Chapter Text
If there was anything that Aragorn owned mixed feelings on, it was on how he had now a full control of his education. Leaving school was a variety of emotions for everyone. Vast majority were glad it was finally over to move to something new. However, Aragorn found himself feeling rather lost, that his school years had suddenly swept away, like sand in the wind.
But he wasn’t saddened by it. The school he had spent so many years at had a sixth form, and fortunately all of his companions had decided to stay onto the sixth form with him. The nearest college’s for A levels were a good long bus or train ride into the city centre which was quite far from the area Aragorn called Home. Aragorn had never worried about his A levels, or school in general. His adoptive father, Elrond, had always made sure he was confident with his work and paths. The letters written on the sheet in the brown envelope on results day had shown Aragorn was indeed confident and not afraid of his paths. Elrond was rather distant, as a father figure to Aragorn, but in his own way he helped Aragorn through.
Aragorn swirled his fingers through the crisp water of the large pond, thinking about the days events and those yet to come. Such as the beginning of his new year of school. Giving out a small sigh, Aragorn sat up from his hunched over position and shook his fingers lightly to dry them of water Aragorn had a small tight feeling in his gut that made him uneasy, he felt as if something.. Not quite right might happen. But he couldn’t quite place his finger on it. So he had come here. The large pond at the foot of the large garden hidden in between two willow trees. Aragorn always found himself down here when his thoughts were troubled. To think. Though the entire garden in general was his friend when he had a head ache from worries. With beautiful willows, maples and blossom trees and stone furniture that had delicate decorations carved into them. This garden was sure to calm the mind of anyone.
Aragorn rubbed his face tiredly despite the sun was not even setting yet. He turned just in time to see a figure make their way out the back door. He squinted and then eased seeing it was only Boromir. He felt a small smile spread on his lips as the brunette gave a disorientated look as he searched for Aragorn. Shaking his head, he made his way out from his spot. Bless his friend, he always seemed to forget which direction the hidden pond was. And to say they had known each other in the amount of time they had. A great grin hit Boromir’s lips the moment he saw Aragorn.
"Your old man said you’d be out here," he explained, earning a short chuckle from Aragorn.
”He ask why you came over?” Aragorn asked, as his adoptive father was cautious though he never turned down guests. Boromir shook his head.
“Nah, told me where you were then he gave me the eyebrow." Again, earning another chuckle from Aragorn as Boromir did his imitation of Elrond’s expression which was an inside joke between the two of them. Aragorn shook his head, smile fading gently and he cleared his throat.
”So what’s up?” He asked Boromir, who had made his way fully down the long garden path and was now a few paces from his friend.
”Assuming you didn’t get my text,” Boromir began, rolling his eyes whilst nodding towards the pond and hand waving to the whole garden in general; Aragorn never took his phone with him in the garden. Another thing Boromir seemed to forget and become irritated at Aragorn over the fact he forgot.
”Party goin’ off at Bag end. Wonderin’ if you were up for it?” Boromir tilted his head as he watched Aragorn, who was giving a thoughtful glance at the ground.
”I’d imagine everyone will be turning up then?” Aragorn asked with a smile whilst looking back up at Boromir who replied with a nod.
”Aye, though Frodo said Bilbo wanted it to be family ish gathering and not a rave hosted by savage drunken teens” Aragorn gave a short laugh and shook his head again.
”No, that does sound very Bilbo.” Aragorn commented before sighing and raising his eyebrows in interest
"So, you bringing your old man along?” Aragorn asked his friend. Boromir gave a scowl and shook his head with a hiss.
"God no, but he doesn’t want to go anyway, miserable git. Sides he said he sees it a chance to be rid of my brother” he gave Aragorn a dangerous look whilst shaking his head. Aragorn only found himself sighing sadly. The hate that Boromir’s father held for his younger brother, Faramir, wasn’t healthy and normal for any parent. At first, Aragorn would have told himself he was someone to talk; never knowing his parents. But Elrond always assured him his parents had died, they had been stripped of the chance to bring up and love such a wonderful son. Aragorn had tried to avoid thought on his parents since then.
"Well, I suppose I’ll go and ask Elrond if he wants to come?” Boromir brought Aragorn back from his thoughts. Aragorn gave a grin.
“Well I’ll definitely be going if he agrees” Boromir gave a laugh,
“All better then!” He gave Aragorn’s shoulder a small thump and then motioned up the garden to the back door. Aragorn nodded and they made their way back up the path. Aragorn led his friend through the back door into the kitchen only to be greeted by Elrond, who sat at the table, glasses perched on his nose. He stared down at his newspaper with a aggressive manner until he looked up and noticed the young men that had just entered the kitchen and his expression eased.
