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Everlasting Road: ch. #3
Legolas did not sleep again for the rest of the night, and Liria left, promising she would be back before morning. She had to figure out what was going on, and she herself had had no rest that day, so she wondered through the trees at an easy pace, regaining strength and energy the way only elves can. Legolas sat on his blankets, staring at the trees and the moon above them. He looked at his friend, still asleep, and wondered for perhaps the millionth time why anybody would prefer being underground as opposed to being under an open sky with nature around.
Legolas felt happier than he had been ever since Gollum had escaped and he had felt responsible for it, for he had been part of the watch that had been ambushed by the orcs to allow Gollum's escape. Legolas was not sure whether his happiness was because the quest was finally over, or because that Liria would be accompanying him and Gimli, at least to the caves. He could not imagine an elf going into the caves of their own free will. He was only doing it out of love for Gimli, and he could not expect Liria to have that same kind of love. Yet she was coming with them at least partway, so did that maybe mean that she loved him somewhat? Or was she truly bound by obligation and wanted to see him safely home and thus earn respect? She had been trying to gain her father's respect ever since she was young. Being his only daughter, she had tried to be like his sons and commit heroic acts. But even if she did something extraordinary, she was only a girl and her father's respect was limited and for boys only. By bringing Legolas home from his dangerous journey, she would seem heroic herself for rescuing the lost son.
Legolas decided that the latter was very possible, and warned himself not to think too much of Liria's presence. Until he was sure of her reasons at least. Only then would he confess his feelings to Liria, or keep them locked away forever, depending which proved to be true.
The sky and land around him began to brighten with the coming of dawn. Legolas still did not move and watched the sun slowly rise up over the magnificent trees. When the sun slid halfway up the trees, Legolas woke up Gimli.
"Wake up my friend and see the beauty of a rising sun that the caves deny you," Legolas spoke in Gimli's ear. Gimli yawned and sat up, staring indifferently around him. When he saw the sun, he perked up a little. The rising of the sun had gained special meaning to him after the dark days outside the gates of Mordor, where all had thought that the sun would never rise again. Gimli agreed that the rising of the sun was a marvel that the caves could not provide. He did not bother to inform Legolas that most mines had cleverly placed windows to catch the important stages of the sun and send kaleidoscopic visions dancing throughout the place. Legolas would find that out for himself and be more surprised that way.
They ate a quick breakfast and packed up, Gimli eager to go on and get out of the forest as soon as possible. Legolas moved slowly, however, and constantly searched the trees that lined their clearing, as if searching for something. After a while, and after Gimli's encouragement, Legolas began to move forward, as if with regret.
Liria had not returned as she had promised to. She had already decided to take back her decision and not accompany them even through Fangorn, much less the caves. Legolas grew heavy-hearted, but reminded himself that he had warned himself. Obviously the need for her father's respect was not even enough to make her want to accompany them.
Midday found Legolas and Gimli still traveling. They had been walking in silence, as Legolas seemed to have fallen into an uncharacteristic bad mood. He had never been so quiet, and he was supposed to be giving a grand tour of the forest. The trees slid by without so much as encouragement to look at them, even ones that Gimli thought looked vaguely interesting.
Gimli was about to break the silence and demand what was wrong with his friend when an orc came screaming and running at them. They started in surprise, especially Legolas, who had let his mood overcome his attention and allowed the orc to get this close without him noticing. The orc was almost upon them and Legolas had time to fit an arrow into his bow, but there was not time to release it. The orc slammed into him and they fell over into a painful pile. Gimli had his axe ready and swung at the orc, who dodged the blow and rolled away. The orc got up, seeming just as surprised as they were, but drawing a weapon anyway. Legolas got on one knee and fit the arrow again as the orc charged with his weapon drawn high. Legolas let the arrow fly and it hit the orc between the eyes, killing the orc, but there was still enough momentum in the orc to knock into Legolas. Legolas was tumbled again, this time with a hundred pounds of dead orc on top of him. Before he could throw it off, another orc ran in.
This one Gimli met with his axe and killed it, just as more orcs came. They were being besieged, but how and why? Legolas shot one and Gimli killed another while another rushed at Legolas again. Before Legolas could shoot it, it was struck from behind and crumpled and went down. Legolas glanced beyond, it was Liria, ready with her bow.
