*grin* Hey, I thought "sorry" was quite fitting, and more than sufficient. Honest! So everyone stop telling me "sorry isn't enough", because I wholly disagree…Really. Truly. It wasn't THAT much of a cliffy, anyway. Honest. Completely. *grin turns plastic* I'm going to- eh -deliver my responses from behind Grimi, okay? ;)
Hey, let us look at the bright side! This next chapter isn't as much of a cliffy!…well, not REALLY really really. Not quite, that is. Hm. Grimi? Don't forget, your contract doesn't expire until the fourth age, so don't you DARE leave! I have a feeling I'll be needing you…;)
Hehe…sorry, Cheysuli. I'm notorious for rotten cliffies, as you well-know by now. ;) And I'm SURE that Legolas is just fine…or will b within a week of recovery or so. And maybe a psychiatrist wouldn't hurt either…:D
Aww, how sweet of you, Karri! Good at cliffies? SANK YOU!!! ;) Though, I sure hope you don't die of suspense. What if you miss out on the entire plot! Besides, the story aside, you're one of my best reviewers!!! :)
*pat pat* Sorry, Moose. Cliffies, unfortunately, are like a sixth sense to me…I see almost dead people. They're everywhere! ;) J/K. But the next chapter here now! Nada problemo!
Sarah?…Sarah…uh…SARah. SarAH. I'm stalling whilst I try to think of terribly clever response to match your terribly clever review. My efforts so far, have unfortunately been fruitless. This does NOT mean, "lacking in bananas, kiwis, pears, and tomatoes" (which, yes, tomatoes are fruit, though many people insist on using them in vegetable salads anyway) The word "fruitless" actually means: "Unsuccessful, because Sarah's terribly cleaver review is unmatchable."……..AAACKH!!!!!! Look what you're turning me INto. YOU! Actually, Lemony Snicket, which is WORSE! ;) I enjoyed your review IMMENSLY, as usual, Sarah-Snicket-the-Novelist. ;) Can't WAIT for more!!!
Hehe…golly, WISH I could help you, None, but you know. ;) These many questions you've been asking WILL, I promise, be answered very soon. Some of them, even within this chapter! *tense music* :D Just keep reading! *sniff* you love my stories? HOW SWEET! *give None a squeeze* Melthach ne im! (I love you too!) :)
*blink blink* Oh MY Angel of the Elves, you DID love this story! You're so sweet. ;) I can't believe you were THAT into my writing! I'm incredibly flattered! :)
Don't be silly, e, I can say more than sorry! I can say: Legolas, Aragorn, Flabbergast, Cattail, Cliffie, Miff, Agog and Goolie-Goolie-Monster. See? I'm terribly talented, if you get to know me. ;) Hey, and point the WOMD SOMEWHERE else. Like at Grimi. Hey, his JOB is to get killed for me, and he gets paid extra if he's killed over one of my many cliffies. ;)
Hm…well, I'm not sure if you are SUPPOSED to hate Thranduil, Ithildin. It's really up to you. I mean, I'd figure you hate Thranduil right about now, yes. That is to be expected, when you vault your own son out of his dieing best friend's room for no apparent reason. ;) And I LOVE that line!!! :D *blink* But- Sauron can't eat anyone. EYEBALLS DON'T EAT!!! ;) Now Sauron's Mouth on the other hand…:P
*blush* Wow, hantach Silver-Kalen! :) I'm SO glad you like my writing so much!!! Though, of course you DID try to throttle me, but well, that's not unusual to me. ;) *huggles back* :)
Na, he's not very nice, is he? ;) Thranduil that is. Chris! Thank you for the nick-name info! ;) Yeah, I think our boys'll be NEEDING those big hugs, Chris. ;) Okay, we've got another person suspecting Mornaeg of this whole thing! Gee, I hope you guys are right, else I'm going to REALLY pity this guy . ;)
Well, Queen-of-Gondor, you have more faith in me then some! I think everyone else (including Grimi and I) would agree I'd hurt these guys in a HEARBEAT. ;) I know, my cliffies get quite annoying at times, don't they? Well, I learn from the best! *grins at Cassia* ;)
*giggles* Hyper, Kaeera? Wow! Another club!!! ;) Actually, I am fully convinced that there is something highly dangerous and scientific on ff.net that causes any author, reader, or innocent bystander to go NUTS the minute the page loads. I think that's why they're so popular. It's a conspiracy!!!…what? ;) Great, now I've gone hyper. AGAIN! :P
Hehe, another speak-up kinda reader! :) Glad you're liking it, Wolfete! ;)
Oooooh! *hugs Halo and Lego-plushie at the same time* I LOVE YOU TOO!!!! ;) Sorry, kept you in suspense REALLY long, I know. But the next chapter's up FINALLY, right? ;) You know, Halo, you are the first reader to go ballistic over the cliffies, and NOT threaten my life ONCE! Do you know how RARE that is when you are a cliffy-cliffy-cliffy kinda author? ;) You're so nice to me!!!
