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Everlasting Road ch. 10
Legolas moved quickly and caught Liria as she started to slide to the ground. He looked into her face and saw that her eyes were closed, unresponsive. Gimli halted and looked on impassively, "What is wrong with the lady?"
Legolas fought with his anger towards her, once again she would rather suffer in silence. She had promised that she would tell him when it got to be too much. Legolas checked his anger, which was partly so strong because of his love for her, and looked at Gimli. "I think she can go on no longer on her own, don't worry, we will proceed. I will carry her, and we will still reach Mirkwood before the day is over."
Gimli said nothing, secretly he had hoped that they would be forced to camp until Liria regained consciousness and thus their adventure would be lengthened and Mirkwood put off. But that did not seem to be so. Gimli watched silently as Legolas lifted Liria and continued on, and Gimli followed.
Gimli trudged on behind Legolas, watching his friend from behind. The elf hardly glanced back, and his step was becoming faster. Gimli had to quicken his pace as well, or be left behind. He found that he was harboring a resentment towards Liria. Sure, he was aware that he had been jealous before, but this was now stronger. With Mirkwood drawing ever nearer, Gimli's hopes of an everlasting best friend faded. Legolas would stay with Liria, and he would be left to return to his own home unaccompanied. Unconciously, Gimli's thumb stroked the blade of his axe.
Legolas picked up the pace, wanting to bring Liria to the healing powers of Mirkwood as quickly as possible. So it was that when the sun was just starting to sink, they reached the borders of Mirkwood. Legolas continued on unhesitatingly and Gimli followed at a less than eager pace, when a voice called out to them.
"Halt, travelers! You have reached the borders of a great nation and will not be allowed entrance until notified." Legolas stopped in surprise, he had never in his life been stopped. Gimli stopped as well and huddled close to Legolas, not wishing to be shot before explanations could be given. An elf jumped out of a tree and stepped up to them, his bow ready. "Who are you and what is your business here?"
Legolas' anger flamed at this treatment. "Surely the business of the Prince of Mirkwood is none of yours," he replied hotly.
The elf-guard squinted at him as if trying to decide if Legolas was lying or not. He did not lower his bow. Finally, he said, "Lord Legolas?"
"Indeed, I have not been gone that long as to have my own people forget me. Put your weapon down and stand aside before I lose my patience with an elf who thinks he is bigger than he really is."
The elf-guard hastily drew his bow down and stepped back, but not aside. "You must forgive me, my Lord," he started, "but we have just come through hard times and most thought you to be dead. And when you finally return you carry a strange elf and bring a dwarf along. I think I can hardly be blamed for my suspicions."
His apology did nothing for Legolas, "Carrying a strange elf? This is Liria, daughter of General Thenemdur, one of your own. As for the dwarf, he is of higher worth than you should ever hope to be. Now for the last time, step aside."
The elf-guard finally cleared the path, and stood mutely as they all passed. He was fearful for having angered the prince so, but it really was not his fault. Most thought Legolas would never be seen again, and Thenemdur's daughter was seen less than he, a rogue by nature. The elf- guard shook off the fears he felt and decided he would make it up when the prince was in a better temper. As for now, he would go back to his post and help the prince that way, by protecting his nation.
Legolas continued on at a fast speed, anger still running through him. The nerve of the elf, a common elf, to dare to question him and stall him. He still needed to get to a healing house, he had no time for idiot affairs. Legolas walked on so quickly and was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he did not notice that he was starting to outdistance Gimli. Gimli trotted on at a fast rate, but found that he could not keep up with the elf. Legolas was forgetting who he was with, and was falling into the quick and tireless stride of the elf.
Finally, when Legolas was fifty paces ahead of Gimli, Gimli called out, "My friend." Legolas halted suddenly and spun on his heels. He was astonished to see Gimli so far from him.
"Gimli, my dear friend, I am so sorry. I am afraid I am not in my right mind, that last encounter unnerved me so." He waited until Gimli caught up to him, "Please forgive me, it will not happen again."
Gimli nodded mutely at his friend and Legolas smiled before turning and starting again, at a much slower pace. Gimli became very heavy- hearted. Surely, this would be the last time he and Legolas would walk side by side. He was already being forgotten. Gimli found his gaze was on Liria's still form cradled in Legolas' strong arms. No, Legolas would not have any more need for Gimli. Gimli would see him to his home, and then leave as soon as he could.
