Disclaimer: I own everything!!!!!! Legolas is my *coughcough* personal
trainer *coughcough*, Aragorn is my live-in grease monkey, Arwen is my
scullery wench, while Gandalf is my electrician and lighting consultant.
The twins reside in my office where they act as bookends, Haldir, Rúmil and
Orophin of Lothlórien are on chains outside and are my guard dogs,
Thranduil is my drunken-gold-digging father-in-law, Boromir of Gondor is my
pincushion and Faramir is my pet rock. Elrond is the pizza guy from down
the road, Saruman is my fortune teller and the owner of; "Saruman's
Hotline, how may I see you?" Frodo I use instead of a mop, Sam is my cook
and Merry and Pippin are my own personal stand up comedians. Galadriel is
my manicurist, Gimli the bouncer of my flashy uptown club, the Ringwraiths
are the local door to door salesman with heroin addictions and Figwit in
the leader of the Mary-Sue army that is assembled outside my bedroom
window. Sauron is the local neighborhood watch while Denethor is the crazy
guy who lives in a box in the vacant lot next door. The Balrog is the
substitute that my circus uses instead of a tiger, the army of the dead are
what the stupid little kids next door are going to become if they don't
shut the hell up, and the Lord of the Eagles is my personal fan.
Glorfindel is the horse whisper that helped me after a riding accident,
Isildur is the person that everybody uses as a punching bag when they walk
past, Bilbo is the kleptomaniac of the street and Lurtz is my hairdresser.
I am a man, have a son and am writing this from beyond the grave.
Now, if for one moment you believe even a word of that then I must ask, did you by chance purchase anything small, round and tablet looking from nine door to door salesmen within the last couple of hours??
Ok, as you may be able to tell already, I have gone through a major/small rewrite of this story. I say major/small as there is still a lot that I want to fix about it or expand upon, but this is the best that I can do at the moment. This also means that I am cutting out a lot of the crap at the top and bottom of the chapters and just generally tidying things up a bit.
*****
"All I see is the beginning and the destination, what lies between is a path not yet traveled, and contains moments that have not yet come to pass. For even the ending I do not know, I am but a slave to the power of my fingers and the incomplete thoughts in the deep recesses of my mind."
*****
Shadows Within, Darkness Without
Chapter One
Forming upon the Falling
*****
Legolas paced back and forth under the shade of a large golden leafed tree. The fellowship's arrival at Lothlórien had done little to ease his troubled thoughts and he found that with each passing day, he became more and more aware of a dark shadow over the company's heads.
'Or is it in my imagination? Nay, the feeling of doom is great, and seems to linger over Boromir and yet I feel it over myself as well. Or is it just over me?'
As he continued to pace he became aware of a presence lurking in the shadows of the forest over to the right. He listened harder, and finally making up his mind, he lunged forward and grabbed the intruder in a movement faster then the eye could see. Pulling the eves-dropper out of the bushes and shoving it against a tree trunk Legolas pushed his knuckles into the stranger's throat with force that was just short of crushing the windpipe, causing the figure to gulp in air desperately.
"L...o'as?" The stunned figure managed to choke out just as Legolas saw who the figure was.
"Gimli? What brings you to lurk in the bushes?" Legolas demanded as he dropped his lethal grip on the dwarf. The elf glared at the dwarf impatiently, he had no time for the bickering that was bound to come and quietly wished that he had indeed crushed his throat. But there was a strange look in the dwarf's eyes that Legolas could not quite fathom and he quickly banished all thoughts of ill towards the dwarf from his questioning mind.
Gimli looked at Legolas.
'Something troubles him,' he thought as he noticed the frown upon his fair- featured face. As he studied the Elf's features he became aware of a slight flare in Legolas' eyes directed towards the dwarf. Gimli knew that his face bore the same expression yet it was vital that he talked to Legolas, for the fellowships' sake, but he knew not where to start. "I was not lurking, I was observing." He stated with a slight laugh, in hopes of opening a friendly conversation.
"Observing what?" Legolas asked, his tone showed that he too was glad for the slight change in their attitude. "An Elf pacing? You could see that anywhere these days."
"Yes, I wished to see an Elf troubled. And I could not see it anywhere else as I would have been arrested." Gimli replied, keeping up the banter that was constantly exchanged between them only this time in a happier mood.
"Come now master Gimli, 'tis not the true reason you are here. Be out with it." Legolas stated in a commanding tone yet adding a slight jest. "Or would you have us stand here all day and come not to a true reason?"
"Oh very well," Gimli sighed reluctantly, "I wished to consult you on the actions of Boromir."
At this Legolas felt his senses tense. 'How is it that Gimli knows? He must have sensed it in Boromir, or in me,' Legolas thought, hiding his initial reaction away from the eyes of the dwarf. 'What shall I do? Do I let him know that I have seen it for some time now, or do I pretend that I have no knowledge of the subject?' The Elf had just made up his mind to go with the latter when Gimli again spoke.
"Do not try to hide the fact that you know, as it will do no good. I may be a dwarf, yet I know of the abilities of the Elves, and know that since I have noticed it now, you must have known all along." Gimli stated, trying to ease his companion's mind. 'Why did he tense at the mention of the subject?' He pondered, 'Surely he must know, I have felt it so he must have.'
