A/N: Thank you to every one who has been kind enough to review the last
chapter. As always, reviews are what keep me going and what keep me
writing. I love all the positive feedback I have been getting for this - I
am choosing the take the death threats as a compliment...=) Big thankies
and huggles to everyone who has taken the time to review and be so kind
about my work. You deserve as much credit as I do.
This is the second to last chapter. So, after this one there is only one more to go..eeeek!!! **dances around happily** Cannot believe I have actually gotten this far and that I have drummed up so much support on the way. I even have another idea or 3 planned for when I finish this one.
I want to apologise for how long it has been since I updated last. I was going to do this over the weekend, but my cousin came down from London for a much needed and very short notice visit - short notice as in the day before. Which was fantastic as I was feeling very depressed so I got to drown my sorrow in booze and a curry with her. I got rejected by my lasted love interest this week, so have not really been in a mushy mood, so writing this was not easy, but I got back into it, and I am near the conclusion. This one is also in Legolas' point of view, giving some suggestion to his fate.hint hint =)
Skywise - As I said, denial is good, it is the best. Though I hate to think what has been going on between Legolas and Aragorn in you head while I've been not posting ;) I hope you're not still snowed in, as its been a while since your review.did a knight in shining armour come and dig you out? Thank you for the praise, I'm glad you like the fluffy bits. I figured I'd been really at it with the suspense and angst, needed something to stop the random heart attacks and collapsings =) Cheetos and Peanut butter???? Hopefully not together.ewwwwww. Take care. Huggles.
Earen - **once again dutifully collects her mop and bucket to sponge up the moaning pile of goo that was once Earen, feeling kinda guilty for reducing her to it** Opps. Didn't mean to turn you to goo again. But pray tell, exactly who are you in love with??? Am very complimented by your 'goo factor'. Thankies muchly. Love and Huggles. Botticelli
Well then. - Hehehe, you have challenged me. It is track 15 - The Hornburg and it is at the 3 minute mark roughly, when all the brass and drums start to come in is the marching of the elves up to the bridge and into the Deep. I could go into more detail but the I start to sound scary and obsessive..but I can't help it. It's the musician in me.
Golden Rose - Hopefully I won't be following Legolas just yet..
Estel Elendil - Wow, thank you sweetie. Am glad that you are enjoying the Elves wonderful vocal talents.among other things I'm sure ;) Can't believe I had you choking back tears, that is a real complement. Am very relieved that you have not died again, I'm sure it would be bad for your health. So glad you enjoyed the sweetness of the professing of love, I thought it was about time they got around to some good old mush. Take care. Love and Huggles. Botticelli Angel
Alynna - Exactly!!!
Shauna - Nooooo, please don't hurt me. Please!!! If you kill me then who will finish this? And then you'll never know. Plus, I think that this chapter from is from Legolas' PoV is a good sign...hint hint!!! If you smite me, I'll kill the elf! **hopes threat will be enough to save her until the end of the fic** Anyway, I feel that I am not the only one around here in need of a good smiting, I think Ethe should have one or two herself for what she has been doing to our poor little elf as of late. The thing with the Nazgul was terribly unfriendly!
Vana - oh-kay..I'm presuming that there was a compliment in there, so thanks. I think..
Shadow Dreamer - I am the puppet master once more. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing...though I am so complimented by the fact that I made such an impression that I got such reactions. I am gushing over here..seriously grinning over here. Thankies so much, you have really made my day with such kind words. You are definitely way to kind to me, I'm not half as good as you give me credit for. But it's really nice that you think I am. Love and Huggles.
Ethe - I was most shocked not to find you as one of the first few reviewers of the new chapter, but I know what parents are like, so I can forgive you easily enough. You're here now =) And I would like to point out that yes, your cliffhangers are just as bad as mine! Once again, I repeat the word NAZGUL! That was very unfriendly.not that I have been that nice to Legolas either..i admit the arrow thing was a bit painful, but it was for the best. The Nazgul was just plain mean! :p so there!!!! **smiles proudly to self for thinking up a good comeback and excuse** I think we would certainly attract Viggo and Orlando's attention if we went en masse with our flags..not sure if it would be good attention or not :S Am most upset, I nearly got to make an A/L flag the other day but I wasn't allowed to. I snitched an McDonalds happy meal flag from a friend and was about to attack it with a marker pen when she stole it back. Was most distraught..need a new plan now. =) Hehehe, speak soon. Love and Huggles. Botticelli Angel
Little Moo - Yes, I know what I put you through when you read this chapter's predecessor. Though I don't know how you are going to react to this one, as this is all new =) LOL, somehow I think crying killing me then dying could be bad for both out health's..funnily enough. You SO know that you are converted. I do believe that you admitted it to me on Thursday..did you not? - No lying! I have converted you twice now..i'm on a role!!! But they are just so sweet together, as you have admitted! I can't believe you have left me for a whole week!!! **sobs** I had better get lots and lots of reviews when you get back!!! Huggles and Horns???? Hmmm, I think I am worried about that. Huggles to my Baby Moo Slave from (yes) *your* Mistress Mummy Moo.
