DISCLAIMER: All LOTR stuff owned by Tolkien, not me. Rated 'R' for
suicide/rape plot devices and angst. `` Means elvish, --- signals a song or
something, [words] mean thinking. Please R/R. Thanks... and don't forget to
Enjoy!
A/N: I am pretty sure this is the last chapter. Excuse any errors in grammar/typing... I am stuck using WordPad, bah. The song is not mine, but Radiohead's. Enjoy!
____________________________________________________________________________ _____________
----
The breath of the morning
I keep forgetting
The smell of a warm summer
I live in a town, where you can't smell a thing
You watch your feet for cracks in the pavement
High up above
Aliens hover
Making home movies for their folks back home
Of all these weird creatures
Who lock up their spirits
Four walls as cells
And live for their secrets
They're all uptight, uptight.
-----
**Legolas' POV**
It has been three weeks since then... since I turned away in anger. Everyone has constantly reminded me that she is well and how I said I would look upon her, yet I grow angry at them for reminding me, and storm off each time. I do not wish to talk, or to know her, it would seem. Maybe I am acting as a mere child. Nay--- I have every right to be angry... Or whatever feeling that is inside me causing me act accordingly. For three weeks, I have sought solitude, to brood, and think of things I have shoved away since war. I have scorned my father and myself... He told me to never show emotion openly, which I have done in full over the past year. It is disgusting, and I would have disgusted my father, if he knew what I have done.
My mouth twitches into a slight frown, and my forehead bunches up in aggravation suddenly. "Who's there?" I call out, sounding very riled.
"So sorry to disturb you," replies a gentle voice. "Yet, we need to speak."
My slight frown forcibly turns into an irked grin, as I turn to answer the voice. "What is it this time, Aragorn?"
"Your sarcasm and forced expressions are un-needed, Legolas," says he, marring my fun.
"Then let us get to the point, Estel," I reply, bluntly. He comes to stand beside me, and stays silent until I sharply speak again. "What business do you have with me?"
Sighing, he replies, his voice reflects anger. "Well, quite frankly I have come to tell you I tire of your attitude, we all do. You are wearing all of our patience thin---"
"So, you wish to kick me out of your future kingdom, Estel?" I reply, emphasizing his name to a point. This aggravates him, and I smirk.
"No, Legolas," says he, cold and slowly. "I do not wish to do so. I merely wish that you would be more *pleasant* to be around, tis all."
"Something tells me that I'd be more pleasant if everyone would just leave me be."
Aragorn then does something I didn't expect. He grabs me by the shoulders firmly and shakes me hard. "Pull yourself together, Legolas! What is wrong with you? You have been a complete recluse for the past three weeks, and enough is enough! Get over your petty problems, prince, and lighten up. I cannot stand it, and your actions are driving me to madness!"
"Estel, you only---"
"You act as a mere child, Legolas. That is quite disturbing for an elf of your age and wisdom. Good day." I watch with a shocked expression on my face as he storms away from me. Frowning, I reply to no one in particular.
"I am NOT a child."
{Normal POV}
``No, you must stay here. I am leaving, and you are not to follow me back, do you understand? ``
``You cannot do this! This--- leaving me out here, in the middle of nowhere, with no one I know? That is against our bylaws, Orrea! I---``
``No, it is not against our bylaws if the whole city votes for the subject matter. We cannot suffer these attacks anymore, dear seler'. We cannot lose our whole city defending one person. If they cannot find you, we will all be saved---``
``This is madness, sheer madness Alta-Toror'! ``
``Would you rather have them find you? Would you rather be tortured to death? ``
``I...`` stuttered the dazed and confused elf.
``Then our decision has been just. Stay here, seler', with Almare and his family. You will soon forget all about us, who we are, and where you came from, seler'. You will remember nothing of your past before living with Almare. For the sake of all of us, please forget. Farewell, my seler', I hope we all may find peace yet. `` The man rode off from the girl, never looking back, saying nothing else. An ominous shadow clouded itself around the young girls heart, as she crumpled to the floor, crying.
