Author ~ Halo Son
Rating ~ R
Disclaimer ~ How many times must I say I don't own Lord of the Rings?!
Author's Note ~ Here's the second story in my first LOTR trilogy (and probably not my last *hint hint* ^_~ ). The characters Trelan, Raniean, Celboril and Moranuen are made up characters belonging to Cassia and Sio and they gave me permission to use them in my story, so DO NOT steal them!
Summary ~ The sequel to 'Falling Into Silence'. It is exactly a year since the fall of Neron and the supposed 'death' of Aragorn. However during that time, Legolas has never given up the possibility that Aragorn may still be alive and has endlessly searched for him, without success. Then one night in Rivendell, Elladan is wounded and almost killed and it looks as though it was intentional. When Legolas begins to investigate, he discovers, much to his horror, that the evil responsible is from the depths of Mordor itself and a familiar darkness has a new and deadly weapon in its clutches, a weapon that Legolas could never bring himself to destroy.
WARNING ~ This story contains acts of torture, violence and two accounts of implied rape. Nothing is handled in a graphic manner, however if you do not like these kinds of stories then please DO NOT read this fic.
Extra Note ~ In this chapter there's a slight reference to the Mellon Chronicles, just some words that Legolas said in 'Mistaken Identity'. The series belongs to Cassia and Sio!!!
The Lord Of The Rings
Darkness Haunting
Chapter 7-Bitters Truths
Several days passed without any serious incidents.
The warm sum beamed down on the scenery below, for once not shunned by the clouds.
Legolas glanced over to the dozing human, lying on the bright green grass with his head facing the clear skies.
He smiled fondly before yelping in surprise as a shower of water splashed him in the face. He turned and glared darkly, though his expression had a tint of mirth, at the elven twins knee deep in water attempting to get each other soaked.
"I'll thank you both not to include me in your game to drown each other!" He yelled.
Elladan and Elrohir looked up at Legolas then looked at each other before mock menacing grins spread across their features.
Legolas took the meaning straight away and started pushing himself back.
"You wouldn't dare!"
As the twins walked towards the elf prince, Legolas leapt to his feet and turned to Aragorn with the intention of asking him to keep his brothers away from him, but then he remembered the man was asleep and rolled his eyes.
Elladan and Elrohir leapt up on to the land, still advancing on the elf prince, who was continuing to back up slowing.
"Don't make me hurt you." Legolas said in a serious tone, though the twin's mirth was infectious and a smile formed on his lips too.
However, a faint whimper caused the three elves to stop their merry-making and turn.
Aragorn was twisting a little in his sleep, an obvious sign of discomfort. Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir went straight over to him.
"Aragorn, Aragorn wake up." Legolas whispered in elvish.
Aragorn bolted upright, breathing heavily with sweat dripping down his forehead.
"Are you alright Estel?" Elrohir asked.
Aragorn gave a small nod and rested one hand on his head.
Elladan knelt down in front of Aragorn and took the human's hands in his own, staring into his eyes with concern.
"What happened Estel? Was it a nightmare?" Elladan asked.
"Y-Yes."
"Was it…about the demon?"
Aragorn turned his gaze downwards, confirming Elladan's suspicion.
"What did he do to you?" Elladan asked.
Aragorn went tense under Elladan's grasp and he shook his head a little.
"Elladan, I think it best if we do not force him to tell us. It might cause harm." Elrohir spoke softly then kneeled behind Aragorn. "It is alright Estel, you need not tell us."
"Elrohir…" Elladan began then closed his eyes. "I want to know."
"Elladan…" Elrohir looked downward, a flicker of pain visible. "Estel is surely not ready and I know I am not. The burden that we bare…I am not ready to re-live it. Please…just give us a little more time…"
"I can't!" Elladan suddenly snapped unintentionally. "Elrohir I want to help you lift that burden from your soul but I do not know how! If I knew what the demon had done to you I would know how to help you!"
