Ayod Botla – I am glad that you liked that last one. I didn't. Nirnaeth
wasn't being very nice, was he. And Elu does have some 'splaining to do!
The WHY is coming. Because now I know the WHY myself.
AJ Matthews – The last one was not a happy chapter, but some revelations are on the way. I swear. I didn't have any idea where some of them would take us, but now I do. I guess I was listening behind bushes myself.
Horus – Nirnaeth does have issues to confront and some day he will, but - uh oh – some unpleasantness must come first!!
Salak – More is coming at you, kid! Thank you so much for the computer dance, please keep it up!!
Ranger - Nirnaeth may have to learn the hard way. Unfortunately. Legolas moves a little further down the path to enlightenment in this chapter. And the answers are waiting in the wings! I can see them now!
Nancing Elf – I'll send you a red hanky! Elrond seems to have quite a stash of them. Legolas will be surprised by a revelation at the chapter's end. I was surprised myself. Talk about writing blind! And actually Elu – well – you're going to have to wait. Heh heh!
JastaElf – Yeah. Everyone knows something. Though maybe not necessarily what they think they know. Thanks for saying that it was a fine chapter. I didn't like it at all which is why it took so long to post. It sat in my computer for days before I threw my hands up and popped it here. Used many red hankies for frustration on it! Keep invoking the Valar. Ai, Elbereth!! I need their help!!
Rings of the cosmos – The rest is on the way! Quickly I hope!!
Karina – I'm not usually so slow about updating * see my note to JastaElf!! Everyone feels pretty bad at this point and I am working on helping them, but some things will not be nice. Some happiness is around the corner though. And yes, you should write another chapter!!
If you want something fun and informative to do go visit www.hobbitlore.com . Altariel Artanis told me about this. It tells you what character from the Lord of the Rings that your personality is the most like. I took it a few times since some of the answers were tossups and I got the same result every time so I am definitely a Frodo Baggins! Altariel came up once a Frodo and once Galadriel. That last doesn't surprise me. Go read her stuff and see why! It's really fun and yes, Frodo's personality does indeed match mine! If you decide to do it, let me know who your match is. I would love to know!! Btw the dark side of the Frodo personality is displayed by the Orcs. Oh, dear. I have an Orcish side to my personality?!!
"The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with weary feet,
Until it joins some larger way,
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say."
The words of the song drifted to the Ranger, the Hobbit, and the Orc as they hurried across the courtyard. Arwen met them outside the door, her dark blue eyes troubled. The singer sounded tired and sad. Elu knew that it was Bilbo singing to Frodo.
Aragorn moved to meet her, his hands joining with hers.
"How bad is he?"
Arwen watched as Sam hurried past without even a sideways look, his face pale and strained. He hadn't like to leave Mr. Frodo even to deliver this message to Strider and Elu.
"He is fading, Estel. Father says that if he cannot do something now, he will be lost to us forever."
Aragorn felt a pang of fear in his own heart. To have come so far and so bravely, only to be lost to the wraith's evil in the end was unthinkable. He had truly come to care for the Hobbits with their carefree, happy ways. It could not end this way.
"Your father will save him, Arwen." He assured her, though he said it to reassure himself as well. "Frodo is a remarkable person. Never fear. He will overcome this."
He gestured to Elu who bowed hastily to the Elf maiden then hurried after the Man.
The Orc couldn't quite suppress a gasp of surprise as he looked down at the wounded Hobbit. Frodo looked deathly pale, his breathing labored. But what frightened him most was the look of him – he seemed to be less substantial, almost as if he were becoming transparent, disappearing into another world as he left theirs.
Elrond was on the far side of the bed leaning over the Hobbit, his face grave with concern. Gandalf stood behind Bilbo, a hand resting gently on the old Hobbit's shoulder. And Sam was crouched at Bilbo's side, stroking Frodo's pale hand. Elrond straightened and sighed.
"It is as you feared Gandalf. There is still a fragment of that blade in him. I fear that it is moving slowly toward his heart and you know what will happen if it is not removed. Now."
Gandalf frowned and nodded, his hand tightening on Bilbo's shoulder.
Elrond drew a breath gazing over at Aragorn and Elu.
"Estel, please keep the younger Hobbits occupied. I don't want them worrying over much. You and Arwen should take them to the hall. Keep them feed and listening to tales and songs. We will be here for some time and I don't want to be interrupted."
