Title: Forever or Never
Author: groffiction
Rating: NC17
Fandom: LOTR
Summary: Refer to Chapter 1 for full Summary. The night before the quest begins.
Disclaimer: Don’t own anything to do with the LOTR, the Hobbit, or anything written by J.R.R. Tolkein. Locien and everyone else you DON’T recognize, including the way the plot turns, are MINE. No touchy!
Author’s Notes/Warnings: Just as fair warning, this is my very first LOTR fanfiction, so the characters MIGHT be a little OOC, but I will do my best to keep them in character. Also, this is a SLASH fic, meaning eventual boy on boy love. Full list of warnings: M/M Slash, eventual sex, mentions of previous abuse and torture, angst, violence, gore, mpreg waaaayyyy down the road, and mayhem.
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Chapter 4: The Night Before the Journey
The night was gentle and calm, though I could not rest even if I had wanted to. The next morning we were to start on our journey as the Fellowship of the Ring. I had to admit that it had a nice sound to it, but I knew better. This would be one journey that would maim, kill, torture, or completely obliterate us, or we could win.
Pure and simple, so it made perfectly good sense that I could not sleep. My eyes were watchful as I stood upon a bridge overlooking the same waterfall I had crashed into just a few days before. As I gazed into the flowing pool the falls spilled into, I wondered if I would ever see this place again.
It was beautiful, though I had to admit that I missed my homeland and its own beauty. Rivendell was ethereal, and full of growth, but I was saddened to think that the elves that tended this place might soon go to the West and diminish.
I did not know much about the elves’ homeland, except for the fact that it was like heaven on earth. I would very much like to see it, if I ever got the chance. But, unfortunately most who sailed for Valinor’s shores never returned to Middle Earth. And that’s what made me sad.
My mood must have been so dour that it scared the elves away, save one.
You guessed it. Legolas came to stand next to me, taking a look at what I was watching. “Your thoughts must be deep if you are awake this late.”
“No, not really deep.” I shrugged and gave him a small smile. His body looked even more beautiful in the moonlight, and his face had a somber expression.
At least his worry was erased from his fair face. Catching myself ogling, I turned to look at the stars. “Unlike our hatched counterparts, birth dragons do not have the need of sleep as they do.”
“Still, it is an early start in the morning. You should at least rest.” Legolas insisted, though his heart was not in his words.
He was being sweet, but I wasn’t a child. I may be a dragonling, but I am no hatchling or cub. I was probably older than him, if I truly thought about it. But of course that would creep me out a bit much, being attracted to someone younger than myself, so I kept my thoughts away from that path. “Mornings always start early.” I stated with a chuckle. “And I am resting.”
“Let him be, Legolas.” Gandalf murmured, coming to join us. “He is as unsettled as us all. His kind was not meant to go on such adventures.”
I turned to look at the grey wizard, all the while half wishing that the wizard hadn’t decided to come and talk to us. I was enjoying my time alone with the elf. However, another insecure part of me felt grateful that he had broke up our meaningless discussion.
“Yes, but the speaking stone told my father what must be done, so I am here now.” I stated proudly with a small smile.
Legolas reached up and brushed my hair away from my shoulder, murmuring, “Leaf on your shoulder.” When I arched an eyebrow at him, he shrugged, “I will take my leave of you both. I feel you two have much to discuss without my prying ears.”
Good lord, as if I’d care if he eavesdropped on any conversation I had with anyone, unless it was about him. Anyway, I watched as the beautiful elf left the bridge, feeling confused. On one hand, I wish he had stayed, and on the other, I felt it best that he had left. I needed to get in control of my thoughts and feelings! Otherwise the Fellowship would be doomed!
Feeling the wizard’s eyes on me, I turned to face him. “He really didn’t have to leave.”
“And yet he knew he must. There IS much for us to talk about.” Gandalf said wisely, turning to look at the waterfall.
Silence befell us, and it really wasn’t a bad quietness. It was more congenial than anything else. Of course, silence is always broken, and so I was not surprised when Gandalf began to speak, “When Lord Elrond spoke to me that a great dragon prince from the north had come to our aid, I had been suspicious. Dragons do not bother themselves with any sort of two legged folk, and yet here was one with immense powers in our midst.”
I nodded. “My father said that you all would have different reactions should my dragon secret was exposed.” I shrugged, “He also said, given the situation, that the Fellowship would review the pros and cons of having a dragon in their midst and weigh the odds.”
“Yes. Your father seems to be a wise dragon.” The wizard said softly. Then he stated, “Despite my suspicions, I know that Elrond would not have allowed you to step one foot into Rivendell if he had one inkling that you were a danger to his people. Therefore, I will trust his judgment for right now. You have been chosen for a journey with the Fellowship, and that is where you will go.”
I smiled slightly at him. I liked this guy. Granted, he looked older than the craggy Misty Mountains, but I figure that I could get used to his calm presence. “That is very kind of you.” I murmured softly, knowing to respect my elders, even if most of mine were half daft or worse. You respected people that carried big staffs and evil tempers.
“I think it would be wise if you did not transform during your journey with the fellowship. If Sauron got wind that a dragon was in our midst, then we would be all to doom from his Nazgul riders. Plus, there is a rumor about a certain evil he has created using dragons and his Nazgul. It may still yet be a rumor, but I have not lived so long in this world without being a little cautious.” Gandalf continued, concern marring his face.
I shivered, “I, for one, hope it’s just a rumor.” But unfortunately, my gut told me differently.
Sometimes I hated being a dragon with my inner instinctive senses.
Gandalf went on, spinning the tale of the rumor’s inception, “Long ago, when the Nazgul dragon mounts had turned against their kin, there was a rumor that the mounts had mated with the Nazgul and had created a creature that no man or beast could kill. And it made sense that if it was true, then only a dragon could slay him.” He sighed softly and regarded me with a strange expression. “If this is in fact true, then it would be best for you to stay hidden amongst the Fellowship disguised as an elf hybrid, or some sort of fey folk. For if Sauron were to find out of your existence, then the Fellowship could fall swiftly, and you would become a slave to his power.”
I shivered again, but knew without a doubt that it was best to do what Gandalf instructed. If there was a dragon spawn out there chomping at the bit, I so did NOT want to become his target. I rubbed my bare arms absently. Yes, it’d be best if I was hidden from Sauron’s sight and the Nazguls’ until the ring was delivered to Mount Doom, or at least until we reached the black gate. I would only be able to shift if it was absolutely no other way to protect the Fellowship.
Being a dragon sucked at times. Didn’t I just say that?
“Yes. I agree.” Of course I would have to keep this deadly secret until my grave should I fail. I didn’t have to ask Gandalf to know that I needed to keep this little tidbit from the rest of the Fellowship. The dragon spawn would not become a problem unless I was discovered. For, Sauron never uses his aces unless he has no other cards to play. Yes, us dragons play cards. Deal.
Sure, just hand my ass to myself, thank you very much.
I know that even if I failed and took my secret to the grave, that there was the possibility Sauron would use that last ace. I just hoped that would never come to that. And if I told the Fellowship about the rumor, then I’d scare the shit out of them. I’d only be causing mayhem. And I did not want that. Nor, I suspect, did Gandalf. It’d be best to stay quiet as a mouse.
Gandalf smoked a long pipe for a moment, as if pondering about the upcoming journey, or myself. I folded my hands under my arms and sighed. “If you want me to make a dragon’s oath, I will do it.”
Gandalf smiled slowly. “That will not be necessary. I, for one, do not mind dragons. They were always rumored to be wholly evil, but I never thought so. If that were the case, then you wouldn’t have bothered to come and help us. You would have snatched up the ring as soon as the opportunity had presented itself, even if Elrond had been led astray of his visions. Though, Elrond has always been quite astute in his foresight. However, you must tread carefully. If anyone suspects you of wanting to the ring for yourself, it would be wise to keep that oath handy.”
“Great.” I muttered as I watched him leave. Basically I got the ‘if you betray us, your SOL speech.’ As if I didn’t know that already. I sighed deeply.
I took the wizard’s words to heart though, knowing that he was right on several points. I wonder if he knew that Elrond had watched me like a hawk all through the Council Meeting. Elrond might be an astute seer, but he must have doubted me still. I hope I passed his little test.
Now, all I had to do was to help the Fellowship in any way I could, and make sure that I wasn’t a pawn of suspicion. I did not want to be chopped into lovely chunks of meat if any one of the Fellowship deemed I was too dangerous a potential betrayer. I liked having all of my body parts attached, thank you very much.
As I left the bridge, I looked around, searching for a fallen leaf. When I spotted none, I smirked. Legolas had just wanted to touch my hair. There was no leaf to be brushed off of my hair. Feeling in a better mood than when I had spoken with Gandalf, I padded amiably back to the room I had been staying in.
I was already packed, and ready to go.
It was there that I remembered one very troubling thing. If I were not to shift, I would have to be on foot. Unless the elves….
Oh hell no.
I was NOT going to ride a fuckin’ HORSE.
I trembled. I couldn’t help it. I didn’t mind horses, usually, but if I didn’t have to ride one, that was fine with me. I had a very hefty fear of those four legged animals, and with good reason. One had actually bitten me in passing near my father’s stables when I was a child.
No, I would rather WALK than ride a horse.
It was as simple as that.
___
Fortunately for me, my apprehension was not needed. In the morning, it was regarded safer if we were to stealthily move on foot, and not on horseback. We would only be taking one pony named Bill, and he would be solely used as a pack animal.
I passed the dwarf in order to help get more things ready, and heard him grunt to Aragorn, “The lad carries enough weaponry to make any dwarf proud. But, surely it all must weigh him down?”
Aragorn smirked slightly, mirroring my sentiments as he stated, “There is much we do not know about birth dragons. But one thing is for certain, that they can carry more than thrice their weight at any given time.”
The ranger put a few saddle bags onto Bill, laden with food, medicine, and water. I pushed my hair away from my face as I helped Sam put together his pack. There was little for me to help him with, since the hobbit seemed to already know how to do it quickly and efficiently. It made sense, considering the hobbit had been on a journey for a long time.
“So, do you like, turn into a dragon sometimes?” Sam asked, curious, as he tied up the rest of his pack.
I smiled. “Yes, I do. However, it was advised to me by Gandalf not to do so unless the dire urge.”
“That makes sense, I suppose.” Pippin stated cheerfully, amiably munching on an apple. “A dragon such as yourself would make a very large target, wouldn’t you? You’d be so big you wouldn’t be able to hide!”
I shared an amused smirk with Aragorn before nodding, “Exactly.”
Merry rolled his eyes at Pippin’s gander and shoved him out of the way. “Pip, get moving! It’s almost time to go and you haven’t even packed!”
I sighed softly and bent over to rearrange my legging ties, when I felt that strange tingling sensation again. I smirked evilly and stayed bent over, until I straightened ever so slowly. I turned to look over my shoulder and met the gaze of Legolas, who looked a bit uneasy.
I wondered why until I noticed that the other elves were massing for the farewell party. Legolas probably felt nervous about starting the quest, and I had tried to get his attention. I grumbled to myself, You friggin’ hussy! He’s got too many things on his mind! Besides, this is not the time nor the place to think of such fantasies!
He DID look, so why is that such a problem? My inner self bitched back.
I turned away swiftly and glowered. I hated it when I argued with myself. Yes, I know that it happens often, but it’s bloody annoying!
But, I found that my suspicions were totally off. Legolas walked over to me and eyed one of my weapons. It was my scythe. “I have never seen such a metal crafted in such a way.” He mused, still eyeing it.
I knew he was curious, but too polite to ask to touch it. So, I pulled it out of my pack and handed it to him. I had decided to keep it completely assembled just in case we had to battle in a hurry on our journey. Legolas took up the scythe, fingering the joints of the slots and the blade itself.
I beamed in pride as I explained my favorite weapon. “The blade was crafted with a thick ore found only in the deepest depths of our mountains. I know scythes are used mainly for farming work, but I fell in love with the design and figured I could use it in battle. It’s easily assembled and the blade never rusts.”
Legolas handed the weapon back to me, smiling slightly, “It is a magnificent weapon, however I have never seen such in battle. I am interested to see how you might wield it.”
Awww, that made me feel so special. I blushed slightly and put the scythe away. While doing so, Legolas spotted the fire sword that my brother Arel had given to me. His eyes widened in interest, but was unable to comment, due to the farewell ceremony getting under way.
He stood next to me as Elrond bid his farewells. I felt a jolt of electricity go through me as Legolas brushed past me. I followed, figuring it was time to leave. I thanked Elrond and Lady Arwen for their hospitality.
As I followed everyone past the gates of Rivendell, I breathed in a sigh of relief.
As uneasy as I was to start on the journey, at least one part of it had already passed. Now we would begin our quest. And as our nerves tried to get the better of us, we followed the Ring Bearer, even though he had to ask Gandalf which direction Mordor was in.
*Here is one of the funniest scenes in the Return of the King. I love Legolas. He is so funny, and it helps that he's a looker too.*
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