is your choice; I am with you all ways."
The man stood tall and regal. "Aye, your faith has renewed hope—and we will take the unknown together."
In a move as fast as any Elven warrior, the future king leaped to the Sindar's side and with a steely arm carried them both over the cliff and down into swirling mist.
*****
Bright sunlight filtered through the towering mallorn at the center of peaceful Lothlorien. It was close to the end of the second day following the arrival of the weary Fellowship band into the healing sanctuary. Haldir had continued to supervise their needs and reported their progress to his lord and lady. The Halflings were resilient and had resumed most of their normal spirits. The other two were somewhat solitary in their recovery but had become more talkative as food and rest took effect. Just today, the Gondorian noble had inquired after the ranger, and to the warden's surprise, the dwarf had gruffly asked about Thranduilion. They were both given the same polite answer: man and Elf were well, and seeking restoration in a private manner. No further questions were asked.
In the last twenty-four hours Haldir had felt strong surges in the power currents surrounding the sacred "envinyata" chamber and as he walked in that direction also sensed stirring within the trees. They had pulsed in eager anticipation all day and it was as if the entire forest was waiting for something important to happen.
The Marchwarden took more than a brotherly interest in the Mirkwood prince and given a different series of events, might have offered his own healing to the young Elf. As it was, he generously wished for the bonding to be successful, both for the well being of the royal archer, and for the uniquely important human: the "king to be" as the White Lady had named him.
He rounded a corner of the pathway and abruptly stopped, suddenly hit with mental images so vivid he needed to sit down on the nearest bench. The trees were positively singing their joy in the feelings and pictures they were radiating far and wide. Haldir sucked in a deep breath when fiery sensuality went straight to his groin.
It was as if he was in the room, and before him—
Muscled brown arms were braced above a writhing white vision of splayed luminous limbs and scattered mithril hair. A warrior's arched back tapered to powerful gluteals that clenched in spasmodic ecstasy. Long pale legs were reverently lifted to broad shoulders as a splendid arousal transfixed the quivering form below in slow, undulating thrusts. Pure love was awesome in its intensity and the two strong bodies molded to each other as if determined to press through the flesh and reach the spirit. Voices rose in pleasured harmony as hroa and fëa became one. The ethereal consummation was reached and finally man and Elf were thoroughly, irrevocably, completely and truly * bonded.*
White light blasted clear the image as Haldir blinked and joined in a windy sigh that swept through the grove. The trees approved and sent strength to the human who would love their Wood-elf, and in the chamber Aragorn smiled.
With perfect timing Galadriel and Celeborn arrived upon the scene as their warden managed to stand but remained in an abstracted fugue for several moments. The White Lady had a dreamy smile and Celeborn's hand rested softly on the small of her back
"My Lieges. Pardon my inattention. It was .... They were - amazing. I was distracted." Haldir finished with less than his usual aplomb.
Celeborn exchanged a warm glance with his lady. "We were also aware, as was most of the wood. Such a shared bonding has never been so widely felt. It must be a sign of Iluvatar's blessing and portends a hopeful new age for those who remain in Middle Earth."
Galadriel made a subtle gesture and the misty green curtain across the doorway vanished. The three entered the chamber quietly, for they did not wish to intrude but realized that the healing period had been completed and it was time to resume normal activities. A fading luminescence suffused the room and appeared to originate from tumbled pillows where two entwined bodies rested in blissful conjunction.
An enchanting sight greeted the observers as they approached the lovers' bower. One fair arm was thrown back on a cushion of flaxen hair spread beneath both profiled faces, and a sinewy human leg was in relaxed possession of an elegantly curved marble hip. The sculptured forms displayed warriors' strength and the sensitivity of true love as they curled around each other in protective support. Elessar's expression was tranquil, and the prince's skin glowed with healthy radiance. The vision was one of fulfillment as well as healing resolution sought and found.
The mortal's eyelids fluttered open and as he recognized those who surrounded their repose, his contracted grip brought the Elf out of reverie. Legolas automatically pressed closer to his beloved and caressed a furrowed brow while breathing soft endearments.
Haldir felt obligated to clear his throat. "Suilad Thranduilion, and Isildur's heir." He gave a special look to the Dúnadan. "Balance is restored. We rejoice in your bonding and welcome you back to Lothlorien."
Legolas draped an easy arm around his blushing companion and brightened the room with a dazzling smile. "Le hannon, Marchwarden. We have learned many lessons and our new covenant will allow us to continue the Quest with renewed strength." With Firstborn grace, the Wood-elf sat up and retrieved nearby clothing, thus handling both his lover's embarrassment and the need to ease the transition back to reality.
