Hi everyone! thank you all so much for taking the time to review my story, cos every review makes a difference, and i'm glad you all like it! Never when i started this fic did i dream i'd get so many good reviews! Please, enjoy chapter 10!
disclaimer: I've said it before, i don't own the characters from Lord of the Rings, they all belong to Tolkien (why couldn't i have gotten there first!)
The blinding rays of sunlight sliced through Legolas's bedroom window. The Mirkwood Prince was wide awake, lying silently on his bed, and staring solemnly at the ceiling. He knew he should be happy that he had passed all the tests that Elrond had set for him, but his happiness was marred by the sucess of his uncle, for now destiny was in Legolas's hands no longer, it was up to Arwen now. He sighed profoundly, and rose from the bed, switching his glance from the ceiling to the beautiful picture outside. Truth be told, he was a little disapointed that his father had not come to congratulate him on passing the last round, but maybe he was still upset about Legolas's fight in the dining hall the night before.
Legolas could confine himself to his bed chamber no longer.
"I must go outside", he declared to the empty room, his light voice echoing on the shining walls, his expression portraying all the feeling in the hanging tapestries."It is a beautiful day, and there are many hours before the Midsummers Eve festival is due to begin. I think that perhaps i may visit Arwen also."
Legolas pulled on his shoes, and headed out of the heavy door, leaving it swinging on it's hinges, forgetting to close it over.
Arwen lay in her chamber, her head full of thought. She was so mixed up. She knew that she had to make this choice that she had been putting off for so long, and she had to do it now. She unwillingly forced herself to remember the events of the just passed night The fire had been ready to devour her, as her father had made sure it would. She had been so sure in her heart that Thandiul would be the only one brave enough to even attempt a rescue, for after Legolas's display of rudeness in the dining hall she had not thought he was capable of courage, never mind love.
Arwen sighed inwardly, for whenever she thought of Legolas, her heart gave a slight flutter, which it had not done since Aragorn had disappeared.
"No", she whispered,"I must force myself to remember, for i must choose the winner this very night, and i do not want to hurt either of them."
Once again the fire welled up in Arwen's heart, blazing brightly as it retold the memories of the night before.
Once more Legolas's display of heroics weighted upon her mind, and she ached to go and tell him how impressed she was, but she could not, she must give equal consideration to Thandiul's bravery.
"Legolas's uncle is a sweet man", she thought, her heart sinking into her chest once more,"If i choose him, i know that i would be well protected for life. He cares for me, and is not afraid to display it. Legolas only entered the tournament as a favour to Aragorn, he does not love me."
But, even as she said the words, Arwen knew in her heart that she was wrong, for she knew that Legolas cared deeply for her, and always would.
"Oh, what am i to do", she dispaired, sinking back onto her bed.
Legolas sat silently, gazing into the calm, still water, it's beautiful blue colour reflecting the feeling in his heart.
"I don't know", he sighed,"I just don't know."
He picked up the blade of grass beside his hand, and laid it in his palm, marvelling at it's strenth.
"I'm living a lie", he whispered, crumpling the fragile blade of grass into his fist and dropping it onto the ground,"I can't go on like this."
Legolas held his head in his hands, breathing steadily, trying to make a decision.
"I just can't", he decided stoutly,"I have to tell Arwen what my uncle did to me, if not just for Arwen's own protection, but for my sanity also. I cannot let her think that i am perfect, fine in every way. I have to protect her from my uncle, he is using his charm to win her over, and by the look of things last night, he is suceeding."
Legolas began to rise slowly, but then sank down again."What if she doesn't believe me", he wept in despair,"She may think that after that incident in the hall that i am a trouble maker."
Legolas shook his head resolutely, and began to stride toward the house."I can't", he said firmly,"I can't back down now, i have to tell her."
Legolas ran toward the house, his elven feet springing lightly with every step he took.
Thandiul took his tiny knife from it's sheath in his ankle. He had been watching his nephew from the upper window, and now he cackled with glee.
"So predictable Legolas", he hissed, his words filled with the malice that coursed through his veins,"Always have been. You made the choice that i knew you would make eventually. The final curtain is almost upon us - and you shall not be rising with the rest."
Thandiul dug the knife deep into his upper arm, holding one of his tunic beside it as the blood began to seep on to the garment. Very soon there was a large blood stain, the horrible red colour matting the sweetness of the clothing. Thandiul laid the garment underneath the sun's shining rays.
"Tis almost all in place", he smiled as he gazed into the ever dimming sun's reflective gaze.