Aragorn stared bleakly down at Frodo. He raised his eyes to his foster father. Elrond's face softened. He nodded slightly as if to say, "Do not worry. I will do all that I can." Aragorn's gaze traveled to Gandalf, the Istari's face looked old and tired in that moment, his blue eyes seemed filled with disbelief and fear. The man forced himself to cross the room, pausing to look at the Orc. Too many things crowded into his mind. He swallowed, shaking his head, hoping to clear it for more coherent thoughts. Slowly he left the room in hopes of finding Merry and Pippin. Arwen moved to him, enfolding him in a tender embrace.
Elu stood looking helplessly on. He could see the young Hobbit had worsened and he too had felt that a piece of evil blade was still somewhere in Frodo's body, else why had he not recovered. Elu had utter faith in Elrond's Healing skills and knew that if anyone could heal the Hobbit it was the tall Elf Lord. But the fear and heartache in the room was nigh unbearable. Slowly he moved to join Elrond. The Elf Lord's dark blue gaze slid to his. He nodded. It was time to begin.
It was going to be a very long afternoon.
Nirnaeth stood in the doorway listening as Jessolothrad played a tune on his harp. The boy's skill on the instrument never ceased to amaze him. This was one that he had not heard before.
: He must be working on a new one. : The Elf thought, smiling with paternal pride.
Jessolothrad finished the song and turned suddenly. He had been aware of his father the entire time. He smiled and lay the harp carefully on a carved chest then launched himself into his father's awaiting arms. Nirnaeth held him tightly, feeling love well up inside. He loved the child so fiercely that at times it frightened him with its intensity. Jess allowed the long, rather hard hug, knowing that his father needed it. But then he pulled back, his hands flying as he told about the day spent with friends, music, and laughter. He was wise enough not to mention the names of his friends, but kept up a constant barrage of description and delight that soon Nirnaeth was laughing and feeling almost light hearted. Jessolothrad told him about the new song and how excited he was to be playing it for Lord Elrond and the others in the hall the next night. His friend would be singing with him as he played. It was truly a wonderful song and everyone would love it. Of this he was certain. Nirnaeth agreed that everyone would love it, how could they not.
Jess motioned for him to wait while he ran to his room and soon returned carrying a small bundle. It was wrapped in a length of soft green silk. The child unwound it carefully and held it out to his father. Nirnaeth took the carved figure from his son, kneeling beside him. It was a small wooden horse, carefully carved and painted. The horse was white, its mane and tail a silvery grey. The skill of the craftsman was obvious.
"This is very beautiful, Jess. Who gave it to you? A friend? That was very nice. You thanked them, I hope."
The child nodded, and took the horse and began to point out the various parts that he particularly liked: the shining dark eyes, the beautiful silver flow of the exquisitely etched tail. Nirnaeth watched with a smile. His son was so happy and delighted. It never amazed him how well Jessolothrad had adjusted to what had befallen them at the hands of the Orcs.
: He has adjusted much better than I have. Than I ever will. : He thought with a sigh of regret. If only he could release – No! He pushed the errant thought aside. He would not think of it now. Not ever.
"Shall we go for a walk before the storm comes?" He asked, straightening, and stretching out one hand.
The child nodded and carefully wrapped the small horse once more. The two left the room and walked together down familiar pathways, the breeze blowing their hair back from their faces. Nirnaeth reached down and gently clasped Jess' hand in his own. The child looked so like his mother that it hurt to look at him sometimes. Menuial – his fair dawn - everything about her spoke of the rising sun in its glory. From the fair spill of hair like the pale rays of the early sun in his hands to her large pale blue eyes, lit like the morning sky. He closed his eyes allowing for one brief moment an image of her to surface in his mind. But then the pain would come. Nirnaeth drew a breath and clenched his teeth. No. He would allow no pain to touch him. He watched intently as his remaining child motioned at him, telling him of all that he saw that caught his fancy. He would be strong for Jessolothrad – all he had left of Menuial. And strength came from anger, not frompain. He would be strong.
Legolas buried his face against the horse's smooth neck, one slim hand stroking the silky mane. Elluth nibbled his hair, whickering softly. He knew that his friend was in need of comfort and offered it as best he could. The Elf whispered softly in Sindarin to the animal, offering reassurances that he himself needed. The horse snuffled softly in the soft fair hair when he felt the dampness of tears on his skin. The ears flicked forward at the sound of a quiet sob. Legolas pressed his face harder against the animal's skin, his fingers tangling in the silvery hair. He wished that he hadn't dropped Elrond's red handkerchief. The horse lifted its head suddenly as another person approached. Legolas straightened, wiping one hand over his face as he patted Elluth. He turned, fearing that it was Aragorn – or Elu. But it was the tall Elf Lord Glorfindel.
"Young Legolas." He said, tipping his head in greeting as he moved to where Asfaloth was stabled. For a few moments he stroked the horse's head, talking quietly in Quenya. Legolas stared into Elluth's dark eyes, getting himself back under control. He turned his head slightly to look at Glorfindel and wondered suspiciously if that was why he was taking so long in greeting his horse.
"I was about to take the horses out to the pasture. Will you accompany me?"
Legolas felt a polite refusal rising to his tongue, but then he shut his mouth as the golden lord's blue gaze fell on him. "No thank you" would not be an acceptable answer to this offer.
"Of course, Lord Glorfindel." He said, his fingers tightening on Elluth's mane. "I would be glad to accompany you."
Glorfindel smiled slightly and opened Asfaloth's stall. The white horse whinnied happily and trotted after the Elf Lord. Legolas hesitated only slightly before letting Elluth move past him and out of the stall. The other Mirkwood horses were soon dancing after the other two. The animals greeted one another, prancing and neighing joyously as they headed for the high grassy pasture. Glorfindel stopped to watch them go, a smile playing on his lips. Legolas suspected that he did this to give the younger Elf a chance to catch up to him. They walked on in companionable silence though Legolas knew that soon the Elf Lord would begin to speak on what ever subject he had been sent to discuss with him. He did not have long to wait.
"That Elu is rather a remarkable person." Glorfindel said, his gaze on the autumn sky overhead.
Legolas suppressed a sigh and stared at the ground.
When the silence became uncomfortably long, Glorfindel continued, his arms behind his back.
"I remember the first time I saw him, kneeling by Estel, digging through his pouch of herbs. "I need hot water." He said and I obeyed him without a second thought." He smiled at the memory. "I do not take orders from just anyone, you know. He rather surprised me. Elrond is amazed by his Healing ability, though he says that he needs training. I never would have thought that an Orc could be capable of Healing anything – training or no."
Again he received no response from the Wood Elf. Glorfindel drew a deep breath and called upon all the patience that he possessed.
"Why don't you tell me how you met Elu, young Legolas." He said, keeping his tone on the conversational level when he truly wanted to order the other Elf to tell him exactly what he wanted to know. He wondered just how far Estel had gotten with this young, stubborn thing in their earlier conversation that had been interrupted not long before when Frodo's condition had worsened. He knew that the Hobbit was in Elrond's capable hands, but he felt a twinge of worry gnawing at the edge of his mind. The short time he had spent with the Hobbits as they had journeyed here had left with great respect for them. As well as a personal liking. He shook his head. "I understand that you were captured by Orcs some time ago and Estel assisted Elu in rescuing you."
Legolas raised his head and nodded. He slowly told the Elf Lord what had transpired when he had been taken to Emyn Mor Esgal and the beginning of the friendship born in darkness. Legolas reluctantly found himself warming to this subject as he spoke of Elu then known as Egla Ash the Forsaken One. When he came to Elu's song, he was amazed that Glorfindel's voice joined with his own, a perfect musical blending. The taller Elf smiled.
"Yes. I have heard that one sung quite often since your arrival here. It has become quite popular and I believe that Bilbo is thinking of turning that story into a song. A long song, he says." The Elf Lord chuckled fondly. "He does not have the same understanding of long as we Elves do."
Legolas smiled slightly, though he felt uncomfortable at the thought of being the subject of a song.
"Your friendship will become legendary, young Legolas. You and Elu will be famous."
The archer looked over him expecting to see an amused, teasing look on his face, but he saw only quiet wonder. He looked down, still troubled. : The story isn't finished, : he though glumly. : And who knows if the ending will be a happy one. :
Sensing his mood shift, Glorfindel continued to walk slowly toward the pasture. The horses were frolicking in the grass, rolling happily on their backs, legs in the air. The Elf Lord perched on the ground beneath an oak tree, gesturing for Legolas to do the same. The golden grass of autumn swayed in the gathering breeze and clouds scudded across the sky.
