*tries to hide the fact that she's been hiding behind her pathetic excuse for a grasshopper of a dwarves body-guard for the past 24 hours* Hey guys! Nice to see you. Really. You can- eh -put the weapons of mass destruction away now. That's fine. Or- yeah, or you could just eh *cough* keep them I guess.
Oh, and since everyone seems to be having a hard time pronouncing Mornaeg's name, here you go: "MOR-nay-eg" that help? ;) If you guys want any pronunciation guides to these characters' names, just say so. I'd be glad to help you out!
It seems that everyone's been blaming Mornaeg for Aragorn's attack, and so I thought knowing how to pronounce his name may be helpful. As to whether he IS the badguy…*pulls a Cassia-knows-what's-going-to-happen-in-Priceless-Treasure-and-no-one-else-does grin* :o) I've always wanted to do that. ;)
Okay. So. RESPONSES! Right. :) I'll be using the names in italics thing so you can easily spot your review-response.
You know, Karri, it seems you are ALWAYS the first to post! *pulls loyal reviewer off the floor, and gives them a pat on the back* ;) I know, I'm very cruel. But, hey, Cassia was there first! :D
*decides to join Lynn in an 'anti-computer-junk' protest* I know just what you mean! My computer is constantly giving me fits. But let us look at the bright side! You didn't get a chance to threaten my life. ;) Terrific writer? Evil? ME?! Oh, you're too kind. :D
*buries head in hands to hide that she's laughing*….*comes up for air* Sarah- *breaks down laughing, and hides in her hands again* Bar the doors! I GET IT!!!! :P You are doing this on purpose I think. I- I think that maybe you are where I get this strange sense of humor, I think maybe. Or maybe we both got it from Lemony Snicket!…Oh, but wait. No, I was this way a long time ago. Okay, so maybe- you know, I'm getting a head-ache trying to think about this. Never mind. ;) *looks bright* INCLUDING Cassia? You mean you are SERIOUSLY grouping me with Cassia? *blushes the color of- something that is REALLY RED. ;) Hantach maer nosenari nin!!!!
Phantom Ranger Fay!!! I was hoping you'd show up. :) It's great to see you! Though I suppose I'm making you seem insane in front of your parents. Ah, well. You are fortunate. See, MY parents think I'm insane anyway. ;) Sorry you're going crazy, at any rate. ;) Mae govonnen ad! (welcome back!) :)
*giggles* Carrie, are we being angry? Oh but why! ;) Oh yeah. I tried to eh- kill Aragorn, didn't I? Yea I did. Hm. Well, I have a great excuse for that, really I do. But I- uh -forgot what it was. The elf that was being a creep at dinner? *points to Mornaeg* THAT elf that was being a creep at dinner? Oh. Yeah him. Interesting theory. ;) And what do you MEAN running? Young lady, I've NO intention of running…until I finish posting. :D
Ramble on, Ithilden! ;) I'm enjoying this!!! Don't kill Aragorn. *salutes* got it! Okay, so do you like have ROTK memorized, or did you actually hunt that line down? It's cool! I didn't remember that from the book. I'm glad you stay more personal. The ramblier the better! And ramblier isn't a word, but oh well. ;)
*grins* Now, Queen-of-Gondor. Would *I* kill our favorite Ranger? And put our poor Prince Greenleaf through loads and loads of angst? Does that SOUND like something I'd do?!…don't answer that. ;)
*grins* We have an evil-angst-lovers club, Kaeera? OH GOODY! ;) Let us call it: EPETASI! Evil People Enjoying This Angst Stuff Immensely. :D I don't know why we like cutting, scraping, bashing, bruising, and black-eyeing our favorite characters either, to tell you the truth. I guess we're morbid, or just plain bizarre. Though, if that's the case, there an awful lot of people on ff.net that are bizarre! ;)
Siri! Wow…Siri. *pat pat* GOOD BYE, Siri. :P Hey, it was YOUR idea! ;) *pulls all green-eyed elves into hiding* uuuuh…:D Hey, I listened to "When God Ran". It's SO sad! And angst! Woohoo!!!! Of course, now I've got it stuck in my head, you nasty girl. :P Does this mean I am authorized to use really long, really sad, really elvish, made-up songs with and 'I hate you' from you?…PLEASE? *hands Siri a gift certificate to Lina's Legolas Gift Shop, AND a Estel plushie, AND a chocolate Legolas to butter her up* PLEEEEEEASE?…you're shaking your head now, but I see in your eyes…oh. Okay, fine. *pulls all goodies back* I'll be in my trailer. BYE Atheist. ;) J/K! I didn't MEAN it!!!
