CHAPTER 14: Test of the Gods
"Happy birthday!" the crowd cheered.
"Thank you! Thank you, everyone!" Faramir waved and bowed his head. "This is the best birthday celebration I have ever had. And, let me tell you, I've had many birthdays before this one!" he chuckled. The crowd laughed along with him as he cut his cake.
Mina and Legolas decided to stay for a bit since they were already in the village. Vincent and Anastasia was surprised to see them there but were also happy that they could join them. The pub was packed with people with a four-man band playing in the corner as the pub owners passed around Faramir's cake for everyone to try. "I made this myself! I hope you like it," Maggie smiled at Mina.
"Thank you," she took the small plate from her. Legolas declined politely and passed the next plate of cake behind him. "You don't like cake? Or does she just not know how to bake one well? Should I even try this?" Mina whispered to him, which made her hesitate to take a bite. However, looking around the room, the rest of the guests seemed to be enjoying it.
Legolas smiled at her, cut a small piece with her fork, and put in her mouth. She wasn't expecting him to feed her and took the bite unexpectedly. She chewed slowly and grinned. "What do you think?" he asked.
"It's really good!" she nodded, taking another bite. "Why don't you want any? Are you on a diet?" she teased.
"I can very well eat that if I wanted, but as I have told you before, we do not need to eat much to sustain ourselves," he reminded her. "I also don't have a sweet tooth."
"Suit yourself," she shrugged. "More cake for me!"
"Mina! Isn't this cake just delish!" Anastasia walked up to her. "I told Haldir that I didn't want any because I know it'll just go straight to my thighs, but he insisted, and for some reason I just couldn't resist so I tried it. And, oh…it's so good!" she marveled over the cake and left.
Mina gave Legolas a look. "What?" he asked innocently.
"I've never known Anastasia to gush over cake like that. As a matter of fact, I've never seen her finish a whole cupcake before."
"The power of suggestion can do wonders," he grinned.
"Just tell Haldir not to overdo it with my friends…please," she advised him.
"Don't worry. I trust Haldir. I gave him specific instructions, which I know he will carry out to the letter."
"So, what's next for them after this?"
"Well, the sun should be setting soon. Your friends will probably dance and mingle for a while then start to feel drowsy. When they do, Haldir will suggest heading back to the castle."
"And what about us?" she asked, throwing the paper plate in the garbage.
"We have time. We don't have to leave right way if you would like to stay?"
"Sure. I'm actually having fun here," she smiled.
"I'm glad," he gently rubbed the small of her back.
"Ah, young love," Faramir extended his arms to them, placing them around their shoulders. "I remember my first love. She was the most beautiful girl in the whole village. After meeting her for the first time, I just couldn't stop thinking about her. Out of impulse, I asked her to marry me the very next day!"
"You did?" Mina asked amused. "What did she say?"
"She said 'yes' but her father said 'no'," he frowned.
"Aww, I'm sorry to hear that."
"Well, I couldn't really blame him," he shook his head. "We were only five-years-old!" he laughed. Mina and Legolas laughed along thinking she had rejected him because she wasn't interested. "But, when we were finally old enough to take our vows, I asked her again and she still said 'yes'," he smiled again.
"That's so sweet," Mina smiled at the thought of his proposal.
"We were married for a very long time until she passed away a few years ago, rest her beautiful soul. I told her I would join her soon, but not just yet. I still have some life left in these old bones of mine and I plan on using what I got to the fullest!" he winked at Mina. "Enjoy your love and live for each other. That's an old man's advice for you…" he said and left to mingle with the rest of the guests.
"He seems like he has a lot of interesting stories he could share," Mina commented quietly.
"Yes, he does. Sometimes I feel that he has lived longer than I have. He truly has lived a full life."
Mina left to get herself a drink to forget about Faramir's words of enjoying each other's love since there was no such love they could enjoy. She would rather not think about what the next few hours were going to be like. She and Legolas had talked about what might happen and what she needed to do, but it was all a blur to her right now.
"Mina? Are you all right?" Legolas came up behind her.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Do you want some?" she gave him her cup.
He took it with no intentions of drinking it. "Are you sure nothing is bothering you? You seemed a bit…sad after Faramir left."
"It's nothing," she tried to smile it off. "He seems like a really nice man."
"Has your mood changed because of what he said? …About love."
"It just caught me by surprise, that's all," she shrugged nonchalantly. "Don't pay me any mind."
"Mina…" Legolas put down her cup and took her hands into his. "Faramir means well. I'm sorry if what he said has troubled your heart, but don't let that disturb you. No matter what happens tonight, you'll always be in my heart. And…I hope you will carry the memory of me in yours."
"Of course I will…" she answered quietly, staring at the floor.
Legolas lifted her chin up so she could see him smiling at her. "Would you do me the honor of a dance, Lady Mina?" he asked.
Mina couldn't help but smile. "Sure."
The two took to the small space opened for people to dance as a few other couples joined them. The pub was clapping and cheering as the band played on. Even Maggie and Peter were dancing alongside them having a grand time. Mina turned to her right and saw Anastasia and Vincent also attempting to dance to the fast-paced music. They appeared to be having just as much fun as everyone else, which made her smile.
"Pick up your feet, Ana!" Vincent chuckled.
"I'm trying!" she laughed. "You know I don't dance like this!"
Haldir had caught Mina's eye to which he slightly bowed his head. She smiled at him and was thankful that he was taking care of her friends for her. She told herself again that if Legolas trusted him, then so did she. Haldir seemed like a nice man, or Elf…or whatever he was, if he was something different from the prince. He was quiet most of the time, but looked like he had a kind soul.
The song ended before Mina knew it and bowed like Legolas to the watching spectators. The band quickly started a new song and some people stayed while others were replaced by new couples. As they left the dance floor, Anastasia tapped Mina on the shoulder, smiling. She seemed to be in a better mood than usual. "Mina, we're heading back to the castle."
"Oh…okay," she nodded. "Already?"
"Yeah, we've pretty much been out all day doing all sorts of things," she said.
"Our day was pretty eventful," Vincent came up to them, placing his arm around Anastasia's shoulders like they were the best of friends all of a sudden. What surprised Mina was Anastasia didn't seem to mind his closeness. Usually, she would throw him an evil look, and have him back away from her. But, this time, she appeared very relaxed and comfortable.
Anastasia yawned and finally removed Vincent's arm from where it was. "I'm getting kind of tired, too…"
"Yeah, same here," Vincent yawned after her.
"I see," Mina just nodded again. It seems the effects of Legolas's special herb and magic were finally beginning to set in. "It is starting to get late. We'll head back to the castle in bit."
"Are you ready?" Haldir asked them.
"Have a safe journey back," Legolas smiled.
"Thanks," Vincent replied.
Anastasia gave Mina a hug. "We'll see you two later," she winked.
Mina rolled her eyes and said good-bye. "I'll see you…tomorrow."
"I will escort them to their rooms and keep an eye on the hallway," Haldir told Legolas. "It has been a pleasure serving under you all these years."
"Thank you, my old friend," Legolas gave him a hug. "May you continue to live a long prosperous life."
"Thank you, Haldir…for helping out," Mina smiled.
"Of course, milady," he bowed his head. "I wish you the best of luck tonight. May Eru's grace shine down upon the both of you..."
They watched the three exit the pub, the excitement of the party seeming to have died down now that they were no longer there. "So…what do you want to do now?" Mina asked. "It's still too early to leave, right?"
"We have a little time left," Legolas answered, taking her hand. "Would you like to go outside for some fresh air?"
"That sounds nice."
The moon was high in the sky as Mina stared at it. She felt like it was staring right back at her, challenging her to see if she could handle what it would do to her. There wasn't a cloud above as they walked in the silent night. If she didn't know any better, it would seem like this place was clear from rainstorms and floods. It was as if the gods made this night as calm as possible for the ritual.
"What are you thinking about?" Legolas suddenly asked. He had noticed Mina deep in thought.
"Nothing in particular," she shrugged, "just how bright the moon is tonight."
"Mina," Legolas stopped their stroll. He placed his hands on her shoulders and stared sternly into her eyes. "Are you sure you want to go through with this? This is your last chance to change your mind for after this, there is no turning back."
She put her hands over his, gently removing them. "Yes, Legolas, I'm sure," she answered calmly and with confidence in her voice. "Why don't we just head back to the castle and…prepare for tonight?"
He nodded, quietly sighing. "That is probably best."
Back at the Water Castle, Mina wanted to check on her friends before she left for the tower bridge with Legolas. Just as Haldir said, he was standing in the hallway near their rooms. "My lady," he bowed his head again to her.
"How are they doing?"
"They are doing well—sleeping. I can hear your friend, Anastasia, breathing quietly and your friend, Vincent, snoring."
Mina chuckled at his observations of her friends. "Well, as long as they're okay," she said. She slowly opened Anastasia's door, peering inside, and saw her sleeping quietly as he said. "This will all be over soon," she whispered. "We'll be home before you know it…" She closed the door and went over to Vincent's room. "Sleep well, Vincent," she sighed at his sleeping form. "I'm glad you're here..."
"Mina?" Legolas softly called her. She turned around to see him carrying a small wooden box in his hands. "Are you ready?" She nodded, following him. She half-smiled at Haldir who gave another silent blessing as they passed. Her hands were starting to get clammy the farther they walked and the closer they got to their destination. "There's nothing to be nervous about," said Legolas.
"Easy for you to say," she lightly scoffed.
"I though you said you felt prepared for this?" he grinned.
"I was! Or…I am, I mean, it just feels different now that it's actually about to start," she shook the nervousness away from her hands. "What about you? What you feeling?"
"I honestly cannot say. I suppose in a way I also feel nervous and concerned…and a bit sad."
"Sad? You should be happy," she said somberly, walking up the winding staircase behind him.
"Why shouldn't I feel sad?" he glanced back at her with dulled eyes. "I know what I am gaining…and also what I am losing."
"You've been waiting for this for so long…I'm just here to help," she inwardly frowned.
"And I do appreciate it…"
They walked in silence for the rest of the way, both lost in their individual thoughts. Mina also knew what she would be losing, but didn't have the heart to stop the ritual. She also couldn't just dismiss Elise's wish to be with Legolas again. Maybe she could convince the prince to not go through with it, but picturing how distraught her ancestor would be, she couldn't bear. She also wasn't going to rule out the fact that Elise could become vengeful toward her and put some sort of curse on her and her family. It was a risk she would rather not take with all the things she thought were myths actually being true.
The moon's light finally hit Mina as they stepped out from the tower hall and onto the tallest stone bridge in the Water Castle. Dark clouds began to circle it, the moon looking eerier than usual. Mina walked over to the edge of the bridge's barrier and looked down. She could see the lights in the village and the festivities still going on as the wind picked up. Legolas hugged her from behind to keep her warm after he saw her shivering. "I'm sorry that it's cold up here," he said.
"It's okay," she answered quietly. "I should have brought a jacket…"
"Mina…" Legolas turned her around to face him. She was frowning when their eyes met. He kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly. "Thank you for everything."
"Of course…" she tried to smile sincerely. "I had a great time here. Something I'll always cherish. I've learned more about my family's history and about myself in five days than I have in my early twenty-something years."
"I am sure this is only the beginning for you," he smiled genuinely back at her. "Now, come. I want to give you something." He walked over to the small wooden box he was carrying earlier and opened it.
"What is it?" Mina asked curiously.
The prince took out a small Elven dagger and presented it to her. "Use this to protect yourself with…in case there are complications."
"Will I have to use this?" Mina took it hesitantly. The blade was made of quicksilver with designs engraved into it, attached on a golden handle that sparkled in the night. Mina was surprised how light it felt in her hand. It also seemed to glow when she held it, as if it recognized who she was.
He half-smiled at her question. "Only if you choose to use it. But, you're a pretty brave girl," he smirked.
"Right…" she replied sarcastically. "So, explain everything again to me?"
"When the moon has reached its highest peek," he looked up into the starless sky, "it will sparkle a shade of blue and beam down upon this spot. When Elise's figure appears, I will try to join her in the afterlife. You are our connection to each other," he looked at her.
"And, she and I are supposed to channel each other's energy somehow so she can physically touch you, bringing you with her into the afterlife as a mortal?" She finished his sentence to see if she got his previous explanation correct.
"Yes."
"So, when does the complicated part happen?"
"There will be forces that will test our love and try to stop Elise and I from being together. These same forces will also try to stop you from making a connection with her. You have to trust your heart and be strong."
"And, I'm guessing if I don't, that's the part where I could potentially get hurt or…" she let her words trail off.