Boromir (the infamous B!) - Good to see you obeying your master and admitting that you are in fact a pervy hobbit fancier. Not sure whether I should be relieved about Faramir or not.I suppose it's a good thing he's not into bondage with the armies of the west..
Lanier - No, not Romeo and Juliet stylee..not my thing really, it is also being done very well by someone else at the moment.
Too too - ermmmm, thanks I think :S
Once again thank you for all the reviews. Please keep reviewing. The more I get the sooner the last chapter will get finished and go up.
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Chapter 10:
(Legolas PoV)
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Everything was black. There was nothing but the darkness that enveloped my every sense, suffocating me.
I tried to breathe but my lungs were heavy and slow, I felt I was drowning in the un-natural black. The air was thick and weighed heavily in my lungs, every breath I was taking was a struggle, lacking in the vital oxygen I needed I began to panic, only making my situation worse.
A voice.
A voice chanting and calling my name.
Calming me.
Calling me back to the light.
A distant glimmer broke through the darkness, slowly building up to a glowing light shinning in my vision.
I focused on the voice and on the light, on the warmth that flooded my veins taking the chill from my blood, quenching the fire of pain that seared through my veins. The light became shapes, blurred and contorted, but shapes none the less. The voice was commanding and wise, familiar even to my confused brain. But not the voice I wanted to hear, not soft and deep, but comforting all the same.
It was not Aragorn.
It was Gandalf.
My eyes finally came into full focus to reveal Gandalf stood by my bed side looking over me, his staff raised in one hand over my body and upon his other hand what I never dreamed I would see. He was wearing Narya, the Elven ring of Fire of which he had been entrusted with. My eyes grew wide with shock as the memories ran rampant through my mind. I was the only member of the Fellowship who knew of the true power that Gandalf wielded, the power he never used that now sat upon his hand, healing my infected body. The Ring that he swore that he would never use directly, only guard and protect, its presence in the Fellowship all the control he would allow it to exert.
I forced myself to speak his name. "Gandalf."
He stopped his chanting and smiled down at me warmly. "Ah, so you've decided to rejoin us young Legolas."
Gandalf, the only person in the Fellowship who could call me young in comparison to themselves. As I thought about how I had ended up here I realised everything was blank, all that had occurred since the battle of the Deep was gone. "What happened?"
"It will return soon enough." He told me.
I thought about it and I could feel my brow crease in concentration, still nothing would return to me.
Gandalf must have noticed my frustration at being able to remember nothing as he spoke again. "How is the pain?"
As I thought about it, it was as good as gone. All that remained was the piercing ache in my chest where the arrow had hit but the searing agony had left. I was shocked. "It is all but gone."
Gandalf pondered this for a moment. "That is good to hear."
"You healed me."
"Yes I did young one. You were infected with-"
"Poison. Of Sarumans devising." I interrupted as information slowly began to return to me.
Gandalf nodded in approval. "The wound in your shoulder will need more time to heal, but you are Elven and it shall not take long. The poison has been removed and its effects undone. You shall be fighting soon and riding in but a few days."
"You used Narya."
Gandalf nodded, his face becoming solemn.
"I know what a sacrifice you have made, you have broken your vow."
"And never shall we speak of it Legolas. Naught to no one, not even the others."
"You have saved me from the Halls of Mandos Mithrandir. Forever am I in your debt, and if you bid me to speak no word of this, then no word shall I speak."
"I feared that not even my magic bound with the strength of Narya could save you. You were on the verge of death Legolas."
"You broke your vow to save me.I fear that I am not worth such."
"Yes I broke my vow, and I would do it again Legolas. For you, for any of the Fellowship. Death is not your path just yet my dearest Elf, there is much left for you. And also, I fear that Aragorn would never be the same. I swear that he ages at least 10 years while he tended to your wound."
