I know, I let you wait for this chapter for quite some time… but I was
away over the weekend and there was no internet connection…
Some of you have asked me to send them a note whenever I update or
post a new story… I must confess I lost track of who and how many, so I
have a suggestion: I started a group at yahoo
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mirkwood_fanfic/ )
where you can join and I send an email to this list whenever I put
something new on the net, including links to where to find it. That would
be the easiest way for me… I know of some others who do it this way and
it seems to work fine…
anyway, thanks once more for the large amount of feedback on this story
– I never thought I would ever receive sooooooo many reviews!!!!
Incredible :-o
So, the last chapter was not the end yet… read on, enjoy and let me know
if you like it!!!!
___
Although darkness had fallen, the long table was still illuminated by
hundreds of little lanterns placed in the trees all around them. Elven
voices filled the air with laughter and singing.
Gimli had learned quickly that the elves of Greenwood used any occasion
to celebrate with a great feast. The recovery of Legolas was more than
enough reason for them to celebrate. Food and wine had been served and
Gimli had taken his fair share of it, not even trying to hide his fondness for
the elven dishes.
He sat next to Legolas, close to the head of the table were Thranduil and
Amayn were seated. It was not the first time Gimli had attended a feast
here, but it was the first time the elven lord had graced it with his
presence.
Accepting another refill of his goblet, Gimli's attention returned to his
friend. Legolas seemed less pale in the warm light of the lanterns, but the
dwarf knew of the lines that marred his face. He had taken little food but
this was not what concerned the dwarf. What deeply disturbed him was
his refusal to sleep. He had spent many hours in Legolas' room during the
last two days, keeping his friend company, and he knew he had never, not
even for the shortest time slipped into his world of elven dreams. It
worried the dwarf for even an elf needs rest, especially after all that
Legolas had gone through. Others had noticed as well, he was sure about
that. There seemed hardly anything Amayn missed and he had no doubt
she knew well of her son's refusal to take rest.
His stomach full, Gimli could feel himself longing for a smoke and he cast
a quick glance around when he noticed Gandalf was gone. He found the
Istari a little bit away from the group, seated on a log, his pipe in hand.
With a grin of delight the dwarf rose to join him, ignoring the remark
coming from Legolas who knew well were his friend was headed.
Taking a seat next to Gandalf he carefully lit his pipe, relishing the first
taste of tobacco.
For some time they just sat, content in blowing smoke rings that took on
ever more complicated patterns as far as Gandalf was concerned.
It was the Istari that finally broke the silence. 'It seems to me you are
troubled by something, son of Gloin.'
Gimli did not respond at once, watching as another ring formed from
smoke and faded again.
'It is that elf,' he finally spoke.
'Really?'
Gimli chose to ignore the slightly sarcastic remark.
'He has not slept ever since you took him to the gardens. I know not how
he thinks he will ever recover like this.' His voice was gruff but the
undertone of true concern could not be missed.
'I feared something like this,' the Istari confessed. Gimli waited for him to
say more but he remained silent.
'And why would you expect something like this? I can see no reason why
one would refuse to rest when he so obviously needs to,' the dwarf
prompted him, feeling the Istari once again knew more than he revealed.
'You need to understand the way of elven dreams,' Gandalf explained.
'Unlike mortals, they never lose control of their dreaming but wander
through their memories, enjoying them once more. They know not
nightmares and bad dreams, for they create them themselves. But
Legolas…' He took a deep draught from his pipe ere he continued. 'Legolas
has experienced the most frightening thing for an elven mind to endure:
complete loss of control as the creature played with his memory, forced
him to see what it wished and he had no way of stopping this.'
He fell silent once more and Gimli tried to imagine the impact of such an
experience.
'So he lost control once,' he finally spoke, 'and he fears to lose it again?
But there is no reason anymore, is there, Gandalf?' Sudden fear rose
again, as the suspicion dawned that maybe the elf was still affected.