Sorry I'm driving you crazy-er. ;) I know the feeling, Phantom Ranger Fay. :) WoW! You got your friend to read my story?! Thank you, Phantom…Ranger…Fay…What do your friends call you? Raven? Ah well. Thank you Raven! ;) Tell your friend this, if you would:
Thank you ever so much for reading, and once more, reviewing my story! :) I hope you enjoy the next one as much! ~Chloe
Hantach! ;)
Bengwiil? ON ME?!?!?!?!? You must be JOKING, szismine! ;) Oh yeah. Doye, that's what you said. Okay, well that's something. ;) Sorry doesn't cut it? Uuuh…bad adj., considering the chapter in question…:P I can't believe I said that. ICK!
*hugs big bag of cookies* I LIKE you, Wicked Misty. ;) Nobody ELSE gave me cookies to post. Most threaten my life…and Halo gave me a couple plushies. ;) As for what they're using to heal Aragorn…read one, mellon nin. Read one…;)
Ahhh yes, Astaldocalwen! Many have asked as to my Elvish sources. Well, actually, probably several people here would be interested to know where I get the Elvish I use, so I'll post the links here:
Sindarin Translators:
http://elendor.net/translator.php
http://www.dragons-inn.org/Ifreann/elf_eng.html
http://www.grey-company.org/Circle/language/phrase.htm#list
Learning Sidnarin:
http://www.councilofelrond.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Workbook&file=workbook&dp=workbook
http://www.uib.no/People/hnohf/sindarin.htm
Help? I hope! ;)
Double cliffies…now THAT's something I've never really done before, Ice Cube. ;) Sorry to leave you hanging!…off my cliffy…bad bad BAD joke. Sorry. ;)
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO LEGOLAS?????????????????????
I-
You evil, heartless person you!
Yeah, but-
Almost as bad as Thranduil....
Now wait just a minute-
WHAT ARE THEY *DOING* TO ARAGORN?
They-
*wails* I WANT TO KNOW!!!!!
*wails also* I'M TRYING TO TELL YOU!!!! :P
…of course, I can't. *sigh* Ah well. I think you're right, though, this would be smashing (ugh, bad adj.) time to RUN. ;) And yeah, I'm going with the ever-other-day thing. It seemed to work well for Cassia, that's for sure. :) And sorry about your lack of sleep. I seem to be leaving all my poor readers with a serious case of insomnia! ;)
¡Gracias que usted leyó mi cuento, Shanna! Soy feliz usted placer de recieve de lo. Deseo que usted aprecie el resto de lo tanto. :)
*pulls half-unconscious Legolas away from Lina, and drops him into a nearby chair* Now, now, Lina. Just because Estel's in mortal, har har, peril, doesn't mean that- *ducks fancy vase that Lina just chucked at her head* AACH! Okay, okay. Never MIND! You go right ahead, Lina. Slam against that door awhile. USE the Pork of Spoon or whatnot. I'll be right back…
*tip-toes off to the nearest window*…*pulls window open, and leans out* EOMER!!!! GET BACK HERE AND TAKE YOU *CRAZY* CHARGE WITH YOU!!!!!!!!!! ;)
Okay, everyone, we must get the scene rolling, or else Lina will break the door, and ruin the plot. :P
ON we go!
Chapter 5
Recovery?
"He just fell?"
"As best as I can understand it. When we heard that loud crack, Prestomin sent Harain to check what was wrong. The poor fool opened the door to check, and I suppose that was the main problem. Though, not even I could have imagined it would hit him so hard."
