Sanctuary

Posted: September 2004
Title: Sanctuary
Author: Ana Library Elf
Type: FCS
Rating: NC-17
Characters: Aragorn/Gimli/Legolas
Disclaimer: I own no characters from any Tolkien book or movie.
Thanks to Beta Reader: Chloe Amethyst
Notes: A short vignette that is more or less complete unto itself. A reunion trip for three friends results in a dangerous encounter that gets them into a bit of hot water. (sly smile)
(It's a "Codpiece Popper" not quite a "Bodice Ripper")
Summary: Post ROTK. HC. After seeking shelter from an almost fatal Orc attack, three friends find sanctuary of a different sort.

*****

They climbed furiously for the cave opening; sounds of murderous pursuit came from behind. Dark was almost complete, but there was still light to see their goal on the above hillside. This was the end of a day-long chase in an area near Mirkwood that was supposedly free of Orcs. The three companions had so far eluded the large number of enemies on their trail.

Looking up at the dark entry, Legolas glanced at the scant foliage on the narrow path upward.
"If we make it, I can open the door ... but no cover, wait ...." He fired an arrow into some thick bushes far to the side. A Thump, a yell and Orc sounds veered in that direction. Aragorn smiled thinly.

Legolas tapped Gimli's shoulder.
"You first, up and over." and before the dwarf could protest, he was hoisted and tossed by elf and human high above the short path, up to the ledge in front of the cave door. They saw an angry glare, but no energy was wasted in comment. Legolas and Aragorn locked eyes. The human might be King, but this was elf territory.

"You next. I can hit them in the dark-- you can't."

"I won't leave you down here!"

"I'll be right behind. Go!" He shoved Aragorn and at the same time, stood, yelled and notched another arrow. "Move!" Aragorn moved.

Everything happened very fast after that. Two Orcs emerged out of the brush aiming weapons at the exposed Aragorn. Two Mirkwood arrows. Two dead Orcs. Enemy arrows began to fly, as well as small black darts, almost invisible in the dark, except to elf eyes that could see their coating of a thick oily substance. Legolas was a blur, dodging from side to side, firing, and retreating up the path. Somehow he disabled those enemies aiming at Aragorn and continued moving upward. His hair was a white target; a black dart found entry just above his collar and there was a bitter smell with stinging pain. He kept moving.

Reaching the ledge, he spoke the entry word, and the dark metal seemed to roll back in slow motion. He saw something streaking straight for Gimli; his arrow deflected it just in time to imbed the shaft two inches from the dwarf's ear. Gimli snarled and hurled a small axe, downing another Orc. Aragorn accounted for a second as the door inched open. Gimli was unceremoniously shoved inside. Swarming up the slope, the Orcs were mostly occupied by climbing, but missiles continued to fly.

Human and elf were mutually edging through the door when something larger than an arrow hissed toward Aragorn. At that moment, neither could dodge or fire in the small space, so without hesitation Legolas twisted in front, and a heavy battle dagger slammed into his left shoulder. He staggered, pulled it out, and threw it into the eye of his attacker, while backing through the narrow opening.

Gimli was ready and began pushing the heavy door back across the entrance. Legolas said one more word, and the door closed with a rapid crunch, dropping an Orc hand and foot onto the floor. It was suddenly quiet in the still space, lit by glowing rock columns and echoing with the harsh panting of three spent warriors.

They were all leaning on the walls staring at the hand and foot, the shadowless illumination surrounding them a bright contrast to the dark outside.

Legolas spoke first. "We are safe; they cannot enter." He touched Gimli "You took no dart?"

The bearded head shook vigorously. "I sliced 'em, but not one touched me."

"Good." He moved to Aragorn. "None touched you, no blade or dart?"

"None."

"It is well." He took a step, swayed, and fell to his knees.

Aragorn was beside him in an instant, holding his shoulders. "All is *not* well with you my friend, as you took the blade meant for me."

Legolas looked up, his gaze unfocused. "True." The room was beginning to spin. "It was necessary...." He looked in a puzzled way at the blood streaming down his arm, his head went back and Aragorn hung on as he went limp.

