Note: Anything or anyone you don't recognize from the book or movie is mine
unless stated otherwise! Elvish speech is in ' '. Legolas will be out of
character most of this chapter. The dream Aragorn has about the memory
spell Legolas put on him is also from Nora Roberts' 'Spellbound'.
Return of the Fellowship,
Part 10
*******************************
Near the Base of Shadow Mountain
*******************************
"Aragorn!" Gimli shouted as the arrows flew directly at the human.
Aragorn couldn't possibly get out of the way in time, yet he tried and flung his hands over his face.
Nothing happened.
Aragorn opened his eyes. The arrows were laying on the ground in front of him. As he watched, another arrow shot at him. It hit something invisible, and fell to the ground.
"What magic is this?" Frodo asked in awe.
Aragorn didn't understand it, but he quickly began slashing at the orcs again. No arrows hit him, no matter how many were aimed at him.
Most of the orcs had been defeated. A few slashed at Aragorn, yet their blows did not land.
The same could not be said for the hobbits. Merry, Pippin, Sam, and Frodo had small cuts and slices on them.
Gandalf finished the orc he was fighting with and ran to aid the hobbits.
Gimli swung his axe and an orc fell.
The battle was pretty much over. The orcs had retreated.
"Is anyone wounded?" Gandalf asked. He made his way over to Aragorn and looked him over. "No wounds?" The wizard frowned, for he sensed a spell around Aragorn. "Hmm." He began analyzing the spell around the king.
Frodo and Sam walked over.
"Are you all right?" Frodo asked Aragorn.
"Fine, Frodo." Aragorn smiled down at the little hobbit. "I didn't even get scratched."
"Good for you, Aragorn," Gimli said loudly, as he ventured over with Merry and Pippin.
"Aragorn, do you realize there is a spell upon you?" Gandalf asked him quietly. He took the necklace in his hands. "An old spell that still holds true."
"A spell?" Aragorn asked. He looked surprised. "Who would put a spell on me? Is it dangerous?"
"Nay, Aragorn, it will not harm you. Tis a spell of protection and nothing more," Gandalf mused. "Legolas must have worried that the dark lord would not keep his word."
Aragorn thought back. He heard a faint Elvish whisper in his mind, though he could not understand it clearly. "I don't remember a spell being put on me," he finally said. "Legolas must have done it while I was sleeping."
"Indeed," Gandalf said. "But do not think yourself invincible, Aragorn. The ancient spell will only protect you from weapons, and not natural events, such as floods."
"Cool!" Merry exclaimed. "You won't get hurt at all!"
"We'd better continue our journey," Frodo said quietly. "For if the dark lord finds out that Legolas has put a spell of protection on you, it will not please him."
Aragorn nodded. All of them sheathed their weapons, except for Gimli, who carried his axe. Aragorn also had Legolas's weapons, for he had not been allowed to bring them.
"We will reach the dark towers in a little over five hours," Aragorn said.
The Company set out again, more determined than ever to rescue Legolas. And none were more determined that Aragorn.
*****************
Shadow Mountain
*****************
Legolas sat by a window, looking out of the gloom and shadows. He was reflecting on his thoughts, and his plans. He knew that eventually he would battle with Angadae. The thought did not trouble him so much, as the fact that he would be putting the others in the Fellowship in danger. He knew they were coming for him and would attempt to rescue him. Maybe they would get here in time, Legolas hoped. He still wore the beautiful white outfit he'd been given.
Angadae came up behind the elf, who did not acknowledge his presence at first. Legolas was disturbed by some thought, Angadae could see that much. As if to confirm it, the beautiful elf sighed and closed his eyes.
"What would make you happier, Legolas?" Angadae asked him.
"Knowing my friends were safe from harm," Legolas said. He opened his eyes and looked at Angadae. "Knowing that Middle-Earth was safe as well, and no more innocent lives would be lost."
"You ask not for your freedom?" Angadae asked, slightly surprised. Legolas had far more depth than he realized. The delicate elf was complex, and only he truly knew his own thoughts.
"You would not give it to me if I asked for," Legolas said quietly. "And I worry more for my friends than myself. If I could keep them from harm by remaining here, then I would stay here always. Even if my heart bid me to go."
