Salak – you stopped dancing and I started the Wicked Writer Dance. Pretty
strange! Maybe you'd better start up again!
JastaElf - Well, this Cliff-Hanger Queen is hanging up her crown for now. No cliffhangers left in this baby. It felt good to kill Orcs, didn't it??? We are waiting patiently. Just take your time. But be warned, the shovel is looking mighty tempting right now. Just kidding??!! (author caresses the shovel's handle lovingly)
AJ Matthews – Please don't do anything drastic!! Trust me! I usually know what I am doing. Well…not always.
Ranger – I'm glad that you commented on Legolas' plea to Aragorn to order Elu to live. It was getting so heavy and serious that I wanted to bring some levity to the situation, at least as much as I could. Yes, the Black Arrow finally did something appropriate. It is very cool that you were in the Air Force! I guess that you are a hero, too! And I was serious when I said that I agree with shirebound. You should write something!!! Btw alliwantisanelfforchristmas wants to buy stock in your factory!! Prices are climbing!
Shinigamio – As a Frodo yourself, you should know that we have our sadistic side which definitely has come into good use here for me. But I promise no cliffhangers here.
Karina - My Most Excellent Friend! Bogus?? Puh lease! Well, yeah that was definitely evil. "Tell him not to die, Estel. Order him not to die!" Oh the sorrow?? I kinda thought it was funny myself. Only a little. *winks at Ranger who agrees with me* Yes, I am sadistic. But Party On, Dude!! I did get to bash Orcs, didn't I??!!
alliwantisanelfforchristmas – Not able to sleep? That's exactly what happened with JastaElf's last chapter when I made the mistake of reading it right before bed! Very long night that! I see that your daughter is a Pippin fan. Mine is too! She has the poster of the four Hobbits on Weathertop because Pippin is in the front! And she loves Frodo's big blue eyes. I hope you had a nice little party at your house with all your guests, eating chocolate kisses and drinking tea all night! And – uh – send them home now please or there may not be any more stories! (author pouts and places her arms over her chest, looking down the stairs at the door…waiting.)
Nancing Elf – Thank you for pointing out my major mess there. I don't want to smack you. You were right. Needless to say it has been corrected. Elu has definitely come a long way in accepting himself and is in a Happy Place – and I don't mean alliwantisanelfforchristmas' house either! Nirnaeth has also walked a long road and is finally headed home. Sorry about that cliffie, but I had to do it. (hands you a red hankie from Ranger's factory)
IceAngel – chapter 19 - Whoa! Risking your dad's wrath in class! I am impressed. I'm glad that you thought this was a coool chapter!
LOTR lover – You are right. I had way too much fun with that last chapter. Had to go brew myself a pot of Vandal Root tea. And I am feeling better now, thank you. And about Jess, the poor thing is basically in shock, which is about to change. And as for his not knowing that Nirnaeth needed to bash that Orc, I think he knew that his dad was releasing some of the pent up pain that he has harbored for too long. The kid will have to cope with this trauma, but he has lived through worse and now he has a father that can be a true help to him.
Jan – Sorry about that. (hands Jan a red hankie from Ranger's factory and watches as the stock prices shoot up and up!) Wow! Looks like that last one really shook you up for a moment. "What is this? Jan caught off her guard?" Sorry, had to say it! Begging me on your knees?? Wow! (author grins widely)
Schattentanz aka Silence - Lumbule was not in my original plan, but he volunteered to fill the post so I took him up on it. He died for a good cause. You were right in saying that Elu's indifference to his taunts really got to him. He doesn't understand Elu at all, I almost think that he is afraid to understand. And yes, too often a lack of understanding can lead to fear and fear inevitably leads to hatred. So I was pleased and surprised when you said that you felt a bit of pity for the Orcs who were about to die. Not that I am saying Orcs are good, or anything as wild as that. But Orcs is people, too. At least some of them. I think I've said that before and if I am repeating myself, I humbly apologize.