"Nor I. But I think he will adjust…in time."
"Yes. Yes, as do I."
Legolas' eyes opened so gradually, it took him a moment to realize they were no longer closed. This was his first clue that he hadn't been dreaming. His eyes would be open, if he had. He didn't look around, but instead concentrated on the voices above him.
"How will you tell him, your majesty?"
"I know not. I can only hope he will take it well."
"…will you tell him, or- or do you wish me to?"
"No, no I should. It was my decision, I will take the blame for it."
"But would it not be easier coming from me?"
"Well, I will be sure that you are present when I break it to him."
"Fair enough, sir."
There was silence awhile, and Legolas suddenly realized that someone was running fingers through his hair. He also got the feeling that someone was gazing at him.
"His breathing has quickened. I'm sure he will awake soon."
"That must have been quite the fall."
"Aye, your majesty, it must have indeed."
"I only wish I didn't know so well what was wrong."
Silence again. The fingers in Legolas' hair paused, and a sigh echoed from just above him.
"I know."
Legolas blinked. Once he had done this, he felt more like being awake, and with a slight murmuring sound, rolled his head back a little. As he did so, he realized he was gazing at his father. And with a look of great surprise and relief, his father back at him. "Legolas? How are you feeling?"
Legolas blinked again, and like a crushing wave, memory flooded back into his mind. His heart sank. "Aragorn." Was all he could say, and the loss of his best friend, the fact that he had died without Legolas being there, weighed so heavily on his heart, that he wished he were unconscious again.
"Yes?" Legolas jumped at the unexpected response that came from above him. He rolled over, and sitting on the bed beside him, was…
"Aragorn!"
"Well, who else here goes by that name?" The human teased, and released the golden strands of hair he'd been toying with.
"You- are alive!" It was all Legolas could think of to respond, as he pushed himself up onto his elbows.
"Of course I'm alive. You said I would live, Legolas."
Legolas half-smiled. "But I suppose I did not truly believe it. And who could, after what you were put through last night?! When I left the room, I was sure-" Another memory of the previous night suddenly struck him, and he looked away from the human. "I have failed you, Aragorn. I was not there…and I- I should have been. "
Legolas felt his chin being turned back to his friend's gaze, and the eyes were kind, but firm. "You were as there for me as you could have possibly been. Your father has told me everything, Legolas, and you would have broken that door to be with me if you could have. You did not fail me. You were there. You were there." Aragorn released the prince's chin, and smiled. "So how do you feel?"
"Fine I believe." Legolas pushed himself up into a sitting position. A sudden rush of nausea swept over him, and he slipped back towards the bed without realizing it.
"Easy, easy." Aragorn reproved, catching Legolas mid-fall, and gently laying him back onto the bed. "You've been through something too." And Aragorn vaguely indicated Legolas' head.
Legolas reached up to the side of his head, and felt around the lump forming on it. He shook his head. "I can't fathom why I just went out like that. I was looking under the door, so desperate to get to you, Aragorn, and I felt dizzy. I- I had sudden memories of…of Rivendell." Legolas didn't have to explain which memories of Rivendell they he had had. "And I stumbled into the wall, and tried to breathe. Harain came out of the room, and then…I think he called Father, and I- and I fell…oh, by the Valar, I don't remember anything from there."
Legolas looked up in time to see the tale end of Aragorn and Thranduil's look-exchange.
"What?" He demanded when Aragorn looked down at him again.
"Nothing." Aragorn told him quickly. "It's just strange that this would happen so suddenly."
Legolas nodded, but didn't take his eyes off Aragorn. The human was hiding something. But what? And why?
"Do you want to try and rise again?" Aragorn inquired innocently, though Legolas' suspicion was not lost on him.
Legolas sighed, and nodded, a half-smile creeping back over his face. "Forgive me, I guess I go a little out of my way to be 'fine' don't I?"
"Yes," Aragorn grinned "I suppose you do. Another thing you and I have in common, I fear."
"But, with your assistance, perhaps I can get into a sitting position without nearly passing out."
"Sounds good."
"I must go and see to something." Thranduil informed the friends, rising from his chair. "I am glad you are *both* well."
"As am I, father." Legolas smiled, and with one last nod, Thranduil walked swiftly out of the room.
