Author's Notes: This is my first LOTR fanfiction that I've ever put up
anywhere and it has yet to be proofread so I would really appreciate any
feedback. but as it is my first story, please be kind. Like this story, I
have a lot of others that are work in progress so bear with me. The more
reviews and comments I get, the more I can write and the better the stories
will be. Also, some of the Elvish may be incorrect so I'd appreciate any
help there too. This story is a bit of a mix between book and movie-verse
so there may be a few inconsistencies as well. None of these characters
save for Laurelen, Annuviel, and maybe others I make up are obviously not
mine. I am not profiting from this story so don't sue me!
"//..//" denotes Elvish dialogue
Synopsis: As the Fellowship of the Ring travels on their quest, none know that Legolas carries with him a grievous heart due to centuries of loneliness and sorrow that nearly killed him long ago. But, in the darkness of a forest overshadowed by Sauron's minions, they meet a light that guides them all to something that shall change their lives and their stories forever. Will it be enough to lift Legolas' heart or only serve to add to its heavy weight?
WHAT STRENGTH IS IN OUR HEARTS By Terra Forever CHAPTER ONE
"Legolas."
The Prince looked around him and saw nothing but darkness. The soft voice came again and beckoned him to come. "Who's there?" he called out but there was no answer, save for the same haunting whisper. Legolas took a step forward and suddenly the darkness ebbed to reveal the forests of Northern Mirkwood. Legolas looked around him and saw that there was something different about the forest now. He walked around and realized that flowers and trees that were once in full bloom or towering in height were not yet there because he was in his home the way it was nearly a 1000 years ago.
"Legolas," came the whisper again.
The prince turned his head sharply and narrowed his eyes. What trickery is this, he wondered. This can't be an ordinary dream. And then he saw a slender figure not far off coming closer, garbed in a silvery white gown. His eyes widened as his keen vision began to reveal the voice's owner. "Annuviel," he whispered, seeing the familiar face of old. He reached out to touch her and she smiled, leaning closer, but as his hand was about to touch her cheek, the flesh disappeared and left only a corpse. " 'No!' " Legolas stepped back and fear filled his eyes, fear and sadness. "Annuviel!" As the corpse floated farther away, Annuviel's face returned but this time her cheeks were streaked with sad tears and her eyes were unseeing. "Annuviel!!!"
Legolas blinked and caught his breath. He lay still for a moment, gathering his wits. Then, he looked around him and saw the Company asleep, save for the one on watch, Aragorn the Ranger and heir to the throne of Gondor. Trying not to attract the attention of his friend, Legolas kept still but it was too late. Aragorn had seen how his body quickly jerked as the Prince woke from his nightmare.
"Legolas? Are you alright, my friend?" asked the Ranger.
Legolas nodded and forced himself to look at Aragorn and hide his uneasiness. "Tis nothing but a dream. You should sleep, Aragorn. I will take next watch."
Aragorn looked at Legolas carefully wondering what was really bothering him. He believed that Legolas had had a disturbing dream but he knew that this dream had clearly shaken the Elf. An Elf rarely ever fazed by anything. But, he knew that Legolas would not tell him anything unless he wanted to and decided not to press the matter. Everyone was entitled to their own thoughts, he only hoped that Legolas would be alright. "Thank you, Legolas." As they were about to switch places on the soft earth, Aragorn put a hand on the other's shoulder. "If there is anything you need, I am here my friend."
Legolas nodded and took up his watch. Trust the Ranger to know him better than he expected. It was comforting to hear Aragorn's kind words and he knew that they rang true, but it was not enough. Nothing would ever be enough. He had managed to put his past behind him after several hundred years and Aragorn and Gandalf had helped ease his pain though they did not fully know it. He was almost glad that Gandalf asked him to find Gollum and eventually became part of the Fellowship; these times of evil were a kind distraction from his sorrows.
The Elf Prince closed his eyes for a moment and thought about his last conversation with Arwen:
'I am not surprised that you are both part of this Fellowship,' smiled Arwen Undomiel looking at the other Elf. 'Watch over him for me.'
Legolas nodded with a knowing smile. 'Of course, Arwen. Don't I always?'
"Yes, but that brings to mind how often the two of you find trouble. Perhaps it is best I ask the others to watch over the two of you." They smiled but Arwen was not so easily fooled. She touched Legolas' cheek. 'You have not been well. What bothers you Legolas?'
