Disclaimer: Unfortunately my surname is not Tolkien, and my name is not J.R.R., so I do not own any of these people, creatures, places, stuff, and most of the events that have happened in the Great Years.
Ôlion is mine though, he's supposed to be a good friend of Legolas in Mirkwood, and he expertly wields a sword. His name means dream-son.
The Ûn-fêr is also mine, the highest tree which Gollum liked to climb. It means the creature's beech-tree. (OK, lame, but never mind)
Author's note: Hmm, this chapter may seem a little gory for some of you. Those who can't stand it should ask an older person to summarise it for you. I apologise for any inconvenience caused.
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Chapter 4: Death
His bow sang with outrage, and the arrow hit right on target, piercing the orc's dark heart.
"Ôlion! Behind you!" Legolas had no chance to help his friend - the orcs were closing on him as well. Fitting another two arrows from his quiver Legolas slayed the next orcs that revealed themselves from their hiding places.
"Caun Legolas! Behind you as well!" Ôlion yelled as his sword beheaded one of the creatures and cleaved another's torso. Legolas' sharp elven ears had already detected them, but the orcs in front were already trouble enough. Finishing with the growling orc in front, he spun around and used his fitted arrow to pierce the first foe in his forehead, then swiftly used the same one to shoot the next.
Even though the two elves were outnumbered, it was clear that the orcs were losing the battle. With a crude word in the tongue of Mordor, the orc leader signalled retreat, and in a few seconds the vile creatures fled into the depths of Mirkwood.
The duo wearily trudged back to Thranduil's safe boundaries. Numerous injuries had been the price for that victory. Legolas was leaning on Ôlion, his clothes were torn - on his chest there was a long gash that bled sluggishly, not to mention a deep cut on his arm with some splinters in it. Ôlion was not far off either, his pale face had been bestowed with a slash and his back was suffering from a half-healed wound that had reopened in the strenuous battle.
They were greeted by anxious elves who immediately brought them to the healing houses, where their wounds were dressed and herbs were applied.
It was a good sixty-six years* after Legolas parted with Aragorn and Arwen, and trouble had been brewing in Middle-Earth, slowly but surely. Thranduil had summoned his son in haste, for Legolas was one of the more skilled elves in Mirkwood - the false image of temporary peace had made the elves of Thranduil's realm become lax in their training. Dol Guldur had become restless of late, foul fumes were in the air and orcs flourished and spread their forces, like termites from a nest.
The domain where Thranduil governed was struggling to be maintained - orcs had begun to attack the borders of the King's realm, and it was only barely that the boundaries of Northern Mirkwood could remain where they were.
Thranduil entered the healing house, and Legolas rose to greet his father, but could not help wincing when he bowed.
"How are your wounds?" Thranduil queried, glancing at the two elves.
"They aren't as bad as they look, sire, and they'll heal soon." Legolas tried to reassure his father, as he easily read the elven king's concealed anxiety.
"Nothing that the two of us can't handle, your majesty," piped Ôlion.
Thranduil gave a tight smile that showed he obviously was not comforted by their words, but questioned no further and addressed his son, "Legolas, you have visitors."
Legolas' face brightened and he asked, "Mithrandir?" *
"Aye," Thranduil replied, "And a mortal man with an ugly brute."
Puzzling over who it could be, Legolas exited the healing house, and walked towards the courtyard. There with the old wizard stood a strangely familiar rugged figure. Legolas could not believe his eyes.
"If you would stop gaping, Legolas, we would like you to come to the shade." Gandalf instructed.
At the mention of the prince's name, the rugged figure swivelled around with the same momentary astonishment, and then his handsome face broke into a grin.
"Legolas!"
"Estel!"
As Legolas drew near, elf and mortal studied each other. To Aragorn, Legolas looked as he was since the time he first knew him, but the sharp ranger's eyes did not miss the bandage on the latter's arm, and he looked up in concern for his friend.
To Legolas, Estel had changed much - the eyes of Aragorn were no longer youthful, they had become forlorn and tired, and much of the enthusiastic glimmer that once shone had now dimmed. Worries and care had creased his brows, had etched upon his face the weariness of Time. His eyes caught Aragorn's and he gently shook his head to tell his friend that he was alright.
Then Legolas considered the writhing creature Aragorn was holding at bay, the "ugly brute" his father had spoken of. 'What on earth is this?' Legolas thought, bewildered at the hissing captive.
It was very dirty, very wretched, and its large yellow eyes seemed to cover most of its face.
Gandalf saw Legolas' gaze shift, and solemnly said, "I need a favour of you, Legolas."
"I will do whatever is in my power to." Legolas replied - he still felt sorry about the way his father had treated Bilbo and his companions (even though they were dwarves). Ever since he had befriended the wizard, he felt necessary to be obliging to any favours Gandalf requested of him.
"What Aragorn is holding now is the creature Gollum. I need the Mirkwood elves to guard him, for he is a sneaky thing, yet try your best not to hurt him, for I still hold hope that he may one day return to sanity." Here Gandalf paused, thinking awhile, then said, "I'm afraid that it may be hard not to hurt him though - he is afraid of sunlight, and shies away from the elven touch."
"Should we... collar him?" Legolas asked, not liking the creature at all.
Gandalf pondered over this and replied, "Perhaps it would be necessary." At this, Legolas beckoned a couple of elven guards to bring Gollum away, to chain him, and bring him not to the dungeons, but to the shaded but protected areas of the forest.
"Now I shall take my leave to speak awhile with Thranduil, and perhaps the two of you may catch up with each other, before I return, for Aragorn must once again travel with me." Then Gandalf departed, and the two old friends spoke of the past years till late in the night.
When Gandalf finally returned, Legolas had to once more bid the wizard and ranger goodbye.
Two months after their visit, Legolas and his elven party brought Gollum out for his daily walk in the forest. The creature, as usual, was spitting and hissing at the disgruntled elves, and Legolas told them to bear with it, though they were very tempted to hurt him.
They came to the highest tree, the Ûn-fêr as it was now called, for Gollum liked to climb it, climb to the highest boughs and feel the wind under the leaves' shade. Legolas bade the guards to release Gollum, and the creature shot up the tree in a blur of ebony.
Legolas was about to ask who would take watch over the tree, when Ôlion and three other guards volunteered themselves.
"Caun Legolas," said Ôlion, "you have taken charge of most of the watches ever since Gollum came here. This job should never have been assigned to a prince anyway, let us do it."
Legolas returned a grateful smile, for he was indeed weary of the task, so the rest of the party and he strolled the forest together, relaxing in the summer breeze.
Legolas was sitting by a birch tree, gazing at the sky. Though it was summer, the night was moonless, and starless, but rather, cloudy.
Legolas saw it as an omen.
Which was quickly fulfilled.
"Yrch!" An urgent cry rang through the forest, signalling battle.
He jumped to his feet and the next thing he knew he was running to the source of the yell. Legolas quickly readied his bow, and it was fortunate he did, for the first one came from behind.
The arrow stuck itself in the orc's throat, instantly killing it. Three more attacked him, and with lightning speed he let his arrows meet their deadly targets.
By this time Legolas could see the other elves of his party struggling to fight the orcs, and there was a growing fear in his heart that the younger ones may not be able to handle the battle.
But he shoved the thought aside as he faced the more immediate problems. The relentless waves of orcs had repeatedly injured him, and had caused him to empty his quiver of arrows quickly. Soon after, he was reduced to fight with his long knife.
Then suddenly he heard a familiar voice cry out in pain, and Legolas panicked. Madly fighting through the orcs, slashing at their throats and driving the knife into their chests, he found his way to the Ûn-fêr.
As if on cue, the orcs retreated and disappeared as quickly as they came. Legolas ran towards the two crumpled figures at the foot of the tree. One guard was already slain, and as Legolas drew near he saw his childhood friend dying.
Ôlion's chest was mangled, his face bloodied. A pool of dark liquid was gathering at his side, seeping into the ground. But even in the face of death, Ôlion did not forget his duty.
"The orcs... took the creature... and the other elves... that way..." he whispered, every syllable an effort.