*waves conspicuous black envelope in the air* I will NOT be held responsible for your insanity, chrisalin! Hey! HEEEY! *raises ff.net Rule Book* I don't have to be held responsible unless you are a seventeen-year-old from Germany! ;) *points at Queen-of-Gondor* Oh never mind. ;) I'm glad you're enjoying it Chris…Sally…Linny…Chrissy. Whatever your friends call you. Chrisalin. That's safest. ;)
Hey None! Hm, interesting ideas there. I really like reading your reviews, because it's really interesting reading the ideas of my readers. I never know what they're thinking as far as the plot goes otherwise. Thanks! Just keep on reading, and your questions will be answered. ;)
Don't worry, szhismine. All questions will be answered eventually! :) Some of them sooner then you think, though one question that all of you have been asking will not be answered until much later. Much, much later. ;)
Heheh…sorry, Cheysuli, it's against my nature to give away the plot ahead of time. ;) But I will tell you this, you'll find everything out in time…duh, that was helpful. Oh well, just keep reading. :D
Oooh…you know, Pipsqueak, I've decide that tooth troubles are some of the worst. I like to refer to my aching one as a "fool-of-a Tooth!" ;) Maybe WE need a club too. The Teeth Against Painful People's Idiot Operations Causing Aggravation! Yeah. We can call it TAPIOCA. LOVE that stuff. ;)
*Hugs Halo tight* I love you, Halo. ;) You're sweet, kind, funny, give away free Estel-plushies, and give fabulous advice. Take this last tip for example: I think running away from Lina is a GREAT idea! ;) Melthach, idher mellon nin! (love you, my dearest friend) :)
Umin quente Edhellen mae. ;) You probably do better then me, Astaldocalwen! :D Glad you're are enjoying this, despite the- eh -insanity-driving cliffies! I'm working on it, I'm working on it. You can disperse the mob now. :D Umin teitho DAER lenka! ;)
*blink blink* Uh…Angel of the Elves? I don't *have* a goldfish. I- I have a cat. A really FAT cat. Does that count? Can I just not trust my cat? :P Well, the first name of my Ortho is Jim. But, he did (seriously guys) he DID go on vacation out of the country the day after he put my braces on. Sounds fishy to me. ;) And why would Mornaeg-the-evil-scientist want to steal TEETH of all things. Elves have PERFECT teeth, and don't need other people's. 'specially not mine! :D At least we're getting closer to dropping the squirrel theory…right? ;)
AHCK! *ducks Rule Book* Myfanwy, NO THROWING BOOKS! ;) And don't throw- HEY! Don't throw Lina's Gift Shop cash register either. :P *picks up Rule Book* That thing is a lethal weapon. Isn't there a label or something on here stating 'not to be used as a lethal weapon'? *sigh* oh well. ;)
Hiro-tyre! *throws arm around reader's shoulder* I am SO glad you showed up! I wanted to thank you for all your EXTREMELY beneficial feedback for Iston (I Know), but by then, I was done posting, and I couldn't get your e-mail address. It's great to see you! And I'm glad you liked the post!
