Email: vipergx AT yahoo.com
Pairings:L/A
Rating: PG-13-R(Nothing hardcore, but just to be safe�)
Warnings: No major warnings, some brief minor violence, and perhaps a bit of kink.
Disclaimer: I am just having fun, I own nothing.
Feedback: Please, it gets me all fuzzy inside reading them.
Archive: Anywhere I guess, but I'd like to know beforehand.
Author's note: OK, well this was supposed to be for the Halloween Challenge, HOWEVER my computer died the day before it was due so I don't know if it qualifies for that anymore. But oh well. I still wanted to post it since I did finish it. Is unbetaed however. Oh and if the formatting is all messed up, I apologies in advance.
Summary: Aragorn visits his long-time friend Legolas at his home in Mirkwood, just in time for All-Hallows Eve.

The crisp autumn wind nipped at Aragorn's nose as he lazily rode through the woods. He wasn't in a hurry yet he kept a wary eye out at all times. He was never fond of passing through Mirkwood but this time it couldn't be helped. He smiled at some distant memory of his last trip up to the supposed haunted Forest and home of his long time friend Legolas.

He usually visited around summer time when it seemed less foreboding and he could camp outdoors instead of seeking shelter from the cold. He sighed and looked to the sky. It was nearing evening so he spurred his horse onward at a faster gallop. He was nearly there so he wasn't too concerned about timing. But he really did not wish to be out in the twisted forest after sundown. He was not a superstitious person, but even he was spooked once or twice during his ride through.

He didn't know how Legolas could stand it. However, he knew that the palace was a far different place than the forest. It was a monstrous fortress that truly could withstand almost anything. And Aragorn could barely wait to get there. As the path become more pronounced and less covered with vines and roots he noticed bunches of wild pumpkins growing. They were fairly large and deformed looking. Some didn't even resemble pumpkins but something twisted and morbid looking. How fitting, thought Aragorn as he gazed around the darkening wood.

Finally reaching the un-gated palace grounds, he finally was able to relax and almost drooped in his saddle out of relief. He had fought Orcs, Spiders and a number of other monstrous things and yet he cringed knowing he would have to go back through the same forest in a matter of days.

He was met by a pair of sentries who recognized him at once. They took his horse and led him around to the less formal entrance to the palace. It was not commonly used with guests but Aragorn preferred it to the more pompous affair with proper introductions and needless formalities. So he quickly made his way up the sweeping narrow stone staircase with vines and branches jutting through the stone walls. He liked surprising Legolas with his visits so when he reached the landing, he looked around making sure no one was around and seeing the coast clear, made his way to the room he knew to be his own. It was the same room he used for every visit. Slowly creaking the door open he smiled at the inviting scene. Candles were already lit and the stone-carved window covered in yards of vine was open to the night air. He looked out the window to admire the view. The forest was a blanket of black, barely recognizable. Looking below, he saw a few elves gathered in the courtyard talking and laughing. Looking towards the sky, he noticed the moon, almost full shining over the entire grounds. The air was quite chilly now and being so high up, it was also very breezy. He closed the window with the extremely heavy shutter and practically jumped on the bed for warmth and comfort. He didn't realize he would quickly fall into a deep slumber.

He felt an annoying tug, pulling him from the strangest dream. He frowned in his sleep and the tugging and shaking increased. Finally he opened his eyes to curse whatever it was that was interrupting his slumber. Instead, he grew speechless as he stared straight into the eyes of his closest friend.

"Finally! I have never seen anyone so deep in sleep. Are you alright?"

"Legolas. How kind of you to wake me," he added with a note of sarcasm.

Legolas smiled in return. "It is very late Aragorn. Dinner has passed but I have brought some for you. Was your journey horrible?"

Groggily sitting up, he regarded the normally stoic elf with a hint of amusement. "Why Legolas? Were you worried?"

Legolas shrugged and stole a piece of fruit from the platter. "No, merely curious. I know you do not like to travel to Mirkwood."

"Aye, you are right. However, I have no qualms about visiting with you. It has been a while. And you must forgive my lateness. I would have made haste but I was sure to make it before sundown."