Legolas knelt before him, held his hand tight, and told Ôlion, "Speak no more. You're going to be just fine." With this, he yelled to the rest of the elves, "Someone find a healer!"
But Ôlion tugged at Legolas' hand weakly, saying, "I'm sorry, old friend... but my time is up. Take care, my... prince..." His lithe frame shuddered once, and then his eyes stared at Legolas, no longer seeing.
Legolas' vision was blurred with tears. He stood up with a grim resolution and beckoned the rest of the party to follow him.
"We must find Gollum while we still can." The elven prince broke into a run, white knife still drawn, towards the direction Ôlion last pointed to. He was running blindly, leading the rest with him - the only thing he wanted right then was revenge.
But suddenly two arms encircled him and pulled him back, just before he could step into a river that seemed darker than the raven night. +
"Caun Legolas, we cannot go there!" The older elf who saved him said.
"And why not?" Legolas spun around angrily.
The elves as one, sadly pointed towards the darkness ahead of them.
Legolas turned back, slowly calming down. Then, in an instant he understood that he had no power to fulfil the duty that Ôlion had died defending.
A sudden drizzle fell upon the discouraged party, and the raindrops fell upon Legolas' tear-stained face. He clenched his fists as he felt the rain descend, mixing itself with the blood of his reopened wound, trickling down his arm. Staining the soil red.
After a long while, he spoke again, his voice filled with grief and hatred.
"Dol Guldur."
Translations:
Caun - Prince Yrch - Orcs
* 50 years after the meeting of Aragorn and Arwen, Gandalf began his search for the creature Gollum, and called upon the help of Aragorn. Years after, they searched Middle-Earth - Anduin, Mirkwood, even the boundaries of Mordor, but at this point in time Gollum was captured into Mordor so they couldn't find him. 16 more years passed and Gollum was finally released, only to be captured by Aragorn this time.
I have assumed that Gandalf and Legolas must have known each other because of the former's dealings with Thranduil, and I believe that it was also why Legolas was chosen to be in the Fellowship (because Gandalf knew him) instead of a Rivendell elf.
+ The rivers near Dol Guldur are said to be poisoned and evil. And for those who don't know, Dol Guldur is where Sauron (the Necromancer) resides when he is in Mirkwood.
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Wow. Very long chapter. But as Jocelyn says, long chapters are seldom a bad thing =) Hope you guys liked it! And I think you probably can tell, it's not good to be a character in my stories - you either get lots of emotional trauma or else you die. Hmmm.
One more thing, a thousand apologies for the late and un-beta-ed chapter, for my editor has been busy and had advised me to post first. Not her fault though, and I'd like to advertise for her again (even though she still owes me 50 bucks): anyone who needs to beta your fic, go to Rogue Runaway! She's pretty good *grin*
Jocelyn - Hey, you reviewed about 10 minutes after I posted =) Heheh, I had to write the transitional chapter (Chapter 3) but this chapter is longer and I hope you like it *grin* Thanks for your reviews, they always spur me to write more!
KJGK - By the Valar! I love your review too :)
shopndrop85 - Thanks for the review, how's this chapter?
Emily - Wow! Thanks gal, you reviewed all the chapters! Really sweet of you =) Hope you review this one too!
TreeHugger - In truth I wrote this chapter write after the previous, just that my *ahem* editor took a certain *ahem* amount of time to edit it. In fact, she didn't have time to edit it in the end, but it's really not her fault... I reviewed in your fic that I wouldn't post but my editor advised me to post first, so here it is ;) I'm really glad you reviewed =) and you're welcome for the advert ;) May the stars shine upon you too!
Jevvica - Next chapter: Gimli makes an appearance! =) Sorry for the wait... I had to put it these two chapters first... But I really appreciate all the times you've been reviewing my chapters... please review this too *beam*! Thank you!
littlefish - You write absolutely lovely reviews! I always wait to hear from you, I never fail to be pleased *beam* Well, this chapter is longer and I hope you like it! I'm going to camp for the week and I'm running out of inspiration so pardon me if the next chapter may be long in coming as well... But please continue to review! Thanks!
beckaroo - Well... Unless your fic is NC-17 or R, I will definitely review :), hope you post soon and hope you review this chapter too! =)
Ôlion is mine though, he's supposed to be a good friend of Legolas in Mirkwood, and he expertly wields a sword. His name means dream-son.