'Nay, Gimli, fear not. With the creature's death, Legolas is free once more.
But the deep fear this evoked in him still lingers in his heart and he dares
not to rest, afraid of his own inability to control his dreams.'
'This is folly,' the dwarf exclaimed.
'Maybe it is. But what the mind knows and the heart fears oft does not
agree.'
Silence fell again. Gimli had lost any interest in watching the smoke, his
mind trying to understand what it was that ailed his friend. Long moments
had passed ere he turned to Gandalf once more.
'What can I do?' he asked, only to find himself alone.
@@@
It was good to see the elf laughing again, even when he knew he was not
completely recovered yet, Gimli realized when he retook his seat next to
his friend. The next hours passed swiftly, and midnight had gone when the
effects of wine and the lateness of the hour started to show. The three
men excused themselves first, but many others followed their example
and soon only a few elves kept Legolas and Gimli company. The dwarf had
only nipped at his wine, wishing not to become inebriated, and so he was
quite sober when Legolas announced that he would retire. The dwarf
quietly followed him inside, but instead of bidding Legolas a good night
and moving to his own chambers, he simply led the way to Legolas'. The
elf wondered but said naught.
When they had entered Legolas' private quarters and the dwarf still made
no sign of leaving, the elf shot him an inquiring glance. Gimli's face
betrayed nothing.
'Do you wish for another glass of wine, my friend?' Legolas asked,
wondering what it was that kept the dwarf from seeking his own bed.
The dwarf's eyes regarded him solemnly for a long moment ere he spoke.
'I am not here to keep you from sleeping, Legolas.'
A look of confusion passed over the elf's face.
'I am merely here to make sure nothing will keep you from your rest
tonight,' Gimli added. There was something in his eyes that made Legolas
stop, even before all the answers and excuses forming in his mind could
be put into words. Something that told him the dwarf knew all about his
deepest fears.
Pride flashed in the elf's eyes and Gimli quickly spoke, knowing well he
had to convince the proud and stubborn elf ere he found himself thrown
out.
'As I have noticed that you have not rested these last nights, I assume
you will do so tonight and therefore I will keep guard so that no one dares
to disturb you.'
His voice was light, as if it was the most natural thing for him to spend the
night guarding an elf's sleep.
'I do not…'
'I know there are those who say that after what you have experienced, it
would be a most frightening thing to enter the realm of elven dreams once
again. Bu do not worry, I heed not their words, for I have never known
you to give in to any fear, and surely you would not do so now.'
He smiled at Legolas, noting the glimmer of panic lurking in the depths of
his dark eyes but ignoring it. If he had to use the elf's stubborn pride
against him, so be it.
Finding himself cornered, Legolas was at a loss for what to do. He could
not very well admit his dread of sleeping, but there seemed no way to get
Gimli out of here. He watched with a growing feeling of helplessness as
the dwarf made himself comfortable in his room, clearly intending to stay
the night.
With a deep sigh, he realized he had no choice if he wanted to escape with
his pride intact. He had to face this one final battle against his own deep
fears. Reluctantly, he discarded shoes and robe and settled down on the
bed.
'You need not stay here, Gimli,' he tried one more time, 'for no one will
disturb me.'
'Better to make sure,' the dwarf answered stoically, leaving no doubt that
the discussion was closed.
With another sigh Legolas accepted defeat, wondering if he would be able
to trick him by feigning sleep, but the thought was quickly rejected. He
would rather face his fear than deceive a friend.