Legolas' mind worked as quickly as his reflexes had just done trying to find the appropriate thing to say. 'What could I possibly say? And to a dwarf? He would not understand the feeling of dread and the warning signs.' He soon decided that the best response would be anything as long as it was of little words and gave away nothing. "What of the subject, Master Gimli?"
"Fair enough, Master Legolas," The dwarf replied without the slightest bit of mimicry. 'Why was Legolas being so secretive?' Indeed they quarrel, yet it was for the good of the fellowship that he spoke this question, not for any self-gain. "If you will not speak of it to me, you being the one that knows the greater deal of the situation, then I shall not push the subject, only beg of you to say something to Aragorn at least." He pleaded, looking at the obviously troubled Elf, who had been staring out into the distance the entire time. Gimli broke his gaze as the look on Legolas' face caused him to worry. Never had he seen him so distant and troubled, not even in the Mines of Moria after the death of Gandalf.
'Could he be sick?' Gimli asked himself, 'Nay, as elves do not get sick.' He remembered. 'Perchance it is something worse, like this broken heart illness that I have often heard the elves refer to since I have met them. But why? Would not it have set in earlier if
it had been caused by Gandalfs' untimely death?' He finally decided to query the Even prince on the subject. 'The worst that can happen is he gets offended, but it's not like we are friends as it is. And if I am right than I might be able to help him, even if he is an Elf.'
"Master Elf, what is it that ails you?" He asked while studying Legolas' face for any hint of the truth, knowing that he would conceal what ever it was at all costs. 'Elves and their pride,' he thought, 'it will see them destroyed!' As he waited for Legolas to tell him to mind his own business, he was quite surprised to see a smile form at the corners of Legolas' mouth.
"For someone who claims to know the abilities of the Elves, you do not know much," he laughed, "my kind do not get ill."
"Nay, I feared it was something else, something I have picked up on in my short time in the company of the fair folk, something that men refer to as to die of a broken heart." At this Legolas drew in a rugged breath which gave Gimli more reason to be concerned. 'Why am I so fretful?' He questioned himself. 'For he is an Elf and I am a dwarf, his kind are nothing to mine but our rivals. Yet he is a member of the fellowship and has proven himself many a time, even in saving my life at the crossing of the bridge of Khazad-dûm. There is no way I could not be slightly concerned, I suppose, if not more.' He concluded as Legolas' voice came to his ears.
"Nay. It is not that weakness that haunts me, too many of my kind have suffered and perished from that." He stated in a weary tone of voice. He then turned towards Gimli, who was still watching him, and Legolas picked up on the feeling that he was worried and did not believe him. "Fear not for me, as I would not lie about that, even to you. But do not tell me that you feel concern for me, as that would be pure foolishness. Do you not recall our war of wills?"
"I do not forget, but I would like to try," Gimli confessed, and at the startled look on Legolas' face quickly added, "For the sake of the fellowship."
A slight laugh escaped Legolas as he spoke. "Aye, I too would like to forget our differences, even if it is only for the fellowship, which I fear needs us to do so."
At this Gimli looked up with a questioning glance. 'What did he mean that the fellowship needed them to get along? Was it in more danger than he perceived?'
"And yes," Legolas continued. "I have been aware of the change in Boromir for a long time now, though I fear to say anything as I have had no proof of my suspicions and feel that I can not explain them with ease. Even to Aragorn."
"Do try Legolas, for the sake of the fellowship and our new found alliance. Try the best you can and we can see what to make of it between us."
Legolas pushed his lips together in a thin line, revealing his dismay in a show of discomposure unnatural for the Elf. Again he stared out in to the distance and Gimli saw him draw in a deep breath and close his eyes in an attempt to concentrate. Gimli stood silent and watched, eventually turning his eyes on the forest as well, not wanting to push Legolas to say anything he did not agree to. Finally he heard the soft voice of the prince break into his thoughts and he quickly turned to face his companion.
"Yes. There has been something wrong with Boromir for a long time." He restated. "I fear I have noticed it since we attempted to cross Caradhras and have not said anything. I have no idea if Aragorn knows, I feel he should but alas I believe that he has many more worries and may have overlooked the situation."
"What is it that eats at him, Legolas?"
"That is why I have not voiced my thoughts as, as of yet as I regret that I do not rightly know. Yet everything I feel tells me that he is burdened by the thing in Frodos' protection, the very thing we have been sent to destroy."
"The Rin--" Gimli started.
"Hush Master Gimli, not even here is it wise to speak those words of evil. Though I do believe that 'tis that which plagues him, something tells me that it is deeper than that, and alas I feel." His voice trailed off as he looked over the forest that he loved so much.
Gimli waited for him to continue, but it became obvious that he had no intention to. 'Why will he not tell my all he knows? Is it that dangerous?' he thought, and resolved to probe further.
"You need not hide your thoughts, Master elf, as I will share them with no other."