She then shot and killed the last two orcs in the clearing in quick succession.
When all had finally settled down, she spoke, "I am sorry I was delayed, but I ran into the orcs and tried to kill them, but they scattered and ran in your direction. I tried to stop them before they reached you, but there were too many and I was not fast enough." She was still slightly out of breath from the hard hunt and her hair was more disheveled than usual. Also, there were marks and cuts on her face that had not been there before. Legolas felt ashamed for thinking that she had abandoned them when really she had been trying to protect them.
Gimli asked before Legolas had a chance to, "Why are there still orcs around? We destroyed their leader."
Liria glanced at Gimli with faint distaste before answering him, "Destroying the leader only destroys the purpose, not the forces. They are still around, though scattered. Most that ran into Fangorn to escape were destroyed by the Ents and trees, but large numbers still roam within it, lost and starving to death. So it is with caution that you should travel in here, though there are few left, they are crazed with hunger and madness from the trees."
Legolas and Gimli were shocked by the answer. They had assumed that all orcs had been destroyed with the fall of Sauron. Legolas stood up warily and gathered up what arrows he could. He reused arrows as much as possible to avoid running out at a crucial moment. Liria gathered arrows as well while Gimli stood by. He had been so surprised about the orc attack that he forgot to ask who Liria was and why she was here.
When they were finished salvaging what they could, they moved on. This time, Legolas kept his senses and tuned into what was going on around him. He was not going to be taken unawares again. That had happened for the first time in his life, and he vowed that it would be the last. And then there was no reason for him to be troubled, for Liria was by his side. He had been surprised at her skill with the bow and arrow, she was almost as good as he was, if not equally so, and he had been trained by the best. He glanced at her as they walked together and she walked and looked like she was a queen of the forest, more powerful than Galadriel even.
Gimli became aware that Liria was not simply an elf in the forest to help them, as it had been in the Golden Wood, she was accompanying them. For how long, he wondered, though he was polite enough to wait and ask Legolas when they were alone and she was not within ear range. He put his curiosity on hold for now, and once again faked interest in the trees that Legolas had begun to talk about with earnest enthusiasm again.
Legolas slowed to a stop and Gimli and Liria halted as well. "What is it?" asked Gimli, fearing another orc attack. Liria was confused as well, for she heard no orcs within the vicinity.
Legolas simply smiled at both of them and then spoke to Gimli, "We have reached the beauty of Fangorn. I thought perhaps you would like to prepare yourself before I revealed it to you." Gimli glanced around suspiciously, he still did not see anything different from the trees they had been walking under for a day and a half. Legolas interpreted Gimli's gaze and smiled broader before stepping back and effectively disappearing into the brush. Gimli and even Liria started at his sudden disappearance. Liria had not been in this forest long and did not know all that it contained. They stepped forward hesitantly to see what had become of Legolas.
Gimli reached the spot where Legolas had vanished and took a deep breath before pushing through the brush and entering. Liria followed behind him, wondering what lay hidden from the paths. Gimli stopped in surprise and Liria almost ran into him. She sighed in frustration at him and then pushed to the side and through so that she could see as well. The first thing she saw was Legolas standing on a small ledge and smiling widely at the landscape before them. Then her gaze looked out to what he saw, and she was overcome by its splendor.
Gimli had not expected anything like this. For the first time in his life, he understood why the elves loved and protected the forests so much. They stood on the edge of a gentle slope that ran down to a shallow, yet very wide hallow. Great trees rose up everywhere, higher than the other trees even though they were placed further down. The trees had a silvery color with gold and green leaves, much like the ones in Lothlorien, but larger. Great vines hung from each tree, connecting them. And each vine had tendrils that hung down separately and ended with large, white flowers. The ground was such a deep green that Gimli never saw its equal. A slight mist hung above the lush ground, but it was not a mist of evil, rather it was as if the mist remained at all times to freshen any plant that needed it at any time.