'Tis nothing, Undomiel.'
'You should know better than to put up that façade with me, Legolas Greenleaf. It may work for the others but it shall not work for your best friend.'
The Prince had no choice but to give in under the glare he knew so well and never could resist. 'I have a heavy heart, Lady. There is something weighing heavily on me and I feel it to be a bad omen for this Journey.'
'But this journey is perilous, of course there will be bad tidings in your heart.'
'Aye, but I feel that there is something else.'
'You fear this Fellowship may fall and Middle Earth to ruin?'
'I do not know. I hope it is the contrary, Arwen. But I cannot help but-'
'It is Annuviel.' Legolas looked up and met Arwen's knowing blue eyes. That name had not been spoken in between them in many years. 'It is, isn't it? It must be." Arwen closed her eyes, wanting to hide the pain that name brought to her. 'Why now after so long?'
'I do not know. Either way, Arwen, I will do my best to ensure his safe return to you.' I will not let you feel the pain I have felt, he thought.
Arwen embraced Legolas and pressed a kiss on his cheek. 'I trust in you both to return.'
Legolas sighed. He wondered too why now, after nearly a thousand years, he was dreaming again of Annuviel so vividly. Though his nightmares never really ceased, he had at least come to some terms with her death.
Aragorn watched under half-closed eyes as the Elf kept his eyes and ears alert. He could not see well in the darkness but knew that his friend was heavy-hearted. He remembered how Arwen had asked that he look over the Elf from time to time. Arwen had given no reason other than her wanting them both to return to her, but Aragorn knew that there was something else. There was something between his two beloved friends that weighed on them both.
The next morning the group set out and Gandalf noticed that Legolas not his usual self. Though the Elf seldom spoke, now he was completely silent unless something required his response. He did not even jest at the Dwarf he so loathed. "Is there something troubling you?" asked the wizard.
"I'm fine, Gandalf, it is these woods," Legolas replied, half-lying. He would have to work harder on keeping his friends at bay. He could not now bother them with his own burdens. "They give off a less than friendly air. I fear we are also being tracked. though it may only be in the back of my head. These woods are not safe."
"Nay. it is hard to find safety anywhere now," Gandalf nodded. "Let us know if you find anything. I fear that Saruman will continue to breed better fighters and even more foul creatures."
"I do not doubt that," Legolas replied.
Pippin shuddered. "I feel as if someone's staring at us. it seems so much colder but the sun is out and not completely hidden by the trees.
"This forest has a stench of evil," Boromir agreed. "There is much evil here that lurks where even Legolas cannot sense."
Legolas nodded, though not liking the idea that they could be attacked at any moment and he, of all of them, would not know.
We should pick up the pace then," Frodo suggested, not wanting to spend any more time in these woods than they had to. Though already he was growing tired as they went along, the sooner they finished this quest, the sooner he may be able to see Bilbo again and the Shire. Bag End was waiting for him.
Aragorn nodded. "Will you be alright?" he asked the four Hobbits and then turned to Gimli.
"I hope you're not suggesting that we will tire so easily," Gimli huffed. "We Dwarves are just as strong and as anyone in this party."
"Aye, that I believe," nodded Legolas, giving his friend a small smile. "But should you ever tire, Master Dwarf, I'm sure Bill will be willing to give you a ride for a short time until you've been rested."
Gimli gave Legolas a hard stare and began to try and think of a jest to surpass the Elf's though none came and Legolas won that fray. He then just realized that this was the first smart remark that entire day. Though he felt better for it, not wanting to spar with Legolas with words or otherwise even though the Dwarf thought he deserved a good beating, he wondered if there was something to change Legolas' mood.
Aragorn was glad to see Legolas joking and he saw that even Gandalf looked relieved. As they walked, he made a point to stand next to the Wizard. "Is there something burdening Legolas that we do not know? Is he ill?" he asked.
Gandalf shook his head. Of course Aragorn would notice it as well for little could escape this man's senses especially concerning his friends. "I do not know, Aragorn. Perhaps it is the way these woods are working against us. I feel the cold even in my bones. They may be affecting him somehow. But, I truly do not know the answer."
"I hope that if there is something wrong, he will realize that he can turn to us," Aragorn sighed.
