Note: None of these are my original creations, except for Aradia and the
Dark Elves. The story is not based entirely on fact. It takes place the
night after the prologue.
Return of the Fellowship,
Part 1
A.J. Matthews
Aragorn sat in his bedroom, reflecting on what was and what was not. God, he kept seeing Legolas's stricken face. He hadn't allowed himself to think of how Legolas might have taken his marriage to Arwen. He'd hoped time would have healed some of the pain in Legolas's heart. And what he had told Legolas was true. Aragorn still loved him so much, even after all this time. Legolas's aloofness was a mask; he knew that now.
Arwen, bless her, had never pressed him for the reason why he and Legolas had stopped being friends. She only knew that it had caused him great pain. Aragorn had been afraid to tell her the truth about his relationship with Legolas. He had always treated her as a friend, even after her marriage to Aragorn. A small blessing, Aragorn mused, that Legolas had hidden all of his pain and locked it away.
Aradia didn't know, either. Aragorn smiled ruefully, thinking of his sweet five-year-old daughter. She was a natural born leader and would make a fine queen someday. Legolas was fond of her, as well. He doted on her like a father would, much as Aragorn himself doted on her. Legolas had always been kind to her, and if it pained him to see how much Aradia looked like Aragorn, he hid it from her.
Arwen quietly entered the room, as her husband sat lost in thought. She walked up behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder gently.
"Elstar," she said gently.
"Arwen?" Aragorn turned to face her. "Where's Aradia?"
"Playing with some of the other Elven children. Legolas is watching her." She sat on the bed and looked at him soberly. "Why didn't you tell me, Elstar?"
"Tell you what, Arwen?" he asked quietly.
"About you and Legolas being in love," she said, her face pale.
"How did you-" His voice broke off.
"I overheard you talking with Legolas, Elstar." She looked at him, her eyes full of compassion and sorrow.
"Arwen," Aragorn said softly. "That was ten years and three months ago."
"I heard you tell Legolas that you still loved him," Arwen reminded him. "That's why you were so distant when we first got married, isn't it?"
Aragorn could only nod. "I'm sorry if it hurt you, Arwen. I never told you because I was afraid you would be hurt."
Arwen smiled at him gently. "I know why he fell for you then, Elstar. But I wish you had told me. I've been worried about you."
"The knowledge does not hurt you?" Aragorn questioned.
She shook her head. "I knew you loved someone else."
The confession caught Aragorn by surprise. "How?" he choked.
"The sadness in your eyes, which is still there even now. Your sighs and tears," Arwen gently told him.
"You are a wonder, Arwen." Aragorn looked at her. She was beautiful, indeed, but she was not Legolas.
"Your heart belongs to him, does it not? You should go to him," Arwen said.
They both froze when they heard Aradia's childish chatter as she headed towards their room.
Arwen looked at him. "We will finish talking when you return from your battle, Elstar." She gently kissed him on the cheek.
Aradia burst into the room, with a shiny elven necklace around her neck. She still had Legolas's green robe wrapped around her. Legolas stood behind her quietly.
"Good night, Aradia, Lady Arwen, King Elessar," Legolas said, as he turned to walk away.
Aragorn saw a flash of pain in Legolas's eyes as he saw Arwen sitting next to him. Aradia jumped into his arms.
"Good night, Legolas," Arwen said gently.
Legolas nodded to her, and walked away silently.
He heard Aradia excitedly telling her parents about her necklace, which Legolas himself had made for her. It wasn't fancy; a diamond-shaped silver pendant with a sapphire-blue gem in the middle of it. It hung on a silver chain. Legolas had even engraved it with Aradia's name, right below the gem.
Aragorn and Arwen made all of the appropriate remarks. Legolas felt left out, and continued walking.
Legolas entered his room. He removed his shoes, pulled back his blankets, and laid down. For some time, he just lay there, thinking. Wondering if he'd made the right decision when he had decided to stay single his entire life. Part of that was because he was afraid of getting hurt again. Legolas also knew he was because he hoped that someday Aragorn might turn to him again.
Legolas sighed. There was no chance of that happening. He pulled the blankets over him, and sank into an uneasy sleep.
Aradia was tired from all of the excitement. She fell asleep on her father's lap, raving about her necklace, and how Legolas himself had made it.
