The Assassin Learns of Death
I'm not really sure where this comes from, but it has been running around in my mind for a while. I read somewhere that many people, including some who worked on the movie, think of Legolas almost as a trained elven assassin who, prior to the quest, may not truly have experienced the real emotions of death and loss. I think it was from the first moment I saw this that this quick, two-chapter fic came into mind. In these, I will be examining Legolas' character- assuming, of course, that this statement be held in mind. I cannot say that I necessarily believe that was Tolkien's intent, but much of what I see of Legolas in the books and movies leads me to believe he may not have objected TOO terribly to that portrayal.
Oh yeah- I am NOT a Legolas fan, not by any stretch. I claim Faramir and Sam-and, umm. I don't want to say it; someone would hurt me. This story is actually written for SOMEONE *glare* who'll read it and IM me her response rather then actually speak here. Oh well. ((it's all right, Lena!))
And these will both be with the movie scenes, because I am a FILM major; I love the books, but I also LOVE the movies. I like the additions put in there, and the way these particular scenes go. If you disagree, then go on now.
Disclaimer: Yeah- this is mine, all mine. If you believe that, remember- if you don't get help at Charter.
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Part One: Into the Light
Legolas didn't understand what had happened. One minute, Gandalf was there; the next, the fiery lashes of the balroc were on him and he was falling down into the depths of Moria. Legolas simply froze, not comprehending what this meant. Then the hobbits were crying, and Boromir was holding on to them though obviously shocked. Gimli just shook his head. Soon there was running and prodding. . .
Legolas ended up outside the mines, still perplexed. What had just happened with Gandalf? Was he not a wizard- a Maia, Ishtari? Was he not protected. . .
The look on Gimli's stern face as he looked back at the cave opening, somber; he was one who seemed to know this all too well. His head was bowed, and words of dwarfish uncharacteristically gentle and quiet he whispered into the wind.
Pippin was on the ground, totally consumed by grief for the moment, Merry giving what comfort he could. Sam- well, Sam seemed simply overwhelmed and grieved at the latest development. Yet even these, the smallest of them, seemed better able to know and mourn the passing of one of their own.
Aragorn seemed almost comfortable with it, recovering from a moment of sorrow quickly to urge his people on.
"Give them a moment, for pity's sake!"
The statement got Legolas' attention, for it was one he'd heard often moments after loosing one of his arrows. "For pity's sake." Pity- despair- grief. Misery. But Legolas was elf kind; they were unused to the constant partings- immortal was his kind, and before the 'young' prince of Mirkwood had little thought to befriend those who were not. Yet it was another ageless one among them, the great wizard, who was lost first. It brought the first fear into his previously untouched heart: this was surely more perilous than he'd originally thought.
Death had touched the Fellowship; the company was tainted.
"Legolas- get them out."
The elf obeyed simply out of reflex, standing to his feet and helping the others to forget their sorrows until they could get clearer.
But he'd started thinking. . .
And when he turned to see Frodo, his blue eyes a gentle mirror telling all the company felt, Legolas stalled an instant. That, too, was quite familiar.
Never, though, had that look touched one he was sworn to protect. This was new to him, all too new; never before had death touched quite so near. . .
He considered this as they went to Lothlorien, looking upon the remaining seven with him. It was a new leader who guided their path, and a new resolve that moved them on.
Talking with the Lady Galadriel, Legolas found little to resolve him. Yet when he heard the elven words, the heartfelt lament, something in him broke as well. It took several moments, but then he felt truly led into some new trail of thought and consideration.
Death existed, and it could touch anyone. That part he'd known; all living had a weakness, a way to be brought to ruin and fatality.
But Death also did not play favorites.
It could strike near him, near his heart. . .
It was difficult to get to any form of sleep that night, thoughts heavy upon his mind. Foremost among those was a devilish curiosity, a foreboding. . .
Who among them was next?
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Love it? Hate it? Well, tell me. Flames will be used to set off the dorm fire alarm; I'm not called Narya's Bane for nothing! I would, however, like useful critiques: you know, suggested changes? Part two will follow in this part's footsteps shortly, so get your thoughts in REAL fast.