"Yes, you are fortunate to have made it before nightfall. The forest is...not kind, especially during this time." He gazed out the window up at the glowing moon. Aragorn followed his gaze warily.

"What do you mean? Surely you do not believe in the stories that your father had told you when you were little?" he asked in jest.

Legolas however did not return his banter. In fact, he grew quite serious. "Those stories are very old Aragorn. You should not dismiss them so easily. They stem from somewhere."

Aragorn merely shrugged. "I am too old to listen to forgotten legends and children's tales. I must prefer to drink ale now and feign ignorance. Now, please give me that tray, I am famished." Legolas did, frowning.

Aragorn ate in earnest. The food was quite different from his meals in Imladris. It was quite good, but the elves in Mirkwood ate less it seemed to him. Instead of meat, there was more fruit and nuts. He did see a fine piece of quail that he immediately indulged in. Legolas looked on silently.

"I shall need to see your King Legolas. Father of course has wrote a scroll of some nonsense for him."

"Tomorrow. It is late and I am sure you are still tired. And please take a bath Aragorn. I have asked for hot water to be brought up. I will see you in the morning. Sleep well." He got up to leave, stopping mid-step. He turned back to Aragorn.

"I am glad you have come. Especially at this time." He turned back and walked out of the room. Aragorn pondered what he meant about 'this time'. But his eyes were closing again and all thought left his mind as he settled back into bed, the bath forgotten.

***

The next morning, Aragorn woke to the sound of water sloshing. Quickly opening his eyes, he saw a number of female elves walk in and out of the bathing room with buckets of steaming water. He smiled, remembering he forgot to take his bath last night. Legolas must have known...

As soon as the last elf left, he stepped into the steaming room and looked into the inviting tub. It seemed very hot but then he noticed a couple of buckets the elves left behind. They were filled with cold water and so he poured those into the tub until he found a satisfactory temperature. Finally sinking in the tub, he heard his bedroom door slam open and Legolas barged in. Nearly drowning from the fright, he glared right at Legolas as he entered the room.

"Legolas, have you no decency? You nearly gave me a fright!"

Legolas just smiled as he approached the tub. "You are too easily spooked Aragorn! You were never like this before."

Aragorn frowned. "I was not expecting company so early *and* during my bath while I am unarmed."

"What need have you for weapons now? I will protect you," exclaimed Legolas with a broad smile.

"Go away Legolas. I do not need your protection. I am perfectly capable. What are you doing here anyway?" he asked as he lathered his hair.

"Father wishes to see you before we dine. I will bring you to him after you have finished."

"Fine, fine. Now may I have some privacy please?"

"Whatever for? Are you so shy suddenly?"

A blush that Aragorn did not expect was forming and he turned his head to hide it. "Of course not, but how would you like it if I barged in on your bath?"

"I am not shy." Legolas simply said.

Aragorn splashed hot water on his face and then dunked is entire head in the water. Coming up, he rung out is hair and shook it out as a dog would. Legolas backed away with a disgusted look on his face and went to wait in the bedroom. Aragorn breathed a sigh of relief and shakily got to his feet, reaching for a towel on a nearby table. Wrapping it around himself, he returned to the bedroom to find Legolas admiring Aragorn's bow.

"It is quite fine, where did you get it?" he asked without turning.

"Elladan and Elrohir made it for my Birthday last year. It is lovely but not as attractive as yours." He found some clothes and proceeded to dress as Legolas continued to eye his weaponry.

"No, it is not, but it is ideal nonetheless. You will not miss with this weapon." He turned just as soon as Aragorn was finished dressing. "It is not the weapon that misses, it is the shooter Legolas. And since you have never missed a shot in your life, you do not know otherwise," Aragorn quipped.

Legolas smiled back. "You are a fine shot."

"I had a good teacher." Legolas's smile softened as a slight blush broke on his cheeks. "And you were a poor student."

Aragorn shrugged. "I hated archery. No lie. Truthfully, it is not my weapon of choice. I mostly hunt with it. It works quite well. Shall we go down then?"