Arwen pulled the blankets back and he gently placed their sleeping daughter in the bed. They each removed their shoes; Arwen removed Aradia's, and they curled up in the bed together.
Aragorn didn't fall asleep as quickly as his wife did. His thoughts were of Legolas and what might-have-been if he hadn't chosen Arwen. He knew that Legolas isolated himself from others. He had done so for years now, only opening up mostly to Aradia and Arwen. He was reserved around Aragorn. Today was the first time that Aragorn had seen for himself just how much Legolas had been hurt. Elrond had told him that Legolas still loved him, but Aragorn wasn't sure.
He turned over and finally fell asleep.
When Arwen awoke the next morning, she found that Aragorn had already left Mirkwood. She woke Aradia and took her to get some breakfast. Legolas joined them, as well.
After they ate, Aradia said, "I want to see more of Mirkwood, Legolas! Can we please go exploring?"
Legolas smiled and shook his head. "Not today, princess. The snow is coming down much too hard. Why don't you play a game with your friends?"
"Can we go outside later, then?" she pressed.
"Tomorrow," he said, giving in. "If it's not snowing too hard." He looked at Arwen. "And if that's all right with you, Lady Arwen."
"Fine," she said. "Would you mind much if I joined you on your exploration tomorrow?"
"Of course not," Legolas said.
"Yay! Mommy's coming, too," Aradia cried happily. Her friends came to see if she wanted to play a game. Aradia readily agreed and ran off.
Legolas turned to the Elven guard standing in the doorway.
'Make sure she stays indoors,' he said quietly.
The guard bowed and nodded. 'As you will.' He went after the children.
Legolas was called into a meeting, so Lady Arwen spent the day talking to some of her old friends, whom she hadn't seen for a while.
The day passed quickly for all three. Legolas and Arwen did not see each other for the rest of the day.
Aradia fell asleep as soon as she was put into bed. Arwen climbed in next to her, sleeping peacefully at once.
Legolas looked in on them as he headed for bed. He walked in silently, and pulled the covers over them,
before exiting the room and closing the door. He went to bed as well, troubled by strange dreams.
Bright and early two mornings later, Aradia cheered loudly. Legolas had just told her that they could go outside today.
After a hearty breakfast, consisting of delicious fruits, breads, and juice (for Aradia), the three went to the stables.
Legolas picked out a young horse for Aradia to ride. Arwen chose a gentle mare, while Legolas rode his favourite, Midnight.
They set off, leaving the gates.
Aradia excitedly dug her heels in. The baby horse took off like a shot. She laughed.
Arwen looked at Legolas. "When did you teach her to ride?" she asked.
"Yesterday afternoon," he replied, as he nudged his horse into a gallop. Arwen rode behind him.
"Aradia, slow down," Legolas called.
The young girl pulled her horse to a stop, as her mother and Legolas caught up with her.
"Don't take off like that, Aradia," Arwen said.
Aradia agreed cheerfully.
They spent a pleasant day riding around the borders of Mirkwood.
When Legolas saw Aradia shivering, he told the young girl they had to return.
"But why?" she protested.
"It's getting dark," Arwen said.
"All right," Aradia said, pouting.
It was on the way back when Legolas felt an ominous presence around them. He stopped his horse and looked around. He had a bad feeling. They were miles from the kingdom.
A scream made him turn and look at Arwen. Arrows started flying out of the trees, as riders wearing black cloaks with hoods, on pitch-black horses, came riding towards them.
Legolas spun his horse around and drew his bow. "Ride for the castle!" he shouted, as he began firing arrows.
Arwen drew her bow as well. "Go, Aradia!" she shouted. But it was hopeless. They were completely surrounded by black riders.
The archers aimed for Aradia. Arwen looked up just in time to see them heading towards Aradia. She flung herself in front of her daughter.
The arrows struck her hard. Legolas heard her anguished scream and rode towards them.
"Arwen," he gasped, as he saw the arrows in her flesh. Blood ran from them, as she looked at him.
"Take Aradia and go!" she said. Blood ran out of her mouth.
"I won't leave you." He reached down and scooped up Aradia. He placed her in front of him. "Hold on tight to his mane, Aradia," he said seriously. He then gently gathered Arwen in his arms and placed her across his lap. 'Gallop, Midnight," he shouted in Elvish.