Gandalf knew well that Legolas and Aragorn had spent many adventures together and at times can be considered best friends and even like brothers. Yet, Legolas had always kept everyone at arm's reach. Few of even the best of his friends had he ever pulled into his heart, including Arwen. The two of them silently wished for her presence knowing how much easier this quest would be with her. Gandalf and Aragorn knew that there was something of old that weighed heavily on the Prince, but only Gandalf had a theory. It had been several hundred years, nearly a millennium, and he wondered if Legolas was still carrying the pain with him. Let us pass through these woods quickly, he thought, for whatever it may be, this lurking evil is not helping.
They carried on until well into the afternoon without trouble until Legolas stopped in mid-stride and narrowed his eyes. "I hear something. Arrows! Everyone take cover!" The Company dropped to the ground and he Hobbits scrambled to Frodo, covering him with their bodies as they made way to some foliage.
"What's attacking us?" asked Boromir. "Orcs?"
Looking at the arrows that flew overhead, Legolas nodded and confirmed their fears. He looked up and searched for the band of Orcs and saw that they were not large in number. "We should be able to take them down easily," he said. "because at their speed I doubt we can outrun them."
"We shall take a stand here," Aragorn announced as he unsheathed Anduril.
"These foul creatures will soon learn their mistake," grumbled Gimli, wielding his axe.
In minutes the band of Orcs were upon them and the Company fought back, easily killing their enemies. Soon there were but a few left and Aragorn drove his sword into one's back and Boromir slashed at the last. The Hobbits sighed in relief and lowered their weapons and Gimli nodded his head in satisfaction. Gandalf loosened his hold on his staff and Aragorn began to sheath his blade. Legolas resheathed his knives but then heard the slightest crack of a twig and the twang of a flying arrow. "DUCK!" Suddenly an arrow flew but missed Frodo's head by inches. Sam rushed to his friend who assured him that he was all right.
Legolas was the first to the Orc and looked with surprise at the sight that he found. The Orc he sought was already slain, lying lifeless on the ground. Next to it stood a Half-Elven child with long dark hair pulled back in a ponytail and the most amazing blue eyes he had ever seen. She could not be more than a few hundred years old, thought Legolas yet she held herself with such maturity he was not so sure. Her dark cloak covered most of her body, which was clothed similarly in dark cloth, but the cloak was a light material to allow for any movement. Aragorn and Boromir arrived next and like Legolas looked at the half-elf. "//Who are you?//" asked Legolas in his native tongue for he was unsure if she knew anything other than Elvish.
The Elf narrowed her eyes, her hand gripping her long Elven dagger tightly, ready to fight as she raised it to Legolas' face. "//You do not belong here! You must leave!//"
"//..//" denotes Elvish dialogue
Synopsis: As the Fellowship of the Ring travels on their quest, none know that Legolas carries with him a grievous heart due to centuries of loneliness and sorrow that nearly killed him long ago. But, in the darkness of a forest overshadowed by Sauron's minions, they meet a light that guides them all to something that shall change their lives and their stories forever. Will it be enough to lift Legolas' heart or only serve to add to its heavy weight?
WHAT STRENGTH IS IN OUR HEARTS By Terra Forever CHAPTER ONE
"Legolas."
The Prince looked around him and saw nothing but darkness. The soft voice came again and beckoned him to come. "Who's there?" he called out but there was no answer, save for the same haunting whisper. Legolas took a step forward and suddenly the darkness ebbed to reveal the forests of Northern Mirkwood. Legolas looked around him and saw that there was something different about the forest now. He walked around and realized that flowers and trees that were once in full bloom or towering in height were not yet there because he was in his home the way it was nearly a 1000 years ago.
"Legolas," came the whisper again.
The prince turned his head sharply and narrowed his eyes. What trickery is this, he wondered. This can't be an ordinary dream. And then he saw a slender figure not far off coming closer, garbed in a silvery white gown. His eyes widened as his keen vision began to reveal the voice's owner. "Annuviel," he whispered, seeing the familiar face of old. He reached out to touch her and she smiled, leaning closer, but as his hand was about to touch her cheek, the flesh disappeared and left only a corpse. " 'No!' " Legolas stepped back and fear filled his eyes, fear and sadness. "Annuviel!" As the corpse floated farther away, Annuviel's face returned but this time her cheeks were streaked with sad tears and her eyes were unseeing. "Annuviel!!!"
Legolas blinked and caught his breath. He lay still for a moment, gathering his wits. Then, he looked around him and saw the Company asleep, save for the one on watch, Aragorn the Ranger and heir to the throne of Gondor. Trying not to attract the attention of his friend, Legolas kept still but it was too late. Aragorn had seen how his body quickly jerked as the Prince woke from his nightmare.
"Legolas? Are you alright, my friend?" asked the Ranger.
Legolas nodded and forced himself to look at Aragorn and hide his uneasiness. "Tis nothing but a dream. You should sleep, Aragorn. I will take next watch."
Aragorn looked at Legolas carefully wondering what was really bothering him. He believed that Legolas had had a disturbing dream but he knew that this dream had clearly shaken the Elf. An Elf rarely ever fazed by anything. But, he knew that Legolas would not tell him anything unless he wanted to and decided not to press the matter. Everyone was entitled to their own thoughts, he only hoped that Legolas would be alright. "Thank you, Legolas." As they were about to switch places on the soft earth, Aragorn put a hand on the other's shoulder. "If there is anything you need, I am here my friend."
Legolas nodded and took up his watch. Trust the Ranger to know him better than he expected. It was comforting to hear Aragorn's kind words and he knew that they rang true, but it was not enough. Nothing would ever be enough. He had managed to put his past behind him after several hundred years and Aragorn and Gandalf had helped ease his pain though they did not fully know it. He was almost glad that Gandalf asked him to find Gollum and eventually became part of the Fellowship; these times of evil were a kind distraction from his sorrows.
The Elf Prince closed his eyes for a moment and thought about his last conversation with Arwen:
'I am not surprised that you are both part of this Fellowship,' smiled Arwen Undomiel looking at the other Elf. 'Watch over him for me.'
Legolas nodded with a knowing smile. 'Of course, Arwen. Don't I always?'
"Yes, but that brings to mind how often the two of you find trouble. Perhaps it is best I ask the others to watch over the two of you." They smiled but Arwen was not so easily fooled. She touched Legolas' cheek. 'You have not been well. What bothers you Legolas?'
'Tis nothing, Undomiel.'
'You should know better than to put up that façade with me, Legolas Greenleaf. It may work for the others but it shall not work for your best friend.'
The Prince had no choice but to give in under the glare he knew so well and never could resist. 'I have a heavy heart, Lady. There is something weighing heavily on me and I feel it to be a bad omen for this Journey.'
'But this journey is perilous, of course there will be bad tidings in your heart.'
'Aye, but I feel that there is something else.'
'You fear this Fellowship may fall and Middle Earth to ruin?'
'I do not know. I hope it is the contrary, Arwen. But I cannot help but-'
'It is Annuviel.' Legolas looked up and met Arwen's knowing blue eyes. That name had not been spoken in between them in many years. 'It is, isn't it? It must be." Arwen closed her eyes, wanting to hide the pain that name brought to her. 'Why now after so long?'
'I do not know. Either way, Arwen, I will do my best to ensure his safe return to you.' I will not let you feel the pain I have felt, he thought.
Arwen embraced Legolas and pressed a kiss on his cheek. 'I trust in you both to return.'
Legolas sighed. He wondered too why now, after nearly a thousand years, he was dreaming again of Annuviel so vividly. Though his nightmares never really ceased, he had at least come to some terms with her death.
Aragorn watched under half-closed eyes as the Elf kept his eyes and ears alert. He could not see well in the darkness but knew that his friend was heavy-hearted. He remembered how Arwen had asked that he look over the Elf from time to time. Arwen had given no reason other than her wanting them both to return to her, but Aragorn knew that there was something else. There was something between his two beloved friends that weighed on them both.
The next morning the group set out and Gandalf noticed that Legolas not his usual self. Though the Elf seldom spoke, now he was completely silent unless something required his response. He did not even jest at the Dwarf he so loathed. "Is there something troubling you?" asked the wizard.
"I'm fine, Gandalf, it is these woods," Legolas replied, half-lying. He would have to work harder on keeping his friends at bay. He could not now bother them with his own burdens. "They give off a less than friendly air. I fear we are also being tracked. though it may only be in the back of my head. These woods are not safe."
"Nay. it is hard to find safety anywhere now," Gandalf nodded. "Let us know if you find anything. I fear that Saruman will continue to breed better fighters and even more foul creatures."
"I do not doubt that," Legolas replied.
Pippin shuddered. "I feel as if someone's staring at us. it seems so much colder but the sun is out and not completely hidden by the trees.
"This forest has a stench of evil," Boromir agreed. "There is much evil here that lurks where even Legolas cannot sense."