Legolas placed the bow on the bed. "Aye, les us go."

The meeting with King Thranduil was mostly boring. He seemed pleased to see Aragorn again and frowned as he was handed Elrond's scroll, muttering some nonsense about meddling elves. Aragorn and Legolas then left for the dining hall for breakfast. Aragorn was starved again and he could not wait to eat something. They passed elves that he knew so he stopped and greeted them before continuing. Aragorn could not quite put his finger on it, but to him, Legolas seemed off today. He seemed very fidgety, which was very unlike him. He would be silent one minute and rant the next.

He sat next to his friend at the table and was thrilled to see an abundance of food, though it was mostly fruit and nuts once more. He ate heartily, though he noticed Legolas ate almost nothing at all.

Aragorn noticed he looked paler than usual and he could almost see his veins clearly through the porcelain skin. His fingers seemed quite thin as well. He leaned over to Legolas to ask him about it.

"Legolas, are you feeling alright? You look very pale."

Legolas turned with a smile. "It is just the turn of the season. We have a harder time adjusting."

Aragorn thought that an odd thing to say. He didn't quite understand it but he did not wish to badger Legolas with questions with so many others around.

They departed together, going outdoors. The mid morning sun was doing absolutely nothing for warmth. It was still very windy and leaves were being blown around their feet as they walked. Aragorn kept glancing over to Legolas, still worried that something was amiss. They arrived at the archery field, though Aragorn did not know of their destination beforehand. Practice bows were lying at the base of the targets. Legolas picked one up and surprisingly handed it to Aragorn.

"Shoot."

Aragorn cautiously took the offered bow all the while giving Legolas a questioning look. Legolas then handed Aragorn an arrow. He picked none for himself. They stepped a few yards away from the target and Aragorn got in place.

He assumed the position and after frowning at the target, he fired. It hit the target but was off center. He shrugged and handed his bow to Legolas.

"No, I am not in the mood. You do it."

Aragorn's frown deepened. "Legolas, you never refuse a shot. And you know I hate target practice. What is going on?"

Legolas looked over to the target with a blank expression.

"Do you know what tomorrow is Aragorn?"

"Tomorrow is All Hallows Eve. Why do you ask?"

"It is also a full moon."

"Yes...It usually is on that day. What of it?" Aragorn was beyond perplexed.

Legolas shrugged. "Perhaps you will see." He looked at Aragorn so seriously that for a moment Aragorn found nothing to say. Noticing the reaction, Legolas suddenly laughed. He walked over to his friend and clasped his shoulder.

"Aragorn, not so serious, I am merely making conversation."

Aragorn wasn't so certain. "No, tell me. What is going to happen tomorrow?"

Legolas cleared his throat slightly, looking away. "We are to celebrate. There is a festival, we do it every year on that particular day. And, I am glad you are here this year with us to celebrate."

Aragorn seemed to visibly relax. "Why, I am happy to be here, though I admit I have never heard you speak of this festival before. What occurs?"

"Oh, you will see. I do not wish to spoil it for you."

Aragorn laughed. "You are being very mysterious Legolas. But alright, I shall just have to wait till tomorrow. In the meantime, let us return to the palace, I am frozen and it is not yet winter!"

Legolas nodded and they set off.

Unfortunately, Legolas was detained for most of the day with his father so Aragorn had to make do on his own. He did not mind and instead sought other familiar faces to converse with.

He even asked one elf about the festival. "Come, give me some warning. Legolas refused to budge," he said with a laugh.

Annoyingly, every other elf he spoke to also refused to divulge any information. "Forgive me Aragorn, but we are not permitted to speak of it. Words...cannot describe." The elf left him in a state of confusion and curiosity. He was practically dying to know and he told Legolas this that night in his room.

Legolas was looking up at the moon. Turning to Aragorn, he said, "One more day, surely you can wait."

He hesitated then and approached Aragorn who was sitting on his bed. Legolas gracefully plopped down next to him. "Aragorn, there is something I must ask you." Aragorn nodded.