The Ûn-fêr is also mine, the highest tree which Gollum liked to climb. It means the creature's beech-tree. (OK, lame, but never mind)
Author's note: Hmm, this chapter may seem a little gory for some of you. Those who can't stand it should ask an older person to summarise it for you. I apologise for any inconvenience caused.
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Chapter 4: Death
His bow sang with outrage, and the arrow hit right on target, piercing the orc's dark heart.
"Ôlion! Behind you!" Legolas had no chance to help his friend - the orcs were closing on him as well. Fitting another two arrows from his quiver Legolas slayed the next orcs that revealed themselves from their hiding places.
"Caun Legolas! Behind you as well!" Ôlion yelled as his sword beheaded one of the creatures and cleaved another's torso. Legolas' sharp elven ears had already detected them, but the orcs in front were already trouble enough. Finishing with the growling orc in front, he spun around and used his fitted arrow to pierce the first foe in his forehead, then swiftly used the same one to shoot the next.
Even though the two elves were outnumbered, it was clear that the orcs were losing the battle. With a crude word in the tongue of Mordor, the orc leader signalled retreat, and in a few seconds the vile creatures fled into the depths of Mirkwood.
The duo wearily trudged back to Thranduil's safe boundaries. Numerous injuries had been the price for that victory. Legolas was leaning on Ôlion, his clothes were torn - on his chest there was a long gash that bled sluggishly, not to mention a deep cut on his arm with some splinters in it. Ôlion was not far off either, his pale face had been bestowed with a slash and his back was suffering from a half-healed wound that had reopened in the strenuous battle.
They were greeted by anxious elves who immediately brought them to the healing houses, where their wounds were dressed and herbs were applied.
It was a good sixty-six years* after Legolas parted with Aragorn and Arwen, and trouble had been brewing in Middle-Earth, slowly but surely. Thranduil had summoned his son in haste, for Legolas was one of the more skilled elves in Mirkwood - the false image of temporary peace had made the elves of Thranduil's realm become lax in their training. Dol Guldur had become restless of late, foul fumes were in the air and orcs flourished and spread their forces, like termites from a nest.
The domain where Thranduil governed was struggling to be maintained - orcs had begun to attack the borders of the King's realm, and it was only barely that the boundaries of Northern Mirkwood could remain where they were.
Thranduil entered the healing house, and Legolas rose to greet his father, but could not help wincing when he bowed.
"How are your wounds?" Thranduil queried, glancing at the two elves.
"They aren't as bad as they look, sire, and they'll heal soon." Legolas tried to reassure his father, as he easily read the elven king's concealed anxiety.
"Nothing that the two of us can't handle, your majesty," piped Ôlion.
Thranduil gave a tight smile that showed he obviously was not comforted by their words, but questioned no further and addressed his son, "Legolas, you have visitors."
Legolas' face brightened and he asked, "Mithrandir?" *
"Aye," Thranduil replied, "And a mortal man with an ugly brute."
Puzzling over who it could be, Legolas exited the healing house, and walked towards the courtyard. There with the old wizard stood a strangely familiar rugged figure. Legolas could not believe his eyes.
"If you would stop gaping, Legolas, we would like you to come to the shade." Gandalf instructed.
At the mention of the prince's name, the rugged figure swivelled around with the same momentary astonishment, and then his handsome face broke into a grin.
"Legolas!"
"Estel!"
As Legolas drew near, elf and mortal studied each other. To Aragorn, Legolas looked as he was since the time he first knew him, but the sharp ranger's eyes did not miss the bandage on the latter's arm, and he looked up in concern for his friend.
To Legolas, Estel had changed much - the eyes of Aragorn were no longer youthful, they had become forlorn and tired, and much of the enthusiastic glimmer that once shone had now dimmed. Worries and care had creased his brows, had etched upon his face the weariness of Time. His eyes caught Aragorn's and he gently shook his head to tell his friend that he was alright.
