Author's Notes:
Sweet mother of BOB, forgive me, guys! This chapter is really odd, mostly because it is seriously rushed. Aragorn and Legolas go through emotion changes in one day that would normally occur over a few weeks' time! I would just like to apologize now for the questionable writing. Just imagine it's really happening over a week or so, ok?? Again, I'm sorry~!
**AFTER THIS, ONE MORE CHAPTER LEFT**
You know, I was reconsidering the character death thing, but I think I'll stick to my original plot and kill off the character in the next chapter. Whoooohoo that'll be fun to write. MWAAHHAHAHAA! Ahem, ok read on!
(cough cough - do we sense some foreshadowing in this chapter as to who will die? Hmmmmm =Þ)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 5: Unbroken
*** * ***
Sweat ran down Aragorn's face as he struggled to defend himself against the Uruk-hai. Chaos reigned around him as the forces of Sauron closed in around Gondor. The sky was blackened with ravens and the land was blackened with beasts. The hordes surged forward, tearing at walls and people alike, as if both were nothing but cloth.
All around him, Aragorn could see his warriors being struck down by scythes and broadswords. Others fell to the arrows that rained down on them. So many were already dead or dying. Countless many.
People, men and women alike, fell lifeless to the ground by the already lifeless stone chunks of stone that used to be the great wall of Gondor. All this Aragorn watched - as best he could while fighting so many at one time. It was useless. There was no escape.
He wielded his ancient sword with speed and skill rare in Middle- Earth, but the Uruk-hai slain by that blade were always replaced. Aragorn thrust his sword into the chest of one creature, then swung it down lower to cut another's feet from under him.
Suddenly, he felt a sensation that was oddly numbing. His breath left him as he saw the arrow that bloomed from his chest. As he felt the life slipping from him, the only rational thing he could think of was Legolas, who was probably sailing westward that very moment.
~Why, Legolas?~
To his surprise, he felt no anger, no respite - only grief that he was forced to lose his people, his life and his most valued friendship. Ironic -
Aragorn could feel the tears sliding his face, and he didn't care. He felt the strength seeping from him, draining out through the hole in his body the arrow had created.
~I'm so sorry~
Iluvitar, how it hurt. The physical pain was nothing - his soul, however, was entrenched in a deep pit of despair. The waters of that abyss sucked him down, dragged him further into the helpless darkness.
~Forigve me, Legolas~
Estel fought as long as his failing body would permit, as long as his grieving soul would allow. They didn't allow it for very long.
His heartbeat slowed and faded in his chest as Anduril sang its final song.
*** * ***
Aragorn shot up in bed, a trickle of sweat sliding down his face. His breath came hard as the nightmare was still vivid in his mind. With a heavy sigh, he held his head in his hands and waited for his heartbeat to steady.
"Aragorn?"
He turned to see Arwen sitting up slowly, awakened by the sudden movement. She was looking at him with concern engraved deeply in her eyes. How he hated to see her worry for him - it gave her grief he wished he could take for himself
~As if I don't have enough for myself~ he thought bitterly.
"Aragorn, what troubles you so late at night?" her voice was soft.
He ran a hand through his damp hair and met her eyes. "It is nothing, do not concern yourself, Arwen." He knew she didn't believe him, but he thanked the Valar when she nodded and lay back down. He was grateful that his beloved knew when to push things and when to let things be.
Aragorn lay back down and welcomed the touch when Arwen snuggled up against him. Instead of falling back asleep, however, he let his thoughts wander.
~If that nightmare will be reality, then Gondor is truly lost~
He felt a raw pain tearing at him as he remembered the feeling he had in his dream concerning Legolas. Aragorn closed his eyes. ~Forget my foolish pride. If I am to die here, then I will not die without Legolas' friendship~
~~~~***~~~~~
Only an hour after the sun had risen, Aragorn was up and watching the pathways from his high window.
"Ride hard," he whispered to himself as he watched the messenger ride out through the gates of Gondor towards Mirkwood carrying a precious letter.
~Legolas
If I could reverse time, I would gladly do so, even at the expense of my life. Fiery words spoken by my fiery tongue have proved my downfall, as you have probably noticed. I should have been more understanding towards you and your people. My words were spoken in pride and irrationality, but that does not release me from fault. I fear an apology - not even a thousand apologies - will never suffice to mend what I have said to you. Only understand that I do not think you, nor your people traitorous - you are all much braver and loyal than I.