Aragorn moved forward, flipping over onto his knees, and put one arm under Legolas' back, and the other on his knee. The elf pushed himself off the bed, and began to rise. He made it halfway, before his vision clouded, and his head began to swirl. He reached out through the fog, and found Aragorn's arm. The one that had been resting on his knee, and was now holding the elf around his chest to keep him steady. Legolas gripped the strong arm with all his might, and vaguely heard the human's voice.
"Easy, Legolas. Slowly." His vision cleared somewhat, and he realized he was sitting up. Once in this position, Legolas found that he felt much better.
"Thank you." He sighed, as Aragorn let him go. He reached up to brush the wayward strands of hair out of his face, but his hand only got halfway. Something red, and glistening had caught his eye. Stopping mid-motion, Legolas inspected his hand. It was covered in blood.
He looked up at Aragorn, who was tying an extra strip of white cloth over the bandage already on his arm. Blood was seeping through, and Legolas suddenly remembered the horrid gash that the white cloth covered. And he knew why it was bleeding.
"Oh- Oh Aragorn, forgive me! I had forgotten your injuries, and I held onto your arm without thinking. Oh my friend, I am sorry."
Aragorn looked up from his work, and shrugged. "It is quite all right, Legolas. I feel nothing."
"Surely you do. You cannot fool me that easily, Aragorn. I know you are not well."
"It is true, my cuts need time to heal. But seriously, Legolas. I do not say this to make you feel better for me. I feel nothing."
Legolas didn't know how to respond. The human's blue gaze was honest, and so completely unconcerned. There was no pain hidden behind the stare. Legolas believed him. He couldn't help but believe him. Aragorn truly felt *no* pain. But why did this fact in unnerve the elf's mind so?
"Come, Legolas. Let us go to the Great Hall and have some breakfast."
"Breakfast?" Legolas sighed. "Have I been out *that* long?"
"Well, you were out awhile, yes. But when you were knocked out, it was nearly daylight. You were up most the night with me." And for the first time since he'd awoken, Legolas saw human weakness in Aragorn. A look of embarrassment crossed the man's face, and he looked away momentarily.
"Feel no embarrassment." Legolas reproved, swinging his legs over the bedside. "It means nothing now."
That seemed to cheer Aragorn, and he leapt off the bed, and swung around the bedpost, looking over at Legolas.
"Careful, my friend!" Legolas admonished, looking nervously at the human's wounded leg.
Aragorn too looked down at his leg. It was beginning to bleed through it's bandage as the one on his arm had. But when he looked up, he only shrugged again. "It does not hurt me."
"That doesn't mean it won't hurt you *later* Aragorn, unless you are careful." Legolas hadn't meant to be short with his friend, but he couldn't help feeling frustrated at the human's sudden, and uncharacteristic carelessness.
Aragorn looked slightly hurt. "Do you not trust me to take care of myself? Am I still that weak though I've healed so quickly? Do you yet not trust me despite all this?"
Legolas felt a twinge of guilt. He shook his head, immediately dismissing all doubt in his self-reproach. "Of course I trust you, Aragorn, forgive me. I only- I don't know." He did know, and he could have explained it, had he tried.
But Legolas didn't want to try. He didn't want to admit that his sudden distrust of Aragorn was due to an ominous feeling. It would only sound silly, and likely, invented. Aragorn wouldn't believe him, Legolas knew. That too made him feel uneasy. Something about the human had changed, and the difference was obvious and discouraging. It wasn't a pleasant feeling, knowing that all of a sudden, Aragorn just wouldn't believe him. He knew that a day ago he would have trusted whatever Legolas had said. But now, it was different. Now it had changed. And it frustrated Legolas not knowing what exactly had changed and why.
"Think nothing of it." Aragorn sighed, smiling at Legolas again. "It is all past. All forgotten. We need not worry about it."
"Aragorn?" Legolas couldn't help it. He was desperate for this uneasy feeling to go away, and cease tormenting him. "Are you- all right?" He wanted to say normal but knew that if Aragorn had asked *him* that, he wouldn't know what to answer either.
Aragorn's smile only widened. "Of course! Never better. In fact, I'm more than all right. Why, Legolas?"
"I was just- I was only wondering. You don't seem yourself." Legolas hoped that he'd get a familiar response to his unease, but that hope was in vain.
