*~* "O Smaug the Tremendous!" he replied. "I did not come for presents. I
only wished to have a look at you and see if you were truly as great as the
tales say. I did not believe them."
"Do you now?" said the dragon somewhat flattered, even though he did not believe a word of it.
"Truly songs and tales fall utterly short of the reality, O Smaug the Chiefest and Greatest of Calamities," replied Bilbo.
"You have nice manners for a thief and a liar," said the dragon. ~ J.R.R. Tolkien "The Hobbit" *~*
THE FAERIE GOBLET
Chapter 23 ~ "Wolf in the Fold"
Gimli crept cautiously up the steep hill. During his descent on the gem encrusted staircase, he'd heard all sorts of fearsome rumblings and explosions. There was no doubt in his mind that Alede was in trouble or causing trouble. He just hoped that Legolas wasn't in the thick of it.
He'd followed Alede's yarn without problem, unless he considered the pearls that occasionally rolled beneath his heavy boots a problem. But he'd ignored them, as he'd convinced himself to ignore that first clump of diamonds that had nearly entranced him when he'd first arrived.
An inner instinct had told him that the gems were not real. He'd delved beneath the ground far too long to be fooled by such abundance. Gems did not sprout from walls so easily. Any that did, must be an illusion. And with that thought had come the realization that the gems did not appear to be solid.
*Faerie Glamour.*
So, he'd caught himself in time, grateful for the ointment that he'd smeared in his eyes and gone down the long staircase. He'd found the end of Alede's yarn where it had snagged on the limbs of a small bush made entirely of silver.
Or, rather what looked like silver.
A few paces away, he'd seen the other end tied around a huge bar of gold and had joined the two pieces back together.
The boat had nearly made him turn back. He didn't trust boats to begin with and enchanted boats were twice as bad. But he'd face an entire armada of enchanted boats if it meant getting Legolas back. So he'd carefully set his feet in its black bottom and cursing silently had crossed the dark lake.
As he climbed the hill now, all seemed silent in the vast lighted cavern ahead. Gimli crested the hill and beheld a huge clearing set with tables, heavily laden. Delicious smells wafted up to him and his stomach growled. He hadn't eaten too well in the last few days.
But he ignored the food and he ignored the glassy eyed elves sitting at the table. At the back of the clearing he saw his objective.
Legolas stood rigidly beside an enormous throne, obviously under enchantment. But as Gimli approached the throne, he heard a whisper of Legolas' mind. He'd shared song with the Elf once before, long ago and that strong, brilliant presence once again filled his head.
And there was no question what Legolas was trying to tell him.
*Get out! You are mortal! Get out!*
Gimli tried to send a few reassuring thoughts to his friend, but wasn't sure if Legolas believed him. Instead, he turned his attention to what was happening in front of the throne.
Elrohir knelt in front of it and a richly gowned maiden tended him in a parody of gentleness and concern.
"There, is that not better?" she crooned as she stroked Elrohir's face.
Elrohir wore only the singed remains of a tunic. His skin was red and blistered. But as Gimli approached, Elrohir stood and suddenly appeared to be clothed in fine garments.
*Faerie glamour again. Humph!* The Dwarf had had his fill of Faerie nonsense and he was certain that he wasn't through with it yet.
"Who are you that enters my kingdom unannounced?" the pale Queen asked, turning to the dwarf.
Gimli looked her over carefully, before sweeping her a bow. She was rail thin, with white hair, and cold calculating eyes. She was beautiful in an icy, superficial sort of way and Gimli's mouth nearly curled in disgust.
She was only a parody of beauty.
Gimli had seen the real thing. For a moment, the pure golden beauty of Galadriel filled his mind and his thoughts went racing back to the Lady of the Galadhrim. He would never be fooled by this cheep imitation. He only hoped that, in this case, he might do the fooling instead.
"I intend no disrespect, your Majesty. I am but your humble servant." Gimli bowed low and hoped that the Queen would not see through his polite deception.
This entire mission went against Dwarvin principals. He must be cunning where Dwarves were forthright. He must deceptive where he was honest.
He must be courageous.
But bravery came naturally to the stout dwarf, so that at least was no lie. He straightened and glanced at the enchanted eyes of his friend. Beneath their glassy depths, he saw the torture and the struggle. Resolutely, Gimli set his jaw and faced the role he must play.
"My humble servant?" The Faerie Queen repeated. "Indeed?" Her eyes sparkled with interest. "Tell me your name."
"I am Mr. Underhill," Gimli replied, bowing again. He heard a strangled noise from Legolas and gave him a sideways glance. The Elf stood as rigidly as before, but his mind took in everything. Gimli felt a breath of both amusement and alarm coming from his friend, knowing that Legolas remembered Frodo's own little deception with that name.