N.B.
I'm not really sure where this comes from, but it has been running around in my mind for a while. I read somewhere that many people, including some who worked on the movie, think of Legolas almost as a trained elven assassin who, prior to the quest, may not truly have experienced the real emotions of death and loss. I think it was from the first moment I saw this that this quick, two-chapter fic came into mind. In these, I will be examining Legolas' character- assuming, of course, that this statement be held in mind. I cannot say that I necessarily believe that was Tolkien's intent, but much of what I see of Legolas in the books and movies leads me to believe he may not have objected TOO terribly to that portrayal.
Oh yeah- I am NOT a Legolas fan, not by any stretch. I claim Faramir and Sam-and, umm. I don't want to say it; someone would hurt me. This story is actually written for SOMEONE *glare* who'll read it and IM me her response rather then actually speak here. Oh well. ((it's all right, Lena!))
And these will both be with the movie scenes, because I am a FILM major; I love the books, but I also LOVE the movies. I like the additions put in there, and the way these particular scenes go. If you disagree, then go on now.
Disclaimer: Yeah- this is mine, all mine. If you believe that, remember- if you don't get help at Charter.
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Part One: Into the Light
Legolas didn't understand what had happened. One minute, Gandalf was there; the next, the fiery lashes of the balroc were on him and he was falling down into the depths of Moria. Legolas simply froze, not comprehending what this meant. Then the hobbits were crying, and Boromir was holding on to them though obviously shocked. Gimli just shook his head. Soon there was running and prodding. . .
Legolas ended up outside the mines, still perplexed. What had just happened with Gandalf? Was he not a wizard- a Maia, Ishtari? Was he not protected. . .
The look on Gimli's stern face as he looked back at the cave opening, somber; he was one who seemed to know this all too well. His head was bowed, and words of dwarfish uncharacteristically gentle and quiet he whispered into the wind.
Pippin was on the ground, totally consumed by grief for the moment, Merry giving what comfort he could. Sam- well, Sam seemed simply overwhelmed and grieved at the latest development. Yet even these, the smallest of them, seemed better able to know and mourn the passing of one of their own.
Aragorn seemed almost comfortable with it, recovering from a moment of sorrow quickly to urge his people on.
"Give them a moment, for pity's sake!"
The statement got Legolas' attention, for it was one he'd heard often moments after loosing one of his arrows. "For pity's sake." Pity- despair- grief. Misery. But Legolas was elf kind; they were unused to the constant partings- immortal was his kind, and before the 'young' prince of Mirkwood had little thought to befriend those who were not. Yet it was another ageless one among them, the great wizard, who was lost first. It brought the first fear into his previously untouched heart: this was surely more perilous than he'd originally thought.
Death had touched the Fellowship; the company was tainted.
"Legolas- get them out."
The elf obeyed simply out of reflex, standing to his feet and helping the others to forget their sorrows until they could get clearer.
But he'd started thinking. . .
And when he turned to see Frodo, his blue eyes a gentle mirror telling all the company felt, Legolas stalled an instant. That, too, was quite familiar.
Never, though, had that look touched one he was sworn to protect. This was new to him, all too new; never before had death touched quite so near. . .
He considered this as they went to Lothlorien, looking upon the remaining seven with him. It was a new leader who guided their path, and a new resolve that moved them on.
Talking with the Lady Galadriel, Legolas found little to resolve him. Yet when he heard the elven words, the heartfelt lament, something in him broke as well. It took several moments, but then he felt truly led into some new trail of thought and consideration.
Death existed, and it could touch anyone. That part he'd known; all living had a weakness, a way to be brought to ruin and fatality.
But Death also did not play favorites.
It could strike near him, near his heart. . .
It was difficult to get to any form of sleep that night, thoughts heavy upon his mind. Foremost among those was a devilish curiosity, a foreboding. . .
Who among them was next?
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Love it? Hate it? Well, tell me. Flames will be used to set off the dorm fire alarm; I'm not called Narya's Bane for nothing! I would, however, like useful critiques: you know, suggested changes? Part two will follow in this part's footsteps shortly, so get your thoughts in REAL fast.
N.B.