___
special thanks to Ithilien: I do know nothing about horses but that they usually have
four legs, a head and a tail.
So I thank you very much for the information... I hope you do not mind that I used it in this chapter...
to sadistic cow : please do not hurt yourself... you are writing such great reviews :-)
to grimlock: thanks for the interesting suggestion... hmm... we will see...
to everybody else: thanks for reviewing and encouraging me like this...
it does help, as you can see, for here comes the next chapter...
thanks to Little My once more for beta reading!!!
So read on and let me know if you liked it!!!
____
It was Eomer that stepped up to Gandalf now, his face troubled.
'May I have a word with you?' he asked hesitantly. The wizard only nodded.
'Why use two horses and a stretcher to carry Legolas? Horses are competitive
animals; rarely do they like to walk side-by-side without one of them trying to
dominate and lead. Why not use a cart? One horse would be enough to pull it and if
we pad it with blankets, Legolas will not be jarred too much.'
Gandalf looked at him for a moment, considering the Lord's words. The men of
Rohan had a reputation for their knowledge of horses and it would not be wise to
disregard advice given by them.
'Speak with Gimli,' he decided. 'I would have thought of this myself, but I doubt the
dwarves posses anything that could be used with horses. But their skills are great,
and maybe Gimli would know of something.'
The King of Rohan only smiled and moved away, eager to finally do something. It
was not hard to find Gimli and he readily agreed to Eomer's words. A cart, used to
clear away stones and boulders, was easily found and the dwarf's quick mind had no
problems in assessing the changes that had to be made to enable it to be pulled by a
horse. Eomer stayed at Gimli's side as the dwarf started to work with great speed
and determination, offering a helping hand whenever needed. It was the first time he
had watched a dwarf at work, and he could not help but wonder at the great skill and
craftsmanship he could see even in the relatively simple tasks Gimli performed.
Gimli's mind focused on the work he had to do, but a small part of it remained with
the still form of the elf not too far away. He could see Calenuial sitting next to Legolas
and felt a mixture of pain that it could not be himself keeping watch over his friend,
and relief that one of Legolas' most trusted friends was here to do it. His hands
moved to bend another piece of metal as he wondered who the Lady was he had
heard Calenuial mention. Surely it would not be Galadriel he had been talking about,
for she dwelt in the Golden Woods of Lothlorien, and seldom did the elves of
Greenwood travel there. He forced himself not to ponder questions he could find no
answer to. If Gandalf thought Legolas' chances of survival were greater in taking him
home, then they would do this.
@@@
Aragorn had feared the dwarves' reaction upon finding another elf in their realm, but
was relieved as they seemed to hardly take notice of Calenuial. Some curious looks
were directed at him but mostly he was just ignored. The elf never left Legolas' side,
keeping a silent vigil over him, very much like Gimli had done before. From time to
time he would reach out and touch the pale face, but each time the expression of
distress flickering over his face remained the same.
The King of Gondor worried at this. During those last hours nothing had changed with
Legolas' condition. He had remained unresponsive and seemed not to get any
stronger, must unusual for an elf that under normal circumstances would heal quickly.
Gudin brought food and water and offered it even to Calenuial but the elf refused. If it
was out of mistrust or lack of appetite, Aragorn could not tell. The dwarf clearly chose
not to take offense but moved away with a shrug.
He joined the group that had assembled at the fireplace.
'You will leave soon?' he asked.
'Yes. As soon as Gimli has finished building a means of transport for Legolas.'
Gandalf answered.
'There is something I wish to ask you,' Gloin spoke, his question directed at the Istari.
At receiving an encouraging nod, he continued. 'We destroyed this creature, but are
there more were it came from? Is there danger that others will come here?'
Gandalf shook his head.
'I do not think so,' he spoke. 'It is a remnant of ancient times and not many of them
still exist in Middle Earth. Maybe it was even the last of its kind.'
'I have never seen a stranger thing,' the dwarf admitted. 'For it did look nothing like
the monster it really was. I would have called it beautiful if not for the darkness it
emanated.'
'Evil comes in many disguises,' the wizard answered and rose to his feet. 'I will check
on Legolas once more. Aragorn, do you still carry the flask of miruvor? For I fear our
friend has dire need of it.'
Aragorn nodded and Gandalf walked over to the two elves. Calenuial looked up at
him, worry in his dark eyes as he watched the wizard get down on his knees next to
the prone form. Nothing had changed. Legolas' eyes were still closed and his skin
seemed no warmer to the touch then before. His breathing was soft and his heartbeat
was maybe a little bit stronger, but this could have been wishful thinking.