As he tried to relax and find the peace of mind that would allow him to slip
into the state of dreaming, he found himself deeply grateful for the
comforting presence of the dwarf. The last nights sleep had eluded him,
not for lack of trying but for simply not being able to let go of the anxiety
that filled him. Too much there was in his mind that he did not wish to
face, and he worried about not being able to control it. He knew it to be
an unfounded fear but only now, with a trusted friend watching over him
did he finally find the strength to have faith in himself once more.
away over the weekend and there was no internet connection…
Some of you have asked me to send them a note whenever I update or
post a new story… I must confess I lost track of who and how many, so I
have a suggestion: I started a group at yahoo
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mirkwood_fanfic/ )
where you can join and I send an email to this list whenever I put
something new on the net, including links to where to find it. That would
be the easiest way for me… I know of some others who do it this way and
it seems to work fine…
anyway, thanks once more for the large amount of feedback on this story
– I never thought I would ever receive sooooooo many reviews!!!!
Incredible :-o
So, the last chapter was not the end yet… read on, enjoy and let me know
if you like it!!!!
___
Although darkness had fallen, the long table was still illuminated by
hundreds of little lanterns placed in the trees all around them. Elven
voices filled the air with laughter and singing.
Gimli had learned quickly that the elves of Greenwood used any occasion
to celebrate with a great feast. The recovery of Legolas was more than
enough reason for them to celebrate. Food and wine had been served and
Gimli had taken his fair share of it, not even trying to hide his fondness for
the elven dishes.
He sat next to Legolas, close to the head of the table were Thranduil and
Amayn were seated. It was not the first time Gimli had attended a feast
here, but it was the first time the elven lord had graced it with his
presence.
Accepting another refill of his goblet, Gimli's attention returned to his
friend. Legolas seemed less pale in the warm light of the lanterns, but the
dwarf knew of the lines that marred his face. He had taken little food but
this was not what concerned the dwarf. What deeply disturbed him was
his refusal to sleep. He had spent many hours in Legolas' room during the
last two days, keeping his friend company, and he knew he had never, not
even for the shortest time slipped into his world of elven dreams. It
worried the dwarf for even an elf needs rest, especially after all that
Legolas had gone through. Others had noticed as well, he was sure about
that. There seemed hardly anything Amayn missed and he had no doubt
she knew well of her son's refusal to take rest.
His stomach full, Gimli could feel himself longing for a smoke and he cast
a quick glance around when he noticed Gandalf was gone. He found the
Istari a little bit away from the group, seated on a log, his pipe in hand.
With a grin of delight the dwarf rose to join him, ignoring the remark
coming from Legolas who knew well were his friend was headed.
Taking a seat next to Gandalf he carefully lit his pipe, relishing the first
taste of tobacco.
For some time they just sat, content in blowing smoke rings that took on
ever more complicated patterns as far as Gandalf was concerned.
It was the Istari that finally broke the silence. 'It seems to me you are
troubled by something, son of Gloin.'
Gimli did not respond at once, watching as another ring formed from
smoke and faded again.
'It is that elf,' he finally spoke.
'Really?'
Gimli chose to ignore the slightly sarcastic remark.
'He has not slept ever since you took him to the gardens. I know not how
he thinks he will ever recover like this.' His voice was gruff but the
undertone of true concern could not be missed.
'I feared something like this,' the Istari confessed. Gimli waited for him to
say more but he remained silent.
'And why would you expect something like this? I can see no reason why
one would refuse to rest when he so obviously needs to,' the dwarf
prompted him, feeling the Istari once again knew more than he revealed.
'You need to understand the way of elven dreams,' Gandalf explained.
'Unlike mortals, they never lose control of their dreaming but wander
through their memories, enjoying them once more. They know not
nightmares and bad dreams, for they create them themselves. But
Legolas…' He took a deep draught from his pipe ere he continued. 'Legolas
has experienced the most frightening thing for an elven mind to endure:
complete loss of control as the creature played with his memory, forced
him to see what it wished and he had no way of stopping this.'
He fell silent once more and Gimli tried to imagine the impact of such an
experience.
'So he lost control once,' he finally spoke, 'and he fears to lose it again?
But there is no reason anymore, is there, Gandalf?' Sudden fear rose
again, as the suspicion dawned that maybe the elf was still affected.