I will die within the month, I think. The Uruk-hai will be here soon and I am not sure I am ready to face them, especially without you. Do not let that concern you overmuch, though. I will not deny that I desperately wish for your presence here, but I will not be selfish. I truly hope your journey to the Havens is a joyous one and that you don't think too badly upon me, my brother. I do not know if I have yours, but only know you will always and forever have my friendship.
Peace be with you, Legolas. Remember me.
~Estel
The last of the ships were built and anchored on the shore. The giant white sails billowed in the morning breeze as they caught the bright radiance of the sun. They seemed to beckon to the stationary figure on the pebbled beach.
Legolas watched the hustle of the Mirkwood elves as they loaded what little they brought with them into the cabins below deck. He watched as the shores became barer as one by one, the elves boarded the great ships. He watched until, at last, he was the only one still touching the land.
"Legolas!" laughed Gildurin from the railing, "You will be left behind if you don't hurry, and I won't be the one to come back and fetch you!"
Legolas smiled, though it did not touch his eyes. He raised one hand in response and yelled, "Don't worry yourself, my friend, I'll come in a minute."
"Oh, no, you won't, you're coming now," chided Thranduil as he made his way back down the ramp and positioned himself in front of his son. His voice turned quiet. "Come Legolas. It is time."
The young elf nodded and made to follow his father as he turned to head back up the wooden ramp. He could not stop himself from pausing and looking behind him, as if hoping for something lost. ~Don't be foolish - you won't see Aragorn again. Forget it~ Forcing down the wave of sadness that descended upon him , he boarded the vessel that would take him away from Middle-Earth and away from Aragorn.
~*~*~*~*~
Legolas closed his eyes and tilted his face into the salty spray. He slender hands grasped the smooth railing and his feet were seemingly anchored to the deck. He had not felt so satisfied in a long while - to feel the rush of the sea was a joy he had not known existed before now. But there was something there in the pit of his stomach that interrupted his content. The nagging sense of loss from he and Estel's broken friendship gnawed at him ever more. The thought of what he was leaving behind made him feel almost sick. Suddenly, the exhilarating salt from the seawater was like acid on his tongue. The excitement of the sea faded from his mind. Sighing, he dropped his hands from the rail and turned away from the waters. It was suddenly not so appealing.
Instead, he leaned his back on the railing and stroked his bow that was still in his hands. He remembered when he had given Aragorn his first archery lesson and smiled at the memory. Their meeting was a fine one, and an even finer feast afterwards. His hands ran over smooth, curved wood with an unconscious content.
Suddenly, his fingers felt something rough on the smooth surface of the bow. Curious, he turned it over and looked closer. Words were engraved there - words that had long slipped from his mind and his memory. But now, he saw them with a clarity he had not known before as the words blazed in his eyes like fire. ~Estel of Rivendell~
~*~*~*~Flashback~*~*~*~
The sky was a painter's pallet, swabbed with blues, pinks, and reds. The sun waved her last farewells as the horizon welcomed her into its embrace. The trees that surrounded Imladris were calm and quiet as night descended upon them. Two figures were silhouetted against the dusk sky.
Aragorn perched comfortably on the thick limb on a giant oak. He glanced at Legolas who was balancing easily on a thinner branch further out from the trunk. The man was sometimes envious of the elf's nimble agility.
"Come, Legolas, before you fall and break something. I won't be the one to scrape you off the dirt," said Aragorn playfully.
The Prince of Mirkwood stood up on the thin branch, if only to show his friend he would not fall. He rolled his eyes. "Fine, but only for your peace of mind." Then, in two graceful bounds, he landed lightly beside Aragorn and sat himself down. Long minutes of silence followed, the two companions lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Aragorn voiced the question that was on both their minds.
His voice was distant when he broke the tranquil silence. "Do you think we will survive this quest, Legolas?"
Legolas glanced at his friend from the corner of his eye. He was surprised sometimes - Aragorn had grown rapidly in the years since he found out about his heritage. Many seasons had passed since then, but still, no matter what Aragorn went through, he sometimes still sounded so incredibly vulnerable.
"I have no doubt that we will, my friend."