'Can you still feel him?' Gandalf asked. Aragorn had found the small flask in his bag
and joined them at Legolas' side.
'Aye, although weakly,' Calenuial spoke. His next words surprised Aragorn greatly.
'I fear for him, Mithrandir. The way back to Greenwood is not long but he is too weak.
What is to be gained if we risk moving him? Is it because the dwarves wish us to be
gone?'
It did not bode well for Legolas' condition if Calenuial would prefer to keep him here,
in the realm of the dwarves, rather than risk moving him to Greenwood.
'I fear that he is fading ever more, my friend. He is lost in the world of his own mind,
and if he is ever to find his way out of it he will not be able to do so on his own. I
believe it is his strong bond with Gimli that has kept him with us so far, but I fear it will
not be enough to bring him back.'
His dark eyes regarded the elf.
'You said the Lady felt something amiss.'
'Aye, she did. You think she will be able to help him?'
'If anybody can, it will be her.'
Calenuial did not answer but Aragorn could see some hope return to the elf. He
himself felt no different, for it had started to look to him as if they were fighting a
losing battle. He knew whom it was Gandalf was referring to, and he knew that she
had the power of healing. Not like Elrond, for she wielded no ring, but in the realm of
Greenwood the Great no one could match her abilities. That she would have the
power to heal what harm had been done to Legolas' mind, Aragorn could only hope.
@@@
The next hours were filled with work, as all helped together in finishing the cart and
gathering their belongings as well as provisions.
Finally the last thing left to do was padding the cart, and Gimli did so using the
blankets offered by the dwarves.
They were ready to leave.
A loud whistle startled Calenuial, and he stared at the dwarf who had let it out. The
look of surprise on his face turned almost comical when the sound of hooves could
be heard. Arod broke through the shrubbery first, his first destination his master. The
big horse let out a whine upon seeing him still and unmoving, but shied away when
Aragorn reach out to calm him. Selena had followed, the smaller mare staying her
distance from the group that had assembled around Legolas.
It was Eomer who was finally allowed to touch Arod, the horse remembering him well.
It endured the harness he put on it without protest, as if understanding it was
necessary.
To Aragorn's surprise, Calenuial did not hinder Gimli as the dwarf reached out strong
arms to lift Legolas. He only moved to assist him and together they carried the prone
form to the cart, gently lowering him down on the pile of blankets. Another one was
draped over him to keep him warm.
It was a silent lot that left the realm of the dwarves.
Arod followed Eomer without any fuss as if knowing how important it was. Gimli led
Selena as he stayed as close to the cart as possible.
Fear had returned for he knew not what the future would hold. It could be that they
would succeed in bringing Legolas to Greenwood, and that whatever Gandalf had in
mind would work. It could be that all this was in vain and they would lose the elf even
ere they reached Greenwood. But he spoke not of his fears and stayed at his friend's
side, hoping the miruvor would work its magic once more in strengthening Legolas.
Soon they reached the camp where waited the guards of Gondor for their liege's
return, as well as three elves of Greenwood. The elves' reaction to seeing Legolas
like this was a mixture of outrage and despair, but Calenuial quickly calmed them. His
face showed his own pain and worry as he spoke to them in the elven tongue. Gimli
could not understand his words but he could see the effect they had. Worry over their
prince finally won over the desire to find someone to blame.
Having calmed his companions, Calenuial turned to Aragorn, knowing he had been
able to follow the conversation.
'We would take the prince to Greenwood from here; there is no need for you to
accompany us any further.'
'Do you think I would abandon Legolas so easily?' Gimli cried, his eyes flaring. He
had not considered the thought that he would not be allowed to enter the elven
realm.
'He is our friend,' Aragorn quickly spoke up. 'We do not wish to leave him.'
He cast a questioning glance towards Eomer and Faramir, and both shook their
heads. They would stay.
Calenuial only nodded, ignoring the angry glare he received from Gimli.
'So be it.'
They mounted the horses and set a slow pace, ever aware of the cart and its
precious burden. The ground did not always allow an easy passing, but the elves
leading them knew the woods well and had no difficulties in finding a way.
Gimli called a halt from time to time to check on his friend, relief evident on his face
each time he found him still alive and breathing. No one complained, for all of them
could feel the lingering worry for Legolas.
special thanks to Ithilien: I do know nothing about horses but that they usually have
four legs, a head and a tail.
So I thank you very much for the information... I hope you do not mind that I used it in this chapter...
to sadistic cow : please do not hurt yourself... you are writing such great reviews :-)
to grimlock: thanks for the interesting suggestion... hmm... we will see...
to everybody else: thanks for reviewing and encouraging me like this...
it does help, as you can see, for here comes the next chapter...
thanks to Little My once more for beta reading!!!
So read on and let me know if you liked it!!!
____
It was Eomer that stepped up to Gandalf now, his face troubled.
'May I have a word with you?' he asked hesitantly. The wizard only nodded.
'Why use two horses and a stretcher to carry Legolas? Horses are competitive
animals; rarely do they like to walk side-by-side without one of them trying to
dominate and lead. Why not use a cart? One horse would be enough to pull it and if
we pad it with blankets, Legolas will not be jarred too much.'
Gandalf looked at him for a moment, considering the Lord's words. The men of
Rohan had a reputation for their knowledge of horses and it would not be wise to
disregard advice given by them.
'Speak with Gimli,' he decided. 'I would have thought of this myself, but I doubt the
dwarves posses anything that could be used with horses. But their skills are great,
and maybe Gimli would know of something.'
The King of Rohan only smiled and moved away, eager to finally do something. It
was not hard to find Gimli and he readily agreed to Eomer's words. A cart, used to
clear away stones and boulders, was easily found and the dwarf's quick mind had no
problems in assessing the changes that had to be made to enable it to be pulled by a
horse. Eomer stayed at Gimli's side as the dwarf started to work with great speed
and determination, offering a helping hand whenever needed. It was the first time he
had watched a dwarf at work, and he could not help but wonder at the great skill and
craftsmanship he could see even in the relatively simple tasks Gimli performed.
Gimli's mind focused on the work he had to do, but a small part of it remained with
the still form of the elf not too far away. He could see Calenuial sitting next to Legolas
and felt a mixture of pain that it could not be himself keeping watch over his friend,
and relief that one of Legolas' most trusted friends was here to do it. His hands
moved to bend another piece of metal as he wondered who the Lady was he had
heard Calenuial mention. Surely it would not be Galadriel he had been talking about,
for she dwelt in the Golden Woods of Lothlorien, and seldom did the elves of
Greenwood travel there. He forced himself not to ponder questions he could find no
answer to. If Gandalf thought Legolas' chances of survival were greater in taking him
home, then they would do this.
@@@
Aragorn had feared the dwarves' reaction upon finding another elf in their realm, but
was relieved as they seemed to hardly take notice of Calenuial. Some curious looks
were directed at him but mostly he was just ignored. The elf never left Legolas' side,
keeping a silent vigil over him, very much like Gimli had done before. From time to
time he would reach out and touch the pale face, but each time the expression of
distress flickering over his face remained the same.
The King of Gondor worried at this. During those last hours nothing had changed with
Legolas' condition. He had remained unresponsive and seemed not to get any
stronger, must unusual for an elf that under normal circumstances would heal quickly.
Gudin brought food and water and offered it even to Calenuial but the elf refused. If it
was out of mistrust or lack of appetite, Aragorn could not tell. The dwarf clearly chose
not to take offense but moved away with a shrug.
He joined the group that had assembled at the fireplace.
'You will leave soon?' he asked.
'Yes. As soon as Gimli has finished building a means of transport for Legolas.'
Gandalf answered.
'There is something I wish to ask you,' Gloin spoke, his question directed at the Istari.
At receiving an encouraging nod, he continued. 'We destroyed this creature, but are
there more were it came from? Is there danger that others will come here?'
Gandalf shook his head.
'I do not think so,' he spoke. 'It is a remnant of ancient times and not many of them
still exist in Middle Earth. Maybe it was even the last of its kind.'
'I have never seen a stranger thing,' the dwarf admitted. 'For it did look nothing like
the monster it really was. I would have called it beautiful if not for the darkness it
emanated.'
'Evil comes in many disguises,' the wizard answered and rose to his feet. 'I will check
on Legolas once more. Aragorn, do you still carry the flask of miruvor? For I fear our
friend has dire need of it.'
Aragorn nodded and Gandalf walked over to the two elves. Calenuial looked up at
him, worry in his dark eyes as he watched the wizard get down on his knees next to
the prone form. Nothing had changed. Legolas' eyes were still closed and his skin
seemed no warmer to the touch then before. His breathing was soft and his heartbeat
was maybe a little bit stronger, but this could have been wishful thinking.
