Near Miss

Near Miss

Posted: February 2005
Title: Near Miss
Author: Ana Library Elf
Type: FCS
Characters: Aragorn/Gimli/Legolas
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: I own no characters from any Tolkien book or movie. No profit, just sweat. But sometimes I hear nice voices.
Warnings: Dwarf included in sex. Give it a chance, he makes the other two (!!) stand out.
Beta: Chloe Amethyst. She who knows the rules and is most kind about explaining them.
Summary: Setting of Two Towers. This time it's the elf who "takes a little tumble" and his buddies are there to help. No permanent hurt and *lots* of sensual comfort.
Author's Notes: This takes a few liberties with canon and gets a little fluffy. I'm still learning!

*****

The tide had turned in the battle. The dark forces had been overthrown and in the waning hours of the afternoon the armies of the free peoples of Middle Earth had won the day. All that remained was the mopping up around the fortress of Helm's Deep. Aragorn turned, catching sight of sunshine reflecting on the elf's hair as he leapt onto one of the battlements to survey the activities below. The energetic action and the lean figure served to remind the human how the immortal had turned that grace into a deadly dance in battle, anticipating where his strength was needed, and defending his friends with ferocious intensity.

The future king shook his head in wonder, continuously astonished by the aura of pure light that surrounded the woodland being despite the horrors of battle and human woe. He was ever grateful to count Legoals among his friends and vowed anew to keep the shining soul by his side.

Glancing in another direction the ranger spotted the dwarf supervising a group of men clearing the area near where the fire of Orthac had ripped a huge hole in the Hornburg's wall.

He observed their progress for a while and then shouted to Gimli. "Careful of the debris, there could still be explosive underneath!"

Even as he watched, a broken section of granite wall slipped from the hoisting ropes and crashed sideways into another dark pile of rock. A deafening explosion shook the area as the slab seemed to focus a burst of shattered stone outward and up toward the battlements.

None of the men were in the line of fire but Aragorn spotted the other danger and screamed a warning too late. "Legolas!"

Time seemed to dilate as the ranger observed the Elf partly turn, oh so slowly, and start to duck the flying chunks of rock. Golden hair fanned in a restrained arc as the fine profile stood out against the bright blue sky and in a hyper focused state of horror the human watched two substantial pieces of ragged stone impact onto the elf's back and shoulder area.

Like some kind of exotic broken bird, the shining head snapped back, the graceful arms flew wide and the slender body was shot forward over the wall's edge. There was a moment of stunned silence and then again Aragorn's agonized voice rang out as he raced to the top of the stairs. "Legolas!" This couldn't be happening, not after they had survived the battle, and especially not to one who had come to mean more to him than any other.

Aragorn would have gone straight over the bulwark if other soldiers had not restrained his struggles. In another minute Gimli was by his side and they both looked over the precipitous drop. Sharing a dismayed gasp, they could see Legolas' unconscious form precariously draped in the arms of a stunted tree some fifty feet down the outer barrier. The arboreal remnant must have responded to the Firstborn's peril for if the fall had continued, there would have been little chance for survival on the sharp boulders hundreds of feet below.

Tangled like a delicately captured kite, the archer was face down, caught by thick branches as one slim, green clad arm and leg dangled free. The shapely head drooped forward and mithril bright hair spilled over insensate features while a breeze rippled the silky strands on clear air. He looked like an ornate woodland decoration unwillingly suspended in space. There was no response to the hails from above and Aragorn was growing positively frenzied in efforts to reach his stricken friend.

Gimli took charge, speaking firmly and laying a calming hand on the ranger's shoulder. "We can reach our elf with a rope. Line up some men -- I'll go over."

Aragorn protested. "No, I'll go!"

"No, ye won't. We won't risk you, too. You're a bigger bundle to haul up and can't hold on as well as a dwarf. You'll do better up here."

The human reluctantly realized the sense of this and backed off. A sturdy rope was found, several men lined up to anchor it, and with an experienced loop about his waist, Gimli began a backwards walk down the face of the wall.

In minutes he had reached the thin ledge where the tree clung, and began a gentle examination of the stranded elf.

Aragorn fairly danced at the top. "Is he breathing? Do you see any bleeding?"

"No, and yes." was the grim response.

Indeed, as Gimli adjusted his position, he noticed a trickle of blood from the blanched lips but could detect no breath in the same area.