Arwen stood resolutely, and brushed down her robe. She had made her choice. It had been hard for her to choose between the two elves, but deep in her heart, she knew that she would never be as happy with Thandiul as she would be with Legolas. She swung open her door, and walked silently to Thandiul's room, for she wanted to explain her decision to him in private, so as not to embarass him that evening at the celebration. As she padded toward his room, she thought once more about her choice, something in her head urging her to reconsider, but she ignored it. She knocked softly on Thandiul's door.
"Come in!", a voice called back, soft as the night air.
Arwen took a deep breath, and entered.
Legolas quickly climbed the stairs, for now that he had resolved to tell Arwen, he wanted to move quickly, and let her know before his uncle realised. He tapped lightly on her door.
"Arwen?", he cried softly,"It's me....Legolas."
The door opened, but it was not Arwen who answered. Her small handmaiden approached the door with caution, for she knew of the scene in the hall.
"Where is Arwen?", Legolas asked politely, though inside he was ready to scream, he had to tell her now, he had to............he knew he would not have the courage to face this fear again.
"She had gone to Thandiul sir, in his chamber sir", the maid elf squeaked.
Legolas took off down the corridor, sprinting as fast as his elven legs could carry him.
"Thandiul", Arwen began,"You mean a lot to me. You have shown me so much kindness over the last few months, and now i have to decide the winner of the tournament. The choice i had to make was not an easy one, i had to consider so much.......truth.....justice.......courage......honor. But, finally, i have made my choice. I have chosen Legolas as my suitor Thandiul. I'm sorry if i have hurt you."
Thandiul's eyes flickered a dark purple, his hatred for his nephew portrayed in his firey eyes, but he recovered immediatly.
"But Arwen.......", he whispered mockly, pretending to fall.
At once Arwen reached out her arms and caught the elf, quickly asking him if he was alright.
At this Thandiul burst into tears.
Arwen laid the elf down on the bed."What is wrong?", she said sadly,"Surely i have not upset you that much?"
Thandiul sniffled, tears prickling from his swollen red eyes."You cannot marry Legolas Arwen. Please, do not marry that fiend."
"But why ever not?", Arwen looked on at the dejected elf, her heart filling with pity for the poor lost soul.
"He.......he......he", Thandiul stammered, drawing it out for as long as possible,"He......he raped me!"
Arwen broke down into sobs, as there was a crashing sound behind her.
"Indeed i did not!", Legolas cried, his figure trembling with both anger and pain, all the memories he had tried so hard to vanquish rising once more.
"You did!", sobbed Thandiul,"That night, before Aragorn had made his announcement.....that's why you were not your usual self, you felt so guilty!"
Legolas did not know what to say,"I....i....i...."
"Is this true Legolas?", Arwen tossed her long black hair over her shoulder to behold the elf that stood before her.
Legolas had no reply, he just continued to tremble with anger, and fear.
"It is", Arwen whispered, bursting into sobs,"It is......how could you Legolas! I knew that after you incident in the hall you were not to be trusted! Why? How? I loved you Legolas Greenleaf! Well, no more! I shall not tolerate this in my kingdom!"
"But i didn't!", Legolas finding his voice once more, as the guards that Arwen had summounded appeared behind him.
Thandiul moved slowly over to the garment he had readily laid out."This is the proof. You know what you did to me Legolas. You took advantage of me.......i shall never forgive you for this, and neither shall the elves."
Arwen nodded to the head elf, and he cuffed Legolas around the mouth, silencing his protests of innocence.
"Take him to the court room", Arwen ordered as Legolas was dragged away, kicking and screaming,"My father shall be there. You must go too Thandiul, they shall need your testimony."
Thandiul got up slowly, and followed the guards down the stair case.
When the room was empty, Arwen crashed on to the bed, and sobbed.
Legolas was thrust roughly into the courtroom, his hands bound tightly. He stumbled, and fell before the great lord Elrond.
Elrond glanced down at Legolas and frowned."Get up elf", he spat, surprising even himself with the acidic tone he had used on Legolas."You stand accused of both assualt and treason, for you betrayed a fellow elf. The court finds you."
"I did nothing!", Legolas cried from the floor,"Please believe me Elrond, i did nothing!"
"The court finds you", Elrond raised his voice over Legolas's innocent cries.
"Please!", Legolas wailed,"Please Elrond! Don't!"
"The court finds you guilty as charged!", Elrond bellowed at the elf,"Your punishment shall be the worst kind known to those of the elves. Legolas Greenleaf, you are here by exiled from the realm of Rivendell, and all other elvish communties. Do not return. That is the punishment suitable for you - exile."
Legolas was dragged away by the guards, his uncle laughing wickly in the stands.
