Hello everyone! I'm really really sorry I didn't update last week – my parents surprised my brother et moi with a trip to France for 3 days! and we didn't get back until 3am this morning, so I was a bit too tired to update lol. Am very annoyed with myself because there was a poster in France for 1 euro, and it was of Legolas!! But I didn't get it because it wouldn't fit on my door *sobsob*.
Hope you all had a fabbie Legolas Day on the 25th October (orlandobloomfiles) I wore my hair elf style lol. To answer your question Jaimie-Erin, I don't have a clue why it exists lol…but I'm not complaining!! Lol
Have done a mini story for the teitho contest, which was fun lol, and I will post it on when the competition is over. Am also thinking of doing one or two short stories…
Anyhoo, enough of my ramblings, a big thanks to everyone who read and reviewed, and an even bigger thanks to Jaimie-Erin for being my beta for this story : ) just to let you know... I made up he black speech lol
Colder than ice.
Darkness was enclosing him, engulfing his senses, claiming his heart. The icy grip would not release. A merciless whisper spoke through the shadows of his mind.
Aza-zigantak, aza-zigantak durzhum-ishi
He could feel his life being crushed out of him by the darkness that would not let go, he was drowning in the gloom, his life essence being sucked out of him…
Aza-zigantak durzhum-ishi…
No!
Legolas bolted upright, his eyes snapping open, his breath coming in shuddering gasps. His loose white undershirt was clinging to him, as were a few strands of his hair clinging to his face.
The elf turned to the end of his bed so that he was in a sitting position, and placed his aching head in his hands as he regained his breath.
It took a lot for him to be like this, he could not remember the last time he even was like this! Moria had shaken him up to some extent, as did the balrog, but this was some competition. He had been shot at by an arrow close to his heart, well; I have been shot at many times! Arwen's tree had pushed him away… now that was unheard of for any elf, a wood-elf especially. The only thing that really shook Legolas up were the dreams, and constant images of darkness that was clouding his mind, stopping him from thinking clearly. His healing had been relatively quick, but a little too fast even for an elf.
Not for this terrible headache, he thought bitterly.
Having finally regained his breath and composure, Legolas stood up. He caught the sight of some neatly folded clothes with a small note on top. The elf smiled as he recognised it as Aragorn's untidy writing.
Didn't want to wake you, so I left these here for you. A bath has also been poured for you, seeing as you are a picky elf and you like to look and smell clean. See you tonight mellon-nin!
Estel
Legolas smiled and picked up his tunic and silk blue undershirt. You would never have known these were ever ripped, he thought as he admired the amazing stitch work. He gathered up a pair of leggings and walked to his bathing chamber. Sure enough, a warm bubble bath was waiting for him, a crisp white towel on the side. Legolas closed the door, put down his clean clothes and undressed. He slid himself into the welcoming bath and relaxed. He washed his body and then realised he had come to a bit of a dilemma. There was no way he'd be able to fully wash both his body and hair. "What Estel doesn't know can't harm him." the elf said, smiling. He sat up a bit more and began to carefully unwind the bandages that were still thankfully white. He rolled them together and cast them over the side of the bathtub. Legolas looked over his wound and was surprised to find it mostly healed, save for a small amount of bruising and a few cuts. Cautiously, he sank himself lower into the water and was surprised furthermore to find himself not experiencing any discomfort or pain. When quite sure that his chest and shoulder were fine underwater, he began to unbraid his hair. He held his breath, and sank under the water to soak his hair, which he then started to wash.
After being fully 'cleansed' as Aragorn would word it, Legolas closed his eyes and rested his head against the bathtub, the bath's aroma making him drowsy.
OoooOOOoooO
All the trees and buildings were flickering with an orange glow, emitting an inescapable heat. All he could hear over the loud burning were the screams of his people.
He turned on the spot to find himself facing the Mirkwood palace. Through the thick smoke, he saw it to be a large, burning ruin.
He tried to call for his father, but all that came out from his mouth was a piercing, cold laugh.
"Boe cuil ban firitha…"
"Ada!" Legolas jerked awake and looked wildly around the room as he took in his surroundings. He relaxed a little and brought a hand up to his brow and closed his eyes.
He wondered how long he had been asleep for, and judging by the warmth of the water, only for a few minutes.
Legolas stepped out of the bath and wrapped the towel around himself. He walked over to the chair and sat in it, despite the fact that he was still wet.
He still wasn't sure what was going on, but the stubborn elf was still intent that Aragorn should not be told. He has enough on his mind at the moment. Sighing, the elf-prince stood up, dried his body and got dressed – after reapplying his bandages.
He sat by the window and allowed the evening sun to dry his hair as he peered down on the city of Minas Tirith. The city was much more lively now compared to what it was like before the war. Legolas' elves and Gimli's dwarves had done a magnificent job of rebuilding it after the war. The war. That changed so many things, Legolas thought as he remembered all those that had died. Boromir, Haldir, Gandalf, Theoden, innocent elves, men and dwarves. Everyone was affected, even the hobbits, but especially those from the fellowship. The war was indeed over, but that did not stop those who were affected from suffering anymore. Legolas once again thought back to the fellowship. All of them had changed somehow. Each member was getting older, and would still bear the memories of all they went through until their last moment on Middle Earth, haunting their dreams, creeping up on them like a wolf hunting it's prey…
Legolas snapped out of these depressing thoughts and rebraided his hair into his warrior braids, now that the sun had done its work. By the time he had finished, the sun was already beginning to sink further behind the mountains.
Legolas stood up and inspected his appearance in the mirror. Deciding he looked presentable, he reluctantly made his way to the great hall.
OoooOOOoooO
"Laddie! How are you faring my elven friend?" Gimli called out above the chatter. Legolas smiled and shook his head in disapproval when he saw that plates of food and empty mugs of ale already surrounded the dwarf.
"I am quite well thank-you. I see you have already found the food and ale." He smirked.
"Aye, plenty for all!" the dwarf called out cheerily. He let out a burp and wiped his mouth with his beard, making Legolas cringe. "Have some ale!" Gimli said, passing an overflowing mug to the reluctant looking elf.
"I think I will just have wine this time, thanks," Legolas said as he passed the mug back. "I don't think I could ever touch that foul drink again." He grimaced.
Gimli laughed. "Why? Because elf boy here couldn't handle a rematch? Ha! Weren't very graceful and prince like on that occasion, were you my friend!"
Legolas raised an eyebrow. "You know full well I beat you fair and square, master dwarf." Gimli made to interrupt, but Legolas continued before he even had the chance "And I apologise if my ale drinking skills are somewhat lacking, but I prefer to remember events, and remember them without a splitting headache." He laughed, "Besides, your ale is disgusting! It burns the throat and has no taste, whereas wine is a drink that can be enjoyed." With that, Legolas poured himself a goblet of wine and walked away from the dwarf that was now too engrossed with his chicken leg to pay any heed to the elf's words.
He saw Faramir talking to Arwen and Eowyn, and so went over to speak to them.
"Legolas! It is good to see you up again." Arwen smiled as she embraced her child-hood friend. Legolas returned the embrace and smiled. He bowed his head towards Faramir and Eowyn, who returned the gesture.
"It is good to be up." He smiled. He went to take a sip of his wine, but suddenly froze as a cold sensation swept over him. A pained look fell upon his fair face, his eyes staring fixedly ahead of him, and his knuckles turning white from the tight grip he had on the goblet. He did not feel Arwen's hand on his arm.
"Legolas?" She called "Legolas?" The blonde haired elf blinked and seemed to unfreeze. "Are you well?"
Legolas looked at Arwen and saw a look of deep concern in her eyes. "I am alright. I am well." He forced a smile. "If you will excuse me, I am going out for some fresh air." Legolas bowed his head quickly and walked out of the hall.
He turned left down a corridor, and leant the back of his head against the cold stonewall, and closed his eyes. He needed to tell someone. He knew it was something to do with the orcs, but Aragorn had said there was no poison, and Legolas believed him. He would trust his life with the human.
Legolas opened his eyes and decided to go and find his close friend. He breathed in a deep lungful of air, and returned to the hall.
It did not take Legolas' senses long to pick up the sight and sound of Aragorn. He was standing by Gimli, laughing at some comment the dwarf had just made.
"Gwador-nin!" Aragorn smiled as Legolas walked towards them. "I am glad you are well enough to join us."
Legolas gave a nervous smile before speaking. "Estel, can I speak with you please? Now?"
The smile faded from Aragorn's face, as concern took over. "Of course, what about?"
Where to begin?! "Since I was shot at, I – " He felt the same icy grip over his heart. Valar not now! "I… have…" He struggled to get his words out.
"Legolas?" Aragorn was getting scared himself now. He had never seen Legolas act this way.
The elf was trembling violently, his breath coming in shaky gasps as he placed a hand on Aragorn's shoulder to steady himself. His grip was so tight; his knuckles went white against his paling skin.
"Legolas!" shouted Gimli in worry, causing a few people to turn around.
The elf was struggling to remain conscious now. "I, it's..." All he could see was darkness; all he could hear were the screaming of elves. "No…please…" he moaned.
Aragorn did not know what to do; he was rooted to the spot, half supporting his friend. Gimli was standing behind Legolas, panic written on his face.
The pained expression Legolas wore was becoming stronger now, and Aragorn could feel tears welling up in his eyes. "Mellon-nin, please! What is it? Look at me!" But the elf's eyes were tightly shut, screwed up in agony. Many people were now watching the scene open-mouthed. Never before had they seen Legolas act this way and show pain.
"I, I am sorry!" Legolas' voice changed. "Boe…cuil…ba-" His knees buckled beneath him, but Aragorn caught him before he fell to the floor.
Aragorn lowered Legolas to the ground but as soon as he did, one of the elf's fists made contact with his mouth. He felt his lip split, and could immediately taste the metallic flavour of blood. A foot kicked out at Gimli, which made contact with a crunch to his rib cage, knocking the air out of him.
"Dur a gwath!" Legolas moaned. "Gwanno nin!"
Aragorn blinked. Shadow and darkness? "Legolas! Lasto beth nin!" The elf calmed down a bit. "Tolo dan nan galadh." Legolas stopped struggling.
"Estel?" he whispered before allowing his tense body to go limp. Aragorn shut his eyes and felt a hot tear run down his cheek. To see Legolas like this; weak, vulnerable and pleading… it unnerved him greatly.
Everyone in the room was too stunned to speak. Taking a shuddering breath, Aragorn carefully picked up the unconscious elf and took him to the Houses of Healing.
TRANSLATIONS.
Aza-zigantak, aza-zigantak durzhum-ishi – my own black tongue speech which says 'surrender yourself, surrender yourself to the darkness.'
Boe cuil ban firitha – all life is doomed to fade
Ada – father
Mellon-nin – my friend
Dur a gwath – shadow and darkness
Gwanno nin – leave me
Lasto beth nin – hear my voice
Tolo dan nan galadh – come back to the light
Oh yeah! That was a bit angsty lol. Love you really Legolas! Hope you are all enjoying the story as much as I am enjoying typing it for you! Lol
I allow anonymous reviews now btw. Please please please review as I would love to read the feedback – even if it is only a few words! It'll take two seconds lol.
See you at the next chapter everyone, and enjoy the story!! : )
xx