Woohoo! *hugs e * Another state-my-ideas-about-the-plot READER! ;) Yeah, Mornaeg hasn't managed to make himself popular with anyone yet, has he? Well, perhaps further on down the line. Thank you for stating your ideas! I LOVE to hear what people think are going to happen next. :)
*smiles* I'm glad the response helped your day along, Larus. :) 'You never know when you may touch someone', as- hm…I think that was Robert Frost who said that. He was right, though, and I think ff.net is a perfect place to practice that philosophy, don't you? :) I'm so glad you are enjoying my story, and I hope you continued to do so! Don't post unless you want to, don't hesitate to criticize or mentally edit, and I hope you won't mind saying what you wish. When you wish. You know, you have certainly brightened my day. #1, because you said that I managed to brighten yours, and #2, because you re-read Iston. Did you know you are the FIRST person to say "I re-read Iston"? :) Hantach, mellon nin!
…hey, did I just see…AAAAAHHHHH!!!!!! LINA!!!! He-he-h-hi! Hi Lina, h-how uhm…did you- eh- where's Eomer?…I DIDN'T MEAN IT! I didn't DO- well okay, I did. It wasn't MY- well, yeah, it uh was. Hm. I'm posting! See? See? See? Post! I'm posting!!! My finger is moving to the mouse, and it is hitting POST. See? POST! Read the post, Lina, make yourself at home, straighten your gift shop, and I- will go call Eomer. :P
*walks to the edge of post* EOMER!!!! Get over here! NIRO LIM!!! ;)
Here you go, guys! Onto the post.
Chapter 4
Loathed to Leave, Scared to Stay
Legolas began to pull Aragorn off the huge bed, looking desperately to his companions for help.
"We cannot move him now, your highness." Prestomin told him, gently, but firmly, and moved forward to take Aragorn from him. "I know you are worried for him, but we simply cannot-"
"No, you don't understand. We must get out of this place. Now! We cannot linger here any longer!"
"Legolas!" Thranduil snapped, moving around the bed and putting a resolute hand on his son's shoulder. "Legolas, calm yourself! It will not do to be acting so at such a time. Keep your head."
"No, father, I am not afraid for my friend now, but for us all. Something in this room is all wrong. You *must* believe me!"
"Legolas, please." Prestomin's voice was getting slightly impatient. "This does not help. Sit down, and help your friend. We don't have much time."
A hoarse, but determined whisper came from the bed bellow. "Please. If Legolas says it is wrong, I do not wish to stay here. No matter what pain it causes me, I would like to be moved." Aragorn's pale blue vision pierced Prestomin's, and the healer finally nodded.
"Very well then. I must warn you, though, I see no point in this endeavor."
Legolas' voice was low, and saddened when he answered. "Neither do I."
Aragorn smiled an encouragement at Legolas, who couldn't help returning the glance. And it was indeed encouraging to see the look on Aragorn's face of all people. This gave Legolas courage. If Aragorn could be strong now, when he was worse off than any other, Legolas could as well.
With the help of his father and Mornaeg, Legolas managed to lift Aragorn into Prestomin's lap. The elf carefully made his way off the bed. Slowly but surly, after many 'Oh, watch his head!' 's, they pulled Aragorn off the bed, and into a standing position.
The minute Aragorn's feet touched the floor, he hissed with pain, and his wounded leg crumpled underneath him. But Prestomin hung on to him, and holding him securely around the chest, pulled him up high enough for the human to lay his head back on the strong elf's shoulder. "Easy, easy." He whispered, as the young ranger leaned against him.
Legolas looked up at Prestomin. "How are we ever to get him down the stairs?"
"Someone will have to hold his legs up. There is no way he can walk down the staircase." Prestomin responded, shifting Aragorn's weight more onto his own shoulder.
Legolas nodded, and knelt beside Aragorn's wounded leg. Without a word, Thranduil did the same beside the human's other leg. Prestomin made no argument, though it was scandalizing that the elfking would stoop low enough to assist a human. But Prestomin knew the king's love for his son, which explained all he needed to know.
"On three." Legolas told his father, giving him a grateful smile. "One, two,"
"Three!" Both said, and simultaneously, lifted Aragorn's feet off the floor. Aragorn knew what the elves were doing for him, and tried not to hiss again when his injury was momentarily jarred. Legolas laid a comforting hand on the ranger's knee, and smiled over at him in reassurance.