"I see," Angadae said. Legolas was certainly good at perception. "Legolas, you know you will remain here the rest of your life," Angadae reminded him. "You will never leave while you live."
"I know," Legolas said, as he turned towards Angadae. "I know it too well." A brilliant light flashed through his eyes, causing Angadae to flinch slightly. A slight glow was around the elf. "I know what you desire, and I cannot give it to you."
Angadae smirked. "You will, eventually, Legolas."
"No, I won't." A quiet strength was in Legolas's words, though he chose them well. "It matters not what happens to me. The fate of Lothlorien and my friends are far more important."
Angadae raised an eyebrow slightly. "So you do have the gift of foresight, Legolas. Surely you know that I shall win you, one way or the other."
"You cannot. Aragorn and I are bound by love, which is stronger than darkness. It cannot be broken," Legolas said. "I shall never be yours, willingly or not, Angadae. No matter what the cost." He stood and looked at the dark lord. A gentle light glowed in his face.
Angadae felt fear, which he disliked. "You wouldn't, Legolas."
"Not now, I won't. Hope yet remains, though it is hard to grasp." Legolas began to walk past him.
Angadae gripped his arm. "You have the run of this castle, Legolas. But I make a much better friend than enemy. I can kill you. Remember that," he hissed, showing anger for the first time.
"We'll see," Legolas said serenely. Angadae let go of his arm, and Legolas walked away, unperturbed.
Angadae looked after him with longing and anger. He wanted the elf to turn to him, but he was tired of waiting. Tomorrow, he would make his move. One way, or the other, Legolas would be his. Darkness had fallen over the land, for it was nighttime. For now, he had to gain his strength. Legolas would be a powerful foe, Angadae knew.
************************
Base of Shadow Mountain
************************
When they reached the tower's base, they called a break for the night. At dawn, they would force their way in and free Legolas.
Aragorn and the others waited as Sam cooked dinner for them. Gandalf was using his magic to keep the Company from being spotted, as well as the small fire.
Aragorn had withdrawn into himself, for worry over Legolas held him fast. He ate mindlessly, not really paying attention. His every thought was on Legolas. Was the gentle elf all right, or had this dark lord killed him already? He hurt at the thought. Aragorn needed Legolas to hold on to himself. Without Legolas, Aragorn would be lost.
Aradia depended on them as well. Aragorn and Legolas were the two most people in the world to her. If either died, she would be shattered. Aragorn did not want that to happen.
Frodo watched Aragorn sadly. He could see the worry and love in Aragorn's eyes. Aragorn would not survive losing Legolas. Sweet Arwen was beyond help, but Legolas was not. Frodo would do everything he could to make sure they found their way back to each other.
Sam had noticed how quiet Aragorn had been, as well. He thought of nothing but Legolas. His heart went out to Aragorn, but he was also terrified of entering the towers again. Sam would do so, however, because Legolas was a friend.
Merry and Pippin ate, not laughing and being as foolish as they usually were. Their eyes were upon Aragorn the entire meal. The human merely picked at his food, as his thoughts were on something else. Or someone else, Merry knew. Legolas. The fleet, gentle elf who had given himself up to try to keep them safe. He and Pippin exchanged looks and shook their heads. They weren't sure how to act around Aragorn now.
Gimli said nothing, tearing into his food hungrily. But in his heart, he was worried about Legolas as well and hoped the Elven King was up to whatever was happening to him inside of the towers. The towers sent chills down Gimli's spine. That was no place for a merry elf to be kept. No forests were visible for miles. Legolas would not be happy in there, Gimli knew. He would make certain the crazy elf got free again. Maybe then Aragorn would relax a little.
Gandalf had threatened Aragorn with a sleep spell, if he did not get some rest this night.
All of the Company lay down on blankets, except for Gandalf, who was taking the watch until dawn. It was almost midnight, so there were six hours to go.
It took half of that time for Aragorn to get sleepy, and another hour before he finally fell asleep. But the dream was a strange one.
Aragorn dreamed of Legolas and himself.
**************
The Dream
**************
Legolas whispered softly to his lover in Elvish, saying a spell, as he first touched the necklace around Aragorn's neck.
'This spell of protection I give unto you.
As long as it lasts, it will see you through.'
The necklace flashed brightly. A few tears dripped down Legolas's face, as he prepared his second spell. He touched Aragorn's forehead softly.
'You will be safe, you will be free.
There is nothing, my love, that you cannot ask of me.
Should I fall within the towers of the night
I ask this boon from the power of light.
Live, and be well, and remember me not.
What cannot be held is best forgot.
What I choose to do I do free.
As I will, so mote it be.'
Aragorn stirred in his sleep, as light flashed in Legolas's hand.
"Legolas?" he murmured.
The light faded from around Legolas as Aragorn opened his eyes.
"I'm here, Aragorn," Legolas reassured him.
***********************************************************
Aragorn jolted awake. He was horrified as he realized what Legolas had planned.
"God, Legolas, you can't!" he whispered. "Wake up," Aragorn said loudly.
The others stirred and looked at Aragorn sleepily. Gandalf turned to look at him.
"We have to go now! Legolas needs us! Without us there, he'll die this day!" Aragorn told them in shock.
Indeed, dawn had broken over the land.
The hobbits didn't understand what Aragorn meant, but he sounded serious. They stood and walked over to him.
"We're with you, Aragorn," Frodo told him.
"As are we," Gimli and Gandalf said.
Aragorn nodded gratefully. Together, they raced towards one of the tower entrances.
*****************
Shadow Mountain
*****************
Legolas was summoned to Angadae's throne room. He went there at once, his cape floating out behind him.
Angadae stood before him. "Give me your loyalty and power, Legolas," the dark lord said in a sinister voice. "Join me."
"I cannot, Angadae. My duty is to my friends and the people I must protect," Legolas said gently. A white light glowed around him.
A dark gloom appeared around Angadae. "So it is to be a battle then, Legolas. I will defeat you, and you will belong to me, body and soul," he vowed as he sent dark lightening directly at Legolas.
Legolas brought his hands together. The Ring shone, powerful and strong. A bolt of white light flew out from Legolas's conjoined hands and struck the dark energy.
The battle of light and dark had begun.
To be continued
Return of the Fellowship,
Part 10
*******************************
Near the Base of Shadow Mountain
*******************************
"Aragorn!" Gimli shouted as the arrows flew directly at the human.
Aragorn couldn't possibly get out of the way in time, yet he tried and flung his hands over his face.
Nothing happened.
Aragorn opened his eyes. The arrows were laying on the ground in front of him. As he watched, another arrow shot at him. It hit something invisible, and fell to the ground.
"What magic is this?" Frodo asked in awe.
Aragorn didn't understand it, but he quickly began slashing at the orcs again. No arrows hit him, no matter how many were aimed at him.
Most of the orcs had been defeated. A few slashed at Aragorn, yet their blows did not land.
The same could not be said for the hobbits. Merry, Pippin, Sam, and Frodo had small cuts and slices on them.
Gandalf finished the orc he was fighting with and ran to aid the hobbits.
Gimli swung his axe and an orc fell.
The battle was pretty much over. The orcs had retreated.
"Is anyone wounded?" Gandalf asked. He made his way over to Aragorn and looked him over. "No wounds?" The wizard frowned, for he sensed a spell around Aragorn. "Hmm." He began analyzing the spell around the king.
Frodo and Sam walked over.
"Are you all right?" Frodo asked Aragorn.
"Fine, Frodo." Aragorn smiled down at the little hobbit. "I didn't even get scratched."
"Good for you, Aragorn," Gimli said loudly, as he ventured over with Merry and Pippin.
"Aragorn, do you realize there is a spell upon you?" Gandalf asked him quietly. He took the necklace in his hands. "An old spell that still holds true."
"A spell?" Aragorn asked. He looked surprised. "Who would put a spell on me? Is it dangerous?"
"Nay, Aragorn, it will not harm you. Tis a spell of protection and nothing more," Gandalf mused. "Legolas must have worried that the dark lord would not keep his word."