"You are helping us Elladan." Elrohir replied, standing up and walking to face him.
"I do not feel as though I am! Why will you not allow me to help you through the suffering you have endured brother?"
"Elladan…please do not do this!" Elrohir's voice was filled with a desperate pleading for Elladan to understand.
"Let me help you Elrohir…please…" Elladan clasped his brother's shoulders.
"I cannot tell you Elladan! I cannot!"
"Elrohir…"
"Stop!"
Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas all jumped slightly at the sharp raised voice. They all looked at Aragorn, who was staring at the arguing twins with a thin layer of moisture in his eyes.
"Estel you don't have to!" Elrohir quickly said, instantly guessing what the young human was going to do.
Aragorn lowered his head, taking no heed from Elrohir's words.
"I know not what happened during the fall, I just remember that one moment I was falling and the next everything was black. I thought I was dead, but I was swiftly proven wrong." He took a deep breath. "I woke up next to a campfire…"
~ Flashback ~
Aragorn groaned heavily and blinked several times as he tried to bring sight into focus.
The first thing he recognised was a small campfire and the sound of unfamiliar voices.
"Ah, he awakens master."
Aragorn then realised his hands were tied behind his back. However before he could attempt to free them, two pairs of rough hands forced him to sit up.
The man's eyes widened when he looked into the face of one of his captors; an orc.
His heart began to race as he stared at the faces of all those round the campfire, all of them were orcs.
"Fear not young human, they will not attack unless they have commands from me."
Aragorn turned at the sound of the voice and saw, on the other side of the camp, a tall figure with the skin colour of black. A sinister smirk was worn across the face of the being and slowly he made his way to where Aragorn was sitting.
In the darkness he could easily be mistaken for a man, for he had the looks of any man, but appearances were deceptive in this case. This creature was no man, but a demon, a follower to the dark lord.
He grabbed Aragorn's chin with his claw-like hands cruelly, examining the human.
Aragorn wrenched his face from the cold grip, "What do you want with me?!"
The demon sneered and kneeled down in front of the man.
"You…human…are a very curious creature indeed, unlike the rest of your weak kind." He grabbed his face this time. "You are a strong young one. You do not give in easily to fear or despair. You manage to find hope in the most of hopeless of situations, I have witnessed it when you were Neron's prisoner."
Aragorn blinked in surprise, "You knew Neron?"
The demon laughed, "Knew him? He was my slave you fool!" He smirked at the surprise in the ranger's eyes. "I am know as Muerte, but as of now you shall call me master. Your skills will be most useful to me"
(A/N ~ Anyone who can guess what the demon's name means gets an Elrond plushie!)
Aragorn glared darkly at the demon, "I call no one master and I answer to no one nor am I a slave to anyone." His eyes became even narrower. "I will never be a slave to darkness."
The demon's eyes flared a little in anger, but it was quickly replaced with a demonic look of amusement.
"I see you have a strong will human." The demon stood up and walked to the side. "No matter. Once I am done with you, you shall obey my ever command."
With a nod gesture, the demon ordered the orcs to give Aragorn a severe beating and that they did, while he stood there watching in pleasure.
~ End flashback ~
Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas stood in utter silence, listening to Aragorn re-account his experiences at the hands of the demon.
Like a single snowflake flittering to the ground, a single silver tear crept down Aragorn's face, finally falling on the grass blades.
"Through everything he did to me…still I would not give in to the darkness." The man continued in a hush whisper. "After several months he had tried everything to break my spirit, or so I thought." Aragorn looked up at Elladan, a deep pain ebbing within them. Finally he lowered his head and his shoulders started hitching. "I couldn't stop him. I tried…but I couldn't…he was too strong…I couldn't stop him."
Legolas moved forward and wrapped his arms around Aragorn's shoulders, embracing his human friend in a hug. Elladan looked at Elrohir.
"What did he do?"
Elrohir looked down, trying to suppress his own tears and muttered, "He took something from us…took something that we will never have again."
Elrohir's words then struck Legolas like the hilt of a sword to his head. His eyes widened in slow realisation as it suddenly dawned on him and he remembered words that he himself had spoken to Aragorn some time ago.
'All too swiftly the world will rob you of your innocence and I would not see that happen too soon.'
The elf prince breathed heavily as the truth sunk it. His worst fears had come true. This was the answer to the riddle, the answer to what the demon had done.
He glanced at Elrohir, "No…he…he didn't…"
Elladan looked grief-stricken and horrified. What colour was in his face had drained and his breath hitched in his throat. Legolas could see the older twin was trying valiantly to fight off tears.
Elrohir turned to Elladan, his eyes narrowed in anger.
"Now you know Elladan." He said in a bitter tone. "I hope you are happy."
Elladan watched stunned as Elrohir knelt by Aragorn and hugged him tightly. Legolas backed away to give them some space and looked at Elladan.
However the older twin had already turned and started walking back towards home.
Legolas suspected he had taken Elrohir words to heart. In truth he knew the younger twin was angry with himself, not Elladan, in much the same way Elladan acted whenever someone got hurt.
Legolas was then brought back from his trail of thoughts by Elrohir's loud sigh.
"Legolas, please go to Elladan." Elrohir asked, still holding Aragorn. "I fear he is hurting very much so, now more than ever."
Legolas nodded in understanding and walked briskly off after Elladan.
"Elladan! Elladan wait!"
"I wish to be alone Legolas." Elladan replied quietly, continuing to walk away from the elf prince.
Legolas sighed, but carried on walking after Elladan.
"Elladan…please…"
"Legolas! Leave me in peace, please!" Elladan snapped before walking away again.
The elf prince stopped and stared after the older twin. He sighed heavily and decided it would be better to talk to him later.
Legolas then went back to find Aragorn and Elrohir.
TBC…
Rating ~ R
Disclaimer ~ How many times must I say I don't own Lord of the Rings?!
Author's Note ~ Here's the second story in my first LOTR trilogy (and probably not my last *hint hint* ^_~ ). The characters Trelan, Raniean, Celboril and Moranuen are made up characters belonging to Cassia and Sio and they gave me permission to use them in my story, so DO NOT steal them!
Summary ~ The sequel to 'Falling Into Silence'. It is exactly a year since the fall of Neron and the supposed 'death' of Aragorn. However during that time, Legolas has never given up the possibility that Aragorn may still be alive and has endlessly searched for him, without success. Then one night in Rivendell, Elladan is wounded and almost killed and it looks as though it was intentional. When Legolas begins to investigate, he discovers, much to his horror, that the evil responsible is from the depths of Mordor itself and a familiar darkness has a new and deadly weapon in its clutches, a weapon that Legolas could never bring himself to destroy.
WARNING ~ This story contains acts of torture, violence and two accounts of implied rape. Nothing is handled in a graphic manner, however if you do not like these kinds of stories then please DO NOT read this fic.
Extra Note ~ In this chapter there's a slight reference to the Mellon Chronicles, just some words that Legolas said in 'Mistaken Identity'. The series belongs to Cassia and Sio!!!
The Lord Of The Rings
Darkness Haunting
Chapter 7-Bitters Truths
Several days passed without any serious incidents.
The warm sum beamed down on the scenery below, for once not shunned by the clouds.
Legolas glanced over to the dozing human, lying on the bright green grass with his head facing the clear skies.
He smiled fondly before yelping in surprise as a shower of water splashed him in the face. He turned and glared darkly, though his expression had a tint of mirth, at the elven twins knee deep in water attempting to get each other soaked.
"I'll thank you both not to include me in your game to drown each other!" He yelled.
Elladan and Elrohir looked up at Legolas then looked at each other before mock menacing grins spread across their features.
