Adversary.

Adversary.1

*****2

Disclaimer: The world/cultures/characters of Lord of the Rings are obviously not mine...I really wish they were, but they’re not :-( So I’m just borrowing them for a little while :-)3

Male/Male pairing. Over 18/Adult readers only due to erotic material - please do not read if you are under 18 or do not feel comfortable with *explicit* male/male sexual content, you have been warned...any who do choose to read it do so of their own choice, thank you.4

Also, this has an ‘alternate universe’ ending...so, I’m sad and pathetic and couldn’t stand the sad ending this pairing would have come to if following the book, so I sort of cheated and changed it to have a happy ending. If you don’t like it, don’t read the last section, that’s the only part it effects. Sorry!5

K.6

*****7

“You do not agree with me.” Elrond’s silhouette against the fading sun that streamed through the arched window cast a strong, proud figure. There was no doubt that it was a statement and not a question.8

“Do I have to agree with you?”9

“Do I have to have your agreement?” Elrond countered with an arched eyebrow and looked over his shoulder at the man expectantly.10

Aragorn looked down for a moment where he sat not particularly comfortably in a seat in Elrond’s personal chamber. “Of course not,” he finally replied, his voice a little quieter, almost that of a boy rebuked.11

Elrond gave a gentle sigh, looking back out of the window. His tall figure stood as confidently as ever, looking out over everything, yet watching nothing as his hand subtly moved his wine to create gentle movement in the liquid. “And yet, you seek to change my mind.”12

“Elrond, I...” Aragorn faltered and paused as he looked up at the respected Elf that he held so close. “I merely sought to voice my...concerns...”13

Elrond turned back to him, fixing fond eyes on Aragorn, yet his features were as stern as ever. “Of Boromir,” he finished for him with a knowing frown.14

“Yes, of Boromir.” Aragorn became a little bolder, his confidence, that he was right on the matter, returning. “You saw as well as I what happened in the Council...he is weak for the Ring, and yet you allow him to join the Fellowship...”15

“Nine members of the Fellowship for The Nine Ringwraiths,” Elrond’s tone suggested he would give a shrug if not so economical and calm in his movements.16

“There were others who would have taken his place.” Aragorn stood, motioning at the door to indicate the Council with frustration. “A friend of Legolas perhaps...we will need their skill...”17

Elrond’s sigh betrayed frustration of his own, and when he spoke, his voice was a little tighter, as if his patience was wearing thin. “We have an Elf, a Dwarf, Hobbit and Wizard. The only thing needed to make the union complete, and every Race of the Council happy, was someone to represent the Race of Men. You would never do...you turned away from them of your own will. You are no longer a representative of the Race of Men,” Elrond said pointedly with an arched eyebrow. He wasn’t deliberately trying to be cruel, merely stating the facts.18

Still, the words caused Aragorn to look away from the beloved Elf and to the ground, his jaw tightening.19

Elrond allowed him a moment to contemplate his words before moving over to him for the first time since Aragorn had entered his room, lowering his voice to a gentler, yet still firm and confident tone. “Do you trust me, Estel?”20

Aragorn’s head lifted quickly, meeting Elrond’s eyes with his own soft blue ones betraying surprise at the question. “Of course I do.”21

Elrond gave the Man a small smile and laid a hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently. “Then you must trust me now, boy. There are things that have and will happen that neither you nor I can change, or perhaps even understand fully.”22

Aragorn’s brow creased in a slight frown, his gaze dropping down as he thought the words over, but there was only one answer he could find from the riddle of words. “You are allowing Boromir to join on an instinct?” Although Aragorn had learnt many years before that Elrond’s instinct was a truer word than many Men’s truth, he still couldn’t help the hint of disbelief in his voice and eyes as he looked back up at him.23

“No,” Elrond’s voice had become a little sharper. “I cannot see the problem...do you fear that you would not be able to keep Boromir under control should his weakness grow?”24

“Of course not,” Aragorn said quietly. “I would never allow him to get to the Ring.”25

“Then there is nothing to be concerned about,” Elrond pointed out before taking a step closer, meeting his eyes, his voice lowering. “Or is it that you are more concerned about something else...something you see and do not like...perhaps it is not Boromir you fear, but that you can see a little of Boromir in yourself.”26

Aragorn kept his eyes for a long time, his own darkening slightly as he opened his mouth to reply, but thought better of it and closed it hastily, dropping his head forward to look at the ground.27

“Estel...” Elrond lifted his chin with a strong hand. “There are things that you do not understand, and only will when it happens. The Ring-bearer could never reach his destination without the Fellowship...yet, he cannot reach his destination with it.”28