”So you succeeded in retrieving him.” Elrond said to Boromir, the faintest twitch of the corner of his lip. Boromir gave a nod and frowned.
“I always forget about that bloody fish pond” Elrond simply shook his head whilst peering back at his paper, moving to close it as he spoke.
"There are no fish in the pond, Boromir. Only the odd pond skaters that come and go on the surface. Those and the lillies” He explained in a calm and slow tone. Aragorn gave Boromir an awkward smile before turning to his father figure.
"Do you have anything important on tonight?” Aragorn asked, Elrond’s eyes meeting his adoptive son’s face. The older man shook his head, the strands of long brown hair that slid over his shoulders wavered as he shook his head.
"No. Why would you ask?” He tilted his head to the side curiously as he removed his reading glasses, holding them still in his hand.
"Boromirs told me Bilbo and Frodo are holding a gathering.” He explained. Elrond rose an eyebrow and gave a faint smile.
"I'd imagine our presence is wanted?” Elrond asked as he folded up the newspaper after putting his glasses down in their case.
“Then we’ll go if it isn’t a problem. I was starting to worry. It would be only a matter of time before Thranduil throws his own party and I doubt neither of you be reminded of what those are like.” He said in a cool tone but looked to both Aragorn and Boromir in an accusing fashion. Aragorn felt Boromir shuffling beside him.
Thranduil was the father of Aragorn’s mellow and rather silent friend, Legolas. Anyone would guess they were father and son glancing at them, but their personalities were utter opposites on the scale. Though Legolas was a very adaptable and understanding person, he didn’t exactly agree on his fathers.. Ways. He had told Aragorn this, and while Aragorn thought it a slightly concerning matter, Legolas had just laughed and shook it off. Indeed neither of them needed to be reminded of Thranduil’s parties and what happened at them. Aragorn and Boromir of all people. Memories they'd rather not go back to.
“I’ll go and get changed then.” He said before nodding at them and leaving the room. Boromir gave a snort. Aragorn turned and scowled at him.
“What are you snorting over?” Boromir shook his head and stifled a giggle, waving his hand to dismiss. Aragorn shook his head.
“Where’s Faramir?” Aragorn asked his friend. Boromir gave his eye a rub and waved his hand in a random direction.
”He’s already up there. No doubt tryin’ to flounce round with Eowyn.” Aragorn gave a scoff and shook his head.
”And so what if he is? Do you not like her or something?” Aragorn questioned in which Boromir shook his head defensively to.
”No, no I do like her. She’s got brains as well as..” Aragorn eyed Boromir, his eyes telling him to carry on. Boromir faulted.
”..Balls?” Aragorn finished for him.
"Shut up.” Boromir grumbled but smirked all the less. He then gave Aragorn a nudge with his elbow, causing Aragorn to grin.
"I just don’t want Faramir to get hurt y’know? Pretty girl comes along, has it all, she’s “the one” Faramir gives her everything and then she’ll throw it back in his face. S’just… We’ve seen it all before. And my brother goes through enough hurt as it is.” Aragorn gave a nod of understanding and put a hand on his friend’s shoulder.
"Call me a twat, but some things you have to let happen.” Aragorn said softly. “Maybe you have to let Faramir go about, setting his heart on whoever, and maybe he’s wise already, but most likely it’ll teach him. Love is a horrible thing, mate. And even when you’ve got the best one of them all, something is going to come along and take that away. It’s how life works. It’s cruel.”
Aragorn was then referring to Elrond. From what Elrond had told him, Elrond’s wife had been beautiful. They had met at University through a night class of Latin. From stories he’d heard (mainly through other family members) their romance was one from a fairytale it seemed. They got married, had children and then she had died after a long battle with a rare form of Cancer that Elrond had never been able to talk of. Aragorn had never been told her name from Elrond directly, but his siblings and foster grandparents had. Celebrian was honestly a beautiful name, Aragorn had thought. He had also only seen one picture of her, and it sat in a small silver frame on Elrond’s bedside table. She had had long pale, blonde hair, caring eyes and a warm smile.
Boromir gave a sigh and nodded. “Aye okay..” Aragorn patted Boromir’s shoulder before removing his hand.
”If he comes out with a broken heart. All I can advise is be there for him” Boromir gave a beam and nodded.
“Not like I already aren’t but I will” he gave a nod and then the two exchanged smiles. Elrond then came back more appropriately dressed from his work clothes. He gave Aragorn a nod towards his own outfit.
”Are you not changing?” He asked to which Aragorn responded with a shake of his head.
”Well there are no first impressions to be made,” Elrond said with a smile as he began to make his way out of the room. Aragorn turned to Boromir and gave him a pretend look of hurt. Boromir sniggered, pushing Aragorn in front of him to move him out the door.