Irena - I hope that the Medic that you called arrives in time! And stop biting your nails. That is a very bad habit. (author looks down at her own bitten fingers.) Well, yes.
Ayod – I warned you that you would scream! And no he is not turning into an Elf. And I know I promised you and the others that wanted him to change a chapter and I will give it to you at some point! I promise. And – whoa – your yard must be one scary place. A cliff??
IceAngel – chapter 20 - I did fix that little faux pas. After I read your review I ran and made sure that I had. I like action, too, and it felt good to write it after so long! And –uh – two weeks??!! That is quite a long time. You better look before you open you door next time.
Horus – Well, I'm glad to see that you now know that Elu didn't keep the arrow because he was evil. That wasn't his intention at all. It has finally been put to the use he intended it for. And, well, I can kill Elu. (grins wickedly)
Aragorn stared down at the Orc in stunned silence. He looked up slowly to find Legolas gazing steadily at his face, the blue eyes pleading with him.
"Tell him not to die, Estel. Order him not to die!"
The words still hung in the air between them and he had never felt so helpless. He turned to the others and saw shock and sorrow there as well. But it was young Jess that troubled him. The child was standing in front of his father, his eyes wide and dazed, mouth slack. What must he be feeling? Though the Ranger feared that the blank look meant that he felt nothing…or too much. He lifted his eyes to Nirnaeth.
"You had better take Jess and ride back for Rivendell." He said quietly. "Send…Send Lord Elrond. Eikenstan, Gimli go with them."
Nirnaeth merely nodded, his eyes going to the two Dwarves, who had retrieved their axes and cleaned them, feeling a bit stunned as well. He reached down and touched Jess' shoulder. The child shuddered, nearly collapsing. Nirnaeth swept him up in his arms and hurried away. Jessolothrad turned to look behind them, surveying the clearing so filled with carnage. He began to shake.
"Shh, Jess. All will be well. We need to fetch Lord Elrond. Let us hurry and find Faron and Lailaith."
Jess' breath hitched in his chest and he began to sob hysterically, mashing his face against his father's shoulder. Nirnaeth wrapped an arm about his back, stroking him as he murmured soothing words, though tears flowed down his cheeks.
"All will be well, Jess. It is over. It won't happen again. I promise."
They disappeared into the trees, flanked by the Dwarves.
"Aragorn, please do something." Legolas reached over and grabbed the Man's wrist. "Please."
"I…I need to remove the arrows."
Legolas released him and gently stroked Elu's hair, fingers tangling around one braid.
: It can't end like this. : He thought. : Not after all we have been through. :
He remembered the first time he had seen the Orc in the darkness of his cell beneath Emyn Mor Esgal. He recalled the fear he had felt and the disgust. But then Elu had spoken to him in Elvish, calming him and reassuring him. And suddenly their friendship had been born in great darkness. He recalled sitting beneath Beleg Doron with the Orc, singing through the night in great wonder and delight. He thought of what had followed, though now the feeling of fear and guilt was replaced with regret. And then the joy they had felt when Elu had been made a Warrior of Mirkwood. The journey here, the misunderstandings. So many things flitted through his head: Elu trying to ride Elithil the first time; the day Elu had come running toward him, touched by the sun and feeling no pain, only wonder and happiness; the glorious song composed for his friend. Legolas breath caught in his throat.
: You cannot leave me, nin mellon. There is much yet for us to do. :
Aragorn drew a deep breath and grasped one of the arrows. He looked up into the Elf's eyes. Anguish filled the Ranger. What if there was nothing he could do? He ground his teeth and slid the arrow from the wound.
Fresh dark blood welled in the wound and he quickly pulled the other one free. He hurriedly cut away the bloodstained tunic and taking the pouch from his waist, grimly began to chew the athelas leaves.
Elu moaned and stirred slightly.