"Mornaeg, please grab my cloths and water basin." Mornaeg nodded, and ran to grab the supplies. "Now, down the stairs." Prestomin instructed "But gently. Gently."
Slowly, and ever so gently, as the healer had directed, they made their way to the door, and then on down the staircase. One painful step at a time, they began to walk down the long flight.
"Legolas?" Aragorn's tired voice came.
"Yes, Aragorn?" Legolas responded eagerly, trying to look over at him in the darkness.
"Does this not remind you of Gabil Gû ndu?"
Legolas smiled. "It does indeed, my friend. Though lacking many stairs."
"Lucky." Came the faintly wry reply, to which Legolas' smile could only widen.
At length, they reached the bottom of the staircase, and then on down the hallway. "As close to my bedroom as you can, please." Legolas asked quietly, and they managed to find an empty room five doors down.
The three elves gently laid Aragorn on the big bed, and Mornaeg silently closed the door. "Mornaeg, please go find Tirniel and Harain. Tell them where we are." Mornaeg nodded obediently, and setting down Prestomin's supplies, turned out of the door again.
Prestomin wetted several cloths, and looked up at Legolas. Legolas, still remembering his original instructions, nodded, and knelt beside Aragorn. "Stay with me, Aragorn."
"I don't think I'm going anywhere." Came the weary reply. Aragorn's chest barely rose and fell, and his face was blanched from blood loss.
"Try and stay awake." Legolas told him softly, and lifted the human's clammy hand as he spoke.
"Goodness, Legolas, this looks familiar." Aragorn almost smiled. "Remember? This is just what happened that night in Rivendell. When my father withdrew the poison in you." His voice was weak. So weak that he barely pronounced any of his syllables. But despite this sign of his frailty, Legolas managed to smile.
"And I pulled through, right?"
"And I suppose-" Aragorn broke off in a hiss as Prestomin cleaned the blood from his cheek. "I suppose you're saying I shall then?" He finished, though his voice was strained from the pain.
"Of course you shall. Humans may be mortal, but you are too much like an elf." Legolas squeezed his hand. "You are just too hard to kill." Aragorn smiled, but only briefly, for it hurt his cheek.
Prestomin worked busily at Aragorn's cuts and wounds. He started with the smaller ones, hoping to warm Aragorn up to the big ones. It didn't work. The healer laid the wet cloth over Aragorn's shoulder, and pressed gently. Aragorn's breath left him with a hiss.
"Please don't." He whispered, laying a hand on Prestomin's.
"I must, Aragorn, I have to clean these out." Prestomin told him, and Legolas gently pulled the human's hand away from Prestomin's.
"Now would be a good time for Harain to come back." Aragorn gritted, wanting desperately for the pain to be gone.
"I know Aragorn. Where is that elf?!" Prestomin looked up at Legolas. "You must go find him. I need those herbs now. His shoulder is already infected, and we need to dull the pain. We cannot risk unconsciousness."
Legolas nodded, but a look of resistance was evident on his fair face. This look was not lost on his father, and the elfking spoke up as soon as he'd noticed it.
"I will find him."
Prestomin looked surprised again, but nodded, not being one to argue with the king. "Yes you majesty. You may want to look in the callers. That is where the herbs are kept." Thranduil nodded, and Legolas smiled at him in gratitude. A look that touched Thranduil more than any words could have.
Legolas caught the sweep of joy across his father's face, but wouldn't know it for what it was till much later, and never fully understand it. He simply watched his father go, a huge wave of appreciation sweeping over him. As much as he wanted to help, he would give anything to stay with Aragorn.
Prestomin tried once again to clean the cut in Aragorn's shoulder, and the ranger jerked, and moved away. "Please, don't. It hurts." He reached up, and put his hand on Prestomin's again.