"Nay Gimli, 'tis just that--oh I don't know," he started to try to explain yet came to a standstill. 'How do I tell him that I feel that somehow I'm more involved in this darkness than any one of them? And how would he react?' Legolas decided to come out with it as fast as he could. "I feel a darkness over me as well. Something that is somehow linked to that which hovers over Boromir. I know not how to describe it to you as I know not what it is myself, yet I constantly feel it there, and more with each passing day." He paused and was aware that Gimli was studding him closely, though he chose to ignore his stare and continued. "I know that I do not lust after that which Boromir does, and I know that I never would. But it is there nonetheless, even though I know it to be different to that which hovers over Boromir, I sense it growing as his grows." He paused for a moment and then trying to change the tone of his voice to a happier note said, "there, I'm out with it. Do you think me to be not in my right mind?"
For some time Gimli just stood there and took a moment to take it all in. 'What does he mean by this, that there is a shadow over him? And what does Boromir have to contribute to this problem?' He looked at his newly found friend and again noticed the strange expression that Legolas had been wearing the last couple of days that was so uncommon to the Elves. 'It must be truly troubling him,' he thought, 'as I have not seen him so quiet since I have know him. And one would think that he would be overjoyed in this place of Elves and trees, but he seems distant.' At long last he spoke, his voice surprisingly quiet and calm.
"I know not what you speak of Legolas, and I have no real way of seeing it the way you do, But I feel, even though we have fought most of this journey, that you would not take the Ring, even though I often clam that the Elves would, and that I still do not doubt. But I know you to be true and good and would not think of such a dangerous and treacherous thing. Yet if you feel something, then alas it must be true." While he was speaking he continued to watch Legolas and study his reactions to what he was saying, to his surprise the Elf barely moved a muscle and kept staring into the distance. "If you ask me, I say that it is not that you should do something as it is that Boromir may do something to you, knowing that your are the likely one to try to stop him." With that Legolas finally looked down at the dwarf and a slight smile spread across his face.
"I hope you are right." He stated concisely.
"Alas, for I hope we are both wrong, for if I am right then it is not only Frodo who has need for concern from within the fellowship." Gimli told Legolas. After awhile of silence between them it was Gimli that first broke spoke. "Come friend; let's not dwell on things that have not yet come to pass. We should enjoy the safely and no need for haste while we still can."
"Indeed! Let us go," came Legolas' reply as he turned to Gimli and they slowly walked away together as friends for the first time.
*****
Days passed, and as the company left the shelter of Lothlórien their hearts once again became heavy. None were aware of precisely how much time they had spent there but all felt sorry to leave. The Lady Galadriel and her husband Lord Celeborn had seen them off with a great feast and merrymaking.
The fellowship was supplied with cloaks and hoods, each woven to the size of the bearer. It was hard to say what colour they were, sometimes grey and something green and each was fastened at the neck by a brooch of a green leaf intertwined with silver. For each member of the fellowship the Lady Galadriel had a gift: Aragorn received a sheath made for his sword, to Legolas she gave a bow fashioned in the style of Lothlórien, such as the Galadhrim carried as it was longer and stouter then the one he carried form Mirkwood. It was strung of Elf-hair and a quiver of arrows accompanied it. Boromir received a belt of gold while Merry and Pippin both received smaller belts of silver. Sam received a wooden box with the rune G upon its lid containing earth from Lothlórien. She then tuned to Gimli and, at his request cut three golden hairs from her head for the dwarf to treasure. Last to receive a gift from the Lady of Light was Frodo and to him she gave a small crystal phial containing the light of Eärendil's star that would prove to be light when he most needed it.
Sadly the company were taken to the three boats the Elves of Lórien had provided for them and arranged themselves; Aragorn, Sam and Frodo in one, Legolas, Gimli and most of the luggage in the last and Boromir, Merry and Pippin in the middle boat.
With that they were off again, heading down the Great River to almost sure doom.
Legolas, who had tried to keep his heart light, felt stronger now then ever the unmentionable presence of the shadow that hovered over the fellowship, and the warning in his heart told him that it was hanging heavily over him more then the others. Yet to his strange relief he and Gimli had been becoming the best of friends and he had kept his promise not to tell of Legolas' thoughts and concerns.
It was a strange friendship indeed, and the others were amazed by their new attitude towards each other, Boromir especially was happy to not to have to be the one to settle any arguments that the two used to have. Even the Elves of Lothlórien had been shocked to see the friendship between one of their kinsmen and a dwarf, their rivals, especially after their initial hatred when they had first arrived. The entire company was relieved to have peace in the fellowship, except Legolas and Gimli knew it was not true and rowed on with heavy hearts.
Gimli, while being happy of his new found friendship with Legolas, was worried about his friend as he seemed to be sinking deeper and deeper into despair. While he had not mentioned the shadow again, Gimli knew that he still felt it and that it was a powerful weight on the Elf's' mind and heart. But time soon showed that Legolas was not one to be fussed or worried over and would not say anything that was on his mind.
"What is it that troubles you friend? Is it still as we discussed?" Gimli had once asked.
"Aye, it is and the feeling is getting stronger," was all he said.
"Do you think we should tell Aragorn?"