Legolas took the meaning straight away and started pushing himself back.
"You wouldn't dare!"
As the twins walked towards the elf prince, Legolas leapt to his feet and turned to Aragorn with the intention of asking him to keep his brothers away from him, but then he remembered the man was asleep and rolled his eyes.
Elladan and Elrohir leapt up on to the land, still advancing on the elf prince, who was continuing to back up slowing.
"Don't make me hurt you." Legolas said in a serious tone, though the twin's mirth was infectious and a smile formed on his lips too.
However, a faint whimper caused the three elves to stop their merry-making and turn.
Aragorn was twisting a little in his sleep, an obvious sign of discomfort. Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir went straight over to him.
"Aragorn, Aragorn wake up." Legolas whispered in elvish.
Aragorn bolted upright, breathing heavily with sweat dripping down his forehead.
"Are you alright Estel?" Elrohir asked.
Aragorn gave a small nod and rested one hand on his head.
Elladan knelt down in front of Aragorn and took the human's hands in his own, staring into his eyes with concern.
"What happened Estel? Was it a nightmare?" Elladan asked.
"Y-Yes."
"Was it…about the demon?"
Aragorn turned his gaze downwards, confirming Elladan's suspicion.
"What did he do to you?" Elladan asked.
Aragorn went tense under Elladan's grasp and he shook his head a little.
"Elladan, I think it best if we do not force him to tell us. It might cause harm." Elrohir spoke softly then kneeled behind Aragorn. "It is alright Estel, you need not tell us."
"Elrohir…" Elladan began then closed his eyes. "I want to know."
"Elladan…" Elrohir looked downward, a flicker of pain visible. "Estel is surely not ready and I know I am not. The burden that we bare…I am not ready to re-live it. Please…just give us a little more time…"
"I can't!" Elladan suddenly snapped unintentionally. "Elrohir I want to help you lift that burden from your soul but I do not know how! If I knew what the demon had done to you I would know how to help you!"
"You are helping us Elladan." Elrohir replied, standing up and walking to face him.
"I do not feel as though I am! Why will you not allow me to help you through the suffering you have endured brother?"
"Elladan…please do not do this!" Elrohir's voice was filled with a desperate pleading for Elladan to understand.
"Let me help you Elrohir…please…" Elladan clasped his brother's shoulders.
"I cannot tell you Elladan! I cannot!"
"Elrohir…"
"Stop!"
Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas all jumped slightly at the sharp raised voice. They all looked at Aragorn, who was staring at the arguing twins with a thin layer of moisture in his eyes.
"Estel you don't have to!" Elrohir quickly said, instantly guessing what the young human was going to do.
Aragorn lowered his head, taking no heed from Elrohir's words.
"I know not what happened during the fall, I just remember that one moment I was falling and the next everything was black. I thought I was dead, but I was swiftly proven wrong." He took a deep breath. "I woke up next to a campfire…"
~ Flashback ~
Aragorn groaned heavily and blinked several times as he tried to bring sight into focus.
The first thing he recognised was a small campfire and the sound of unfamiliar voices.
"Ah, he awakens master."
Aragorn then realised his hands were tied behind his back. However before he could attempt to free them, two pairs of rough hands forced him to sit up.
The man's eyes widened when he looked into the face of one of his captors; an orc.
His heart began to race as he stared at the faces of all those round the campfire, all of them were orcs.
"Fear not young human, they will not attack unless they have commands from me."
Aragorn turned at the sound of the voice and saw, on the other side of the camp, a tall figure with the skin colour of black. A sinister smirk was worn across the face of the being and slowly he made his way to where Aragorn was sitting.
In the darkness he could easily be mistaken for a man, for he had the looks of any man, but appearances were deceptive in this case. This creature was no man, but a demon, a follower to the dark lord.
He grabbed Aragorn's chin with his claw-like hands cruelly, examining the human.