"Elu!" Legolas' hand moved to hold the Orcs. "Can you hear me?"
The blue eyes opened slowly.
"Legolas Elvellon?"
"Yes, Elu. I am here."
The Orc smiled slightly.
"Why am I laying on the ground?" He asked.
"You were shot, Elu. But Aragorn is helping you. You will be fine." Legolas looked at the Ranger, wanting to see that what he said was true. Aragorn smiled tightly, but then turned his head away.
"I am doing all that I can for you, Elu." He said quietly.
Boromir stared down that them in wonder. He still found it hard to comprehend exactly what had happened. He shook his head.
: Trying to save an Orc. : These people were very unusual to say the least. But he had heard what the Orc had said to the one that lay dead a few feet away, a black arrow protruding from its eye. There had to be some long tale that he had not heard. He knelt on the grass beside them.
"Is there anything that I can do?" He asked in a hushed voice, wondering why he cared.
Aragorn looked up at the man from Gondor. Was there anything that anyone could do now? He started to shake his head, but then changed his mind. "Will you go to the horses and fetch me some water?"
Boromir nodded, staring at the Orc and then at the Elf.
"All will be well, Legolas Elvellon." He said, laying his hand for a moment on the Elf's arm.
Legolas stared up at him then nodded, returning his attention to Elu.
"Shall I sing to you?" Mirkwood's prince asked his voice soft, and then he wondered if he could sing.
Elu grunted, trying not to let his pain show.
"How…how is Jess?" He murmured. "And Nirnaeth?"
"They are fine. They have gone to fetch Lord Elrond. All will be well." How many times had those words been said? And how often would he say them, if only to reassure himself.
The sound of night birds and crickets began to fill the air.
"Are the stars bright, Legolas Elvellon?"
Legolas gazed upward.
"Yes, Elu. Very bright and beautiful." Silent tears slipped down his cheeks.
"Why don't you sing to me about them?"
Legolas drew a shaky breath, his eyes touching the Ranger's. Aragorn touched his hand.
"We will both sing for you, Elu." He said.
"Gar estel anann i elenath sila.
Ind mor lothron garo le
Gil galad ath sila godref.
Arad o nain or.
Estel na tol."
[Have hope as long as the stars shine.
Though darkness may hold you
A star's light will shine through.
Days of tears will soon be over.
Hope is coming."]
The two voices filled the quiet air and Aragorn touched Legolas' hand again, his eyes reassuring. Tears slid down the Elf's cheeks, but he managed a small smile. Elu's smile was wider.
"My first song." He said quietly.
"Yes. And we are beginning to tire of it."
Legolas and Aragorn turned toward the voice. Elrond and Mithrandir strode into the clearing, followed by Boromir.
Aragorn's face flooded with relief and he stood, moving to meet them.
"How?" He breathed, his eyes moving from the Elf Lord to the Istari.
Elrond glanced at Mithrandir and raised one eyebrow.
"It seems Mithrandir does know everything." He said wryly.
Gandalf smiled and shrugged.
"Not everything, my good Elrond. Not everything."
Elrond moved to kneel by the fallen Orc.
"Well, Elu. What have you gotten yourself into?" He said lightly, inspecting the wounds.
"Lord Elrond, I –" The Orc tried to push himself up, but Elrond laid a gentle hand on his back.
"None of that. Be still and let me see what I can do." His gaze moved to Mirkwood's prince. He smiled gently. "Fear not, son of Thranduil. All will be well."
Legolas smiled and nodded. He began to have hope.
"Mithrandir, why don't you make us some Vandal Root tea. I would have Elu do it, but I fear that he would make it too strong and I do need my wits about me just now."
"Of course, Elrond." The Istari said with a smile, and moved to make a fire.
"Why don't you help him, Estel."
Aragorn squeezed Legolas' shoulder before he moved away. He was so relieved that Elrond had come. He bent by Elu's head.