``Orrea! Please, come back, Orrea… My Alta-Toror'…`` A gentle hand was lightly felt on the shoulder of the girl, and she turned to see a sweet, caring, chaste smile of Almare…
------------ ----------------------------------------------------
Torrent bolted awake, finding her heart racing, and her body covered in a cold sweat. Calming herself, she regained her composure, and rational thought. "Orrea…" She never did forget her older-brother, or "Big-Brother", as she called him as a child. She missed him dearly, and her family, too. Yet, time was taking its toll: his voice was a mere echo, a fading one at that, and his face was a blur. She could no longer remember what anyone of her clan looked like, or the exact location of where she came from.
[Maybe this is what he meant… I would forget in due time], she thought in melancholy, as she tried to remember anything she could of her past. [It is all a blur. I can remember more of Bliss than of them… Yet, the things after those memories are all much too vivid.]
Torrent got out of her bed and dressed, knowing today would have the same empty, guilty feeling as many days previous. The elf carried a semi- grieving heart for what she thought she had done, and day-by-day, the weight grew upon her, choking her at times. Though, at the end of a long, empty day, she always managed to stay alive, and to recover slightly from the thoughts and emotions that ailed her.
But today seemed impossible. Torrent felt heavy and weak, as if something was missing inside her. Ignoring it, she shrugged, and was on her way out to wander aimlessly about as she often did.
The young elf wore a pair of black leggings, and a forest-green tunic over a white shirt, and a pair of worn leather boots. Many of the women that tended to her repeatedly offered her dresses and skirts to wear once she was allowed to leave her bed, but she always turned them down, for she preferred wearing 'men's clothing', as they called it. Torrent was used to the clothing articles, and lived in them for a good portion of her life. Why everyone got so worked-up about them confused her, but she always brushed the confusion away and found something else to ponder about.
Gondor was a big city with much in the way of stone and development, rather than forests and small, discreet towns. This also confused her. Once, she had asked Aragorn why people locked themselves away like this, and his reply was a bit perplexing: "Because they seek protection," which she responded with, "Then you mean to say they cannot protect themselves? How dire!"
Not minding where she was headed, Torrent ran into someone, or something, and was quick to apologize.
"I am sorry, sir, I did not mean---" Her voice was cut off, however, when she looked up and saw whom she had run into. "L-Legolas…"
Legolas quickly backed away and turned to run from the elf, but was being slowed by the crowds, which would soon part due to a certain voice.
``Legolas! Wait! I merely wish to speak with you! `` Elvish was rarely ever heard in Gondor, and people soon stood aside, opening up pathways for the two elves to run through. The happy peoples looked on as Torrent gracefully ran after Legolas, almost overtaking his steps. Finally catching up to him, Torrent grabbed his arm, which he twisted around promptly, causing her to let go. The elf then tripped her friend, catching him off guard, and pinned him to the ground of a grassy meadow.
``Why do you run from me, Legolas? Why do you avoid me constantly? ``
``Release me! ``
``Nay, I shall not. ``
Legolas scowled up at her, and squirmed. ``You and I both know you could easily over-power me, Legolas, and set yourself free. Why not do it, if you are so content on being left alone? `` The girl had him there. Legolas knew, and she did too, that he could easily throw her off, no matter what she tried. It was useless. His desperation turned to anger, along with hers.
``I said release me, Torrent! ``
Torrent lost her patience, and screamed at him, while she lifted him slightly and threw him hard onto the ground again. ``Nay, I shall not release you, Legolas Greenleaf, not until you answer me! `` Amazed and shocked at what she had just done she winced and loosened her grip.
``Is my ignoring you that important to reveal? The whole reason behind it boggles you, and you wish to know that badly? ``
``Yes, as a matter of fact, it does. `` [More than you will ever know.]
``Than I shall tell you, abrasive one. `` [Even though I see no reason why I should.]
