Forgiveness Kiss: A Legolas and Aragorn Fanfic

The Way Forward

 Aragorn woke up, blinking in the sunlight that spilled into his bedroom. It was late; Aragorn was usually up and about before dawn. But then, it had been a most unusual night. He stared at the ceiling above him and thought back to the events of the night before. 

 He and Arwen were finished. She had taken it well, all things considered. In the library, Aragorn sat down with her and told her everything. Except how he felt about Legolas. Aragorn wasn't sure quite what to make of that himself, and didn't want to complicate things further. When he finally finished, Arwen reached across the table between them and took his hands in her own. There were tears in her eyes.

 "Aragorn," she said softly. "It's alright. I know our relationship has been... strained, for some time now. And I know I have contributed to that. You are wonderful, and deserve to be loved as you are. I'm so sorry for making you feel unworthy. Are you able to forgive me?"

 "Of course," Aragorn replied. They stood and embraced before exiting the library together. 

 "Will you join me for supper?" Arwen asked. "By now everyone else has finished eating, but I'm sure we could raid the kitchen. It would be just like when we were kids."

 Aragorn smiled at the memory of he and Arwen sneaking into the kitchen for a midnight feast after staying up late reading in the library. They would be exhausted the next morning.

 "Thank you, but I think I'm just going to go to bed. It's been a long day." 

Arwen nodded in agreement. "Of course, you should rest after your journey. Perhaps I will see you at breakfast tomorrow?"

 Aragorn smiled once again. Now that he had confessed his true feelings, it was as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. 

 "Yes," he replied. "Breakfast would be perfect."

                                                                                     ***

 Aragorn's thoughts were interrupted by a knock at his bedroom door. He sat up and tried to smooth the tousled blankets.  "You may enter," he called out. 

 Elrond swept into the chamber. His piercing gaze took in Aragorn's disheveled appearance. 

 "Welcome home, Aragorn," the Elf said warmly. "I thought I would check in on you and make sure you were feeling well. I know you and Legolas must not get much rest while running around on your hunting trips, but I can't recall the last time you slept this late in the day."

 It was rare that anyone visited Aragorn in his bedroom; he was almost always found in the library or somewhere on the grounds. He glanced around the room, suddenly realizing how unkempt it was. He sat up straighter, feeling self-conscious. 

 "Yes, I am well. However, I was wondering...." There was no going back now. "If I could speak to you about something." 

 Elrond's brow furrowed in concern. "Is everything alright? Did you and Legolas run into any goblins while you were away?"

 "No, nothing of that kind." Aragorn took a deep breath. He reminded himself how good it had felt to finally tell Arwen the truth. He had to believe telling Elrond would have the same outcome. 

  Aragorn, unable to sit still any longer, rose from his bed and began to pace the room. "I come from a long line of Kings, many whom have given in to their own weaknesses. That same blood runs through my veins. My mother was an Elf, but that does not make me immune to the shortcomings of Men. I may be able to help the people of Gondor, but I may also be its downfall. A Steward born in the White City would be able to care for it better than a Ranger ever could.

 "Does my fear of what the future holds make me weak? Perhaps. But I recognize that right now my path leads away from Gondor." Aragorn finally ceased his pacing and met Elrond's gaze.

 "I understand that you want the best for me, and for the people of Gondor. But I do not want to be King. I have made my decision, and I want you to respect it."

 For a moment there was silence. Then Elrond crossed the room and laid a hand on Aragorn's trembling shoulder. 

 "You are right," the Elf said quietly. "I wanted you to be aware of your lineage, and the responsibilities that come with it. I thought your decision to not take the throne was foolish, and that you would change your mind if I discussed it with you further. However, it was wrong of me to do so. I see now that putting pressure on you did nothing but push you away. I am sorry, Aragorn."

 "I forgive you," Aragorn replied. 

 The Man and Elf stood quietly for a few moments, each lost in his own thoughts. It was Aragorn who broke the silence.

 "Do you suppose it's too late for me to meet Arwen for breakfast?"

 Elrond chuckled. "It is closer to lunchtime than breakfast at this moment, but I'm sure she would be glad to see you nonetheless." 

 As he was leaving the room, Elrond turned. 

 "Aragorn, do not think too little of yourself," he said kindly. "There are many weak men in your bloodline, but there is strength as well. Strength that I know you posses. Whatever path you choose, I believe that you will do great things."

 Elrond closed the door before Aragorn could reply. Pondering those last words, he crossed his room and procured a quill and some parchment from his desk. 

 Arwen was waiting for him.

 But first, Aragorn had a letter to write.