"Aragorn?" Aragorn had been here? He had tended to me? Why could I not remember him being here with me? Why could I not remember the man I have loved for so long?
"Yes, if it were not for him I do not believe that I would have been able to heal you, him and your trusty Arod."
I gave him a quizzical look and explained further. With each of his words more of my memories returned, filling in the gaps in my mind that annoyed and troubled me more than words can describe.
"Arod bore you away from the battle and into the Deep when you collapsed upon his back. Aragorn followed you and brought you here and sent for me. If he had not acted so swiftly, I fear I would not have been able to bring you back Legolas."
"Then I am in his debt as well as yours."
Gandalf smiled knowingly. "I believe you being alive still will be all the thanks he shall need. He was most afraid for your life when you began to leave us, though I must say that he looked decidedly guilty. I cannot imagine what occurred while I was away from this chamber to make him appear as such."
"Guilty?" My voice hitched in my throat as the memories of what had occurred returned to me. I was drowning in the sound of Aragorns voice, soft in my ear telling me I had stolen his love, the feel of his lips against my own and his warm breath mingling with mine. Why did he feel guilty? Did he not mean what he had said? Of course he did not, how could he have meant it?
I am nothing in comparison to the Evenstar, to Arwen his betrothed. How could he love me when he loved her? The jewel he wore around his neck, the jewel I had returned to him was a sign of his love, was a sign that his heart was taken. He would never belong to me. He would never want to belong to me.
All that he said to me in my dying breaths was a lie.
He thought that I was to die and comforted me by giving me my last wish. All that he said, all that he did was nothing more than an attempt to ease my passing.
Is this what Gandalf was trying to tell me? To expect nothing from the future King of Men, to have the love he confessed taken away from me.
I bowed my head, trying to hide from the Wizards questioning gaze. "Are you quite all right Legolas?"
I nodded and lied. "I am fine. I am just weary still."
I was weary, but more was I filled with shame and heartache. How could I face Aragorn? How could I look him in the eye knowing that I had professed my love to him, a love that he did not return? Would he even be able to look upon me? Would he cast me out and away, back to Mirkwood? Perhaps that would be for the best, never to see the Man again. There was no way that I could continue to be near Aragorn, not with the memory of his kiss and his words of love engraved in my mind to forever taunt me, knowing that never would I have the love that I so desired. Yes, I would apologise to him for all that I have said and done, and then return to Mirkwood when I could pass from grief. Mourning the love that I have lost and the friendship I had so carelessly destroyed.
If Gandalf knew that I was lying, he did not show it or try to impart any wisdom upon me against doing so. He simply said, "You need to rest Legolas. Your body has been through much trauma. Sleep today and you may see the others upon nightfall. They will be glad to see you, especially Aragorn."
My heart broke at the sound of his name. I simply nodded and watched Gandalf leave, shutting the door behind him. Once he was gone my composure broke and I sobbed until I fell into a restless slumber.
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tbc...
a/n: **sniffles** Poor Legolas. All alone and feeling unloved. I'm so nasty to him! But at least he's alive, which saves me from a smiting and sudden death from many of you. See, Legolas is nice and alive so there's no need to start getting violent now is there..is there???
As I said, this is the second to last chapter. The grand finale is as good as written, so it all depends on how much response I get to this chapter to when I put the final chapter up. So, the more and sooner you review, the sooner you get to find out what happens..i can be so naughty I know!
So, please REVIEW!
Botticelli Angel
p.s on the subject of my Haldir/Boromir denial, they are very much enjoying their dirty weekend away. I got a postcard the other day and they would like me to inform you that they are enjoying each others 'company' so much that they are going to extend it for a few years ;)
This is the second to last chapter. So, after this one there is only one more to go..eeeek!!! **dances around happily** Cannot believe I have actually gotten this far and that I have drummed up so much support on the way. I even have another idea or 3 planned for when I finish this one.
I want to apologise for how long it has been since I updated last. I was going to do this over the weekend, but my cousin came down from London for a much needed and very short notice visit - short notice as in the day before. Which was fantastic as I was feeling very depressed so I got to drown my sorrow in booze and a curry with her. I got rejected by my lasted love interest this week, so have not really been in a mushy mood, so writing this was not easy, but I got back into it, and I am near the conclusion. This one is also in Legolas' point of view, giving some suggestion to his fate.hint hint =)
Skywise - As I said, denial is good, it is the best. Though I hate to think what has been going on between Legolas and Aragorn in you head while I've been not posting ;) I hope you're not still snowed in, as its been a while since your review.did a knight in shining armour come and dig you out? Thank you for the praise, I'm glad you like the fluffy bits. I figured I'd been really at it with the suspense and angst, needed something to stop the random heart attacks and collapsings =) Cheetos and Peanut butter???? Hopefully not together.ewwwwww. Take care. Huggles.
