Aralas Oneshots

Horsetrip in Ithilien

The hooves of their horses were flying over the smooth sand of the beach. The wind ruffled the horses'  manes and the seagulls croakingly sang their song of laughter. When they looked right, they were greeted by the sun, who said goodbye to the world for the day, and on their left night was drawing closer already, embracing the trees and hills behind with its cold arms. They were on the edge of day and night, in between light and darkness. It was the time of day where nothing was certain, but the world was awaiting what would happen next. It was the time when the hare said goodnight to the fox and the stars were yet competing who was shining the brightest. It was a magical time, and they were surrounded by it.

Legolas laughed joyfully as Arod jumped over the root of a tree and he grazefully held himself in the saddle. Aragorn was right behind, egging Brego on to catch the swift elf. Both of them were a little out of breath already, as they had ridden from Legolas' small palace to the beach and were now having a race from one end to the other. This beach was Legolas' favourite spot in Ithilien after the wonderful forest around his palace. It was long and golden and the waves forever washed over the sand, their peace never disturbed by anyone. It was seldom someone came here other than animals, because in order to reach the beach, you had to climb down a narrow path next to a small waterfall, and not many dared to risk their heads on the slippery stones.

But Aragorn had turned up on a surprise visit to Ithilien, where Legolas was appointed as elven lord, and the elf wanted him to see all of his favourite places. He was very grateful he got the chance to live in this beautiful country which was Ithilien.

"Soon we'll have you, swift lord of Ithilien!", the king of Gondor said with his deep voice. Legolas heard the joyful undertone in his words.

"Not if I may decide, my king!", he called back to the man and sped up Arod even more. "Do not forget, that you have to deal with an elf. They are far more superior to all of your human races."

Aragorn grinned. Legolas could be so teasing sometimes. 

"Don't worry, I know my opposite, I've had the pleasure to live with our kin my whole childhood", he answered. "Don't think I cannot outdo you in both speed and grace."

The elf just laughed at the comment. "I am sure that you are capable of that, my king. Just let me know when you'll start surpassing me."

What a teasing little...! The man whispered something in Brego's ear and the horse gained speed and was now running next to Arod and Legolas. Carefully letting go of the reins in his hand, Aragorn reached out and grabbed the elf around his waist. Then he lifted him of his saddle, both of them still at a high gallop, and placed him right in front of him on Brego's back. Arod was confused, where his master had disappeared to so suddenly, but he kept on running next to Aragorn's horse.

At first, Legolas was too surprised to say anything, he just stared straight ahead, his mouth slightly opened in shock. 

"How dare you...?", he wanted to ask, but Aragorn interrupted him by placing one finger on the elf's mouth to stop him from talking.

"You see, even though I am a man, I am superior to you", he breathed into Legolas ear, which sent shivers down his spine from the intimacy of the moment. 

"Yes, yes, I oblige to you", he replied, starting to enjoy the ride, sitting pressed with his back against Aragorn. 

"Very good", Aragorn murmured, then slowed his horse.

"Hm?", Legolas asked, as he hadn't heard the man's words, because he was too distracted by the fact, that he could feel every muscle of the man behind him.

"Nothing", the other replied, but as Legolas turned his head a bit, he saw the sly grin on the man's face.

They came to a halt under a large silver linden tree, that strechted his arms out over the beach, trying to reach the water. Aragorn jumped off Brego and waited for Legolas to do the same, but the elf wouldn't move a bit.