Aragorn searched Elrond’s eyes with confusion at the words. “You are contradicting yourself...” he said quietly, yet he knew Elrond never said anything unless it meant something.29

“You all have your roles to play, Aragorn,” Elrond continued, his head moving just a little to one side, but his eyes never left the Man’s. “Everyone of you in the Fellowship is there for a reason. You must trust that Boromir also has his...whatever that me be.”30

“But you know...” Aragorn said in a near whisper, desperately searching his features, his hand groping to find Elrond’s to hold tightly. “You know...yet you will not tell me.”31

“Yes, you are right, I will not tell you,” Elrond replied with a firm nod, his thumb brushing over the knuckles of Aragorn’s hand...he cared deeply for the Man, and disliked having to keep things from him, and more, he disliked having to see the fear in his eyes when he knew he could lay it to rest for the time being...but he couldn’t, it would change everything. “If you knew now, you would try and change it, and that cannot happen.” His fingers wrapped firmly around Aragorn’s hand. “That *cannot* happen. This is the only way, yet you cannot possibly see that now and would seek to alter what must happen...only when the time comes will you understand. Only then will you see.”32

Aragorn turned his words over and over in his mind and realised that there was nothing he could say to change his mind. He gave a slight sigh, closing his eyes as he leant forward to rest his forehead against Elrond’s. 33

Elrond’s hand went up to lay gently on Aragorn’s hair. “Do not be scared,” he whispered. “You have a long path ahead of you, one I do not envy...but you are an Heir to Kings, whether you would have it so or not. You have strength in you, Aragorn...a strength the others of the Fellowship will look to you for, and not just of the sword, but of the soul. They will all need it...The Ring-bearer...the Hobbits...Legolas...and even Boromir...*especially* Boromir. Look after him, Estel.” 34

Aragorn glanced up at Elrond with tears brimming his eyes, but he knew Elrond was right. He gave a slow nod before stepping back and drawing himself straight and his shoulders back. He looked at Elrond for a long moment before nodding again and leaving Elrond to turn back to his window, but this time he didn’t even try to look, instead, he firmly closed his eyes against the night. 35

*****36

The sun glared down upon the Fellowship’s back, yet there was no denying the beauty of it on what felt like such a grave day.37

Clever fingers chased a bead of sweat down the back of his neck. For the son of Gondor, heat had never been a problem...he was brought up under all the truest of nature’s elements. Yet, with layers of leather and chain, Boromir could not deny that his preference would be a chill, even if his practical soldier’s mind reminded him how much energy the cold stole away and to be grateful for the pleasant conditions thus far. 38

Boromir cast his gaze to the side and a little away, stealing another glance of Aragorn. 39

King.40

The thought still made him snort with disdain...however, he could not deny that his respect for the man himself was growing, as it was for all the members of the Fellowship.41

A small smile graced his features as he looked toward the hobbits. Creatures that could bring smiles and laughter to even the most foreboding of quests must truly be remarkable things, Boromir thought fondly.42

And Gimli? He looked at the Dwarf that was still chattering away to an awe filled Pippin, waving his axe with every other word to embellish his tale of a victorious battle long passed. A chuckle escaped Boromir’s throat...the Dwarf was a courageous thing if nothing else. 43

It was an almost perplexed look that came to Boromir as he regarded Gandalf. He still wasn’t sure what to make of him. Yes, he certainly seemed wise, but he sometimes caught a narrowed eyed glance from the Wizard in his direction. It didn’t make Boromir suspicious or mistrusting...but it certainly unsettled him.44

And finally, a frown settled on Boromir’s brow as his gaze came upon Legolas. Always so regal, Boromir thought as his frown deepened...noble, proud, superior, controlled, self-assured...45

‘Your thoughts seem those of a jealous man...’46

A grimace came to Boromir at the voice in his mind. “Jealous of an Elf? Never.”47

“Sorry?” Merry looked up at him with questioning eyes and a small smile.48

Boromir looked down at him for a long moment before finally giving a weak smile of his own. “Nothing of importance...”49

*****50

Turning restlessly in supposed sleep, Boromir finally gave a frustrated sigh and sat up, passing his hands over his face and through his hair with a deep breath. He knew he should be taking advantage of all the precious rest he could, sure there would be many times ahead that he would not be able to indulge in such a luxury, yet his dreams were dark and uneasy, making him almost feverish, and he found that he preferred to be awake than asleep.51

He glanced around the camp, watching the prone figures in what he hoped was blissfully oblivious sleep for them, and noted that the missing figure of Legolas meant the Elf was on watch.52