"Aragorn," Legolas told him, pulling his hand back again. "he needs to clean the wound. You know this. Let him work."
But when Prestomin touched the cut with the cloth, and began to rub it against the torn flesh, Aragorn's hand flew to the healer's yet again, this time gripping it. "Stop!" He shouted, but Prestomin only tried to keep cleaning, doing his best to be gentle, but now just trying to get it all over with.
As the cloth plunged deeper into the cut, Aragorn began to try to wrestle Prestomin's hand away. "No! Please stop! Please, Prestomin, please!"
"Aragorn, gwiil!" Legolas called firmly, and tried to pull the human's hand back again. But Aragorn, blinded by pain, continued to try and wrench Prestomin's hand and cloth away from his shoulder.
Finally, Legolas prevailed, and with one last effort, pulled Aragorn's hand away from Prestomin's. He clasped the shaking hand in between his own, and squeezed it in reassurance. "Larhink, Aragorn."
//calm down, Aragorn.//
Aragorn tossed his head over the pillows, panting and moaning. "It hurts, Legolas. It hur- it hurts!"
"Sh…sh…Iston. Iston renaeg."
//I know. I know it hurts.//
After what seemed like hours, Prestomin looked up and nodded. "I have cleaned it as best I can. It is still infected, and his leg is as well, I fear."
Legolas nodded, and moved one hand from Aragorn's, to the young man's sweaty forehead. Prestomin looked at the human, and sighed, handing Legolas a cool cloth.
"There is little I can do, if your father does not get here with the herbs I need."
Legolas only nodded again, and ran the cool cloth over Aragorn's head, carefully avoiding the cuts on the side of his face. "Where could he be?" He finally asked, quietly.
"I know not. Perhaps we should go find him."
But then, the door opened, and Mornaeg stepped in, with Harain behind.
"Where is Thranduil?" Prestomin demanded, standing up, and gratefully taking the bunches of herbs from the two elves.
"I know not." Mornaeg looked confused. "Is he not here?"
"He went to find you. But no matter, the herbs are what I had need of." Prestomin handed back the handful of Nanegro to Harain. "Here. Crush this in some water, and wet some cloths with it." The elf nodded, and Prestomin turned to Mornaeg, handing him the bushel of Salab back to him as well. "Take some of my wet cloths, rub those into them." Mornaeg also nodded, and went to grab some rags.
Legolas looked up at Prestomin as the elf sat down beside Aragorn again. "Will he be all right, Prestomin?"
The healer was silent a moment, then met Legolas silver gaze. When their eyes met, Prestomin knew instantly that Legolas would not take one of his choice optimistic answers. He would have to be unpleasantly frank with him. "He has lost much blood, Legolas. He may very well make it, but I cannot pretend that it is going well. He's fading, Legolas. I can only heal his wounds, and from there…" Prestomin shook his head, and looked away. He couldn't bare to see despair on an elf's face. Especially an elf such as Legolas, who was a normally light-hearted elf. He didn't deserve this.
Legolas looked away as well. He would not have listened to the reply had it been optimistic, he knew. But he didn't want to know the truth either. He didn't want any of this. He wanted his friend back with no problems. No difficulties. He wanted things the way they had been. Where he could have sorted things out in time. Not this. Certainly not this.
He dropped his gaze to Aragorn's still form. The human was looking back at him as he did so, and a half-smile crept over the ranger's young features. "Eail gosta anim, mellon nin." He whispered softly.
//do not fear for me, my friend.//
Legolas tried to smile back, but couldn't. "You're going to make it, Aragorn. I know it. I'm holding on for you."
Hours rolled by. Once Mornaeg had finished crushing the Salab into a rag, Prestomin had used it over Aragorn's largest cuts, mercifully dulling the pain. Then, using the rags Harain had soaked in Nanegro, Prestomin began the long process of healing Aragorn's wounds.