Legolas requested to be released from her grasp while he explained, but Torrent refused and told him to speak, which he did. Legolas told her everything that had plagued his heart and mind and what had caused him to ache so. He finished with a loud sigh, and opened his eyes, which had been closed throughout the whole tale. Staring up at her, he saw a sea of emotions in his companion's eyes. Sorrow, distrust, self-loathing, and other unreadable emotions floated about in her emerald eyes.
``That is about it, `` said he, trying to keep his facial expressions in a neutral state, and his eyes unreadable.
``I see… `` Torrent placed her hands upon his chest, and laid her head to rest upon his shoulder. ``I… I am sorry, Legolas. I did not know this is what you thought, that I wished to leave you for no reason and to doom others. I am sorry. `` [I have been the cause of both of our grief. Ai, how ignorant am I?]
Legolas became confused with himself again, and pondered. ``How am I supposed to feel now? Relieved? I don't even know if you still wish to be around someone as cold as I am. I think I should just leave Gondor tomorrow…`` Legolas thought aloud.
``Perhaps you should feel relieved, and glad, if you still care for the person you once knew. And yes, I still wish to be around you, for I do not find you cold in the least, only stubborn, as with every other elf and man of Middle Earth. `` Torrent paused. ``And if you decide to leave Gondor, you shall take me with you. ``
``Then I shall do this. ``
``You actually mean to leave Gondor, Legolas? ``
``Yes, I do. I do not see any reason staying here---``
``What about Frodo? And the rest of the Fellowship--- do they not matter? ``
``In comparison to what I have found, they place second. Come, let us tell the rest of them of our finding and seek rest. I must admit I had missed the sight of you, and I am looking forward to talking with you again, Torrent. ``
``Isn't that what we're doing now, talking? ``
``Yes, but… I have other things to speak of in mind. ``
{Later}
"I am afraid I must make you stay until my wedding, Legolas, for I want the whole Fellowship there. Then you can leave whenever you see fit."
"Certainly, Aragorn. I shan't miss it." A smile burst onto Legolas face, for the first time in weeks, and brightened his eyes. He turned to Torrent and took her to his quarters. Once there, both stargazed and talked about the constellations, as elven youths often do. Both argued over which constellation was where and laughed whenever either was proved wrong. The two really seemed to enjoy themselves for a while until the moon came into full view. This was the time of night that every elf loved: when the moon is at its highest. Stars that flickered like candles in the sky and an ethereal vision of the bright moon: night at its best. Legolas interrupted Torrent suddenly as she was describing a random constellation, and said, ``Yes, but how cold one ever describe you? ``
``I'd imagine it would be quite hard, I am not easy to describe, `` Torrent replied jokingly, not realizing that her companion was trying to be sincere.
``Yes, they would… ``
``Don't you just love the night, Legolas? Isn't it just so beautiful? ``
``Not as beautiful as you, Torrent, `` Legolas accidentally thought aloud.
[Legolas, surely you jest…] ``Pardon? ``
``I said the night is not as beautiful as you, Torrent. I don't think it could ever be, otherwise my feelings would be misplaced. ``
``What? ``
``You never really let me say this, even when you were at deaths door you didn't wish to hear it. And right now, you probably feel the same, but, Torrent, I will not hold myself from proclaiming this to you: I love you. Deeply. I might have not liked you when I first laid eyes upon you, nor you me, yet I soon grew to adore you. Your charm, your smile… I love you, Torrent, and you can never keep me from saying that ever again. ``Legolas sighed, and leaned out over the terraces' stone railing. ``I knew you loved me, I could plainly see it in your eyes… but I still wonder, why didn't you let me say all this before you passed-out, melamin? ``
``Because I cared for you too much. I knew if I heard it, it would have made dying a lot harder for the both of us, but moreso for me. If I left the world knowing you felt this way, not just thinking, I would have hated myself for being so weak. I am sorry I was selfish like that---``
``Yet now I am able to play the selfish one. ``
``How so? ``
``For I don't plan to ever let you go. ``
--------------- ------------ ---------- ----
End.