Aragorn thought back. He heard a faint Elvish whisper in his mind, though he could not understand it clearly. "I don't remember a spell being put on me," he finally said. "Legolas must have done it while I was sleeping."
"Indeed," Gandalf said. "But do not think yourself invincible, Aragorn. The ancient spell will only protect you from weapons, and not natural events, such as floods."
"Cool!" Merry exclaimed. "You won't get hurt at all!"
"We'd better continue our journey," Frodo said quietly. "For if the dark lord finds out that Legolas has put a spell of protection on you, it will not please him."
Aragorn nodded. All of them sheathed their weapons, except for Gimli, who carried his axe. Aragorn also had Legolas's weapons, for he had not been allowed to bring them.
"We will reach the dark towers in a little over five hours," Aragorn said.
The Company set out again, more determined than ever to rescue Legolas. And none were more determined that Aragorn.
*****************
Shadow Mountain
*****************
Legolas sat by a window, looking out of the gloom and shadows. He was reflecting on his thoughts, and his plans. He knew that eventually he would battle with Angadae. The thought did not trouble him so much, as the fact that he would be putting the others in the Fellowship in danger. He knew they were coming for him and would attempt to rescue him. Maybe they would get here in time, Legolas hoped. He still wore the beautiful white outfit he'd been given.
Angadae came up behind the elf, who did not acknowledge his presence at first. Legolas was disturbed by some thought, Angadae could see that much. As if to confirm it, the beautiful elf sighed and closed his eyes.
"What would make you happier, Legolas?" Angadae asked him.
"Knowing my friends were safe from harm," Legolas said. He opened his eyes and looked at Angadae. "Knowing that Middle-Earth was safe as well, and no more innocent lives would be lost."
"You ask not for your freedom?" Angadae asked, slightly surprised. Legolas had far more depth than he realized. The delicate elf was complex, and only he truly knew his own thoughts.
"You would not give it to me if I asked for," Legolas said quietly. "And I worry more for my friends than myself. If I could keep them from harm by remaining here, then I would stay here always. Even if my heart bid me to go."
"I see," Angadae said. Legolas was certainly good at perception. "Legolas, you know you will remain here the rest of your life," Angadae reminded him. "You will never leave while you live."
"I know," Legolas said, as he turned towards Angadae. "I know it too well." A brilliant light flashed through his eyes, causing Angadae to flinch slightly. A slight glow was around the elf. "I know what you desire, and I cannot give it to you."
Angadae smirked. "You will, eventually, Legolas."
"No, I won't." A quiet strength was in Legolas's words, though he chose them well. "It matters not what happens to me. The fate of Lothlorien and my friends are far more important."
Angadae raised an eyebrow slightly. "So you do have the gift of foresight, Legolas. Surely you know that I shall win you, one way or the other."
"You cannot. Aragorn and I are bound by love, which is stronger than darkness. It cannot be broken," Legolas said. "I shall never be yours, willingly or not, Angadae. No matter what the cost." He stood and looked at the dark lord. A gentle light glowed in his face.
Angadae felt fear, which he disliked. "You wouldn't, Legolas."
"Not now, I won't. Hope yet remains, though it is hard to grasp." Legolas began to walk past him.
Angadae gripped his arm. "You have the run of this castle, Legolas. But I make a much better friend than enemy. I can kill you. Remember that," he hissed, showing anger for the first time.
"We'll see," Legolas said serenely. Angadae let go of his arm, and Legolas walked away, unperturbed.
Angadae looked after him with longing and anger. He wanted the elf to turn to him, but he was tired of waiting. Tomorrow, he would make his move. One way, or the other, Legolas would be his. Darkness had fallen over the land, for it was nighttime. For now, he had to gain his strength. Legolas would be a powerful foe, Angadae knew.
************************
Base of Shadow Mountain
************************
When they reached the tower's base, they called a break for the night. At dawn, they would force their way in and free Legolas.
Aragorn and the others waited as Sam cooked dinner for them. Gandalf was using his magic to keep the Company from being spotted, as well as the small fire.