He cleaned the cuts, stopped the bleeding, and bound up the wounds as best he could. All the while, the two friends sat, holding tightly to each other's hands. Legolas whispered constant encouragement to Aragorn, and when the Salab's affects wore off, and there was nothing to stop the pain, Legolas laid down beside Aragorn on the bed, and sang quietly in elvish. The song soothed Aragorn's frightened mind, and calmed his heart into beating at a normal rate, despite the pain.
Prestomin finally finished his work, and looked up at Legolas. "I have done all I can."
Legolas stared up at the healer from the bed, and swallowed hard. "And?" Was all he said.
"He has lost so much blood, and his body is slowing down too much. He- he cannot make it through the night." Prestomin shook his head, and looked away. "I am sorry Legolas."
Legolas couldn't believe what he heard. He refused to. Laying an arm over Aragorn's chest, and gripping his shoulder on the other side, he began to sing again. But now, he sang to everyone in the dark room. To Aragorn, to keep him alive. To Prestomin, to show him what to do. To Harain and Mornaeg, to give them peace in this dark place. And even to himself. To keep his mind out of darkness, and his heart alive. Burning with the flame of hope that Aragorn had planted there years and years ago. This light that his dearest friend had always shown him, seemed to shine through the words as he continued to sing.
"Through Evernight he back was borne
On black and roaring waves that ran
O'er leagues unlit and foundered shores
That drowned before the Days began,
Until he heard on strands of pearl
Where end the world the music long,
Where ever-foaming billows roll
And yellow gold and jewels wan."
Legolas was almost half-way through The Song of Eä rendil, when the door to the dark room flew open. It was Thranduil.
Standing behind the elfking, were two other elves. One was carrying a basin of water, and the other held a gray sack. The contents of which, none could see.
"Your majesty." Prestomin whispered quietly, rising from his seat on the bed. "I am very sorry. I have done all I could. His blood isn't flowing quick enough. He-"
Thranduil raised a hand for silence from the healer. "It is well, Prestomin. I have brought something that- that will help." Legolas lifted his head from the bed a ways, and looked at his father. He was quite surprised by the look on the elf's face. Thranduil looked very pleased, and yet- worried. Frightened almost.
Legolas let go of Aragorn, and sat up on the bed, smiling at his father. "Oh, father, if you can do anything, *anything* to help him-"
"I think I can, my son." Thranduil smiled back at his son, but still looked hesitant. He turned to one of the elves behind him. "Fill that basin with hot water. Then- well, you know what to do."
Legolas moved forward on the bed, still on his knees, looking at his father expectantly. Things were finally looking up. He *knew* he wouldn't lose his friend. "What must I do, father? Tell me anything!"
At this, Thranduil went visibly pale, and he didn't look at his son as he spoke. "You must leave now, Legolas."
Legolas was taken aback only a moment, but then shook his head, almost smiling. "No it is well, father. I do not mind standing by. I think I can manage it, and I will not make a scene again."
"No, Legolas, you don't understand. You must leave."
Legolas watched his father carefully. There was a strange look about him. A look the proud elfking almost never wore. A look of guilt.
"Father? I don't-"
Thranduil's head shot up, and his eyes flashed in frustration sparked by his guilt. "Leave, Legolas. Now."
Legolas shook his head, and slumped to the bed again, wrapping his arms around his half-unconscious friend's shoulders protectively. "I must stay here." It seemed childish, even to himself to reject his father's orders so overtly. But he couldn't leave. He promised Aragorn he'd stay. His father just didn't know that, and could never understand it.
"Legolas." Thranduil's voice was low, and firm. "Come. You must leave. You will know eventually, I promise you."
Legolas' grip tightened around Aragorn's shoulders, and he rested his head closer to his friend's. "I cannot leave, father. I don't mean to be rebellious, but I simply cannot leave Aragorn. Not now. I promised I'd stay with him."
Legolas lay beside Aragon a long moment, and thought that his argument had gotten by. But all of a sudden, he felt an warm hand clamp down on his shoulder. He turned his head, and found himself looking into his father's eyes. "Come, Legolas."