Aragorn swore fiercely. "By the Valar, I won't lose him." Again, he almost went over the wall, but decided that the added weight would be disastrous. Hoping this might only be a temporary lapse of respiration and not a deeper injury, he ordered quickly. "Gimli, blow into his mouth slowly. Do it now!"

Frowning in concentration, the dwarf braced himself and carefully held the pallid visage and blew with restrained force into parted lips. He was rewarded with a brief shudder in the slender torso, and repeated his efforts, making sure to press his body under the branch supporting the archer's weight.

In a distant part of his mind, Gimli registered the coppery essence of Legolas' blood and faintly spicy taste of the soft mouth as he continued to hold sculptured features close to his own. That it was a pleasurable sensation was not a surprise, but that he could notice the effect in such a situation was rather a shock. He wisely decided to file the thought away for future consideration and concentrated on getting the elf back to safety.

Gimli paused and reported results. "Breathing on his own now. Let's get back up."

He adjusted the unexpectedly light weight across his arms and maneuvered to return upwards. Even though lacking in height, the broad dwarf easily cradled the willowy elf in a secure grip and managed to wrap a sling of rope about both their bodies. He glanced at the fine boned face resting on his shoulder and realized how much he had actually come to like and respect the woodland being and hoped he was not too badly hurt.

Reaching the top of the battlements, he was immediately relieved of his fair burden by an anxious future king. Finding faint breath and pulse, Aragorn spread the lithe limbs on hard stone and began removing layers of borrowed Rohirrim armor. He stared at the thin trail of bright blood making a sinuous path from heartbreakingly arched lips and down the length of an alabaster throat. Healing instincts came into play as human hands searched immortal flesh for further injury. He could feel the firmly articulated muscles under the silky Elven clothing and pressing gently on lower ribs, observed dark lashes clench against porcelain cheeks.

Closing his own eyes, the ranger let his unique sensitivities probe deeper and verified some lung damage and a probable concussion. He focused on the light within Legolas and infused some of his own energy into that interrupted flow, closed off blood loss, and strengthened bruised tissues. Letting his hands rest on translucent temples, the descendant of kings sighed in relief and felt reassured that he would indeed be able to heal his elf in a satisfactory manner.

Gimli watched anxiously and collected the discarded armor, as well as the bow and arrows that had been fortuitously laid aside by the archer before the accident. The circle of soldiers remained in attendance, concern and genuine affection for the renowned warriors of the fellowship reflected in their faces.

Aragorn looked up at the surrounding sympathetic eyes. "I thank you for your help this day, both in dealing death to our enemies and in helping to save the life of one I value dearly. Please tell me where I may convey this Firstborn warrior so that we can continue recovery?"

One of the men offered a waterskin to Gimli and bowed toward the ranger. "Any of our chambers are at your disposal, Heir of Isildur. We would be honored to provide you with whatever you require."

"Your generosity is most appreciated."

Gimli spoke up quickly. "Food and drink would be welcome."

The same man responded. "Of course. We hope to have a victory celebration by tomorrow and in the meantime supplies will be brought to you. Come this way. Can we help you carry -?"

Aragorn had already scooped the graceful length of the Mirkwood prince into his arms. "No, he is my -" He almost said something else, but ended with another statement: "responsibility and bright blessing." The others smiled in return.

Gimli blinked, for a moment he thought he had seen a subtle radiance around the man and the elf, but it must have been a trick of the fading light.

The dwarf stepped forward. "Lead on brother soldier, I think we could all use a bit of rest."

With the supple figure clasped close, Aragorn followed their proclaimed host and wrapped his feelings around the warmth of Legolas' body and the realization that the previously unspoken words could easily have been "beloved companion." He acknowledged that death's near miss on the battlement today had become a sure hit to his heart, revealing his true feelings for this being of purity and light.

By the time they reached the living quarters in the royal wing, Aragorn was breathing hard but refused anyone's help to get the archer into the room and onto the single huge bed occupying the suite. He thanked the soldiers, who bowed as they left, and indicated food would arrive soon.

Gimli pulled up a chair and practically pushed the ranger into it. "Sit before you fall, stubborn man! You haven't rested in days. Let me tend to the elf for a bit."

