You should all know about the disclaimer…
Hopefully there will be a chapter tomorrow, if not, there will be one Thursday.
Thank you to those who have favourite and followed this story so far! You each get a cookie :D
Thank you also to my wonderful reviewers who get cookies AND milk ;)
I hope you all enjoy your treat!
Ea na qwiil, mellon-nin
Chapter 25 - My sweet little doll
It was the noise from the men outside her tent that made Éowyn run out and see what was happening. She felt her heart drop when she saw Elladan, Gimli, Legolas, Elrohir and Aragorn get onto their steeds and begin to make their way over towards the entrance to the cursed mountain that so many never returned from.
She ran towards the small group, never noticing a small Hobbit following her. "Why are you doing this?" She said to Aragorn, the ranger looking down at her and closed his eyes briefly, Brego stopping as the others went on ahead "The war lies to the east. You cannot leave on the eve of battle."
"Aragorn?" Merry said beside her, his small voice just above that of a whisper. "Why are you leaving?"
"I leave because I must." Aragorn said loud enough for all the men surrounding him, whispering ill things, stopped their dark words and became silent. "There are ships, black ships, attacking from the river. It is mine, our job…" He said, indicating to the four in front. "…To stop their attack."
"Then let us come along and help!" A man shouted, knowing that five beings alone could not fight off these ships.
"That I cannot allow." The ranger sighed, facing the King and Prince that had joined their people who had gathered "Your King needs your help far more than that of I do. You ride for honour, for peace, for a day when your children would not need to fear about the evil lurking outside the walls around your home, for your King. I ride for stopping these ships from attacking villages across the shore lines, for the millions of lives that would be at risk if these men were to make it to Minas Tirith. I ride because I must."
Éowyn swallowed "But we need you here." She whispered, lowering her head. She turned her head slightly to face her uncle and King who had placed a soothing hand on her shoulder.
Théoden pulled his niece into a hug and nodded at Aragorn. The ranger smiled and bowed, thanking him for everything. His eyes then went to Théodred. The Prince of Rohan had dark circle around his eyes, he needed sleep if he was to be awake for this war. He had been through a lot and Aragorn was pleased that his wound before had healed quickly. He did not think that if the Prince was alive, the King may not have been wanting to ride for Minas Tirith, helping his ally that never came to his aid to fight.
He silently mouthed his thanks to Théodred, the Prince coming right up beside him and placing his hand on his knee "We shall meet each other on the battle field, dear friend." Théodred smiled, patting the ranger's knee in his finally farewell.
Aragorn watched as Théodred then left, knowing that he had to tend to some of the men at the bottom of he mountain. His stormy eyes fell apon to Merry, he saw the deep sadness within them. "I know that everyone is leaving." He said "You must stay strong Merry, you will see us again soon, that I can promise you."
"Can you promise I will see Pip, Frodo and Sam again, all in one peace?" Merry snorted, Aragorn was completely taken by surprise, the previous sadness then Hobbit held within his eyes had instantly faded and was replaced with anger. "Can you promise me that nothing will happen to Legolas on the way? Can you promise that you won't lie about nearly everything that you promise? Because the way I see it, it seems you can't keep a damn one!" The Hobbit yelled angrily and then turned away, moving pass the men that were stunned by his outburst.
Éowyn called for him, but he showed no signs of acknowledging her. She gave one finally bow to Aragorn and then went off in search of the Hobbit. The future King watched as she went, stunned, frozen in place.
Théoden turned back to the ranger and saw his painful expression while he sat apon his son's ex-steed, his eyes never leaving that of the way the Hobbit had gone. He sighed, walking forward and placing his hand, like his son had son before, on Aragorn's knee, Aragorn's attention now on his "Do not dwell on your friends words. I know you will come back and with an army fit to destroy each foul being in this world. Keep only the good memories you have shared with young Meriadoc."
Aragorn was silent for awhile, thinking of the King's words before he nodded and said. "Thank you, my Lord. Please tell Merry that I am dreadfully sorry. Tell him that I will keep his promise. He will see Pippin, Frodo and Sam again, I will make sure he does and I will also make sure that they are alive and well before doing so." And with that, Aragorn went on his way, leaving the King to smile at his words while the men that had gathered, replaced their feelings of dread with courage.