"Mr. Underhill," the Queen purred. "And why have you come?"
Gimli felt an odd little wind plucking at him at the mention of his fake name, but it seemed to find no purchase. He ignored it and delivered the biggest lie yet.
"I have come to see your beauty with my own eyes. For I have heard tales of your magnificence, oh Great Queen."
*YOU ARE BUT A COMMON GARDEN SNAKE COMPARED WITH THE REAL BEAUTY OF THE LADY GALADRIEL,* he thought furiously, but did not allow the emotions to show on his face.
"Really? And what do you think now that you have looked upon me?" the Queen asked, helpless to resist Gimli's flattery.
"Truly, you are the most beautiful of all women. Even the fairest of jewels fade when compared to you. I am enraptured," he improvised.
*YOU DISGUST ME, YOU COMMON TOAD! AND YOU'LL PAY FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO MY FRIEND!*
The Queen tittered happily, obviously pleased with Gimli's outrageous words. She gestured to a small hoary faerie standing nearby and the awful creature brought forth a small stool. Gimli sat down upon it warily.
"Tell me more," the Queen coaxed.
Gimli cleared his throat and rambled off a long stream of ridiculous lies about the Queen's loveliness. All the while he spoke, his eyes swept the cavern. Alede was nowhere to be seen and he feared that the wizardess might be dead. It would remain up to him to get Legolas and the others out of here.
Gimli stepped forward. "Please allow me, your Majesty, to present this tiny gift of my esteem and affection. It is a poor thing compared to your greatness, but it is the best that I can offer." Gimli pulled the golden collar out of his jerkin and bowed low before the Queen as he held it up.
The polished gold shone brilliantly in the cavern's light and the sapphires winked brightly.
The Queen smiled with pleasure and despite the warning that she felt in her cold heart, she reached out for the collar greedily.
"Ah, but wait!" Gimli said, snatching it back out of her reach. "Gaze into this mirror, so that you may see how it compliments your beauty, your Majesty." Gimli held up an intricately carved hand mirror, which he'd borrowed from one of the Elves' chambers back in Rivendell. Beside him, he was certain that Legolas was leaning forward eagerly. No doubt the prince knew of a faeries weakness for mirrors also. Gimli had read that little tidbit of information in the Elvin book.
Gimli brandished the mirror and caught the Queen's reflection. She gasped and caught up the mirror, enraptured by her own image.
"Allow me," Gimli said softly and stepping beside the Queen while she was occupied with her own face, he carefully fastened the exquisite collar around her skinny neck, carefully closing the clasp.
The mirror crashed to the floor shattering and the Queen screamed in sudden pain, clawing at her throat. The iron that had been cleverly disguised beneath the gold, burned and hissed against her pale skin.
Gimli stepped back on the dais and drew his double bladed axe.
"And now, 'your Majesty'," he mocked. "You will release all of the Elves and especially my friend here," he jerked his head in Legolas' direction, "and send them back to their own land unharmed and un-enchanted."
"Get this off of me! Deceiver! Get this off of me!" the Queen screamed.
Three Faerie knights raced up the dais to assist their queen. With a roar of fury and a mighty swing, Gimli cleaved the first one in two. The body fell to the floor, a bundle of dried wood. The other two knights leaped back out of the way.
"I do not jest!" Gimli roared. "Anyone who tries to aid you will be killed. Release all of the Elves and I will release you from the iron!"
*Alede! Alede!*
Gimli turned, hearing Legolas' panicked mind.
"Where is the wizardess?" Gimli turned back to the Queen.
"Gone! She is gone!" the Queen screeched, still clawing at the exquisite collar.
Gimli gave Legolas a troubled glance. If Alede was dead . . .
"Release the Elves," Gimli shouted once again. He'd have to deal with Legolas' grief later. For the moment his biggest concern was getting them out of Faerie.
"Release them!" he roared and since the Queen seemed to not be paying attention to him, he hefted his axe and brought it down on the corner of the throne. The ornate wood shattered, spilling the Queen to the floor. All around Gimli, Faeries cried out in dismay and Legolas staggered.
Elrohir appeared out of nowhere and made a grab at the fallen Queen, his face a mask of rage, but before he could reach her, he suddenly vanished. Gimli spun around and saw Elves surging to their feet from the long tables they had been seated with. They vanished with a tinkling of bright little lights and Faerie dust.
"Now release me," the Faerie Queen gurgled, struggling to her feet. "I have sent them back."
"You have not released my friend yet," Gimli said. Legolas had dropped to his knees beside the throne, his head bent.
But then the young prince rose to his feet and Gimli realized it was fatigue that had bowed his fair head, not enchantment.