Aragorn simply shrugged and swung around to Legolas' side of the bed. "Well, I feel just fine, Legolas. No worries, okay?"
Legolas could only nod. He didn't want to say what he was thinking.
"So…" Aragorn sat down beside Legolas on the bed. "You want to go have breakfast now?"
"Sure." Aragorn must have missed the discouragement in the elf's voice, for he patted him good-naturedly on the shoulder, and went swiftly to the door.
"Come then!" And slowly, the prince walked to the door, and Aragorn closed it behind them.
**********
"I am well, Morneag!" Aragorn laughed, as the anxious elf asked for the umpteenth time about the human's health.
"I know, you have said that. I must say though. I am *very* interested in this sudden recovery. After his majesty treated you, I was still very worried."
"Well, the king's treatment has worked more than excellently, Mornaeg. Do not worry yourself."
"What *was* the treatment?" Legolas demanded, looking imploringly at Mornaeg. But the elf only smiled at him briefly, and changed the subject abruptly.
"I have arranged it with Thranduil, Aragorn. You will be permitted to sleep in the room you are currently staying in. I don't know why Legolas had such feelings about the room you were previously put in, but for whatever reason, we have moved you."
"Thank you, Mornaeg. I too had a few problems in that room, and would prefer not to sleep in it for now. Though it *is* closer to Legolas' room."
"Indeed." Mornaeg hesitated a moment, and then glanced over at Legolas. "So…will you be investigating who it was that attacked Aragorn like that?"
Legolas shook his head. "I am sure the culprit is long-gone by now. And besides, as long as my father shows no interest in an investigation, I can do little. Though, I *would* like to know *why* he attacked Aragorn. There seemed to be no cause for such action!"
"Indeed." Aragorn sighed, but then brightened. "But, I'm sure it doesn't matter. Whatever he was after, he didn't get it, and I am still alive."
Legolas only raised his eyebrows as Mornaeg changed the subject again.
The two talked awhile about various unimportant things, and Legolas remained silent. He couldn't think of anything to say at present. His mind was too focused on his unanswered question. What had Thranduil done to heal Aragorn that quickly? That completely? Nothing, in all of Legolas' knowledge of healing herbs, came to mind. Nothing could have possibly healed Aragorn so.
When Aragorn and Mornaeg were through speaking, Legolas decided that some fresh air might do his friend good. Maybe put him to right. So the two went to one of Legolas' favorite balconies. It looked over the woods of Mirkwood, and was so high, that one could almost- *almost* -see the Misty Mountains in the distance.
"Isn't it lovely?" Aragorn sighed, glancing over the woods.
Legolas smiled. This was the friend that he'd known. The one that could see beauty in everything around him. It was relieving to find familiarity in the human.
"It is." He agreed, looking across the forest as well. "It's so green. Though, that could be due to the fact that rain threatens us at this moment." He glanced up at the dark clouds. "I do hope it holds off just a little-" Legolas turned to look at Aragorn. The human was still looking over the trees, and half-smiling, but his face had gone pale. As Legolas looked closer, he noticed that the human's hands were shaking, and his knees as well. "Aragorn?"
The human glanced over at him, and a look of interest crossed his face. As if nothing were wrong he replied, "Yes, Legolas?"
"Are- are you well?"
"Indeed. Are you?" Aragorn's question was normal enough. No tone of unrealistic happiness in it. Just plain, simple response.
"I am well. But- you look pale, Aragorn. Perhaps we should go inside."
"I feel *well* Legolas. Do not worry for me."
Legolas said no more. The man's sudden change in tone made it clear he found the case closed. But he couldn't help but worry, and didn't bother to hide his frequent glances towards his friend.
The day rolled by without incident. Legolas did his best to assure himself that Aragorn was indeed 'all right', but uneasiness was determined to follow him. He couldn't help but wonder what was wrong, or right, with Aragorn, and his mind refused to think of anything else.
That night, at dinner, none said a word about Bengwiil. Their pity for Legolas over nearly losing his friend, had lasted longer than the prince could have hoped, and they didn't want to disturb him on the heels of such a catastrophe. Also, Aragorn's words to them the other night had made quite an impact. All this put together made for a silent, but not necessarily peaceful meal.