'Can you still feel him?' Gandalf asked. Aragorn had found the small flask in his bag
and joined them at Legolas' side.
'Aye, although weakly,' Calenuial spoke. His next words surprised Aragorn greatly.
'I fear for him, Mithrandir. The way back to Greenwood is not long but he is too weak.
What is to be gained if we risk moving him? Is it because the dwarves wish us to be
gone?'
It did not bode well for Legolas' condition if Calenuial would prefer to keep him here,
in the realm of the dwarves, rather than risk moving him to Greenwood.
'I fear that he is fading ever more, my friend. He is lost in the world of his own mind,
and if he is ever to find his way out of it he will not be able to do so on his own. I
believe it is his strong bond with Gimli that has kept him with us so far, but I fear it will
not be enough to bring him back.'
His dark eyes regarded the elf.
'You said the Lady felt something amiss.'
'Aye, she did. You think she will be able to help him?'
'If anybody can, it will be her.'
Calenuial did not answer but Aragorn could see some hope return to the elf. He
himself felt no different, for it had started to look to him as if they were fighting a
losing battle. He knew whom it was Gandalf was referring to, and he knew that she
had the power of healing. Not like Elrond, for she wielded no ring, but in the realm of
Greenwood the Great no one could match her abilities. That she would have the
power to heal what harm had been done to Legolas' mind, Aragorn could only hope.
@@@
The next hours were filled with work, as all helped together in finishing the cart and
gathering their belongings as well as provisions.
Finally the last thing left to do was padding the cart, and Gimli did so using the
blankets offered by the dwarves.
They were ready to leave.
A loud whistle startled Calenuial, and he stared at the dwarf who had let it out. The
look of surprise on his face turned almost comical when the sound of hooves could
be heard. Arod broke through the shrubbery first, his first destination his master. The
big horse let out a whine upon seeing him still and unmoving, but shied away when
Aragorn reach out to calm him. Selena had followed, the smaller mare staying her
distance from the group that had assembled around Legolas.
It was Eomer who was finally allowed to touch Arod, the horse remembering him well.
It endured the harness he put on it without protest, as if understanding it was
necessary.
To Aragorn's surprise, Calenuial did not hinder Gimli as the dwarf reached out strong
arms to lift Legolas. He only moved to assist him and together they carried the prone
form to the cart, gently lowering him down on the pile of blankets. Another one was
draped over him to keep him warm.
It was a silent lot that left the realm of the dwarves.
Arod followed Eomer without any fuss as if knowing how important it was. Gimli led
Selena as he stayed as close to the cart as possible.
Fear had returned for he knew not what the future would hold. It could be that they
would succeed in bringing Legolas to Greenwood, and that whatever Gandalf had in
mind would work. It could be that all this was in vain and they would lose the elf even
ere they reached Greenwood. But he spoke not of his fears and stayed at his friend's
side, hoping the miruvor would work its magic once more in strengthening Legolas.
Soon they reached the camp where waited the guards of Gondor for their liege's
return, as well as three elves of Greenwood. The elves' reaction to seeing Legolas
like this was a mixture of outrage and despair, but Calenuial quickly calmed them. His
face showed his own pain and worry as he spoke to them in the elven tongue. Gimli
could not understand his words but he could see the effect they had. Worry over their
prince finally won over the desire to find someone to blame.
Having calmed his companions, Calenuial turned to Aragorn, knowing he had been
able to follow the conversation.
'We would take the prince to Greenwood from here; there is no need for you to
accompany us any further.'
'Do you think I would abandon Legolas so easily?' Gimli cried, his eyes flaring. He
had not considered the thought that he would not be allowed to enter the elven
realm.
'He is our friend,' Aragorn quickly spoke up. 'We do not wish to leave him.'
He cast a questioning glance towards Eomer and Faramir, and both shook their
heads. They would stay.
Calenuial only nodded, ignoring the angry glare he received from Gimli.
'So be it.'
They mounted the horses and set a slow pace, ever aware of the cart and its
precious burden. The ground did not always allow an easy passing, but the elves
leading them knew the woods well and had no difficulties in finding a way.
Gimli called a halt from time to time to check on his friend, relief evident on his face
each time he found him still alive and breathing. No one complained, for all of them
could feel the lingering worry for Legolas.