Aragorn huffed, but allowed himself to be seated and watched as the dwarf competently checked Legolas' vital signs and carefully removed soft Elven boots. The archer was still deeply unconscious, but breathing evenly and at least no more blood marred the ivory skin.

Gimli's thick hands were gentle as they passed over the elf's body and he marveled again at the slight weight and sinuous strength found in the lean frame. The gleaming hair made him think of dwarven spun gold and as he wiped away the dried blood the glowing flesh was unlike anything he had ever touched. The dwarf's thoughts were traveling down very unexpected paths regarding his warrior friend. He concentrated on the task at hand and continued loosening lacings and outer garments. Gimli tisked in disapproval as granite dust drifted from the clothing removed from Legolas and from his own sleeves.

"He's resting easy, and food is on the way. What say you Lord Aragorn, shall we make use of clean water nearby?"

A soft snore greeted his words. He observed the ranger had slumped back in the chair, eyes closed, exhaustion finally taking over as the adrenalin faded.

The dwarf snorted. "Then whichever comes first, either it's the food, and we eat, or the hot water is ready and I will cook you both!" He chortled at his own mild joke and went next door to re-start the fire under the water tank above the large sunken tub.

When he returned, candles were lit in the room and a man servant had brought a tray of cold meats, breads, cheeses, and dried fruit. Hot tea was being poured for a groggy ranger and the dwarf's eyes brightened to see a pitcher of ale also in evidence. He availed himself of a large tankard and proceeded to make great inroads into both the liquid and solid food supplies. The servant announced he would deliver towels and went to check on the bathing facility.

Aragorn ate some bread and meat, and stopped when he heard a slight stirring on the bed. He immediately went to the elf's side and found the crystalline blue eyes were glassily open, and regarding him with bewildered innocence. His heart missed a beat staring into those trusting depths and he reached for one of the long fingered hands.

"Mellon nin, you had an accident. Are you in much pain?"

The melodic voice was muted but steady. "Nothing I can't handle." Legolas smiled at the human and again the man was lost in bright warmth.

"I remember the explosion and then falling. You both must have risked much to retrieve your careless friend. Hannon le. I owe you my life." The elf stared at his companions and the recognition of what they had come to mean to each other resonated in his mind and in the glowing look that brought radiance into the entire room.

Gimli raised bushy eyebrows, hiding his pleasure in gruff words. "Humph. Only did what you have done for us. Simply the right thing to do."

One shapely brow arched in return. "Then we will continue to do right in the times to come and
I am honored to fight at your side. May Elbereth bless us." There was a moment of silence as the three friends contemplated the future in the fleeting respite granted in this time and place.

With a small sigh, the prince swung his legs to the side of the bed and struggled to sit up. At the first wince, Aragorn was supporting the silk clothed back.

"Nay, my captain, I am not so fragile." The elf stood, but as the room began a rolling motion, abruptly availed himself of the ranger's shoulder.

Aragorn's arm tightened around the narrow waist. "Slowly my royal archer, you did have quite a knock in several places."

Legolas blinked, but managed to lean only slightly as he looked at the table. "Just make sure I get to some of that food before the greedy dwarf does away with all of it!"

Gimli growled in mock offense. "Then get your skinny self over here, Master Elf. Those of us who did real work today need more sustenance. If you're going to fly like a bird, then you may as well eat like one!"

The man and immortal laughed low at their friend's fierce words and knew that they hid an equally fierce affection. Legolas sat at the table carefully, making no complaint, but occasionally shaking his head as if to clear his vision. Food and drink were shared in companionable silence while the Dunadan made sure he surreptitiously touched his elf to further assess physical damage. He was somewhat satisfied, but wanted to exert more of his healing skills as soon as possible.

The meal completed, Gimli patted Aragorn's sleeve and pointed to the elf. Legolas was slowly leaning sideways, eyes half closed, and would have toppled from the chair if not caught by a firm dwarven grip.

"I do seem to be the designated elf-catcher today."

The ranger stood and scooped the archer into his arms. The golden head rested on his shoulder and the prince muttered something unintelligible into his neck.

"Probably further concussion effects. He is weary as are we. Shall we try to clean up before we are all in a similar state?"

"Aye. Water should be warm by now."

In the bathing chamber Gimli was able to rapidly fill the huge sunken tub, shed his dusty clothing, and then help Aragorn remove the last garments from Legolas.