”The house wont be empty too long will it? What time did you say Elladan and Elrohir were getting back?” Aragorn asked his foster father.
"They told me they’d be back for six." Elrond responded, this giving Aragorn a small smile. It had been a good two weeks and the house had been too empty without them. Elladan and Elrohir were Elrond’s twin sons and Aragorn’s older foster brother’s. As well as being the thoughtful, obvious sons to Elrond, they also had a fun side and had gotten Aragorn through a lot with their cheery natures. Aragorn wondered if the pair had gotten this from their mother or it was a stereotypical twin thing.The two had been on a two week long trip across the country in celebration after finishing their time at University and Aragorn could certainly say he had missed their presence in the house.
Elrond picked his keys and phone up from table in the hall to the door and turned to Aragorn as he fumbled with his keys.
”Should I take my keys?” Aragorn asked, knowing that Boromir would probably weave some way of getting him to stay late somewhere with him. Elrond nodded without looking up and gave a small ‘mmm’ to accompany it. Aragorn turned on his heel swiftly to charge upstairs to retrieve his keys, and phone, from his room. Once he had fetched them, Elrond shut the door after the two young adults had left the house and locked it.
Elrond pocketed the keys and motioned onward. Boromir gave a grin and ran a hand through his own mousey hair as they began to walk. The Baggins only lived several streets from Aragorn. Just on the fine line between different neighborhoods, and different they were.
* * *
The village Frodo Baggins lived in was named The Shire and it was a lovely one to live in. Everyone knew it was one of the most fought over places to own a piece of property there, even if it was a small field. The Shire had small, but very cosy little homes but big doors of different colours and The Shire was notable for every house having a wonderful little front garden. Even though Aragorn had only ever been in Frodo’s back garden, he’d dream to think of all the back gardens in the village. He could see why when people managed to buy a property there, tended to stay there for the rest of their lives. Not only was it absolutely beautiful, but left you with a mortgage that meant you couldn’t live anywhere else..
Frodo lived with his uncle, after his parents passed as a child, and his uncle’s partner, Thorin. Frodo had said Thorin wasn’t entirely cheerful and usually kept a stone faced expression, but he made his uncle Bilbo happy so he soon forgot his fear of Thorin. Before they met, Aragorn thought Frodo to be the timid type, though this wasn’t the case once you got to know him. Plus, Frodo said even though Thorin didn’t smile and joke too much, his nephews, Fili and Kili, did and came to visit every few weeks to stay from weekends to the whole week. Fili and Kili, even though they had one or so years gap between them, they were a living image of tweedledum and tweedledee. Aragorn had only brief encounters with the two, due to his friend Gimli having grown up with the two, but it was safe to say, Aragorn could describe them as mad as a bag of cats. (And sometimes, just sometimes, they seemed to share a brain cell between them both.) Fili was of the same age as Aragorn and Kili would be the youngest of his social group. It was a wonder he was in the same year being so young. It was probably due to him being just too old to be in the year below.
Soon enough, they arrived at the front of Frodo’s house, with several cars pulled up on the drive, and Aragorn knew Boromir hadn’t used this as an excuse to get him out as he had done so before, to his annoyance. They stood in a horizontal line in front of the big, green front door, with a small sign that read “Bag End” on the side of the door. Elrond gave the door a quick knock. Several moments later, the door swung open and Frodo beamed up at them all.
”Elrond! Hey guys, aah, it’s great you all made it!” He greeted cheerily as he spread his arms and moved out to give Elrond a hug. Elrond gave a small chuckle and embraced him.
”Indeed, on such short notice young man.” Frodo gave a sheepish laugh as the two parted from the hug.
"I’m sorry, I am, but I didn’t disagree on the idea of a gathering either. Besides it’s known you can work with short notice, Elrond.” Frodo nodded with his eyebrows raised. Aragorn and Boromir exchanged grins as their shorter friend proceeded to sass Elrond. Elrond simply gave a shrug and smiled. Frodo looked up to Aragorn and Boromir with a grin and then motioned behind him, inviting them in.
”Come on, come on, let’s go in. Faramirs been asking when you’d get here already” Frodo directed at Boromir who’s responsive was a small smirk.
"Jesus, it’s been ten minutes.” Boromir muttered as they went through the door, Frodo shutting it behind them. For his age, Frodo was quite short, though it must be in his genes as Bilbo was short as well, but Aragorn thought that could have something to do with age too. Frodo lead them through the hall and Aragorn couldn’t help but smile seeing Frodo was once as always, bare foot. That too seemed to run in the family; the love of being bare foot.
”Uncle, we’ve got more company!”
