CHAPTER 7
Authors notes - Thank you Zan for the great review. I always try really hard to make the scenery and everything imaginable as it makes in my opinion the story more exciting as you can pretend you are a fly on the wall there!! That probably sounds weird!! Sorry if updates are a bit slow but results day is coming up and I need to consider what happens if I don't get what I need. Also pizza hut keeps me busy. God how I hate buffet shifts!! Sorry that probably means nothing to you.
*******
"I never thought I would be this comfortable again." Merry said as he sat on his bed wrapped in a huge towelling robe. Sam agreed from a similar position on his bed. Frodo and Pippin were still in their tubs soaking. "They are going to look like a shrivelled prunes." Merry said as lay down. He was hungry but Legolas had told them that elven feasts could rival hobbit feasts so he would wait. The door opened and Pippin and Frodo walked in. Pippin flopped onto the bed and quickly fell asleep. Merry watched his young cousin's chest rise and fall. He was so glad that little harm had come to him. Even though he was annoying some times and was very naïve, he had a big heart.
"When did Legolas say that dinner was?" Fordo asked.
"In about an hour." Sam replied
"This is the life." Merry sighed. "Being a prince must be so much fun!"
Sam shock his head.
"I don't think so. There must be so many responsibilities and Legolas did not seem to get on well with his father."
"All father's and son's don't get along it's one of the facts as life." Merry said.
Frodo shrugged. He couldn't remember his father and so couldn't comment.
A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. It was Aragorn and Gimli. They both looked refreshed and rested.
"Nice baths?" Gimli asked.
"Aye." Merry said contentedly.
"Good." Aragorn said smiling. He glanced across at Pippin who was sleeping soundly. Frodo smiled warmly at the sleeping hobbit.
"What do we owe the pleasure of this visit Aragorn?" Merry asked.
"Just to discuss arrangements for travelling home." He said moving to sit on one of the chairs by the balcony. Gimli moved to occupy the other chair.
"What do you mean?" Frodo asked.
"Well I was wondering how long you wanted to remain in Mirkwood before we return to Rivendell and then the Shire."
"What about Legolas? What does he say?" Frodo continued as he sat on the bed next to the sleeping Pippin.
"He will not return to Rivendell with us, as you have seen darkness still occupies Mirkwood and they will need all the elves they can get to fight it."
"I will not be continuing to Rivendell. I will return to my kin and explain what has befallen Moira." Gimli said. Frodo sighed.
"So the fellowship will break."
"Aye it will but we will meet again. You are welcome in Rivendell and Gondor whenever you wish to travel there. I am sure Legolas will visit as often as he can."
"I know but we have done so much together it just seems a shame that we have to part." Sam commented.
"Aye it does but we have made friendships that will last as long as we do." Gimli said.
"I think we should spend a couple of days here to rest and let Legolas show you the sights and then move again." Aragorn suggested. Everyone agreed. It would be rude to leave earlier.
"We will leave you to get ready for dinner and see you there." Gimli said
***** Two hours later the fellowship had finished the huge meal that the Mirkwood elves had laid on. Even the hobbits were full and that was amazing in itself. Pippin patted his full stomach and leaned back contentedly in his chair as an elf poured more wine into his goblet.
"That was great!" he exclaimed and the other hobbits heartily agreed.
"Indeed it was." Gimli said as sipped his wine. He was watching his friend Legolas who was talking quietly with Miran. The elf glanced up and looked at Gimli and smiled before returning to the conversation. Legolas looked happy enough to him but the incident with Taket had worried him. He knew Aragorn and Gandalf were keeping the whole Liran incident quiet but eventually Legolas would discover the truth and Gimli knew for a fact that the elf would not take that well, being deliberately lied to. He would be annoyed so there is no doubt that Legolas would be furious.
Thranduil stood up and immediately the conversations stopped.