Midnight galloped as fast as he could towards home. An arrow pierced Legolas from behind, but he didn't care. He protected Arwen and Aradia as best as he could.
Then he got a closer look at their pursuers. The dark elves, he thought grimly. He squeezed his knees and Midnight ran even faster.
'There he is! Capture the King of Mirkwood!' some of the dark elves shouted.
Legolas barely made it inside of the gate before it closed. He galloped all the way up to the castle. Aradia he gently slipped to the floor. Then he dismounted, and ran into the castle carrying the dying Arwen.
'Get the Healer!' he shouted as he carried Arwen into the nearest room and lay her down. He looked at the other elves. 'Take care of Aradia, while I assist the Healer.'
One of the other elven mothers took Aradia into her arms, and carried the child away from the sight of her dying mother.
"Legolas," Arwen's voice whispered. "I'm so sorry."
"For what, Lady Arwen? I should never have taken you out there," Legolas said.
"No," she explained, coughing blood up. "About Elstar. I didn't know he loved you. And that you loved him as well. I'm so sorry, Legolas."
Shock coursed through Legolas. "We can talk about it later, Arwen. When you are healed."
The gentle female elf shook her head. "I'm dying, Legolas. Promise me," she pleaded.
"Anything, Arwen." Legolas looked at her.
"Take care of Elstar and Aradia for me when I go," she said, her voice a whisper.
The Healer entered the room and knelt beside the fallen Queen. He gestured for Legolas to leave, which he did, still in shock.
Legolas absentmindedly closed the door behind him. A chair had been placed by the door, which he sat in as he waited for the news.
Aradia ran over to him. "Is my mother all right?" she sobbed.
Legolas gently picked her up and held her on his lap. In that instant, he forgot about his own pain. The child's mother was dying. And so was his dear friend.
"I don't know, sweetheart. We'll have to wait until the Healer tells us," he murmured.
"I'm all alone now," she sobbed. "Daddy's fighting and mommy's dying."
"No, child, you are not alone." Legolas looked down at her. "Until your father comes, I will stay with you."
Aradia hugged him tightly, weeping.
The two sat there waiting, not knowing of the blood dripping into a puddle behind Legolas.
Legolas was troubled because the dark elves had been after him, not the child or her mother. What new foe could it be, he wondered.
To be continued
Return of the Fellowship,
Part 1
A.J. Matthews
Aragorn sat in his bedroom, reflecting on what was and what was not. God, he kept seeing Legolas's stricken face. He hadn't allowed himself to think of how Legolas might have taken his marriage to Arwen. He'd hoped time would have healed some of the pain in Legolas's heart. And what he had told Legolas was true. Aragorn still loved him so much, even after all this time. Legolas's aloofness was a mask; he knew that now.
Arwen, bless her, had never pressed him for the reason why he and Legolas had stopped being friends. She only knew that it had caused him great pain. Aragorn had been afraid to tell her the truth about his relationship with Legolas. He had always treated her as a friend, even after her marriage to Aragorn. A small blessing, Aragorn mused, that Legolas had hidden all of his pain and locked it away.
Aradia didn't know, either. Aragorn smiled ruefully, thinking of his sweet five-year-old daughter. She was a natural born leader and would make a fine queen someday. Legolas was fond of her, as well. He doted on her like a father would, much as Aragorn himself doted on her. Legolas had always been kind to her, and if it pained him to see how much Aradia looked like Aragorn, he hid it from her.
Arwen quietly entered the room, as her husband sat lost in thought. She walked up behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder gently.
"Elstar," she said gently.
"Arwen?" Aragorn turned to face her. "Where's Aradia?"
"Playing with some of the other Elven children. Legolas is watching her." She sat on the bed and looked at him soberly. "Why didn't you tell me, Elstar?"
"Tell you what, Arwen?" he asked quietly.
"About you and Legolas being in love," she said, her face pale.
"How did you-" His voice broke off.
"I overheard you talking with Legolas, Elstar." She looked at him, her eyes full of compassion and sorrow.
"Arwen," Aragorn said softly. "That was ten years and three months ago."
"I heard you tell Legolas that you still loved him," Arwen reminded him. "That's why you were so distant when we first got married, isn't it?"
Aragorn could only nod. "I'm sorry if it hurt you, Arwen. I never told you because I was afraid you would be hurt."
Arwen smiled at him gently. "I know why he fell for you then, Elstar. But I wish you had told me. I've been worried about you."
