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Everlasting Road ch. 12
Morning came, and for the first time in a year Legolas saw the sun rise over the trees of Mirkwood. He glanced outside and saw that his suspicions had been right, Mirkwood was definitely darker. Yet the sight was still enough to send a thrill through him, he was home. And he had his best friend and love with him, nothing seemed better. He got up and strode over to Liria, stooping over her and gently shaking her shoulder. "Wake up, a new day begins in fair Mirkwood."
Liria sat up and threw her legs over the side of the couch. Legolas stood by, watching with concern, "How does your leg feel now?"
Liria turned her ankle, testing it, then hesitantly placed it on the floor. She carefully stood, Legolas looking like he was ready to jump and catch her should she fall. Liria balanced unsteadily, most of her weight on the left leg. Then she took a breath and balanced her weight evenly. There was no pain. She carefully stepped out, and still there was no pain. She began to walk, and was fine, then ran about a few steps. Okay, so there was still pain when she ran, but she could refrain from running for a few days.
Legolas watched her move about anxiously, but she turned to him with a huge smile, "I am almost as good as new. The healer in this house must be substantial, for it hardly feels as if I was ever injured, save if I run. But I suppose I can cease doing that until I am well." Legolas smiled with her and crossed the room to her, gathering her in an embrace. He stopped when he felt another presence in the room and looked over at the doorway, Giddearan stood there.
"Giddearan my old friend," Legolas exclaimed, crossing over to him, "you have proved your worth beyond all doubt. The lady hardly feels a thing, all gratitude towards your wonderful healing abilities."
Giddearan looked slightly confused as he heard Legolas speak, then looked over at Liria where she stood without the slightest waver in her stance. He was a good healer, he knew, but surely such an injury should have taken more time to heal. He did not question it however, and simply smiled back at Legolas.
"I am glad to hear of such improvement," was all he said.
Legolas turned back to Liria, "Now we can have our homecoming. Giddearan, send out some of your servants as messengers, the son of Thranduil has returned home." Giddearan turned to face two elf-servants whom had been standing silently behind him. He beckoned them to leave, and they did so immediately, excitement in their movements. They too were glad to have the Prince home, and they would be the ones to bear the news to all in Mirkwood.
In less than five minutes, for elves can work very fast, clear trumpets rang out and the sounds of many people gathering were heard. Legolas turned to Liria, "We will go to greet them in a few minutes, and I will see my father again. Surely, he will have a feast for us tonight." Legolas stopped and looked around, his brow creased in confusion, "Where is Gimli?"
"Probably still asleep," answered Liria, "you know you are the one to always awake him."
Legolas nodded and turned to find Gimli's room. He knocked lightly on the door and listened, there was no response. So he was still asleep then. Legolas turned the knob gently and took a step inside. He was surprised to see Gimli already up, his pack before him on the bed. Even more surprising, Gimli was in his traveling clothes and his pack lay half- full.
Legolas stepped all the way inside, "What are you doing?"
Gimli glanced at him briefly before turning his attention back to his pack, "Simply making sure I am ready. Is not the celebration tonight?"
"It will be, yes," Legolas replied slowly, "but what has that to do with you packing? Surely, you do not mean to leave right after the celebration." Legolas smiled as he said this, but sobered as Gimli gave no reaction and stood still, his back to Legolas. "Gimli," Legolas questioned quietly, "what is going on?"
Gimli turned to face Legolas and drew to his full height, which was still significantly shorter than Legolas, "I am of no more use to you. With that being obvious, I shall return home immediately where I will be of some use."
"No use? What are you talking about?" Legolas pleaded with Gimli, trying to understand what this was all about.
"You have no need of me," Gimli's voice rose a bit, "ever since that she-elf, my worth has greatly decreased. You will have no more adventures, you will want to be married and stay in Mirkwood. I cannot stay, and since I am not comfortable in the presence of elves, even yours now, I will leave as soon as possible." Gimli looked defiant, but his insides were churning at the look on Legolas' face. Legolas looked as if he had just been betrayed and stabbed, but Gimli reminded himself that he had truly been the one to be betrayed.