Legolas did not note Gimli's heavy silence or sense his feelings, all of his energy was focused on getting Liria to a healing house. She had not stirred once in his arms. And though he could tell she was still alive, he was afraid for her. She could have damaged her leg permanently, and he knew that that would be a state she would not accept. No way would she ever be content to remain still and in place. And though he would still love her, she would start to loathe herself.
Finally, they came to a house, they were nearing the great elven city. Legolas passed it, knowing it to contain a family, nothing of importance to him now. But he knew where the nearest healing house was and went to it unerringly. Gimli wondered at the silence, he had assumed there would be a great celebration for Legolas' homecoming, then figured out that they did not know he was returning. And as it was already well past sun- down, nobody was out to see them and start a call that the prince had returned.
And so the occupants of the healing house were very surprised when the door was thrust open, without an invitation, and an elf bearing another strode in, followed by a dwarf. Giddearan, the healer of the house and an elf that had been there since before Legolas was born, rose to his feet. He was angry that someone should come barging in so late at night and was about to order him out when his tongue stilled. Recognition flooded his face, "Prince Legolas," he breathed, "you have returned."
Legolas nodded, he knew the healer well and they were on friendly terms, but there was no time for formalities now. He laid Liria out on a couch and Giddearan strode to them, "What is this?"
"She needs help, her leg was injured a while ago and still has not healed properly. Now the pain is too much for her and she has been unconscious for over six hours." Giddearan pushed up Liria's pant leg and took off the soiled bandages. The wound was large, and partially closed, as it had been reopened. It looked bad, nerves and tendons were slashed and had never fully repaired themselves. Legolas looked at the healer's face, searching for signs to her condition. "Will she have full usage of her leg again?" he asked quietly.
"I don't know," the healer replied, "I will do what I can, but it has been long since the muscles were slashed. If she had been brought to me earlier, I would have no doubt over it, but it can go either way now." He then called for some elves to help him and they brought herbs, water, and stitchings.
Legolas stood by, watching everything that went on intently, ready to spring away to fetch something or offer any other form of help. He did not notice Gimli standing next to the door, silent, not receiving any offers to help nor volunteering any. Gimli watched on as well, but his expression was the same impassive one that had become so accustomed to him by now. He was making up his mind on what was to be done, and did not like it. But like it or not, that was how things were going to be from now on.
Everlasting Road ch. 10
Legolas moved quickly and caught Liria as she started to slide to the ground. He looked into her face and saw that her eyes were closed, unresponsive. Gimli halted and looked on impassively, "What is wrong with the lady?"
Legolas fought with his anger towards her, once again she would rather suffer in silence. She had promised that she would tell him when it got to be too much. Legolas checked his anger, which was partly so strong because of his love for her, and looked at Gimli. "I think she can go on no longer on her own, don't worry, we will proceed. I will carry her, and we will still reach Mirkwood before the day is over."
Gimli said nothing, secretly he had hoped that they would be forced to camp until Liria regained consciousness and thus their adventure would be lengthened and Mirkwood put off. But that did not seem to be so. Gimli watched silently as Legolas lifted Liria and continued on, and Gimli followed.
Gimli trudged on behind Legolas, watching his friend from behind. The elf hardly glanced back, and his step was becoming faster. Gimli had to quicken his pace as well, or be left behind. He found that he was harboring a resentment towards Liria. Sure, he was aware that he had been jealous before, but this was now stronger. With Mirkwood drawing ever nearer, Gimli's hopes of an everlasting best friend faded. Legolas would stay with Liria, and he would be left to return to his own home unaccompanied. Unconciously, Gimli's thumb stroked the blade of his axe.
Legolas picked up the pace, wanting to bring Liria to the healing powers of Mirkwood as quickly as possible. So it was that when the sun was just starting to sink, they reached the borders of Mirkwood. Legolas continued on unhesitatingly and Gimli followed at a less than eager pace, when a voice called out to them.
"Halt, travelers! You have reached the borders of a great nation and will not be allowed entrance until notified." Legolas stopped in surprise, he had never in his life been stopped. Gimli stopped as well and huddled close to Legolas, not wishing to be shot before explanations could be given. An elf jumped out of a tree and stepped up to them, his bow ready. "Who are you and what is your business here?"
Legolas' anger flamed at this treatment. "Surely the business of the Prince of Mirkwood is none of yours," he replied hotly.
The elf-guard squinted at him as if trying to decide if Legolas was lying or not. He did not lower his bow. Finally, he said, "Lord Legolas?"