A/N: I am pretty sure this is the last chapter. Excuse any errors in grammar/typing... I am stuck using WordPad, bah. The song is not mine, but Radiohead's. Enjoy!
____________________________________________________________________________ _____________
----
The breath of the morning
I keep forgetting
The smell of a warm summer
I live in a town, where you can't smell a thing
You watch your feet for cracks in the pavement
High up above
Aliens hover
Making home movies for their folks back home
Of all these weird creatures
Who lock up their spirits
Four walls as cells
And live for their secrets
They're all uptight, uptight.
-----
**Legolas' POV**
It has been three weeks since then... since I turned away in anger. Everyone has constantly reminded me that she is well and how I said I would look upon her, yet I grow angry at them for reminding me, and storm off each time. I do not wish to talk, or to know her, it would seem. Maybe I am acting as a mere child. Nay--- I have every right to be angry... Or whatever feeling that is inside me causing me act accordingly. For three weeks, I have sought solitude, to brood, and think of things I have shoved away since war. I have scorned my father and myself... He told me to never show emotion openly, which I have done in full over the past year. It is disgusting, and I would have disgusted my father, if he knew what I have done.
My mouth twitches into a slight frown, and my forehead bunches up in aggravation suddenly. "Who's there?" I call out, sounding very riled.
"So sorry to disturb you," replies a gentle voice. "Yet, we need to speak."
My slight frown forcibly turns into an irked grin, as I turn to answer the voice. "What is it this time, Aragorn?"
"Your sarcasm and forced expressions are un-needed, Legolas," says he, marring my fun.
"Then let us get to the point, Estel," I reply, bluntly. He comes to stand beside me, and stays silent until I sharply speak again. "What business do you have with me?"
Sighing, he replies, his voice reflects anger. "Well, quite frankly I have come to tell you I tire of your attitude, we all do. You are wearing all of our patience thin---"
"So, you wish to kick me out of your future kingdom, Estel?" I reply, emphasizing his name to a point. This aggravates him, and I smirk.
"No, Legolas," says he, cold and slowly. "I do not wish to do so. I merely wish that you would be more *pleasant* to be around, tis all."
"Something tells me that I'd be more pleasant if everyone would just leave me be."
Aragorn then does something I didn't expect. He grabs me by the shoulders firmly and shakes me hard. "Pull yourself together, Legolas! What is wrong with you? You have been a complete recluse for the past three weeks, and enough is enough! Get over your petty problems, prince, and lighten up. I cannot stand it, and your actions are driving me to madness!"
"Estel, you only---"
"You act as a mere child, Legolas. That is quite disturbing for an elf of your age and wisdom. Good day." I watch with a shocked expression on my face as he storms away from me. Frowning, I reply to no one in particular.
"I am NOT a child."
{Normal POV}
``No, you must stay here. I am leaving, and you are not to follow me back, do you understand? ``
``You cannot do this! This--- leaving me out here, in the middle of nowhere, with no one I know? That is against our bylaws, Orrea! I---``
``No, it is not against our bylaws if the whole city votes for the subject matter. We cannot suffer these attacks anymore, dear seler'. We cannot lose our whole city defending one person. If they cannot find you, we will all be saved---``
``This is madness, sheer madness Alta-Toror'! ``
``Would you rather have them find you? Would you rather be tortured to death? ``
``I...`` stuttered the dazed and confused elf.
``Then our decision has been just. Stay here, seler', with Almare and his family. You will soon forget all about us, who we are, and where you came from, seler'. You will remember nothing of your past before living with Almare. For the sake of all of us, please forget. Farewell, my seler', I hope we all may find peace yet. `` The man rode off from the girl, never looking back, saying nothing else. An ominous shadow clouded itself around the young girls heart, as she crumpled to the floor, crying.