"We gather here to celebrate a wonderful occasion. The marriage of Talisa and myself. I have great news Lord Ilnor has agreed to perform the ceremony and it will take place in my bride to be's realm of Ilnayeth." The gathered elves clapped. Legolas frowned but clapped anyway; he had met Talisa and found her to be shallow and she had pointedly ignored him for the rest of the meeting until he wondered if he had suddenly become invisible.
"To continue the celebration I invite you to my study where I have some lovely vintage wine." The elven lords got up to leave while Legolas made his way over to the seated fellowship.
"So Prince Legolas not joining us?" Thared asked. Legolas turned to face Thared, an elven lord who was very much like his father.
"Nay my lord. My friends will be returning to their own realms soon and I wish to spend time with them before they leave."
"Shame. I wanted to hear about all those heroic deeds you undoubtedly performed on this quest."
Legolas smiled politely. "Perhaps another time." Legolas responded before turning to face his friends.
"Didn't anyone ever teach you that it is rude to turn your back on someone my prince?" Thared sneered. Legolas turned round.
"My apologies my lord I thought the conversation had ended. Did you wish to add anything?" Legolas asked.
"No only to say that I am glad you have returned safely and will now resume your position such as it is." Several other lords chuckled.
"My thanks." Legolas said and watched as the lord's left. Once they left Legolas turned again to face the fellowship.
"I guessed we weren't invited." Aragorn declared smiling slightly. Legolas laughed.
"Did you enjoy the food?" he asked.
"Aye we did master elf and the wine too." Gimli replied rubbing his stomach. Legolas watched as the hobbits repeated similar sentiments and actions. Again he laughed.
"Would you care to accompany me to the falls?" he questioned.
"Is it far?" Pippin complained.
"Nay my friend and once you get there the beauty of it will be the only thing you think about." Legolas enthralled.
Aragorn knew the place Legolas talked so fondly of. The elf often retreated there to gather his thoughts and be by himself. He also knew that the hobbits would be in for a shock when they saw who resided by the falls. It was as Legolas said only a few minutes walk away and even the hobbits managed it without as much as a grumble. Legolas led them through the dense trees and they emerged in a small clearing. The hobbits and Gimli stopped and looked around the clearing with wonder in their eyes. The centrepiece of the clearing was a waterfall that travelled down through three levels. It sparkled with elven magic and small fireflies illuminated the water further as they danced in and out of trees. It wasn't only the scenery but the feeling of magic that ran through the air that contributed to the beauty of the clearing. Aragorn watched as Legolas paused and called out in elvish.
^It is all right my friend they will not harm you^ Aragorn watched as the trees parted and a unicorn walked into the clearing. He heard the hobbits gasp and smiled. The animal was beautiful beyond words. Aragorn had always thought of them as a myth until Legolas had shown him. 'You must never forget that Mirkwood is a mystical realm and even we do not know all the treasures that are hidden here. Behind most myths there are certain truths that over time have been distorted but still the truth remains, hidden until it reveals itself to you.' Legolas had told him when he had voiced his opinion. The unicorn walked up to Legolas and stopped allowing Legolas to stroke its white neck softly. It turned its head to look at each of them. Aragorn felt that the blue eyes could stare right into his soul but it was a comforting not intrusive feeling. The unicorn shook its pale golden mane and its golden horn sparkled.
"You have nothing to fear my friends. Come forward." Legolas said. It took a few seconds for the hobbits and dwarf to move. They stepped cautiously forward full of awe of the beautiful creature. The unicorn turned to look at them as they approached and whickered softly. When the hobbits reached the unicorn they tentatively reached out to stroke it. When they touched it a feeling of warmth and contentment passed through them and a soft voice whispered in their minds. After a few seconds they stepped back and the unicorn moved towards the water and took a drink.
"That was amazing!" Pippin exclaimed
"I thought that unicorns were myths." Sam said slowly flexing his fingers of the hand he had touched the unicorn with like they had been burned.
"As I told Aragorn myths usually originate from factual stories handed down through the generations."
"This place is beautiful." Frodo said as walked to the small stream the waterfalls fed into.