Pushing himself up with a grunt of effort, he moved awkwardly but silently about, finding the Elf to walk across to him. He wasn’t sure why he went. Perhaps even regal company was better than none on such a testing night, and he could not deny the curiosity and draw he felt towards the private and indisputably beautiful Elf.53

“You should be resting,” Legolas said with a flat tone, not even needing to turn to him to know the Man was there. “The journey ahead is long, and you will need all your strength.”54

“I am well,” Boromir replied shortly, a touch of annoyance creeping into his tone. Legolas always managed to make him feel rebuked in some manner. 55

Something that could have been a sigh may have passed Legolas’ lips, but it was hard to tell. “Good. We need your sword.”56

Boromir watched him a long moment, unsure what to make of the icy exterior of the Elf. Part of him told him to simply leave him alone, but his pride wouldn’t allow it. “You do not trust me.”57

Legolas finally turned and looked at him directly, meeting his eyes boldly, his chin lifting just a little, but enough to be noticed. “Should I? When I look at you, all I see is the fool-heartedness of a Man, arrogant enough to believe that he can control the Ring,” he said bluntly, a sharp edge to the usually beautiful and smooth tone of his voice.58

Boromir glared at him a long moment, his jaw tightening as he finally turned his back to him, his fists clenched at his sides. “I only wish to protect my people, is that such a terrible thing? Would you not wish the same, Legolas, son of *Thranduil*.” The Man turned back to look at him and gave a disdainful, sharp sigh. “I suppose not...immortal Prince. What would you know of our mortal pain and loss? You and your kind cannot possibly understand my people’s suffering.”59

Legolas looked at him with something akin to shock. He watched him with near confusion, his voice softening. “Then why am I here?” he said gently, but pointedly as he met his eyes.60

“That is a question I have asked myself everyday, and I am yet to find an answer,” Boromir replied on a low breath as he kept his eyes boldly, refusing to back down. 61

“And neither will you, Son of Gondor,” Legolas assured him, the edge and confidence firmly back to steel his tone. “As the answer is no business of yours.”62

Anger boiled up in Boromir...superior, arrogant...Boromir stopped his thoughts and clenched his jaw to hold the feelings back. “It matters not. Why would I care?” he said sharply before moving away from camp and into the solitude of the darkness.63

*****64

Boromir stared. He was transfixed. The tempting seducer played knowing and enticing words through his mind as he absently stood from his place in the camp and took a step closer to the sleeping figure of Frodo.65

“Boromir.”66

The man blinked and shook his head before turning it toward the voice with confusion, only to see Gandalf watching him with narrowed eyes. “My watch?” He moved over without waiting for the answer.67

But Gandalf stayed by his side at the edge of the camp, leaning on his staff. “You seemed distracted.”68

Boromir glanced at him uneasily as he slotted his sword in place, trying to get comfortable. “As are we all.”69

“We cannot afford to be distracted,” Gandalf replied readily as he continued to watch the man with near accusation. 70

After a moment’s pause, Boromir turned to look at him directly, never having had any appreciation for subtlety. “Why do you look at me so? As if some common thief you have come to unwillingly govern?”71

Gandalf wiped his brow with the back of his hand. “It was you who showed us all quite plainly at the Council the weakness you hold for the Ring.”72

Boromir swallowed his sharp reply and instead contented himself with looking away, his weight shifting slightly as he frowned. He could feel the lure of the Ring like a sweet, underlying thread, and he had to struggle to keep it buried. It tired him, and in sleep it was even worse, as it left him vulnerable to the Ring’s plague. “Frodo holds the Ring. I agreed to join the Fellowship with that knowledge and acceptance.” 73

“Harmless words,” Gandalf commented lightly. “And yet they carefully say absolutely nothing.”74

Boromir turned to him with clear annoyance that verged onto anger. “What is it you want from me? To bear my soul to you? I never see you demanding any such thing from Aragorn.”75

“I have no need to see Aragorn’s soul,” Gandalf said quietly, the words effortless as he kept his gaze somewhere in the distance rather than on the Man. 76

“But I have to prove mine?” Boromir gave a bitter laugh and shook his head. He wasn’t sure why he had expected any less. His father had warned him of the Wizard’s ways. He knew, of course, they were vast exaggerations, born from the dark thoughts that seemed to have over taken his father of late. Yet...he could almost feel the disapproval from Gandalf.77

“You have nothing to prove so long as your thoughts remain constant to your task, and not to the Ring itself,” Gandalf said firmly, as if declaring it was all he would say on the matter. 78