"I understand that your friendship has withstood some problems as well." He said quietly, running his slender fingers through the grass at his feet. "Do you blame him for what he became at Dol Guldur?"
"No! I – How did you know about that?"
"Estel told us of how you and he tried to rescue Elu from the Orcs that had taken him. I admit that I doubted the veracity of his story when he told the tale of you and Elu. He feared that he would be changed once he was imprisoned in the Sorcerer's vile tower."
"He was." Legolas said quietly.
"But I see that he is himself again. Is he not?"
"Usually."
"Can you not tell me the tale of what transpired between you when first you met again?"
"It…is hard to speak of it." Legolas admitted reluctantly.
"Have you spoken to Elu of it?"
Legolas turned his head away.
"No. It would only hurt him if I did."
"Do you think that he is not hurting now?"
Legolas stared down at the grass. He knew that Elu was hurting. Especially after this morning.
: I don't want to hurt him any more…But if I don't speak to him of it I will continue to avoid him and that hurts him. If only he hadn't kept that arrow then perhaps…:
Glorfindel squatting beside him, keeping still and quiet allowing the younger Elf to work through the problem in his own mind and in his own time. After several moments Legolas spoke.
"Lord Glorfindel, I…I don't know what to say to him. I don't wish to hurt him anymore."
Glorfindel wondered if he should mention what Elrond had told him earlier. He shrugged, easing to the ground.
"Have you asked him why he kept the arrow?" He asked slowly, turning to gaze at the prince.
Legolas head shot up, his eyes wide with surprise.
"How do you know that he kept the Black Arrow?"
"Elu has spoken to Lord Elrond of it."
"He has? What has he said? Why did he keep it?"
"Elrond and I believe that you must ask Elu that. Perhaps you should try and trust him as once you did. Mayhap your loss of trust in him has done him more damage than you know."
Legolas stared over at him.
"In what way?"
"When do his Black Thoughts come on him?"
"I …I do not know. They just…come on him."
Glorfindel shook his head.
"Do they? Are you always with him when they take him?"
Legolas opened his mouth, but promptly shut it as he tried to recall all the times that Elu had been plagued by his Black Thoughts.
"Yes. I believe that I have been."
Glorfindel raised one golden brow.
"Elrond believes that it is not anger that triggers the Black Thoughts. He believes it is fear."
"Fear? Fear of what?"
"Fear of you."
AJ Matthews – The last one was not a happy chapter, but some revelations are on the way. I swear. I didn't have any idea where some of them would take us, but now I do. I guess I was listening behind bushes myself.
Horus – Nirnaeth does have issues to confront and some day he will, but - uh oh – some unpleasantness must come first!!
Salak – More is coming at you, kid! Thank you so much for the computer dance, please keep it up!!
Ranger - Nirnaeth may have to learn the hard way. Unfortunately. Legolas moves a little further down the path to enlightenment in this chapter. And the answers are waiting in the wings! I can see them now!
Nancing Elf – I'll send you a red hanky! Elrond seems to have quite a stash of them. Legolas will be surprised by a revelation at the chapter's end. I was surprised myself. Talk about writing blind! And actually Elu – well – you're going to have to wait. Heh heh!
JastaElf – Yeah. Everyone knows something. Though maybe not necessarily what they think they know. Thanks for saying that it was a fine chapter. I didn't like it at all which is why it took so long to post. It sat in my computer for days before I threw my hands up and popped it here. Used many red hankies for frustration on it! Keep invoking the Valar. Ai, Elbereth!! I need their help!!
Rings of the cosmos – The rest is on the way! Quickly I hope!!
Karina – I'm not usually so slow about updating * see my note to JastaElf!! Everyone feels pretty bad at this point and I am working on helping them, but some things will not be nice. Some happiness is around the corner though. And yes, you should write another chapter!!
If you want something fun and informative to do go visit www.hobbitlore.com . Altariel Artanis told me about this. It tells you what character from the Lord of the Rings that your personality is the most like. I took it a few times since some of the answers were tossups and I got the same result every time so I am definitely a Frodo Baggins! Altariel came up once a Frodo and once Galadriel. That last doesn't surprise me. Go read her stuff and see why! It's really fun and yes, Frodo's personality does indeed match mine! If you decide to do it, let me know who your match is. I would love to know!! Btw the dark side of the Frodo personality is displayed by the Orcs. Oh, dear. I have an Orcish side to my personality?!!
"The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with weary feet,
Until it joins some larger way,
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say."
