Author's note: I'm back! Whoop! Lol everyone's all "big deal, go away"
….
Yeah okay so… the thing is…everyone wants a happy ending….but umm….the way I was planning on writing this, I wasn't going to give Aragorn and Legolas a happy ending….yeah I know, I'm evil. I'm a sadistic bitch. But err…I've thought up another ending that IS happy for Aragorn and Legolas so if enough people really do want them to live happily ever after, I can change the ending… yes? No? replies? *crosses fingers and hopes*
*by the way, this isn't going to be the final chapter lol
and I'm going to be skipping a lot from the book…and I'm probably going to mess up a lot of details from the book…mainly cuz I don't wanna keep going back to it and searching for every single explicit detail of wherever the gang may be and all that…and this chapter is probably going to be longer than normal…
Chapter 8: Torn in Pieces
Slowly, the room became clear as Legolas returned from his trancelike sleep. He blinked his eyes a couple of times and sat up in bed. He turned his head to look at Aragorn who still slept deeply. The Man had not slept deeply in a long time, Legolas noted. He felt a twang of guilt for having to wake Aragorn from his peaceful sleep. He crept over to Aragorn's side and softly shook the Man.
"Aragorn," he whispered. Aragorn drowsily opened his eyes. "It is morning. We should get ready." Aragorn nodded and sat up. Legolas smiled softly at the temporary innocence of the Man's stupor. Only when waking did Aragorn have an unguarded expression on his face. But the expression would be there only a short time as Aragorn quickly remembered his responsibility. Legolas' prediction was right for Aragorn looked at the Elf with concern in his eyes.
"Are you all right, Legolas?" he asked worriedly. He moved his hand to place it on Legolas' forehead but Legolas moved away. Legolas feared any further touches from the Man would only cause his heart more pain. He did not notice the hurt in Aragorn's eyes when he shifted away.
"I'm fine, Aragorn." Legolas replied. "Let us get ready." He went back to his own bed and quickly packed up his things. From the rustlings from the other side of the small room, Legolas could tell Aragorn was doing the same. Soon, they were both ready and left the room where they met the rest of the Fellowship in the hall. Gimli and both of the hobbits scrutinized the Man and Elf carefully but looked away with disappointment in their eyes for they saw no change in exchanges between the two. Sullenly, they followed Gandalf outside where they met the Ents.
Treebeard and his fellow Ents gathered to the side of Fangorn as Gandalf and the Fellowship prepared to set out for Edoras. Gandalf turned to the Ents in solemn farewell as did the Fellowship.
"We bid you well on your journey to the king," Treebeard said. The other Ents murmured and nodded their heads in agreement. Gandalf smiled and shook hands with Treebeard.
"And we bid you well on your war with Isenguard." Gandalf replied. He turned to the Fellowship. "Come! We have a long journey ahead of us!" Crying out their farewells, the Fellowship turned away from Fangorn and began heading towards Edoras. As they moved away, the Ents also moved in the opposite direction towards Isenguard where a dark cloud hung over the sinister town.
As the Fellowship walked towards Edoras, which loomed in the distant horizon, Aragorn couldn't help but turn his head to watch Legolas. The Elf walked daintily as he chatted lightheartedly to the hobbits. He showed no sign that he had been attacked by a Ringwraith the previous day. Aragorn smiled and turned back to the front. He needn't worry about Legolas so much. The Elf had proved time and time again that he could care for himself. Even so, Aragorn felt so protective of Legolas…His Legolas…
"Aragorn!"
Aragorn looked up to Gandalf. He hurried up to the wizard's side. As they continued to walk briskly, Gandalf examined their surroundings. Though the shadow was not so dark here, there was still a dim feeling of gloom and despair in the air.
"King Theoden and I are not on good terms. You must be warned that he will not take kindly to our passage through his kingdom."
"Yes, Eomer has told me so." Aragorn replied.