Aragorn wrenched his face from the cold grip, "What do you want with me?!"
The demon sneered and kneeled down in front of the man.
"You…human…are a very curious creature indeed, unlike the rest of your weak kind." He grabbed his face this time. "You are a strong young one. You do not give in easily to fear or despair. You manage to find hope in the most of hopeless of situations, I have witnessed it when you were Neron's prisoner."
Aragorn blinked in surprise, "You knew Neron?"
The demon laughed, "Knew him? He was my slave you fool!" He smirked at the surprise in the ranger's eyes. "I am know as Muerte, but as of now you shall call me master. Your skills will be most useful to me"
(A/N ~ Anyone who can guess what the demon's name means gets an Elrond plushie!)
Aragorn glared darkly at the demon, "I call no one master and I answer to no one nor am I a slave to anyone." His eyes became even narrower. "I will never be a slave to darkness."
The demon's eyes flared a little in anger, but it was quickly replaced with a demonic look of amusement.
"I see you have a strong will human." The demon stood up and walked to the side. "No matter. Once I am done with you, you shall obey my ever command."
With a nod gesture, the demon ordered the orcs to give Aragorn a severe beating and that they did, while he stood there watching in pleasure.
~ End flashback ~
Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas stood in utter silence, listening to Aragorn re-account his experiences at the hands of the demon.
Like a single snowflake flittering to the ground, a single silver tear crept down Aragorn's face, finally falling on the grass blades.
"Through everything he did to me…still I would not give in to the darkness." The man continued in a hush whisper. "After several months he had tried everything to break my spirit, or so I thought." Aragorn looked up at Elladan, a deep pain ebbing within them. Finally he lowered his head and his shoulders started hitching. "I couldn't stop him. I tried…but I couldn't…he was too strong…I couldn't stop him."
Legolas moved forward and wrapped his arms around Aragorn's shoulders, embracing his human friend in a hug. Elladan looked at Elrohir.
"What did he do?"
Elrohir looked down, trying to suppress his own tears and muttered, "He took something from us…took something that we will never have again."
Elrohir's words then struck Legolas like the hilt of a sword to his head. His eyes widened in slow realisation as it suddenly dawned on him and he remembered words that he himself had spoken to Aragorn some time ago.
'All too swiftly the world will rob you of your innocence and I would not see that happen too soon.'
The elf prince breathed heavily as the truth sunk it. His worst fears had come true. This was the answer to the riddle, the answer to what the demon had done.
He glanced at Elrohir, "No…he…he didn't…"
Elladan looked grief-stricken and horrified. What colour was in his face had drained and his breath hitched in his throat. Legolas could see the older twin was trying valiantly to fight off tears.
Elrohir turned to Elladan, his eyes narrowed in anger.
"Now you know Elladan." He said in a bitter tone. "I hope you are happy."
Elladan watched stunned as Elrohir knelt by Aragorn and hugged him tightly. Legolas backed away to give them some space and looked at Elladan.
However the older twin had already turned and started walking back towards home.
Legolas suspected he had taken Elrohir words to heart. In truth he knew the younger twin was angry with himself, not Elladan, in much the same way Elladan acted whenever someone got hurt.
Legolas was then brought back from his trail of thoughts by Elrohir's loud sigh.
"Legolas, please go to Elladan." Elrohir asked, still holding Aragorn. "I fear he is hurting very much so, now more than ever."
Legolas nodded in understanding and walked briskly off after Elladan.
"Elladan! Elladan wait!"
"I wish to be alone Legolas." Elladan replied quietly, continuing to walk away from the elf prince.
Legolas sighed, but carried on walking after Elladan.
"Elladan…please…"
"Legolas! Leave me in peace, please!" Elladan snapped before walking away again.
The elf prince stopped and stared after the older twin. He sighed heavily and decided it would be better to talk to him later.
Legolas then went back to find Aragorn and Elrohir.
TBC…