``Orrea! Please, come back, Orrea… My Alta-Toror'…`` A gentle hand was lightly felt on the shoulder of the girl, and she turned to see a sweet, caring, chaste smile of Almare…
------------ ----------------------------------------------------
Torrent bolted awake, finding her heart racing, and her body covered in a cold sweat. Calming herself, she regained her composure, and rational thought. "Orrea…" She never did forget her older-brother, or "Big-Brother", as she called him as a child. She missed him dearly, and her family, too. Yet, time was taking its toll: his voice was a mere echo, a fading one at that, and his face was a blur. She could no longer remember what anyone of her clan looked like, or the exact location of where she came from.
[Maybe this is what he meant… I would forget in due time], she thought in melancholy, as she tried to remember anything she could of her past. [It is all a blur. I can remember more of Bliss than of them… Yet, the things after those memories are all much too vivid.]
Torrent got out of her bed and dressed, knowing today would have the same empty, guilty feeling as many days previous. The elf carried a semi- grieving heart for what she thought she had done, and day-by-day, the weight grew upon her, choking her at times. Though, at the end of a long, empty day, she always managed to stay alive, and to recover slightly from the thoughts and emotions that ailed her.
But today seemed impossible. Torrent felt heavy and weak, as if something was missing inside her. Ignoring it, she shrugged, and was on her way out to wander aimlessly about as she often did.
The young elf wore a pair of black leggings, and a forest-green tunic over a white shirt, and a pair of worn leather boots. Many of the women that tended to her repeatedly offered her dresses and skirts to wear once she was allowed to leave her bed, but she always turned them down, for she preferred wearing 'men's clothing', as they called it. Torrent was used to the clothing articles, and lived in them for a good portion of her life. Why everyone got so worked-up about them confused her, but she always brushed the confusion away and found something else to ponder about.
Gondor was a big city with much in the way of stone and development, rather than forests and small, discreet towns. This also confused her. Once, she had asked Aragorn why people locked themselves away like this, and his reply was a bit perplexing: "Because they seek protection," which she responded with, "Then you mean to say they cannot protect themselves? How dire!"
Not minding where she was headed, Torrent ran into someone, or something, and was quick to apologize.
"I am sorry, sir, I did not mean---" Her voice was cut off, however, when she looked up and saw whom she had run into. "L-Legolas…"
Legolas quickly backed away and turned to run from the elf, but was being slowed by the crowds, which would soon part due to a certain voice.
``Legolas! Wait! I merely wish to speak with you! `` Elvish was rarely ever heard in Gondor, and people soon stood aside, opening up pathways for the two elves to run through. The happy peoples looked on as Torrent gracefully ran after Legolas, almost overtaking his steps. Finally catching up to him, Torrent grabbed his arm, which he twisted around promptly, causing her to let go. The elf then tripped her friend, catching him off guard, and pinned him to the ground of a grassy meadow.
``Why do you run from me, Legolas? Why do you avoid me constantly? ``
``Release me! ``
``Nay, I shall not. ``
Legolas scowled up at her, and squirmed. ``You and I both know you could easily over-power me, Legolas, and set yourself free. Why not do it, if you are so content on being left alone? `` The girl had him there. Legolas knew, and she did too, that he could easily throw her off, no matter what she tried. It was useless. His desperation turned to anger, along with hers.
``I said release me, Torrent! ``
Torrent lost her patience, and screamed at him, while she lifted him slightly and threw him hard onto the ground again. ``Nay, I shall not release you, Legolas Greenleaf, not until you answer me! `` Amazed and shocked at what she had just done she winced and loosened her grip.
``Is my ignoring you that important to reveal? The whole reason behind it boggles you, and you wish to know that badly? ``
``Yes, as a matter of fact, it does. `` [More than you will ever know.]
``Than I shall tell you, abrasive one. `` [Even though I see no reason why I should.]