What did you think? I really liked writing that chapter, it was so much fun! I hope you all liked it! Part 11 out soon!
disclaimer: I've said it before, i don't own the characters from Lord of the Rings, they all belong to Tolkien (why couldn't i have gotten there first!)
The blinding rays of sunlight sliced through Legolas's bedroom window. The Mirkwood Prince was wide awake, lying silently on his bed, and staring solemnly at the ceiling. He knew he should be happy that he had passed all the tests that Elrond had set for him, but his happiness was marred by the sucess of his uncle, for now destiny was in Legolas's hands no longer, it was up to Arwen now. He sighed profoundly, and rose from the bed, switching his glance from the ceiling to the beautiful picture outside. Truth be told, he was a little disapointed that his father had not come to congratulate him on passing the last round, but maybe he was still upset about Legolas's fight in the dining hall the night before.
Legolas could confine himself to his bed chamber no longer.
"I must go outside", he declared to the empty room, his light voice echoing on the shining walls, his expression portraying all the feeling in the hanging tapestries."It is a beautiful day, and there are many hours before the Midsummers Eve festival is due to begin. I think that perhaps i may visit Arwen also."
Legolas pulled on his shoes, and headed out of the heavy door, leaving it swinging on it's hinges, forgetting to close it over.
Arwen lay in her chamber, her head full of thought. She was so mixed up. She knew that she had to make this choice that she had been putting off for so long, and she had to do it now. She unwillingly forced herself to remember the events of the just passed night The fire had been ready to devour her, as her father had made sure it would. She had been so sure in her heart that Thandiul would be the only one brave enough to even attempt a rescue, for after Legolas's display of rudeness in the dining hall she had not thought he was capable of courage, never mind love.
Arwen sighed inwardly, for whenever she thought of Legolas, her heart gave a slight flutter, which it had not done since Aragorn had disappeared.
"No", she whispered,"I must force myself to remember, for i must choose the winner this very night, and i do not want to hurt either of them."
Once again the fire welled up in Arwen's heart, blazing brightly as it retold the memories of the night before.
Once more Legolas's display of heroics weighted upon her mind, and she ached to go and tell him how impressed she was, but she could not, she must give equal consideration to Thandiul's bravery.
"Legolas's uncle is a sweet man", she thought, her heart sinking into her chest once more,"If i choose him, i know that i would be well protected for life. He cares for me, and is not afraid to display it. Legolas only entered the tournament as a favour to Aragorn, he does not love me."
But, even as she said the words, Arwen knew in her heart that she was wrong, for she knew that Legolas cared deeply for her, and always would.
"Oh, what am i to do", she dispaired, sinking back onto her bed.
Legolas sat silently, gazing into the calm, still water, it's beautiful blue colour reflecting the feeling in his heart.
"I don't know", he sighed,"I just don't know."
He picked up the blade of grass beside his hand, and laid it in his palm, marvelling at it's strenth.
"I'm living a lie", he whispered, crumpling the fragile blade of grass into his fist and dropping it onto the ground,"I can't go on like this."
Legolas held his head in his hands, breathing steadily, trying to make a decision.
"I just can't", he decided stoutly,"I have to tell Arwen what my uncle did to me, if not just for Arwen's own protection, but for my sanity also. I cannot let her think that i am perfect, fine in every way. I have to protect her from my uncle, he is using his charm to win her over, and by the look of things last night, he is suceeding."
Legolas began to rise slowly, but then sank down again."What if she doesn't believe me", he wept in despair,"She may think that after that incident in the hall that i am a trouble maker."
Legolas shook his head resolutely, and began to stride toward the house."I can't", he said firmly,"I can't back down now, i have to tell her."
Legolas ran toward the house, his elven feet springing lightly with every step he took.
Thandiul took his tiny knife from it's sheath in his ankle. He had been watching his nephew from the upper window, and now he cackled with glee.
"So predictable Legolas", he hissed, his words filled with the malice that coursed through his veins,"Always have been. You made the choice that i knew you would make eventually. The final curtain is almost upon us - and you shall not be rising with the rest."
Thandiul dug the knife deep into his upper arm, holding one of his tunic beside it as the blood began to seep on to the garment. Very soon there was a large blood stain, the horrible red colour matting the sweetness of the clothing. Thandiul laid the garment underneath the sun's shining rays.
"Tis almost all in place", he smiled as he gazed into the ever dimming sun's reflective gaze.