At the other side of the clearing, the slope grew up to a large slab of rock that had a large yet gentle waterfall flowing from it. The waterfall led to an easy stream that wound its course throughout the clearing. And the water did not look like ordinary water, it was crystal clear, yet almost appeared to contain every color imaginable inside of it. The sun was hidden by the great canopy of trees, giving a mellow coloring to everything, but it was still clear that it was daylight, and Gimli found himself wondering if the lighting stayed this way even at nightfall. He would not doubt it.
Gimli walked over to Legolas' side and was silent a moment. Finally, he managed to say, "It seems that you knew what it was you spoke of all along. I do not believe that I will ever doubt you again."
Legolas looked at Gimli with a kind smile, the purpose of the visit had been met. Gimli understood, and this had strengthened their bond even more. He spoke light-heartedly, "I just hope that you have something of equal in store for me, friend." Gimli only smiled, not bothering to say anything. The shock he had just had would be Legolas' as well in the caves.
Eventually, Legolas looked over, remembering Liria. He wondered if she had previously known of this place. But when he looked over, she was gone. Legolas quickly glanced around the clearing, taking it all in, and his gaze settled across the clearing, near the waterfall. Liria had been so excited she had run straight through to the other side, eager to take it all in. Now she stood next to the waterfall, letting the water play through her hands. Legolas had never seen this expression on her face, as it was reserved for wonders of nature only.
Gimli looked onto what had caught Legolas' attention and decided now was a good time to ask of the strange elf woman. "Who is she?" he asked in a whisper, fearing she would be able to hear them even if she was all the way across the clearing.
Legolas spoke in a whisper, knowing that she could hear if they talked normally, "She is a very old friend and one of my people. She was searching for us to bring us home, but I explained about our expeditions. She agreed to accompany us until she could escort us home, though I do not know if she will come into your caves with us."
Gimli looked on at the elf, suddenly feeling jealous. This expedition was supposed to be for he and Legolas alone, they were sharing things of beauty with one another. Plus, he still had the dwarf prejudice against elves bestilled in him. Legolas was an exception, but that was no reason he had to be best friends with every elf. Besides Legolas, the only other elf he had come to love was Galadriel, and that was a thing not to be given out lightly. He sincerely hoped that she would not dare to accompany them into the caves.
Everlasting Road: ch. #3
Legolas did not sleep again for the rest of the night, and Liria left, promising she would be back before morning. She had to figure out what was going on, and she herself had had no rest that day, so she wondered through the trees at an easy pace, regaining strength and energy the way only elves can. Legolas sat on his blankets, staring at the trees and the moon above them. He looked at his friend, still asleep, and wondered for perhaps the millionth time why anybody would prefer being underground as opposed to being under an open sky with nature around.
Legolas felt happier than he had been ever since Gollum had escaped and he had felt responsible for it, for he had been part of the watch that had been ambushed by the orcs to allow Gollum's escape. Legolas was not sure whether his happiness was because the quest was finally over, or because that Liria would be accompanying him and Gimli, at least to the caves. He could not imagine an elf going into the caves of their own free will. He was only doing it out of love for Gimli, and he could not expect Liria to have that same kind of love. Yet she was coming with them at least partway, so did that maybe mean that she loved him somewhat? Or was she truly bound by obligation and wanted to see him safely home and thus earn respect? She had been trying to gain her father's respect ever since she was young. Being his only daughter, she had tried to be like his sons and commit heroic acts. But even if she did something extraordinary, she was only a girl and her father's respect was limited and for boys only. By bringing Legolas home from his dangerous journey, she would seem heroic herself for rescuing the lost son.
Legolas decided that the latter was very possible, and warned himself not to think too much of Liria's presence. Until he was sure of her reasons at least. Only then would he confess his feelings to Liria, or keep them locked away forever, depending which proved to be true.
The sky and land around him began to brighten with the coming of dawn. Legolas still did not move and watched the sun slowly rise up over the magnificent trees. When the sun slid halfway up the trees, Legolas woke up Gimli.
"Wake up my friend and see the beauty of a rising sun that the caves deny you," Legolas spoke in Gimli's ear. Gimli yawned and sat up, staring indifferently around him. When he saw the sun, he perked up a little. The rising of the sun had gained special meaning to him after the dark days outside the gates of Mordor, where all had thought that the sun would never rise again. Gimli agreed that the rising of the sun was a marvel that the caves could not provide. He did not bother to inform Legolas that most mines had cleverly placed windows to catch the important stages of the sun and send kaleidoscopic visions dancing throughout the place. Legolas would find that out for himself and be more surprised that way.