Aragorn heard a hearty laugh before they turned into the living room, to see it was already filled with several guests. Music filled the few spaces of the room where speech and laughter did not. On odd surfaces were bowls of crips, nuts and various other munchies, sometimes accompanied by few glasses of numerous drinks of different volumes by their sides. Either drinks that had been forgotten or left by their owners while they went off somewhere. In the middle of the room, on the centre of the huge rug that covered most of the floor, was Bilbo, an arm linked Thorin who was by his side. Both with huge grins on their faces. Bilbo and Thorin were busily chatting with their close friend, Balin before turning and noticing Frodo lead Elrond, Boromir and Aragorn in. He gave a great laugh and held his free arm out in a welcoming gesture.
"Elrond! Fantastic you made it, I’m so sorry about it being so sudden.” Elrond shook his head with a raised hand as he strode forward to meet his friend with a quick embrace.
"How are things?” Elrond asked, giving a small nod and smile to Thorin who responded like wise. Thorin and Elrond had few disagreements and preferred not to talk to each other. Although, he didn’t ignore him completely, which to Elrond thought was rude so he always made small talk at gatherings such as the one they were at to be polite. Aragorn admired his foster father for that.
”Things are great thanks! And you? Is your daughter still away with her grandparents?” Bilbo asked whilst nodding, Aragorn couldn’t help but compare him to the nodding bulldogs that you used to see in the backs of cars. He glanced at Boromir by his side and saw a smirk on his lips. No doubt his friend was thinking the same. Aside that, Bilbo seemed to have drunk a little. Though it was heading on to late evening. They’d all be sipping something. It was a Friday after all. Elrond gave a curt nod.
”Yes, Arwen is back in a week or so. The twins are also still away at the moment.” Bilbo’s eyebrows shot up before furrowing down again.
”Yes? Not causing trouble are they?” He asked a little too suspiciously. Though it was expected when Bilbo had to keep an eye on Fili and Kili when they came charging around Bag end. Elrond gave a laugh.
”No, no. They went traveling across the country. They’ve just finished University.” Bilbo burst into a grin once more.
"Oh bless them! Give them my congrats when they get home. My they grow up fast. Don’t you be growing up in the blink of an eye, Frodo!” Bilbo turned to Frodo and jabbed a finger at him with a grin. Frodo simply shrugged his shoulders with a chortle. There was a small chorus of laughter before Bilbo glanced between Aragorn and Boromir.
"And are you two young fellas getting on fine? Not worried too much on starting A levels right?” Aragorn responded with a shake of his head.
”I’m not too worried, more or less curious to see who’ll have to teach me for two years.” He said, earning a small chuckle from both Bilbo and Boromir.
”Nah, it’ll be a pleasure to teach you. It’s me they best worry ‘bout.” Boromir said, Aragorn turned to him and shook his head.
”Shut it.” Bilbo patted both of their shoulders with a somewhat proud smile and nodded.
”You’ll both do great. Now, I best leave you both to find your friends. I understand it’s not cool to hang around us old bags all Friday night.” Bilbo held a pointed finger up in the air at Boromir and frowned as if trying to remember something.Then it clicked.
"Oh yes, Boromir. Faramir should be in the Kitchen” he said simply motioning in the direction of the kitchen. Boromir gave a nod and smiled.
"Thank you, we best go join him.” He said to both Bilbo and Aragorn. And with that, Aragorn found himself following Boromir through the few friends and relatives of Bilbo and Thorin to the kitchen. There they indeed found Faramir. He was sat at the breakfast bar, back to them, only thing clearly showing it was Faramir was a mop of strawberry blonde hair. Boromir slowly creeped over and landed firm hands on his brother’s back, causing him to jump and scowl up, saying something unpleasant to his older brother. Aragorn gave a laugh then made his way over. Faramir was hunched over his phone with a bottle of bud beside him on the counter.
"Hey Aragorn,” He greeted, turning around to face them before stuffing his phone into his pocket. Boromir gave a snort.
"Don’t say hello to Aragorn! Tell me who you were flaming texting” He prodded his younger brother’s shoulder and squinted his eyes. Faramir gave a deep sigh.
”It was Eowyn, can you shove off on the matter now?” But by Boromir’s grin, he wasn’t going to at all, before it then changed to a confused frown.
”She isn’t here yet?” Faramir shook his head, rubbing his eye before taking a quick drink from the bottle in front of him.
"Neither is Eomer or Theodin. They’re all coming together in about twenty minutes. Theodin had to sort something out to do with the horse yard or something.”
Theodin was quite wealthy for he owned a large horse yard and stables where riding lessons took place aside people paying rent for a section of the stables to keep their horses in. Both Eomer and Eowyn had their own horses and rode regularly and had done so since a young age. Another thing for Boromir to jab his brother with; Eowyn being a “horse bird”.