"You will be well, nin mellon." He said quietly, reaching out to stroke the Orc's dark hair. "You will be up and about in no time."
"Thank you, Dunadan."
The Ranger moved away to join Gandalf and Boromir.
"How did you know?" He asked, squatting by the cheerfully burning fire, watching as the Wizard set a pot of water over it.
Mithrandir looked up at him as he sat back on the ground, taking out his pipe. He looked sternly at the man, then turned to include Boromir.
"A Wizard cannot tell all of his secrets, can he." He packed leaves into the pipe's bowl, and smiled. "I know where I am needed." He answered mysteriously.
"Is he going to be alright?" Boromir asked, gazing over at the Orc. He watched as Lord Elrond bent over him. A glow seemed to surround the three and Boromir's eyes widened.
"Of course." Gandalf answered, puffing happily. "He is in very capable hands."
Boromir shook his head.
"I don't understand any of this. The Lord of Imladris is saving an Orc. An Elf of Mirkwood wants the Orc saved. Why?" He shook his head again. "Why do I want him to save an Orc?"
Aragorn smiled, seating himself on the grass and taking his own pipe out.
"That is a question that none of us can truly answer."
"It is a strange and wondrous thing, is it not." Gandalf removed the boiling water from the fire. "Vandal Root tea, anyone?"
Later that night Aragorn looked over at Legolas who was seated by the sleeping Orc's side, a cup of warm tea in one hand. Gandalf and Elrond had ridden back to Imladris to check on Jess and Nirnaeth. Boromir had fallen asleep and was snoring quietly. Legolas was singing softly and Aragorn couldn't quite make out the words. The man stood and moved to join them. He stretched out on one side in the grass, smiling.
Legolas turned his head to look at him. He smiled slightly.
"Thank you for what you did , Estel." He said, brushing a strand of Elu's hair back from the Orc's face. "Thank you for everything you have done for us."
"It has been my pleasure, Legolas. I live only to serve." He grinned and bowed his head, placing his hand over his heart.
Legolas studied his face intently, the blue eyes seeming to see into the Ranger's soul. Though Aragorn had said the words lightly, Mirkwood's prince took them seriously.
"You're going with them, aren't you? The Periannath."
Aragorn drew a breath and gazed up into the night sky. Stars blazed overhead in the darkness.
"Yes. My destiny is tied to this thing whether I like it or no. I will accompany them even to the Black Gates themselves if necessary."
Legolas studied the rugged countenance and saw in it the nobility of his ancestors. And the nobility that was Aragorn's alone. Duty did indeed bind this man who was no mere Ranger. Duty and destiny. He remembered a night long ago when he had seen a white star on his brow, blazing brightly.
"You will be a good king, Aragorn." He said. "The land will rejoice because of you."
The man laughed uncomfortably, plucking at the grass.
"Do you see things as well, Legolas? Like Mithrandir?"
The Elf shook his head and smiled.
"No. But it is true." Seeing the others discomfort, he turned away and began to sing again.
Aragorn was gazing once more at the stars. The road before him would not be an easy one and it weighed heavily on him at times. The way seemed so dark that it was overwhelming.
: But a star's light shines through. : He thought with a smile. He turned to look at Boromir's sleeping form, something the man had said at the Council meeting creeping into his mind.
"In that dream I thought the eastern sky grew dark and there was a growing thunder, but in the West a pale light lingered, and out of it I heard a voice, remote but clear, crying,
Seek for the Sword that was broken:
In Imladris it dwells…"
The man closed his eyes. In the west a pale light lingered. The pale light of hope that shone through the gathering darkness.
He felt a peace fill him. It didn't matter how dark the night was, the stars were always shining. No matter the road that must be traveled, there was always a light at its end, beckoning you on.
: Yes, : he thought, turning to gaze at the sleeping Orc and the singing Elf. : There is always hope. :
It looks like there will be one last chapter to wrap this all up.