They ate a quick breakfast and packed up, Gimli eager to go on and get out of the forest as soon as possible. Legolas moved slowly, however, and constantly searched the trees that lined their clearing, as if searching for something. After a while, and after Gimli's encouragement, Legolas began to move forward, as if with regret.
Liria had not returned as she had promised to. She had already decided to take back her decision and not accompany them even through Fangorn, much less the caves. Legolas grew heavy-hearted, but reminded himself that he had warned himself. Obviously the need for her father's respect was not even enough to make her want to accompany them.
Midday found Legolas and Gimli still traveling. They had been walking in silence, as Legolas seemed to have fallen into an uncharacteristic bad mood. He had never been so quiet, and he was supposed to be giving a grand tour of the forest. The trees slid by without so much as encouragement to look at them, even ones that Gimli thought looked vaguely interesting.
Gimli was about to break the silence and demand what was wrong with his friend when an orc came screaming and running at them. They started in surprise, especially Legolas, who had let his mood overcome his attention and allowed the orc to get this close without him noticing. The orc was almost upon them and Legolas had time to fit an arrow into his bow, but there was not time to release it. The orc slammed into him and they fell over into a painful pile. Gimli had his axe ready and swung at the orc, who dodged the blow and rolled away. The orc got up, seeming just as surprised as they were, but drawing a weapon anyway. Legolas got on one knee and fit the arrow again as the orc charged with his weapon drawn high. Legolas let the arrow fly and it hit the orc between the eyes, killing the orc, but there was still enough momentum in the orc to knock into Legolas. Legolas was tumbled again, this time with a hundred pounds of dead orc on top of him. Before he could throw it off, another orc ran in.
This one Gimli met with his axe and killed it, just as more orcs came. They were being besieged, but how and why? Legolas shot one and Gimli killed another while another rushed at Legolas again. Before Legolas could shoot it, it was struck from behind and crumpled and went down. Legolas glanced beyond, it was Liria, ready with her bow.
She then shot and killed the last two orcs in the clearing in quick succession.
When all had finally settled down, she spoke, "I am sorry I was delayed, but I ran into the orcs and tried to kill them, but they scattered and ran in your direction. I tried to stop them before they reached you, but there were too many and I was not fast enough." She was still slightly out of breath from the hard hunt and her hair was more disheveled than usual. Also, there were marks and cuts on her face that had not been there before. Legolas felt ashamed for thinking that she had abandoned them when really she had been trying to protect them.
Gimli asked before Legolas had a chance to, "Why are there still orcs around? We destroyed their leader."
Liria glanced at Gimli with faint distaste before answering him, "Destroying the leader only destroys the purpose, not the forces. They are still around, though scattered. Most that ran into Fangorn to escape were destroyed by the Ents and trees, but large numbers still roam within it, lost and starving to death. So it is with caution that you should travel in here, though there are few left, they are crazed with hunger and madness from the trees."
Legolas and Gimli were shocked by the answer. They had assumed that all orcs had been destroyed with the fall of Sauron. Legolas stood up warily and gathered up what arrows he could. He reused arrows as much as possible to avoid running out at a crucial moment. Liria gathered arrows as well while Gimli stood by. He had been so surprised about the orc attack that he forgot to ask who Liria was and why she was here.
When they were finished salvaging what they could, they moved on. This time, Legolas kept his senses and tuned into what was going on around him. He was not going to be taken unawares again. That had happened for the first time in his life, and he vowed that it would be the last. And then there was no reason for him to be troubled, for Liria was by his side. He had been surprised at her skill with the bow and arrow, she was almost as good as he was, if not equally so, and he had been trained by the best. He glanced at her as they walked together and she walked and looked like she was a queen of the forest, more powerful than Galadriel even.
Gimli became aware that Liria was not simply an elf in the forest to help them, as it had been in the Golden Wood, she was accompanying them. For how long, he wondered, though he was polite enough to wait and ask Legolas when they were alone and she was not within ear range. He put his curiosity on hold for now, and once again faked interest in the trees that Legolas had begun to talk about with earnest enthusiasm again.