Then Legolas considered the writhing creature Aragorn was holding at bay, the "ugly brute" his father had spoken of. 'What on earth is this?' Legolas thought, bewildered at the hissing captive.
It was very dirty, very wretched, and its large yellow eyes seemed to cover most of its face.
Gandalf saw Legolas' gaze shift, and solemnly said, "I need a favour of you, Legolas."
"I will do whatever is in my power to." Legolas replied - he still felt sorry about the way his father had treated Bilbo and his companions (even though they were dwarves). Ever since he had befriended the wizard, he felt necessary to be obliging to any favours Gandalf requested of him.
"What Aragorn is holding now is the creature Gollum. I need the Mirkwood elves to guard him, for he is a sneaky thing, yet try your best not to hurt him, for I still hold hope that he may one day return to sanity." Here Gandalf paused, thinking awhile, then said, "I'm afraid that it may be hard not to hurt him though - he is afraid of sunlight, and shies away from the elven touch."
"Should we... collar him?" Legolas asked, not liking the creature at all.
Gandalf pondered over this and replied, "Perhaps it would be necessary." At this, Legolas beckoned a couple of elven guards to bring Gollum away, to chain him, and bring him not to the dungeons, but to the shaded but protected areas of the forest.
"Now I shall take my leave to speak awhile with Thranduil, and perhaps the two of you may catch up with each other, before I return, for Aragorn must once again travel with me." Then Gandalf departed, and the two old friends spoke of the past years till late in the night.
When Gandalf finally returned, Legolas had to once more bid the wizard and ranger goodbye.
Two months after their visit, Legolas and his elven party brought Gollum out for his daily walk in the forest. The creature, as usual, was spitting and hissing at the disgruntled elves, and Legolas told them to bear with it, though they were very tempted to hurt him.
They came to the highest tree, the Ûn-fêr as it was now called, for Gollum liked to climb it, climb to the highest boughs and feel the wind under the leaves' shade. Legolas bade the guards to release Gollum, and the creature shot up the tree in a blur of ebony.
Legolas was about to ask who would take watch over the tree, when Ôlion and three other guards volunteered themselves.
"Caun Legolas," said Ôlion, "you have taken charge of most of the watches ever since Gollum came here. This job should never have been assigned to a prince anyway, let us do it."
Legolas returned a grateful smile, for he was indeed weary of the task, so the rest of the party and he strolled the forest together, relaxing in the summer breeze.
Legolas was sitting by a birch tree, gazing at the sky. Though it was summer, the night was moonless, and starless, but rather, cloudy.
Legolas saw it as an omen.
Which was quickly fulfilled.
"Yrch!" An urgent cry rang through the forest, signalling battle.
He jumped to his feet and the next thing he knew he was running to the source of the yell. Legolas quickly readied his bow, and it was fortunate he did, for the first one came from behind.
The arrow stuck itself in the orc's throat, instantly killing it. Three more attacked him, and with lightning speed he let his arrows meet their deadly targets.
By this time Legolas could see the other elves of his party struggling to fight the orcs, and there was a growing fear in his heart that the younger ones may not be able to handle the battle.
But he shoved the thought aside as he faced the more immediate problems. The relentless waves of orcs had repeatedly injured him, and had caused him to empty his quiver of arrows quickly. Soon after, he was reduced to fight with his long knife.
Then suddenly he heard a familiar voice cry out in pain, and Legolas panicked. Madly fighting through the orcs, slashing at their throats and driving the knife into their chests, he found his way to the Ûn-fêr.
As if on cue, the orcs retreated and disappeared as quickly as they came. Legolas ran towards the two crumpled figures at the foot of the tree. One guard was already slain, and as Legolas drew near he saw his childhood friend dying.
Ôlion's chest was mangled, his face bloodied. A pool of dark liquid was gathering at his side, seeping into the ground. But even in the face of death, Ôlion did not forget his duty.
"The orcs... took the creature... and the other elves... that way..." he whispered, every syllable an effort.
Legolas knelt before him, held his hand tight, and told Ôlion, "Speak no more. You're going to be just fine." With this, he yelled to the rest of the elves, "Someone find a healer!"