Earen - **once again dutifully collects her mop and bucket to sponge up the moaning pile of goo that was once Earen, feeling kinda guilty for reducing her to it** Opps. Didn't mean to turn you to goo again. But pray tell, exactly who are you in love with??? Am very complimented by your 'goo factor'. Thankies muchly. Love and Huggles. Botticelli
Well then. - Hehehe, you have challenged me. It is track 15 - The Hornburg and it is at the 3 minute mark roughly, when all the brass and drums start to come in is the marching of the elves up to the bridge and into the Deep. I could go into more detail but the I start to sound scary and obsessive..but I can't help it. It's the musician in me.
Golden Rose - Hopefully I won't be following Legolas just yet..
Estel Elendil - Wow, thank you sweetie. Am glad that you are enjoying the Elves wonderful vocal talents.among other things I'm sure ;) Can't believe I had you choking back tears, that is a real complement. Am very relieved that you have not died again, I'm sure it would be bad for your health. So glad you enjoyed the sweetness of the professing of love, I thought it was about time they got around to some good old mush. Take care. Love and Huggles. Botticelli Angel
Alynna - Exactly!!!
Shauna - Nooooo, please don't hurt me. Please!!! If you kill me then who will finish this? And then you'll never know. Plus, I think that this chapter from is from Legolas' PoV is a good sign...hint hint!!! If you smite me, I'll kill the elf! **hopes threat will be enough to save her until the end of the fic** Anyway, I feel that I am not the only one around here in need of a good smiting, I think Ethe should have one or two herself for what she has been doing to our poor little elf as of late. The thing with the Nazgul was terribly unfriendly!
Vana - oh-kay..I'm presuming that there was a compliment in there, so thanks. I think..
Shadow Dreamer - I am the puppet master once more. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing...though I am so complimented by the fact that I made such an impression that I got such reactions. I am gushing over here..seriously grinning over here. Thankies so much, you have really made my day with such kind words. You are definitely way to kind to me, I'm not half as good as you give me credit for. But it's really nice that you think I am. Love and Huggles.
Ethe - I was most shocked not to find you as one of the first few reviewers of the new chapter, but I know what parents are like, so I can forgive you easily enough. You're here now =) And I would like to point out that yes, your cliffhangers are just as bad as mine! Once again, I repeat the word NAZGUL! That was very unfriendly.not that I have been that nice to Legolas either..i admit the arrow thing was a bit painful, but it was for the best. The Nazgul was just plain mean! :p so there!!!! **smiles proudly to self for thinking up a good comeback and excuse** I think we would certainly attract Viggo and Orlando's attention if we went en masse with our flags..not sure if it would be good attention or not :S Am most upset, I nearly got to make an A/L flag the other day but I wasn't allowed to. I snitched an McDonalds happy meal flag from a friend and was about to attack it with a marker pen when she stole it back. Was most distraught..need a new plan now. =) Hehehe, speak soon. Love and Huggles. Botticelli Angel
Little Moo - Yes, I know what I put you through when you read this chapter's predecessor. Though I don't know how you are going to react to this one, as this is all new =) LOL, somehow I think crying killing me then dying could be bad for both out health's..funnily enough. You SO know that you are converted. I do believe that you admitted it to me on Thursday..did you not? - No lying! I have converted you twice now..i'm on a role!!! But they are just so sweet together, as you have admitted! I can't believe you have left me for a whole week!!! **sobs** I had better get lots and lots of reviews when you get back!!! Huggles and Horns???? Hmmm, I think I am worried about that. Huggles to my Baby Moo Slave from (yes) *your* Mistress Mummy Moo.
Boromir (the infamous B!) - Good to see you obeying your master and admitting that you are in fact a pervy hobbit fancier. Not sure whether I should be relieved about Faramir or not.I suppose it's a good thing he's not into bondage with the armies of the west..
Lanier - No, not Romeo and Juliet stylee..not my thing really, it is also being done very well by someone else at the moment.
Too too - ermmmm, thanks I think :S
Once again thank you for all the reviews. Please keep reviewing. The more I get the sooner the last chapter will get finished and go up.