Gandalf nodded. "Do nothing foolish and keep Gimli from branding his axe. He is hotheaded and will take off anyone's head who so much as insults his pride. He must not do so in Edoras. We need the king's alliance."
Aragorn nodded. "Of course, Gandalf."
"Now then," Gandalf started, eyeing Aragorn out of the corner of his eye, "when did Arwen become replaced from your heart?"
Aragorn did not answer the wizard for a long time. He had known Gandalf would notice his feelings if no one else would. But he also knew Gandalf would not approve of his emotions. No one would. He was but a mortal Man and the race of Men did not accept a male-male relationship. Not even his foster father, Elrond, would approve of his sentiments for then that would mean his only daughter, Arwen, would then suffer in grief. Arwen's love for Aragorn was great, Aragorn knew. He could not bear the thought of hurting her so but he also could not help the choosing of his heart.
"I know not," Aragorn replied after a long silence. "It has happened so gradually I cannot even tell when exactly it began."
"Does he know?"
"Nay, he does not." Aragorn decided against telling Gandalf of the incident in the lake. The wizard did not need to know everything. "But he does not return my feelings."
Gandalf glanced over at Aragorn. "How do you know this?"
"Because…Because…"
"You have never asked him how he feels towards you."
"Why should it matter, Gandalf?" Aragorn asked, sighing heavily. "I know you disapprove of my feelings. I know Elrond would disapprove. Everyone I care about would disapprove if only the secret was revealed."
"It matters because you will be king of Gondor soon, Aragorn. Arwen is in Rivendell waiting for you. You must dispose of these stirrings in your heart as soon as you can. If not for Arwen, for yourself."
It is not so simple, Gandalf, Aragorn wished to shout frustratingly at the wizard. Gandalf knew nothing of how hard he had tried to forget Legolas. How hard he had tried to keep himself from loving Legolas. How hard he had tried to keep from betraying Arwen in the worst way possible. To no avail had he tried and he wished to attempt it any longer. If his heart wished to love Legolas, so be it. He would love Legolas until the day he passed. "Let us talk no more of this subject, Gandalf," Aragorn murmured as they approached Edoras. "We approach the king's house and more urgent matters should be discussed." For the second time, Aragorn had pushed away the topic of his love for Legolas. Once from his love himself, and the second time from his mentor. How long would Aragorn refuse to let out his secret in the open?
The Fellowship quieted down as they entered the halls of the king's palace. It was a grand castle, the walls made of fine wood and the pillars carved of elegant marble. As the group approached the king's throne room, they slowed. A man stood at the door and he bowed to the guests.
"You are in the home of King Theoden of the Mark." The man said. "I am Hama, the doorkeeper. What business have you with the king?"
"I am Gandalf the Grey. I have come to seek the alliance of King Theoden in our war against Saruman." Gandalf replied. He paid no attention to the slight frown that appeared on Hama's face.
"Gandalf the Grey is no longer welcome in the lands of the king," Hama said.
"Would your king rather be taken over by Saruman and his evil or welcome one who used to be an old friend into his home?" Gandalf asked in return. "Do not be a fool, Hama! We are in dark times now, which is evident from the shadows that are cast over even these lands. Ask your king whether he wishes to see dark times or if he wishes to be part of a great allegiance to conquer it?"
Gandalf had chosen his words well. Hama, though with great hesitance, opened the doors and entered his king's throne room. After a moment, he appeared again and nodded to Gandalf.
"My sire agrees to speak with you. But he asks that all of your weapons be cast aside when you enter. I shall keep them with me."
The hobbits quickly handed Hama their small Elvish swords and were followed by Gimli who gave away his axe with more reluctance than the hobbits. Gandalf then turned to Aragorn and Legolas. Both were doubtful in giving away their weapons. They had grown up with their weapons always at their sides and to have them taken away made them vulnerable. Sighing in acquiescence, Legolas took off his quiver and handed it along with his bow and his Elvish daggers and sword to Hama.