Legolas stood silent, not knowing what to say. He had always known Liria and Gimli did not get along very well, but for one to think that he favored one over the other, that was ludicrous. They were both very dear to him, as they were both his best friends. And he was unwilling to give either up, so he decided to placate Gimli.
"My dear friend, there is no reason for such hostilities. I will always have need for you, you are my best friend. That is a worth that cannot be measured, nor changed in value. Even if I did not have anymore adventures, I would still want you by my side. For you to state that your value has been replaced by Liria brings a blow to my heart that I feel nothing will have the power to heal." He looked into Gimli's face the entire time he was talking, trying to assuage his reaction. Gimli's cheek twitched slightly, but other than that, nothing.
Gimli swallowed thickly, "You speak not of what you know. Love has blinded you. Friendship will always take a back seat to those you love."
"But are you not loved as well?" Legolas asked, his voice starting to reveal the emotions stirring inside of him.
"It is a different kind of love," was all Gimli had to say.
Legolas stood stock still, his eyes searching the floor, as if looking for answers upon it. He truly could not believe what he was hearing from his friend. They had been through so much together, was that all to be thrown away now? All because of spiteful jealousy? Gimli should know him better than that by now, he was not one to betray his friends. And Liria was not taking Gimli's place, she was simply occupying a new place in his heart.
"My friend," Legolas started slowly, not knowing what he could say, "with all that we have been through together, I find it hard to believe that you could even think that I would throw it all away." He looked up at Gimli, whose gaze was still locked on Legolas, unwavering. Legolas wanted to say more, but did not know what, and only turned to leave the room.
Gimli did not move, did not make a sound. He would not show anything except for the stone hard stature of the dwarves. He watched Legolas turn his back and step out, his step uncharacteristically heavy for the light elf. As tough as Gimli's stance was on the outside, he was breaking apart on the inside. Now he knew that he had just lost his best friend, and it had been partially his own fault. But he would remain strong in his resolve. Gimli turned back to his packing.
Liria stood up when she saw Legolas come back in the room. The smile on her lips faded when she saw him. His expression looked grieved, and he would not meet her eyes. He walked slowly with a heavy step, indeed he looked as though someone had just died.
Legolas crossed the room slowly, then stopped when he was halfway through. Giddearan stood next to the front door. He too noted Legolas' disposition, but had no idea what to make of it, so he said something in the hopes that it would cheer him up. "Your father waits outside with most of Mirkwood. They wish to welcome you home and announce tonight's banquet."
Legolas looked up from the floor with dull eyes. He merely nodded and started to walke heavily to the door. When he reached it, he stopped before opening it and turned to Liria. "Will you not accompany me?"
Liria sank back down to the couch. "My leg is starting to act up again. I will forgo your reception in hopes that I will be completely well for tonight's feast. Besides, they all wish to see the return of the Prince of Mirkwood, they will not want to be distracted."
Liria's smile towards Legolas did nothing for him. He turned woodenly back to the door, another betrayel. Nobody wanted to be at his side, what if his own people did were not truly thrilled by his homecoming? How could the day that was supposed to be one of the happier ones in his life turn into such grief and abandonment?
Giddearan opened the door and Legolas stepped out into the dimmed sunshine. There were shouts and cheers from without, but all of Mirkwood was not there. His father stood at the head of his people, a smile on his face. Legolas let the sight of his father cheer him, and stepped out towards him to be received with a hug.
As soon as Legolas stepped outside and Giddearan followed and closed the door, Liria stood. Her eyes were bright red as she made her way unhesitatingly towards Gimli's room. She knew something had happened in there, and that something had hurt Legolas tremendously. "Pray that he does not suffer by your hand alone, dwarf," she muttered before reaching his door.