"Tomorrow, I must ask you to not be afraid...of whatever happens." Aragorn looked up in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"There are certain things you will see which will seem strange and possibly unnerving at times. I must ask you to not feel as if...there was any danger...To you, or anyone."

"I still don't understand Legolas. And you are starting to make me nervous about tomorrow. What goes on at the festival?"

Legolas looked down. "I am afraid I cannot say. Do not ask any more questions Aragorn."

He left Aragorn soon after. It took hours for Aragorn to fall asleep.

***

The next morning at breakfast, Legolas was missing. Around him, conversations flowed and the mood was jovial. Yet something kept nagging at Aragorn's mind and he found he could not join in the pre- festival celebration. He looked for Legolas everywhere before someone told him he would be detained until tonight.

Frowning, Aragorn went to his rooms to relax. He was not in the mood to really do anything. In truth he was feeling slightly anxious about the festival. He could not get Legolas's warning out of his mind. What did Legolas mean about not being frightened? The more he thought on it, the more agitated he became.

Around dinnertime, a she-elf came to Aragorn advising him to prepare for the festival. Aragorn dressed in the best clothing he brought and proceeded to the dining hall. When he got there it was completely deserted. Frowning, he noticed many elves leaving the palace. He followed them, realizing the festival must be outdoors.

He followed the elves down the path leading to the archery field. He was already quite cold, his nose and toes protesting the walk. If he knew it would be outdoors, he would have brought his cloak. Coming up to the field, he noticed it was completely surrounded on all sides with very tall candles. They were thick and gold-colored, imperfectly placed on stone pillars. There was a great fire pit in the center which Aragorn was thankful for. He also noticed long wooden tables set up inside of the ring of candles, laden with food and drink. His eyes grew wide as he noticed the array of choices. There was quail and wild boar, ale and elvish wine galore. There was even caramel apples which Aragorn hadn't tried since he was a boy.

Giant pumpkins were spread on the grassy floor near the tables and smaller ones were atop the table, mixing with the dishes of food. Grapes were spilling over the sides and he plucked a couple off, munching on them as he looked around.

He didn't actually see the archery targets so he assumed they must have moved them somewhere. There were no chairs set up, he didn't even notice anything for the king to sit on. Out of nowhere, Thranduil came up behind him, clasping him on the shoulder.

"Ah there you are! Please, eat something, there are drinks too of course, please enjoy yourself."

"Sire, please, where is Legolas? I have not seen him since last night."

"Oh, I am sure he is getting ready. You will see him soon. But for now, you must enjoy yourself. That is an order!" He winked and left Aragorn.

Sighing, Aragorn found a plate and started to pile on some food. It all looked entirely delicious. It was very hard trying to eat standing up, but he managed to do so without soiling his shirt or mouth. A few elves joined him and he almost forgot about his worries. He was on his second mug of wine when King Thranduil's voice boomed through the crowd, surprising Aragorn.

"Now that you have eaten and drunk your fill, let us begin!" The crowd began to cheer and move closer to the center where the King was currently speaking. "The moon is at its peak, the Prince cannot wait any longer and he has already chosen his target."

Aragorn frowned, looking around. He did not see Legolas anywhere and he was suddenly struck with an inexplicable fear.

"Long has this ritual cursed us, cursed Mirkwood! They thought we would not survive this, that we were not strong enough-that my son was not strong enough! And year after year we have proven them wrong." Again more cheering. Aragorn looked wildly around, his eyes wide with apprehension and suspense. Thranduil continued.

"Bring my son out. Bring Legolas out at once and let him have his fill."

All at once, two large male elves came out of the darkness beyond the circle of fire with a struggling Legolas between them. The two stoic elves proceeded to half-drag Legolas into the center and in front of the crowd. His hair was completely free of braiding, and it glowed gloriously in the darkness. He wore what looked like ceremonial robes of silver and his wrists were bound in thick chains that were carried by the two larger elves.

Aragorn immediately dropped his goblet with a gasp and ran towards the front of the crowd, pushing elves out of his way.

"Legolas!" he cried, attempting to reach the struggling elf. He could not understand why nobody was doing anything to help his friend.