Aragorn had withdrawn into himself, for worry over Legolas held him fast. He ate mindlessly, not really paying attention. His every thought was on Legolas. Was the gentle elf all right, or had this dark lord killed him already? He hurt at the thought. Aragorn needed Legolas to hold on to himself. Without Legolas, Aragorn would be lost.
Aradia depended on them as well. Aragorn and Legolas were the two most people in the world to her. If either died, she would be shattered. Aragorn did not want that to happen.
Frodo watched Aragorn sadly. He could see the worry and love in Aragorn's eyes. Aragorn would not survive losing Legolas. Sweet Arwen was beyond help, but Legolas was not. Frodo would do everything he could to make sure they found their way back to each other.
Sam had noticed how quiet Aragorn had been, as well. He thought of nothing but Legolas. His heart went out to Aragorn, but he was also terrified of entering the towers again. Sam would do so, however, because Legolas was a friend.
Merry and Pippin ate, not laughing and being as foolish as they usually were. Their eyes were upon Aragorn the entire meal. The human merely picked at his food, as his thoughts were on something else. Or someone else, Merry knew. Legolas. The fleet, gentle elf who had given himself up to try to keep them safe. He and Pippin exchanged looks and shook their heads. They weren't sure how to act around Aragorn now.
Gimli said nothing, tearing into his food hungrily. But in his heart, he was worried about Legolas as well and hoped the Elven King was up to whatever was happening to him inside of the towers. The towers sent chills down Gimli's spine. That was no place for a merry elf to be kept. No forests were visible for miles. Legolas would not be happy in there, Gimli knew. He would make certain the crazy elf got free again. Maybe then Aragorn would relax a little.
Gandalf had threatened Aragorn with a sleep spell, if he did not get some rest this night.
All of the Company lay down on blankets, except for Gandalf, who was taking the watch until dawn. It was almost midnight, so there were six hours to go.
It took half of that time for Aragorn to get sleepy, and another hour before he finally fell asleep. But the dream was a strange one.
Aragorn dreamed of Legolas and himself.
**************
The Dream
**************
Legolas whispered softly to his lover in Elvish, saying a spell, as he first touched the necklace around Aragorn's neck.
'This spell of protection I give unto you.
As long as it lasts, it will see you through.'
The necklace flashed brightly. A few tears dripped down Legolas's face, as he prepared his second spell. He touched Aragorn's forehead softly.
'You will be safe, you will be free.
There is nothing, my love, that you cannot ask of me.
Should I fall within the towers of the night
I ask this boon from the power of light.
Live, and be well, and remember me not.
What cannot be held is best forgot.
What I choose to do I do free.
As I will, so mote it be.'
Aragorn stirred in his sleep, as light flashed in Legolas's hand.
"Legolas?" he murmured.
The light faded from around Legolas as Aragorn opened his eyes.
"I'm here, Aragorn," Legolas reassured him.
***********************************************************
Aragorn jolted awake. He was horrified as he realized what Legolas had planned.
"God, Legolas, you can't!" he whispered. "Wake up," Aragorn said loudly.
The others stirred and looked at Aragorn sleepily. Gandalf turned to look at him.
"We have to go now! Legolas needs us! Without us there, he'll die this day!" Aragorn told them in shock.
Indeed, dawn had broken over the land.
The hobbits didn't understand what Aragorn meant, but he sounded serious. They stood and walked over to him.
"We're with you, Aragorn," Frodo told him.
"As are we," Gimli and Gandalf said.
Aragorn nodded gratefully. Together, they raced towards one of the tower entrances.
*****************
Shadow Mountain
*****************
Legolas was summoned to Angadae's throne room. He went there at once, his cape floating out behind him.
Angadae stood before him. "Give me your loyalty and power, Legolas," the dark lord said in a sinister voice. "Join me."
"I cannot, Angadae. My duty is to my friends and the people I must protect," Legolas said gently. A white light glowed around him.
A dark gloom appeared around Angadae. "So it is to be a battle then, Legolas. I will defeat you, and you will belong to me, body and soul," he vowed as he sent dark lightening directly at Legolas.
Legolas brought his hands together. The Ring shone, powerful and strong. A bolt of white light flew out from Legolas's conjoined hands and struck the dark energy.
The battle of light and dark had begun.
To be continued