"She has released me, my friend. Now get out of here! Upon your life, leave!" And then turning to the Queen, Legolas grabbed her by the throat, lifting her to her feet. The Queen's eyes bulged and she gasped unbecomingly.
"I am a dangerous enemy, 'your Majesty'. I would kill you just for what you did to me, but I will do much worse if the wizardess has come to harm."
To Gimli's astonishment, Legolas shook the Queen like a dog with a rat.
"WHERE IS SHE? BRING HER BACK! NOW!"
A sound unlike anything Gimli had ever heard before made the Dwarf whirl around. If a rock wall could vomit, it would make a sound such as this one. The stone contorted and puckered and then with an awful groan, it opened up and spat a form upon the floor.
"Check her," Legolas commanded Gimli, still holding the Queen by the throat, "and then get out of here. You are mortal. This land could kill you."
Gimli threw a sideways glance at his friend. He wasn't about to discuss the amulet in front of the choking Queen. He hurried over to the limp form and realized it was indeed Alede. She lay in a pool of slime, the chewed up remains of her staff all about her. As the dwarf reached her, Alede opened her eyes, groaned and struggled to sit up.
"She's alive," Gimli called to Legolas.
The Elf shook the Queen again. "Send them back to Rivendell, unharmed."
"I will send the others back," the Queen spat. "But the dwarf is mortal. I cannot change that. And I will not release you, my prince." Her face took on an ugly leer. "After all that you have done for me? I could not bear to let you go. You will remain with me forever!"
"NO!" Alede staggered to her feet and ran forward. "I offer myself in his stead!" She stumbled to the foot of the dais and fell to her knees. "Release Legolas and the Dwarf, send them back to Rivendell and I will stay willingly." Alede glanced up at Legolas and the look on her face nearly broke Gimli's heart. Any animosity he'd still held for her disappeared as he realized the depths of her emotions for his friend.
"You do not know what you are saying," Legolas shouted, nearly in a panic. He had to get Alede out of here! "You can not offer this!"
"Yes, I must. I read that much at least," she told Legolas desperately. He started to protest, but Alede turned back to the Queen. "I am Alede. According to the laws of your land you must accept a willing prisoner in exchange for their freedom."
"I will not allow you to do this, Alede," Legolas cried, shoving the Queen aside and stepping between them. He would protect Alede at any cost. Even if it meant . . .
"You have to leave. If not for your own sake, then for Gimli's!" Desperately, Alede turned to the Dwarf. "Get Legolas out of here!" she implored.
But the Dwarf needed no such urging. He saw their chance for escape and knew he must take it. Surely, once they were back in Rivendell they could all come up with a plan for rescuing the wizardess. But for right now, he had to get Legolas out of here.
He clamped onto Legolas' wrist just as Alede stepped around him and unclasped the Queen's golden collar.
"I release you. Now hold to your laws!" Alede said.
The Queen cackled as she grabbed a hold of her willing prisoner.
Legolas cried out in anger and desperation and started toward them, nearly breaking Gimli's grasp. But then suddenly a white light blinded them all. Gimli felt himself tumbling through the air and somehow managed to keep his hold on Legolas. The Elf was shouting and cursing, but Gimli could not make out what he was saying. Very likely he didn't want to know. Magic screamed in his ear and a sudden pain burned upon his chest. He seemed to be hurtling toward a dirt wall and then with a thump, he fell upon thick grass. Gimli blinked the sand out of his eyes and looked up. Bright stars winked at him.
Suddenly warm hands grabbed the front of his jerkin and hauled him to his feet.
"Gimli! Gimli, are you alright?!" Legolas shouted, his face filled with panic.
"I . . .," Gimli glanced down. He didn't feel as if he'd aged. His beard did not appear white in the dim starlight and he felt well enough. "I think I am well. I . . . ouch!" He had shifted a bit and something very sharp dug into his chest. "What the. . ."
Opening his jerkin, Gimli discovered the broken remains of Legolas' amulet. The bottle looked as if it had burst. Jagged bits of glass were buried in his skin and something itchy and painful rubbed inside a large wound.
Shouts suddenly distracted him and an entire hoard of Elves sprinted toward them.
"Here they are!"
"Legolas!"
"Nephew!"
"Master Gimli, are you all right?" It was Elladan who grasped the dwarf by the shoulders and Gimli realized that the ice gathering crew had returned. Legolas' uncle, Lomomir, was there, as well as Elrohir and all the other hapless Elves who'd been in the Faerie kingdom.
"Where is my daughter," Radagast asked as he too came running up to them.
Silence suddenly filled the clearing as Legolas turned gravely to the old wizard.
"She remained behind, Radagast. She willingly gave herself up for our freedom."
"No! NO! NOT MY LITTLE GIRL!"
Legolas stepped forward and caught Radagast as the old man stumbled. He held him in a tight embrace, feeling his own heart breaking while the wizard clung to him and shed heavy tears.
~ ~ ~
"I am here, my friend," Elrohir said quietly. "No one knows better than I, what you have been through. It would be well to talk to someone."
Legolas made a dismissive sound and continued to stare out over the valley.
"I was ready to gather an army and lead them down to wipe out the entire population of Faerie, until Elladan talked me out of it," Elrohir continued, trying to get a response from his stoical friend.
Legolas made no comment. Personally, he agreed with Elrohir's original plan. Wiping out the entire poisonous race of Faeries seemed like a very good idea.
One Faerie in particular.
"Legolas . . . "
"I am well, Elrohir. Do not be concerned. I will see you at the council." Because Legolas' gaze remained fixed on the valley, he did not see the look of concern on the older prince's face. But he heard Elrohir's sigh of defeat and listened to his quiet footsteps as he walked away.
Alone at last, Legolas slammed his fist against the balcony rail.
*Traitorous bitch! I should have killed her instead of playing games with her!*
That Alede was now at the mercy of the Faerie Queen made his heart wrench painfully. Never before had he realized just how deeply his emotions for the wizardess went. He had just barely realized that he loved her and wanted her in his life. But this situation made him feel as if his very soul had been torn from his breast. The thought that he might never see her again was so painful he could not even allow himself to think it.
*Why did Alede not listen to me!? Why did she sacrifice herself for me?!*
But he knew the answer to the last question. He would have done the same in her place.
*If I had the courage.*
Legolas lowered his head. What the Faerie Queen had done to him shook him to his core. He had never felt so used, so soiled, so angry, so . . . afraid. She'd taken hold of his mind and his will, robbing him of both. Only a tiny little portion of his soul had remained untouched to watch in horror as the Faerie Queen claimed his body for her own. He had tried to fight her, but had remained completely in her control. He'd felt more vulnerable than even the sea longing had ever made him.
*It is my own fault. I should not have taken off my amulet. I should have found another way to Faerie. I should have seen through the Queen's deception. In my recklessness, I endangered not only myself, but Gimli as well. And now Alede is . . .*
"Legolas . . ."
"Leave me be!" the Elf shouted, hearing Gimli behind him.
The Dwarf stopped, but did not leave.
"I am sorry, my friend," Legolas said in a gentler voice. "Please forgive my anger. It is not meant for you. But I need to be alone with my thoughts."
"Why?" Gimli asked. "So that you may continue to tear yourself apart? So that you may continue the abuse that the Queen started?"
"I do not know what you mean," Legolas replied shortly.
Gimli walked slowly up to the balcony and rested his elbows on it. He'd just spent the last couple of hours talking with Elladan, Lomomir and Radagast. He wasn't going to leave Legolas alone, despite the Elf's obvious fit of temper. Elladan had instructed him on how to help his friend as he had helped Elrohir. And help him he would, with or without Legolas' cooperation.
Closing his eyes, he concentrated on Legolas, on everything that his friend meant to him.
*I am here.*
Beside him, Legolas cried out softly, hearing the Dwarf's steady, ancient song. The Elf slowly sank to his knees.
"I did not know . . ." Legolas began, hesitantly, "that you could project your song so well."
"Humph! You never asked. Now then, you stubborn Elf, let us end what that bitch started . . ."
"Gimli . . ."
The Dwarf heard the soul deep sorrow and fear in his friend's voice. He simply nodded and sank down to sit upon his heals in front of Legolas, clasping the Elf's shoulders in his strong, calloused hands.
~ ~ ~
Above them, unseen and unheard, Radagast let out a grateful sigh. He watched as the Elf and the Dwarf leaned toward each other, their foreheads nearly touching. Legolas clung to his friend and wept tears of anger and betrayal.
Radagast liked Legolas. He thought he could easily come to love him as a son. It pained him to see one so noble and so true suffering. The Dwarf would help him past the abuse he'd endured, of that the wizard was certain. And then, if the Valar were with them . . .
*He will rescue my daughter. For I fear that I have not the strength to do it.*
~ ~ ~
A/N: And just how does one go about rescuing someone from the Faerie Queen? Can't use the same technique that Gimli did! ;) So . . . brush up on your Scottish Faerie tales and meet me back here next Friday! :D
I see lots of new reviewers out there. Thank you very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And to all of you who have been such faithful followers - I wish I could do something really nice for you, like maybe giving out Legolas clones or something. :D
Arwen brought up an interesting point about wanting to see this story filmed. Who would you have play the various roles? I'll admit that I was thinking of the Borg Queen from "Star Trek - First Contact" when I pictured the Faerie Queen, though obviously with hair, not gismos sticking out of her head. :D
But who would you chose for Radagast, Elrohir/Elladan, and my all time favorite character - King Thranduil?
"Do you now?" said the dragon somewhat flattered, even though he did not believe a word of it.
"Truly songs and tales fall utterly short of the reality, O Smaug the Chiefest and Greatest of Calamities," replied Bilbo.
"You have nice manners for a thief and a liar," said the dragon. ~ J.R.R. Tolkien "The Hobbit" *~*
THE FAERIE GOBLET
Chapter 23 ~ "Wolf in the Fold"
Gimli crept cautiously up the steep hill. During his descent on the gem encrusted staircase, he'd heard all sorts of fearsome rumblings and explosions. There was no doubt in his mind that Alede was in trouble or causing trouble. He just hoped that Legolas wasn't in the thick of it.
He'd followed Alede's yarn without problem, unless he considered the pearls that occasionally rolled beneath his heavy boots a problem. But he'd ignored them, as he'd convinced himself to ignore that first clump of diamonds that had nearly entranced him when he'd first arrived.
An inner instinct had told him that the gems were not real. He'd delved beneath the ground far too long to be fooled by such abundance. Gems did not sprout from walls so easily. Any that did, must be an illusion. And with that thought had come the realization that the gems did not appear to be solid.
*Faerie Glamour.*
So, he'd caught himself in time, grateful for the ointment that he'd smeared in his eyes and gone down the long staircase. He'd found the end of Alede's yarn where it had snagged on the limbs of a small bush made entirely of silver.
Or, rather what looked like silver.
A few paces away, he'd seen the other end tied around a huge bar of gold and had joined the two pieces back together.
The boat had nearly made him turn back. He didn't trust boats to begin with and enchanted boats were twice as bad. But he'd face an entire armada of enchanted boats if it meant getting Legolas back. So he'd carefully set his feet in its black bottom and cursing silently had crossed the dark lake.
As he climbed the hill now, all seemed silent in the vast lighted cavern ahead. Gimli crested the hill and beheld a huge clearing set with tables, heavily laden. Delicious smells wafted up to him and his stomach growled. He hadn't eaten too well in the last few days.
But he ignored the food and he ignored the glassy eyed elves sitting at the table. At the back of the clearing he saw his objective.
Legolas stood rigidly beside an enormous throne, obviously under enchantment. But as Gimli approached the throne, he heard a whisper of Legolas' mind. He'd shared song with the Elf once before, long ago and that strong, brilliant presence once again filled his head.
And there was no question what Legolas was trying to tell him.
*Get out! You are mortal! Get out!*
Gimli tried to send a few reassuring thoughts to his friend, but wasn't sure if Legolas believed him. Instead, he turned his attention to what was happening in front of the throne.
Elrohir knelt in front of it and a richly gowned maiden tended him in a parody of gentleness and concern.
"There, is that not better?" she crooned as she stroked Elrohir's face.
Elrohir wore only the singed remains of a tunic. His skin was red and blistered. But as Gimli approached, Elrohir stood and suddenly appeared to be clothed in fine garments.
*Faerie glamour again. Humph!* The Dwarf had had his fill of Faerie nonsense and he was certain that he wasn't through with it yet.
"Who are you that enters my kingdom unannounced?" the pale Queen asked, turning to the dwarf.
Gimli looked her over carefully, before sweeping her a bow. She was rail thin, with white hair, and cold calculating eyes. She was beautiful in an icy, superficial sort of way and Gimli's mouth nearly curled in disgust.
She was only a parody of beauty.
Gimli had seen the real thing. For a moment, the pure golden beauty of Galadriel filled his mind and his thoughts went racing back to the Lady of the Galadhrim. He would never be fooled by this cheep imitation. He only hoped that, in this case, he might do the fooling instead.
"I intend no disrespect, your Majesty. I am but your humble servant." Gimli bowed low and hoped that the Queen would not see through his polite deception.
This entire mission went against Dwarvin principals. He must be cunning where Dwarves were forthright. He must deceptive where he was honest.
He must be courageous.
But bravery came naturally to the stout dwarf, so that at least was no lie. He straightened and glanced at the enchanted eyes of his friend. Beneath their glassy depths, he saw the torture and the struggle. Resolutely, Gimli set his jaw and faced the role he must play.
"My humble servant?" The Faerie Queen repeated. "Indeed?" Her eyes sparkled with interest. "Tell me your name."
"I am Mr. Underhill," Gimli replied, bowing again. He heard a strangled noise from Legolas and gave him a sideways glance. The Elf stood as rigidly as before, but his mind took in everything. Gimli felt a breath of both amusement and alarm coming from his friend, knowing that Legolas remembered Frodo's own little deception with that name.
"Mr. Underhill," the Queen purred. "And why have you come?"
Gimli felt an odd little wind plucking at him at the mention of his fake name, but it seemed to find no purchase. He ignored it and delivered the biggest lie yet.
"I have come to see your beauty with my own eyes. For I have heard tales of your magnificence, oh Great Queen."
*YOU ARE BUT A COMMON GARDEN SNAKE COMPARED WITH THE REAL BEAUTY OF THE LADY GALADRIEL,* he thought furiously, but did not allow the emotions to show on his face.
"Really? And what do you think now that you have looked upon me?" the Queen asked, helpless to resist Gimli's flattery.
"Truly, you are the most beautiful of all women. Even the fairest of jewels fade when compared to you. I am enraptured," he improvised.
*YOU DISGUST ME, YOU COMMON TOAD! AND YOU'LL PAY FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO MY FRIEND!*
The Queen tittered happily, obviously pleased with Gimli's outrageous words. She gestured to a small hoary faerie standing nearby and the awful creature brought forth a small stool. Gimli sat down upon it warily.
"Tell me more," the Queen coaxed.
Gimli cleared his throat and rambled off a long stream of ridiculous lies about the Queen's loveliness. All the while he spoke, his eyes swept the cavern. Alede was nowhere to be seen and he feared that the wizardess might be dead. It would remain up to him to get Legolas and the others out of here.
Gimli stepped forward. "Please allow me, your Majesty, to present this tiny gift of my esteem and affection. It is a poor thing compared to your greatness, but it is the best that I can offer." Gimli pulled the golden collar out of his jerkin and bowed low before the Queen as he held it up.
The polished gold shone brilliantly in the cavern's light and the sapphires winked brightly.
The Queen smiled with pleasure and despite the warning that she felt in her cold heart, she reached out for the collar greedily.
"Ah, but wait!" Gimli said, snatching it back out of her reach. "Gaze into this mirror, so that you may see how it compliments your beauty, your Majesty." Gimli held up an intricately carved hand mirror, which he'd borrowed from one of the Elves' chambers back in Rivendell. Beside him, he was certain that Legolas was leaning forward eagerly. No doubt the prince knew of a faeries weakness for mirrors also. Gimli had read that little tidbit of information in the Elvin book.
Gimli brandished the mirror and caught the Queen's reflection. She gasped and caught up the mirror, enraptured by her own image.
"Allow me," Gimli said softly and stepping beside the Queen while she was occupied with her own face, he carefully fastened the exquisite collar around her skinny neck, carefully closing the clasp.
The mirror crashed to the floor shattering and the Queen screamed in sudden pain, clawing at her throat. The iron that had been cleverly disguised beneath the gold, burned and hissed against her pale skin.
Gimli stepped back on the dais and drew his double bladed axe.
"And now, 'your Majesty'," he mocked. "You will release all of the Elves and especially my friend here," he jerked his head in Legolas' direction, "and send them back to their own land unharmed and un-enchanted."
"Get this off of me! Deceiver! Get this off of me!" the Queen screamed.
Three Faerie knights raced up the dais to assist their queen. With a roar of fury and a mighty swing, Gimli cleaved the first one in two. The body fell to the floor, a bundle of dried wood. The other two knights leaped back out of the way.
"I do not jest!" Gimli roared. "Anyone who tries to aid you will be killed. Release all of the Elves and I will release you from the iron!"
*Alede! Alede!*
Gimli turned, hearing Legolas' panicked mind.
"Where is the wizardess?" Gimli turned back to the Queen.
"Gone! She is gone!" the Queen screeched, still clawing at the exquisite collar.
Gimli gave Legolas a troubled glance. If Alede was dead . . .
"Release the Elves," Gimli shouted once again. He'd have to deal with Legolas' grief later. For the moment his biggest concern was getting them out of Faerie.
"Release them!" he roared and since the Queen seemed to not be paying attention to him, he hefted his axe and brought it down on the corner of the throne. The ornate wood shattered, spilling the Queen to the floor. All around Gimli, Faeries cried out in dismay and Legolas staggered.
Elrohir appeared out of nowhere and made a grab at the fallen Queen, his face a mask of rage, but before he could reach her, he suddenly vanished. Gimli spun around and saw Elves surging to their feet from the long tables they had been seated with. They vanished with a tinkling of bright little lights and Faerie dust.
"Now release me," the Faerie Queen gurgled, struggling to her feet. "I have sent them back."
"You have not released my friend yet," Gimli said. Legolas had dropped to his knees beside the throne, his head bent.
But then the young prince rose to his feet and Gimli realized it was fatigue that had bowed his fair head, not enchantment.
"She has released me, my friend. Now get out of here! Upon your life, leave!" And then turning to the Queen, Legolas grabbed her by the throat, lifting her to her feet. The Queen's eyes bulged and she gasped unbecomingly.