Legolas slowed to a stop and Gimli and Liria halted as well. "What is it?" asked Gimli, fearing another orc attack. Liria was confused as well, for she heard no orcs within the vicinity.
Legolas simply smiled at both of them and then spoke to Gimli, "We have reached the beauty of Fangorn. I thought perhaps you would like to prepare yourself before I revealed it to you." Gimli glanced around suspiciously, he still did not see anything different from the trees they had been walking under for a day and a half. Legolas interpreted Gimli's gaze and smiled broader before stepping back and effectively disappearing into the brush. Gimli and even Liria started at his sudden disappearance. Liria had not been in this forest long and did not know all that it contained. They stepped forward hesitantly to see what had become of Legolas.
Gimli reached the spot where Legolas had vanished and took a deep breath before pushing through the brush and entering. Liria followed behind him, wondering what lay hidden from the paths. Gimli stopped in surprise and Liria almost ran into him. She sighed in frustration at him and then pushed to the side and through so that she could see as well. The first thing she saw was Legolas standing on a small ledge and smiling widely at the landscape before them. Then her gaze looked out to what he saw, and she was overcome by its splendor.
Gimli had not expected anything like this. For the first time in his life, he understood why the elves loved and protected the forests so much. They stood on the edge of a gentle slope that ran down to a shallow, yet very wide hallow. Great trees rose up everywhere, higher than the other trees even though they were placed further down. The trees had a silvery color with gold and green leaves, much like the ones in Lothlorien, but larger. Great vines hung from each tree, connecting them. And each vine had tendrils that hung down separately and ended with large, white flowers. The ground was such a deep green that Gimli never saw its equal. A slight mist hung above the lush ground, but it was not a mist of evil, rather it was as if the mist remained at all times to freshen any plant that needed it at any time.
At the other side of the clearing, the slope grew up to a large slab of rock that had a large yet gentle waterfall flowing from it. The waterfall led to an easy stream that wound its course throughout the clearing. And the water did not look like ordinary water, it was crystal clear, yet almost appeared to contain every color imaginable inside of it. The sun was hidden by the great canopy of trees, giving a mellow coloring to everything, but it was still clear that it was daylight, and Gimli found himself wondering if the lighting stayed this way even at nightfall. He would not doubt it.
Gimli walked over to Legolas' side and was silent a moment. Finally, he managed to say, "It seems that you knew what it was you spoke of all along. I do not believe that I will ever doubt you again."
Legolas looked at Gimli with a kind smile, the purpose of the visit had been met. Gimli understood, and this had strengthened their bond even more. He spoke light-heartedly, "I just hope that you have something of equal in store for me, friend." Gimli only smiled, not bothering to say anything. The shock he had just had would be Legolas' as well in the caves.
Eventually, Legolas looked over, remembering Liria. He wondered if she had previously known of this place. But when he looked over, she was gone. Legolas quickly glanced around the clearing, taking it all in, and his gaze settled across the clearing, near the waterfall. Liria had been so excited she had run straight through to the other side, eager to take it all in. Now she stood next to the waterfall, letting the water play through her hands. Legolas had never seen this expression on her face, as it was reserved for wonders of nature only.
Gimli looked onto what had caught Legolas' attention and decided now was a good time to ask of the strange elf woman. "Who is she?" he asked in a whisper, fearing she would be able to hear them even if she was all the way across the clearing.
Legolas spoke in a whisper, knowing that she could hear if they talked normally, "She is a very old friend and one of my people. She was searching for us to bring us home, but I explained about our expeditions. She agreed to accompany us until she could escort us home, though I do not know if she will come into your caves with us."
Gimli looked on at the elf, suddenly feeling jealous. This expedition was supposed to be for he and Legolas alone, they were sharing things of beauty with one another. Plus, he still had the dwarf prejudice against elves bestilled in him. Legolas was an exception, but that was no reason he had to be best friends with every elf. Besides Legolas, the only other elf he had come to love was Galadriel, and that was a thing not to be given out lightly. He sincerely hoped that she would not dare to accompany them into the caves.