Aragorn called to Gimli. They worked to free Legolas from layers of leather and his soft blue shirt. Gimli muttered angrily, "Featherweight elf had no business getting in the way of Orc daggers."

From the floor Legolas could see them as if from an immense distance. He blinked slowly. The white blonde hair that spilled on the dark ground was no whiter than his face, and was in stark contrast to a red stain spreading from the torn shoulder. The glowing alabaster skin was turning dull even as they watched.

"Gimli, get my pack, there was more here than a simple knife." Aragorn pressed the crumpled shirt into Legolas' shoulder, slowing the blood flow.

They worked quickly to bind the wound. Aragorn found the dart. He cursed and flung it away. "Poison ... as if the blade wasn't enough...."

Legolas lifted his eyes with effort, his voice barely audible. "It was meant for you... kills humans quickly.... elves take longer."

Gimli knelt, his voice rough. "Can we stop the bleeding, or will the poison kill him anyway?"

Aragorn looked bleak. "We will not let him die. *I* will not let him die... Legolas, look at me! You know this evil, what is it?"

The dark lashes fluttered; the voice came lower still. "It kills by stopping the breathing.... You can draw the poison out, but usually the breath stops before you finish.... " He inhaled with difficulty. "Do not blame yourself, this was my choosing." If possible, he looked paler still, the bare arms snow white and completely motionless. Gimli growled and set to binding the shoulder even tighter.

Aragorn moved, positioning the fair head to tilt back, and looked at the small black puncture made by the dart. Legolas was taking short shallow breaths, frowning slightly, with no other sound or motion. Gimli touched the bright hair gently, smoothing it back, and looked at Aragorn with pain in his eyes.

Aragorn stood. "Give me my dagger; we will not give up. I once revived a drowned man who had no breath. I can do that for him if you will draw out the poison."

Gimli looked startled. "With what?!"

"Your mouth! You pull it out with your mouth and spit!"

"I don't know how..."

"You must try! He saved your life, and mine, a hundred times... he would do the same for you...."

The dwarf pounded the floor. "You're right!"

Aragorn knelt and cradled Legolas' head, leaning it far back, and with the dagger tip cut deeper into the dart entry. There was little blood. In a suspended moment, he felt the lightness of Legolas' body with the archer's muscles under the smooth skin, the softness of his hair, and faint drafts of labored breath against his hand.
He intensely wanted the elf to live.

"I will push air into his lungs and force him to continue breathing. You must draw out the poison and give him a chance. Do you understand?" Gimli nodded, and positioned himself opposite Aragorn beside the utterly still figure.

They knelt facing each other. Aragorn put his mouth over Legolas' then pinched his nose and blew down his throat. There was a shudder, but no response. He expected none and motioned Gimli to begin his task. They continued for some time, working over the blanched face and gradually colder body.

Gimli drew back, his voice despairing. "There is no more, I am sucking his blood now... it's no use!"

Aragorn blew one more time, paused, and hung his head. When he looked up there were tears on his face. He touched Legolas' forehead with great gentleness then stood and walked away. There was no sound in the chamber.

Gimli put his hand on Aragorn's arm. "We did what we could, he said not to blame yourself for he knew what he was doing...." Aragorn flung him off. "He gave his life for a human! I do blame myself!"

Behind them there was a small choking sound. The two turned as one and while Gimli held the marble shoulders, Aragorn blew again into Legolas' lungs, now feeling a gulp of air in response. He felt Legolas arch, saw his eyes fly wide, and his entire body convulse. He pulled back, then lunged forward when the slender form writhed in gasping agony, skin clammy, muscles rigid and straining against the hands that held him.
Even the weakened elf strength was almost more than the two could control. Two dark bodies hung on grimly while Legolas fought his way back to Middle Earth.

When he was quiet, shuddering only slightly, Gimli looked over at Aragorn "Yes, elves *are* hard to kill...."

Aragorn smiled tiredly. "We will rest now and keep him warm. I think he sleeps normally." He was right. Legolas was limp between them, but breathing on his own. His face was relaxed and dark lashes lay damp against a white cheek. Gimli fetched blankets to ease them from the cold earth and nodded in satisfaction when he rested his hand on Legolas' chest, feeling it rise and fall slowly beneath the woolly cloth.

Aragorn pulled a blanket over all of them, gratefully drinking in the elf forest smell as he pulled Legolas close, easing him into a comfortable curve and fitting himself around his back. Gimli curled into his front side, careful of the bound shoulder. They both felt him relax and breathe more evenly. Aragorn cupped the silvery head with great care and put his arm possessively over the bare torso. They slept deeply and dreamlessly.


Sanctuary - Part 2

Some indeterminate time later Aragorn awoke to find himself still wrapped closely about the unconscious Legolas. His arms held the elf against his warmth; he was relieved to feel the normal temperature of the sinewy back pressed into his middle.

The room still had the same even glow, but the air was cool and fresh. He realized they would not be leaving from the magically closed door; there must be another exit somewhere. Gimli was gone, as were the Orc limbs. Aragorn carefully eased away and walked to where the discarded clothes and bow were neatly stacked. Ever tidy, Gimli had left a trail sign with rocks and leaves that said he would return later. He must have just left; the leaves were still green, recently broken from a branch that was cut off when the door closed. Gimli would be looking for water or another way out; he might be gone for hours.

There was a low murmur as Legolas turned restlessly, tossing the blanket aside and exposing his bare chest and shoulders. Aragorn was beside him in a moment, checking the bandages and looking at him closely as he lay on his back, face to one side, lips parted and breathing slowly. The shining hair was in a tangle, no longer braided, appearing as a luminous pillow around his head. Aragorn brought his pack closer, ready to use medicinal supplies if needed.

Aragorn found himself leaning close, reveling in the elf fragrance and inhaling deeply. His hand moved to the exposed neck where the dart had entered. He lightly touched the darkly swollen area, surprised to note the closure of the cuts he had made. Legolas turned his cheek into the hand and rubbed it like a cat, still not awake. Aragorn jumped as if burned - but did not remove the hand.

His head was spinning and he found himself thinking about the sweet taste of Legolas' mouth when he had given him breath. He trembled, groaned and buried his face in the mass of tumbled light hair. It's scent and silky texture were intoxicating. Legolas sighed, still asleep. Telling himself he was checking for further injury, Aragorn ran his hands over the neck, white shoulders, chest, pale nipples that tightened at his touch, and the flat belly with a patch of feathery golden hair above the belt line. His fingers traced its path and paused.

As if his hands moved of their own accord, Aragorn loosened the leaf-bound belt. In moments the leggings, hose, and boots all were gone. Mind racing, eyes hot, he stared in wonder at the perfect alabaster body.
The entire form glowed against the rough blankets. His eyes ran along slender legs, narrow hips and well-muscled shoulders, seeing a faint pulse beating in the delicate skin at the throat.

His arms braced on either side of Legolas' face as he lowered his head to find the lightly parted lips. He drank in the richest wine he had ever known, thoughts in chaos while shock and pleasure were warring in his brain. When he opened his eyes, he found himself staring at wide blue pools of light that looked back at him with warmth and faint inquiry.

An arm crept around Aragorn's neck, holding him with iron strength, preventing him from pulling away. Legolas spoke simply. "You have my bow, now you have my life, I am yours." He reached forward with his own mouth and both men felt a blaze of sensation as they responded to each other.

Aragorn gasped and Legolas sat up and held his shoulder with his good arm. "You are afraid. Why?"

Aragorn could not meet his eyes. "I have never felt this way about *anyone*, woman or man...." he trailed off in puzzlement.

Legolas pushed him back, and began loosening leathers and lacings. "We have bonded in life and death. It is natural to be close, to want to touch the body and the spirit."

Aragorn lay still, not resisting. "But... I can't... I can't be with...."

There was a pause; the other looked up. "An Elf?" A dark brow arched sardonically.

Aragorn sputtered. "No.... Yes .... I mean I love Lady Arwen already... I can't be distracted by wanting you!"

Legolas spoke as if to a child. "You won't be. This is a sharing during battle, an affirmation of life amidst death. You humans are so afraid to touch. "

Aragorn threw off his shirt and grabbed the elf against his bare skin. "I am not afraid of touch. I am afraid of wanting you too much... of what will happen later...."

Their eyes locked, faces near, breath mingling, Legolas whispered. "You and I will always be close. I will never demand anything of you, and always be there should you need me."

Aragorn pulled him quickly to his feet and spoke low and fast. "Hold me, I need to feel your strength."

Legolas molded himself to the dark body, bright hair streaming over brown as he leaned his smooth cheek against the coarse beard. His bandaged arm wrapped behind Aragorn's bare lower back; his other sought the rough chin, pushed it up with irresistible force, and once more firmly connected his mouth to the human's.

For a long moment, everything stopped and each could feel the other's heart pulsing to the same rhythm. Thoughts spiraled together, then flowed back into separate consciousness. Separate bodies shared a different pleasure as Aragorn dropped to his knees and Legolas knelt in front of him. He applied his mouth slowly to belly, thighs and manhood. Aragorn moaned, feeling waves of heat from every point that Legolas touched. He shuddered uncontrollably and was eased back onto blankets by one elf arm.

The human had never experienced such a combination of strength and sensuality; he wavered on the edge of orgasm as he was played like a fine instrument by sensitive fingers and tongue. Flame seemed to race along his spine. It felt like their bodies were melting everywhere they touched. Finally, when he literally could not take any more, Legolas perfectly timed the release with one hand and an endless kiss with his mouth. Aragorn simmered in a dazed afterglow while the other's pale body slid slowly to one side, head low, breathing heavily.

Aragorn started up. "You don't have the strength for this, I've hurt you...." He brushed frantically at the curtain of golden hair for he had to see the blue eyes and know that his friend was still with him.

There came a low sigh. "No, just a little tired." Legolas smiled and relaxed beneath the heavier human. Now it was Aragorn's turn to intimately explore the elegant creature before him.

He traced the arch of a pointed ear slowly with one fingertip, suddenly shy. "I have not your skill, yet I want to give you...."

He was stopped by a hand on his lips. "Aragorn, only yourself, that is all I want." The hand rested on his heart. "Anything you do will bring me joy."

Aragorn leaned forward, gathered him into his arms and felt the willing suppleness of the smooth back. His mouth found the hollow just below the curved ear and stayed there as the heartbeat fluttered under his lips. He could feel the neck arching into his touch and again he was reminded of a cat-- he could almost hear the purr.

There was no part of Legolas that wasn't sweet to the taste. Aragorn traced the line down his side where the muscles curved over the pelvis. Receiving a response to every move of his hand Aragorn separated firm thighs and cupped a velvety softness that hardened immediately. His mouth lingered there, tasting spice and forest musk. The body under his lips quivered, breathing short and fast. A faint sound came from Legolas as Aragorn lifted him to his knees, faced him away, and put burning hands over a cool chest. He held him close, gently forcing his legs apart as his own knees pushed between them. The homespun blankets beneath them were an earthy contrast to the silken skin he held.

There was such complete yielding and acceptance; it was incredibly arousing to Aragorn. He felt on fire, but still in control. He paused and reached into his nearby pack for a small container of healing ointment. In a smooth motion he stroked the oily salve onto his erect member. The same fingers separated the white flesh before him and circled to a gentle entry. With a deep gasp Legolas leaned his head back on the hard shoulder, his neck an irresistible target for further caress by warm lips and tongue.

He reached for the hips behind him. "Please...."

Aragorn granted the request, experiencing unconditional surrender as he entered Legolas from behind: a slow, exploring penetration. He was taken in completely, the strong muscles pulsing against his loins. He felt connected by white heat flowing upward into his eyes. The energy seemed to cycle back down and vibrate up again in increasing waves of sensation.

As he thrust with conscious deliberation, one hand moved low on the belly in front of him. He sought the rigid column emerging from downy curling hair. His articulate fingers brought a wrenching groan from the ivory throat. They swayed as one, feeling heat, energy, and a blending of perception. Aragorn could sense the pleasure he brought as the willowy spine rippled into his torso.

Elvish words spilled from flushed lips and the fair head whipped back and forth between deep gulps of air. Aragorn's passion increased tenfold as Legolas gave a great cry and he felt wetness spill down his hand. Brightness expanded behind his eyes and his own climax came almost immediately, both hands slippery, pulling Legolas again and again violently into his groin. The other pushed back, head flung to one side and mouth open. A series of panting, pulsing explosions rocked them both.

They fell forward, Aragorn on top, chest heaving. He immediately took his weight off the elf, rolled over, embraced him and began sobbing heavily.

Legolas laid his good hand on the back of his friend's neck. " I am with you." He leaned them both back onto the blankets, relaxed his grip on consciousness and fainted comfortably away into smoldering darkness.

Sanctuary Part 3

Some time later, as Aragorn quieted, he heard sounds from the back of the cave area. Someone or something was coming. Heedless of his own nakedness, he leaped up, grabbing his sword to stand between whatever was there and the figure on the blankets.

Gimli trundled into view, carrying full water sacks. His eyes took in the scene. "Well, so you've been tumbling him about, have you?" His voice was gruff. " I knew this was coming." He looked accusingly at Aragorn as he went to where Legolas lay and rearranged him into a more comfortable position, drawing a blanket over the gleaming body. "So, what further damage have you done?"

Aragorn flushed indignantly. "I haven't hurt him, I... we... were together."

"Aye." Gimli agreed. "You made love. You've tasted his sweetness by the looks of it and enjoyed it full measure." He gave him a hard glance. "Tell me, do you truly care for him or is this a human's game?"

Aragorn glared. "I would die for him! We are more than friends...."

Gimli interrupted. "For now. He did almost die for you. It wasn't for the Kingship that he took that dagger; it was because he values you above himself." Gimli carefully checked the pulse and breath of the comatose elf.
"Legolas Greenleaf does not give himself lightly; see that you appreciate the gift."

Aragorn sat down abruptly, suddenly wishing he had his pants on.

Gimli gathered elf and human clothes. "Come Human King, you both need cleaning and there are hot pools and fresh water below us." He added -- "And a safe exit for later." He nodded toward Legolas. "Bring him. He deserves more comfort from your hands." He turned and headed down the cave path. Aragorn was dazed but did as he was bid, carefully scooping elf and blanket into his arms and following Gimli.

They came to another chamber where rock walls glowed more dimly. The air was warm and steamy with vapor rising from a large pool of natural mineral water. Gimli quickly shed his own clothes without shyness. He resembled nothing so much as a small bear, revealing huge shoulders and a surprisingly large member between his legs.

From a shallow portion of the pool Gimli reached up. "Give him here, these are healing waters."

Aragorn hesitated, unwilling to give up his precious burden. "But the wound is fresh, won't it re-open?"

Gimli shook his head. "No, it didn't kill him-- remember elves are tough. It's probably well-closed by now."

Aragorn sat on the edge of the pool and held Legolas by the armpits as Gimli grasped his legs and eased him into the water. He slipped in himself, feeling immediate soothing of sore muscles in the warmth. He expected to offer assistance but Gimli had already supported Legolas and was floating him easily toward a small ledge. Shining hair and gleaming limbs trailed in the water as Gimli loosened the bloody bandages and ran experienced hands over the injury. Indeed, the shoulder wound was closed, but still showed an angry dark color.

Legolas had partly opened his eyes when they entered the pool, and closed them again, trustfully leaning into Gimli's arms. With a shock, Aragorn realized these two must have been intimate in the past. There was no mistaking the familiar way Gimli handled the fine body.

He looked into Gimli's face, the bright head between them, leaning back unaware on the rock ledge. "You have come to know him well."

Gimli nodded as his hairy hand cupped water and ran it down Legolas' forehead, returning to stroke the hair and spread it out in the water. "You want to ask if I have known him as you have." He looked directly into Aragorn's eyes. "Yes, we shared a time together. He disliked the beard, but still holds me in high regard I believe." He laughed, then turned serious. "Both our people cannot understand our friendship. We simply don't debate it with them. I do love him still, in a quiet way. Love him too well to hold him back from his heart's desire"

"What do you mean?" asked Argon sharply.

"You." said Gimli simply. "He has desired to be with you since the beginning. We talked about it. He looks at the spirit and loves with all the purity you could imagine. Never let you know, did he?" Aragorn shook his head.

Gimli began rubbing stains from around Legolas' shoulder and arm. "He would never have told you, knowing you were destined for other paths. He only wanted to be near, to help if he could, and protect if need be. You have breached the wall." He paused. "You touched him first did you not?" Aragorn nodded, eyes down.
"It is a great gift to be loved by an elf, Aragorn. No one should know better than you and I. Value what you have been given."

Aragorn looked puzzled even as he reached for the other arm and began gentle cleansing. "But I have never felt this way. It is like he soothes an ache I never knew I had. How can I love him and Arwen? "

Gimli looked at him sideways. "How can he love both you and I? He has a great heart, as do you. There are no barriers between such spirits. Take your time now, different destinies lie ahead."

Legolas stirred, lifting streaming locks and looking slowly from one to the other. "You are wise Gimli. Our time here is short." He reached for a hand from each. "Spirits must take what flesh can give. Please accept this." They sat quietly, his limitless eyes held them for a long moment.

The water was extremely soothing. Small ripples reached the other two as Aragorn exhaled and shifted.

Legolas reached to touch his neck. "Here, let Gimli relieve some aches I sense in your shoulders."

He moved over on the ledge and gently shoved the human within reach of the dwarf's skilled fingers. Aragorn closed his eyes as Gimli's hands began kneading neck and upper arms. In the water, height did not matter and the dwarf's floating body hair was pleasant against his back.

Seated with the human between them, elf and dwarf offered simple muscle relaxation, without pressuring for more intimate contact. It was Aragorn who finally opened his eyes and leaning back, accepted a slow, skillful kiss from Gimli. He then reached for Legolas, drawing him into a floating position in front of them. Gimli supported ivory shoulders and ran an appreciative tongue inside a pointed ear. There was a deep sigh and golden hair swirled in the water.

The elf became as he had desired, a bridge for the three, their hands and mouths wandering over his body, pleasuring him and each other. The water and ledge made movement easy, touch blending into touch. Sensual pressure was building as arms and legs wrapped around one, then two, then all three until they could hardly feel where one body began and another left off. The cycle of clear light converged and blended in a trio of essences.

The fair head was between the two dark ones as white hands were giving deep pleasure to both human and dwarf. Breathing became hard and fast. Gimli groaned first, leaning back into the rock lip, eyes rolled back in released satisfaction. Then Aragorn fell forward with a low cry, pinning Legolas between the two as the human's climax was intensified by strong, subtle fingers. Energy seemed to bounce off the walls and settle back in the warm water. For several minutes, there was just the sound of gasping breath and lapping wavelets.

Slowly, Aragorn focused on the sight of Gimli as a dark pillow for Legolas' relaxed upper body, while beneath the water, pale limbs glowed with luminous light. Legolas appeared to be lightly dozing, needing a moment of retreat from intense consciousness. His face had an unearthly beauty that almost hurt the human's eyes. Aragorn reached to touch the sculptured chin, wishing this moment could go on and on, and simply stared, etching the image in his mind forever.

Gimli stretched, bracing himself. He gave a gusty sigh. "I think he got what he wanted...."

Aragorn chuckled, "and so did we...."

Legolas opened his eyes and smiled.

Somewhere water dripped slowly, counting suspended moments in a sanctuary safe from past and future.

*****

THE END


If you enjoyed this story, please send feedback to: Ana Library Elf