Legolas nodded, though not liking the idea that they could be attacked at any moment and he, of all of them, would not know.
We should pick up the pace then," Frodo suggested, not wanting to spend any more time in these woods than they had to. Though already he was growing tired as they went along, the sooner they finished this quest, the sooner he may be able to see Bilbo again and the Shire. Bag End was waiting for him.
Aragorn nodded. "Will you be alright?" he asked the four Hobbits and then turned to Gimli.
"I hope you're not suggesting that we will tire so easily," Gimli huffed. "We Dwarves are just as strong and as anyone in this party."
"Aye, that I believe," nodded Legolas, giving his friend a small smile. "But should you ever tire, Master Dwarf, I'm sure Bill will be willing to give you a ride for a short time until you've been rested."
Gimli gave Legolas a hard stare and began to try and think of a jest to surpass the Elf's though none came and Legolas won that fray. He then just realized that this was the first smart remark that entire day. Though he felt better for it, not wanting to spar with Legolas with words or otherwise even though the Dwarf thought he deserved a good beating, he wondered if there was something to change Legolas' mood.
Aragorn was glad to see Legolas joking and he saw that even Gandalf looked relieved. As they walked, he made a point to stand next to the Wizard. "Is there something burdening Legolas that we do not know? Is he ill?" he asked.
Gandalf shook his head. Of course Aragorn would notice it as well for little could escape this man's senses especially concerning his friends. "I do not know, Aragorn. Perhaps it is the way these woods are working against us. I feel the cold even in my bones. They may be affecting him somehow. But, I truly do not know the answer."
"I hope that if there is something wrong, he will realize that he can turn to us," Aragorn sighed.
Gandalf knew well that Legolas and Aragorn had spent many adventures together and at times can be considered best friends and even like brothers. Yet, Legolas had always kept everyone at arm's reach. Few of even the best of his friends had he ever pulled into his heart, including Arwen. The two of them silently wished for her presence knowing how much easier this quest would be with her. Gandalf and Aragorn knew that there was something of old that weighed heavily on the Prince, but only Gandalf had a theory. It had been several hundred years, nearly a millennium, and he wondered if Legolas was still carrying the pain with him. Let us pass through these woods quickly, he thought, for whatever it may be, this lurking evil is not helping.
They carried on until well into the afternoon without trouble until Legolas stopped in mid-stride and narrowed his eyes. "I hear something. Arrows! Everyone take cover!" The Company dropped to the ground and he Hobbits scrambled to Frodo, covering him with their bodies as they made way to some foliage.
"What's attacking us?" asked Boromir. "Orcs?"
Looking at the arrows that flew overhead, Legolas nodded and confirmed their fears. He looked up and searched for the band of Orcs and saw that they were not large in number. "We should be able to take them down easily," he said. "because at their speed I doubt we can outrun them."
"We shall take a stand here," Aragorn announced as he unsheathed Anduril.
"These foul creatures will soon learn their mistake," grumbled Gimli, wielding his axe.
In minutes the band of Orcs were upon them and the Company fought back, easily killing their enemies. Soon there were but a few left and Aragorn drove his sword into one's back and Boromir slashed at the last. The Hobbits sighed in relief and lowered their weapons and Gimli nodded his head in satisfaction. Gandalf loosened his hold on his staff and Aragorn began to sheath his blade. Legolas resheathed his knives but then heard the slightest crack of a twig and the twang of a flying arrow. "DUCK!" Suddenly an arrow flew but missed Frodo's head by inches. Sam rushed to his friend who assured him that he was all right.
Legolas was the first to the Orc and looked with surprise at the sight that he found. The Orc he sought was already slain, lying lifeless on the ground. Next to it stood a Half-Elven child with long dark hair pulled back in a ponytail and the most amazing blue eyes he had ever seen. She could not be more than a few hundred years old, thought Legolas yet she held herself with such maturity he was not so sure. Her dark cloak covered most of her body, which was clothed similarly in dark cloth, but the cloak was a light material to allow for any movement. Aragorn and Boromir arrived next and like Legolas looked at the half-elf. "//Who are you?//" asked Legolas in his native tongue for he was unsure if she knew anything other than Elvish.
The Elf narrowed her eyes, her hand gripping her long Elven dagger tightly, ready to fight as she raised it to Legolas' face. "//You do not belong here! You must leave!//"