“I think you have already said enough,” Boromir said quietly before turning away from the Wizard, not willing to let him see his almost hurt frown.79

Gandalf paused before giving a nod despite the man not being able to see it. He moved silently back to the main camp where most slept, but Aragorn was sitting up, waiting for him.80

“Gandalf?” the Man asked with a questioning look, having seen the exchange between the two, but unable to hear.81

“Nothing,” Gandalf dismissed it, taking his place on the ground to close his eyes and rest, so not seeing the concerned, almost worried look Legolas cast first Aragorn and Gandalf, and then the tense but weary figure of Boromir standing guard. 82

*****83

The sun that morning was beautiful, but it only served to bother Boromir further. He was tired already, sleep having eluded him the past nights and not only the words and looks of the others weighing on him, but also the insistent dark whispers in his mind that he tried to push completely away. 84

“Are you well?”85

Boromir looked to his side with mild surprise to find Aragorn had fallen into step next to him. “Fine,” he said with a slight frown, looking back straight ahead. 86

Aragorn looked at him and gave a short nod, unsure how to continue for a moment. “Your sleep was disturbed again last night.”87

“We are all under strain,” Boromir said dismissively, too tired to offer anymore of an excuse.88

“Some more than others,” Aragorn replied quietly, his eyes remaining on the man with something between suspicion and concern. Even he wasn’t sure which the dominant feeling was.89

Boromir looked at him with mild disbelief followed by instinctive anger he’d long since learned to produce to cover any kind of hurt. “As a Man, I find it just the same as you.”90

“I wasn’t suggesting otherwise,” Aragorn said with a neutral tone, looking away as he realised how his words could have been interpreted.91

“Yes you were,” Boromir replied knowingly, watching him. “Just because you have spent time with the Elves does not mean you are one of their kind yourself.”92

Aragorn glanced across to him, tempted to reply bluntly, but instead tried to keep himself above such. “I need to know you can be trusted in battle.”93

“Trust?” Boromir met his eyes with such an intensely searching look that Aragorn eventually cast his eyes away. “You do not trust me. No more than the others do. You have no right to speak of trust to me...not when you betray your namesake by stealing away under a false name, unable to even recognise Men as your kin! We are honourable people, and you undermine that with your every denial!”94

Aragorn’s temper got the better of him as he laid a hand on his hip, his eyes holding just as much feeling as Boromir’s had. “And what shining examples of Men do I have? You? If you are the model I must follow to be a Man, then no one could blame me for denying it! A man so weak that you cannot even take your eyes off your desire!” Aragorn regretted the harsh words as soon as they had left his mouth, but instead of apologising, he went on ahead, seeking solitude to calm his mind. 95

*****96

Blinking awake with confusion, Merry rubbed his eyes before pushing himself a little off the ground. He glanced nervously over to Gandalf where he perched on a large rock, keeping watch out away from camp, but it was plain to see that it was no sound or movement from the still Wizard that had disturbed him. 97

He looked about with a worried frown, reaching out to shake Boromir who he’d settled next to...but his hand found nothing.98

Merry bolted up with concern, blinking furiously to try and find him, and he finally saw the back of his retreating form, the distinctive silhouette of the man unmistakable. 99

Pushing himself up, Merry hurried in a slightly clumsy manner in his hastiness, and yet, miraculously quietly. He followed him away from the camp and when he finally caught up with him, he grabbed hold of his arm. “Boromir?”100

The Man yanked away at first before seeing who it was, a look of both sadness and annoyance crossing his features. “Go back to sleep,” he ordered.101

“Boromir?” Merry looked up at him with confusion. “Where are you going?”102

“Home, where my sword and I belong,” Boromir said almost sharply, not wanting to pause for long. “Get back to camp.”103

Merry caught hold of his belt with alarm. “You can’t...you are a part of the Fellowship!”104

Boromir frowned deeply. “Nay...I was never a part of this Fellowship,” he whispered, taking a hold of Merry’s hands to almost gently pry them off. “I cause more problems than I solve. I must leave...but do not tell until the morning. Say I was...called home by an instinct. It is better than the truth.”105

“Boromir...” Merry met his eyes with worry and near hurt, having been oblivious to the building tension within the Fellowship.106

“Go,” Boromir commanded, pointing to the camp. “Go. Sleep. Or they will notice your absence. I need until sunrise to get a good distance from here.”107

Merry mutely watched him a long moment, even as the Man turned and stalked away. Finally turning himself, Merry headed back to the camp, but instead of going to sleep once past the thoughtful Wizard smoking some distance away, the hobbit moved to Legolas, grabbing his shoulder and shaking it until the Elf bolted neatly up, blinking once to get his focus.108

“Legolas...Legolas he’s gone...” Merry whispered in near panic, unable to stop himself from shaking the Elf’s arm.109

Legolas looked at him with confusion as he tried to work out what it was he spoke of. “Who? Why?”110

“Boromir...he has left...going home he says, but surely he’ll never make it,” Merry shook his head with worry.111

The Elf clamped his mouth shut against a curse before shaking his head with worry of his own. “Stay here...if any ask where we have gone, tell them we will be back soon,” he instructed with a strange intensity as he rose and moved away in the direction Merry had pointed, catching up easily with him.112

“Boromir...Boromir, where are you going?” Legolas demanded as he neared the Man, catching hold of his shoulder to try and halt his firm stride. 113

Boromir sighed with frustration, turning sharply to look at him. “That hobbit would make a perfect steward...if only he’d do what he was told.”114

“You cannot leave,” Legolas said with a frown, watching him with concern as he searched his features in the dim light. 115

“Why not?” Boromir said quietly, moving a little closer to him to see his eyes better. “Hm? Everyone looks at me with suspicion...what use is there in staying only to distract you all from where your attentions should be.”116

“So you run?” Legolas asked, lifting his chin as he motioned with a hand. “This is your honourable, courageous race? Who run at the first sign of trouble? I thought better of you...”117

“You thought nothing of me!” Boromir suddenly snapped, his fists slicing through the air. “That is exactly what the superior, regal Elf thought of me! Nothing! And you even said as much!”118

Legolas watched him with shock for a moment, taken back by the display...had what he said really hurt him so deeply. “This is not the answer! You cannot be so selfish!” he insisted, grabbing a hold of his arm. 119

Boromir grabbed Legolas’ arms in return, pushing him up against a tree. “Selfish? Everyday I feel not only your glares and mistrust on me, but also the lure and voice in my mind that never stops! How can I trust myself when not even you trust me!”120

Legolas let out a shocked breath, watching him with darkening eyes. His breath almost shook from the hard grip that pinned him, the closeness of the man...but he also found he didn’t want to be rid of it. He met his eyes, feeling deep regret for his earlier cold comments at seeing the real pain and desperateness in the man’s eyes. “I do trust you...”121

“No, you don’t!” Boromir shouted, pushing him harder against the tree. “Don’t you dare say so out of pity!” 122

“I speak the truth!” Legolas whispered harshly, searching his eyes. His breath had quickened, almost able to taste the other man’s breath that played across his lips. He closed his eyes for a moment, swallowing hard to try and calm the way his skin burned. “If it were not, I would never have let you leave with us...I would never let you alone with the others...and I would *never* let you keep me held like this!” 123

Boromir kept his eyes, searching them with an intensity born from need for it to be true. What he found there was something quite different. He recognised the look. Had seen it many times from men in his arms, and had even worn it himself when he was younger. “Perhaps you like it...” he whispered, leaning in close. 124

“I do not,” Legolas lifted his chin defiantly, breathing hard at the way the man pressed closer against him. He could feel the heat, and the strength in the demanding body, only making him shiver.125

“Then push me away,” Boromir tightened his grip on him, watching as Legolas remained still, the Elf’s chest merely heaving in some kind of effort. “Come on, warrior...push me away,” he whispered temptingly over his lips before gripping the side of his face, kissing him hard and desperately, his tongue thrusting into the hot, willing mouth, claiming the moaning Elf with every tension pushed ounce of passion inside him. 126

Boromir finally pulled his mouth away with a reluctance that drew a moan from them both, the usually pale Elf flushed with desire, and harsh, troubled breathing heaving the Man’s chest as he looked into the darkened blue eyes. 127

“Is this why you are so hostile to me?” Boromir asked in an almost awed and even hopeful whisper.128

“I...” but the words faltered on Legolas’ lips, even as his slim hand slipped down between them to Boromir’s hip, squeezing as he pleaded with his eyes.129

But Boromir was suddenly struck with an ice-cold fear, pulling away. “I’m sorry...” Boromir met his eyes with near tears in his own. “I...” he swallowed hard and moved swiftly away as he cursed himself...but back to his place in camp rather than towards the tempting sanctuary of home.130

*****131

It wasn’t until the next night that Boromir got any time for himself. On Aragorn’s watch, he took the chance to move away from the main camp and into the sparse woodland, leaning heavily against a tree as he looked up at the night sky with searching, reproachful eyes, the back of his hand wiping his brow. The day had been one of the hardest yet. Legolas, right there every time he glanced to him. Beautiful, regal...worthy of so much more. 132

And the Ring. The cold, yet so temptingly warm voice and promises. He could almost feel the weight pressing down upon his shoulders, making him nearly buckle and fall to his knees as if to it’s will...133

“Boromir?”134

Startled, Boromir drew his sword, turning sharply even if he couldn’t push himself away from the tree. He let a long, shaking breath out as he saw Legolas watching him with slight surprise. Running a tense hand through his hair, Boromir put the sword away, straightening a little out of habit. “Master Elf...my apologies. My mind was elsewhere,” he confessed quietly.135

Legolas stepped toward him with concerned eyes, gently reaching out to touch his arm. “Are you well?”136

Boromir’s arm recoiled, a look of near panic crossing his features before he covered it as he always did with gruff annoyance. “ ‘The answer is no business of yours...’ Is that not how it goes?”137

Legolas withdrew a step, near hurt on his features as he met his eyes with confusion. “I only came to see if you needed assistance...” he paused, watching him a long moment before looking down with a slight sigh and turning to leave. 138

Boromir watched with a frown, his regret finally getting the better of his defence. “Legolas...I spoke out of turn.”139

Legolas halted before turning back to glance up at him, giving a slight nod of acknowledgment. A long, awkward hush fell between them, making both shift uneasily and neither sure where to look. 140

“Why did you run?” Legolas’ soft, unsure voice finally broke the silence, yet his eyes still did not quite meet Boromir’s. 141

Boromir frowned, turning partially away as if to hide his face. “You are an Elf...too good for me. You deserve so much more. I know about your people...I know you should never bond to a mortal, in fear of death at their passing...I would never ask...could never...”142

Legolas’ eyes widened as he watched him, first with shock, and then with anger. “How dare you! How dare you make my decisions for me! I am tired of being treated like a child! In case you have forgotten, *mortal*, I am almost 3000 years old! I will make my own decisions! Arrogant, like all Men...what makes you think I would give my immortality for you anyway!”143

Boromir glared at him with his own anger. Fine...if that was the way the Elven Prince wished it...Boromir shoved him against the tree, kissing him hard and deep as his hands pulled demandingly at the suddenly whimpering Elf’s clothes. Finally able to lower his mouth to a smooth, naked and heaving chest, Boromir bit hard into a nipple with a groan, rewarded by a muffled scream against his neck from a needful Legolas who had started moving his hips pleadingly against Boromir’s.144

“This is why...” Boromir whispered heatedly against Legolas’ ear before sucking at the very tip, making Legolas throw his head back with a gasp, his body already writhing against Boromir’s for more. 145

Boromir forced his legs further apart, finishing undressing him before lifting a hand up to Legolas’ mouth, caressing swollen lips. “Suck,” he ordered, watching with a moan as the Elf took the fingers all too eagerly into his mouth to wrap his tongue around, whimpering as he sucked with need.146

A moan of disappointment came from both of them as Boromir pulled the fingers away and fell to his knees, using his other hand to urge his hips to tilt, his wet fingers reaching up between his legs to press teasingly at the tight opening. Boromir gave a groan of approval as he watched Legolas’ hips buck to feel more as he began to rub against it. 147

Boromir looked up at Legolas to find he’d lifted his arms above his head to press against the tree, his eyes tight shut and features flushed as he sucked in shaking breaths as if to stop the whimpers of pleasure and desperation that continuously rolled in the back of his throat with each rock of his hips. 148

Boromir couldn’t help but moan at the sight as a deep, hot pleasure mixed with the already burning desire in him. He pushed two fingers inside, his eyes closing as he lost a hot breath from the tight heat that promised so much to him. “Perfect...” he breathed almost absently against his hip as he moved the fingers.149

“Please...” the soft, strained gasp came from Legolas as his head tipped back, his whole body writhing back against the tree with the rocking of his hips. “Boromir...Boromir please...”150

It was all Boromir needed to persuade him on, a deep moan forming in the Man’s throat...he’d never heard his name spoken in such an erotic way. He moved his lips to the hard, dripping flesh, kissing the weeping, swollen head before wrapping his lips around it to suck, the tip of his tongue sliding over the very slit the liquid that made him groan came from. His fingers rubbed against the spot deep inside Legolas that he knew from experience would give such hot pleasure. 151

Legolas’ hand gripped Boromir’s hair tightly as his hips began to move of their own will, the sedate whimpers in his throat becoming near cries as a smile of bliss pulled at his lips, his breathing harsh against them as he gave himself over to the sensations, hot, building pleasure collecting deep inside him until his body trembled for a release. It was as Boromir pulled his mouth away from him and began to lick and suck at the stretched opening that Legolas finally threw his head back desperately, his body shaking as he bit his lip to blood to muffle the scream of the climax.152

Boromir used the moments of Legolas calming to stand and kiss him deep with a passion that held the harshness of his own need, his hands pulling his own clothes impatiently from his body. Running his hand down Legolas’ chest, he let his hand slide through the spilled seed before turning him sharply round to push him forward against the tree. A deep, strained moan came from the tense Boromir as he stroked his slickened hand over his own hard, burning flesh. 153

Knocking the Elf’s legs apart as he started to suck at the side of his offered neck, Boromir wasted no time in thrusting deep against the already swollen spot of pleasure inside him. Legolas whimpered as his nails dug into the rough bark of the tree that the Elf grinded his hips desperately against, the burning flesh already in need of friction again.154

Boromir’s rough hand found it’s way to Legolas’ neck, his fingers pushing into his hair to grip it tightly, yanking his head back to suck and bite on his sensitive ear as he thrust deep and hard with unyielding lust and desire he’d never felt the like of before. 155

“More...” Legolas gasped in desperation of his own, his hips trying to thrust back to force more inside of him. “More, Boromir...yes...deeper...harder...” he whimpered wantonly.156

Boromir pinned him tighter against the tree with his body as he groaned with his pleasure that was close to consuming and controlling him, his need and want for the Elf threatening to overwhelm him as much as the heat and tightness around him. Boromir had to muffle his cry of Legolas’ name against his neck as he gave a final deep, hard thrust inside of him as he climaxed, the pleasure making him lean against the object of his desire. 157

It was the feel of the Man’s seed spilling so deep inside of him that made Legolas’ own climax take a hold on his body, making it writhe with the waves of burning, overwhelming bliss that gripped him, his absent scream against Boromir’s hair being that of the Man’s name. 158

Getting hold of Legolas, Boromir pulled him exhaustedly to the ground, wrapping his arms and legs around the still gently whimpering Elf who rested his head against Boromir’s heaving chest. 159

“That is why...” Legolas whispered, kissing a nipple as he felt Boromir’s hand stroke his long, damp hair. 160

Boromir looked at him, pulling him tighter before kissing him deeply, his hand sliding down to caress the opening of the Elf, drawing a soft whimper from Legolas and causing him to press closer against him. 161

“Thank you...” Legolas whispered against his lips, meeting his eyes in the darkness as he laid comfortably tangled on the ground with him. 162

Boromir offered a small smile, stroking the entrance lovingly. “I think we both needed it,” he confessed. 163

Legolas smiled warmly to him with a shiver from the caress, tilting his head to kiss him long and deep. “I have never hated you, or mistrusted you,” he whispered. “Only ever admired and wanted you.”164

Boromir looked at him gratefully. “You have no idea how much it means to hear that,” he said with genuine sentiment, licking Legolas’ lips tenderly. “In a time where I do not even trust myself...”165

“Shh...” Legolas laid a finger across his lips to silence him before kissing them. “A noble, beautiful man...I shall help you...you have my word.”166

*****167

Legolas glanced back over his shoulder to watch Boromir with increasing worry on their journey toward Lothlórien. All of the group were melancholy after such a loss...Gandalf...Legolas forced the thoughts he was still having trouble understanding away from his mind and focussed them back onto Boromir. He seemed somehow worse than the others...a dark look had settled onto Boromir’s features, and his arms were wrapped around his body as if cradling himself from cold. He had fallen behind the others, unusual for the strong and supporting man. 168

Legolas slowed his own pace to subtly fall back also, moving to Boromir’s side with the others in front. “Boromir?” he asked gently.169

Boromir glanced to him with slight surprise, not having seen his approach. “I am fine,” he said quietly and simply, focussing his eyes on the ground ahead of his feet.170

“No...no, you cannot be,” Legolas whispered with a concerned frown, letting a hand rest on his arm. “What is it?”171

“All of us mourn,” Boromir replied with a slight shrug, his frown deepening in his want to push it all away. 172

“But you...you are different from the others,” Legolas swallowed and looked away. Perhaps he had been wrong after all...he knew nothing of death, not really. 173

“The others were not the death of him,” Boromir whispered, rubbing his forehead hard as he admitted the dark thought.174

Legolas stared at him with shock for a moment before squeezing his arm. “Neither were you...”175

“I was,” Boromir said firmly, tears threatening his vision as his body became tense and his voice strained. “I was there...I was right there...I could have gone to him...I *should* have gone to him. I went to the Ring instead...” his voice trailed off, knowing that no more needed to be said as to where the trail of thought led.176

“You went to *Frodo*,” Legolas said firmly, trying to meet his eyes to reassure him. “You saved *Frodo*.”177

“I wish I could think of my motives as being so honourable,” Boromir whispered before walking ahead of him, not able to think on it anymore. 178

*****179

Running his hands hard through his hair, Boromir closed his eyes as he turned his face to the night air. They were resting at last, yet he had spoken the truth to Aragorn when he’d said he would find no real rest here, not until they left Lothlórien. The talk with Aragorn had left him both confused and hopeful. He felt as if he was growing close to Aragorn...he could see him for what he truly was now...a brave and courageous Man...both good traits of the race of Men...if only Aragorn would accept it. 180

“You cannot carry both Aragorn’s burden and your own,” Legolas said softly as he moved silently to him, his hand reaching out to carefully and perhaps a little nervously wrap around Boromir’s.181

Yet, Boromir took the hand with no trouble, as if it were the most natural thing in the world as he laced their fingers together and pulled him to sit with him. “He would be a great King, if only he believed it himself,” he confessed. “I wish I could guide him...I wish I could make him see...” he trailed off and looked down with a slight frown. “But how could a man who cannot even trust himself advise a King?”182

Legolas squeezed the hand, watching him with compassionate eyes. “You are also stronger than you think. The Ring holds great power and evil...it is taking a hold on you, I know...but you have resisted it so far, and any man strong enough to do that has the strength to defy it completely,” he lifted the hand to gently kiss. 183

Boromir closed his eyes, leaning forward to rest his head wearily against Legolas’ shoulder. “I am so tired...it pulls at me constantly...I sometimes cannot tell my own thoughts from it’s whisperings...the thing that scares me most is that what it tells me makes perfect sense.”184

Legolas frowned, closing his own eyes with pain for Boromir’s struggle. Lifting his free hand, he laid it on his hair, stroking gently. “Shh...” he soothed. “You told Aragorn you would get no rest here...could you find it with me?”185

Boromir nodded numbly, wrapping his arms around Legolas and pulling him close as they laid down together, entangled in each others grip, Boromir hoping that the warmth and feel of Legolas so close would be the one thing that could overwhelm even the lure of the Ring. 186

*****187

The Horn of Gondor...188

No...189

Legolas raced down the hill, jumping absently over obstacles in his path, and pushing others carelessly out of the way. 190

Without even thinking, he launched into an attack against the huge creature that aimed his bow at Boromir. His blades slashed, and his features hardened to a near snarl as the Elf became a warrior so easily against the foul monster, as he always did. Legolas let out a triumphant breath as his blades sliced the repulsive head from the body before his eyes immediately searched for Boromir in the corpse-ridden area.191

His blue eyes widened with fear as he found Boromir on the ground, eyes closed and skin deathly pale with a thick, black arrow lodged in him. 192

“Boromir...” he whispered on a shaking breath as he moved to him, pulling a corpse violently out of his way to get to him. He fell to his knees as he took his hand up, confusion and tears in his eyes. He tried to shake him, as if he would wake, not understanding, and not wanting to. 193

Legolas screwed his eyes tight shut as tears rolled down his face. “Boromir...please...” he whispered, shaking his head as he leant down, taking the side of his face in a tight hand as he kissed him lovingly, sobs shaking his body for the first time in centuries. “Not yet...” he begged him against his lips. Not after all the struggles to keep him away from the Ring...not now...never now...194

“Do you always crush wounded men?” Boromir coughed, his voice strained with pain.195

“Boromir?” Legolas whispered with shock, but also hope as he pulled back to look at him, a bright smile spreading over his features and his eyes shining as he met Boromir’s. “Boromir...” he leant down and kissed him hard with relief.196

A firm hand clapped onto Legolas’ shoulder and pulled him away. 197

“Give him some room, Legolas...” Aragorn instructed, yet with a touch of amusement and relief of his own as he moved to kneel over Boromir. “He will be fine...so long as you let me help him before you suffocate him...” he added, a weak chuckle coming from both Aragorn and Boromir. 198

Yet, Legolas stubbornly sat at the side of Boromir, still gripping his hand as he watched Aragorn tend to Boromir, thankful for his resilience and Aragorn’s skill to make him better. He met his eyes, smiling softly to him as he stroked his hand...199

‘Arrogant like all men...what makes you think I would give my immortality for you anyway...’200

The words echoed in Legolas’ mind, making him chuckle weakly at himself for his foolishness. Leaning forward, he gently kissed Boromir’s ear with a smile before whispering into it. 201

“This is what makes me *know* I shall give it for you...”202