So, you really thought I would kill him??? Shame on you!
JastaElf - Well, this Cliff-Hanger Queen is hanging up her crown for now. No cliffhangers left in this baby. It felt good to kill Orcs, didn't it??? We are waiting patiently. Just take your time. But be warned, the shovel is looking mighty tempting right now. Just kidding??!! (author caresses the shovel's handle lovingly)
AJ Matthews – Please don't do anything drastic!! Trust me! I usually know what I am doing. Well…not always.
Ranger – I'm glad that you commented on Legolas' plea to Aragorn to order Elu to live. It was getting so heavy and serious that I wanted to bring some levity to the situation, at least as much as I could. Yes, the Black Arrow finally did something appropriate. It is very cool that you were in the Air Force! I guess that you are a hero, too! And I was serious when I said that I agree with shirebound. You should write something!!! Btw alliwantisanelfforchristmas wants to buy stock in your factory!! Prices are climbing!
Shinigamio – As a Frodo yourself, you should know that we have our sadistic side which definitely has come into good use here for me. But I promise no cliffhangers here.
Karina - My Most Excellent Friend! Bogus?? Puh lease! Well, yeah that was definitely evil. "Tell him not to die, Estel. Order him not to die!" Oh the sorrow?? I kinda thought it was funny myself. Only a little. *winks at Ranger who agrees with me* Yes, I am sadistic. But Party On, Dude!! I did get to bash Orcs, didn't I??!!
alliwantisanelfforchristmas – Not able to sleep? That's exactly what happened with JastaElf's last chapter when I made the mistake of reading it right before bed! Very long night that! I see that your daughter is a Pippin fan. Mine is too! She has the poster of the four Hobbits on Weathertop because Pippin is in the front! And she loves Frodo's big blue eyes. I hope you had a nice little party at your house with all your guests, eating chocolate kisses and drinking tea all night! And – uh – send them home now please or there may not be any more stories! (author pouts and places her arms over her chest, looking down the stairs at the door…waiting.)
Nancing Elf – Thank you for pointing out my major mess there. I don't want to smack you. You were right. Needless to say it has been corrected. Elu has definitely come a long way in accepting himself and is in a Happy Place – and I don't mean alliwantisanelfforchristmas' house either! Nirnaeth has also walked a long road and is finally headed home. Sorry about that cliffie, but I had to do it. (hands you a red hankie from Ranger's factory)
IceAngel – chapter 19 - Whoa! Risking your dad's wrath in class! I am impressed. I'm glad that you thought this was a coool chapter!
LOTR lover – You are right. I had way too much fun with that last chapter. Had to go brew myself a pot of Vandal Root tea. And I am feeling better now, thank you. And about Jess, the poor thing is basically in shock, which is about to change. And as for his not knowing that Nirnaeth needed to bash that Orc, I think he knew that his dad was releasing some of the pent up pain that he has harbored for too long. The kid will have to cope with this trauma, but he has lived through worse and now he has a father that can be a true help to him.
Jan – Sorry about that. (hands Jan a red hankie from Ranger's factory and watches as the stock prices shoot up and up!) Wow! Looks like that last one really shook you up for a moment. "What is this? Jan caught off her guard?" Sorry, had to say it! Begging me on your knees?? Wow! (author grins widely)
Schattentanz aka Silence - Lumbule was not in my original plan, but he volunteered to fill the post so I took him up on it. He died for a good cause. You were right in saying that Elu's indifference to his taunts really got to him. He doesn't understand Elu at all, I almost think that he is afraid to understand. And yes, too often a lack of understanding can lead to fear and fear inevitably leads to hatred. So I was pleased and surprised when you said that you felt a bit of pity for the Orcs who were about to die. Not that I am saying Orcs are good, or anything as wild as that. But Orcs is people, too. At least some of them. I think I've said that before and if I am repeating myself, I humbly apologize.