"I am a dangerous enemy, 'your Majesty'. I would kill you just for what you did to me, but I will do much worse if the wizardess has come to harm."
To Gimli's astonishment, Legolas shook the Queen like a dog with a rat.
"WHERE IS SHE? BRING HER BACK! NOW!"
A sound unlike anything Gimli had ever heard before made the Dwarf whirl around. If a rock wall could vomit, it would make a sound such as this one. The stone contorted and puckered and then with an awful groan, it opened up and spat a form upon the floor.
"Check her," Legolas commanded Gimli, still holding the Queen by the throat, "and then get out of here. You are mortal. This land could kill you."
Gimli threw a sideways glance at his friend. He wasn't about to discuss the amulet in front of the choking Queen. He hurried over to the limp form and realized it was indeed Alede. She lay in a pool of slime, the chewed up remains of her staff all about her. As the dwarf reached her, Alede opened her eyes, groaned and struggled to sit up.
"She's alive," Gimli called to Legolas.
The Elf shook the Queen again. "Send them back to Rivendell, unharmed."
"I will send the others back," the Queen spat. "But the dwarf is mortal. I cannot change that. And I will not release you, my prince." Her face took on an ugly leer. "After all that you have done for me? I could not bear to let you go. You will remain with me forever!"
"NO!" Alede staggered to her feet and ran forward. "I offer myself in his stead!" She stumbled to the foot of the dais and fell to her knees. "Release Legolas and the Dwarf, send them back to Rivendell and I will stay willingly." Alede glanced up at Legolas and the look on her face nearly broke Gimli's heart. Any animosity he'd still held for her disappeared as he realized the depths of her emotions for his friend.
"You do not know what you are saying," Legolas shouted, nearly in a panic. He had to get Alede out of here! "You can not offer this!"
"Yes, I must. I read that much at least," she told Legolas desperately. He started to protest, but Alede turned back to the Queen. "I am Alede. According to the laws of your land you must accept a willing prisoner in exchange for their freedom."
"I will not allow you to do this, Alede," Legolas cried, shoving the Queen aside and stepping between them. He would protect Alede at any cost. Even if it meant . . .
"You have to leave. If not for your own sake, then for Gimli's!" Desperately, Alede turned to the Dwarf. "Get Legolas out of here!" she implored.
But the Dwarf needed no such urging. He saw their chance for escape and knew he must take it. Surely, once they were back in Rivendell they could all come up with a plan for rescuing the wizardess. But for right now, he had to get Legolas out of here.
He clamped onto Legolas' wrist just as Alede stepped around him and unclasped the Queen's golden collar.
"I release you. Now hold to your laws!" Alede said.
The Queen cackled as she grabbed a hold of her willing prisoner.
Legolas cried out in anger and desperation and started toward them, nearly breaking Gimli's grasp. But then suddenly a white light blinded them all. Gimli felt himself tumbling through the air and somehow managed to keep his hold on Legolas. The Elf was shouting and cursing, but Gimli could not make out what he was saying. Very likely he didn't want to know. Magic screamed in his ear and a sudden pain burned upon his chest. He seemed to be hurtling toward a dirt wall and then with a thump, he fell upon thick grass. Gimli blinked the sand out of his eyes and looked up. Bright stars winked at him.
Suddenly warm hands grabbed the front of his jerkin and hauled him to his feet.
"Gimli! Gimli, are you alright?!" Legolas shouted, his face filled with panic.
"I . . .," Gimli glanced down. He didn't feel as if he'd aged. His beard did not appear white in the dim starlight and he felt well enough. "I think I am well. I . . . ouch!" He had shifted a bit and something very sharp dug into his chest. "What the. . ."
Opening his jerkin, Gimli discovered the broken remains of Legolas' amulet. The bottle looked as if it had burst. Jagged bits of glass were buried in his skin and something itchy and painful rubbed inside a large wound.
Shouts suddenly distracted him and an entire hoard of Elves sprinted toward them.
"Here they are!"
"Legolas!"
"Nephew!"
"Master Gimli, are you all right?" It was Elladan who grasped the dwarf by the shoulders and Gimli realized that the ice gathering crew had returned. Legolas' uncle, Lomomir, was there, as well as Elrohir and all the other hapless Elves who'd been in the Faerie kingdom.
"Where is my daughter," Radagast asked as he too came running up to them.
Silence suddenly filled the clearing as Legolas turned gravely to the old wizard.
"She remained behind, Radagast. She willingly gave herself up for our freedom."
"No! NO! NOT MY LITTLE GIRL!"
Legolas stepped forward and caught Radagast as the old man stumbled. He held him in a tight embrace, feeling his own heart breaking while the wizard clung to him and shed heavy tears.
~ ~ ~
"I am here, my friend," Elrohir said quietly. "No one knows better than I, what you have been through. It would be well to talk to someone."
Legolas made a dismissive sound and continued to stare out over the valley.
"I was ready to gather an army and lead them down to wipe out the entire population of Faerie, until Elladan talked me out of it," Elrohir continued, trying to get a response from his stoical friend.
Legolas made no comment. Personally, he agreed with Elrohir's original plan. Wiping out the entire poisonous race of Faeries seemed like a very good idea.
One Faerie in particular.
"Legolas . . . "
"I am well, Elrohir. Do not be concerned. I will see you at the council." Because Legolas' gaze remained fixed on the valley, he did not see the look of concern on the older prince's face. But he heard Elrohir's sigh of defeat and listened to his quiet footsteps as he walked away.
Alone at last, Legolas slammed his fist against the balcony rail.
*Traitorous bitch! I should have killed her instead of playing games with her!*
That Alede was now at the mercy of the Faerie Queen made his heart wrench painfully. Never before had he realized just how deeply his emotions for the wizardess went. He had just barely realized that he loved her and wanted her in his life. But this situation made him feel as if his very soul had been torn from his breast. The thought that he might never see her again was so painful he could not even allow himself to think it.
*Why did Alede not listen to me!? Why did she sacrifice herself for me?!*
But he knew the answer to the last question. He would have done the same in her place.
*If I had the courage.*
Legolas lowered his head. What the Faerie Queen had done to him shook him to his core. He had never felt so used, so soiled, so angry, so . . . afraid. She'd taken hold of his mind and his will, robbing him of both. Only a tiny little portion of his soul had remained untouched to watch in horror as the Faerie Queen claimed his body for her own. He had tried to fight her, but had remained completely in her control. He'd felt more vulnerable than even the sea longing had ever made him.
*It is my own fault. I should not have taken off my amulet. I should have found another way to Faerie. I should have seen through the Queen's deception. In my recklessness, I endangered not only myself, but Gimli as well. And now Alede is . . .*
"Legolas . . ."
"Leave me be!" the Elf shouted, hearing Gimli behind him.
The Dwarf stopped, but did not leave.
"I am sorry, my friend," Legolas said in a gentler voice. "Please forgive my anger. It is not meant for you. But I need to be alone with my thoughts."
"Why?" Gimli asked. "So that you may continue to tear yourself apart? So that you may continue the abuse that the Queen started?"
"I do not know what you mean," Legolas replied shortly.
Gimli walked slowly up to the balcony and rested his elbows on it. He'd just spent the last couple of hours talking with Elladan, Lomomir and Radagast. He wasn't going to leave Legolas alone, despite the Elf's obvious fit of temper. Elladan had instructed him on how to help his friend as he had helped Elrohir. And help him he would, with or without Legolas' cooperation.
Closing his eyes, he concentrated on Legolas, on everything that his friend meant to him.
*I am here.*
Beside him, Legolas cried out softly, hearing the Dwarf's steady, ancient song. The Elf slowly sank to his knees.
"I did not know . . ." Legolas began, hesitantly, "that you could project your song so well."
"Humph! You never asked. Now then, you stubborn Elf, let us end what that bitch started . . ."
"Gimli . . ."
The Dwarf heard the soul deep sorrow and fear in his friend's voice. He simply nodded and sank down to sit upon his heals in front of Legolas, clasping the Elf's shoulders in his strong, calloused hands.
~ ~ ~
Above them, unseen and unheard, Radagast let out a grateful sigh. He watched as the Elf and the Dwarf leaned toward each other, their foreheads nearly touching. Legolas clung to his friend and wept tears of anger and betrayal.
Radagast liked Legolas. He thought he could easily come to love him as a son. It pained him to see one so noble and so true suffering. The Dwarf would help him past the abuse he'd endured, of that the wizard was certain. And then, if the Valar were with them . . .
*He will rescue my daughter. For I fear that I have not the strength to do it.*
~ ~ ~
A/N: And just how does one go about rescuing someone from the Faerie Queen? Can't use the same technique that Gimli did! ;) So . . . brush up on your Scottish Faerie tales and meet me back here next Friday! :D
I see lots of new reviewers out there. Thank you very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And to all of you who have been such faithful followers - I wish I could do something really nice for you, like maybe giving out Legolas clones or something. :D
Arwen brought up an interesting point about wanting to see this story filmed. Who would you have play the various roles? I'll admit that I was thinking of the Borg Queen from "Star Trek - First Contact" when I pictured the Faerie Queen, though obviously with hair, not gismos sticking out of her head. :D
But who would you chose for Radagast, Elrohir/Elladan, and my all time favorite character - King Thranduil?