Boromir gave a thoughtful nod and took a seat next to Faramir, ushering Aragorn to sit in the seat beside him which he shook his head kindly to, preferring to stand up.
”D’you guys want a beer or anything?” Faramir asked, nodding his head over to the sink where all the glasses and drinks were sat.
“Jesus, Faramir. Check you hanging out with all the booze.” Boromir sniggered. Faramir gave his brother a dark look as he stood up, before glancing back to Aragorn. Aragorn gave a nod, giving a gentle smile. Faramir turned to head to the sink and took a bottle of bud from the sink of ice, opened it and handed it to Aragorn.
"Thanks,” Aragorn said as he opened the brown bottle and took a sip and felt himself at ease as the chilled liquid hit his throat. Truth be told, a cold beer did make things slightly better.
”So what are you taking this year, Aragorn?” Faramir asked curiously, causing Aragorn to scowl at Boromir.
”You not told him?” Aragorn tilted his head to one side, giving it a shake. Boromir grinned and held his hands out in defense.
"Thought I’d give you the pleasure.” Aragorn rolled his eyes mockingly and continued to shake his head.
"I expected more of you,"
"Jesus christ calm down you’re beginning to sound like my dad” Boromir said with a snort, Faramir gave a smirk. Aragorn swallowed before sticking his lips out and squinting.
”I told you, Boromir” He began in a put on voice of their father, Denethor,
”These cherry tomatoes from Aldi simply aren’t good enough.”
Boromir covered his face with his hands and shook his head. Faramir lowered his head with his eyes squeezed shut and was laughing into his budweiser bottle.
”Bloody hell, Aragorn."
"I quite clearly instructed you to go into M&S!" Aragorn continued, waving a finger at Boromir.
"Don’t remind me of that incident." Boromir muttered, holding a hand up to shield his personal space from Aragorn's jabbing finger.
"M&S, BOROMIR!" Aragorn pressed on, earning a snort from Faramir. Boromir gave a grin and waved his hands in front of Aragorn's face.
"Okay I get the bloody picture, give over. And remember there are guys here friends with my dad.”
Aragorn gave a short laugh. “Unlucky sods.” He muttered as he broke out of character into a grin. Faramir deserved the laughter however, so he felt no regret.
”I’ve taken English Language and Literature, Geology, Law and Latin” Aragorn said, going back to answering the original question, earning an impressed look from Faramir.
”You’re going on with Latin then? Jesus, no doubt some job place will snatch you up in an instance focusing on a dead language.” He said with the slight tracings of sarcasm. Aragorn grinned and gave him a nudge.
”Elrond encouraged me to do it. So what about you? If you’re doing better subjects obviously.” He asked, Faramir took another sip from his bottle before blinking.
”Law, Buisiness and History. History is a big subject at A level with loads of trips so I didn’t go for four options. Plus there didn’t seem to be anything more exciting aside photography but there’s a lot of coursework in it. I figured it wouldn’t all be done with all the History trips.” Boromir gave a loud laugh.
"So coursework amount outweighed being with Eowyn on your own did it?" He asked in a teasing manner and Faramir looked as if he wanted to slap Boromir.
”No, we’ve talked about this already you cunt. I can spend time with her whenever I want.” He snapped defensively, and Aragorn could see the faintest blush on his cheeks, causing him to grin. Faramir was honestly that rare breed of gentleman. Faramir cleared his throat turning his attention back to Aragorn.
”So we’ve all taken Law at least so that’s something we can all help each other in.” Faramir said in which Aragorn nodded in reply to.
”So who is exactly here?” Aragorn then asked to change subject and out of general curiosity. Faramir looked around behind Boromir and Aragorn.
”Well, Thorin’s friends obviously. Merry and Pip are off somewhere with Fili and Kili.. Gimli ran down to the shop on the corner for some Guinness and I think Legolas and Tauriel are off in the garden. Those are main mental notes I made” Faramir responded.
Boromir gave a frown at the mention of Legolas and Tauriel.
”Those are nought but a pair of cats.” He grumbled causing Aragorn to smirk and raise his eyebrows, taking a drink.
”Pair of cats eh?” Aragorn replied with a little hiss and smirk. Boromir shot Aragorn a dark glare.
” 'Specially Tauriel" He muttered, looking away.
”Look, just because she attacked you with her shoe at prom doesn't mean you have to hang a grudge over her head for the rest of her life. Women get angry at men for reasons we don't know.” Aragorn said with a sigh. Faramir simply grinned.
"Build a bridge, get over it." Faramir dared to say, Boromir snapping a sharp look at it.
”You” Boromir scowled before puling for his own bottle of beer, Faramir giving another grin.
”Whatever, I'm just going to leave you both to your brotherly love. I’m off to go and say hi to Legolas before coming back in when Gimli gets back.” Aragorn said, waving a hand as he headed for the back door.