The air was heavy with questions all were dieing to ask. Though the Bengwiil had been, for the most part, put aside, questions of that perilous night were still on the tongues of all the elves. Many had been awoken by Aragorn's cries, and still many more had arrived in time to see their prince, unconscious on the stone floor. This left many answers to be desired. All answers, in fact, for all who were there that night, save Legolas, had sworn not to speak of it to others without Thranduil's consent. And Legolas was unwilling to speak of it anyway.
Dinner slipped by silently. Legolas, not hungry anyway, arose from the table, and turned towards the Great Hall's door. Aragorn stood from the table, and followed his friend to the door without a word.
Suddenly, the complete silence was split by someone rising from their chair. "Aragorn!"
The two friends stopped, and turned. "Yes?" Aragorn responded, not incuriously, but a little too preoccupied to be interested.
The elf looked a little nervous, and glanced around at his fellows, though was offered no assistance. "I- do you feel well now?"
"I do, thank you."
"Oh…ah maer."
//oh good.//
The elf sat hard in his seat again, looking slightly flushed. He obviously had wanted to ask more, but half-way lost his nerve.
He was relieved, however, when Aragorn came towards the table again, and leaned on the chair Legolas had been sitting in. "Worry not, dear friends. I am sorry I did not put your minds to rest earlier. I wish to assure you now, that I feel no pain. In fact, if it can be believed, I feel better than I have ever!"
The elves nodded, and all looked at him smiling. They were clearly glad by the good news, especially with the rumor of Bengwiil still in their minds.
Legolas couldn't take this. He'd been hearing it all day, and finally had had enough. Aragorn didn't hear him as he went swiftly out of the Great Hall, and only knew he was gone when he turned, and looked over his shoulder. "Legolas?" Aragorn's heart sank.
**********
Legolas walked blindly down the corridor, not even noticing the sound of his footsteps. His mind was too full. Full of worry. Full of frustration. Confusion. He couldn't make sense of any of it, and no one would help him…not even Aragorn.
It was this last aspect of his situation that drove Legolas from frustration to despair. Aragorn was the person he could always count on. And now he was so- different. He wasn't himself, and yet he *was* well! Legolas had nearly lost him to death, and should be relieved and joyful to have him back. But he wasn't. Though Aragorn was alive, he didn't seem back.
Legolas made his steady way to the end of the hall, and went promptly into his bedroom. He was forced to jump out of his thoughtful trance, when he nearly tripped over a pillow in the doorway. Still in the doorway. He lifted the pillow Aragorn had rejected that night that seemed so long ago. Slowly, sadly, Legolas added it to the top of his pillow-tower. He stood a long moment, and stared at his bed.
Suddenly, he flopped onto his bed, his head and shoulders landing in the pile of pillows. He sighed, and rolled over. Determined to get some rest. Perhaps things would be better in the morning? He could only hope…
**********
His legs carried him towards a hill. He couldn't stop. The giant mound loomed up in front of him, and his legs forced him to run to it's top. He finally stopped, once gaining the peak, and wished he could turn around and go back. There were fires springing up everywhere. Fires that caught the dead trees, and set them ablaze.
Everything glowed red, and he couldn't breathe for the smoke. It engulfed him, and he thought he might pass-out.
Finally, his legs took him down the hill. He raced amongst the burning trees, afraid to see what had caused this horrid fire, but somehow knowing what it was anyway.
He ran as fast as he could, though he was no longer in control of himself. He had reached the pale, white walls. He stretch out his arms, grasping the walls for support for his tired body. The walls crumbled beneath his touch. They hit the ground, and turned into black ash. He looked around to see if any saw him. None saw. And though there was no one about, he knew none cared either.
He raced up the steps, but terror struck his heart. He had to turn back! He knew what was in store for him at these stair's top. But his legs took him unwillingly to that bedroom. *that* bedroom.
The door swung open, and he stepped in. There was a bed. There was someone lying in it. Dieing in it.
"Father!" He screamed, but couldn't speak. All he could do was push closer to the bed, and kneel beside the elf lying there.
The elfking was dieing. "You- you do not know what you have done." He fell back onto the bed again, and became limp.
"You have killed him. You have killed them all! They all trusted you. You killed them…"
"No!" Legolas cried without speaking, and he tried to back away. His father seemed to hold him there, though he was dead. Legolas struggled against the weight of the king, and tried to pull back again. The bed sank beneath him, and he was falling into it. Falling. Falling.