Théoden dismissed his people and turned to see his nephew jogging up towards him "You have just missed them." He told, seeing Éomer's expression drop. "We shall meet them soon, do not hold worry for them."
Éomer continued to stare at where the group of three Elves, a Dwarf and a Man had rode into the mountain "None who venture there ever return, Uncle." He then tore his eyes away and said under his breath "That mountain is evil."
"This I am sure Lord Aragorn knows. He would not lightly venture into the mountain without knowing full well what lies in wait." Théoden replied, this time turning and facing the mountain and looking high at it's peak that seemed to move with the clouds. "Come..."He turned back, smiling "...Let us go see your sister and the young Hobbit."
The King and Marshall walked towards Éowyn's tent, hearing raised voices from inside. They came across Gamling, who stood outside the tent, shaking his head as they approached. They both entered the tent seeing a worried Éowyn and a angry Hobbit. As hearing what Éowyn had said just as they entered the tent, Éomer shook his head "You should not encourage him, sister."
Éowyn's worried expression changed to anger as she said harshly, turning to face her brother "And you should not doubt him."
"I do not doubt him..." Éomer said quickly, almost cutting off his sister. "...Only the reach of his arm." He tried to make the mood change by saying a little joke but it didn't help. It made Éowyn more angry and Merry as well.
"Why should Merry be left behind?" She then yelled, steeping closer to her brother and raising a finger at him "He has as much cause to go to war as you! Why can't he fight for those he loves?"
"Stop this now." Théoden then spoke, causing all three to look at him. "Young Meriadoc is surely a fine worrier, Éomer, do not doubt for even if his arm is less longer then yours, his height shorter, does not mean this Hobbit is a deadly opponent. Éowyn, you need not hold dark feelings and thoughts. You need to tell us, you have know this for a very long time. We can help you." The King walked forwards and knelt in front of the Hobbit, a warm smile on is face while a hand rested on the small shoulder "Aragorn leaves you a message: I am dreadfully sorry. Tell him that I will keep his promise. He will see Pippin, Frodo and Sam again, I will make sure he does and I will also make sure that they are alive and well before doing so."
The King held out his arms then as the Hobbit broke down into tears, all his anger from before fleeing his body. He knew that Hobbits were a race that were once thought to be just a story tale. Seeing one, let alone two, in his Kingdom had made the King realise that the beings who had seen these peaceful creatures had indeed come across them. They were everything the tales had told. A Hobbit did not hold such feelings of anger for there was nothing to really be angered about within their small peaceful country.
Éowyn and Éomer joined in on the embrace, the two kneeling down and wrapping their arms around their uncle and dear friend. It reminded them of times when they were small. They all heard the tent flap and a cough, each turning to face the man that had just entered.
Théodred smiled and folded his arms, tapping his foot on the ground "I can see who your favourites are, father."
Aragorn smiled as he rode to meet up with his brothers and two friends. The sound of Brego's hoofs bounced of from the cold mountain's walls, making the three in front turn and face him, each with a smile, the future King noting that Legolas didn't. "Is he alright?" He asked Elrohir, his smile dropping as well as everyone else's, as Brego slowed down beside his brother's steed.
"He has been unresponsive, most likely talking to Sauron." Elrohir replied, looking down at the Prince's head that rested heavily on his shoulder. "Ro is eithel, so do not worry yourself." *He is well,* the youngest twin smiled, easing Aragorn's worry slightly.
"Was everything okay back there, Laddie?" Gimli asked, poking his head around Elladan's waist to get a look at the man. "You took quite some time."
"Aye, everything is well."
"Estel." Elladan said, his voice deep.
Aragorn sighed "Everything is truly well but I feel quilt for leaving Merry behind. He does not deserve us abandoning him like that of his kin did, not that they didn't have a choice in the matter."
"Ah, the Hobbit let out his feeling's then?" Gimli snorted "I was wondering when he might burst." He muttered then, the two Elves and man looking at him with one eyebrow raised "Oh, you did not notice it? I thought you being Elves and all..." He trailed.