The words of the song drifted to the Ranger, the Hobbit, and the Orc as they hurried across the courtyard. Arwen met them outside the door, her dark blue eyes troubled. The singer sounded tired and sad. Elu knew that it was Bilbo singing to Frodo.
Aragorn moved to meet her, his hands joining with hers.
"How bad is he?"
Arwen watched as Sam hurried past without even a sideways look, his face pale and strained. He hadn't like to leave Mr. Frodo even to deliver this message to Strider and Elu.
"He is fading, Estel. Father says that if he cannot do something now, he will be lost to us forever."
Aragorn felt a pang of fear in his own heart. To have come so far and so bravely, only to be lost to the wraith's evil in the end was unthinkable. He had truly come to care for the Hobbits with their carefree, happy ways. It could not end this way.
"Your father will save him, Arwen." He assured her, though he said it to reassure himself as well. "Frodo is a remarkable person. Never fear. He will overcome this."
He gestured to Elu who bowed hastily to the Elf maiden then hurried after the Man.
The Orc couldn't quite suppress a gasp of surprise as he looked down at the wounded Hobbit. Frodo looked deathly pale, his breathing labored. But what frightened him most was the look of him – he seemed to be less substantial, almost as if he were becoming transparent, disappearing into another world as he left theirs.
Elrond was on the far side of the bed leaning over the Hobbit, his face grave with concern. Gandalf stood behind Bilbo, a hand resting gently on the old Hobbit's shoulder. And Sam was crouched at Bilbo's side, stroking Frodo's pale hand. Elrond straightened and sighed.
"It is as you feared Gandalf. There is still a fragment of that blade in him. I fear that it is moving slowly toward his heart and you know what will happen if it is not removed. Now."
Gandalf frowned and nodded, his hand tightening on Bilbo's shoulder.
Elrond drew a breath gazing over at Aragorn and Elu.
"Estel, please keep the younger Hobbits occupied. I don't want them worrying over much. You and Arwen should take them to the hall. Keep them feed and listening to tales and songs. We will be here for some time and I don't want to be interrupted."
Aragorn stared bleakly down at Frodo. He raised his eyes to his foster father. Elrond's face softened. He nodded slightly as if to say, "Do not worry. I will do all that I can." Aragorn's gaze traveled to Gandalf, the Istari's face looked old and tired in that moment, his blue eyes seemed filled with disbelief and fear. The man forced himself to cross the room, pausing to look at the Orc. Too many things crowded into his mind. He swallowed, shaking his head, hoping to clear it for more coherent thoughts. Slowly he left the room in hopes of finding Merry and Pippin. Arwen moved to him, enfolding him in a tender embrace.
Elu stood looking helplessly on. He could see the young Hobbit had worsened and he too had felt that a piece of evil blade was still somewhere in Frodo's body, else why had he not recovered. Elu had utter faith in Elrond's Healing skills and knew that if anyone could heal the Hobbit it was the tall Elf Lord. But the fear and heartache in the room was nigh unbearable. Slowly he moved to join Elrond. The Elf Lord's dark blue gaze slid to his. He nodded. It was time to begin.
It was going to be a very long afternoon.
Nirnaeth stood in the doorway listening as Jessolothrad played a tune on his harp. The boy's skill on the instrument never ceased to amaze him. This was one that he had not heard before.
: He must be working on a new one. : The Elf thought, smiling with paternal pride.
Jessolothrad finished the song and turned suddenly. He had been aware of his father the entire time. He smiled and lay the harp carefully on a carved chest then launched himself into his father's awaiting arms. Nirnaeth held him tightly, feeling love well up inside. He loved the child so fiercely that at times it frightened him with its intensity. Jess allowed the long, rather hard hug, knowing that his father needed it. But then he pulled back, his hands flying as he told about the day spent with friends, music, and laughter. He was wise enough not to mention the names of his friends, but kept up a constant barrage of description and delight that soon Nirnaeth was laughing and feeling almost light hearted. Jessolothrad told him about the new song and how excited he was to be playing it for Lord Elrond and the others in the hall the next night. His friend would be singing with him as he played. It was truly a wonderful song and everyone would love it. Of this he was certain. Nirnaeth agreed that everyone would love it, how could they not.