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Chapter 10:
(Legolas PoV)
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Everything was black. There was nothing but the darkness that enveloped my every sense, suffocating me.
I tried to breathe but my lungs were heavy and slow, I felt I was drowning in the un-natural black. The air was thick and weighed heavily in my lungs, every breath I was taking was a struggle, lacking in the vital oxygen I needed I began to panic, only making my situation worse.
A voice.
A voice chanting and calling my name.
Calming me.
Calling me back to the light.
A distant glimmer broke through the darkness, slowly building up to a glowing light shinning in my vision.
I focused on the voice and on the light, on the warmth that flooded my veins taking the chill from my blood, quenching the fire of pain that seared through my veins. The light became shapes, blurred and contorted, but shapes none the less. The voice was commanding and wise, familiar even to my confused brain. But not the voice I wanted to hear, not soft and deep, but comforting all the same.
It was not Aragorn.
It was Gandalf.
My eyes finally came into full focus to reveal Gandalf stood by my bed side looking over me, his staff raised in one hand over my body and upon his other hand what I never dreamed I would see. He was wearing Narya, the Elven ring of Fire of which he had been entrusted with. My eyes grew wide with shock as the memories ran rampant through my mind. I was the only member of the Fellowship who knew of the true power that Gandalf wielded, the power he never used that now sat upon his hand, healing my infected body. The Ring that he swore that he would never use directly, only guard and protect, its presence in the Fellowship all the control he would allow it to exert.
I forced myself to speak his name. "Gandalf."
He stopped his chanting and smiled down at me warmly. "Ah, so you've decided to rejoin us young Legolas."
Gandalf, the only person in the Fellowship who could call me young in comparison to themselves. As I thought about how I had ended up here I realised everything was blank, all that had occurred since the battle of the Deep was gone. "What happened?"
"It will return soon enough." He told me.
I thought about it and I could feel my brow crease in concentration, still nothing would return to me.
Gandalf must have noticed my frustration at being able to remember nothing as he spoke again. "How is the pain?"
As I thought about it, it was as good as gone. All that remained was the piercing ache in my chest where the arrow had hit but the searing agony had left. I was shocked. "It is all but gone."
Gandalf pondered this for a moment. "That is good to hear."
"You healed me."
"Yes I did young one. You were infected with-"
"Poison. Of Sarumans devising." I interrupted as information slowly began to return to me.
Gandalf nodded in approval. "The wound in your shoulder will need more time to heal, but you are Elven and it shall not take long. The poison has been removed and its effects undone. You shall be fighting soon and riding in but a few days."
"You used Narya."
Gandalf nodded, his face becoming solemn.
"I know what a sacrifice you have made, you have broken your vow."
"And never shall we speak of it Legolas. Naught to no one, not even the others."
"You have saved me from the Halls of Mandos Mithrandir. Forever am I in your debt, and if you bid me to speak no word of this, then no word shall I speak."
"I feared that not even my magic bound with the strength of Narya could save you. You were on the verge of death Legolas."
"You broke your vow to save me.I fear that I am not worth such."
"Yes I broke my vow, and I would do it again Legolas. For you, for any of the Fellowship. Death is not your path just yet my dearest Elf, there is much left for you. And also, I fear that Aragorn would never be the same. I swear that he ages at least 10 years while he tended to your wound."
"Aragorn?" Aragorn had been here? He had tended to me? Why could I not remember him being here with me? Why could I not remember the man I have loved for so long?
"Yes, if it were not for him I do not believe that I would have been able to heal you, him and your trusty Arod."
I gave him a quizzical look and explained further. With each of his words more of my memories returned, filling in the gaps in my mind that annoyed and troubled me more than words can describe.
"Arod bore you away from the battle and into the Deep when you collapsed upon his back. Aragorn followed you and brought you here and sent for me. If he had not acted so swiftly, I fear I would not have been able to bring you back Legolas."
"Then I am in his debt as well as yours."
Gandalf smiled knowingly. "I believe you being alive still will be all the thanks he shall need. He was most afraid for your life when you began to leave us, though I must say that he looked decidedly guilty. I cannot imagine what occurred while I was away from this chamber to make him appear as such."
"Guilty?" My voice hitched in my throat as the memories of what had occurred returned to me. I was drowning in the sound of Aragorns voice, soft in my ear telling me I had stolen his love, the feel of his lips against my own and his warm breath mingling with mine. Why did he feel guilty? