Title: The Struggle Within

Author: Morgana (morganalebeau@yahoo.com)

Website: http://www.oocities.org/morganalebeau/

Rating: NC-17

Pairing / Main characters: Boromir/Legolas

Series/Sequel: sequel to Boromir's Quest

Summary: Now that Legolas is recovering from the attack, Boromir falls under the influence of the Ring. Can Legolas keep Boromir from falling in to Shadow?

Disclaimer: Tolkien's, not mine. No infringement is intended, and suing me is a waste of time.

Archive/distribution: Yes, just drop me a note telling me where you're archiving it.

Notes: AU.

________________________________________________________

 

The Struggle Within

By Morgana

 

Chapter One

Boromir checked on Legolas one last time and deemed the time right to continue their journey. Legolas was once more dressed in a green tunic and leggings, and the Lady Galadriel had replaced the sword, hunting knives and bow that had been lost during the Orcs' attack. Although Legolas was still unable to walk unaided, the Elf managed to lean against him and the support kept Legolas on his feet. "Are you ready?"

Legolas nodded tiredly. Taking a bath and getting dressed had exhausted him and showed how far he was from being healed. "Aye..." They would travel by boat, which ensured that he wouldn't slow the party down. Boromir's arms enfolded him and the Gondorian first lifted and then lowered him into the boat.

Boromir's eyes met Legolas' and the Man smiled warmly. Last night had been a revelation; he now knew what it meant to have a lover instead of a mere bed partner. He sat down behind the Elf and pulled Legolas close. He grabbed the oar and joined the other boats, which already awaited them. "Rest, Legolas and when you grow tired, sleep. You're in safe hands."

Legolas' eyes briefly met Aragorn's and the Elf raised an eyebrow at seeing the questioning sparkle in Aragorn's eyes. /I know my recovery puzzles you... It mystifies me as well./

The Lady Galadriel and the Lord Celeborn joined them and wished them goodbye. Boromir exchanged a grateful look with the Lady and then concentrated on following Aragorn's boat. It would be a long and tiring journey, but feeling Legolas' body heat close to him made him realize that he now had someone to look after; to love and cherish...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Why did he have to feel this weak? Legolas glared at the dark sky in frustration. It would take many weeks before his original strength would be restored. In the meantime he depended on Boromir.

A soft chuckle drew his attention and Legolas cocked his head to meet Boromir's amused glance.

"You surprised me last night..."

Legolas frowned, suddenly realizing what was happening; Boromir was trying to stop him from brooding. "You didn't mind me surprising you..." Two could play this game.

"And now we're married?" Boromir grinned. "I always pictured my bride differently."

Legolas decided to play along. "And I certainly never expected to be married to a Man!"

Boromir chuckled once more. "Till death do us part..." He raised his right hand and gently caressed the Elf's face. "I'm not complaining though..."

Legolas finally smiled in return. "It could have been worse..."

"Being married to Gimli for example?" Boromir genuinely enjoyed teasing Legolas for it drove away the dark shadow that hovered in the Elf's eyes.

"Being married to a Dwarf?" Legolas pretended to shiver. The truth was that he was starting to like the Dwarf, recalling how concerned Gimli had been after the attack when he had been unresponsive.

"Seriously," said Boromir, "I am falling in love with you. Is it just the bond or...?"

Legolas nodded against Boromir's shoulder. "You must have been attracted to me from the beginning, or the bond would never have formed."

Boromir suddenly arched an eyebrow. "Does that mean you were attracted to me as well?" To his eternal delight Legolas blushed. "You were attracted to me!"

Legolas could only speak the truth. "Aye, it's true..."

Boromir shook his head, chuckling softly. "We make an odd pair..."

Legolas smiled warmly. "So you do not mind being married to me?"

"I am honored..." said Boromir truthfully. "But you should rest now... my love."

Legolas' heart missed a beat, hearing those last two words. "You are right. I will need my strength later."

"You have no idea how much it means to me that you came back from death..." Boromir pressed his lips on Legolas' hair and he bestowed a gentle kiss on the silk like locks.

Legolas quivered against Boromir. "Do not remind me of the Halls of Mandos. I do not wish to remember their solitude."

Boromir's boat caught up with Aragorn's. "Just a few more hours and then we'll stop for the night. We'll build a nice warm fire and then you can go to sleep."

"And you will tell me more stories about Faramir?"

"And I want to learn more about your father and older brother."

Pleased, Legolas pressed closer to Boromir. Feeling safe, he allowed his mind to drift off in to a healing sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"We'll camp here for the night." Aragorn pulled the boat on to the land and watched the companions make themselves comfortable near the fire that Gimli had built. Boromir had slung an arm around Legolas' waist and now helped the Elf sit down close to the fire. The concern and tenderness in Boromir's touch brought a smile to Aragorn's face. For some time he had feared losing Legolas due to the attack, but Boromir had accomplished the impossible. A Man had brought back an Elf! It was unheard of! What would Elrond say about this development?

He caught Gimli's glance. "I'm going hunting. Keep a close eye on everyone."

Gimli nodded his head and placed his axe next to him, his fingers almost caressing the blade. "Aye, I will look after them."

Aragorn noticed how Gimli's eyes sought out Legolas. The Dwarf had set aside old grudges and prejudice and now felt protective of the Elf. Good.

Aragorn disappeared between the trees, eager to bring back a few rabbits for dinner.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I am tired..." Legolas melted in Boromir's embrace after eating the berries that the hobbits kept gathering for him. He had even managed a few bites of the roasted rabbit that Gimli had prepared.

"Now sleep, my love..." Boromir smiled at the ease with which those words rolled from his tongue. "When I first met you I had no idea you would come to mean this much to me."

Legolas met Boromir's eyes. The Man's arms were wrapped around him and the Elven cloaks which Galadriel had given them kept them warm. "Boromir, the bond deepens your original feelings for me..."

"I can feel it happen and I do not mind. I welcome it." Boromir briefly closed his eyes and pulled Legolas close. Facing each other, Boromir imprinted the Elf's features in his mind. "I never really belonged..." Seeing Legolas' frown he explained. "I'm the oldest child and destined to be the next Steward of Gondor, and although I believe that my father loves me dearly, I always felt he favored Faramir. I am impulsive where my brother is cunning and calm. I'm reckless and face danger where I find it, while Faramir uses his quick wit instead of his sword arm. He would make the best Steward."

Legolas suddenly realized the truth. "You want to prove your worth to your family. By obtaining the Ring you could return home victorious and prove to them that you are not a failure... Boromir, you are not a failure!" Legolas raised his hands and put them on either side of Boromir's head. "You are compassionate! You are a warrior! You reached out to me and pulled me back by your sheer willpower! Do not think of yourself as unworthy! You do not need the Ring to feel whole."

Boromir felt emotionally naked and vulnerable. "You know me so well and yet you accepted me."

Legolas' soft gaze pierced Boromir's soul. "You don't know yourself very well, Boromir. You need to shed the past and embrace the present."

Boromir sighed deeply. "You place too much faith in me. I fear I will betray your trust one day."

Legolas suddenly glared at him angrily. "Stop hiding, Boromir. Take charge of your life. You are a warrior, act like it. Don't pretend to be powerless. You know what lies ahead and you know how to stop it from happening. Use that knowledge to your advantage!"

Boromir's eyes narrowed. "How do you know what lies ahead of me?"

Legolas lowered his eyes for the first time since they had met at Rivendell. "I also had a vision at Lothlorien. I saw you succumb to the Ring's dark power. The Lady Galadriel appeared to me and told me about the danger you are in."

A sense of dread and hopelessness came over Boromir. "Even you can feel the Shadow on me. Why fight it?"

"Because..." Legolas wavered briefly, lifted his eyes and the blue orbs pleaded with Boromir's dark ones for understanding. "Because I care... because I love you."

Boromir barely refrained from laughing bitterly. How could someone as beautiful as Legolas love him? They were two sides of a coin, light and darkness. Acting on impulse he took Legolas' hand in his and pressed it against his lips. "Will you keep me from falling in to Shadow then?"

"Aye, if you let me..."

Boromir drew in a deep breath. "I'll even love you in death, my Prince."

Slightly saddened Legolas shook his head. "I want you to love me in life, Boromir... never in death."

Boromir bowed his head and kissed the back of Legolas' hand. "I'll follow where you lead."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"No... No... Stop!"

Boromir awoke abruptly, jolted from his dreams by Legolas' startled voice. His eyes flashed open and he instinctively reached for the Elf. Searching their surroundings, Boromir found that the others had awoken as well. The four hobbits stared at Legolas, who was fighting off an imaginary attacker, kicking Boromir in the process.

Boromir released Legolas at once from his embrace, but started to talk softly at the same time, trying to get through to the nightmare ridden Elf. "Legolas, you are safe. You are with me, with Aragorn, Gimli and the hobbits. Nothing bad can happen to you. Wake up!" He repeated the words once more, now in an even softer tone. From the corner of his eye he saw that Aragorn was moving closer to check on them, but he signaled the other man to remain at a distance. Aragorn froze in his movements and Boromir slowly rested the palm of his hand against Legolas' chest. "It's I, Boromir. You are safe..."

Legolas' eyes suddenly came alive, losing their blank expression. "Boromir?" He shuddered violently and he collapsed in to himself, no longer fighting his imaginary foe. His eyes dashed in their sockets, searching his surroundings. "The Orcs?"

"There are no Orcs here," said Boromir reassuringly. "You had a nightmare." He caressed Legolas' face, trying to reestablish contact through touch. "You are safe."

Aragorn, Gimli and the hobbits returned to huddle near the fire, giving the two men some privacy. 

"I apologize for..."

Boromir stopped Legolas. "You had a nightmare. I am surprised you didn't have one before. It's nothing to apologize for."

Legolas nodded, but kept his gaze locked on the ground. "I disturbed your sleep. I woke you... all of you."

"We don't mind, Master Elf," said Gimli, who had heard most of their conversation. "You are entitled to some nightmares after... after that attack." Gimli turned his head away from Legolas and stared in to the fire. He shouldn't get involved in this. It was Boromir's task to soothe the Elf.

Legolas hesitantly lifted his eyes and made eye contact with Boromir. "I can still feel their hands on me."

Boromir moved closer and opened his arms. He released a relieved sigh when Legolas slipped back into the embrace. The fact that Legolas accepted his touch meant a lot to him. "I can't help but wonder how they overwhelmed you. You are a capable warrior. How did they do it?" Boromir felt Legolas shudder and almost regretted asking the Elf, but talking about it might take away some of the nightmare's sting.

"There were too many of them." Legolas fought the return of the memories. "I couldn't fight them all."

"You will have your revenge," vowed Boromir. "We will find them and they will die a slow and painful death, that I promise. Did you see their faces? Hear a name?"

Legolas shivered fiercely. "Their leader was called Ugluk."

Boromir imprinted that name. "He'll pay for hurting you."

Legolas smiled in spite of the returning memories. "I doubt we will ever again run in to him. I pray we won't." He would never forget Ugluk's face; it would always haunt his sleep. Bless Boromir for being there for him.

"The nightmares can't hurt you," said Boromir compassionately. A wicked grin suddenly flashed across his features. "I know of a way to cheer you up. To let tears of merriment flow down your face and you'll laugh until you think you'll burst!"

Alerted by the mischievous look in Boromir's eyes, Legolas studied him. "Boromir?" Suddenly Boromir's large hands were all over him, tickling his sides, his back, his belly. His eyes widened as he fought the hands from continuing their torment. He burst out laughing, holding on to his belly and trying to roll away from Boromir. "Mercy!"

But Boromir had other plans. "When Faramir's mood darkened this would always cheer him up. It looks like it also works on you." He intensified the tickling and yes, there were definitely tears of laughter rolling down Legolas' face. It suddenly struck him how seldom the Elf laughed... That had to change!

He noticed the curious looks the others were giving him, but he ignored them. He managed to bring his arms up behind Legolas' back and finally had pity on the Elf and stopped tickling him. "Do you feel better now?" One look at Legolas' eyes told him that the dark gleam was gone; they now sparkled. "I must remember that trick."

"You do not play fair, Boromir..." But Legolas had to admit that the haunting memories had left for now. Boromir had chased them away. "I felt like a youngster again... Tickling me was one of Valthoron's ways of making me laugh ..."

"Valthoron?" The name sounded familiar, like he had heard it once before.

"My older brother and heir to the throne." Legolas smiled fondly, but then the smile faded quickly. The dark gleam was back.

Boromir cursed privately. He instantly disliked Valthoron for putting that dark gleam back in those sapphire eyes. "Why the sadness?"

"Valthoron and my father... They won't understand... They will never approve of our bond." Feeling depressed once more, he sat upright, distancing himself from Boromir.

"Why? Why wouldn't they approve? Would they rather have you die?" Boromir frowned.

Legolas looked up apologetically. "You must understand... No Elf ever managed to bring back a... ravaged Elf and you, a Man accomplished that very thing..."

Boromir wrapped an arm around Legolas. "We will deal with that in time. We should concentrate on your recovery..." He gave Legolas a thoughtful look. "You seem to grow stronger with every passing hour. Only a few days ago you were incapable of speech."

"It's your closeness... your acceptance... It helps me heal." Legolas rested his head on Boromir's chest and forced himself to relax. The enemy wasn't close and he wasn't in any danger. Now that Boromir had chased away the nightmares he was starting to feel sleepy again. His mind and body still needed to recuperate.

Boromir felt Legolas go limp against him. "Aye, now sleep. I will keep away the nightmares..." His eyes met Aragorn's and a silent understanding passed between the two men. Aragorn would stand guard tonight, just to make sure no Orcs were close.

Boromir draped his cloak across Legolas' body and held him close. "Sleep. I will watch over you..." Two pair of eyes would guard the Elf's sleep tonight; his and Aragorn's.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A single scream sounded through the night and Boromir startled awake for a second time. At first he thought that Legolas was having another nightmare, but the Elf was in his arms, waking up as well and his expression was calm. "What...?"

"Orcs!" Gimli was instantly awake. He jumped to his feet, raised his axe and growled at the attacking Orcs.

Boromir searched for Aragorn and found that the other man was already engaged in battle. Four slain Orcs lay at Aragorn's feet and now a fifth joined them. "Gimli, protect the hobbits!" He pulled a wobbly Legolas to his feet and lead him to the trees. "Take cover and stay here... I will keep them at a distance." Looking at Legolas' eyes, he saw the horror in them and only then did he realize that the Elf was staring at one Orc in particular. "What is it?"

"It's him... Ugluk." His body shook with emotion and he hated himself for being this weak and vulnerable. He should be fighting at the front line, defending the hobbits, but Boromir had to defend him and the Gondorian couldn't protect the hobbits.

Boromir's face contorted as he glared at the approaching Orc. Ugluk and his men looked taller and stronger than the average Orc and he was beginning to understand how they had overpowered Legolas. "Prepare to die..." Boromir raised his sword, released a battle cry and fought off the first round of charging Orcs. "You're mine..." growled Boromir, staring in to Ugluk's eyes. "The hour of death is upon you."

Legolas wanted to move, wanted to grab his bow and arrows and participate in the fight, but his body refused to move. Entranced, he stared at Boromir and his heart missed a beat, seeing Ugluk's grin. The Orc had recognized him.

Gimli, Boromir, Aragorn and even the hobbits fought back the Orcs, which eventually retreated. Ugluk leered one last time at Legolas, licking his lips obscenely. Legolas averted his eyes, unable to face the humiliation he had suffered at this creature's hands.

"They're pulling back!" Boromir, enraged, wanted to take up pursuit and make Ugluk pay for his crime, but suddenly Gandalf and Galadriel's words returned to him; Legolas had to come first. "We'll meet again!" threatened Boromir. Ugluck cocked his head, met his eyes and Boromir growled hungrily. "You are dead, you just don't know it yet."

Then Boromir turned around, dismissing Ugluk for now. He returned to Legolas, who had managed to push himself to his feet. The Elf leaned heavily against a tree, but managed to stay on his feet. Boromir was beside him in a second, locking eyes with the trembling Elf.

Legolas' eyes swam with unshed tears. "I could not face him. I am no longer a warrior. I hid like a frightened child."

Boromir's heart went out to him and he gathered the trembling Elf in his arms. "I understand..."

"We all do," said Frodo, looking at the rest of the party, who firmly nodded their heads. Frodo came to a halt in front of the two men. Looking in to Legolas' eyes, he said, "We understand your fears, but we also firmly believe that you will overcome them..."

Legolas managed a grateful smile. "Thank you, Frodo..."

Pippin suddenly appeared behind Frodo. "I can tell you some pretty good jokes, like the one with the cave troll..."

"Pippin!" Exasperated, Sam pulled Pippin away. "Please ignore him... Come on, Pippin, the fire went out and we need to get it going again..."

"But there are dead bodies all around us!" Pippin allowed Sam to pull him along, but his face revealed the loathing he felt at the sight of the dead Orcs.

"Why don't you lie down again, Legolas?" Aragorn first hesitated, but then rested a hand on the Elf's shoulder. "We fought them off once, we'll fight them off again."

Legolas appreciated Aragorn's assurance, but he doubted he could fall asleep again. Suddenly Boromir pulled him close and before he knew it, Boromir's arms were tightly wrapped around him. Boromir's soft mumbling calmed him down.

"I'll also stand guard, Master Elf," announced Gimli. "They won't touch you again."

"Thank you, valiant Dwarf," managed Legolas. His voice sounded smothered because Boromir had tucked his head beneath his chin.

Frodo looked at Boromir. "Is there anything we can do?"

Boromir declined politely. "Your words already reassured him. You did well."

Frodo sighed, returned to the rest of the group and left Boromir and Legolas to their own thoughts.

"I wanted to fight him, I really did, but my body betrayed me; it wouldn't move." Legolas' fingers curled around his hunting knife, and stared at the sharp blade. "What use am I to this Fellowship?"

A lump formed in Boromir's throat. "You are the eyes and ears of this Fellowship."

Legolas laughed bitterly. "But I can no longer defend myself."

"You need time," soothed Boromir. "You will wield a sword again in time. I will see to it."

"Your faith in me baffles me."

"The fact that you chose me over death still baffles me," returned Boromir, trying to read Legolas' expression. "I wish I had ended the Orc's miserable life. The bastard doesn't deserve to breathe the same air as you do."

Legolas' eyes suddenly glowed with pride. "You give me the strength to carry on and with your help I will fight and overcome my fears..."

Boromir nodded approvingly. "And now that we've driven them away, we'll rest... and sleep."

Legolas hadn't thought it possible but after a few minutes he began to doze off again, lured in to sleep by Boromir's soft, assuring murmurs. /You are my strength, Boromir and I will be yours when you need me most.../

Boromir stroked the fair hair and intercepted Aragorn's questioning glance. "He's resting now..."

"We must remain alert. They were upon us before I had the chance to warn you," said Aragorn gravely. "I understand now how they sneaked up on Legolas and overwhelmed him. It won't happen again."

Boromir's fingers caressed the fading bite marks. "This bastard will pay for what he did. Remember this, Aragorn, Ugluk's head is mine..."

Aragorn nodded. "Your claim is stronger than mine. His head is yours..." Aragorn returned to the fire while Gimli stood watch, guarding the camp side. The Orcs wouldn't take them by surprise a second time!

 

Chapter Two

/Come to me, Boromir. I know you desire me. Your father and brother will finally respect you, even admire you for saving Gondor, for saving Middle Earth. Don't let anyone stop you. Your fate and mine are intertwined./

Boromir startled awake; shivers coursed through his body and a cold sweat formed on his skin. Entranced, he pushed away Legolas' arms and rose to his feet. He ignored Legolas' moan of disappointment and sneaked closer toward the hobbits who were resting near the fire. Gimli was out of sight and he reckoned that the Dwarf was standing guard. Aragorn was sound asleep, trusting Gimli to alert him in case of danger.

/I'm here, Boromir. I'm so close; you only have to reach out and put me on your finger. I will give you the power you crave. I will even bestow immortality on you. Serve me well and I will give you what you want./

Boromir gasped at hearing the slithery voice in his head. The Ring knew exactly what he wanted, what he craved. A vision appeared in his mind; he rode in to the White City victoriously. People rejoiced at his return and his name was on everyone's lips. His father and Faramir bowed deeply when greeting him, expressing their gratitude and respect; after all, he had fought the evil forces and freed the lands of Saruman and Sauron's evil. He was their hero and they would worship him as long as they lived.

His father's eyes finally shone with pride and Denethor pushed Faramir aside to get to his oldest son. He politely accepted his father's gratitude and then followed the older man in to the great hall to finally take his rightful place as the new Steward, no KING of Gondor. The Ring was still at his finger and as long as he wore it, he was immortal. Gondor was his for all eternity!

/Yes, I read your heart's desires. I can give you all that and more. Just put me on your finger!/

Boromir stared at Frodo. The hobbit was asleep, curled up against Sam and Merry for body heat. He bowed down and his hand reached for the necklace around Frodo's neck. His fingertips were about to make contact with the One Ring when a soft voice pulled him from the enchantment.

"Boromir..."

Legolas' voice broke the spell and Boromir blinked. "Legolas..." He spun around and stared at the Elf, who was still asleep near the tree. "I don't understand... I heard his voice!" But the blank expression in the Elf's eyes told him that Legolas wasn't merely pretending to be asleep. A disconcerted moan left the Elf's lips as he searched for the Man's warm body. Legolas shivered and Boromir suddenly realized how close he had come to deserting the Elf. "I am sorry," whispered he, voice filled with regrets.

Quickly he returned to the shivering Elf and he lay down behind Legolas. He pulled the Elf close and buried his face in the long flaxen hair. Deeply inhaling Legolas' scent, his large hands rubbed the cold skin, trying to raise the Elf's body temperature. "We should have stayed at Lothlorien a little longer... You're not yet strong enough to be exposed to the cold of night." And maybe, if they had they stayed, he would have been able to build stronger walls against the Ring's temptation. Maybe Galadriel would have helped him, guided him. Now he had to do it on his own and he was too weak to ignore the Ring's attraction.

Legolas pressed closer to him and a soft, content moan fled the Elf's lips. Boromir instantly felt guilty for abandoning Legolas earlier. What had he been thinking? Why had he acted when the Ring had called? How could he prevent this from happening in the future? /I don't want to lose Legolas... In my heart I crave possession of the Ring, but I can't lose Legolas over it. I won't allow it. I never felt anything like this, this love, and I don't want to lose it./ But was he strong enough to withstand the temptation the Ring presented? Galadriel's mirror had shown his attack on Frodo in an attempt to gain possession of the Ring.

Boromir's fingers tangled gently in the long blond hair and he lovingly caressed the locks. /Legolas will keep me safe; will keep me from falling in to Shadow. When I got too close to the Ring Legolas' voice pulled me back, but I still don't understand how I could hear his voice while he was still asleep./ He sighed deeply, trusting himself to the Elf. As he dozed off, he never realized that the blank expression was gone from Legolas' eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

/I barely kept him from falling in to Shadow. In my dreams I walk Boromir's path, hear the slithery words and I also feel the pull of the Ring. Briefly I feared losing him to the Ring. He reached for the Ring and my heart ached with a sense of expected loss, but he returned to me when I spoke his name. This time I managed to pull him back, but what about the next time?

I accepted the risk of losing him when I answered Boromir's call. For his sake I left the Halls of Mandos, but I will return there should I lose Boromir. I can't allow that to happen. I will fight for him until my last breath./

Legolas was unable to fall asleep for the rest of the night and listened closely to Boromir's breathing. His fingers curled around the arm that Boromir had wrapped around his waist and he vowed to keep the Man safe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Boromir woke with empty arms. Alarmed, his eyes flashed open, scanning his surroundings. The hobbits and Gimli were near the fire, but there was no sign of Aragorn. /He's probably standing guard... But where's Legolas?/ Waking up alone caused a sense of dread. His stomach convulsed angrily, almost making him nauseous. /I can't believe I am reacting like this at waking up alone!/ But the only thing he could think of was Legolas.

"The Elf decided to take a bath. There are warm water springs nearby and the bath will do him good. He looked haunted when he woke." Gimli directed Boromir in the right direction. "Fetch him. Aragorn will want to move out shortly."

"Thank you, Master Dwarf." Slightly reassured, Boromir headed for the water. The sun had driven away the cold of night, and steam and warmth emanated from the hot water in front of him. Hypnotized he stared at the naked Elf, who was now diving under water, disappearing from view. /Absolutely gorgeous.../

Boromir sat on his heels near the water and watched Legolas return to the surface again. A cloud of flaxen hair appeared on the water, followed by pointed ears, a pair of sparkling eyes and eventually Legolas' smile welcomed him. Boromir was relieved to see those blue eyes sparkling, free of panic and doubts. "I missed you when I woke up."

Legolas looked at him apologetically, but Boromir had long forgiven the Elf. The water reached Legolas' waist, hiding the lower part of his body and all Boromir could think about was how it would feel to make love to Legolas, to go all the way. /Too soon,/ he chided himself.

"Why don't you join me in the water, nîn meleth..." Legolas extended his right hand invitingly.

Boromir wished he could comply, but, "We should get ready to leave."

Legolas' face mirrored his disappointment and Boromir almost changed his mind. "Come here..."

Legolas acted at once and left the water. Boromir momentarily forgot to breathe, seeing Legolas fully naked with small droplets of water gliding down his body. Involuntarily he licked his lips. How he wished he could catch those droplets and run his tongue over the smooth flesh. Most bite marks had faded. Legolas' body no longer bore his attackers' marks.

Boromir swallowed hard when Legolas came to a standstill in front of him. The expression in the Elf's eyes spoke of obvious lust.

"Will you pleasure me?" Legolas leaned in closer and claimed Boromir's lips. "I ache for your touch."

Boromir barely believed those words. "I..." For the first time in his life he found himself stuttering. His arms came up behind Legolas' back and he pulled the Elf in to an embrace. "How do you want me to pleasure you?" He refused to assume anything, constantly remembering what had happened to Legolas at the Orcs' hands only a few days ago.

"You may do with me as you please, nîn meleth, I am yours."

Boromir's groin stirred. His erection begged for attention but he stubbornly ignored it. "Just for you..." Passionately, as he did everything passionately, he roughly claimed Legolas' lips. The Elf parted his lips and teeth and he greedily entered, chasing Legolas' tongue in a wild duel. Briefly, he pulled back. "Aren't you cold?"

"Your touch warms me..."

Boromir indulged himself for a moment and took in his lover's body. Perfect, almost too perfect. Not for him... /Stop it! He loves me!/ In an attempt to drive away his doubts, he ran his hands over the Elf's back. They dropped lower and soon he cupped two perfect mounds of flesh in his hands. "I want you as well..."

Legolas' eyes met his and for the briefest of moments remembered fear shone from the depths of those midnight blue eyes. It froze his movements and Boromir forced himself to slow down.  It was still too early to fully claim Legolas. "Let me pleasure you then..." He positioned Legolas against the trunk of a tree and sank on to his knees. Legolas' eyes widened as Boromir slowly licked the tip of the Elf's erection. Agile fingers tangled in his hair, urging him on.

He licked down the length of his lover's shaft and squeezed one buttock hard. Legolas bucked, and Boromir relaxed his throat, taking his lover fully. Soft words left Legolas' lips, but Boromir wasn't listening. Gently massaging the full sac, he doubled his efforts to bring his lover to orgasm. Suddenly Legolas tensed and Boromir looked at the Elf. His heart missed a beat at the sight of rapture on Legolas' face.

A moment later warm cream dripped from his lips and he pulled back, watching as spasms of delight coursed through Legolas' body. He showered the Elf's belly with kisses, then turned to suckling the skin and thus leaving his own mark on Legolas. "Mine..." he growled hungrily.

Legolas' eyes revealed nothing but delight and desire. The fear had vanished from the once blue orbs, which had turned black. Boromir wrapped an arm around Legolas' waist and kissed him passionately, letting Legolas taste himself on his lips. The kiss said more than words, affirming their bound. A moment later Boromir pulled away;  he removed his cloak and draped it over Legolas' shoulders. "You should dress now..."

"What about you?"

Boromir grinned, feeling Legolas' hand steal down to his groin. "I wanted to pleasure you... A gift. You may repay me in time..." A wicked gleam appeared in his eyes. "In whatever way you seem appropriate."

A grin, filled with mischief and wickedness, appeared on Legolas' face. "I will make you wait..."

Boromir's eyes narrowed. Sometimes he forgot that he was dealing with a two thousand years old Elf. "You're wicked, my Prince."

Legolas nodded once. "I will make the wait worthwhile, nîn meleth," he promised wickedly.

A deep laugh erupted from Boromir's belly. "Don't keep me waiting too long. Now take a quick bath, get dressed and join us." As he watched Legolas drop the cloak and step in to the water again, something inside his soul softened. He was slowly starting to understand how blessed he was by having Legolas in his life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Boromir watched Legolas closely, ready to catch the Elf in case he stumbled. Legolas' fast recovery amazed him and it seemed that every time they expressed their love the Elf grew stronger. Legolas was now able to walk unaided, but sometimes he would stumble over a tree root or get caught in the branches of a bush. It was as if Legolas could only concentrate on one thing at the same time, either walking or scanning his surroundings.

He felt Aragorn's eyes on them and Boromir returned the gaze. Aragorn was smiling happily, watching Legolas as well. Boromir had to admit that Legolas seemed well. The Elf almost looked like the attack had never happened. The hunting knives, bow and arrows, and sword were back in place and although Legolas still lacked some of his usual grace it was obvious that he was on the mend.

Boromir's grin returned remembering Legolas' vow to make the wait worthwhile. Just what was that Elf up to?

Aragorn pushed the first boat in to the water, and Boromir helped Gimli and the hobbits in to their boat. He then waited for Legolas to sit down and then he pushed the boat in to the water as well. Finally they were on their way again.

Legolas grabbed an oar and Boromir briefly wondered if the Elf wasn't overestimating his strength.

The Prince turned around and locked eyes with him. Boromir swallowed past the lump in his throat, recognizing the naughty look in those sapphire eyes. Unable to stop his reaction, he grew painfully hard. Legolas provocatively licked his lips, then looked away again.

A sigh escaped Boromir's lips. He had the distinct feeling that Legolas was playing with him. Why did he always forget he was dealing with a thousand year old immortal? Legolas could probably teach him one or two things about making love!

/Forget the Elf! None what he can offer you compares to my power. You want respect. You want your father's admiration. How do you think Denethor and Faramir will react when you bring home an Elf?/

Boromir's eyes narrowed at hearing the slithery voice once more. It voiced his most secret fear; what if his father would shun him for taking Legolas as a mate?

/The Elf is using you to stay alive. Without you he will fade, let him! He does not care about you, he merely pretends, but I do care! I want you to ride in to Gondor at the head of your army, returning victoriously from battle. You can have it all if you stop clinging to the Elf!/

Boromir's eyes pierced Legolas' back. He didn't believe that Legolas was using him. If someone was doing the using it was he himself, using Legolas to finally feel wanted and cherished. /You are wrong; he does love me./

/But he will stop you from attaining your goal. His love is selfish! If he loved you he would want to see you happy and being the new King of Gondor will fill your heart with joy. You have to shatter this bond if you ever want to attain your real goal!/

Boromir shook his head, trying to clear  his head of the slithery voice. /Leave me alone. You're telling lies./

/It's the truth, Boromir, but maybe it's still too early for you to realize that. Love is fragile, and it will pass with time. Power is eternal. You will need to choose shortly. Pray that you make the right decision.../

Thankfully the voice vanished, leaving Boromir trembling with uncertainty. Suddenly Legolas cocked his head, looked over his shoulder, and the Elf's eyes searched his.

"Is something wrong, nîn meleth? You look troubled."

The lie quickly slipped from his lips. "I merely tired, Legolas." He couldn't tell the Elf what the Ring was whispering to him, not while his head was still full of doubt. The Ring was right; love would perish in the end, power was eternal. He had to choose between Legolas' love and the Ring and he wasn't sure which would win.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas stared at the water, trying to sort out his thoughts and emotions. He had heard the slithery voice as well and it pained him that Boromir didn't confide in him. He felt shut out, like the Man didn't trust him. How was he to keep Boromir from falling in to Shadow when the Gondorian didn't trust him? /I came back from the dead for you and now you are damning me to return to the Halls of Mandos shortly. Please trust me, Boromir!/ But he couldn't speak the words, afraid to drive Boromir away even further.

The day passed uneventful and when it grew dark Aragorn gave the sign to go ashore and to make camp for the night. Legolas felt depressed and upset because Boromir had hardly talked to him since that morning. The distance between them was growing and the Ring was still talking to Boromir. Legolas heard every word it spoke. His heart filled with fear; what if Boromir gave in?

He didn't care that he would die in the end, die of a broken heart,  it was Boromir's soul that worried him. Once fallen to Shadow Sauron would command the Gondorian's very soul. Tonight he would try to bridge the distance between them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Boromir looked up when Legolas finally settled down beside him for the night. The Elf had insisted he took a watch and Aragorn had reluctantly given in. Now that Legolas' watch was over, Boromir wondered what to say, what to do. No matter how hard he tried he couldn't rid himself of the slithery voice and it was gaining in strength, making him doubt Legolas' love for him.

The tension between them was palpable and Boromir even startled when Legolas rose to his feet, extending his hand and offering it to him. "What?"

"Come with me, Boromir. The wait is over."

Boromir wasn't sure how he felt about that.

/Remember, he's using you! He doesn't really want you, he merely wants your strength to draw from,/ whispered the Ring.

Reluctantly Boromir rose to his feet as well and allowed Legolas to lead him deeper in to the forest. "Where are we going?"

Legolas didn't answer, simply continued to guide him. In the end, they reached a small clearing and Legolas dropped to the ground, pulling Boromir with him, pulling the Man on top of him. He parted his legs, wrapped his arms around Boromir and held on.

Boromir tensed in the embrace. Legolas' arms and legs were now tightly wrapped around him and he felt trapped. Legolas' eyes changed expression, but Boromir was unable to tell what emotion was shining back at him. "Maybe this isn't the right time..." It sounded lame, but he didn't know what to say.

"Let me love you, nîn meleth, let me chase away all doubts. Let me show you how much I love you. Let me be the giver for once... Let me give you my love."

Legolas' fingers undid the buttons of Boromir's trousers and his lover's erection bobbed free from its confines. A few deft strokes had Boromir trembling with desire and the slithery voice seemed subdued, but it was still present. Acting on instinct, Boromir clutched Legolas' face between his hands and he kissed the Elf passionately, bruising delicate lips in the process.

Boromir growled hungrily, realizing Legolas carefully stopped stroking him whenever he got to close to orgasm. Eyes filled with lust, he stared at the beautiful creature in his arms. Suddenly Legolas rolled him on to his back and Boromir gulped at their reversed position. Legolas riding him would be a dream come true. He wanted to bury himself in that warm and willing body.

"I want to be inside you... To give you all the love I feel, to show you how much we have become one..." whispered the Elf.

Legolas' words ran down his spine like ice cold water and he grabbed the Elf's wrist, stopping Legolas' caress. 

/See? He only wants to fulfill his needs, not yours!/ The slithery voice gained a lot in strength.

Boromir stared at Legolas in disbelief. "YOU want to take ME?" Until now he had been the only who had done all the taking. None of his bed partners had been allowed to turn the tables and he wasn't going to start now. "Nay..."

Legolas' eyes revealed his shock. "You do not want me inside you? You..."

The rejection hit Legolas like an angry blow and Boromir wanted to soothe the Elf, wanted to say something to reassure Legolas, but the words wouldn't come.

"You..." Legolas pushed himself to his feet and the humiliation in his eyes changed to anger. "Is because of what the Orcs did to me, or... or..."

Boromir had never before seen Legolas truly angry. The Elf usually tightly controlled his emotions, but now fury flared from the eyes that had turned dark once more. /How do I explain this to him? I never surrendered to another man. Why couldn't he want me to take him instead? I would have complied instantly, but... I never was on the receiving end before and the thought of giving in doesn't appeal to me./

The slithery voice appeared once more, and this time the Ring made sure the Elf couldn't hear him. The bond between the two men was still strong and the Ring couldn't allow it to deepen even further. /You are supposed to be in control, to be on top. The Elf should bow and surrender to you, not the other way around. He has no right to ask this of you!/

Boromir jumped to his feet and stood opposite Legolas. The Elf's hands had turned in to fists. "Legolas, do not ask for something that I cannot give you. No man will ever possess me, and no Elf either. I do not give myself in that way to another Man. Things would be different if..."

Legolas proudly raised his head and glared at Boromir. "If I were to submit to you? Is that what love means to you? To establish dominance of me in that way? To make me submit to you? You have much to learn, Son of Gondor." Legolas turned about and marched away from Boromir.

Boromir stared at Legolas' back until the Elf had vanished from view. "What happened?" They had both wanted to make love... Why had Legolas' wish upset him that much? It was true that no man had ever taken him, but he would have made an exception for Legolas because he loved the Elf. "What did I say?" He rubbed his brow, and was about to chase after Legolas to beg the Elf's forgiveness when the slithery voice stopped him.

/You did well, my Liege. You made the right choice. A King should never submit to another man. Let the Elf go./

Horrified, Boromir listened to the voice. The Ring! "Nay, I won't let you come between Legolas and I. You won't destroy this bond!"

Evil laughter filled his mind. /Son of Gondor, I already have! The Elf no longer believes you love him! Do not chase after him like a love sick idiot. Be strong and follow me instead!/

"Nay..." Boromir shook his head. "Get away from me. You're full of lies and deception." Legolas... He had to catch up with Legolas and explain, beg for forgiveness.

/Run all you like, Son of Denethor, but in your heart you know you belong to me!/

Boromir broke out in a run, chasing after Legolas and trying to ignore the mocking voice.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas dropped to his knees, buried his hands in the earth and shook his head. Boromir had rejected him, his love! What had he done wrong? Was it so wrong to  give love instead of merely receiving it like he had before? Why couldn't Boromir understand that?

Suddenly his head jerked. Or had the Ring something to do with Boromir's rejection? He had heard its voice all day long, trying to manipulate Boromir, but it had gone silent when he had instigated their lovemaking. Had the Ring found a way to shut him out and had it continued to manipulate Boromir?

"Boromir..." Legolas pushed himself to his feet again, feeling weak and angry simultaneously. Boromir's rejection had weakened him and the bond was fading. He would return to the Halls of Mandos if Boromir didn't really love him. He had been a fool to accept the Man as his mate!

"Legolas..."

Boromir's voice took him by surprise. Why hadn't he heard the Man approach? They called him the eyes and ears of the Fellowship, but he felt blind and deaf right now. "I wish to be alone." The rejection still stung.

" I want to apologize," whispered Boromir in an upset tone. "I never meant to reject you."

Legolas finally made eye contact and was stunned to find Boromir's eyes swimming with emotion and unshed tears. "Boromir?"

Boromir shrugged his shoulders, looking guilty and remorseful. "Your request surprised me and..."

"Why did it surprise you?" Now that Boromir was talking Legolas hoped to keep the conversation going and find out what had possessed Boromir to act like he had.

"I..." Boromir moistened his lips, feeling utterly nervous. "I never allowed anyone to take me... I... panicked..."

Legolas raised an eyebrow. "You panicked?"

"And then there was this voice... That slithery voice..." Boromir's eyes asked for forgiveness. "I don't know what drove me to speak to you in that manner. You...you are the only one I would allow to... to..."

Legolas nodded once. "It was my mistake as well. I assumed you were ready to take this step." He frowned. "What about that slithery voice? Was it the Ring again? I know it's been talking to you. At times I hear it as well..."

Boromir felt shocked. "You can hear it?"

"Yes, when it's talking to you. You shouldn't listen to the deceiver's voice. It wants to control you." Legolas took one step closer to Boromir.

"Will you forgive me?" Boromir raised his hands pleadingly.

"Aye, I forgive you," said Legolas firmly. "But you must stop shutting me out. I can't help you fight the Ring if you push me away."

Boromir sighed relieved, feeling Legolas' arms wrap themselves around him. "I will try harder... If only it would stop whispering to me."

"It knows the desires of your heart and is playing you..." Legolas rested his head against Boromir's shoulder. "I will keep you from falling in to Shadow... If you let me."

"I'll never shut you out again," promised Boromir.

But Legolas knew how powerful the Ring was and it would try to put Boromir under its spell again. He had to remain vigilant or he would lose Boromir. "Let us return to the rest of the company. They might be getting worried."

Boromir nodded and followed obediently.

 

Chapter Three

"We'll rest here and cross the river after dark." Aragorn watched his companions and sensed Legolas' weariness. The Elf looked troubled and he wondered about the reason. During the last stretch of their journey Boromir had seemed distance, not even touching Legolas.

"Why not cross now?" Legolas constantly stared at the trees. He had briefly forgotten about Boromir as a dark evil approached.

"The shore is being watched," said Aragorn, catching Legolas' glance. It was the first time since the attack that Boromir wasn't in Legolas' immediate proximity and that worried him. The bond that bound Elf and Man couldn't snap; if it did it meant Legolas' death.

"It's not the shores that worry me. A shadow and a threat is on my mind," whispered Legolas worried. Something dark and threatening was moving in their direction. He sensed pure evil.

Aragorn followed Legolas' stare, but couldn't determine anything alien in the forest. He turned about when Sam's voice caught his attention.

"Where's Frodo?" Sam suddenly looked about, worried when he didn't see Frodo anywhere.

Aragorn and Legolas' glance were drawn to Boromir's shield. Legolas immediately realized the danger Frodo was in. Galadriel had tried to warn Boromir, but the Ring was incredibly strong. "I will find them," he promised. He was about to search for the two men when Aragorn's hand settled on his arm, stopping him.

"I should come with you." Aragorn wasn't sure Legolas had completely healed. The Elf looked fine, but in the back of his mind he still feared losing his Elven friend.

"Believe me, Aragorn, I need to do this alone..." Legolas' eyes pleaded with Aragorn for understanding. Maybe it wasn't too late yet and he could still reach Boromir; break the spell a second time.

"I will give you a few moments, but if you don't return I will come after you myself," decided Aragorn.

"Thank you." Legolas immediately hurried away, finding his way deep in to the forest. His instincts told him that Boromir had fallen under the influence of the Ring once more and it was up to him to pull Boromir back from the brink.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"None of us should walk alone," said Boromir, watching Frodo intensely. He had left the company to gather wood, but the Ring had told him to head in this direction for then he would run in to Frodo... and the Ring. It called to him, pulling him close, leaving him no choice.

/I belong to you, Boromir, I will bring you the power you always craved. Take hold of me, put me on your finger./

Frodo's eyes were haunted, but Boromir didn't see. The Ring's hold on him was too strong. "I know why you wish to be alone. You suffer. I see it in your eyes. You suffer every day, but it doesn't have to be that way. There are other paths you can take..."

/Gondor, the White City will become the center of Middle Earth and you will rule. Boromir, you deserve to be more than just the Steward of Gondor. You ought to be the High King!/

And all that time the Ring continued to whisper, to seduce him. All Boromir could think about was putting the Ring on his finger and finally being able to defend his people. Gondor would become the new heart of Middle Earth, which him ruling it.

Frodo's eyes grew big. "It sounds like a wise thing to do, but my heart whispers a warning..."

Frodo's words enraged Boromir. He had done so much for the hobbits, had protected them all this time and still Frodo didn't trust him!

/The hobbit doesn't know his friends from his enemies. Ignore him and take what is rightfully yours./

The Ring... it whispered, pulled him close, leaving him no choice... Angrily Boromir dropped the wood onto the ground and glared at Frodo. "All I ask is the power to defend my people! Why do you move away from me? I am no thief!"

Frodo realized the danger he was in, knowing he could never defeat the Man in battle. Putting the Ring on his finger was his only way of escape, but then Sauron would know his whereabouts and the Ringwraiths would come for him!

"The Ring only came to you by chance! It belongs to me!" Boromir closed in on Frodo, no longer aware of his actions.

/Your father will be so proud of you when you ride in to the White City of Gondor. Denethor and Faramir will bow before you and accept you as their superior. Isn't that what you always dreamt of?/

The Ring whispered into his very soul, seducing him with visions of his victorious arrival at his father's court and finally receiving his father's love, after Denethor favoring Faramir for all those long years. He would finally be the High King of Gondor!

Frodo trembled. Boromir actually scared him! The Ring slipped in to his fingers and Frodo held on to it, knowing it was his only means of escape.

"I know your mind! You will take it to Sauron... betray us!" Boromir was no longer himself. The Ring had taken over, consuming him. Frantically, he moved toward Frodo and he growled enraged when the hobbit slipped on the Ring and disappeared from view. Furious at Frodo's escape, he continued to rave, stumbled, fell and... was jolted back in to reality.

What was he doing here? Wasn't he supposed to be gathering wood? A pair of frightened eyes rushed in to his mind and the image cleared his head, driving away the fog. "Frodo... what have I done? Frodo..." Oh, he was sorry! He never wanted to scare the hobbit! He liked the hobbits, all four of them. He had instantly liked them! How could he have acted like that? He had attacked Frodo!

"The mirror..." Galadriel's mirror had shown him the future and he had been too weak to fight and change fate's course. "Frodo, I am sorry!"

But the hobbit was nowhere in sight. His eyes filled with tears of shame and regrets, and he bowed his head in defeat. "She warned me... and so did Legolas... Legolas!" Startled, he looked about, searching for the Elf. Legolas was always close. Had the Elf watched the attack on Frodo?

"Legolas, I know you're close... Please, I need you. Tell Frodo that I didn't mean it. It was the Ring! It wasn't me! I wasn't myself. I never wanted to hurt the little one!"

The silence remained and his damning words continued to echo in his ears. He had betrayed Frodo, the trust and friendship that had existed between them. He could never rebuild that trust... His honor was lost...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cold tears dripped from Legolas' face. Entranced he had watched Boromir's attack on Frodo and although he had wanted to intervene, he had found himself frozen. Boromir, his mate, had attacked the Ringbearer like Galadriel had foretold and he had been unable to stop it.

Suddenly Boromir's plea reached his ears. Boromir knew the Elf was close and he now called out to him!

"Legolas, I know you're close... Please, I need you. Tell Frodo that I didn't mean it. It was the Ring! It wasn't me! I wasn't myself. I never wanted to hurt the little one!"

Legolas briefly closed his eyes. While Frodo wore the Ring the hobbit was out of his reach. Inwardly torn he wondered what to do next. Should he warn Aragorn that Frodo had put on the Ring and had gone missing, or should he comfort Boromir? His urge to protect the Ringbearer won, and after whispering barely audible reassurance directed at Boromir, he turned about and headed back to the camp. His heart was cold and chills ran down his spine. Boromir had to make peace with himself first and only then the healing could begin.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

/I can't believe I attacked him. Frodo, my friend, I am so sorry. I will make everything up to you. I will protect you for the rest of my life. I never meant to hurt you. It was the Ring... It whispered, taking away my soul and replacing it with its hunger to be reunited with its Master. I fooled myself in to believing that I could wield the Ring. Aragorn was right. It was my stubborn pride that fed the Ring, showing it how to manipulate me./

The sound of battle drew his attention. The forest was swarming with Orcs and his heart missed a beat, seeing Pippin and Merry drawing the Orcs' attention. /They are an easy target!/ He should really teach them to run for cover instead of calling out to the Orcs!

The Horn of Gondor was suddenly at his lips and its sound filled the forest, hoping it would draw Aragorn's attention. He couldn't fight these Orcs alone! /But then again, why kill them all? I will cover the hobbits' retreat and then... I deserve to die for what I did. I lost my honor! I am no longer a respectable warrior! I betrayed my friends!/ The Orcs would do him a favor by killing him and his death would even serve a purpose; it would buy Merry and Pippin the time they needed to get away!

"Run!" Boromir made eye contact with the hobbits, who seemed surprised and at the same time relieved to see him. "Run!"

Jolted in to action the two hobbits finally started to ran.

Boromir charged the Ocrs, wounding, beheading, and maiming the foul creatures. Staring in to their venomous eyes, he recalled that these creatures had hurt Legolas not so long ago. They had driven the Elf to the Halls of Mandos and only his strength had brought Legolas back. Howling a battle cry, Boromir's sword cleaved a head in two, slashed apart a heart and one by one the Orcs fell at his feet.

His warrior instincts kicked in when another Orc appeared; Legolas had pointed this one out as his main attacker. The battle paint, ripped clothing and mad expression in the black eyes warned him to take this new opponent extremely serious. He raised his sword, but suddenly an arrow buried itself in his shoulder. The pain was instant and intense, but ingrained training enabled him to repress it. The arrow wouldn't kill him, but he needed to take out this Orc now!

/Why fight...? You want to die, remember? You betrayed Frodo... You lost your honor. Let fate run its course. It's time to die./

Boromir locked eyes with the leader and realized that a second arrow was aimed at him, and this time it was aimed at his heart. Once more he gathered his strength, trying to lock out the depressing thoughts and to focus one last time on doing the honorable thing by ending Ugluk's life.

Ugluk aimed and the arrow left his hand. Boromir's eyes widened and he tried to prepare himself for the arrow's impact... but it never came. A second arrow intercepted Ugluk's and swept it out of course.

Boromir's eyes instinctively found Legolas'. It was the Elf who had saved his life. "My love..."

A sparkle appeared in Legolas' eyes and Boromir's heart filled with courage and pride. Legolas had saved his life; that meant the Elf had forgiven him for the attack on Frodo.

An angry growl escaped Ugluk and he aimed another arrow at Boromir.

Boromir had one second to decide his course. Did he want to live or was he still eager to die? /I want to live... I want to be there for Legolas. He showed me a glimpse of what love is about and I want it all. I want him for the rest of my life./

"Duck!" Legolas called out to Boromir, who stood paralyzed.

Boromir reacted instinctively, ducked and the arrow missed him once more. Ugluk's roar echoed in his head and Boromir distinctively heard pain beneath the frustration. Looking up, he found that two of Legolas' arrows had buried themselves in Ugluk's chest. The man staggered, growled, and blood suddenly dripped from his lips. A third and last arrow pierced Ugluk's heart, ending his life.

Boromir quickly got to his feet. In disbelief he stared at Ugluk, and then at Legolas' arrows. His love had saved him! But then another thought occurred to him.  /Legolas took his own revenge... The last time he saw Ugluk he froze, now he faced and bested him!/ He felt proud of his beloved, who had overcome his fears.

Their eyes briefly met and in that instant the bond flared brightly, reestablishing the former connection. Legolas' tender smile warmed his heart, and ignoring the arrow still stuck in his shoulder, he charged with renewed strength.

Legolas stayed close during the remainder of the battle and they both chased after the Orcs when the foul creatures took Merry and Pippin with them.

Panting hard, Boromir shook his head. He couldn't believe the Orcs had captured the hobbits!

Aragorn joined them, equally enraged and Boromir read the expression in the other man's eyes correctly. "We'll go after them!"

Aragorn nodded. "Aye, we will not abandon them to pain and torture..."

Legolas moved behind Boromir and sneaked an arm around the Man's waist. "You are wounded. Let me tend to you."

"We don't have the time." Boromir collapsed against a tree and sank on to his knees. His shoulder felt inflamed and he was growing dizzy.

"I will go after them," said Aragorn. "Follow me when you can."

Legolas nodded. "We will join you shortly."

Aragorn disappeared between the trees and Legolas knelt next to Boromir. His hands tenderly examined the injury. "You will live," he said, half jokingly, trying to chase away the sense of dread that filled his heart. He had almost lost Boromir! Ugluk's arrows almost ended Boromir's life. Thankfully he had appeared in time to stop it from happening!

Boromir slowly raised a hand and rested its palm against Legolas' face. "Why are you crying?"

Only now did Legolas realize that tears flowed down his face. "I almost lost you."

Boromir marveled at his lover. "You care so much about me... even after I betrayed you... I betrayed the Fellowship. I tried to take the Ring from Frodo. I couldn't let him go."

Legolas trembled. "I saw it happen... I wanted to stop you, but I couldn't. It felt like fate had to run its course... But Frodo escaped and you're still alive."

Boromir relented as Legolas pulled him to his feet. The Elf's touch was gentle, but the injury caused him great pain.

"There's a cave nearby. We can stay there for the night. I will gather some healing herbs and hopefully you will have recuperated enough to join Aragorn tomorrow."

Boromir's eyes slowly closed; he felt mentally exhausted and his shoulder throbbed. "You need to remove the tip."

"I will." Legolas wrapped his arms around Boromir's waist and he supported the Man as they walked over to the cave. He helped Boromir lay down on the ground and started a small fire. He needed light if he wanted to tend to Boromir's wound. Boromir's eyes were now fully closed and Legolas hoped that the Man had lost consciousness; that would make removing the arrow's tip a lot less painful on Boromir.

He uncovered a hunting knife and placed its tip in the fire. His hand trembled, realizing how close he had come to losing Boromir. If he had intervened a moment later, Ugluk would have ended Boromir's life. Now it was Ugluk who had found death. It still amazed him that he had taken out Ugluk; he had expected to feel paralyzed, but seeing Boromir in peril had made him overcome his fears.

After removing the knife from the fire, he sat on his heels next to Boromir. With one hand he removed Boromir's cloak and tunic, revealing the ugly wound. "Hopefully the tip isn't poisoned," sighed Legolas.

The knife dipped beneath the inflamed skin and he pushed against the tip of the arrow. The arrow dropped on to the ground and Legolas used part of his tunic for a bandage. He was so focused that he didn't notice Boromir's eyes opening... not until he looked up and stared in to Boromir's dark orbs.

"You are awake..." Legolas rested one hand on Boromir's brow, trying to establish if the Man was growing feverish. "I need to find the healing herbs that will aid your recovery. I do not possess Aragorn's healing powers, but I will do my best."

Boromir moistened his lips. "I am sorry..."

Legolas frowned. "Do not worry too much; it will hamper your recovery."

"Will you forgive me?"

"Boromir?"

"For attacking Frodo. I wasn't myself." Boromir raised one hand and curled his fingers around Legolas'. "The Ring possessed me."

Legolas nodded once. "I know it was not you who attacked the hobbit."

"Then you forgive me?"

"Aye... Though it's not my forgiveness you need."

"Aye, it's Frodo's, but I doubt I will see him again." Growing tired, Boromir's eyes slipped shut.

Legolas removed his cloak and placed it on top of Boromir. "Rest, sleep. I will look after you."

A gentle smile appeared on Boromir's face. "I liked taking care of you when you were injured..."

Legolas nodded pleased. "I could tell by your gentle touch and now I will take care of you in return." Legolas leaned in closer and placed a chaste kiss on Boromir's brow. "Rest now, I will be close at all times."

Boromir sighed sleepily and dozed off, trusting Legolas to watch over him. His love had forgiven him, but he still needed Frodo's forgiveness. /At least the voice is gone.../

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Boromir, you need to wake up and drink this." Legolas helped Boromir, who was slightly feverish, in to a sitting position and helped the other man drink the tea.

Boromir felt something wet and cold against his shoulder and looked down. "What did you do?"

"I made a paste of the herbs and it now covers your wound. It will help close the wound." Legolas made sure Boromir sipped slowly and then the Elf smiled happily.

"What are you smiling about?" Boromir didn't find the situation that funny!

"Our roles are strangely reversed now. Not so long ago you nursed me back to health."

Boromir eyed Legolas closely. The Elf no longer looked weak; strength shone from the sparkling orbs. "And now you plan on nursing me back to health?"

"Aye." Legolas shot Boromir a wicked glance, then lowered the other man gently back on to the ground. "Are you cold or warm?" The fire was dying and the wood was too wet to rekindle the fire.

"Aye, I am cold," said Boromir wickedly. "Warm me." He would do anything to have the Elf close.

Legolas laid down beside him and nestled closely against Boromir's body. He covered them both with his cloak and searched Boromir's dark eyes. "The Ring no longer whispers to you. I no longer hear it."

"It's true," confirmed Boromir. "It's gone." Ignoring the stabbing pain, he managed to fold one arm around Legolas. "Never doubt my love for you." He rested his chin on Legolas' head and inhaled the Elf's scent. "Don't ever leave me."

"I won't." Legolas cocked his head and looked Boromir in the eyes. "I almost lost you."

"You were very brave when you took out Ugluk." Boromir pressed a kiss on Legolas' forehead. "You overcame your fears like a true warrior."

Legolas felt almost childishly proud at hearing Boromir's praise. "Your strength was my strength."

"Nay." Boromir shook his head. "I was weak. I let the Ring control me."

Legolas stroked his lover's dark hair. "But you tried to repent for your mistake. You were willing to die to protect the hobbits."

Again, Boromir shook his head. A saddened expression appeared in his eyes. "I wanted to die. I lost my honor."

"Nay, you did not lose your honor. You wavered, aye, but you tried to make amends. It was the Ring that controlled your actions. Do not hate yourself for falling under its spell. You must now be strong and accept what has happened; only then can we move on. The darkness inside your heart must vanish."

Boromir marveled at the Elf's wise words; he had once more forgotten he was dealing with a two thousand year old immortal. "But my heart is a pit filled with jealousy."

"Jealousy?" Legolas frowned and tightened the embrace.

"I always wanted to be more than my father's son. I wanted to be the true ruler of Gondor; its King, but now I understand that Aragorn is its true ruler." Boromir searched for the right words. "Now that the Ring no longer whispers to me I am starting to see the true treasure that I gained on his quest. Your love." Boromir's eyes widened, seeing Legolas actually blush at his words. "It is true, my beloved! I no longer desire to rule Gondor, I merely desire to rule your heart."

Legolas' heart warmed, hearing Boromir's passionate words. "You already rule my heart."

Boromir, pleased, buried his face in Legolas' silken hair. "Then I am truly blessed."

Legolas briefly closed his eyes, treasuring this moment.

Boromir finally fully realized how the Ring had played him, manipulating him in to believing that love was fragile and that only power would persevere. /The Ring lied to me. Love is eternal and power corrupts. I finally understand. I will never again betray someone's trust and I will always be true to Legolas. That Elf upended my life... and I love him for it./

Boromir closed his eyes and allowed himself to fall asleep. With Legolas in his arms he felt complete and whole, no longer needing the Ring or its power.

 

Epilogue

Warm and sparkling sunbeams flowed in to the cave, signaling that the dark of night had left. Legolas woke first and shook his head to clear it of cobwebs. At night he had wrapped himself around Boromir, making sure his lover was warm and comfortable.

Carefully he lifted the bandages and checked the wound. There was no sign of infection and Legolas was growing hopeful that the arrow hadn't been poisoned. Hopefully Boromir would recover quickly and then they could join Aragorn and Gimli again.

He untangled himself from Boromir, making sure the Man stayed asleep. Stretching like a cat, he left the cave to greet the day. And a beautiful day it was. The sun shone strongly, warming Middle Earth and Legolas walked over to the stream to his right. It had been days since he had bathed last and he craved diving beneath the blue surface. He stripped quickly, undid his braids and waded in to the water. Diving beneath the surface, he relaxed, enjoying the water's soft caress. Moments later, he surfaced again and wrung the water from his hair. It was time to find Boromir some food and to renew the bandages.

""Why didn't you wake me?"

Boromir's voice took Legolas by surprise and he chided himself for not paying attention to his surroundings. Boromir was sitting on a rock near the stream, face contorted with pain. "You should be lying down, not walking about."

"You weren't there when I woke up," said Boromir accusingly. He had been afraid that Legolas had left him. It was a silly thing to think, but he felt terribly insecure when it came down to being with Legolas.

Legolas slowly left the water and watched Boromir's expression carefully. The Man's eyes were filled with love and lust, emotions that were very familiar to him. When he bowed down to retrieve his clothes, he heard Boromir's strangled sigh. "Is your wound still troubling you?"

"Nay, it something else that ails me..." Boromir panted softly, hoping Legolas wouldn't notice his aroused state.

"We should return to the cave where you can rest." Legolas slipped in to his leggings, shirt and tunic and stepped in to his boots. "Come with me, melethryn."

Boromir still had to get used to hearing the Elvish endearments. "Legolas, there is something I want to discuss with you."

"Once we are inside," said Legolas firmly. "Can you manage on your own?" He stood back, not wanting to treat Boromir like a cripple for being injured.

Boromir struggled to his feet and slowly made his way in to the cave, where he lay down again. All the time he watched Legolas' expression closely, recognizing the smoldering fire in those azure eyes. Legolas wanted to be with him as well, but... "I regret denying you when you wanted to make love to me."

Legolas knelt next to Boromir and examined the wound once more, ripping off pieces of fabric which would serve as new bandages. "Your wound is closing and there is no sign of infection." He wasn't sure what to say about Boromir's comment and decided to wait a little longer to see where Boromir was going to take this.

Boromir shamefacedly stared at Legolas' hands, which tended to his injures so gently that it almost made him weep. He had made so many mistakes and yet Legolas still loved him. "I also fear losing you."

"Why?" Legolas sat back and searched Boromir's eyes. The Man quickly averted his.

"I am not sure I can give you... that what you need. Maybe after a while once I feel... safer in this relationship." Boromir wondered if he was still making sense to Legolas.

"I think I understand, melethron. You are not yet ready to trust yourself to me in that way."

"And I am afraid I will lose you because of it," admitted Boromir in a choked tone. "I never had something for myself. I always had to share it with Faramir."

Legolas' eyes softened. "Boromir, it will take time for you to change, but you can always count on my unconditional love."

Unconditional... The word touched something deep inside Boromir. "I never wanted you more than right now."

Legolas raised an eyebrow. "But you already have me."

Boromir laughed bitterly. "I mean... to really have you."

Legolas finally understood what Boromir was trying to tell him. "You want to make love to me." To his utter delight, Boromir blushed. "You merely have to ask, Boromir." He moved closer to Boromir until he sat beside him. Gently, he maneuvered Boromir on to his back, placing his lover's head in his lap. Stroking the brown hair, he leaned in closer and brushed Boromir's lips.

Boromir greedily parted his teeth, almost sucking Legolas' tongue in to his mouth. Raising one hand, he let his fingers tangle in the golden hair, emitting hungry groans. His body came to life, and his groin stirred with need. To his surprise, Legolas matched his passion, chasing his tongue in a wild chase. /I always forget I am dealing with a thousand years old Elf!/

Legolas rubbed his thumb across Boromir's chin, drawing hungry growls from his lover. By the Valar, he needed this as well, needed to know that their bond was still intact and had survived the temptation the Ring presented! He struggled free when Boromir refused to let him go and he stared in to the Man's dark, needy eyes. "I want you to take me..."

Boromir swallowed hard. "I thought... I thought you wanted... to take me...?" His greatest fear was being unable to give his lover what he really needed and losing Legolas because of his fears.

Legolas smiled warmly. "Maybe later, once you feel more confident. For now I desire to be taken. Will you oblige me?"

Boromir's eyes swam. "Legolas, I... Why must I be injured at a time like this! I can't even make love to you passionately!"

Legolas grinned wickedly and traced the inside of his lover's lips. "Then make slow love to me, melethryn. You can show me your passion when you have recovered." Legolas straddled Boromir's waist, careful not to put any pressure on his lover's wound. "I want to feel you inside. I need to know we overcame the lure of the Ring."

"I feel the same way," sighed Boromir blissfully, letting Legolas' soft hair glide through his fingers. "How can someone as beautiful and cunning as you want me?"

"You have a passionate heart, melethryn, but you are afraid to show it. I realized the truth about you when you cared for me after I was raped. That was when your true nature showed and I love you for it." Legolas looked at Boromir thoughtfully. "You must stop to doubt yourself, Boromir."

"I doubted myself all my life," whispered Boromir, "how can I stop now?"

"I will show you how." Legolas leaned in closer once more and challenged Boromir to another duel, tongues chasing after each other in an ancient dance. Legolas maintained eye contact while his hands slid over Boromir's bare chest, always staying clear of the bandages.

Boromir hesitantly raised his hand and started to remove Legolas' tunic and shirt. He gasped, seeing the smooth, hairless chest, but he felt the tense muscles beneath the soft surface. Indulging himself, he combed Legolas' hair with his fingers, enjoying the feel of the silken locks between his fingertips. He wanted to speak again, but Legolas rested a finger against his lips.

"No more words," said Legolas softly. "We do not need them." He threw back his head, trembling as one of Boromir's hands rubbed down his spine.

Boromir stared at Legolas in wonder and was content to let the Elf set the pace of this encounter. He moaned his displeasure when Legolas broke the close contact to remove his boots and leggings, but his eyes widened, seeing his lover already erect. "You are beautiful, Legolas..."

Legolas smiled and laid down next to Boromir, who rolled on to his side as well. For some moments they lay facing each other, simply content to have the other close.

Boromir swallowed nervously, as one of Legolas' hands slipped into his trousers, slowly removing them. A moment later, he flushed slightly, laying naked in front of his lover. "I hope my body pleases you?"

Legolas licked his lips. "It pleases me indeed, melethron." He placed his hands on either side of Boromir's head and instigated a long, slow kiss, that eventually took their breath away. Panting softly, they looked into each other's eyes.

"Are you sure about this, Legolas?" Boromir tentatively raised a hand, letting his fingertips explore his lover's body. A hard nipple begged for his attention and he rolled it between his fingertips. The soft, needy moans that fled Legolas' lips made him even harder.

"Aye, I am sure," managed Legolas between kisses. "But we should chose a position in which your shoulder will not trouble you."

Boromir considered his answer carefully, taking his time to caress the insides of Legolas' thighs. Long legs opened invitingly and Boromir felt the need in his lover as well. "Lie down in front of me..."

Legolas nodded approvingly. "That may work..." He raised himself on all fours, licked Boromir's throat teasingly and left a wet trail down the Man's stomach, gracing the tip of his lover's erection with one delicate lick.

Boromir groaned, fearing he might come right now. "Legolas, please... I am close... not yet." He craved coming inside his lover, bringing Legolas pleasure and ecstasy.

"Aye, melethryn, not yet..." Legolas moved in front of Boromir and pulled his knees to his chest. He rested his head against Boromir's chest, and a strong arm encircled his  waist. "Are you comfortable? What about your wound?"

"I am more than comfortable." Boromir nibbled at a pointed ear, making Legolas squirm. His tongue moved down his lover's neck, nipping, and sucking the soft flesh, leaving a mark on him. "I love you..." He smiled, hearing Legolas murmur a reply in Elvish. "Am I driving you insane?"

"Aye..." Legolas leaned back against Boromir, cocked his head and surrendered to his lover's passionate kiss. Boromir's fingers suddenly curled themselves around his erection, stroking slowly, drawing pre-ejaculate from him. A moment later the stroking stopped and a slippery finger gently massaged his entrance, loosening the guardian muscle.

Boromir forced himself to go slowly, refusing to hurry the Elf. He gasped when his finger easily slid inside. Legolas was relaxed and welcomed the intimate caress. He withdrew, returned to stroking his lover's erection and used the pre-ejaculate to ease his way inside when two fingers slid inside. Legolas pushed back, eagerly taking in more. "Do you trust me?"

"Completely..." Legolas found it harder to think clearly now that Boromir was stroking that pleasurable spot inside him that made him squirm with desire. Looking over his shoulder, his eyes mutely begged Boromir to end their torment.

Boromir nodded once in complete understanding and replaced his fingers with the head of his cock. "I love you," he whispered once more, licking a pointed ear.

"Ai..." Legolas curled his hands around Boromir's arm, holding on tightly as his lover slowly claimed him.

Boromir briefly looked down, realizing the Elf had taken him completely. His balls slapped against naked flesh, drawing a moan from both of them. His shoulder was beginning to sting, but the pleasure coursing through him momentarily numbed the pain. "I love you, my heart..."

Legolas cocked his head and managed to maintain eye contact with Boromir. He panted hard when his lover began to set a steady rhythm, bringing him pleasure with each thrust. "Bo... ro... mir..." He willingly surrendered as the rhythm grew erratic, as Boromir plunged in deeper, making him scream his pleasure. Eager to come, he wrapped his fingers around his erection. All it took was two strokes. A warm and creamy liquid dripped from his hand and he sighed blissfully.

"Lego...las!" Boromir's eyes widened, feeling the spasms around his cock. His lover had come and was now taking him with him. Boromir buried himself deeply with one more thrust and climaxed, holding Legolas tightly in his arm.

Both were covered in sweat and panted hard, but Boromir still remained inside his lover, enjoying the sea of pleasure inside him. "Thank you..."

Legolas smiled sated, but refrained from answering. Boromir slowly pulled out and Legolas tensed involuntarily at the motion.

Boromir moaned, wishing he could stay inside his lover's body for all eternity, but now that the pleasure was fading the penetration would only bring Legolas discomfort. Hearing Legolas hiss, he pulled his lover close. "Did I hurt you?"

"Nay..." Legolas slowly rolled onto his other side, facing Boromir once more. "How is your shoulder?"

Boromir gritted his teeth now that Legolas' inquiry made him aware of the throbbing in his shoulder. "Fine."

"Liar," said Legolas knowingly. He smiled warmly, stroking damp locks out of Boromir's face. "But I will check on your wound once more.."

"Legolas, will you promise me something?" Boromir soothingly rubbed his lover's back and enjoyed feeling Legolas' long legs wrapped around him.

Legolas read Boromir's question in his eyes. "Melethryn, we are mated for life. I won't ever leave you. Only death will us part."

Boromir felt briefly reassured, but then startled again. "But I will die and you will remain... as you are now. I will leave you behind. I am not immortal."

"I will mourn your passing," said Legolas compassionately, "But eventually I will move on... You would want that, do you not?"

"Aye, I want you to be happy, even if that means finding a new love after I died."

"Elves believe that souls are born again. Maybe I will find you in another life time?"

Boromir smiled. "Will you look for me then?"

"Aye, I will never stop." Legolas tenderly caressed Boromir's brow. "I promise you."

Boromir closed his eyes, giving in to exhaustion. His shoulder continued to throb and he had greatly overestimated his strength.

"Close your eyes, melethryn. I will watch over you..." Legolas wrapped himself around his lover and watched Boromir sleep. For the very first time since they had met, the shadows had lifted and Boromir bathed in sunlight. From this day on, the Ring no longer had a hold on Boromir, Son of Gondor.

 

END

 

Go back to Boromir's Quest