"Indeed, I have not been gone that long as to have my own people forget me. Put your weapon down and stand aside before I lose my patience with an elf who thinks he is bigger than he really is."
The elf-guard hastily drew his bow down and stepped back, but not aside. "You must forgive me, my Lord," he started, "but we have just come through hard times and most thought you to be dead. And when you finally return you carry a strange elf and bring a dwarf along. I think I can hardly be blamed for my suspicions."
His apology did nothing for Legolas, "Carrying a strange elf? This is Liria, daughter of General Thenemdur, one of your own. As for the dwarf, he is of higher worth than you should ever hope to be. Now for the last time, step aside."
The elf-guard finally cleared the path, and stood mutely as they all passed. He was fearful for having angered the prince so, but it really was not his fault. Most thought Legolas would never be seen again, and Thenemdur's daughter was seen less than he, a rogue by nature. The elf- guard shook off the fears he felt and decided he would make it up when the prince was in a better temper. As for now, he would go back to his post and help the prince that way, by protecting his nation.
Legolas continued on at a fast speed, anger still running through him. The nerve of the elf, a common elf, to dare to question him and stall him. He still needed to get to a healing house, he had no time for idiot affairs. Legolas walked on so quickly and was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he did not notice that he was starting to outdistance Gimli. Gimli trotted on at a fast rate, but found that he could not keep up with the elf. Legolas was forgetting who he was with, and was falling into the quick and tireless stride of the elf.
Finally, when Legolas was fifty paces ahead of Gimli, Gimli called out, "My friend." Legolas halted suddenly and spun on his heels. He was astonished to see Gimli so far from him.
"Gimli, my dear friend, I am so sorry. I am afraid I am not in my right mind, that last encounter unnerved me so." He waited until Gimli caught up to him, "Please forgive me, it will not happen again."
Gimli nodded mutely at his friend and Legolas smiled before turning and starting again, at a much slower pace. Gimli became very heavy- hearted. Surely, this would be the last time he and Legolas would walk side by side. He was already being forgotten. Gimli found his gaze was on Liria's still form cradled in Legolas' strong arms. No, Legolas would not have any more need for Gimli. Gimli would see him to his home, and then leave as soon as he could.
Legolas did not note Gimli's heavy silence or sense his feelings, all of his energy was focused on getting Liria to a healing house. She had not stirred once in his arms. And though he could tell she was still alive, he was afraid for her. She could have damaged her leg permanently, and he knew that that would be a state she would not accept. No way would she ever be content to remain still and in place. And though he would still love her, she would start to loathe herself.
Finally, they came to a house, they were nearing the great elven city. Legolas passed it, knowing it to contain a family, nothing of importance to him now. But he knew where the nearest healing house was and went to it unerringly. Gimli wondered at the silence, he had assumed there would be a great celebration for Legolas' homecoming, then figured out that they did not know he was returning. And as it was already well past sun- down, nobody was out to see them and start a call that the prince had returned.
And so the occupants of the healing house were very surprised when the door was thrust open, without an invitation, and an elf bearing another strode in, followed by a dwarf. Giddearan, the healer of the house and an elf that had been there since before Legolas was born, rose to his feet. He was angry that someone should come barging in so late at night and was about to order him out when his tongue stilled. Recognition flooded his face, "Prince Legolas," he breathed, "you have returned."
Legolas nodded, he knew the healer well and they were on friendly terms, but there was no time for formalities now. He laid Liria out on a couch and Giddearan strode to them, "What is this?"
"She needs help, her leg was injured a while ago and still has not healed properly. Now the pain is too much for her and she has been unconscious for over six hours." Giddearan pushed up Liria's pant leg and took off the soiled bandages. The wound was large, and partially closed, as it had been reopened. It looked bad, nerves and tendons were slashed and had never fully repaired themselves. Legolas looked at the healer's face, searching for signs to her condition. "Will she have full usage of her leg again?" he asked quietly.
"I don't know," the healer replied, "I will do what I can, but it has been long since the muscles were slashed. If she had been brought to me earlier, I would have no doubt over it, but it can go either way now." He then called for some elves to help him and they brought herbs, water, and stitchings.
Legolas stood by, watching everything that went on intently, ready to spring away to fetch something or offer any other form of help. He did not notice Gimli standing next to the door, silent, not receiving any offers to help nor volunteering any. Gimli watched on as well, but his expression was the same impassive one that had become so accustomed to him by now. He was making up his mind on what was to be done, and did not like it. But like it or not, that was how things were going to be from now on.