Boromir nodded and gave his friend a quick wave.
”I’ll see if I fancy rescuing you from being torn to pieces by the wild mountain lions.” Aragorn gave a shake of his head before exiting out the door.
The cool evening air hit his face and he breathed it in, beginning to make his way down the patio. Bilbo’s garden wasn’t the typical looking garden you’d see in The Shire. It had few things that were obviously put there by Thorin, such as large decorative rocks, few garden statues and various wind chimes. Despite this, they merged perfectly in with the greenery and even though Aragorn loved his own garden to pieces, he couldn’t help but feel tad envious that this is what Frodo got to live with.
Aragorn spotted Legolas and Tauriel wandering together at the foot of the garden, under the large oak that brought a canopy over them, wind chimes hanging down around them. No matter how many times they'd deny to being, or ever being, a couple, the clear aura that screeched "couple" hung around them. Aragorn had asked Legolas on this matter, not to be nosy but for help. Legolas was a bold character when he wanted to be but kept himself to himself and Aragorn had wondered maybe he didn't have the nerve to ask Tauriel out. She was a very fierce girl and very expressive. Legolas had simply shook his head saying he didn't have those type of feelings for her and Aragorn hadn't addressed the matter anymore, respecting Legolas' feelings.
Aragorn began making his way torwards them and once Legolas turned to see him, Aragorn gave a short wave. Legolas broke into a gentle smile and began making his way towards Aragorn.
”Aragorn, s’good to see you!” Legolas called out. Aragorn could see now that he and Tauriel had a bottle of Kopparberg in one hand.
Aragorn shook his head and smiled holding his arms out also and greeting the blonde with a short hug.
”You too.” He replied simply, giving a nod over at Tauriel behind him. Tauriel gave a friendly smile and nodded back. Tauriel knew how to keep herself to herself, like Legolas, despite her fiery attitude. She was not one to mess with but Aragorn had found she was actually understanding and was willing to listen.
”I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to see you over the holidays. How have you been?” Legolas asked, still a smile on his lips. Aragorn gave a moment to look over Legolas’ hair, neatly brushed as always, before responding.
”It’s fine, we’ve all been busy. My holidays haven’t been overly eventful but not to the point where I’m sat on my arse all day doing fuck all.” Aragorn said before taking a drink from his own bottle he had brought out.
”You?” He asked once he’d swallowed. He could see Tauriel glancing around their surroundings politely, Aragorn felt slightly awkward and not wanting to feel he was keeping Legolas from her or worse yet, had intruded on a private conversaion topic between them. Legolas gave a faint smile.
”My holidays have been eventful, I can say… My dads made sure I’ve been busy.” The blonde gave a roll of his eyes. Aragorn raised his eyebrows and tilted his head towards Legolas, offering his attention. While everyone knew Thranduil to be one to hold giant parties, not everyone knew he had a poor relationship with his son. Aragorn tended to want to help anyone in anyway he can but found he had a soft spot for those with parents who treated them ill or not to full standard as a parent.
Again, Aragorn found himself looking over Legolas’ hair once more. There didn’t seem to be anything new, since they had known each other, Legolas had always had long, thin platinum hair that draped over his shoulders. Most days he braided it around the back and had it pulled back.
Aragorn’s own hair was a thick, wavy mop of brunette but he liked it that way. He wouldn’t say his hair was special of any kind, just made him look scruffy and rather hobo like, but people always admitted Aragorn had stunning facial hair for his age. Aragorn had only allowed to grow a full beard once to see how it was, and it reminded him of how thick his hair actually was. Unlike Aragorn, Legolas had extremely thin looking hair that looked like silk.
”So what subjects are you going into this year?” Aragorn blinked, realising Legolas had asked him a question. He smiled sheepishly, not wanting to show his embarrassment and cleared his throat and nodded.
”I’ve taken English Language and Literature, Geology, Law and Latin.” He explained, earning a curious look from Legolas.
”And what about you? Have you carried on music from your GCSE’s?” He asked inquisitively to which Legolas nodded happily at.
”Yes, I’ve taken Music at A level along with Philosophy and Ethics, Geology and Latin.” The blonde gave Aragorn a tender smile.
”I’m not sure if we’ll be in the same Geology class, but head of department didn’t lie to me and said very few have taken Latin at A level. So it’s a definite we’ll be in the same class. Which’ll be nice. We weren’t in any classes through the past two years.” The blonde’s smile grew, showing how positively cheery he was over this matter.
Behind him, Tauriel looked back to Aragorn and heaved a sigh along with a sad smile. Legolas looked back to her then gave Aragorn a disappointed look.