"Take good care of them," Legolas warned, "for they come from the woods of Lothlorien and are gifts from the Lady of the Woods." Hama nodded and carefully took the weapons.
Aragorn also handed Hama his sword. "This is Anduril, the Sword that was Broken. Take care it does not break again." Though he had said these last words in slight jest, Hama understood its hidden meaning and took the sword as though it were delicate and ready to break into pieces. He then turned to Gandalf and gestured towards Gandalf's staff.
Gandalf snorted. "Would you truly take away the third leg of a weary old man? To be wary is one thing, to be rude is another."
Hama smiled. "Though my king and his advisor seem wary of your intentions, I trust that you are good people. I have heard many great things of Gandalf the Grey and do not believe that you are the bringer of ill news. May your visit be in good taste with my king." He allowed the Fellowship then to enter the great room.
The Fellowship shuffled into the throne room and saw King Theoden sitting on his throne in the back of the room. At his side stood Grima Wormtongue, his advisor. Aragorn felt a distrust for the Man who glared at them darkly as they approached the king.
"Gandalf," the King said stonily, "after all the havoc you have wreaked upon my kingdom, you dare come here again?"
"King Theoden, you have been blinded by your pride." Gandalf replied. "I have wrought no havoc whatsoever upon your lands. I have simply warned you of future dark times and now we stand in the midst of them. Will you still refuse to fight against the dark forces of Mordor and Isenguard?"
"Listen not to him, my lord," Wormtongue hissed into the king's ear, "long has he come into our lands preaching of darkness. How would he know of such evil if he is not its bringer?"
King Theoden brought up his hand to hush his advisor. Though he still looked coldly at Gandalf, everyone in the room could tell he was slowly becoming convinced by the wizard's words. He lifted his chin and shuffled in his seat. "Continue, Gandalf."
"Saruman has combined his forces with Sauron." Gandalf said darkly. "Not until recently have we been made aware of Saruman's betrayal. But we have no time in which to discuss his betrayal. The Ents of Fangorn are already on their way to wage war on Isenguard. Long have they been subject to abuse and evil from the city and they stand for it no longer. Now we seek for your allegiance to our cause, King Theoden of the Mark. Will you aid us in our cause?"
The king sighed and put his hand to his forehead. "You have long been a visitor in my lands, Gandalf. You have always spoken of premonitions of future evil and your words have come true. I have no reason not to believe that what you say is genuine. I shall give my allegiance to your cause."
"My king!" Wormtongue cried out. "I strongly advise you against such a decision!"
"King Theoden," Aragorn interrupted, bowing before the king, "before further plans are discussed, I have another issue I must settle with you. A few days ago, my friends and I approached your riders and convinced their leader, Eomer, to give us three of his steeds. Regretfully, those steeds were taken from us and we know naught of where they may be now. But on my word, I have returned here for Eomer had warned me that his life might be in peril for acting on his own instinct."
Theoden nodded and stroked his beard. "Yes, Eomer is now being held a prisoner. He should be out preparing our armies. Hama!" The doorkeeper quickly made his way inside the room. "Go to the prisons and release the prisoner Eomer. Bring him here."
"Of course, your Majesty." Hama humbly bowed low to the ground and hurriedly scurried away.
Wormtongue turned to the king. He had a panicked expression on his face. "My lord, do you truly think such actions wise? Eomer has proven himself a traitor and deserves death, no less! And how can you trust these people? Have I not reminded you enough that Gandalf is dangerous and not to be trusted?"
"Only to you am I dangerous, Grima." Gandalf interrupted. Cold fury flashed in his eyes. "How dare you stand beside the man you have pledged your loyalty to whilst in your mind, you plan your betrayal of him? When did you plan on revealing where you true allegiance lies? Be gone, you fool! Go to Saruman, your true master!"