Legolas requested to be released from her grasp while he explained, but Torrent refused and told him to speak, which he did. Legolas told her everything that had plagued his heart and mind and what had caused him to ache so. He finished with a loud sigh, and opened his eyes, which had been closed throughout the whole tale. Staring up at her, he saw a sea of emotions in his companion's eyes. Sorrow, distrust, self-loathing, and other unreadable emotions floated about in her emerald eyes.
``That is about it, `` said he, trying to keep his facial expressions in a neutral state, and his eyes unreadable.
``I see… `` Torrent placed her hands upon his chest, and laid her head to rest upon his shoulder. ``I… I am sorry, Legolas. I did not know this is what you thought, that I wished to leave you for no reason and to doom others. I am sorry. `` [I have been the cause of both of our grief. Ai, how ignorant am I?]
Legolas became confused with himself again, and pondered. ``How am I supposed to feel now? Relieved? I don't even know if you still wish to be around someone as cold as I am. I think I should just leave Gondor tomorrow…`` Legolas thought aloud.
``Perhaps you should feel relieved, and glad, if you still care for the person you once knew. And yes, I still wish to be around you, for I do not find you cold in the least, only stubborn, as with every other elf and man of Middle Earth. `` Torrent paused. ``And if you decide to leave Gondor, you shall take me with you. ``
``Then I shall do this. ``
``You actually mean to leave Gondor, Legolas? ``
``Yes, I do. I do not see any reason staying here---``
``What about Frodo? And the rest of the Fellowship--- do they not matter? ``
``In comparison to what I have found, they place second. Come, let us tell the rest of them of our finding and seek rest. I must admit I had missed the sight of you, and I am looking forward to talking with you again, Torrent. ``
``Isn't that what we're doing now, talking? ``
``Yes, but… I have other things to speak of in mind. ``
{Later}
"I am afraid I must make you stay until my wedding, Legolas, for I want the whole Fellowship there. Then you can leave whenever you see fit."
"Certainly, Aragorn. I shan't miss it." A smile burst onto Legolas face, for the first time in weeks, and brightened his eyes. He turned to Torrent and took her to his quarters. Once there, both stargazed and talked about the constellations, as elven youths often do. Both argued over which constellation was where and laughed whenever either was proved wrong. The two really seemed to enjoy themselves for a while until the moon came into full view. This was the time of night that every elf loved: when the moon is at its highest. Stars that flickered like candles in the sky and an ethereal vision of the bright moon: night at its best. Legolas interrupted Torrent suddenly as she was describing a random constellation, and said, ``Yes, but how cold one ever describe you? ``
``I'd imagine it would be quite hard, I am not easy to describe, `` Torrent replied jokingly, not realizing that her companion was trying to be sincere.
``Yes, they would… ``
``Don't you just love the night, Legolas? Isn't it just so beautiful? ``
``Not as beautiful as you, Torrent, `` Legolas accidentally thought aloud.
[Legolas, surely you jest…] ``Pardon? ``
``I said the night is not as beautiful as you, Torrent. I don't think it could ever be, otherwise my feelings would be misplaced. ``
``What? ``
``You never really let me say this, even when you were at deaths door you didn't wish to hear it. And right now, you probably feel the same, but, Torrent, I will not hold myself from proclaiming this to you: I love you. Deeply. I might have not liked you when I first laid eyes upon you, nor you me, yet I soon grew to adore you. Your charm, your smile… I love you, Torrent, and you can never keep me from saying that ever again. ``Legolas sighed, and leaned out over the terraces' stone railing. ``I knew you loved me, I could plainly see it in your eyes… but I still wonder, why didn't you let me say all this before you passed-out, melamin? ``
``Because I cared for you too much. I knew if I heard it, it would have made dying a lot harder for the both of us, but moreso for me. If I left the world knowing you felt this way, not just thinking, I would have hated myself for being so weak. I am sorry I was selfish like that---``
``Yet now I am able to play the selfish one. ``
``How so? ``
``For I don't plan to ever let you go. ``
--------------- ------------ ---------- ----
End.