Jess motioned for him to wait while he ran to his room and soon returned carrying a small bundle. It was wrapped in a length of soft green silk. The child unwound it carefully and held it out to his father. Nirnaeth took the carved figure from his son, kneeling beside him. It was a small wooden horse, carefully carved and painted. The horse was white, its mane and tail a silvery grey. The skill of the craftsman was obvious.
"This is very beautiful, Jess. Who gave it to you? A friend? That was very nice. You thanked them, I hope."
The child nodded, and took the horse and began to point out the various parts that he particularly liked: the shining dark eyes, the beautiful silver flow of the exquisitely etched tail. Nirnaeth watched with a smile. His son was so happy and delighted. It never amazed him how well Jessolothrad had adjusted to what had befallen them at the hands of the Orcs.
: He has adjusted much better than I have. Than I ever will. : He thought with a sigh of regret. If only he could release – No! He pushed the errant thought aside. He would not think of it now. Not ever.
"Shall we go for a walk before the storm comes?" He asked, straightening, and stretching out one hand.
The child nodded and carefully wrapped the small horse once more. The two left the room and walked together down familiar pathways, the breeze blowing their hair back from their faces. Nirnaeth reached down and gently clasped Jess' hand in his own. The child looked so like his mother that it hurt to look at him sometimes. Menuial – his fair dawn - everything about her spoke of the rising sun in its glory. From the fair spill of hair like the pale rays of the early sun in his hands to her large pale blue eyes, lit like the morning sky. He closed his eyes allowing for one brief moment an image of her to surface in his mind. But then the pain would come. Nirnaeth drew a breath and clenched his teeth. No. He would allow no pain to touch him. He watched intently as his remaining child motioned at him, telling him of all that he saw that caught his fancy. He would be strong for Jessolothrad – all he had left of Menuial. And strength came from anger, not frompain. He would be strong.
Legolas buried his face against the horse's smooth neck, one slim hand stroking the silky mane. Elluth nibbled his hair, whickering softly. He knew that his friend was in need of comfort and offered it as best he could. The Elf whispered softly in Sindarin to the animal, offering reassurances that he himself needed. The horse snuffled softly in the soft fair hair when he felt the dampness of tears on his skin. The ears flicked forward at the sound of a quiet sob. Legolas pressed his face harder against the animal's skin, his fingers tangling in the silvery hair. He wished that he hadn't dropped Elrond's red handkerchief. The horse lifted its head suddenly as another person approached. Legolas straightened, wiping one hand over his face as he patted Elluth. He turned, fearing that it was Aragorn – or Elu. But it was the tall Elf Lord Glorfindel.
"Young Legolas." He said, tipping his head in greeting as he moved to where Asfaloth was stabled. For a few moments he stroked the horse's head, talking quietly in Quenya. Legolas stared into Elluth's dark eyes, getting himself back under control. He turned his head slightly to look at Glorfindel and wondered suspiciously if that was why he was taking so long in greeting his horse.
"I was about to take the horses out to the pasture. Will you accompany me?"
Legolas felt a polite refusal rising to his tongue, but then he shut his mouth as the golden lord's blue gaze fell on him. "No thank you" would not be an acceptable answer to this offer.
"Of course, Lord Glorfindel." He said, his fingers tightening on Elluth's mane. "I would be glad to accompany you."
Glorfindel smiled slightly and opened Asfaloth's stall. The white horse whinnied happily and trotted after the Elf Lord. Legolas hesitated only slightly before letting Elluth move past him and out of the stall. The other Mirkwood horses were soon dancing after the other two. The animals greeted one another, prancing and neighing joyously as they headed for the high grassy pasture. Glorfindel stopped to watch them go, a smile playing on his lips. Legolas suspected that he did this to give the younger Elf a chance to catch up to him. They walked on in companionable silence though Legolas knew that soon the Elf Lord would begin to speak on what ever subject he had been sent to discuss with him. He did not have long to wait.
"That Elu is rather a remarkable person." Glorfindel said, his gaze on the autumn sky overhead.
Legolas suppressed a sigh and stared at the ground.
When the silence became uncomfortably long, Glorfindel continued, his arms behind his back.
"I remember the first time I saw him, kneeling by Estel, digging through his pouch of herbs. "I need hot water." He said and I obeyed him without a second thought." He smiled at the memory. "I do not take orders from just anyone, you know. He rather surprised me. Elrond is amazed by his Healing ability, though he says that he needs training. I never would have thought that an Orc could be capable of Healing anything – training or no."