"Bathe your feet in it and they will feel as soft as a new born babes." Legolas suggested watching as the unicorn disappeared into the trees.
The hobbits quickly removed their shoes and bathed their feet.
"Aren't you going to join them friend Gimli?" Legolas laughed. "Don't you want to have soft feet?" he asked innocently causing Aragorn to chuckle.
"Dwarfs do not have or need soft feet elf." He said annoyed. Both Legolas and Aragorn burst out laughing.
The fellowship talked long into the night laughing and joking until the hobbits fell asleep.
"We must take them back to their room." Legolas said. Aragorn nodded and they both picked up two hobbits. It was a strain for the man to carry them but with Gimli's help they returned them to their room. Gimli also retired leaving Aragorn and Legolas alone. Legolas turned to face the man his face turning serious.
"I know you are hiding something from me." He stated simply. Aragorn's face became a blank mask.
"What?" he questioned.
"You and Gandalf. I did not receive a simple head wound did I?" The elf demanded. He was angry that someone he considered as his closest friend had kept something from him.
"Why do you say that?" Aragorn asked.
"Because I know you too well and can tell when you're lying and because." Legolas sighed; he didn't know how to phrase it. "Because I am not well." He said simply. Aragorn flinched at the simple statement. For his friend to admit he was ill meant that it must really be affecting him. Legolas fumbled for words and then continued. "I feel something inside me. a darkness and I know it is connected with this head wound you said I received." Legolas finished, his face showed nothing but his eyes held a deep unease. The darkness within him scared him and he knew his friends knew something about it and he wanted to know what.
"Darkness?" Aragorn questioned. He wanted to find out what his friend felt without giving anything away on his part. Legolas almost growled in anger.
"Why are you avoiding the question? I am not a child in need of protection." He snapped.
Aragorn's heart constricted as he watched his friend. The elf was seriously affected by whatever this darkness was. The very fact he had admitted it to him showed this. He hated this so much but Gandalf had sworn Aragorn to secrecy saying it would do more damage than good.
"I am not avoiding the question." He said.
"Yes you are and you are doing it again. I am going to my room and I do not wish to talk to you again until you tell me the truth." Legolas said coldly and he marched away.
Aragorn waited until the elf was out of view before he let the anguish he felt show on his face. Why after all they had been through had this had to happen now? Hadn't they suffered enough? He couldn't keep lying to his friend for much longer, he wished Gandalf would hurry up and return with a solution.
"Why are you lying to him?" a gruff voice asked. Aragorn whirled to see the dwarf stood next to a pillar.
"How long have you been there?" he asked too tired to try and put on a mask.
"Long enough.Why?" Gimli demanded. Aragorn sighed.
"For his own benefit."
"Really or is it for yours?"
Aragorn blinked in surprise.
"Are you afraid you failed him as you failed Boromir?"
"I did not cause Boromir's death!" he snapped angrily.
"Aye I know but you still blame yourself. If things go ill for Legolas you would blame yourself again. That is what worries you. Do you think you are doing him a favour by keeping it from him?" Gimli questioned. "He is your best friend."
"I promised Gandalf."
"Do you really believe that Gandalf thinks you will keep it to yourself? No. He knows how close you two are. We all do. You are as close as brothers, it is evident from the way you fight side by side, how you communicate without words. He deserves to hear the truth from you and for you to be there for him." Gimli said with conviction. Aragorn closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Why tell him when there is nothing we can do?" Aragorn implored to the dwarf.
"He is your best friend and trusts you implicitly. Tell him or your friendship as it is will be over and I know you both don't want that."
Aragorn laughed a bitter laugh.
"I did not say anything funny."
"A dwarf giving me advice about friendship with an elf." He muttered.
"I may be a dwarf but I can still observe things and that crazy elf is.is my friend."
Gimli turned round and walked back to his room. He paused at the door and turned back to face the man.
"If you do not tell him Aragorn I will do it myself in the morning for he is my friend."
He left Aragorn stood in the hall thinking things over.