Aragorn smiled. "I'm glad you think so, but still -" Then the smile left his face and a look of foreboding appeared in its place. "Even though our fellowship is a strong one, I have not your confidence, I am afraid." He turned to face Legolas. "I know this seems odd to you, but -" he grew quiet.
"What Aragorn?" inquired Legolas, peering closer at Aragorn's troubled eyes.
"Legolas - " Aragorn calmed himself. "I know not what we will face, only that danger will be at every turn. If one of us should fall, I want you to know you are like a brother to me, and it will always be that way."
Legolas stared for a moment. He had always known that he and the Ranger shared a strong friendship, but Aragorn was normally not that blunt. Before he could find a decent reply, Aragorn spoke first.
"Here, Legolas," Aragorn reached across and closed the elf's fingers around the smooth object.
Legolas stared at the bow in his hands in shock. Wordlessly, he traced the fine weapon and gazed in awe at the craftsmanship. His fingers traced the small words engraved in the wood. ~Estel of Rivendell~ He eyes darted up to meet those of his friend, who was looking at him quietly.
"Estel, I cannot accept this. This was a gift from your brothers, and I know how much you treasure it. I could not possibly -" Aragorn's wave of dismissal silenced him.
"Oh, do stop. I want you to have it," he smiled encouragingly. "This way, if are ever separated or if something happens to me, you will remember our friendship and have hope."
Legolas was speechless and gawked for several minutes. Finally, he snapped from his surprised daze and, smiling suddenly, grasped Aragorn's forearm. The human returned the gesture. No more words were exchanged, nor were any needed. A silent, but clear understanding passed between them - a bond stronger than iron bands and steel springs was expressed that night as the last rays of light faded from the air.
~*~*~*~Flashback Ended~*~*~*~
Legolas stood there as the sea breeze brushed against his face, staring at the weapon in his hands. The sudden realization of his mistake slammed into him with all the power of a giant sledgehammer. A million thoughts raced through his mind as he struggled to fight his inner thoughts. The longer he gazed at that bow, the more his anger and stubbornness faded from him. In their place, self-disgust and regret arose, as well as a guilt so deep it burned him from the inside. The memories of their friendship and the bond they had shared that night - and all the nights after - came back to him in an endless flood. Finally, as he clutched the bow tighter in his hands, the pride and anger that had so recently flowed violently through his veins dissipated into nothingness. It was hard for him to believe that one object - one symbol of he and Aragorn's friendship - could so completely change reverse his feelings
He sighed despairingly. That one simple memory blew his mind away and practically forced anything negative from his head.
~I am such a fool. How could I let something so trivial as selfish pride take me away from a friend who needs me? Fool!~
Growling in self-contempt, he tried in vain to steady his nerves. Finally, he was able to loosen his grip on Aragorn's bow. He traced the inscription again and his eyes turned sad, and mournful regret clouded his blue eyes.
~Forgive me, Estel~
Legolas lifted his eyes from the weapon and gazed towards land that was swiftly fading from his view. He was here while Aragorn was in Gondor about to face something he could not win. This was not right - could not be right. Legolas slammed his fist into the wooden planking below the rail.
~I should be with him!~
He clutched the railing of the great ship so hard his knuckles turned white. Helplessness invaded his senses as he sank to his knees. They were already on their way to the Havens and it would only be a matter of days before the Uruk-hai reached Gondor's walls. -And all he could do was sit here as he sailed away from his best friend, as he abandoned his brother to certain death. Legolas rested his forehead against the wood. There was nothing he could do -
~Or is there?~
Legolas' fingers dug into the soft wood of the deck as determination ignited in him like some lost flame. He held Estel's bow to his chest protectively as he stood. His eyes were hard and set with a goal he had to achieve.
~I will come~
He turned and spotted his father close by. As he approached the elder, Thranduil noticed the change in the atmosphere surrounding his son.
"Legolas? Does something trouble you?"
Legolas's voice was determined and set, "Ada - we must turn back."
Thranduil stared.
"Are you insane? We've already left Middle-Earth's shores! To turn back would cause a riot on these ships! I will not have our people hating their own leaders! Besides, I -" Thranduil's voice trailed off as he caught the fire in his son's eyes. They burned with such intensity, the King himself found himself speechless.
He sighed. "Legolas - I do not know. I'm not sure if this is such a good idea. The people will not like it."