"Nay, as I fear he has enough on his mind. Gandalf's death hit him harder than any of us, even if he does not show it and now he has the role of our leader. I want not to worry him over my foolish suspicions." He replied while looking over at Aragorn in one of the other boats. He did not want to overburden him with something that he could handle himself. Legolas though he looked tired and strained, and he could see by the expression on his face that he was still grieving for the loss of his old friend.
Yet, unbeknown to Legolas, at the same time he was thinking that of Aragorn, Gimli was thinking the same on him, yet the dwarf decided not query the Elf any further. 'I am sure he has his reasons,' he thought. 'And I should not question them. Yet why do I fear the way Legolas talks about this? Because I know that he will not sit by and do nothing, that's why.' He answered his own question. 'And I fear that if Boromir knows that Legolas is watching him he might do something rash, at least that would explain the shadow over Legolas, his doom at the hands of a corrupted man. I fear that it may be too big a task for him to take on alone.' And with this he made a mental note to keep an eye on both Boromir and the Elven member of the group.
At the tenth day of their journey the company still followed the river, and as the day drew to an end and the darkness of night started to creep upon them, still they rowed. Legolas and Gimli were soon in line with Aragorn's boat thanks to the Elf's constant stroke and it was then decided that they would once again have to rest for the night. They pulled on to the West Bank as all along the East side of the river they had heard the sounds of Orcs on the move and the hunt. Getting out of the boat's they carried them onto the shore and hid them behind the large boulders that lined the banks of the river. The boats where surprisingly light and were easy to handle when out of the water; another Elven quality.
As the hobbits carried the packs over to a nice and easy to defend place to camp, Aragorn went scouting around the area. Legolas and Gimli started to walk over to the right while Boromir went to the left, looking for any danger.
"Come Mr. Frodo, have something to eat and rest awhile." Sam called to his master and friend as he opened his pack to reveal the Lembas of the Elves. Frodo looked tired and ridden with grief yet he hastily obliged.
"If you shall join me then I shall happily embrace food and rest." He replied with a smile as he walked slowly over to his three friends and they began to talk merrily.
Gimli watched with interest. 'Here we are heading into danger and possibly death, with Legolas saying that there is something wrong in the fellowship and all they can think of is food!' A smile twitched at the corners of his mouth and he was about to turn to tell Legolas of this thought but when his eyes came to rest on the Elf's fair features he saw a frown. Gimli followed Legolas' gaze and what he saw was enough to banish all happy thoughts.
Down yonder stood Boromir, gazing at Frodo's back, with a look that could kill. 'How is it that I had not noticed?' he questioned himself. Legolas still watched Boromir with careful and questioning eyes, and then much to Gimli's horror, Boromir turned and caught Legolas' watchfulness.
Gimli's eyes darted to Legolas, who had been caught watching Boromir, and yet the prince held the man's gaze. Time stood still and Gimli could see the battle of their wills clearly before him, each not wanting to back down but each wanting to let the other know of their thoughts.
Gimli cursed in his head that he knew not what Boromir thought of the situation and what he would do. The Elf and the man continued to stare each other down and the dwarf's mind raced. 'Why did I not keep a better look out and watched Legolas' back? Now I'm sure Boromir knows that at least Legolas realizes what is going on. What should I do?'
Terrible thoughts ran through his head, thoughts of Boromir turning on the fellowship, or at least Legolas. 'What if he tries to attack my friend at night, when we sleep?' It was then that he felt the pain from his bruised neck from where Legolas had pushed in his knuckles and he felt slightly reassured.
As he proceeded to watch this battle between the two he noticed that Frodo had seen the look on Legolas' face and looked around at Boromir nervously. It was then that Boromir, still glaring at Legolas slowly started to back away and with one quick movement turned his gaze and walked quickly into the bush. The Elf prince shot daggers into the man's back with his gaze and took no notice of Frodo who was trying to catch his eye.
Gimli on the other hand locked eyes with Frodo, whose bright blue orbs desperately asked what was going on only Gimli made no attempt to say or imply anything, keeping true to his word. He turned to ask Legolas what had really happened, when it came to his attention the prince was in fact no longer standing next to him. A quick glance at Frodo revealed that he had in fact done off into the woods in the opposite direction. The dwarf went to follow his friend when he remembered that Aragorn was not there, and the hobbits should not be left alone. With that in mind he reluctantly made his way over to the four halflings, and with a quick look at Frodo, telling him not to ask anymore so not to alarm the other three, who remained oblivious.
*****
Legolas quietly walked among the trees and took in his surroundings though they did nothing to ease his mind. It was a horrible mistake that he had just made, to be caught by Boromir. He should have looked away and not done anything, yet he felt that he had to protect Frodo and the fellowship. 'Should I tell Aragorn? How could he not know, but he is no Elf, though sometimes I forget that, and he has his own troubles. Yet I ca not do this alone. No, I am not alone, I have Gimli's help, but he can not possibly understand what is truly happening. Alas, nor do I.'
He wandered for a long time, trying to conclude the debate that was being played out in his head.
He did not know how far he had walked but he soon became aware of the fall of footsteps coming his way. He peered into the woods only to find himself unable to see through the thick trees and so instead he stopped and listened. His heightened senses picked up on the fall of light feet, the pounding of a heart as it raced, letting the Elf know that his `prey' knew of his presence.