Arwen stood resolutely, and brushed down her robe. She had made her choice. It had been hard for her to choose between the two elves, but deep in her heart, she knew that she would never be as happy with Thandiul as she would be with Legolas. She swung open her door, and walked silently to Thandiul's room, for she wanted to explain her decision to him in private, so as not to embarass him that evening at the celebration. As she padded toward his room, she thought once more about her choice, something in her head urging her to reconsider, but she ignored it. She knocked softly on Thandiul's door.
"Come in!", a voice called back, soft as the night air.
Arwen took a deep breath, and entered.
Legolas quickly climbed the stairs, for now that he had resolved to tell Arwen, he wanted to move quickly, and let her know before his uncle realised. He tapped lightly on her door.
"Arwen?", he cried softly,"It's me....Legolas."
The door opened, but it was not Arwen who answered. Her small handmaiden approached the door with caution, for she knew of the scene in the hall.
"Where is Arwen?", Legolas asked politely, though inside he was ready to scream, he had to tell her now, he had to............he knew he would not have the courage to face this fear again.
"She had gone to Thandiul sir, in his chamber sir", the maid elf squeaked.
Legolas took off down the corridor, sprinting as fast as his elven legs could carry him.
"Thandiul", Arwen began,"You mean a lot to me. You have shown me so much kindness over the last few months, and now i have to decide the winner of the tournament. The choice i had to make was not an easy one, i had to consider so much.......truth.....justice.......courage......honor. But, finally, i have made my choice. I have chosen Legolas as my suitor Thandiul. I'm sorry if i have hurt you."
Thandiul's eyes flickered a dark purple, his hatred for his nephew portrayed in his firey eyes, but he recovered immediatly.
"But Arwen.......", he whispered mockly, pretending to fall.
At once Arwen reached out her arms and caught the elf, quickly asking him if he was alright.
At this Thandiul burst into tears.
Arwen laid the elf down on the bed."What is wrong?", she said sadly,"Surely i have not upset you that much?"
Thandiul sniffled, tears prickling from his swollen red eyes."You cannot marry Legolas Arwen. Please, do not marry that fiend."
"But why ever not?", Arwen looked on at the dejected elf, her heart filling with pity for the poor lost soul.
"He.......he......he", Thandiul stammered, drawing it out for as long as possible,"He......he raped me!"
Arwen broke down into sobs, as there was a crashing sound behind her.
"Indeed i did not!", Legolas cried, his figure trembling with both anger and pain, all the memories he had tried so hard to vanquish rising once more.
"You did!", sobbed Thandiul,"That night, before Aragorn had made his announcement.....that's why you were not your usual self, you felt so guilty!"
Legolas did not know what to say,"I....i....i...."
"Is this true Legolas?", Arwen tossed her long black hair over her shoulder to behold the elf that stood before her.
Legolas had no reply, he just continued to tremble with anger, and fear.
"It is", Arwen whispered, bursting into sobs,"It is......how could you Legolas! I knew that after you incident in the hall you were not to be trusted! Why? How? I loved you Legolas Greenleaf! Well, no more! I shall not tolerate this in my kingdom!"
"But i didn't!", Legolas finding his voice once more, as the guards that Arwen had summounded appeared behind him.
Thandiul moved slowly over to the garment he had readily laid out."This is the proof. You know what you did to me Legolas. You took advantage of me.......i shall never forgive you for this, and neither shall the elves."
Arwen nodded to the head elf, and he cuffed Legolas around the mouth, silencing his protests of innocence.
"Take him to the court room", Arwen ordered as Legolas was dragged away, kicking and screaming,"My father shall be there. You must go too Thandiul, they shall need your testimony."
Thandiul got up slowly, and followed the guards down the stair case.
When the room was empty, Arwen crashed on to the bed, and sobbed.
Legolas was thrust roughly into the courtroom, his hands bound tightly. He stumbled, and fell before the great lord Elrond.
Elrond glanced down at Legolas and frowned."Get up elf", he spat, surprising even himself with the acidic tone he had used on Legolas."You stand accused of both assualt and treason, for you betrayed a fellow elf. The court finds you."
"I did nothing!", Legolas cried from the floor,"Please believe me Elrond, i did nothing!"
"The court finds you", Elrond raised his voice over Legolas's innocent cries.
"Please!", Legolas wailed,"Please Elrond! Don't!"
"The court finds you guilty as charged!", Elrond bellowed at the elf,"Your punishment shall be the worst kind known to those of the elves. Legolas Greenleaf, you are here by exiled from the realm of Rivendell, and all other elvish communties. Do not return. That is the punishment suitable for you - exile."
Legolas was dragged away by the guards, his uncle laughing wickly in the stands.
What did you think? I really liked writing that chapter, it was so much fun! I hope you all liked it! Part 11 out soon!