"The knowledge does not hurt you?" Aragorn questioned.
She shook her head. "I knew you loved someone else."
The confession caught Aragorn by surprise. "How?" he choked.
"The sadness in your eyes, which is still there even now. Your sighs and tears," Arwen gently told him.
"You are a wonder, Arwen." Aragorn looked at her. She was beautiful, indeed, but she was not Legolas.
"Your heart belongs to him, does it not? You should go to him," Arwen said.
They both froze when they heard Aradia's childish chatter as she headed towards their room.
Arwen looked at him. "We will finish talking when you return from your battle, Elstar." She gently kissed him on the cheek.
Aradia burst into the room, with a shiny elven necklace around her neck. She still had Legolas's green robe wrapped around her. Legolas stood behind her quietly.
"Good night, Aradia, Lady Arwen, King Elessar," Legolas said, as he turned to walk away.
Aragorn saw a flash of pain in Legolas's eyes as he saw Arwen sitting next to him. Aradia jumped into his arms.
"Good night, Legolas," Arwen said gently.
Legolas nodded to her, and walked away silently.
He heard Aradia excitedly telling her parents about her necklace, which Legolas himself had made for her. It wasn't fancy; a diamond-shaped silver pendant with a sapphire-blue gem in the middle of it. It hung on a silver chain. Legolas had even engraved it with Aradia's name, right below the gem.
Aragorn and Arwen made all of the appropriate remarks. Legolas felt left out, and continued walking.
Legolas entered his room. He removed his shoes, pulled back his blankets, and laid down. For some time, he just lay there, thinking. Wondering if he'd made the right decision when he had decided to stay single his entire life. Part of that was because he was afraid of getting hurt again. Legolas also knew he was because he hoped that someday Aragorn might turn to him again.
Legolas sighed. There was no chance of that happening. He pulled the blankets over him, and sank into an uneasy sleep.
Aradia was tired from all of the excitement. She fell asleep on her father's lap, raving about her necklace, and how Legolas himself had made it.
Arwen pulled the blankets back and he gently placed their sleeping daughter in the bed. They each removed their shoes; Arwen removed Aradia's, and they curled up in the bed together.
Aragorn didn't fall asleep as quickly as his wife did. His thoughts were of Legolas and what might-have-been if he hadn't chosen Arwen. He knew that Legolas isolated himself from others. He had done so for years now, only opening up mostly to Aradia and Arwen. He was reserved around Aragorn. Today was the first time that Aragorn had seen for himself just how much Legolas had been hurt. Elrond had told him that Legolas still loved him, but Aragorn wasn't sure.
He turned over and finally fell asleep.
When Arwen awoke the next morning, she found that Aragorn had already left Mirkwood. She woke Aradia and took her to get some breakfast. Legolas joined them, as well.
After they ate, Aradia said, "I want to see more of Mirkwood, Legolas! Can we please go exploring?"
Legolas smiled and shook his head. "Not today, princess. The snow is coming down much too hard. Why don't you play a game with your friends?"
"Can we go outside later, then?" she pressed.
"Tomorrow," he said, giving in. "If it's not snowing too hard." He looked at Arwen. "And if that's all right with you, Lady Arwen."
"Fine," she said. "Would you mind much if I joined you on your exploration tomorrow?"
"Of course not," Legolas said.
"Yay! Mommy's coming, too," Aradia cried happily. Her friends came to see if she wanted to play a game. Aradia readily agreed and ran off.
Legolas turned to the Elven guard standing in the doorway.
'Make sure she stays indoors,' he said quietly.
The guard bowed and nodded. 'As you will.' He went after the children.
Legolas was called into a meeting, so Lady Arwen spent the day talking to some of her old friends, whom she hadn't seen for a while.
The day passed quickly for all three. Legolas and Arwen did not see each other for the rest of the day.
Aradia fell asleep as soon as she was put into bed. Arwen climbed in next to her, sleeping peacefully at once.
Legolas looked in on them as he headed for bed. He walked in silently, and pulled the covers over them,
before exiting the room and closing the door. He went to bed as well, troubled by strange dreams.
Bright and early two mornings later, Aradia cheered loudly. Legolas had just told her that they could go outside today.
After a hearty breakfast, consisting of delicious fruits, breads, and juice (for Aradia), the three went to the stables.