"Father I cannot-"
Thranduil, with a rage Legolas could not understand, wrenched his son from his friend, and stood him on his feet. Legolas needed a moment to take everything in, but it was a brief moment. Suddenly realizing what had happened, he attempted to get step past his father, but Thranduil gave him a push towards the door.
Aragorn, awoken by the noise, and the absence of Legolas' song, opened his eyes, and was confused as he watched Thranduil push his son towards the door. "Legolas?" He tried to call, but his throat was too dry.
Legolas was at the doorway. When he tried to turn around, his father would only grip him tighter on the shoulders, and spin him around to the door again. Finally fed-up, Thranduil wrapped his arms around his son's chest, and bodily pulled him out the door.
"Father please!" Legolas begged, as he was finally landed outside the doorway. Thranduil looked loathed to close the door in his son's face, but began to shut it. Legolas' mind whirled. He was frantic. He couldn't leave Aragorn! What if he died and Legolas wasn't there? How could he bare it?
As a last attempt, he pleaded his case before the door was shut. "Father how can you be so cruel? Let me stay with him!" Thranduil paused a moment, leaving the door still half ajar. Legolas continued in desperation. "Please, I don't care about the risk. I don't care about what I may see if I stay in that room. Just let me stay! Please! Believe me, it is more painful to stand out here, rather than being in there."
Thranduil seemed to think about it. But only a moment. Slowly, the door began to slide shut, until it was almost closed. "I am sorry Legolas." Was all he said.
"Tur-each daer al milui?!"
//how can you be so heartless?!//
Thranduil stepped out of the door at this. He looked only a moment at his son before his hand flew. Legolas flinched, and stood stunned, holding his stinging cheek. Thranduil looked frightened. Questioning why he had even struck his son. He stood staring as if lost for a long moment, and then turned away, the look of guilt on his face again.
The door closed, and Legolas shut his eyes to the click of the lock. There was silence in the room a long moment. All that could be heard was the tap of footsteps inside, and the sound of water being poured, and wrung out of cloth. Then…
"No…no you can't. Don't-don't touch me. Don't touch me! Legolas!"
Legolas threw himself at the door at Aragorn's panicked voice. Pounding his fists against the thick wood in frustration, the elf tried to tell what they were doing inside.
"Legolas!" Aragorn's voice was choked with panic. "Legolas where are you? Where are you?!"
"I am here, Aragorn. I'm right here. Gwiil, mellon nin! Garor!"
//peace, my friend! Hold on!//
"Legolas- they're- they can't do it! Don't let them touch me, Legolas. Where are you?!"
"Aragorn!" Legolas slammed his fists against the door, until the side of his hand began to bleed. "Aragorn, hold on! Siach! I am here!"
Legolas pulled angrily at the door latch. "Father, please! Please father, I beg you, let me in. Let me be with Aragorn!"
But his cries, though easily heard in the room, were fully ignored. His mind whirled, and his limbs shook with panic. He was desperate to get in the room. To be there for his friend. He slid to the ground, and looked through the gap between door and floor. All he could only see several feet rushing about over the bedroom floor. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves.
He was fighting. Struggling. He couldn't hold on any longer. He gasped for breath, and his body shook uncontrollably.
Legolas stumbled away from the door, and scrambled to his feet, his senses swirling with the awful memory of when he nearly died in Rivendell. He fell against the stone wall with a crack, and slid down it until he was sitting on the floor.
The door in front of him jerked open, and Harain stood, with a worried look on his face. "Your highness? Your highness!"
Legolas tried to breathe, but was overcome by these dark memories that seemed as real as he was now.
He jerked about, trying to get away from the unbearable pain. He felt the twins' grip on his shoulders and ankles tighten, and they held him firmly to the bed. He couldn't get away. Couldn't breathe. He was fading…fading…fading…
"Your majesty! Your son, the prince has fallen!"
Legolas looked up at Harain's panicked face for only a moment. The last thing he remembered was his cheek touching the cold, stone floor. Then…nothingness.
sorry?
: )
*gulp*