Authors notes - Thank you Zan for the great review. I always try really hard to make the scenery and everything imaginable as it makes in my opinion the story more exciting as you can pretend you are a fly on the wall there!! That probably sounds weird!! Sorry if updates are a bit slow but results day is coming up and I need to consider what happens if I don't get what I need. Also pizza hut keeps me busy. God how I hate buffet shifts!! Sorry that probably means nothing to you.
*******
"I never thought I would be this comfortable again." Merry said as he sat on his bed wrapped in a huge towelling robe. Sam agreed from a similar position on his bed. Frodo and Pippin were still in their tubs soaking. "They are going to look like a shrivelled prunes." Merry said as lay down. He was hungry but Legolas had told them that elven feasts could rival hobbit feasts so he would wait. The door opened and Pippin and Frodo walked in. Pippin flopped onto the bed and quickly fell asleep. Merry watched his young cousin's chest rise and fall. He was so glad that little harm had come to him. Even though he was annoying some times and was very naïve, he had a big heart.
"When did Legolas say that dinner was?" Fordo asked.
"In about an hour." Sam replied
"This is the life." Merry sighed. "Being a prince must be so much fun!"
Sam shock his head.
"I don't think so. There must be so many responsibilities and Legolas did not seem to get on well with his father."
"All father's and son's don't get along it's one of the facts as life." Merry said.
Frodo shrugged. He couldn't remember his father and so couldn't comment.
A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. It was Aragorn and Gimli. They both looked refreshed and rested.
"Nice baths?" Gimli asked.
"Aye." Merry said contentedly.
"Good." Aragorn said smiling. He glanced across at Pippin who was sleeping soundly. Frodo smiled warmly at the sleeping hobbit.
"What do we owe the pleasure of this visit Aragorn?" Merry asked.
"Just to discuss arrangements for travelling home." He said moving to sit on one of the chairs by the balcony. Gimli moved to occupy the other chair.
"What do you mean?" Frodo asked.
"Well I was wondering how long you wanted to remain in Mirkwood before we return to Rivendell and then the Shire."
"What about Legolas? What does he say?" Frodo continued as he sat on the bed next to the sleeping Pippin.
"He will not return to Rivendell with us, as you have seen darkness still occupies Mirkwood and they will need all the elves they can get to fight it."
"I will not be continuing to Rivendell. I will return to my kin and explain what has befallen Moira." Gimli said. Frodo sighed.
"So the fellowship will break."
"Aye it will but we will meet again. You are welcome in Rivendell and Gondor whenever you wish to travel there. I am sure Legolas will visit as often as he can."
"I know but we have done so much together it just seems a shame that we have to part." Sam commented.
"Aye it does but we have made friendships that will last as long as we do." Gimli said.
"I think we should spend a couple of days here to rest and let Legolas show you the sights and then move again." Aragorn suggested. Everyone agreed. It would be rude to leave earlier.
"We will leave you to get ready for dinner and see you there." Gimli said
***** Two hours later the fellowship had finished the huge meal that the Mirkwood elves had laid on. Even the hobbits were full and that was amazing in itself. Pippin patted his full stomach and leaned back contentedly in his chair as an elf poured more wine into his goblet.
"That was great!" he exclaimed and the other hobbits heartily agreed.
"Indeed it was." Gimli said as sipped his wine. He was watching his friend Legolas who was talking quietly with Miran. The elf glanced up and looked at Gimli and smiled before returning to the conversation. Legolas looked happy enough to him but the incident with Taket had worried him. He knew Aragorn and Gandalf were keeping the whole Liran incident quiet but eventually Legolas would discover the truth and Gimli knew for a fact that the elf would not take that well, being deliberately lied to. He would be annoyed so there is no doubt that Legolas would be furious.
Thranduil stood up and immediately the conversations stopped.
"We gather here to celebrate a wonderful occasion. The marriage of Talisa and myself. I have great news Lord Ilnor has agreed to perform the ceremony and it will take place in my bride to be's realm of Ilnayeth." The gathered elves clapped. Legolas frowned but clapped anyway; he had met Talisa and found her to be shallow and she had pointedly ignored him for the rest of the meeting until he wondered if he had suddenly become invisible.
"To continue the celebration I invite you to my study where I have some lovely vintage wine." The elven lords got up to leave while Legolas made his way over to the seated fellowship.
"So Prince Legolas not joining us?" Thared asked. Legolas turned to face Thared, an elven lord who was very much like his father.
"Nay my lord. My friends will be returning to their own realms soon and I wish to spend time with them before they leave."
"Shame. I wanted to hear about all those heroic deeds you undoubtedly performed on this quest."
Legolas smiled politely. "Perhaps another time." Legolas responded before turning to face his friends.
"Didn't anyone ever teach you that it is rude to turn your back on someone my prince?" Thared sneered. Legolas turned round.
"My apologies my lord I thought the conversation had ended. Did you wish to add anything?" Legolas asked.
"No only to say that I am glad you have returned safely and will now resume your position such as it is." Several other lords chuckled.
"My thanks." Legolas said and watched as the lord's left. Once they left Legolas turned again to face the fellowship.
"I guessed we weren't invited." Aragorn declared smiling slightly. Legolas laughed.
"Did you enjoy the food?" he asked.
"Aye we did master elf and the wine too." Gimli replied rubbing his stomach. Legolas watched as the hobbits repeated similar sentiments and actions. Again he laughed.
"Would you care to accompany me to the falls?" he questioned.
"Is it far?" Pippin complained.
"Nay my friend and once you get there the beauty of it will be the only thing you think about." Legolas enthralled.
Aragorn knew the place Legolas talked so fondly of. The elf often retreated there to gather his thoughts and be by himself. He also knew that the hobbits would be in for a shock when they saw who resided by the falls. It was as Legolas said only a few minutes walk away and even the hobbits managed it without as much as a grumble. Legolas led them through the dense trees and they emerged in a small clearing. The hobbits and Gimli stopped and looked around the clearing with wonder in their eyes. The centrepiece of the clearing was a waterfall that travelled down through three levels. It sparkled with elven magic and small fireflies illuminated the water further as they danced in and out of trees. It wasn't only the scenery but the feeling of magic that ran through the air that contributed to the beauty of the clearing. Aragorn watched as Legolas paused and called out in elvish.
^It is all right my friend they will not harm you^ Aragorn watched as the trees parted and a unicorn walked into the clearing. He heard the hobbits gasp and smiled. The animal was beautiful beyond words. Aragorn had always thought of them as a myth until Legolas had shown him. 'You must never forget that Mirkwood is a mystical realm and even we do not know all the treasures that are hidden here. Behind most myths there are certain truths that over time have been distorted but still the truth remains, hidden until it reveals itself to you.' Legolas had told him when he had voiced his opinion. The unicorn walked up to Legolas and stopped allowing Legolas to stroke its white neck softly. It turned its head to look at each of them. Aragorn felt that the blue eyes could stare right into his soul but it was a comforting not intrusive feeling. The unicorn shook its pale golden mane and its golden horn sparkled.
"You have nothing to fear my friends. Come forward." Legolas said. It took a few seconds for the hobbits and dwarf to move. They stepped cautiously forward full of awe of the beautiful creature. The unicorn turned to look at them as they approached and whickered softly. When the hobbits reached the unicorn they tentatively reached out to stroke it. When they touched it a feeling of warmth and contentment passed through them and a soft voice whispered in their minds. After a few seconds they stepped back and the unicorn moved towards the water and took a drink.
"That was amazing!" Pippin exclaimed
"I thought that unicorns were myths." Sam said slowly flexing his fingers of the hand he had touched the unicorn with like they had been burned.
"As I told Aragorn myths usually originate from factual stories handed down through the generations."
"This place is beautiful." Frodo said as walked to the small stream the waterfalls fed into.
