Lament - by Cunien.

Sorry again for delay - but things really have been very hectic and I've been so stressed! Sorry again - this story will be finished, I guarantee you!

Summary: This is mostly just dialogue I'm afraid, between Legolas and Aragorn, and highlighting some of the man's worries. It also refers to one of Cassia's fabulous stories, so go and read it here - they are absolutely excellent. I hope she doesn't mind me doing this! I'll ask permission, and if she doesn't like it I'll re-write. Anyway. Another chapter shouldn't be too long in coming. (Isn't that what I always say?)

Disclaimer:
Things I Would Do If I Owned Lord Of The Rings -
6. Ask Gandalf something that has been troubling me for quite some time - Saruman obviously took his staff from Gandalf when he imprisoned him on top of Orthanc. So how come he has one when he reaches Rivendell ? And the same goes for his hat...

Chapter 7 - Second thoughts.

Dawn was creeping ever nearer over Lothlorien. It hovered, almost menacingly over the horizon, promising another day - another day of sorrow, or an end to that sorrow? Aragorn feared both.
And for the first time in his life, he did not think he would be glad to see the dim light of morning break.

It had been almost 48 hours since Sam had received the wound that left him now so helpless and broken.

It was one miracle that he had lasted this long. Aragorn knew that they could not ask for another.

*

Legolas found Aragorn staring out over the darkened land with tired eyes. It was clear that he had not rested that night, and Legolas suspected that the Ranger had not slept at all since they fled from Moria.

Aragorn had promised to stay by Sam's side, but after many hours Gimli had come and taken his place, ordering the Man to get some sleep. Legolas himself had promised to watch over Frodo, but now the young Hobbit had woken and was at Sam's bedside. So the two friends, elf and man, sat together in silence a while, Aragorn barely acknowledging Legolas's presence.

Caras Galdon was the highest point in Lothlorien, and for many miles around. From here Legolas could almost see his home, a dark line, miniscule on the horizon.

But Aragorn did not look in that direction, but off to the lower lands in the south.
Somewhere there is Gondor, Legolas. But I cannot see it.
Neither can I my friend, even with my elven eyes. It is too far Aragorn.

Too far.....yes. Aragorn sighed, and his voice seemed distant, and to Legolas, so young. Despite his old eyes that had seen far more that they should have, and the heart that bore too many cares, Legolas was reminded that the Man was but a child in elven years. Still so young.

But I cannot see it! Not even in my heart. I am beginning to forget it... it has been so long since I walked in the White City.
We shall walk there together, soon. I have never been there - we shall walk there together and learn every part of it, commit it to our hearts.

But Legolas's words did nothing to comfort the man. They sat in silence for some time, watching. The early morning mist lay in wreaths like a river, with only the peaks of higher ground showing, their heads rising above the water like drowning souls. It seemed that Caras Galdon was above the world, looking down at the clouds beneath. The land rising through the mist could well have been the highest mountains, and beneath those clouds was another world. A totally different world.

Do you even wonder Legolas, where you might be if life had taken another course?
When you live as long as I you wonder about many things.
I do. Aragorn continued as though the Elf had not spoken. I wonder sometimes how things might have been if my people had never left Gondor - if my line was not a line of fallen Kings but of rulers still. I would not be here I know that.

Legolas looked in pity and worry at his friend. That was never your path to take, it was your ancestors. You should not dwell on things in the past, before your time. You must only think of your path, your decisions.
Aragorn nodded slightly. He saw the wisdom of the Elf's words but his heart was blind to all reason.
And do you regret it? Legolas questioned, Taking this path, joining the Fellowship?

Aragorn was silent for a moment.


Legolas sighed. You took too long to answer then, my friend. If you do not think this it the right path to take, then you can always turn from it. After all, aren't Rangers supposed to be skilled in finding new and untrodden ways through the wild?

Aragorn did not miss the scorn in Legolas' voice.
I will not turn back. I won't give up now.
Why? Because you think it is right or because you know it is right? Do you only stay because you are too afraid to leave?

Do not question me! Aragorn stood angrily. You Elves are so patronising! I am afraid Legolas - that's what you wanted to hear isn't it? Aragorn is afraid! But Legolas is not - the great Prince of Mirkwood is never afraid!

Sit down. Legolas said, quietly, but in a tone of voice that made it clear he was used to being obeyed. Aragorn did not so much sit as fall dejectedly.

Please Legolas, friend.....I can't... I do not need you questioning me.

You are wrong Aragorn. I am afraid sometimes - and mostly is seems to be for you.
Aragorn, despite his worry, could not help but smile.
Do you remember that time, many years ago - when we had both been banished?
How could I forget that ?! the Man laughed quietly.
And we were in Moria -
There was a cave in - we were trapped on opposite sides, and I with a hundred Orcs.
Legolas's voice became sombre with pain filled memories and I had to listen to them hurt you, completely helpless. Aragorn, I have never been more afraid in all the ages I have lived.

Aragorn looked on his friend in a new light, for he had never even imagined that Legolas could ever be as afraid as his tone of voice suggested. The elf shuddered slightly.

But I am not afraid now. said Legolas, his eyes wondering across the distant lands, settling on the north and his home. I am not afraid because I finally feel so sure, that this is the path I was meant to take. This is where I should be right now. However things turn out now, whatever happens, I will not be afraid, because I know with every part of me that that is what is meant to happen.

*

TBC
Thanks everyone for reviewing - especially the regulars - this story is so dedicated to you! I can't thank you enough - please be patient and bear with me!