He heard the draw and release of breath, and another sound, one that he knew all too well.
The sound of an arrow being notched and the string being pulled, the bow bending with the force that was needed to release the wooden missile.
It became obvious that he was now the prey, and with a quick and silent movement he notched is own bow. Planting his feet firmly on the ground he closed his eyes; knowing that he could see nothing anyway, and he found that it was a way of enlightening his senses even more.
Slowly rotating the top half of his body to face the origin of the sounds and drawing back on the Elf-hair string, he silently waited and listened. A faint noise came from the direction
his senses were focusing on and he was about to release his bow when. . he heard the whistling of an arrow flying through the air towards him. . .
*****
Tbc. . .
Minka.
Now, if for one moment you believe even a word of that then I must ask, did you by chance purchase anything small, round and tablet looking from nine door to door salesmen within the last couple of hours??
Ok, as you may be able to tell already, I have gone through a major/small rewrite of this story. I say major/small as there is still a lot that I want to fix about it or expand upon, but this is the best that I can do at the moment. This also means that I am cutting out a lot of the crap at the top and bottom of the chapters and just generally tidying things up a bit.
*****
"All I see is the beginning and the destination, what lies between is a path not yet traveled, and contains moments that have not yet come to pass. For even the ending I do not know, I am but a slave to the power of my fingers and the incomplete thoughts in the deep recesses of my mind."
*****
Shadows Within, Darkness Without
Chapter One
Forming upon the Falling
*****
Legolas paced back and forth under the shade of a large golden leafed tree. The fellowship's arrival at Lothlórien had done little to ease his troubled thoughts and he found that with each passing day, he became more and more aware of a dark shadow over the company's heads.
'Or is it in my imagination? Nay, the feeling of doom is great, and seems to linger over Boromir and yet I feel it over myself as well. Or is it just over me?'
As he continued to pace he became aware of a presence lurking in the shadows of the forest over to the right. He listened harder, and finally making up his mind, he lunged forward and grabbed the intruder in a movement faster then the eye could see. Pulling the eves-dropper out of the bushes and shoving it against a tree trunk Legolas pushed his knuckles into the stranger's throat with force that was just short of crushing the windpipe, causing the figure to gulp in air desperately.
"L...o'as?" The stunned figure managed to choke out just as Legolas saw who the figure was.
"Gimli? What brings you to lurk in the bushes?" Legolas demanded as he dropped his lethal grip on the dwarf. The elf glared at the dwarf impatiently, he had no time for the bickering that was bound to come and quietly wished that he had indeed crushed his throat. But there was a strange look in the dwarf's eyes that Legolas could not quite fathom and he quickly banished all thoughts of ill towards the dwarf from his questioning mind.
Gimli looked at Legolas.
'Something troubles him,' he thought as he noticed the frown upon his fair- featured face. As he studied the Elf's features he became aware of a slight flare in Legolas' eyes directed towards the dwarf. Gimli knew that his face bore the same expression yet it was vital that he talked to Legolas, for the fellowships' sake, but he knew not where to start. "I was not lurking, I was observing." He stated with a slight laugh, in hopes of opening a friendly conversation.
"Observing what?" Legolas asked, his tone showed that he too was glad for the slight change in their attitude. "An Elf pacing? You could see that anywhere these days."
"Yes, I wished to see an Elf troubled. And I could not see it anywhere else as I would have been arrested." Gimli replied, keeping up the banter that was constantly exchanged between them only this time in a happier mood.
"Come now master Gimli, 'tis not the true reason you are here. Be out with it." Legolas stated in a commanding tone yet adding a slight jest. "Or would you have us stand here all day and come not to a true reason?"
"Oh very well," Gimli sighed reluctantly, "I wished to consult you on the actions of Boromir."
At this Legolas felt his senses tense. 'How is it that Gimli knows? He must have sensed it in Boromir, or in me,' Legolas thought, hiding his initial reaction away from the eyes of the dwarf. 'What shall I do? Do I let him know that I have seen it for some time now, or do I pretend that I have no knowledge of the subject?' The Elf had just made up his mind to go with the latter when Gimli again spoke.
"Do not try to hide the fact that you know, as it will do no good. I may be a dwarf, yet I know of the abilities of the Elves, and know that since I have noticed it now, you must have known all along." Gimli stated, trying to ease his companion's mind. 'Why did he tense at the mention of the subject?' He pondered, 'Surely he must know, I have felt it so he must have.'
Legolas' mind worked as quickly as his reflexes had just done trying to find the appropriate thing to say. 'What could I possibly say? And to a dwarf? He would not understand the feeling of dread and the warning signs.' He soon decided that the best response would be anything as long as it was of little words and gave away nothing. "What of the subject, Master Gimli?"
"Fair enough, Master Legolas," The dwarf replied without the slightest bit of mimicry. 'Why was Legolas being so secretive?' Indeed they quarrel, yet it was for the good of the fellowship that he spoke this question, not for any self-gain. "If you will not speak of it to me, you being the one that knows the greater deal of the situation, then I shall not push the subject, only beg of you to say something to Aragorn at least." He pleaded, looking at the obviously troubled Elf, who had been staring out into the distance the entire time. Gimli broke his gaze as the look on Legolas' face caused him to worry. Never had he seen him so distant and troubled, not even in the Mines of Moria after the death of Gandalf.