But Ôlion tugged at Legolas' hand weakly, saying, "I'm sorry, old friend... but my time is up. Take care, my... prince..." His lithe frame shuddered once, and then his eyes stared at Legolas, no longer seeing.
Legolas' vision was blurred with tears. He stood up with a grim resolution and beckoned the rest of the party to follow him.
"We must find Gollum while we still can." The elven prince broke into a run, white knife still drawn, towards the direction Ôlion last pointed to. He was running blindly, leading the rest with him - the only thing he wanted right then was revenge.
But suddenly two arms encircled him and pulled him back, just before he could step into a river that seemed darker than the raven night. +
"Caun Legolas, we cannot go there!" The older elf who saved him said.
"And why not?" Legolas spun around angrily.
The elves as one, sadly pointed towards the darkness ahead of them.
Legolas turned back, slowly calming down. Then, in an instant he understood that he had no power to fulfil the duty that Ôlion had died defending.
A sudden drizzle fell upon the discouraged party, and the raindrops fell upon Legolas' tear-stained face. He clenched his fists as he felt the rain descend, mixing itself with the blood of his reopened wound, trickling down his arm. Staining the soil red.
After a long while, he spoke again, his voice filled with grief and hatred.
"Dol Guldur."
Translations:
Caun - Prince Yrch - Orcs
* 50 years after the meeting of Aragorn and Arwen, Gandalf began his search for the creature Gollum, and called upon the help of Aragorn. Years after, they searched Middle-Earth - Anduin, Mirkwood, even the boundaries of Mordor, but at this point in time Gollum was captured into Mordor so they couldn't find him. 16 more years passed and Gollum was finally released, only to be captured by Aragorn this time.
I have assumed that Gandalf and Legolas must have known each other because of the former's dealings with Thranduil, and I believe that it was also why Legolas was chosen to be in the Fellowship (because Gandalf knew him) instead of a Rivendell elf.
+ The rivers near Dol Guldur are said to be poisoned and evil. And for those who don't know, Dol Guldur is where Sauron (the Necromancer) resides when he is in Mirkwood.
________________________________________________________________
Wow. Very long chapter. But as Jocelyn says, long chapters are seldom a bad thing =) Hope you guys liked it! And I think you probably can tell, it's not good to be a character in my stories - you either get lots of emotional trauma or else you die. Hmmm.
One more thing, a thousand apologies for the late and un-beta-ed chapter, for my editor has been busy and had advised me to post first. Not her fault though, and I'd like to advertise for her again (even though she still owes me 50 bucks): anyone who needs to beta your fic, go to Rogue Runaway! She's pretty good *grin*
Jocelyn - Hey, you reviewed about 10 minutes after I posted =) Heheh, I had to write the transitional chapter (Chapter 3) but this chapter is longer and I hope you like it *grin* Thanks for your reviews, they always spur me to write more!
KJGK - By the Valar! I love your review too :)
shopndrop85 - Thanks for the review, how's this chapter?
Emily - Wow! Thanks gal, you reviewed all the chapters! Really sweet of you =) Hope you review this one too!
TreeHugger - In truth I wrote this chapter write after the previous, just that my *ahem* editor took a certain *ahem* amount of time to edit it. In fact, she didn't have time to edit it in the end, but it's really not her fault... I reviewed in your fic that I wouldn't post but my editor advised me to post first, so here it is ;) I'm really glad you reviewed =) and you're welcome for the advert ;) May the stars shine upon you too!
Jevvica - Next chapter: Gimli makes an appearance! =) Sorry for the wait... I had to put it these two chapters first... But I really appreciate all the times you've been reviewing my chapters... please review this too *beam*! Thank you!
littlefish - You write absolutely lovely reviews! I always wait to hear from you, I never fail to be pleased *beam* Well, this chapter is longer and I hope you like it! I'm going to camp for the week and I'm running out of inspiration so pardon me if the next chapter may be long in coming as well... But please continue to review! Thanks!
beckaroo - Well... Unless your fic is NC-17 or R, I will definitely review :), hope you post soon and hope you review this chapter too! =)