"Merry will be well." Elrohir spoke up, looking away from the Dwarf and back to his foster brother "He had survived through much worse." He then chuckled, thinking back to the things the young Hobbit had told him while they waited for Aragorn to return with Legolas that day the Rohan riders rode off ahead. "Making that journey to the Prancing Pony? Meeting with you and the rest of the Fellowship, surviving a wound which he got from Moria and seeing the dark Lord for the first time, being taken by the Uruk-Hai and going to war with the Ents. I think dear Merry will live."
They all smiled at Elrohir as he lightened their moods. Elladan was next to speak after a few moments of silence "I can assume that Théoden will leave Edoras to Lady Éowyn's care when they ride tomorrow morn. I fear that she may not take a liking to that idea, may I speak from my heart."
"And why may that be?" Gimli gruff voice replied.
"Because she is not suited to rule." Elladan spoke truly. "She is a maiden, one that will achieve many things in her life instead of that of ruling a Kingdom if the battle goes ill. She will be in grief and eventually end her life. The thought of having to rule an empty kingdom is something that she fears. I have seen it in her eyes."
"Aye, I agree with you, brother." Elrohir nodded "She may say bright things but her eyes speak differently."
"Elves." The Dwarf muttered which caused the two twins to laugh.
"Oh come now, Master Dwarf. You do not seriously think we are lying?" They both said, knowing this would anger Gimli. But before the Dwarf could say anything, a moan escaped Legolas and all four faced him.
The Prince's eyes were glazed as they usually were while he was talking to Sauron but there were small beads of sweat rolling down his forehead. "Let us make a stop; the night comes quickly this day." Aragorn looked to the sky, noticing how dark it was becoming. "It is strange." He furrowed his brow. "I swear it is only mid evening. It is dark for a day like this in Spring."
"We have had days like this in the past but they were rare. The day is shorted but night is longer." Elladan then looked around him "Over there." He pointed "It seems to be a cave. I smell rain and that should keep us sheltered."
"Are you Elves part dog or some other creature? A Warg maybe?" Gimli smirked, hoping his insult would work...It didn't. It made the twins howl and bark like dogs, making him growl in frustration while Aragorn laughed.
They reached the cave and were glad they did on time for right this moment; a heavy downpour fell from the heavens. They quickly unpacked the horses and made a small fire; they knew there would be no animals in this part of the world. No animal at all would dare enter a cursed mountain path, except those of there steeds, even if there eyes were looking all around, shifting as they felt something the others could not.
They laid Legolas down and placed a cloak under his head to make him more comfortable, along with another cloak over him. Aragorn poured some water he had taken from the camp and poured it on a rage, dabbing away the small beads of sweat that ran down Legolas' face. "What is he doing to you this time, mellon?" He whispered, shaking his head.
"How is he, Laddie?" Gimli's deep voice sounded and then a thud next to him.
Aragorn sighed "He is alright, for as far as we know. Legolas will get through this, he always does."
"Except for most times." Gimli rubbed a hand down his face.
Aragorn raised his eyebrows at the Dwarf.
"Don't give me that look, Aragorn." Gimli lightly punched the ranger in the arm "You know he will either wake up shaking like a leaf or will not respond to anything we ask him. I have seen it far too much to think that he will come out of this like nothing has happened."
Aragorn nodded "Aye, you are right. He has come out from his mind well before in the past, I think once or twice on our quest so far. They are rare, Sauron likes to inflict pain, and I can guess you know who he likes to inflict it more apon."
Gimli nodded "I don't even need to guess." He chuckled sadly, seeking out the Elven Prince's hand "Sometimes, I wish to know what he and Sauron talk about."
Aragorn noted that the hand Gimli held was pale. He looked back up at the Prince's face and saw that Legolas' face was as well. "We all do, most more than some." He saw Gimli's expression, so he explained "Thranduil has wanted to know what he has said for a very long time. You can just imagine the pain he held for every time Legolas' eyes glazed suddenly and he was pulled into his mind. No father would wish to see that, to know that the being who wanted to plunge all of the world into darkness was talking to their child, day and night."
"Come on, sweet Prince. Give me your best swing!" Sauron shouted as he laughed, blocking a swing and then swinging his own towards Legolas, watching as the Prince went down with a loud thud, not even the dead grass being able to silence his fall. "Is that all you got? The Prince of Mirkwood is nothing more than a weak Elfling!"