"Legolas! Unhand him at once!" He was immediately pulled back and held by a number of elves. He struggled to get free but without avail.

King Thranduil slowly approached him with a stern expression.

"Ranger, cease this. No harm will come to Legolas. Do you not see?" He pointed to his son, who was currently on his knees in the hard grass, looking like a wild, trapped animal. Aragorn got his first real look at his friend and immediately gasped.

"What is happening?" he asked shakily.

"A curse of the strongest nature. One so old, even wise Gandalf can do nothing for him. A sorceress, ancient and wicked did this to my son. He was barely out of childhood! And now look at him, cursed until the end of his days!" he finished angrily. Aragorn was utterly confused.

"Curse? What curse do you speak of? I have known Legolas for many a year and he has never spoken of this."

"It does not affect him, but for once a year-All Hallows Eve." The moon is full, and his thirst must be sated. And you Aragorn, son of Arrathorn, are his chosen meal for the festival."

Aragorn's eyes widened in fright and he began to struggle. "What madness is this you speak of? Legolas! Can you hear me? Legolas!"

"Oh, he hears you. But your words will not help here. Only your blood can relieve the pain he is in."

Thranduil leaned in close to Aragorn's ear. "Go to him."

Aragorn continued watching Legolas attempting to break his bindings. Thranduil must have said something because all at once, Aragorn was free and moving forward without thought.

"Aragorn stop!" yelled the King. "Be cautious, he is not himself." Aragorn didn't turn back. He did slow his steps as he approached the kneeling elf. Legolas started, wrenching his head up in Aragorn's direction. Aragorn noticed his pupils were completely dilated, the color indistinguishable. He appeared feral. For a moment the fright returned. And yet, Legolas had told him not to fear. He took a few more steps closer until he was right above Legolas.

The two elves on the side of him started to back away, but they never unchained the still kneeling elf. Apparently, they gave him just enough room to move as he immediacy jumped to his feet and leapt towards Aragorn, who was completely caught off guard. Legolas grabbed at the fronts of his tunic, almost ripping the seams. He looked straight into Aragorn's eyes.

"Aragorn, you must help me."

Aragorn nodded dumbly. Then he found his voice. "Of course, my friend, whatever you need." Legolas slowly smiled then, a feral, almost seductive smile that left Aragorn speechless once more.

"I knew you would..." he whispered.

Aragorn suddenly heard King Thranduil ordering the entire crowd outside of the perimeter of the lighted candles. Aragorn's eyes never wavered from Legolas's. He still looked like his friend, but there was a gleaming madness to him. Legolas licked his bottom lip and that's when Aragorn saw the pointed unnatural teeth that were certainly not there the day before.

"Impossible!" he cried, attempting to take a step back. Legolas's grip tightened. "Do not fear Aragorn. You might even enjoy this."

Without any more warning, Legolas lowered his face to Aragorn's neck and punctured the vein there. Aragorn went still. He felt paralyzed. It was quite painful and yet he couldn't cry out or even move. Then, quite suddenly, the pain dissolved and was replaced with the most magnificent form of pleasure. It was as if his entire being was on fire. He was burning, he could feel sweat forming, falling down his back. He groaned out loud and sank to his knees with Legolas still supporting his body. He knew no thought, only feeling the pleasurable waves roll off him without end. He did know he was hard and it was hurting more so than the bite did. He wanted it to end but he would beg for it to continue if he had to. He grabbed at anything he could reach, finally finding Legolas' hair, pulling it, threading it with sweaty fingers.

Legolas continued to drink. It seemed like hours passed but surely it must have been only minutes. Aragorn was writhing uncontrollably. He heard himself moan, heard Legolas moan. He was surely going to die and it would be a glorious death. Legolas suddenly let go and Aragorn fell fully on his back and it finally hit him, the climax he was praying for. It was ecstatic and so wrong. His eyes were blurry and he couldn't move if he wanted to.