Legolas took a step closer to his doubtful father. "Ada, please. The people will listen to you - they trust you. If you tell them to turn back, they will turn back," he said quietly, almost pleadingly. He met his father's eyes. "He needs me.."
He needs me. His son's words repeated in his head. The passion and sincerity behind those simple words were stunning. He knew in his heart that if he refused to turn back, Legolas would either jump overboard and swim back to shore or would be deeply depressed for all his days. Thranduil sighed again. No matter how irrational Legolas was at times, he could not deny his only child.
"Fine, Legolas - it will be as you wish. We will turn back."
A look of relief broke upon Legolas' face. He bowed his head in full respect. :"Thank you, ada." With those words, he turned and disappeared into the cabins below.
Thranduil was left standing on the deck, spent. ~It will by a wonderful pleasure telling everyone we're going to war~ Sighing for the third time, he went with hesitance to address his people. ." ~I'm lucky I only had one child. Another one would kill me~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Legolas stood at the front of the deck, his eyes bright. Somehow, his father had managed to convince all of Mirkwood's former inhabitants to approve of turning back. How he had done it, Legolas would never know, but he trusted his father with everything in him. He had never been more grateful.
Thranduil had organized it all, really. The three ships would all head back to Mirkwood to retrieve all armor and weaponry left behind. Legolas, however, would, once on shore, head elsewhere. Aragorn's words came back to him.
~~ "Imladris and Lorien are fading, there are hardly any left there to make any army at all. My father would send all that he could, but even he is growing wary of battles and of Middle-Earth. I would never wish to cause him more grief. Rohan, even after all these years, is still recovering from Helm's Deep. The men lost and the emotional scars gained will keep them from wanting to fight another war any time soon. Gimli's kin. his personal alliance with us was only because of the Quest. The rest of his kind do not look so affectionately upon Humans or Elves, and you know they would not willingly come."~~
Legolas smiled to himself despite the desperate haste he was in.
~We shall see, my friend. Forgive me, Estel, for I shall be a little late. I have some persuading to do~
The Prince of Mirkwood leaned forward into the wild spray, silently urging the ships to greater speeds.
~I am coming~
Another one done!! Like I said before, VERY RUSHED, but bear with me, mdears! One more chapter to go!
Sweet mother of BOB, forgive me, guys! This chapter is really odd, mostly because it is seriously rushed. Aragorn and Legolas go through emotion changes in one day that would normally occur over a few weeks' time! I would just like to apologize now for the questionable writing. Just imagine it's really happening over a week or so, ok?? Again, I'm sorry~!
**AFTER THIS, ONE MORE CHAPTER LEFT**
You know, I was reconsidering the character death thing, but I think I'll stick to my original plot and kill off the character in the next chapter. Whoooohoo that'll be fun to write. MWAAHHAHAHAA! Ahem, ok read on!
(cough cough - do we sense some foreshadowing in this chapter as to who will die? Hmmmmm =Þ)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 5: Unbroken
*** * ***
Sweat ran down Aragorn's face as he struggled to defend himself against the Uruk-hai. Chaos reigned around him as the forces of Sauron closed in around Gondor. The sky was blackened with ravens and the land was blackened with beasts. The hordes surged forward, tearing at walls and people alike, as if both were nothing but cloth.
All around him, Aragorn could see his warriors being struck down by scythes and broadswords. Others fell to the arrows that rained down on them. So many were already dead or dying. Countless many.
People, men and women alike, fell lifeless to the ground by the already lifeless stone chunks of stone that used to be the great wall of Gondor. All this Aragorn watched - as best he could while fighting so many at one time. It was useless. There was no escape.
He wielded his ancient sword with speed and skill rare in Middle- Earth, but the Uruk-hai slain by that blade were always replaced. Aragorn thrust his sword into the chest of one creature, then swung it down lower to cut another's feet from under him.
Suddenly, he felt a sensation that was oddly numbing. His breath left him as he saw the arrow that bloomed from his chest. As he felt the life slipping from him, the only rational thing he could think of was Legolas, who was probably sailing westward that very moment.
~Why, Legolas?~
To his surprise, he felt no anger, no respite - only grief that he was forced to lose his people, his life and his most valued friendship. Ironic -
Aragorn could feel the tears sliding his face, and he didn't care. He felt the strength seeping from him, draining out through the hole in his body the arrow had created.
~I'm so sorry~
Iluvitar, how it hurt. The physical pain was nothing - his soul, however, was entrenched in a deep pit of despair. The waters of that abyss sucked him down, dragged him further into the helpless darkness.
~Forigve me, Legolas~
Estel fought as long as his failing body would permit, as long as his grieving soul would allow. They didn't allow it for very long.
His heartbeat slowed and faded in his chest as Anduril sang its final song.
*** * ***
Aragorn shot up in bed, a trickle of sweat sliding down his face. His breath came hard as the nightmare was still vivid in his mind. With a heavy sigh, he held his head in his hands and waited for his heartbeat to steady.
"Aragorn?"
He turned to see Arwen sitting up slowly, awakened by the sudden movement. She was looking at him with concern engraved deeply in her eyes. How he hated to see her worry for him - it gave her grief he wished he could take for himself
~As if I don't have enough for myself~ he thought bitterly.
"Aragorn, what troubles you so late at night?" her voice was soft.
He ran a hand through his damp hair and met her eyes. "It is nothing, do not concern yourself, Arwen." He knew she didn't believe him, but he thanked the Valar when she nodded and lay back down. He was grateful that his beloved knew when to push things and when to let things be.
Aragorn lay back down and welcomed the touch when Arwen snuggled up against him. Instead of falling back asleep, however, he let his thoughts wander.
~If that nightmare will be reality, then Gondor is truly lost~
He felt a raw pain tearing at him as he remembered the feeling he had in his dream concerning Legolas. Aragorn closed his eyes. ~Forget my foolish pride. If I am to die here, then I will not die without Legolas' friendship~
~~~~***~~~~~
Only an hour after the sun had risen, Aragorn was up and watching the pathways from his high window.
"Ride hard," he whispered to himself as he watched the messenger ride out through the gates of Gondor towards Mirkwood carrying a precious letter.
~Legolas
If I could reverse time, I would gladly do so, even at the expense of my life. Fiery words spoken by my fiery tongue have proved my downfall, as you have probably noticed. I should have been more understanding towards you and your people. My words were spoken in pride and irrationality, but that does not release me from fault. I fear an apology - not even a thousand apologies - will never suffice to mend what I have said to you. Only understand that I do not think you, nor your people traitorous - you are all much braver and loyal than I.
I will die within the month, I think. The Uruk-hai will be here soon and I am not sure I am ready to face them, especially without you. Do not let that concern you overmuch, though. I will not deny that I desperately wish for your presence here, but I will not be selfish. I truly hope your journey to the Havens is a joyous one and that you don't think too badly upon me, my brother. I do not know if I have yours, but only know you will always and forever have my friendship.
Peace be with you, Legolas. Remember me.
~Estel
The last of the ships were built and anchored on the shore. The giant white sails billowed in the morning breeze as they caught the bright radiance of the sun. They seemed to beckon to the stationary figure on the pebbled beach.
Legolas watched the hustle of the Mirkwood elves as they loaded what little they brought with them into the cabins below deck. He watched as the shores became barer as one by one, the elves boarded the great ships. He watched until, at last, he was the only one still touching the land.
"Legolas!" laughed Gildurin from the railing, "You will be left behind if you don't hurry, and I won't be the one to come back and fetch you!"
Legolas smiled, though it did not touch his eyes. He raised one hand in response and yelled, "Don't worry yourself, my friend, I'll come in a minute."
"Oh, no, you won't, you're coming now," chided Thranduil as he made his way back down the ramp and positioned himself in front of his son. His voice turned quiet. "Come Legolas. It is time."
The young elf nodded and made to follow his father as he turned to head back up the wooden ramp. He could not stop himself from pausing and looking behind him, as if hoping for something lost. ~Don't be foolish - you won't see Aragorn again. Forget it~ Forcing down the wave of sadness that descended upon him , he boarded the vessel that would take him away from Middle-Earth and away from Aragorn.
~*~*~*~*~
Legolas closed his eyes and tilted his face into the salty spray. He slender hands grasped the smooth railing and his feet were seemingly anchored to the deck. He had not felt so satisfied in a long while - to feel the rush of the sea was a joy he had not known existed before now. But there was something there in the pit of his stomach that interrupted his content. The nagging sense of loss from he and Estel's broken friendship gnawed at him ever more. The thought of what he was leaving behind made him feel almost sick. Suddenly, the exhilarating salt from the seawater was like acid on his tongue. The excitement of the sea faded from his mind. Sighing, he dropped his hands from the rail and turned away from the waters. It was suddenly not so appealing.
Instead, he leaned his back on the railing and stroked his bow that was still in his hands. He remembered when he had given Aragorn his first archery lesson and smiled at the memory. Their meeting was a fine one, and an even finer feast afterwards. His hands ran over smooth, curved wood with an unconscious content.
Suddenly, his fingers felt something rough on the smooth surface of the bow. Curious, he turned it over and looked closer. Words were engraved there - words that had long slipped from his mind and his memory. But now, he saw them with a clarity he had not known before as the words blazed in his eyes like fire. ~Estel of Rivendell~
~*~*~*~Flashback~*~*~*~
The sky was a painter's pallet, swabbed with blues, pinks, and reds. The sun waved her last farewells as the horizon welcomed her into its embrace. The trees that surrounded Imladris were calm and quiet as night descended upon them. Two figures were silhouetted against the dusk sky.
Aragorn perched comfortably on the thick limb on a giant oak. He glanced at Legolas who was balancing easily on a thinner branch further out from the trunk. The man was sometimes envious of the elf's nimble agility.
"Come, Legolas, before you fall and break something. I won't be the one to scrape you off the dirt," said Aragorn playfully.
The Prince of Mirkwood stood up on the thin branch, if only to show his friend he would not fall. He rolled his eyes. "Fine, but only for your peace of mind." Then, in two graceful bounds, he landed lightly beside Aragorn and sat himself down. Long minutes of silence followed, the two companions lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Aragorn voiced the question that was on both their minds.
His voice was distant when he broke the tranquil silence. "Do you think we will survive this quest, Legolas?"
Legolas glanced at his friend from the corner of his eye. He was surprised sometimes - Aragorn had grown rapidly in the years since he found out about his heritage. Many seasons had passed since then, but still, no matter what Aragorn went through, he sometimes still sounded so incredibly vulnerable.
"I have no doubt that we will, my friend."
Aragorn smiled. "I'm glad you think so, but still -" Then the smile left his face and a look of foreboding appeared in its place. "Even though our fellowship is a strong one, I have not your confidence, I am afraid." He turned to face Legolas. "I know this seems odd to you, but -" he grew quiet.
"What Aragorn?" inquired Legolas, peering closer at Aragorn's troubled eyes.
"Legolas - " Aragorn calmed himself. "I know not what we will face, only that danger will be at every turn. If one of us should fall, I want you to know you are like a brother to me, and it will always be that way."
Legolas stared for a moment. He had always known that he and the Ranger shared a strong friendship, but Aragorn was normally not that blunt. Before he could find a decent reply, Aragorn spoke first.
"Here, Legolas," Aragorn reached across and closed the elf's fingers around the smooth object.
Legolas stared at the bow in his hands in shock. Wordlessly, he traced the fine weapon and gazed in awe at the craftsmanship. His fingers traced the small words engraved in the wood. ~Estel of Rivendell~ He eyes darted up to meet those of his friend, who was looking at him quietly.
"Estel, I cannot accept this. This was a gift from your brothers, and I know how much you treasure it. I could not possibly -" Aragorn's wave of dismissal silenced him.
"Oh, do stop. I want you to have it," he smiled encouragingly. "This way, if are ever separated or if something happens to me, you will remember our friendship and have hope."
Legolas was speechless and gawked for several minutes. Finally, he snapped from his surprised daze and, smiling suddenly, grasped Aragorn's forearm. The human returned the gesture. No more words were exchanged, nor were any needed. A silent, but clear understanding passed between them - a bond stronger than iron bands and steel springs was expressed that night as the last rays of light faded from the air.
~*~*~*~Flashback Ended~*~*~*~
Legolas stood there as the sea breeze brushed against his face, staring at the weapon in his hands. The sudden realization of his mistake slammed into him with all the power of a giant sledgehammer. A million thoughts raced through his mind as he struggled to fight his inner thoughts. The longer he gazed at that bow, the more his anger and stubbornness faded from him. In their place, self-disgust and regret arose, as well as a guilt so deep it burned him from the inside. The memories of their friendship and the bond they had shared that night - and all the nights after - came back to him in an endless flood. Finally, as he clutched the bow tighter in his hands, the pride and anger that had so recently flowed violently through his veins dissipated into nothingness. It was hard for him to believe that one object - one symbol of he and Aragorn's friendship - could so completely change reverse his feelings
He sighed despairingly. That one simple memory blew his mind away and practically forced anything negative from his head.