"Bathe your feet in it and they will feel as soft as a new born babes." Legolas suggested watching as the unicorn disappeared into the trees.
The hobbits quickly removed their shoes and bathed their feet.
"Aren't you going to join them friend Gimli?" Legolas laughed. "Don't you want to have soft feet?" he asked innocently causing Aragorn to chuckle.
"Dwarfs do not have or need soft feet elf." He said annoyed. Both Legolas and Aragorn burst out laughing.
The fellowship talked long into the night laughing and joking until the hobbits fell asleep.
"We must take them back to their room." Legolas said. Aragorn nodded and they both picked up two hobbits. It was a strain for the man to carry them but with Gimli's help they returned them to their room. Gimli also retired leaving Aragorn and Legolas alone. Legolas turned to face the man his face turning serious.
"I know you are hiding something from me." He stated simply. Aragorn's face became a blank mask.
"What?" he questioned.
"You and Gandalf. I did not receive a simple head wound did I?" The elf demanded. He was angry that someone he considered as his closest friend had kept something from him.
"Why do you say that?" Aragorn asked.
"Because I know you too well and can tell when you're lying and because." Legolas sighed; he didn't know how to phrase it. "Because I am not well." He said simply. Aragorn flinched at the simple statement. For his friend to admit he was ill meant that it must really be affecting him. Legolas fumbled for words and then continued. "I feel something inside me. a darkness and I know it is connected with this head wound you said I received." Legolas finished, his face showed nothing but his eyes held a deep unease. The darkness within him scared him and he knew his friends knew something about it and he wanted to know what.
"Darkness?" Aragorn questioned. He wanted to find out what his friend felt without giving anything away on his part. Legolas almost growled in anger.
"Why are you avoiding the question? I am not a child in need of protection." He snapped.
Aragorn's heart constricted as he watched his friend. The elf was seriously affected by whatever this darkness was. The very fact he had admitted it to him showed this. He hated this so much but Gandalf had sworn Aragorn to secrecy saying it would do more damage than good.
"I am not avoiding the question." He said.
"Yes you are and you are doing it again. I am going to my room and I do not wish to talk to you again until you tell me the truth." Legolas said coldly and he marched away.
Aragorn waited until the elf was out of view before he let the anguish he felt show on his face. Why after all they had been through had this had to happen now? Hadn't they suffered enough? He couldn't keep lying to his friend for much longer, he wished Gandalf would hurry up and return with a solution.
"Why are you lying to him?" a gruff voice asked. Aragorn whirled to see the dwarf stood next to a pillar.
"How long have you been there?" he asked too tired to try and put on a mask.
"Long enough.Why?" Gimli demanded. Aragorn sighed.
"For his own benefit."
"Really or is it for yours?"
Aragorn blinked in surprise.
"Are you afraid you failed him as you failed Boromir?"
"I did not cause Boromir's death!" he snapped angrily.
"Aye I know but you still blame yourself. If things go ill for Legolas you would blame yourself again. That is what worries you. Do you think you are doing him a favour by keeping it from him?" Gimli questioned. "He is your best friend."
"I promised Gandalf."
"Do you really believe that Gandalf thinks you will keep it to yourself? No. He knows how close you two are. We all do. You are as close as brothers, it is evident from the way you fight side by side, how you communicate without words. He deserves to hear the truth from you and for you to be there for him." Gimli said with conviction. Aragorn closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Why tell him when there is nothing we can do?" Aragorn implored to the dwarf.
"He is your best friend and trusts you implicitly. Tell him or your friendship as it is will be over and I know you both don't want that."
Aragorn laughed a bitter laugh.
"I did not say anything funny."
"A dwarf giving me advice about friendship with an elf." He muttered.
"I may be a dwarf but I can still observe things and that crazy elf is.is my friend."
Gimli turned round and walked back to his room. He paused at the door and turned back to face the man.
"If you do not tell him Aragorn I will do it myself in the morning for he is my friend."
He left Aragorn stood in the hall thinking things over.