They sat the drowsy, glowing body on the shallow step while the dwarf steadied him and the ranger finished disrobing. In their journey together there had been many times when bathing facilities were shared, but this time something was different. Aragorn looked at the exquisite form of the elf and the powerful muscles on the dwarf's pelted frame. He realized he had come to love them both. It was as much as for their noble character and unconditional friendship, as well as for their differences from him and from each other. He experienced a vivid consciousness of fragile mortality and the value of sharing the flesh and the spirit.

Aragorn lowered himself next to Legolas and added an arm to Gimli's support from the other side. He felt a surge of warmth flow from the contact of his hand touching Gimli's and heightened awareness settled among them as the elf began a low melodious humming. A cycle of soft light enveloped the three warriors. The human and the dwarf felt their bodies resonating in response to the Elven song and electric touch of immortal skin.

The archer lifted his head from Aragorn's shoulder and looked with kindling eyes from one to the other. "I would offer you this night a gift from the Firstborn: the comfort between warriors and the blending of spirits if you would have it." It seemed he drew energy from some unknown source as the fair visage glowed even brighter.

Gimli locked eyes with the ranger, breathing deeply. "Aye, I would value this gift more than any other."

The man's gray depths sparkled in return, sending a passionate message to the elf. "This is our brief time together. We are open to the gifts of the Eldar and to each other."

The ranger took the faultless face in his hands and drank in the perfumed taste of a rosy mouth and marveled that sapphire could burn so darkly. Legolas purred into a cupping palm and softly kissed each finger, pausing to take the last one into his mouth, tongue swirling around rough calluses. He slowly disengaged, and turning to Gimli, pressed upon him a kiss savoring of both human salt and Elven ambrosia.

The dwarf drifted a tentative hand over the golden body, delighting in the yielding response as the archer leaned into him. He felt like he was caressing living mithril as he lifted the fall of lush, wet hair and brought the fair lips into a crushing embrace. Archery strengthened fingers ranged over the broad chest, teasing pebbled brown nubs into hardness and enclosed the hirsute biceps in a vice-like grip pleasing to dwarfish sensitivities. A substantial column of rigid dark flesh began to rise opposite the pale, muscled abdomen.

Aragorn nipped at the expanse of white neck thus exposed, and added some healing energy to the strokes he layered down the arched alabaster back. Thinking ahead, he reached into a stone shelf above the water line, retrieved a red bottle, poured some liquid into his hands and was satisfied with the thick consistency. He traced the curve of the elf's delightfully rounded gluteal muscles, fingers gently kneading between the smooth globes and then slowly slid into the warm, creased opening. The archer was no stranger to intimate explorations and relaxed at the intrusion of expert digits that twisted and expanded within his tight channel. Silvery light blossomed as the elf's hum again filled the chamber.

Gimli leaned back on the stone ledge with a gusty sigh, eyes half closed in appreciation of the beauty in front of him. His body thrummed while one Elven hand skillfully caressed the earth child's hardened member, and the other reached back to enclose a human counterpart. Aragorn smiled and closing his hand over the elf's, allowed them both to coat his shaft with lubrication. He moved the archer's pliant form to kneel in front of the shallow ledge and placing himself behind, spread the slender thighs.

The future king's steely scepter pierced ivory flesh in one smooth thrust, bringing a deep gasp from the quivering body arching underneath him. Legolas sang out a sparkling series of trills that rippled the warm water and sent hot sparks up the spines of both Dunadan and dwarf. As Aragorn continued to penetrate his elf, the vibrating immortal used both adept hands to caress the dwarf's arousal into even harder rigidity. Blue eyes shining indigo in passion met the brown gaze and one elegant eyebrow lifted in a silent question. The elf's palm had contained further lubrication from Aragorn's ministrations and now that slickness could also be felt coating Gimli's length. The dwarf licked his lips and nodded.

Pulling away from a groaning ranger, Legolas positioned Aragorn in front of the step. He eased the exchange with talented fingers as well as with tender kisses that trailed from throat to waiting lips. He pressed the length of his supple body into the human and used one knee to lightly separate the athletic thighs and then with gentle pressure settled Aragorn onto the fully aroused Gimli.

Aragorn inhaled as he felt the massive penetration, actually finding that the slowness and great size allowed a tantalizing pressure to build. Legolas turned and spread his legs over both of the others, pulled Aragorn's arms around his slender middle and accepted a renewed entrance by his captain's potent erection. The human responded with panting breath while Gimli massaged his chest, pinching the dark nipples to hardness.