Everlasting Road ch. 12
Morning came, and for the first time in a year Legolas saw the sun rise over the trees of Mirkwood. He glanced outside and saw that his suspicions had been right, Mirkwood was definitely darker. Yet the sight was still enough to send a thrill through him, he was home. And he had his best friend and love with him, nothing seemed better. He got up and strode over to Liria, stooping over her and gently shaking her shoulder. "Wake up, a new day begins in fair Mirkwood."
Liria sat up and threw her legs over the side of the couch. Legolas stood by, watching with concern, "How does your leg feel now?"
Liria turned her ankle, testing it, then hesitantly placed it on the floor. She carefully stood, Legolas looking like he was ready to jump and catch her should she fall. Liria balanced unsteadily, most of her weight on the left leg. Then she took a breath and balanced her weight evenly. There was no pain. She carefully stepped out, and still there was no pain. She began to walk, and was fine, then ran about a few steps. Okay, so there was still pain when she ran, but she could refrain from running for a few days.
Legolas watched her move about anxiously, but she turned to him with a huge smile, "I am almost as good as new. The healer in this house must be substantial, for it hardly feels as if I was ever injured, save if I run. But I suppose I can cease doing that until I am well." Legolas smiled with her and crossed the room to her, gathering her in an embrace. He stopped when he felt another presence in the room and looked over at the doorway, Giddearan stood there.
"Giddearan my old friend," Legolas exclaimed, crossing over to him, "you have proved your worth beyond all doubt. The lady hardly feels a thing, all gratitude towards your wonderful healing abilities."
Giddearan looked slightly confused as he heard Legolas speak, then looked over at Liria where she stood without the slightest waver in her stance. He was a good healer, he knew, but surely such an injury should have taken more time to heal. He did not question it however, and simply smiled back at Legolas.
"I am glad to hear of such improvement," was all he said.
Legolas turned back to Liria, "Now we can have our homecoming. Giddearan, send out some of your servants as messengers, the son of Thranduil has returned home." Giddearan turned to face two elf-servants whom had been standing silently behind him. He beckoned them to leave, and they did so immediately, excitement in their movements. They too were glad to have the Prince home, and they would be the ones to bear the news to all in Mirkwood.
In less than five minutes, for elves can work very fast, clear trumpets rang out and the sounds of many people gathering were heard. Legolas turned to Liria, "We will go to greet them in a few minutes, and I will see my father again. Surely, he will have a feast for us tonight." Legolas stopped and looked around, his brow creased in confusion, "Where is Gimli?"
"Probably still asleep," answered Liria, "you know you are the one to always awake him."
Legolas nodded and turned to find Gimli's room. He knocked lightly on the door and listened, there was no response. So he was still asleep then. Legolas turned the knob gently and took a step inside. He was surprised to see Gimli already up, his pack before him on the bed. Even more surprising, Gimli was in his traveling clothes and his pack lay half- full.
Legolas stepped all the way inside, "What are you doing?"
Gimli glanced at him briefly before turning his attention back to his pack, "Simply making sure I am ready. Is not the celebration tonight?"
"It will be, yes," Legolas replied slowly, "but what has that to do with you packing? Surely, you do not mean to leave right after the celebration." Legolas smiled as he said this, but sobered as Gimli gave no reaction and stood still, his back to Legolas. "Gimli," Legolas questioned quietly, "what is going on?"
Gimli turned to face Legolas and drew to his full height, which was still significantly shorter than Legolas, "I am of no more use to you. With that being obvious, I shall return home immediately where I will be of some use."
"No use? What are you talking about?" Legolas pleaded with Gimli, trying to understand what this was all about.
"You have no need of me," Gimli's voice rose a bit, "ever since that she-elf, my worth has greatly decreased. You will have no more adventures, you will want to be married and stay in Mirkwood. I cannot stay, and since I am not comfortable in the presence of elves, even yours now, I will leave as soon as possible." Gimli looked defiant, but his insides were churning at the look on Legolas' face. Legolas looked as if he had just been betrayed and stabbed, but Gimli reminded himself that he had truly been the one to be betrayed.