Again he received no response from the Wood Elf. Glorfindel drew a deep breath and called upon all the patience that he possessed.
"Why don't you tell me how you met Elu, young Legolas." He said, keeping his tone on the conversational level when he truly wanted to order the other Elf to tell him exactly what he wanted to know. He wondered just how far Estel had gotten with this young, stubborn thing in their earlier conversation that had been interrupted not long before when Frodo's condition had worsened. He knew that the Hobbit was in Elrond's capable hands, but he felt a twinge of worry gnawing at the edge of his mind. The short time he had spent with the Hobbits as they had journeyed here had left with great respect for them. As well as a personal liking. He shook his head. "I understand that you were captured by Orcs some time ago and Estel assisted Elu in rescuing you."
Legolas raised his head and nodded. He slowly told the Elf Lord what had transpired when he had been taken to Emyn Mor Esgal and the beginning of the friendship born in darkness. Legolas reluctantly found himself warming to this subject as he spoke of Elu then known as Egla Ash the Forsaken One. When he came to Elu's song, he was amazed that Glorfindel's voice joined with his own, a perfect musical blending. The taller Elf smiled.
"Yes. I have heard that one sung quite often since your arrival here. It has become quite popular and I believe that Bilbo is thinking of turning that story into a song. A long song, he says." The Elf Lord chuckled fondly. "He does not have the same understanding of long as we Elves do."
Legolas smiled slightly, though he felt uncomfortable at the thought of being the subject of a song.
"Your friendship will become legendary, young Legolas. You and Elu will be famous."
The archer looked over him expecting to see an amused, teasing look on his face, but he saw only quiet wonder. He looked down, still troubled. : The story isn't finished, : he though glumly. : And who knows if the ending will be a happy one. :
Sensing his mood shift, Glorfindel continued to walk slowly toward the pasture. The horses were frolicking in the grass, rolling happily on their backs, legs in the air. The Elf Lord perched on the ground beneath an oak tree, gesturing for Legolas to do the same. The golden grass of autumn swayed in the gathering breeze and clouds scudded across the sky.
"I understand that your friendship has withstood some problems as well." He said quietly, running his slender fingers through the grass at his feet. "Do you blame him for what he became at Dol Guldur?"
"No! I – How did you know about that?"
"Estel told us of how you and he tried to rescue Elu from the Orcs that had taken him. I admit that I doubted the veracity of his story when he told the tale of you and Elu. He feared that he would be changed once he was imprisoned in the Sorcerer's vile tower."
"He was." Legolas said quietly.
"But I see that he is himself again. Is he not?"
"Usually."
"Can you not tell me the tale of what transpired between you when first you met again?"
"It…is hard to speak of it." Legolas admitted reluctantly.
"Have you spoken to Elu of it?"
Legolas turned his head away.
"No. It would only hurt him if I did."
"Do you think that he is not hurting now?"
Legolas stared down at the grass. He knew that Elu was hurting. Especially after this morning.
: I don't want to hurt him any more…But if I don't speak to him of it I will continue to avoid him and that hurts him. If only he hadn't kept that arrow then perhaps…:
Glorfindel squatting beside him, keeping still and quiet allowing the younger Elf to work through the problem in his own mind and in his own time. After several moments Legolas spoke.
"Lord Glorfindel, I…I don't know what to say to him. I don't wish to hurt him anymore."
Glorfindel wondered if he should mention what Elrond had told him earlier. He shrugged, easing to the ground.
"Have you asked him why he kept the arrow?" He asked slowly, turning to gaze at the prince.
Legolas head shot up, his eyes wide with surprise.
"How do you know that he kept the Black Arrow?"
"Elu has spoken to Lord Elrond of it."
"He has? What has he said? Why did he keep it?"
"Elrond and I believe that you must ask Elu that. Perhaps you should try and trust him as once you did. Mayhap your loss of trust in him has done him more damage than you know."
Legolas stared over at him.
"In what way?"
"When do his Black Thoughts come on him?"
"I …I do not know. They just…come on him."
Glorfindel shook his head.
"Do they? Are you always with him when they take him?"
Legolas opened his mouth, but promptly shut it as he tried to recall all the times that Elu had been plagued by his Black Thoughts.
"Yes. I believe that I have been."
Glorfindel raised one golden brow.
"Elrond believes that it is not anger that triggers the Black Thoughts. He believes it is fear."
"Fear? Fear of what?"
"Fear of you."