~I am such a fool. How could I let something so trivial as selfish pride take me away from a friend who needs me? Fool!~
Growling in self-contempt, he tried in vain to steady his nerves. Finally, he was able to loosen his grip on Aragorn's bow. He traced the inscription again and his eyes turned sad, and mournful regret clouded his blue eyes.
~Forgive me, Estel~
Legolas lifted his eyes from the weapon and gazed towards land that was swiftly fading from his view. He was here while Aragorn was in Gondor about to face something he could not win. This was not right - could not be right. Legolas slammed his fist into the wooden planking below the rail.
~I should be with him!~
He clutched the railing of the great ship so hard his knuckles turned white. Helplessness invaded his senses as he sank to his knees. They were already on their way to the Havens and it would only be a matter of days before the Uruk-hai reached Gondor's walls. -And all he could do was sit here as he sailed away from his best friend, as he abandoned his brother to certain death. Legolas rested his forehead against the wood. There was nothing he could do -
~Or is there?~
Legolas' fingers dug into the soft wood of the deck as determination ignited in him like some lost flame. He held Estel's bow to his chest protectively as he stood. His eyes were hard and set with a goal he had to achieve.
~I will come~
He turned and spotted his father close by. As he approached the elder, Thranduil noticed the change in the atmosphere surrounding his son.
"Legolas? Does something trouble you?"
Legolas's voice was determined and set, "Ada - we must turn back."
Thranduil stared.
"Are you insane? We've already left Middle-Earth's shores! To turn back would cause a riot on these ships! I will not have our people hating their own leaders! Besides, I -" Thranduil's voice trailed off as he caught the fire in his son's eyes. They burned with such intensity, the King himself found himself speechless.
He sighed. "Legolas - I do not know. I'm not sure if this is such a good idea. The people will not like it."
Legolas took a step closer to his doubtful father. "Ada, please. The people will listen to you - they trust you. If you tell them to turn back, they will turn back," he said quietly, almost pleadingly. He met his father's eyes. "He needs me.."
He needs me. His son's words repeated in his head. The passion and sincerity behind those simple words were stunning. He knew in his heart that if he refused to turn back, Legolas would either jump overboard and swim back to shore or would be deeply depressed for all his days. Thranduil sighed again. No matter how irrational Legolas was at times, he could not deny his only child.
"Fine, Legolas - it will be as you wish. We will turn back."
A look of relief broke upon Legolas' face. He bowed his head in full respect. :"Thank you, ada." With those words, he turned and disappeared into the cabins below.
Thranduil was left standing on the deck, spent. ~It will by a wonderful pleasure telling everyone we're going to war~ Sighing for the third time, he went with hesitance to address his people. ." ~I'm lucky I only had one child. Another one would kill me~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Legolas stood at the front of the deck, his eyes bright. Somehow, his father had managed to convince all of Mirkwood's former inhabitants to approve of turning back. How he had done it, Legolas would never know, but he trusted his father with everything in him. He had never been more grateful.
Thranduil had organized it all, really. The three ships would all head back to Mirkwood to retrieve all armor and weaponry left behind. Legolas, however, would, once on shore, head elsewhere. Aragorn's words came back to him.
~~ "Imladris and Lorien are fading, there are hardly any left there to make any army at all. My father would send all that he could, but even he is growing wary of battles and of Middle-Earth. I would never wish to cause him more grief. Rohan, even after all these years, is still recovering from Helm's Deep. The men lost and the emotional scars gained will keep them from wanting to fight another war any time soon. Gimli's kin. his personal alliance with us was only because of the Quest. The rest of his kind do not look so affectionately upon Humans or Elves, and you know they would not willingly come."~~
Legolas smiled to himself despite the desperate haste he was in.
~We shall see, my friend. Forgive me, Estel, for I shall be a little late. I have some persuading to do~
The Prince of Mirkwood leaned forward into the wild spray, silently urging the ships to greater speeds.
~I am coming~
Another one done!! Like I said before, VERY RUSHED, but bear with me, mdears! One more chapter to go!