Wormtongue released a high-pitched screech. He glanced over at King Theoden. In that one glance, Wormtongue's betrayal was revealed and the king's face showed fiery rage and fury. He stood and threateningly raised his fist over Wormtongue.
"I have been listening to your advice all these years, relying on your wisdom when instead I should have been listening to my own!" The king roared fiercely. "All this time, I have been trusting you when in truth, you have been betraying me! Relieve me of your wretched presence or else I shall set my hunters on your trail!" He took his fist and pointed at the door. Wormtongue glared at him and then at the Fellowship as he slithered out of the room. As he left, Hama and Eomer entered and barely moved aside as Wormtongue stalked off. Theoden turned to Eomer, who waited anxiously for his sentence. "Eomer, son of Eomund, you have shown wisdom and bravery in going against my orders to give these wanderers your aid. I have judged wrongly your punishment. Your punishment will no longer be captivity but to lead your troops into battle. We go to war with Isenguard!"
Eomer smiled and bowed to the king. "Thank you, my lord." He turned briskly and as he walked out of the room, he looked over at Aragorn and nodded his head. "And my thanks to you, Sir Aragorn. You are indeed a noble warrior."
"Thank you, Eomer." Aragorn replied. They exchanged a quick grin before Eomer hurriedly walked out of the room.
"King Theoden," Gandalf began as Aragorn turned his attention back to the others, "we should leave with the troops."
King Theoden nodded. "I shall go with you but we shall leave in a few days' time. You have been through much toil, I imagine and deserve proper rest. Come, my servants shall show you to your rooms."
He led the Fellowship back out into the halls where they met a fair woman. She had long curly blonde hair and a pale face. She bowed low to the king. He smiled warmly as she resumed her original posture.
"Eowyn, these are guests of ours. See to it that they are properly housed while they stay in our castle."
"Of course, my lord." She turned to the Fellowship and her eye fell on Aragorn. He nodded to her, both man and woman recognizing the other. Legolas wondered at this silent exchange but had no time to ponder on it for Eowyn began leading them further down the hall. They went down many other halls and flights of stairs before finally, Eowyn came to a smaller hall that rounded off at the end. To the sides of the hall were many rooms. "These shall be your rooms. In each room is also a bath. Please take comfort while you rest in the home of King Theoden." She bowed to them and hurried away. Legolas noticed that both she and Aragorn refused to look at one another as she passed him.
As Legolas returned to his room late at night, he noticed that Aragorn's door was slightly open. He stealthily crept up to it and he listened to the conversation within. Though he felt slightly guilty at his action, he could not help but listen for he knew Eowyn was inside and he wished to know what history lay behind the two Humans.
"It has been long, Sir Aragorn."
"Yes."
"I have missed you."
A long silence ensued. Legolas longed to see what was going on inside but he could not risk being caught.
"Haven't you missed me?" Eowyn continued.
Aragorn sighed. "I know the answer you desire of me, Lady Eowyn, but alas, you know that very answer I cannot give you."
"Then does my love for you count for nothing?"
"You do not love me, Lady."
"How could you say that? You know not of how I feel! You are a noble Man, Aragorn. How could anyone keep from loving you? Has that Elven maiden so captured your heart that you cannot pity me even a little?"
How coincidental that this woman spoke the very words Legolas was afraid of saying aloud. He perked his ears to hear Aragorn's answer.
"I am sorry, Lady…"
Legolas felt sorrow for Eowyn for he also felt the sting of those words. 'I am sorry…' Legolas wished never to hear such words of refusal if he should ever confess his love to Aragorn. He could not bear the pain of having his heart wrenched in two when Aragorn would walk away from him should he even utter any words of love to the Man.
As Legolas returned to his room, he almost laughed at himself. When had he become such a pitiful being? When had his heart's fate fallen into the hands of a mere mortal? A mere Mortal who already loved another?
If he kept going on like this… how would he survive the pain he would suffer when Aragorn and Arwen became officially bound to one another?