'Nay, Gimli, fear not. With the creature's death, Legolas is free once more.
But the deep fear this evoked in him still lingers in his heart and he dares
not to rest, afraid of his own inability to control his dreams.'
'This is folly,' the dwarf exclaimed.
'Maybe it is. But what the mind knows and the heart fears oft does not
agree.'
Silence fell again. Gimli had lost any interest in watching the smoke, his
mind trying to understand what it was that ailed his friend. Long moments
had passed ere he turned to Gandalf once more.
'What can I do?' he asked, only to find himself alone.
@@@
It was good to see the elf laughing again, even when he knew he was not
completely recovered yet, Gimli realized when he retook his seat next to
his friend. The next hours passed swiftly, and midnight had gone when the
effects of wine and the lateness of the hour started to show. The three
men excused themselves first, but many others followed their example
and soon only a few elves kept Legolas and Gimli company. The dwarf had
only nipped at his wine, wishing not to become inebriated, and so he was
quite sober when Legolas announced that he would retire. The dwarf
quietly followed him inside, but instead of bidding Legolas a good night
and moving to his own chambers, he simply led the way to Legolas'. The
elf wondered but said naught.
When they had entered Legolas' private quarters and the dwarf still made
no sign of leaving, the elf shot him an inquiring glance. Gimli's face
betrayed nothing.
'Do you wish for another glass of wine, my friend?' Legolas asked,
wondering what it was that kept the dwarf from seeking his own bed.
The dwarf's eyes regarded him solemnly for a long moment ere he spoke.
'I am not here to keep you from sleeping, Legolas.'
A look of confusion passed over the elf's face.
'I am merely here to make sure nothing will keep you from your rest
tonight,' Gimli added. There was something in his eyes that made Legolas
stop, even before all the answers and excuses forming in his mind could
be put into words. Something that told him the dwarf knew all about his
deepest fears.
Pride flashed in the elf's eyes and Gimli quickly spoke, knowing well he
had to convince the proud and stubborn elf ere he found himself thrown
out.
'As I have noticed that you have not rested these last nights, I assume
you will do so tonight and therefore I will keep guard so that no one dares
to disturb you.'
His voice was light, as if it was the most natural thing for him to spend the
night guarding an elf's sleep.
'I do not…'
'I know there are those who say that after what you have experienced, it
would be a most frightening thing to enter the realm of elven dreams once
again. Bu do not worry, I heed not their words, for I have never known
you to give in to any fear, and surely you would not do so now.'
He smiled at Legolas, noting the glimmer of panic lurking in the depths of
his dark eyes but ignoring it. If he had to use the elf's stubborn pride
against him, so be it.
Finding himself cornered, Legolas was at a loss for what to do. He could
not very well admit his dread of sleeping, but there seemed no way to get
Gimli out of here. He watched with a growing feeling of helplessness as
the dwarf made himself comfortable in his room, clearly intending to stay
the night.
With a deep sigh, he realized he had no choice if he wanted to escape with
his pride intact. He had to face this one final battle against his own deep
fears. Reluctantly, he discarded shoes and robe and settled down on the
bed.
'You need not stay here, Gimli,' he tried one more time, 'for no one will
disturb me.'
'Better to make sure,' the dwarf answered stoically, leaving no doubt that
the discussion was closed.
With another sigh Legolas accepted defeat, wondering if he would be able
to trick him by feigning sleep, but the thought was quickly rejected. He
would rather face his fear than deceive a friend.
As he tried to relax and find the peace of mind that would allow him to slip
into the state of dreaming, he found himself deeply grateful for the
comforting presence of the dwarf. The last nights sleep had eluded him,
not for lack of trying but for simply not being able to let go of the anxiety
that filled him. Too much there was in his mind that he did not wish to
face, and he worried about not being able to control it. He knew it to be
an unfounded fear but only now, with a trusted friend watching over him
did he finally find the strength to have faith in himself once more.