He heard a soft voice in his ear asking him if he was alright. He could barely nod. He felt a couple of hands on him, then he was being lifted and he must have passed out because the next thing he knew he was back in his bed, washed and dressed. Groggily, he attempted to sit up but became immediately dizzy.

Legolas was at his side, hands on his chest, lowering him back on the bed. "No, you are not recovered yet. Do not move. I will bring you some water." He went away and Aragorn relaxed against the pillows, attempting to fully awaken.

Legolas returned with a goblet of water, giving it to Aragorn. Finishing, he handed it back to Legolas.

"Legolas. What? How?..."

"Do not speak. You have lost a lot of blood, you need to rest."

Aragorn shook his head side to side against his pillow. "Tell me..."

Legolas, after a moment's pause sat on the bed next to Aragorn. "I was very little, I can hardly remember the year. A few friends and myself stumbled upon an old woman in the forest. We were mischievous and she was not pleased. It was All Hallows Eve. The others were not as brave as me. They left and she cursed me. My lust for blood will commence every year at this time, when the moon is full, she had said. Nothing can be done. I need blood or I will go mad and die. I fast for days before because food tastes like ash to me. I grow weak and tired. The fangs appear when the moon is at it's fullest. I cannot help it. Every year there is a different willing victim. It has been this way for hundreds of years. Forgive me for giving you a fright." He looked away, towards the window, as Aragorn contemplated everything he just heard.

"Legolas...how awful. I cannot even think of what to say."

"Just tell me you are not angry with me, for never telling you. I did not want to burden you. And truthfully, I feel no different the rest of the year."

"Of course I am not angry, but surely something can be done?"

Legolas sadly shook his head. "Gandalf has tried. Even your father. The old sorceress disappeared or is dead now. But I am used to it."

Aragorn shook his head in amazement. "So why choose me?" he asked curiously.

Legolas blushed and shrugged. "I thought you would enjoy it."

Now Aragorn blushed. He remembered what had happened. He had never experienced such a feeling. He was brought out of his reverie by Legolas.

"I would never hurt you Aragorn."

"I know. And you didn't."

Legolas then lifted his fingers to Aragorn's neck, tracing over the puncture wounds.

"Tis nothing Legolas. I do not even feel them. You did not hurt me."

Legolas smiled at Aragorn, who smiled back. "Good. Now please rest."

He turned to go.

"Wait!" cried Aragorn. "Legolas, I must know, did you feel it as well?"

Legolas looked confused.

"When you drank from me, did you feel anything? Did you feel as I did?"

"I do not know what you felt Aragorn."

Aragorn blushed.

"But I can guess..." He opened the door to leave, then turned back.

"And yes, I felt it as well." He closed the door behind him as he walked out, leaving Aragorn with an immense happiness. He fell asleep immediately.

***

Feeling rejuvenated Aragorn attended breakfast the next morning, anxious to see Legolas again. When he walked inside, a few heads turned his way but no other attention was paid to him as he walked over to sit.

To his delight, Legolas was already there and he gave Aragorn a broad smile at seeing him.

"Good morning Aragorn. I am glad to see you up."

Aragorn sat to his right. "Aye, I hardly feel any pain at all." In fact, Aragorn was feeling inexplicably giddy.

Legolas passed him some rolls. "Eat something, you still look pale."

"You look the same." Legolas smiled at that.

"Will you join me for a walk afterwards?"

"Certainly." Aragorn couldn't eat fast enough.

As they left the palace, Aragorn hardly noticed the cold. They walked side by side along a path separated by thick trees on both sides. The only sound was their boots shuffling through the browning dry leaves.

Legolas broke the silence. "It is a pity you must leave soon."

Aragorn looked dismayed. "Yes, I can only stay a few more days, at most. I am being negligent in my ranger duties," he said with a bashful smile.

"Mm. I am sure we will see each other soon again. Perhaps...You can join us again next year for All Hallows Eve..."

It was hardly a question and Aragorn could not answer so far in advance, but his giddiness had returned full force. He attempted to not sound so excited in responding. "I'm sure I'd be honored Legolas. If I am able..."

"Good then. I will look forward to it..."

Indeed.

The End.