Irena - I hope that the Medic that you called arrives in time! And stop biting your nails. That is a very bad habit. (author looks down at her own bitten fingers.) Well, yes.
Ayod – I warned you that you would scream! And no he is not turning into an Elf. And I know I promised you and the others that wanted him to change a chapter and I will give it to you at some point! I promise. And – whoa – your yard must be one scary place. A cliff??
IceAngel – chapter 20 - I did fix that little faux pas. After I read your review I ran and made sure that I had. I like action, too, and it felt good to write it after so long! And –uh – two weeks??!! That is quite a long time. You better look before you open you door next time.
Horus – Well, I'm glad to see that you now know that Elu didn't keep the arrow because he was evil. That wasn't his intention at all. It has finally been put to the use he intended it for. And, well, I can kill Elu. (grins wickedly)
Aragorn stared down at the Orc in stunned silence. He looked up slowly to find Legolas gazing steadily at his face, the blue eyes pleading with him.
"Tell him not to die, Estel. Order him not to die!"
The words still hung in the air between them and he had never felt so helpless. He turned to the others and saw shock and sorrow there as well. But it was young Jess that troubled him. The child was standing in front of his father, his eyes wide and dazed, mouth slack. What must he be feeling? Though the Ranger feared that the blank look meant that he felt nothing…or too much. He lifted his eyes to Nirnaeth.
"You had better take Jess and ride back for Rivendell." He said quietly. "Send…Send Lord Elrond. Eikenstan, Gimli go with them."
Nirnaeth merely nodded, his eyes going to the two Dwarves, who had retrieved their axes and cleaned them, feeling a bit stunned as well. He reached down and touched Jess' shoulder. The child shuddered, nearly collapsing. Nirnaeth swept him up in his arms and hurried away. Jessolothrad turned to look behind them, surveying the clearing so filled with carnage. He began to shake.
"Shh, Jess. All will be well. We need to fetch Lord Elrond. Let us hurry and find Faron and Lailaith."
Jess' breath hitched in his chest and he began to sob hysterically, mashing his face against his father's shoulder. Nirnaeth wrapped an arm about his back, stroking him as he murmured soothing words, though tears flowed down his cheeks.
"All will be well, Jess. It is over. It won't happen again. I promise."
They disappeared into the trees, flanked by the Dwarves.
"Aragorn, please do something." Legolas reached over and grabbed the Man's wrist. "Please."
"I…I need to remove the arrows."
Legolas released him and gently stroked Elu's hair, fingers tangling around one braid.
: It can't end like this. : He thought. : Not after all we have been through. :
He remembered the first time he had seen the Orc in the darkness of his cell beneath Emyn Mor Esgal. He recalled the fear he had felt and the disgust. But then Elu had spoken to him in Elvish, calming him and reassuring him. And suddenly their friendship had been born in great darkness. He recalled sitting beneath Beleg Doron with the Orc, singing through the night in great wonder and delight. He thought of what had followed, though now the feeling of fear and guilt was replaced with regret. And then the joy they had felt when Elu had been made a Warrior of Mirkwood. The journey here, the misunderstandings. So many things flitted through his head: Elu trying to ride Elithil the first time; the day Elu had come running toward him, touched by the sun and feeling no pain, only wonder and happiness; the glorious song composed for his friend. Legolas breath caught in his throat.
: You cannot leave me, nin mellon. There is much yet for us to do. :
Aragorn drew a deep breath and grasped one of the arrows. He looked up into the Elf's eyes. Anguish filled the Ranger. What if there was nothing he could do? He ground his teeth and slid the arrow from the wound.
Fresh dark blood welled in the wound and he quickly pulled the other one free. He hurriedly cut away the bloodstained tunic and taking the pouch from his waist, grimly began to chew the athelas leaves.
Elu moaned and stirred slightly.
"Elu!" Legolas' hand moved to hold the Orcs. "Can you hear me?"