”Tauriel couldn’t take it because her option blocks wouldn’t work out for it. So she had to take another subject instead.”
Aragorn felt a pang of annoyance for her, it must have been irritating for her.
”Jeez, sorry that's happened." He said, trying to sound sympathetic, to which she waved a hand in dismiss.
"No, it's fine. We can't always get what we want." She said with a shrug and short smile.
"What did you take instead?” Aragorn asked her, tilting his chin up in curiousity. She gave a slight smile as if glad to be asked by someone, which made Aragorn feel kinda sad, it gave the impression that nobody had been asking her about her options and choices, and what she wanted to do in the future.
”History.” She replied and the corner of her mouth plucked up and she shrugged. “Which isn’t too bad I guess, lots of trips which is a plus side to it, but at the end of the day.. I would have preferred to do Latin.” Aragorn found himself giving a gentle nod.
"There are always other ways to do it of course, like night classes" He suggested knowing she'd probably stressed this option.
"But remember, just because you don't have a qualification in something doesn't mean you can't do it. I didn't do music yet I can play the guitar fine." Aragorn continued, earning a smile from Tauriel, which was a relief he found.
”Aragorn!” A gruff voice called out, causing him to turn around and seeing Gimli, stood at the back door with his arms up, a thick can of Guinness in one hand.
”Returned with your treasure I see!” Aragorn called with a laugh, beckoning him over after taking a couple of steps away from Legolas and Tauriel.
"Aye!" He called out in reply, marching over with a grin. Over the course of the summer, Gimli’s beard had definitely grown even more and now was a thick tangled mess of ginger. No doubt however, it made him look twice his age which knowing Gimli, was probably the effect he was going for.
Gimli opened his arms and Aragorn returning the quick embrace, Gimli thumping him on the back entusiastically. He was also more strapping, stocky and muscular since they last saw each other. Despite this, Gimli was quite short, not as short as Frodo but enough to turn a head, but that also could be due to the hair of a norse god.
Gimli then acknowledged Legolas and Tauriel, giving them both curt nods and asking them how their summers were. Tauriel simply gave a short smile and nodded saying it was "fine". Legolas added in and explained it could have been better but he was relieved to be finally reunited with his friends, then proceeded to ask Gimli of his summer. The shortest of the group gave a roar of laughter before taking a quick sip from his can.
”Absolutely fantastic. We went to Stump Cross Caverns few week ago. Thorin and Bilbo might not have come. Bloody love birds” Gimli gave a huge roll of his eyes causing the rest of the group to chuckle.
”Also, Boromir sent me to come get you, Aragorn.. Eowyn and Eomer got ‘ere and well,” He gave a snort before delivering the next part.
”Boromir told me to say summat about a third wheel to you.”
Aragorn shook his head and grinned. Bless Boromir.
”Alright, I’m on my way back in.” Gimli gave a cheery smile before nodding to Legolas and Tauriel and turning to head back inside. Aragorn turned to Legolas and Tauriel.
”I’ll see you both later or something?” He asked receiving a nod from both. Aragorn returned the nod and then went to follow Gimli.
As Gimli had said, Eomer and Eowyn had arrived and were with the two brothers in the kitchen. Eowyn sat rather closely to Faramir beside him on another stool, smiling all the time while Eomer stood rather stiffly next to Boromir. Aragorn saw he was trying to keep a conversation going and failing at it. Deciding to rescue him, Aragorn stepped him and greeted the group. Boromir’s face lit up in relief. Eomer gave a short smile to Aragorn as greeting. Eowyn burst into a grin and gave a small wave of her hand in an adorable manner.
”Hey, Aragorn.” She said softly. “How was your summer?”
Aragorn felt suddenly awkward. Eowyn must have had a thing for him at one bit, it was blantantly obvious as several years back she would do anything to be working with him in class or to be near him. At least it was a good sign if you doubted if she liked you or not, she let you know if she liked you or didn't like you. Aragorn (and Boromir) still couldn't understand why Faramir had his doubts to her liking him, she quite clearly showed him she was interested. She gave attention to those she admired and liked. He gave a small smile and shrugged.
”It was average, glad that it’s over to start A levels.” He explained, feeling himself recite now. She nodded eagerly.
”What subjects have you taken? We all might be in the same classes, and if not that we could all revise together.” She suggested. Eomer gave a small chuckle, shaking his head. He seemed to be amused with how over eager she seemed to be about starting A level.
The group all traded options and all discovered they had all taken Law or Geology thus these being their main study topics to all do together as group study sessions. That and the same free periods.
An hour or so of the gathering had been by, jokes and shenanigans had taken place and it had started to become dark outside. The garden was now empty bar the odd people or small groups going out to smoke or people who just wanted fresh air. People like Legolas Aragorn had guessed.