It was none too soon for the comfort of all, as others were heard approaching the chamber. A youthful voice piped insistently.
"Master Dwarf, you say these feelings were meant for us to experience? Bonding is not a private elvish thing?"
"Aye, lad. Sometimes it is private, but this was different. The Lady made it clear. Did you not hear her words? This is a blessing for all to share and will help the Fellowship * and* Middle Earth if we succeed."
Gimli and Pippin led the remaining members of the band to the doorway where they stood in hesitation. They were all ready to offer shy congratulations, but could not decide whether to enter or - knock? Aragorn hurried forward, pleased to be the host once his leggings had put him back in control.
"Mae govannen, friends. Enter and be refreshed." He and Legolas pulled cushions into a circle on the amber floor and invited their fellow travelers to join the Lord and Lady who were already seated in regal relaxation, much to the surprise of Boromir, and to the delight of the dwarf.
The ranger set about to brew the long delayed tea that had been promised seemingly ages ago and the halflings quickly found a store of dried fruit and lembas, passed out all the consumables and proceeded to eat and drink to their heart's content. Legolas quietly distributed cups and saucers and drifted gracefully around the room in loose silken shirt with hair unbound and was content for his captain to take charge.
Aragorn took pleasure in simply looking at his Greenleaf and for a long moment contemplated the pure, unconditional love so freely bestowed by the Mirkwood prince and realized that Haldir was more right than he knew. This restored balance was the key to his own destiny and the fair form that embodied sustaining faith might just enable Estel to generate the dream he had held for so long: peace for Middle Earth and safety for those he loved. He smiled at Legolas across the room, hope was alive.
Galadriel and her lord enjoyed the respite from formal protocol and observed that even their cool Marchwarden could unbend in the presence of the irrepressible hobbits and their innocent flood of questions. Later, even Boromir was able to relax and accept gentle teasing from the young ones. The evening passed in renewed congeniality for the Fellowship and an added bonus was the warden's appreciation of a dwarf's new found respect for Eldar ways. It was a good beginning for a hopeful tomorrow.
Again, the Lady could see many threads of the future gathered in this room. Her abilities could discern layers of light and dark in the paths that everyone here would travel, even her own. She sighed as time unfolded and felt the importance of small things, for larger events would find them all soon enough.
Her gleaming eyes caught movement of the Dúnadan and his Elf as they slipped out of the cozy chamber and Galadriel's heart lightened in contemplation of the lovers' new bond. She smiled a blessing on their departure.
Legolas paced beside his captain, wearing only the fine shirt, while his own radiance shown through the sheer fabric. The illumination outlined lean shoulders where they repeatedly brushed against the man as they walked in companionable silence until he remembered a question.
"What did Haldir mean when he said: 'balance is restored'?"
"He was referring to your loss of internal balance regarding me."
"Oh." He stopped and tilted a shining head, regarding the human with suspiciously bright eyes. "And I suppose * you* have been a model of emotional balance where I have been concerned?!"
The ranger missed the teasing tone. "Well, not exactly, but our bond has become a point of stability for both of us, do you not agree?"
They were on a solitary path where a convenient patch of soft grass spread beside a large mallorn. Legolas put his very strong Elven hands on broad human shoulders and pushed Aragorn into the tree.
"I think we have not learned enough about stability points." He hooked a bare ankle behind the Dúnadan's calf. "I think you need another lesson in just what being 'balanced' is all about." He jerked hard, and sent the surprised man sprawling backward onto the verdant earth.
He then proceeded to reinstruct his love in all the important elements of balance: weighted bodies exchanging dominance, warm lips on cool skin, knowledgeable fingers exploring intimate contours, blond hair contrasting with brown, and the divine fulcrum of giving or taking pleasure.
The future held many more lessons, but for now, desire commanded duty, head and heart were in agreement, and love was honored.
Darkness took one step back and indeed a fine balance was restored.
*****
All word research done at "Council of Elrond" language dictionaries.
Sindarin Language Notes:
daro: "stop"
mellon: "friend"
meleth: "lover"
melethron: "male lover"
Aran Guren: "King of My Heart"
le annon veleth nin: "I give my love to you"
suilad: "greetings"
mae govannen: "well met"
Quenya Language Notes:
hroa envinyata fëa : "flesh (or body) heals the spirit"
hroa: "body" Quenya dictionary (COE)
envinyata: "heal" (verb) literally "to renew" Quenya dictionary (COE)
fëa: (noun) spirit or soul Quenya dictionary (COE)