'Could he be sick?' Gimli asked himself, 'Nay, as elves do not get sick.' He remembered. 'Perchance it is something worse, like this broken heart illness that I have often heard the elves refer to since I have met them. But why? Would not it have set in earlier if
it had been caused by Gandalfs' untimely death?' He finally decided to query the Even prince on the subject. 'The worst that can happen is he gets offended, but it's not like we are friends as it is. And if I am right than I might be able to help him, even if he is an Elf.'
"Master Elf, what is it that ails you?" He asked while studying Legolas' face for any hint of the truth, knowing that he would conceal what ever it was at all costs. 'Elves and their pride,' he thought, 'it will see them destroyed!' As he waited for Legolas to tell him to mind his own business, he was quite surprised to see a smile form at the corners of Legolas' mouth.
"For someone who claims to know the abilities of the Elves, you do not know much," he laughed, "my kind do not get ill."
"Nay, I feared it was something else, something I have picked up on in my short time in the company of the fair folk, something that men refer to as to die of a broken heart." At this Legolas drew in a rugged breath which gave Gimli more reason to be concerned. 'Why am I so fretful?' He questioned himself. 'For he is an Elf and I am a dwarf, his kind are nothing to mine but our rivals. Yet he is a member of the fellowship and has proven himself many a time, even in saving my life at the crossing of the bridge of Khazad-dûm. There is no way I could not be slightly concerned, I suppose, if not more.' He concluded as Legolas' voice came to his ears.
"Nay. It is not that weakness that haunts me, too many of my kind have suffered and perished from that." He stated in a weary tone of voice. He then turned towards Gimli, who was still watching him, and Legolas picked up on the feeling that he was worried and did not believe him. "Fear not for me, as I would not lie about that, even to you. But do not tell me that you feel concern for me, as that would be pure foolishness. Do you not recall our war of wills?"
"I do not forget, but I would like to try," Gimli confessed, and at the startled look on Legolas' face quickly added, "For the sake of the fellowship."
A slight laugh escaped Legolas as he spoke. "Aye, I too would like to forget our differences, even if it is only for the fellowship, which I fear needs us to do so."
At this Gimli looked up with a questioning glance. 'What did he mean that the fellowship needed them to get along? Was it in more danger than he perceived?'
"And yes," Legolas continued. "I have been aware of the change in Boromir for a long time now, though I fear to say anything as I have had no proof of my suspicions and feel that I can not explain them with ease. Even to Aragorn."
"Do try Legolas, for the sake of the fellowship and our new found alliance. Try the best you can and we can see what to make of it between us."
Legolas pushed his lips together in a thin line, revealing his dismay in a show of discomposure unnatural for the Elf. Again he stared out in to the distance and Gimli saw him draw in a deep breath and close his eyes in an attempt to concentrate. Gimli stood silent and watched, eventually turning his eyes on the forest as well, not wanting to push Legolas to say anything he did not agree to. Finally he heard the soft voice of the prince break into his thoughts and he quickly turned to face his companion.
"Yes. There has been something wrong with Boromir for a long time." He restated. "I fear I have noticed it since we attempted to cross Caradhras and have not said anything. I have no idea if Aragorn knows, I feel he should but alas I believe that he has many more worries and may have overlooked the situation."
"What is it that eats at him, Legolas?"
"That is why I have not voiced my thoughts as, as of yet as I regret that I do not rightly know. Yet everything I feel tells me that he is burdened by the thing in Frodos' protection, the very thing we have been sent to destroy."
"The Rin--" Gimli started.
"Hush Master Gimli, not even here is it wise to speak those words of evil. Though I do believe that 'tis that which plagues him, something tells me that it is deeper than that, and alas I feel." His voice trailed off as he looked over the forest that he loved so much.
Gimli waited for him to continue, but it became obvious that he had no intention to. 'Why will he not tell my all he knows? Is it that dangerous?' he thought, and resolved to probe further.
"You need not hide your thoughts, Master elf, as I will share them with no other."
"Nay Gimli, 'tis just that--oh I don't know," he started to try to explain yet came to a standstill. 'How do I tell him that I feel that somehow I'm more involved in this darkness than any one of them? And how would he react?' Legolas decided to come out with it as fast as he could. "I feel a darkness over me as well. Something that is somehow linked to that which hovers over Boromir. I know not how to describe it to you as I know not what it is myself, yet I constantly feel it there, and more with each passing day." He paused and was aware that Gimli was studding him closely, though he chose to ignore his stare and continued. "I know that I do not lust after that which Boromir does, and I know that I never would. But it is there nonetheless, even though I know it to be different to that which hovers over Boromir, I sense it growing as his grows." He paused for a moment and then trying to change the tone of his voice to a happier note said, "there, I'm out with it. Do you think me to be not in my right mind?"
