Title: Troubled Times
Author: Artino2
Type: FCS
Characters: Aragorn/Theoden
Rated: NC-17
Disclaimer: I do not own any of them, personally I like Elves better but this just would not leave me alone.
Warning: Graphic sex m/m slash
Author's Note: This is for Joyful, who is responsible for making me think of these 2 together.

Summary: Aragorn and Theoden worry about their futures the night before they flee to Helm's Deep. Can they take comfort in each other in such troubled times?

*****

Theoden sat upon his throne in the Golden Hall. Heavy was his mind for such troubles had befallen his kingdom. He would be forever grateful for Gandalf for freeing him from the clutches of Saruman and Wormtongue, but he had gone from one trouble into another.

He had been told that Saruman would wage war on Rohan. His powerful Uruk-Hai army hell bent on killing every man, woman, and child. He was ready to despair. His beloved Nephew Eomer was gone along with his trustworthy men and he was left to defend the kingdom with only a handful of soldiers.

He put his head in his hands and would have wept openly but did manage to keep control of himself. He could not show the utter despair and weakness that he felt inside.

"King Theoden?"

Theoden looked up at hearing his name called and saw the man called Aragorn before him. He had not heard him enter and was embarrassed for allowing the man to see him in such a state.

"I am sorry Aragorn. My mind is wrought with worry. I know you and the others do not agree with my decision to flee to Helm's Deep, but I must do what I think best for the people of Rohan."

Aragorn looked at the troubled King. He had been through so much in such a short time and his heart went out to him. He carried all the worries of Rohan upon his shoulders. Worries that he too would soon face if and when he became King of Gondor.

Aragorn pushed aside his own troubles and smiled feebly at the King. "We will survive this and we will win."

Theoden sighed and looked at the handsome man. "I hope what you speak is true Aragorn, although even if we do win, I face many more years of loneliness."

"How so? You have your people that love you."

"I have Eomer, if he ever returns and I do have my beloved Niece Eowyn, and my kingdom, but other then that I have no one."

Aragorn felt the King's sadness. He had been through so much and still he was ready to defend his people until the end. "Maybe you need rest before we leave tomorrow?"

"I do not know if I can find rest for my mind is working hard on what is yet to come," Theoden said wearily.

Aragorn thought for a moment before he reached out and grabbed the King's hand, "Come with me."

Theoden looked at him questioningly but allowed the man to take his hand and lead him out of the Golden Hall. "Where are we going?"

"I think you need to get some air," Aragorn said and he led him outside to where he could overlook his kingdom. "Look out there and tell me what you see?"

Theoden looked out upon the land that he loved more then his very own life. Rohan. His kingdom; his legacy. "I would do anything to protect my people and my land," he said with pride.

"Then breath deeply Theoden King, because this is what you have to live for, for what you will fight for. It is your life's blood."

Theoden understood. He turned to Aragorn, "Thank you Aragorn. You will someday make a great King. One that I will be proud to call my friend."

Aragorn smiled and reached out to pull Theoden into his embrace. He was not sure he should be so openly affectionate towards the King but he felt like Theoden needed to be comforted.

He was right, the King needed his comfort as he did not pull back but let himself be held. "Thank you Aragorn. For your words of encouragement, for your friendship, for your comfort. It has been many years since I have felt comfort from anyone. Not since my beloved wife passed away so many years ago."

"I am sorry for your loss," Aragorn said softly.

"The pain has lessened as the years have passed although one does miss the tender moments and the love offered by another."

Aragorn looked a bit surprised. "Surely a man of your stature can find a warm body for comfort when he wishes it so."

Theoden shook his head. "I have never openly sought another although at times like this I would wish not to spend the long dark night alone. I would wish for arms to hold me, to love, to make me forget even if only for a moment about the troubles at hand."

Aragorn looked tenderly at the King. Would Theoden refuse him if he told him he wished to be the one that held him this night? Theoden sighed and looked out over the silent land. Aragorn reached out with his hand and turned the man's head towards him. He looked at him for a moment, as the moonlight cast it's glow upon his handsome features.

Aragorn brought his lips closer and gently kissed the King. He pulled back and looked eagerly into the man's eyes for any sign of desire or rejection.

Theoden had been shocked completely. He had thought Aragorn handsome but had held no hopes that the future King of Gondor had held any feelings towards him.

"I hope I am not out of line by taking such liberties," Aragorn said as he waited what the King would say.

"Nay, you are not Aragorn. I have found myself wondering what your kisses would be like since I first saw you in the Golden Hall."

Aragorn smiled. "Then will you accept what I offer? The comfort I wish to give to you?"

Theoden thought for a moment. He had never been with anyone other then his dearly departed wife and now this man was offering himself to him. How could he refuse? He really wanted to be with Aragorn. "I have never been with a man," Theoden said calmly.

Aragorn leaned in to kiss him again. He let his lips glide gently across his and then pulled back to whisper,"Then let me be the first."

Theoden nodded and took Aragorn's hand. "We shall retire to my room then."

The King led aragorn back into Meduseld and down the hallway to where his room was. Theoden took a deep breath before opening the door and standing aside to allow the man to enter.

Soft candlelight flickered across the room and Aragorn saw the big comfortable looking bed off to the right. Theoden closed his door and clicked the lock in place. He did not want anyone accidently walking in on them.

He walked over to the bed, and nervously began taking off his boots. Already he could feel himself hardening as he thought of the ranger's calloused hands upon his body and his soft lips as well.

Aragorn watched as Theoden began undressing. The King had a firm body and was very pleasing to the eye. He could also tell that the King was nervous and he hoped he could quench those fears.

Aragorn walked over to him and sat down next to him on the bed. He ran his hand down the man's arm to comfort him and then reached out to help him off with his shirt. After they had gotten undressed, Theoden laid back in his bed and waited for Aragorn to make the first move.

Aragorn stretched his long lean body out next to Theoden's. He noticed the King was already hard and allowed his hand to run across the skin of his thighs. He gently touched his erection and watched as Theoden tensed up. "Relax," Aragorn said. "I will do nothing but pleasure you."

Theoden bit his lip and nodded. He wanted to feel this pleasure more then anything. Aragorn moved his body closer so that his own erection rubbed against Theoden's thigh. He reached out and pulled the King closer so that he could kiss him again and try to put his fears at rest.

He kissed and suckled the tender skin of his neck and pressed their bodies together. Aragorn could feel a wetness against his skin and knew that the king's erection already wept with his need.

While exploring his mouth, Aragorn let his hand wander down to grasp the hardness and begin stroking it. Theoden moaned with pleasure as he closed his eyes and felt the sensation that Aragorn was giving him.

Theoden let his hands roam over the ranger's back and down to his firm backside. Aragorn moaned and began stroking his own member. His needs and desire were building as he left Theoden's mouth and kissed his way down the King's body until he took him into his mouth and began suckling the head, swirling his tongue down the rigid shaft to the very base, taking him fully into his warmth.

Theoden bucked his hips as he was encased and Aragorn grinned to himself. It felt good to have so much power over such a powerful King.

He worked his tongue up and down the shaft until Theoden's moans began gasps and he knew the man would not last much longer. Aragorn wondered what he could use to ease himself into the man. He crawled back up beside Theoden. "Do you have any oil or lotion?"

Theoden opened his eyes and thought for a moment. "There is some body oil I use after my bath in the desk drawer."

Aragorn nodded and went to retrieve the bottle. He found it easily enough and opened it, pouring a small amount into his outstretched palm.

He set the bottle down and stroked his member, coating it in the oil. Theoden watched him do this. His erection glistened in the candlelight and Theoden felt such want and lust that he knew he would not last for long.

Aragorn positioned the King on his back and raised his legs up high enough to give him leverage. He looked into Theoden's eyes and smiled. "I will be gentle," he said as he placed himself at the King's opening and pressed carefully.

He slid in slowly, keeping Theoden's comfort ahead of his own raging need for fulfillment. He looked down and watched as he disappeared into the King's body. Theoden moaned and closed his eyes, revealing in the utter bliss that he was feeling at the moment.

Aragorn slowly began to move his hips back and forth, letting his erection slip in and out. He teased Theoden by only inserting his head into the opening before pulling it back out until Theoden was begging him to take him all the way so that they could both find their release. "Please Aragorn, do not torture me so."

Aragorn laughed softly and buried himself back into the man's body. He lost what little control he had been holding onto as his own desire built up and he pumped himself into the King until he felt himself go over the edge and gave himself away to his climax.

Theoden too lost himself and aragorn watched as the man's seed spewed forth onto his stomach. Breathless and satisfied, he pulled out of Theoden and reached for a cloth. He wiped the King's seed away and dropped the cloth on the floor by the bed.

He curled up next to Theoden and smiled as the King's arms went around him, holding him close to his body. "That was wonderful," Theoden said as he basked in the afterglow of their blissful union.

"That it was," Aragorn agreed. He was glad that Theoden had allowed them to take this comfort in each other. Come tomorrow they would leave for Helm's Deep and Aragorn knew not what tragedy would befall them.

They talked softly together about the events that were to unfold before them tomorrow and Theoden did indeed feel comforted by Aragorn's attentions and friendship. "I am glad you are here my friend."

"Aye, I will be here until this is all finished. If we keep hope in our hearts we can conquer whatever Sauron and Saruman can throw at us."

They talked well into the night until both men drifted off into sleep, each knowing that the next day could very well be their last as they faced the trials and tribulations of open war.

*****

THE END

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