Legolas spat out blood, wiping away some that came passed his lips. "Mîbo Yrch." *Go kiss an Orc* He muttered, watching as the dark Lord stalked towards him. He felt a white hot pain flare as the Lord kicked him in the ribs. He cried out, already haven being kicked in the same area just a few moments before and tried to roll away but couldn't as Sauron reached down, pulled him up and chucked him back to the earth beneath his feet.
"Oh, Princeling, I thought you were so much better than this." Sauron pouted, mocking the Prince as he knelt down beside Legolas' beaten up body "You were so full of intent to kill me. Did my words work? Did you think there was still kindness left within me? Still feelings other than evil thoughts?" He bellowed, causing Legolas to flinch at the loudness.
"So naïve and young. You will always be the same. He was so much more trusting in me than you ever were."
Legolas then swung, hard, at Sauron, a shout escaping his mouth as he did. "Do not talk about him! You did something, something while I was taken! You planted that thing in me, allowing it to escape once a year, allowing it to take over my body and force me back into my mind!" He knew from the very start that there was someone inside him, someone other than Sauron. He could always feel eyes boring into him but could never find who the eyes belonged to. "That thing is nothing more than a doll for your use!"
Sauron then snickered "Yes, I did do something but has anyone told how you have changed?" Legolas froze "How once you were able to fully trust your friends again? I would have thought being in my care for so long would have made you stop trusting in people, already knowing that you would never be able to leave my company, already knowing that no one would come and save you but you did. I ask, did the twins, Elrond, Glorfindel, your father, ever tell you that they thought you had changed? Some of their thoughts thinking you were a different being for surely you would have returned as to being as you once were...Over time that is." The dark Lord lowered his head, his dark eyes turning a fiery red, just like that of his great Eye.
Legolas shook his head "No, the-they never said…"
Sauron interrupted "Oh really? They didn't tell you? I have heard it and I'm sure you have too. Talking amongst each other, you hiding in the shadows, listening and not believing." He eyes were now ablaze, Legolas' hands now reaching up to his head, knives falling to the ground with a clang. His breathing sped up as he watched Sauron flick his wrist and a bright light burst in between them.
Legolas closed his eyes, trying to get rid of the light but it went as quickly as it came. The Prince reopened his eyes slowly and they widened instantly when he saw a smiling Sauron and himself standing before him. "What…?"
"This is you, or how you should how been." Sauron placed his hand on the other Legolas' shoulder. "What I did was to allow the real you…" Indicating to the other Legolas "…Out into this world, on your Birthday, it was what he had me do if I were to release him. I agreed and let you go. The you now is just a fake, one that has kept the memories of this ones during it's times with me, within Dol Guldur. This one only remembers his time before that; occasionally some of these memories slip to you."
Legolas fell to the ground, hearing a small snap of the fingers but never lifted his head to see his other come to life, the light in his eyes brightening from the darkness they originally held. He heard the soft voice of his own, how much lighter it was, full of happiness and without no grief. His other talked to Sauron as if the Elf was a friend, a friend he had known for a very long time.
He thought back to what the Lord had said.
It was true.
Thinking back to the memories he had with the twins and Aragorn, he could only remember the dark and painful things, sometimes a small light of one would come through, showing the joy they all had together, but he could not remember anything other than that.
Legolas looked up then and saw himself looking back at him "Why are you hurt?" He asked, Legolas just looked into the bright eyes that were so much like his own and his mother's but sparkling more, they had life within, his did not. "What is wrong?" The other knelt beside him, eyes now full of worry when he did not reply.
Tears weld up in his eyes and he turned to Sauron, the Lord still smiling darkly at him "Why are you doing this?" He said, never once moving as Sauron walked towards him and his other. "What is this to prove?"
"This was the promise I was hoping you had remembered. All these lies up until now are finally worth it for the look on your face is something I wish to savour for a very long time." Sauron stroked Legolas cheek with the back of his hand.
"Sauron, why is me hurt?" The other asked, his brow furrowed in worry for the being before him that he had seen many times before.
"Punishment. For not remembering what promise he needed to keep." Sauron faced the other, clicking his fingers and watching as the other disappeared in an instant. "Now, we couldn't have him worrying over you now, can we?" He snorted, facing back to Legolas "He has been here, in the shadows of your mind. He knows you well but refused, until now, to let himself be shown to you. He's quite shy, you see."
"So, all those lies you fed me, all the lies you said, were really directed at him?" Legolas looked into the plain black eyes, tears all but gone from his own.
"Turning into a smart one, Princeling." Sauron straitened "It is true. I will never hand him to anyone, not even you. He is mine and always will be."
"He is not your toy!"
"No, he is no that. More of a pet. He listens , obeys what I say with slight hesitation before fulfilling. You on the other hand are a doll. One that has been implanted with memory's that were never yours. You are nothing but something that shouldn't even be alive on this world. I created you, made you what you are today. My sweet little doll."
Legolas saw the cold smile before everything faded to black, a small flicker of a fire light breaking through once his blurriness cleared. He sat quickly, tears streaming down his face while his eyes were wide. He heard his name and faced whoever had called him.
Gimli.
He wasted no time in removing the cloak that was spread on top of him. He ran from the cave, Gimli all but shouting his name and other things he didn't catch. He felt the rain hit his face, his tears washing away, but he didn't stop.
Gimli stood at the mouth of the cave as he watched the Elf finally stop his run. He was quite far out, the low clouds only making out a grey body shape outline. "Legolas, come back here!" He called, hearing the soft footsteps of the twins behind him and Aragorn's heavy ones joining them "Elf!" He shouted again, receiving no answer.
"Gimli, what happened?" Aragorn said, looking back and forth between the two, carefully seeing the Prince's outline lift his head towards the skies as lightening flashed yet no thunder rolled.
"He awoke. I called his name with relief and then he ran, quickly." Gimli said, keeping his eyes on the Elf at all times. "Legolas!" He called again, despretly wanting to get his friend to answer him.
Legolas turned his face away from the sky and towards the four behind him, only his head turning to face them. He smiled sadly and muttered "Goheno amin, mellon-nin." His eyes then shut as if someone had blew out a candle. He never felt the ground rushing to meet him or hear the sounds of shouts and cries from his friends as they ran towards him.
"You are nothing but something that shouldn't even be alive on this world. I created you, made you what you are today. My sweet little doll."
That was the last thought he remembered before giving in to the darkness.
NO, LEGGY! Why am I so cruel? :/ I am sorry if this chapter has some mistakes. I added extra words as I was proof reading and haven't gone back over it to fully check it ;O My apologies otherwise. Just point it out and tell me if I have :D
This chapter was supposed to be early but I had college stuff. That reminds me... I have returned to College. Lately I haven't been motivated but jeez! This chapter has fuelled me and for that I hope you all like this one! :D
Just one!
1. Sauron - As you all know, Sauron is an Elf in my story. This is just a reminder :D
Reviews;
BrightWatcher; Aww you are welcome :D I am glad to hear that, really I am :') Ohhh, well that's awesome! I always thought that scene with Elrond and Aragorn needed to be longer, not suddenly cut off to him getting ready to leave xD Glad you enjoyed it :)
Jasperslittlesister; I know :( I just want to take Faramir home with me and cuddle him :3 Denethor just makes me angry xD I think Elrond would kill him if he knew what he treated Faramir like xD I would join in though ;) Enjoy the update!
brankel1; Thank you!
Kitwarrior24; Glad you liked it :D Awww, that's awesome then, thank you!
LightsCDark; Denethor is one of my most hated characters! I always want to hug Faramir, he's just adorable :3 I wouldn't say this had death in but it was evil, I just couldn't help myself ;) My poor ickle Elf xD
Nightrunner144; The ghost will surely react. I literally can't wait to start writing that part :D Awww, thank you, I am glad that it is ^.^
Legolas: What have you done to me?!
Thranduil: What have you done to my son?!
Actually I didn't do anything, Sauron did… Awks.
Thranduil: You wrote it!
I watched it happen...And then I wrote it.
Thranduil: You lie!
Sauron: She never lies *laughs*
At least someone is on my side.
Sauron: You, you think I'm on your side? Orcs, attack them!
Not again! Run stupid King, stupid Prince!
Legolas: I can't wait to chop you up!
And I can't wait either, you dirty Elf ;) Innuendo! *Laughs then screams as Orcs gain speed*
Namarië!