The blue eyes opened slowly.
"Legolas Elvellon?"
"Yes, Elu. I am here."
The Orc smiled slightly.
"Why am I laying on the ground?" He asked.
"You were shot, Elu. But Aragorn is helping you. You will be fine." Legolas looked at the Ranger, wanting to see that what he said was true. Aragorn smiled tightly, but then turned his head away.
"I am doing all that I can for you, Elu." He said quietly.
Boromir stared down that them in wonder. He still found it hard to comprehend exactly what had happened. He shook his head.
: Trying to save an Orc. : These people were very unusual to say the least. But he had heard what the Orc had said to the one that lay dead a few feet away, a black arrow protruding from its eye. There had to be some long tale that he had not heard. He knelt on the grass beside them.
"Is there anything that I can do?" He asked in a hushed voice, wondering why he cared.
Aragorn looked up at the man from Gondor. Was there anything that anyone could do now? He started to shake his head, but then changed his mind. "Will you go to the horses and fetch me some water?"
Boromir nodded, staring at the Orc and then at the Elf.
"All will be well, Legolas Elvellon." He said, laying his hand for a moment on the Elf's arm.
Legolas stared up at him then nodded, returning his attention to Elu.
"Shall I sing to you?" Mirkwood's prince asked his voice soft, and then he wondered if he could sing.
Elu grunted, trying not to let his pain show.
"How…how is Jess?" He murmured. "And Nirnaeth?"
"They are fine. They have gone to fetch Lord Elrond. All will be well." How many times had those words been said? And how often would he say them, if only to reassure himself.
The sound of night birds and crickets began to fill the air.
"Are the stars bright, Legolas Elvellon?"
Legolas gazed upward.
"Yes, Elu. Very bright and beautiful." Silent tears slipped down his cheeks.
"Why don't you sing to me about them?"
Legolas drew a shaky breath, his eyes touching the Ranger's. Aragorn touched his hand.
"We will both sing for you, Elu." He said.
"Gar estel anann i elenath sila.
Ind mor lothron garo le
Gil galad ath sila godref.
Arad o nain or.
Estel na tol."
[Have hope as long as the stars shine.
Though darkness may hold you
A star's light will shine through.
Days of tears will soon be over.
Hope is coming."]
The two voices filled the quiet air and Aragorn touched Legolas' hand again, his eyes reassuring. Tears slid down the Elf's cheeks, but he managed a small smile. Elu's smile was wider.
"My first song." He said quietly.
"Yes. And we are beginning to tire of it."
Legolas and Aragorn turned toward the voice. Elrond and Mithrandir strode into the clearing, followed by Boromir.
Aragorn's face flooded with relief and he stood, moving to meet them.
"How?" He breathed, his eyes moving from the Elf Lord to the Istari.
Elrond glanced at Mithrandir and raised one eyebrow.
"It seems Mithrandir does know everything." He said wryly.
Gandalf smiled and shrugged.
"Not everything, my good Elrond. Not everything."
Elrond moved to kneel by the fallen Orc.
"Well, Elu. What have you gotten yourself into?" He said lightly, inspecting the wounds.
"Lord Elrond, I –" The Orc tried to push himself up, but Elrond laid a gentle hand on his back.
"None of that. Be still and let me see what I can do." His gaze moved to Mirkwood's prince. He smiled gently. "Fear not, son of Thranduil. All will be well."
Legolas smiled and nodded. He began to have hope.
"Mithrandir, why don't you make us some Vandal Root tea. I would have Elu do it, but I fear that he would make it too strong and I do need my wits about me just now."
"Of course, Elrond." The Istari said with a smile, and moved to make a fire.
"Why don't you help him, Estel."
Aragorn squeezed Legolas' shoulder before he moved away. He was so relieved that Elrond had come. He bent by Elu's head.
"You will be well, nin mellon." He said quietly, reaching out to stroke the Orc's dark hair. "You will be up and about in no time."