"Estel! Estel help me!" He couldn't scream. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't see. Darkness crept around him.
"Estel! No, please! Us nin er! Us nin! No! No!"
//leave me alone! Leave me!//
Legolas sat bolt upright, drenched in cold sweat.
"Legolas!" An arm wrapped around his shoulders, and pulled him against a warm body. Legolas would have flinched, and probably grabbed for his bow, but he recognized the smell of the tunic his face was pressed against, and he relaxed some.
"Father." He sighed, and closed his eyes. He was shaking all over, fear covering him from head to toe. The familiar nightmare was too much. After all that had happened with Aragorn this past day, the nightmare's return overwhelmed him. At that moment, he didn't think he had ever been more frightened in his life.
"Legolas? Legolas, what is it?" His father, though quick to hold his frightened son, was still confused. "I heard you cry out. I came as quickly as I could."
"I'm glad you are here." Legolas whispered, and relaxed further, reaching a hand up to grip his father's arm. Thranduil ran a gentle hand down Legolas' head, letting his fingers slide through the thin hair.
"What is wrong, Legolas?"
"I had- I had a dream."
"A frightening one?"
"Yes." Legolas didn't feel ashamed. He was too shaken to be anything but relieved to see his father. His father that in his dream, he had lost. He was here. He was alive.
"Will you tell me of your dream, my son?"
"I don't wish to…but perhaps-"
"Perhaps it would take away this horror if you spoke of it?"
"Yes, maybe." Legolas nodded, and moving away from his father, sat back on his heals. "I dreamt I was walking through Mirkwood. There were fires everywhere. They burnt our home down. I approached the Halls, and they too was crumbling. I went up stairs, long stairs, and found a room. Someone was there. Dieing…" Legolas sat quietly and just breathed a moment. He didn't look at his father, but across the room, trying to gain strength to keep talking. "It was *you* father. You were dieing. I tried to speak to you, but I couldn't say anything. And then you began to sink into the bed below. You were so heavy, I couldn't hold you up. And you spoke, saying, 'you do-'"
"'You do not know what you have done.'"
Legolas stopped. He looked up at his father, curiously. "How did you know?"
The elfking had a far-away look on his face, and he didn't return his son's gaze for a long while. Finally, he looked up, and there were unshed tears shining in his eyes. "I didn't…" He lied, brushing away the signs of his grief with an angry hand.
Legolas clearly didn't buy it, but he was sick of secrets. Sick of things being concealed from him. With a weary sigh, he rested his forehead against his father's shoulder. "I don't care about the dream anymore, father. It scared me, yes, but the worst part was only reawakening. When I am a awake, I keep thinking. All my thoughts land on Aragorn, and I just don't care to think about him now."
Thranduil threw the elf a hasty glance. "Why is that, Legolas?"
Again, Legolas sighed, this time raising a sweaty hand, and pressing it against his closed eyes. "It worries me so, being around him. He's not himself…" Legolas didn't want to discuss it, really. He felt like he was only repeating himself. Saying the same gloomy things over and over. "Father, I would be content," Legolas pushed himself back on his heals again, so he could look the elfking in the face. "if only I could know how you saved Aragorn's life."
Thranduil's blanch was visible, even in the darkness. "Legolas I-"
"I have a right to know. *please* father. Please tell me how you saved Aragorn."
The elven father sighed, and the sound was heavy with sadness and, to Legolas' apprehension, fear. Thranduil finally nodded, and only briefly met his son's constant gaze.
"Legolas, we- no. It was I. I…I have healed your friend. But at a price."
Legolas swallowed hard. Trying to prepare his ears and heart for the next words. He couldn't have ever prepared them for what Thranduil said next.
"I took desperate measures, and…and I have fed Aragorn a leaf of Bengwiil."
I'm thinking about making a club. A club that everyone can be a part of, I'm sure.
CHLOE
Cliffies Holding Lots Of Exasperation
I apologize!
Hey, sorry doesn't cut it, right? ;)
Yeah, bring it on. I don't care. I'm brave. I'm courageous. I'm not afraid of a blood-thirsty mob.
*ducks behind Grimi*