Tauriel had come into the kitchen a while ago to mingle with a few of her other friends. Aragorn observed her talking with Fili and Kili. Kili bowing his head shyly, with a dopey smile plastered on his face when he looked up at her.
Uh oh. Aragorn couldn't help but think. He gave a smirk and decided he'd go out to search for Legolas, now he wouldn't be an intruder to Tauriel as he had felt.
Aragorn got Boromir’s attention by patting his shoulder.
"M'off outside for a bit.. Need some air." He explained as Boromir gave him a confused and concerned look. He eased at the explanation and nodded in response.
Suddenly, there was a comotion and Aragorn gave a quick glance back on his way to the door to see through the door to the living room, Merry and Pippin had dragged Fili and Kili away to no doubt challenge them to something that'd entertain majority of people. Both pairs had clearly took advantage of all the booze laying about. Nevertheless, the evenings entertainment.
Aragorn gave a small chuckle to himself and slipped away, outside as the din of laughter and beginning of singing gradually began to rise.
The garden was gently lit by the small lamps around the garden, lighting few flowers up. At the end of the garden in one corner, Aragorn spotted Legolas with his back to him. Legolas sat on a large, wooden bench in front of a large, ornate, red dragon statue. If Aragorn remembered, Frodo said it had been an engagement present from a friend of Thorin and Bilbo’s. The dragon gave off both the appearance of malice and magnificence. A guarder of the beautiful garden.
”You okay out here? On your own?” Aragorn called out. Legolas glanced over his shoulder and gave a small nod.
”Just needed a moment to think.. I rarely get time like this at home.” Aragorn nodded in understanding.
”I always retreat to the bottom of my garden when I need time.” He explained. Legolas raised his eyebrows and smiled in interest, then indicating him to come over by nodding beside him as he shuffled to make space. Aragorn made his way over.
”Is your garden still how it is last time I saw it?” He asked. Aragorn gave a broad smile as he remembered last time Legolas had been round in his garden, it had been a spring two years or so ago and Elrond had held a garden party for family and friends. It had changed then due to obvious reasons but not so much.
”Yeah, it still is." Aragorn nodded, whilst rubbing the back of his neck, almost forgetting he still had a beer bottle in hand. Legolas noticed and gave a slight chuckle, then waiting for Aragorn to continue further. Aragorn gave a pause, suddenly feeling nervous.
”Uh, except Arwen had some lillies put into the pond a while back.. To be honest it looks much nicer now, not that it didn't before you know.”
Legolas gave a soft smile and nodded in agreement.
”Yeah.. your garden has a very calming sense to it if I remember” He said in a hushed tone. Aragorn remembered Legolas' garden from the parties he'd been too, and mainly at night, it wasn't a pretty garden. A lot of talls trees grew in his garden which in itself was rare for a garden in his opinion. It gave the garden a dark feel to it under the canopy of leaves and it might as well have been a forest. Aragorn figured Legolas wanted somewhere to feel safe and relaxed in such as his own garden or here in Bilbo and Frodo's garden. Aragorn smiled and nudged Legolas’ shoulder with his own to ease the tension of the awkward silence.
”If you come over to mine when we study together you can see it again.” He offered. Legolas tilted his head.
”Studying together?”
Aragorn gave a gentle nod.
”We all planned as a group we’d study in the same subjects we’d done to make it easier. Seen as though you and me have taken Latin we can study and revise together if you’d like." He suggested before clearing his throat.
"Latin would require more revision at home than free periods I'd imagine.” Aragorn added sarcastically. Legolas gave a small, sheepish smile and rolled his eyes.
”Is this your way of saying you’ll need my help all through the course?” Aragorn scoffed and gave a grin.
”Good god, Legolas I was only being nice. No need to mock a common peasant like myself,” He gave a laugh and shoved the blonde a little bit in which Legolas gave a slight chortle to, pushing Aragorn back gently.
”No, no I’m kidding. ‘Course we can go over stuff together.. Is that all you came out and asked me about?”
Aragorn found himself pausing and wondering before shaking his head.
”No.” He responded as he realised himself, before taking a quick drink.
”I came out to give you company if you wanted any.” He explained. Legolas gave a big smile and chuckled.
”…Yeah, a bit of company would be nice, thanks.” He said, before glancing back over to the dragon statue. Aragorn couldn’t stop himself smiling even if he tried. Legolas just seemed to look extremely content here and he would be lying if he said he wasn't either. It was nice to be relaxed at Legolas' side, in a beautiful garden with the sun tucked under the horizon.
And to think, after this weekend they’d all be clad in new outfits and uniforms and all have a completely new look and aura about them. Then Aragorn discovered what the knot of unease in his gut had been all this while. Change. Things were going to change.