"Or nothing," Legolas lifted up her chin. "I will do everything in my power to try to protect you as well."
"You can't do that, Legolas," she shook her head, backing away from him. "You have enough things to worry about. If you worry about me, you will get distracted and the ritual might fail. Besides, you could be a distraction to me," she smirked. "I might not be able to do my job."
"We wouldn't want that to happen, now do we?" he lightly chuckled with a heavy heart.
"Yeah…" she tried to hide the pain in her own heart. "You know, you never really told me what exactly would happen to you if you don't survive this so-called test of the gods. You're an immortal, so you'll be still fine in the end, right?"
It was the one question Legolas was hoping she wouldn't ask, and what perfect timing it was. He lightly smiled, looking away and walking to the edge of the bridge where he could see the village. He was quiet for a long time, pondering, before he answered. "There are pros and cons to everything, my dear Mina."
"I don't understand?" Mina said confused. "What are you talking about? Of course I know the pros and cons to this."
He glanced back at her with a smile, knowing she didn't understand what he meant. "If the ritual fails tonight, I will have no choice but to wait for Elise's soul to be reincarnated again…"
"I already know that," she shook her head. She already understood the story so she was stumped on what he was trying to say.
"But, if I fail tonight, then that will never happen."
"What do you mean? You're not making any sense, Legolas," she replied frustrated by his words.
The prince turned to face Mina, looking solemnly into her eyes. "If I am not strong enough…I will die."
"What?" she was even more confused. "What do you mean die? You can't die. That's impossible…"
"I felt that it was best for you to not know this, to keep you from being concerned about my well-being. You have enough things to worry about yourself."
"What do you mean die, Legolas?" she started to become angry. "Why didn't you tell me this from the beginning?"
"Because, as I said, I didn't want you to worry," he walked over to her, cupping her face. "I knew already how hard this was for you and I didn't to make things more difficult."
Mina backed away, pacing in place. The unhappy expression on her face wasn't good. Legolas noticed her gripping the dagger with a look in her eyes as if she was contemplating of stabbing him with it. "Explain yourself," she tried to say calmly and kept pacing to keep herself from exploding at him.
"Very well," he sighed. "Elise can only be reincarnated again if I am alive. If I perish from this world then her return will be pointless. Because I am an immortal, in theory, I cannot die until I am reunited with her, to which, I would become a mortal. If my will is not strong enough during the ritual, my physical body will die but my spiritual being will remain, tied forever to this castle."
"And what about Elise?"
"I will never see her again…"
"So, you're telling me that even if I'm able to give her my energy but you can't stand whatever these magical forces are that are testing you, then all of this would have been for nothing?" Mina said in shock, her chest feeling like it was closing in on her. She could feel herself shaking from all the different emotions flooding through every bone in her body from what she had just discovered.
"Have faith, Mina. My love for Elise is strong, there is nothing for you to worry about," Legolas tried assuring her.
"You keep saying that," she glared at him, "nothing for me to worry about. Nothing for me to worry about? I have everything to worry about, Legolas! My life, my friends' lives, your life, Elise's—will I ever get to go home and see my parents and friends again? The list goes on! I can't believe you didn't tell me this sooner!"
"I gave you the opportunity to back out of this many times, Mina," he replied calmly. "I did not force you here."
"I know that!" she said angrily, still pacing around the bridge. "Don't try to make me out to be the bad guy, Legolas. I'm the one doing you a favor, don't forget that."
Legolas didn't like where their conversation was heading and attempted to fix it. "I know, Mina, and I am sorry for keeping this from you. I only thought it was for the best; to give some of your burdens a rest."
"For the best?" she scoffed. "You thought keeping more secrets from me was for the best?" she looked at him disappointed. "I thought we were passed all of that, Legolas? It now makes me wonder what else about this ritual of yours you're not telling me. Is there anything else I need to know that you haven't told me?"
The prince couldn't answer her because he didn't want to lie to her any further. "I'm sorry, Mina, but there are matters you must try to understand for yourself."
"Like what?" she threw her hands in the air. "That I'm also supposed to battle some kind of monster with this dagger? Is that why you gave it to me so I can protect myself?"
"It's not like that, Mina," Legolas tried to reason with her. "Everything I have told you up to this point has been the truth."
She bent down and placed the dagger on the ground by his feet. "Well, apparently not the whole truth if there are matters I still need to understand for myself. I think I'll go ponder on these matters as I get my friends and leave this place!" she stormed away.
Mina was upset at the fact that he never told her that she could still lose him whether or not the ritual happened and all of its complicated details. She was already hurting that she had to let him go and knowing that even the smallest of chances they could have been together was now inconceivable, it hurt that much more. She tried not to be selfish with her desires knowing he belonged to Elise first, but she couldn't help what her heart was longing for. With all of this coming to light, she no longer had the strength to carry it out. Her emotions were clouding her judgment and she felt weak and just wanted to go home.
"Please, Mina, wait!" Legolas ran after her.
"I want to go home!" she yelled out, lightly sobbing. She no longer cared about any type of curses that might befall her.
"Mina, please—"
She heard the prince suddenly scream out in pain, collapsing to the ground. "Legolas!" she ran back to him in a panic. "What's wrong?" she shook him lightly. He looked at her in distraught, unable to say anything, his body curled into a fetal position. She became nervous and let the tears fall from her cheeks. "It's beginning…" she whispered to herself.
The moon was shining brightly, the hint of blue appearing just as Legolas had told her. Its light was cascading toward them like a spotlight, the dark clouds around it gathering even more. The wind howled at them as Mina tried to protect Legolas from it. Windows and signs rattled in the village as it passed them by, the villagers boarding up their glass windows from breaking. Faramir's birthday quickly ended as everyone was instructed to go home and stay indoors.
"Mina…save…your…self," Legolas struggled to say, grunting again in pain. His body felt like needles were stabling every inch of him.
"No!" she shook her head vigorously. "No matter how upset I am at you, I can't leave you like this…" she frowned at his body, not knowing how to help him. "We've gotten this far, haven't we?" She tried to smile, but more tears just came flowing from her cheeks.
"Mina…" she heard a voice whisper. She looked up toward the moon and saw Elise floating down toward them. "Come to me…"
She hesitantly left Legolas by himself and stood a few feet away from her. There was a bright glow all around her transparent figure. Mina never got used to seeing her image, as they looked practically identical. But, Elise had more of a regal presence about her and spoke like she lived in a different time like Legolas.
"What am I supposed to do?" she asked, attempting to be bold.
"You are very brave, dearest Mina," Elise smiled at her.
"I'm only doing what's right," she answered with a slight frown. "Legolas said I have to try to somehow connect my energy with yours?"
Elise nodded. "You have to transfer some of your own essence to me in order for me to take on a physical form." She walked up to Mina and stood right in front of her. She held her hands up, palms facing outward. Mina mirrored her actions, their hands only a few inches away from each other.
"Now what?" Mina asked, glancing at Legolas who was still on the ground, but didn't seemed to be in as much pain as he was before. He looked half unconscious with his eyes closed.
"Close your eyes and concentrate. Feel the energy in you and around you. Let your mind rest and your heart open…"
Mina took a deep breath and did as she was instructed to do. She emptied her mind and focused on her surroundings and the nature that was all around them. Her body began to feel warm and tingly the harder she concentrated. She felt light as a feather. When she opened her eyes, Elise's spiritual glow had also enveloped her. Elise's figure was becoming more solid and suddenly, she grabbed Mina's hands. "I can touch you! Finally…after all this time," she whispered, her eyes welling.
"Elise…" Legolas was now on his feet. He slowly walked over to where she and Mina were standing with unsteady paces.
Mina backed away from Elise so that they could finally have their reunion. "Thank you, Mina," Elise smiled and waited for Legolas to reach her. Mina nodded silently, her eyes to the ground as she stood back farther.
"My darling Elise…" Legolas held his hand out for hers.
"By beloved Lance," she smiled at him, also extending her hand, waiting for him.
They were mere inches apart when Mina decided to turn around and leave. There was nothing else left for her to do but say a silent good-bye to the both of them. She felt good inside, relieved that everything had gone well and that they were both strong enough to perform the ritual. As she turned to give them one last glance before they disappeared into the afterlife together, a strong force pushed them apart, also knocking her near the side entrance in its wrath. The last thing Mina heard was Elise's screams before she faded into the darkness.
Author's Note: Uh-oh! LOL. The next chapter will be up soon. I'm almost done with it. Please don't forget to keeping REVIEWING!