Burying his face in the velvety neck before him, the ranger could not resist a quick, hard bite that left his mark. The elf bucked, but leaned into the pleasurable pain. Now that they were all connected, a visible, luminous light glowed around the three bodies. Spiritual connection enhanced stimulation of the flesh as spiraling energy continued to increase.

Sensation upon sensation flashed in Aragorn's brain. He found himself convulsively clasping Legolas' pelvis, easily pulsing him up and down in the water, driving himself deeper into the eager flesh. Gimli moved behind him, a huge, surging force that sent excitement ever higher. Legolas was able to lean back and bring his sweet mouth to Gimli's. The dwarf made a humming sound as he strained forward, grabbed the marble shoulders and gave a series of swift hard thrusts into Aragorn that sent pressure clear through to the elf's center. Legolas warbled and arched back even more, stretching to grasp Aragorn's hips.

Aragorn felt his release coming, reached back to Gimli with one hand, and held on to Legolas with the other. White light exploded inside his head as he climaxed, groaning his mortal seed into the heat of the elf. Gimli allowed the human to take several satisfied breaths, caressing the dark head with a gentle touch.

Then in an action made easier in the water, the dwarf lifted and floated Aragorn aside with one hand. He moved him away from Legolas, and with the other arm swiftly drew the elf down onto his loins. Legolas sang out and threw back his head, mouth open, eyes shut, water streaming down an extended pearlescent neck. Gimli stroked the vulnerable throat, and leaning forward ran a tongue inside a delicate ear. As before, delirious ecstasy brought bright music from Legolas as his whole body rippled.

Aragorn saw what to do. He looked at Gimli, who smiled through half closed eyes, as the human used his hands to pleasure Legolas from the front and also pressed his lips over the helpless mouth before him. Legolas was pinned between them, completely undone, deeply penetrated by Gimli, as Aragorn's manipulations below the water brought waves of delight.

The dwarf and human united to bring the elf to passionate fulfillment, adding one stimulus upon another. Aragorn moved his mouth to pale neck and ears, while Gimli stroked sensitive nipples, pinching harder as they contracted. The dwarf stood up on the ledge bringing Legolas' hips out of the water, but sill firmly thrusting with his ample shaft. As the elf swayed with each impact, Aragorn brought his mouth down into the golden center, playing the tender length of flesh like a fine instrument.

Above him, Legolas moaned and grasped wavy brown hair. The human used his hands to hold the strong gluteal muscles apart and allowed Gimli the deepest penetration possible while simultaneously sliding his mouth quickly up and down the milky column.

They both felt Legolas tense, inhaling deeply, and then he uttered a long undulating note as warm liquid filled Aragorn's mouth. He swallowed eagerly, enjoying every drop of Elven nectar. A moment later, Gimli clasped the willowy form in front of him, gave one more great thrust and groaned, finally climaxing.

Aragorn and Gimli held onto the swooning Legolas and all sat down abruptly in the warm water, breathing heavily, feeling drained and incredibly satisfied. Legolas leaned between the two, gleaming head on Aragorn's shoulder while a human hand rested on one pale leg, a hairy dwarf hand on the other.

Aragorn spoke first. "Hannon le, my friends. We are thrice blessed to share the flesh, the spirit and each other during this uncertain journey. No matter what happens, we are now graced with renewed strength and a bond like no other."

Gimli smiled and indicated the dozing archer. "This has been a day of miracles. I will thank him for offering this experience, and his life given back to us has shown me there is hope."

The ranger stood and gratefully cradled a limp elf. "I agree. Now, if we do not wish to strain the miracles any further, let us get some rest for the challenges of the morrow."

The massive bed was able to hold all three warriors in unaccustomed comfort. Legolas was at last in true Elven reverie and lay curled against Aragorn's warmth. The ranger held him close; a possessive arm over the slim figure, his face nuzzling a satin neck and breathing in the unique fragrance that he hoped would always be a part of his life. Gimli lay on the other side, snoring gently. Gold, brown and auburn shared a bond and a blessing for the benefit of Middle Earth.

For the moment at least, rest was its own reward, and a near miss had become a new opportunity for future hope.

*****

THE END

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