"Thank you, Dunadan."
The Ranger moved away to join Gandalf and Boromir.
"How did you know?" He asked, squatting by the cheerfully burning fire, watching as the Wizard set a pot of water over it.
Mithrandir looked up at him as he sat back on the ground, taking out his pipe. He looked sternly at the man, then turned to include Boromir.
"A Wizard cannot tell all of his secrets, can he." He packed leaves into the pipe's bowl, and smiled. "I know where I am needed." He answered mysteriously.
"Is he going to be alright?" Boromir asked, gazing over at the Orc. He watched as Lord Elrond bent over him. A glow seemed to surround the three and Boromir's eyes widened.
"Of course." Gandalf answered, puffing happily. "He is in very capable hands."
Boromir shook his head.
"I don't understand any of this. The Lord of Imladris is saving an Orc. An Elf of Mirkwood wants the Orc saved. Why?" He shook his head again. "Why do I want him to save an Orc?"
Aragorn smiled, seating himself on the grass and taking his own pipe out.
"That is a question that none of us can truly answer."
"It is a strange and wondrous thing, is it not." Gandalf removed the boiling water from the fire. "Vandal Root tea, anyone?"
Later that night Aragorn looked over at Legolas who was seated by the sleeping Orc's side, a cup of warm tea in one hand. Gandalf and Elrond had ridden back to Imladris to check on Jess and Nirnaeth. Boromir had fallen asleep and was snoring quietly. Legolas was singing softly and Aragorn couldn't quite make out the words. The man stood and moved to join them. He stretched out on one side in the grass, smiling.
Legolas turned his head to look at him. He smiled slightly.
"Thank you for what you did , Estel." He said, brushing a strand of Elu's hair back from the Orc's face. "Thank you for everything you have done for us."
"It has been my pleasure, Legolas. I live only to serve." He grinned and bowed his head, placing his hand over his heart.
Legolas studied his face intently, the blue eyes seeming to see into the Ranger's soul. Though Aragorn had said the words lightly, Mirkwood's prince took them seriously.
"You're going with them, aren't you? The Periannath."
Aragorn drew a breath and gazed up into the night sky. Stars blazed overhead in the darkness.
"Yes. My destiny is tied to this thing whether I like it or no. I will accompany them even to the Black Gates themselves if necessary."
Legolas studied the rugged countenance and saw in it the nobility of his ancestors. And the nobility that was Aragorn's alone. Duty did indeed bind this man who was no mere Ranger. Duty and destiny. He remembered a night long ago when he had seen a white star on his brow, blazing brightly.
"You will be a good king, Aragorn." He said. "The land will rejoice because of you."
The man laughed uncomfortably, plucking at the grass.
"Do you see things as well, Legolas? Like Mithrandir?"
The Elf shook his head and smiled.
"No. But it is true." Seeing the others discomfort, he turned away and began to sing again.
Aragorn was gazing once more at the stars. The road before him would not be an easy one and it weighed heavily on him at times. The way seemed so dark that it was overwhelming.
: But a star's light shines through. : He thought with a smile. He turned to look at Boromir's sleeping form, something the man had said at the Council meeting creeping into his mind.
"In that dream I thought the eastern sky grew dark and there was a growing thunder, but in the West a pale light lingered, and out of it I heard a voice, remote but clear, crying,
Seek for the Sword that was broken:
In Imladris it dwells…"
The man closed his eyes. In the west a pale light lingered. The pale light of hope that shone through the gathering darkness.
He felt a peace fill him. It didn't matter how dark the night was, the stars were always shining. No matter the road that must be traveled, there was always a light at its end, beckoning you on.
: Yes, : he thought, turning to gaze at the sleeping Orc and the singing Elf. : There is always hope. :
It looks like there will be one last chapter to wrap this all up.
So, you really thought I would kill him??? Shame on you!