Author's Note: Thank you for each and every review!!!
Chapter 11: That which was Lost
The last light of the setting sun cast land shadows across the lands. The chill of the evening sea wind almost seemed to blow through the castle.
Gandalf had cast the spell. The human who watched the sunset would revert back into an Elf when the last rays of the setting sun disappeared behind the sea.
Legolas waited, taking in his surroundings. He could not help but feel mortalities icy grip on every part of him. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. How would everything change once Gandalf's spell was undone? Would everything be as it was, or would he never be a normal Elf again? Would part of him always remain mortal?
He only wished to remain alone right now. He wished to feel all of this alone. He did not care whether or not he was taken by the Phoenix, he simply wished to stand alone.
While he was thinking of all this, the last rays of the setting sun finally vanished under the water.
A magical glow encompassed him, and he suddenly felt a force of power flowing through him. This feeling felt new to him, but suddenly he knew, this was simply the feeling of being an Elf. The feeling of being a magical creature. It felt as if he were coming out of a tunnel into the light. He finally felt the magical wind finishing its work. When the light of the spell had passed, his beauty had returned. The glow of the Elves was once again surrounding him, he was immortal once more. The power of the Elves was with him.
Aragorn stood in the doorway, having watched all of what just happened. He watched Legolas take one hand and run it over his pointed ears. He could not help but smile at the creature standing before him.
"I almost forgot how beautiful your race is, Legolas."
The Elf turned to the Man watching him.
"I almost forgot what being an Elf means."
"What does it mean?"
"It means having a responsibility. To nature, to the mortals, to everything that you always outlast. It means being in constant communication with the lands on a level that mortals could never feel."
"Why is this so important to your kind?"
"Because if we do not, then the ages will cause everything that had ever been and gone to be lost forever."
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, but I will never forget this experience. I will never forget the feeling of being mortal. You must understand me, Aragorn. When an immortal says they will always remember, they mean it."
"Come, Legolas. We've got someone to face and a mystery to solve before the Phoenix realizes what you are, and where you are. He will find you very soon, I think."
"I'm afraid you are right, Aragorn. Whatever happens, it ends here and now. I will run no longer. The Elves' fate shall be decided."
Legolas and Aragorn reunited with Gimli and Gandalf. Gimli smiled when he saw his friend back to his usual breathtaking self.
"So, you are back to your ever-glowing so a Dwarf can't hide in the darkness self, huh?"
"Yes, friend Dwarf. I was worried that you might learn to like me because of my being a human."
Gimli snorted.
"No threat there."
Gandalf smiled, "Enough for you. The Elf is himself for a few minutes and already you two are fighting."
"Will the Phoenix appear soon, Gandalf?"
"I am afraid so, Legolas. Our host is waiting for you I believe, in the far throne room. He is waiting for you to confront him. He's been waiting for you ever since he first laid eyes on you, Legolas. I have a feeling the Phoenix will not try to take you until you speak with him."
"Perhaps you should wait then."
"No, Gimli. I'm tired of waiting, I will know my fate here and now. I shall go to him, alone."
Aragorn frowned, "You shall stand with him alone, but we will be within earshot. If he tries anything, yell, we will be there fast enough to even impress an Elf, Legolas."