Legolas picked out a young horse for Aradia to ride. Arwen chose a gentle mare, while Legolas rode his favourite, Midnight.
They set off, leaving the gates.
Aradia excitedly dug her heels in. The baby horse took off like a shot. She laughed.
Arwen looked at Legolas. "When did you teach her to ride?" she asked.
"Yesterday afternoon," he replied, as he nudged his horse into a gallop. Arwen rode behind him.
"Aradia, slow down," Legolas called.
The young girl pulled her horse to a stop, as her mother and Legolas caught up with her.
"Don't take off like that, Aradia," Arwen said.
Aradia agreed cheerfully.
They spent a pleasant day riding around the borders of Mirkwood.
When Legolas saw Aradia shivering, he told the young girl they had to return.
"But why?" she protested.
"It's getting dark," Arwen said.
"All right," Aradia said, pouting.
It was on the way back when Legolas felt an ominous presence around them. He stopped his horse and looked around. He had a bad feeling. They were miles from the kingdom.
A scream made him turn and look at Arwen. Arrows started flying out of the trees, as riders wearing black cloaks with hoods, on pitch-black horses, came riding towards them.
Legolas spun his horse around and drew his bow. "Ride for the castle!" he shouted, as he began firing arrows.
Arwen drew her bow as well. "Go, Aradia!" she shouted. But it was hopeless. They were completely surrounded by black riders.
The archers aimed for Aradia. Arwen looked up just in time to see them heading towards Aradia. She flung herself in front of her daughter.
The arrows struck her hard. Legolas heard her anguished scream and rode towards them.
"Arwen," he gasped, as he saw the arrows in her flesh. Blood ran from them, as she looked at him.
"Take Aradia and go!" she said. Blood ran out of her mouth.
"I won't leave you." He reached down and scooped up Aradia. He placed her in front of him. "Hold on tight to his mane, Aradia," he said seriously. He then gently gathered Arwen in his arms and placed her across his lap. 'Gallop, Midnight," he shouted in Elvish.
Midnight galloped as fast as he could towards home. An arrow pierced Legolas from behind, but he didn't care. He protected Arwen and Aradia as best as he could.
Then he got a closer look at their pursuers. The dark elves, he thought grimly. He squeezed his knees and Midnight ran even faster.
'There he is! Capture the King of Mirkwood!' some of the dark elves shouted.
Legolas barely made it inside of the gate before it closed. He galloped all the way up to the castle. Aradia he gently slipped to the floor. Then he dismounted, and ran into the castle carrying the dying Arwen.
'Get the Healer!' he shouted as he carried Arwen into the nearest room and lay her down. He looked at the other elves. 'Take care of Aradia, while I assist the Healer.'
One of the other elven mothers took Aradia into her arms, and carried the child away from the sight of her dying mother.
"Legolas," Arwen's voice whispered. "I'm so sorry."
"For what, Lady Arwen? I should never have taken you out there," Legolas said.
"No," she explained, coughing blood up. "About Elstar. I didn't know he loved you. And that you loved him as well. I'm so sorry, Legolas."
Shock coursed through Legolas. "We can talk about it later, Arwen. When you are healed."
The gentle female elf shook her head. "I'm dying, Legolas. Promise me," she pleaded.
"Anything, Arwen." Legolas looked at her.
"Take care of Elstar and Aradia for me when I go," she said, her voice a whisper.
The Healer entered the room and knelt beside the fallen Queen. He gestured for Legolas to leave, which he did, still in shock.
Legolas absentmindedly closed the door behind him. A chair had been placed by the door, which he sat in as he waited for the news.
Aradia ran over to him. "Is my mother all right?" she sobbed.
Legolas gently picked her up and held her on his lap. In that instant, he forgot about his own pain. The child's mother was dying. And so was his dear friend.
"I don't know, sweetheart. We'll have to wait until the Healer tells us," he murmured.
"I'm all alone now," she sobbed. "Daddy's fighting and mommy's dying."
"No, child, you are not alone." Legolas looked down at her. "Until your father comes, I will stay with you."
Aradia hugged him tightly, weeping.
The two sat there waiting, not knowing of the blood dripping into a puddle behind Legolas.
Legolas was troubled because the dark elves had been after him, not the child or her mother. What new foe could it be, he wondered.
To be continued