For some time Gimli just stood there and took a moment to take it all in. 'What does he mean by this, that there is a shadow over him? And what does Boromir have to contribute to this problem?' He looked at his newly found friend and again noticed the strange expression that Legolas had been wearing the last couple of days that was so uncommon to the Elves. 'It must be truly troubling him,' he thought, 'as I have not seen him so quiet since I have know him. And one would think that he would be overjoyed in this place of Elves and trees, but he seems distant.' At long last he spoke, his voice surprisingly quiet and calm.
"I know not what you speak of Legolas, and I have no real way of seeing it the way you do, But I feel, even though we have fought most of this journey, that you would not take the Ring, even though I often clam that the Elves would, and that I still do not doubt. But I know you to be true and good and would not think of such a dangerous and treacherous thing. Yet if you feel something, then alas it must be true." While he was speaking he continued to watch Legolas and study his reactions to what he was saying, to his surprise the Elf barely moved a muscle and kept staring into the distance. "If you ask me, I say that it is not that you should do something as it is that Boromir may do something to you, knowing that your are the likely one to try to stop him." With that Legolas finally looked down at the dwarf and a slight smile spread across his face.
"I hope you are right." He stated concisely.
"Alas, for I hope we are both wrong, for if I am right then it is not only Frodo who has need for concern from within the fellowship." Gimli told Legolas. After awhile of silence between them it was Gimli that first broke spoke. "Come friend; let's not dwell on things that have not yet come to pass. We should enjoy the safely and no need for haste while we still can."
"Indeed! Let us go," came Legolas' reply as he turned to Gimli and they slowly walked away together as friends for the first time.
*****
Days passed, and as the company left the shelter of Lothlórien their hearts once again became heavy. None were aware of precisely how much time they had spent there but all felt sorry to leave. The Lady Galadriel and her husband Lord Celeborn had seen them off with a great feast and merrymaking.
The fellowship was supplied with cloaks and hoods, each woven to the size of the bearer. It was hard to say what colour they were, sometimes grey and something green and each was fastened at the neck by a brooch of a green leaf intertwined with silver. For each member of the fellowship the Lady Galadriel had a gift: Aragorn received a sheath made for his sword, to Legolas she gave a bow fashioned in the style of Lothlórien, such as the Galadhrim carried as it was longer and stouter then the one he carried form Mirkwood. It was strung of Elf-hair and a quiver of arrows accompanied it. Boromir received a belt of gold while Merry and Pippin both received smaller belts of silver. Sam received a wooden box with the rune G upon its lid containing earth from Lothlórien. She then tuned to Gimli and, at his request cut three golden hairs from her head for the dwarf to treasure. Last to receive a gift from the Lady of Light was Frodo and to him she gave a small crystal phial containing the light of Eärendil's star that would prove to be light when he most needed it.
Sadly the company were taken to the three boats the Elves of Lórien had provided for them and arranged themselves; Aragorn, Sam and Frodo in one, Legolas, Gimli and most of the luggage in the last and Boromir, Merry and Pippin in the middle boat.
With that they were off again, heading down the Great River to almost sure doom.
Legolas, who had tried to keep his heart light, felt stronger now then ever the unmentionable presence of the shadow that hovered over the fellowship, and the warning in his heart told him that it was hanging heavily over him more then the others. Yet to his strange relief he and Gimli had been becoming the best of friends and he had kept his promise not to tell of Legolas' thoughts and concerns.
It was a strange friendship indeed, and the others were amazed by their new attitude towards each other, Boromir especially was happy to not to have to be the one to settle any arguments that the two used to have. Even the Elves of Lothlórien had been shocked to see the friendship between one of their kinsmen and a dwarf, their rivals, especially after their initial hatred when they had first arrived. The entire company was relieved to have peace in the fellowship, except Legolas and Gimli knew it was not true and rowed on with heavy hearts.
Gimli, while being happy of his new found friendship with Legolas, was worried about his friend as he seemed to be sinking deeper and deeper into despair. While he had not mentioned the shadow again, Gimli knew that he still felt it and that it was a powerful weight on the Elf's' mind and heart. But time soon showed that Legolas was not one to be fussed or worried over and would not say anything that was on his mind.
"What is it that troubles you friend? Is it still as we discussed?" Gimli had once asked.
"Aye, it is and the feeling is getting stronger," was all he said.
"Do you think we should tell Aragorn?"
"Nay, as I fear he has enough on his mind. Gandalf's death hit him harder than any of us, even if he does not show it and now he has the role of our leader. I want not to worry him over my foolish suspicions." He replied while looking over at Aragorn in one of the other boats. He did not want to overburden him with something that he could handle himself. Legolas though he looked tired and strained, and he could see by the expression on his face that he was still grieving for the loss of his old friend.
Yet, unbeknown to Legolas, at the same time he was thinking that of Aragorn, Gimli was thinking the same on him, yet the dwarf decided not query the Elf any further. 'I am sure he has his reasons,' he thought. 'And I should not question them. Yet why do I fear the way Legolas talks about this? Because I know that he will not sit by and do nothing, that's why.' He answered his own question. 'And I fear that if Boromir knows that Legolas is watching him he might do something rash, at least that would explain the shadow over Legolas, his doom at the hands of a corrupted man. I fear that it may be too big a task for him to take on alone.' And with this he made a mental note to keep an eye on both Boromir and the Elven member of the group.