Legolas stood silent, not knowing what to say. He had always known Liria and Gimli did not get along very well, but for one to think that he favored one over the other, that was ludicrous. They were both very dear to him, as they were both his best friends. And he was unwilling to give either up, so he decided to placate Gimli.
"My dear friend, there is no reason for such hostilities. I will always have need for you, you are my best friend. That is a worth that cannot be measured, nor changed in value. Even if I did not have anymore adventures, I would still want you by my side. For you to state that your value has been replaced by Liria brings a blow to my heart that I feel nothing will have the power to heal." He looked into Gimli's face the entire time he was talking, trying to assuage his reaction. Gimli's cheek twitched slightly, but other than that, nothing.
Gimli swallowed thickly, "You speak not of what you know. Love has blinded you. Friendship will always take a back seat to those you love."
"But are you not loved as well?" Legolas asked, his voice starting to reveal the emotions stirring inside of him.
"It is a different kind of love," was all Gimli had to say.
Legolas stood stock still, his eyes searching the floor, as if looking for answers upon it. He truly could not believe what he was hearing from his friend. They had been through so much together, was that all to be thrown away now? All because of spiteful jealousy? Gimli should know him better than that by now, he was not one to betray his friends. And Liria was not taking Gimli's place, she was simply occupying a new place in his heart.
"My friend," Legolas started slowly, not knowing what he could say, "with all that we have been through together, I find it hard to believe that you could even think that I would throw it all away." He looked up at Gimli, whose gaze was still locked on Legolas, unwavering. Legolas wanted to say more, but did not know what, and only turned to leave the room.
Gimli did not move, did not make a sound. He would not show anything except for the stone hard stature of the dwarves. He watched Legolas turn his back and step out, his step uncharacteristically heavy for the light elf. As tough as Gimli's stance was on the outside, he was breaking apart on the inside. Now he knew that he had just lost his best friend, and it had been partially his own fault. But he would remain strong in his resolve. Gimli turned back to his packing.
Liria stood up when she saw Legolas come back in the room. The smile on her lips faded when she saw him. His expression looked grieved, and he would not meet her eyes. He walked slowly with a heavy step, indeed he looked as though someone had just died.
Legolas crossed the room slowly, then stopped when he was halfway through. Giddearan stood next to the front door. He too noted Legolas' disposition, but had no idea what to make of it, so he said something in the hopes that it would cheer him up. "Your father waits outside with most of Mirkwood. They wish to welcome you home and announce tonight's banquet."
Legolas looked up from the floor with dull eyes. He merely nodded and started to walke heavily to the door. When he reached it, he stopped before opening it and turned to Liria. "Will you not accompany me?"
Liria sank back down to the couch. "My leg is starting to act up again. I will forgo your reception in hopes that I will be completely well for tonight's feast. Besides, they all wish to see the return of the Prince of Mirkwood, they will not want to be distracted."
Liria's smile towards Legolas did nothing for him. He turned woodenly back to the door, another betrayel. Nobody wanted to be at his side, what if his own people did were not truly thrilled by his homecoming? How could the day that was supposed to be one of the happier ones in his life turn into such grief and abandonment?
Giddearan opened the door and Legolas stepped out into the dimmed sunshine. There were shouts and cheers from without, but all of Mirkwood was not there. His father stood at the head of his people, a smile on his face. Legolas let the sight of his father cheer him, and stepped out towards him to be received with a hug.
As soon as Legolas stepped outside and Giddearan followed and closed the door, Liria stood. Her eyes were bright red as she made her way unhesitatingly towards Gimli's room. She knew something had happened in there, and that something had hurt Legolas tremendously. "Pray that he does not suffer by your hand alone, dwarf," she muttered before reaching his door.