Fan Fiction ❯ Trick to Love ❯ Memories ( Prologue )

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters *sob* J. R. R. Tolkien, the greatest writer of all time, does.

A/N: This is just some crazy little thing that came from a weird dream I had. Some things may be like the books, some like the movies, some my own interpretation. Please don't yell at me if something is different than a book or something; it's just fanfic. I know some things may be OOC, but love will do strange things to people after all! But do tell me if I spell something wrong, etc. This is my first slash story I've ever posted, so bear with me. I know I can't measure up to all of you wonderful slash writers out there! But I do hope that someone will read this. Comments welcome, flames will be laughed at.

~~ means a flashback or memory

'' means thoughts

Trick to Love

Prologue: Memories

Aragorn sat on the banks of the stream, the gentle breeze stirring his bangs and bringing with it the sound of soft Elvish music. He sighed, closing his eyes and laying back in the soft grass as he became lost in memory.

~Rivendell~

"What are you dreaming about, my old friend?"

Aragorn jumped, the question taking him unawares. "Gandalf! You startled me."

The old wizard chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "You have become quite distracted as of late, Aragorn. What are you thinking of? Arwen?"

"No," Aragorn shook his head. "Not Arwen."

Gandalf nodded as if he weren't surprised. "Elrond told me you no longer wished to marry her."

Aragorn leaned over the railing of the balcony, looking down into the gardens surrounding the Last Homely House. His eyes quickly found the one he sought, shining like a star amongst the flowers. "I do not love her, Gandalf. I thought I did. But she has become more of a sister to me." He shook his head. "I cannot allow her to give up her immortality for me when I do not truly love her."

Gandalf looked at him thoughtfully. Once more, Aragorn seemed to be lost in thought. He gazed down into the garden, a soft smile on his face. "So," he said, joining the Ranger at the railing, "how did she take it?" He followed Aragorn's eyes, looking to see who it was he was staring at.

Aragorn shrugged, still distracted. "Surprisingly well. She said she had suspected that I loved another, and that we had moved almost too fast in our decision. That she did not wish to keep me from my love."

Gandalf chuckled, "I'll bet Elrond was pleased. He didn't truly want his daughter to be mortal, but as long as she was happy, he wouldn't say anything."

"Except that I had to be king," Aragorn reminded him. They both laughed.

Gandalf looked back out into the garden. He thought he had found who it was that Aragorn was watching. After all, there was only one person in that section of the garden. Legolas. He smiled. The prince sat under a tree, gazing up at the stars. 'Well, well,' the wizard mused.

Aloud he said, "So, you love another. May I ask who?"

Aragorn sighed. "It does not matter, Gandalf. It is a love not returned, and therefore..."

"And therefore," interrupted Gandalf, "a love that's driving you mad. Come now, my friend. Tell me. Perhaps I can help. You're not supposed to have secrets among friends, you know."

The Ranger glanced at him. It wouldn't hurt to tell his trusted friend. And judging from the mischievous twinkle in the wizard's eyes, he knew that he'd be found out anyhow. "Alright," he said. "You'll find out anyway, won't you?" Gandalf nodded. "But why are you so concerned?"

"Because," Gandalf answered, finally tired of this game, "you sit around and sigh. You constantly are daydreaming. You're distracted...it's not like you Aragorn. And I'm guessing that it's the youngest Prince of Mirkwood that has you in such a state."

Aragorn gaped at him, his eyes wide. "H-how did you know?" Surely he had not been that obvious...

Gandalf laughed. "I was only guessing. And you just confirmed my guess. Well that, and the fact that you watch him from across the room, switch seats in the Hall to be closer to him, stare at him during meals, the list goes on. And of course," he added, "he's the only one in the area of the garden you keep staring at."

Aragon winced. "Am I really that obvious?"

"Mm, hmm," Gandalf nodded.

"Does everyone know?" Aragorn asked.

"No," Gandalf said. Only those who pay any attention to you. Arwen, myself, Elrond, several others..." he trailed off.

"Wonderful," Aragorn groaned. "So everyone knows."

"Pretty much," the wizard agreed. "Everyone except Legolas, that is. He doesn't seem to have noticed."

"That's just great," grumbled Aragorn. "Everyone except the one I love knows that I love him."

Gandalf patted his shoulder comfortingly. "Maybe I can help."

"Wizards' schemes often go awry, Gandalf."

"True," he said. "But you are my friend. And I hate seeing you so miserable. It's quite depressing. And it will give me something besides our upcoming quest to think about. Now, I must go and find Elrond. He thinks it's about time you two get together as well." He turned and hurried off in search of Elrond, laughing merrily.

'Is everyone in on this little conspiracy?' thought Aragorn. He smiled to himself, watching the figure in the garden. 'I certainly hope your little game does work, my friend.'

~Lorien~

He sighed, and sat back up. Gandalf, his dear old friend, was gone now. Whatever game the wizard had been planning to get he and Legolas together couldn't be played now. He didn't really understand why Gandalf had wanted to play matchmaker...meddlesome wizards. He grinned. He stood, brushing a few stray blades of grass from his clothes, and headed back to the Fellowship, hoping Legolas would be there at the "camp."

TBC