At the tenth day of their journey the company still followed the river, and as the day drew to an end and the darkness of night started to creep upon them, still they rowed. Legolas and Gimli were soon in line with Aragorn's boat thanks to the Elf's constant stroke and it was then decided that they would once again have to rest for the night. They pulled on to the West Bank as all along the East side of the river they had heard the sounds of Orcs on the move and the hunt. Getting out of the boat's they carried them onto the shore and hid them behind the large boulders that lined the banks of the river. The boats where surprisingly light and were easy to handle when out of the water; another Elven quality.
As the hobbits carried the packs over to a nice and easy to defend place to camp, Aragorn went scouting around the area. Legolas and Gimli started to walk over to the right while Boromir went to the left, looking for any danger.
"Come Mr. Frodo, have something to eat and rest awhile." Sam called to his master and friend as he opened his pack to reveal the Lembas of the Elves. Frodo looked tired and ridden with grief yet he hastily obliged.
"If you shall join me then I shall happily embrace food and rest." He replied with a smile as he walked slowly over to his three friends and they began to talk merrily.
Gimli watched with interest. 'Here we are heading into danger and possibly death, with Legolas saying that there is something wrong in the fellowship and all they can think of is food!' A smile twitched at the corners of his mouth and he was about to turn to tell Legolas of this thought but when his eyes came to rest on the Elf's fair features he saw a frown. Gimli followed Legolas' gaze and what he saw was enough to banish all happy thoughts.
Down yonder stood Boromir, gazing at Frodo's back, with a look that could kill. 'How is it that I had not noticed?' he questioned himself. Legolas still watched Boromir with careful and questioning eyes, and then much to Gimli's horror, Boromir turned and caught Legolas' watchfulness.
Gimli's eyes darted to Legolas, who had been caught watching Boromir, and yet the prince held the man's gaze. Time stood still and Gimli could see the battle of their wills clearly before him, each not wanting to back down but each wanting to let the other know of their thoughts.
Gimli cursed in his head that he knew not what Boromir thought of the situation and what he would do. The Elf and the man continued to stare each other down and the dwarf's mind raced. 'Why did I not keep a better look out and watched Legolas' back? Now I'm sure Boromir knows that at least Legolas realizes what is going on. What should I do?'
Terrible thoughts ran through his head, thoughts of Boromir turning on the fellowship, or at least Legolas. 'What if he tries to attack my friend at night, when we sleep?' It was then that he felt the pain from his bruised neck from where Legolas had pushed in his knuckles and he felt slightly reassured.
As he proceeded to watch this battle between the two he noticed that Frodo had seen the look on Legolas' face and looked around at Boromir nervously. It was then that Boromir, still glaring at Legolas slowly started to back away and with one quick movement turned his gaze and walked quickly into the bush. The Elf prince shot daggers into the man's back with his gaze and took no notice of Frodo who was trying to catch his eye.
Gimli on the other hand locked eyes with Frodo, whose bright blue orbs desperately asked what was going on only Gimli made no attempt to say or imply anything, keeping true to his word. He turned to ask Legolas what had really happened, when it came to his attention the prince was in fact no longer standing next to him. A quick glance at Frodo revealed that he had in fact done off into the woods in the opposite direction. The dwarf went to follow his friend when he remembered that Aragorn was not there, and the hobbits should not be left alone. With that in mind he reluctantly made his way over to the four halflings, and with a quick look at Frodo, telling him not to ask anymore so not to alarm the other three, who remained oblivious.
*****
Legolas quietly walked among the trees and took in his surroundings though they did nothing to ease his mind. It was a horrible mistake that he had just made, to be caught by Boromir. He should have looked away and not done anything, yet he felt that he had to protect Frodo and the fellowship. 'Should I tell Aragorn? How could he not know, but he is no Elf, though sometimes I forget that, and he has his own troubles. Yet I ca not do this alone. No, I am not alone, I have Gimli's help, but he can not possibly understand what is truly happening. Alas, nor do I.'
He wandered for a long time, trying to conclude the debate that was being played out in his head.
He did not know how far he had walked but he soon became aware of the fall of footsteps coming his way. He peered into the woods only to find himself unable to see through the thick trees and so instead he stopped and listened. His heightened senses picked up on the fall of light feet, the pounding of a heart as it raced, letting the Elf know that his `prey' knew of his presence.
He heard the draw and release of breath, and another sound, one that he knew all too well.
The sound of an arrow being notched and the string being pulled, the bow bending with the force that was needed to release the wooden missile.
It became obvious that he was now the prey, and with a quick and silent movement he notched is own bow. Planting his feet firmly on the ground he closed his eyes; knowing that he could see nothing anyway, and he found that it was a way of enlightening his senses even more.
Slowly rotating the top half of his body to face the origin of the sounds and drawing back on the Elf-hair string, he silently waited and listened. A faint noise came from the direction
his senses were focusing on and he was about to release his bow when. . he heard the whistling of an arrow flying through the air towards him. . .
*****
Tbc. . .
Minka.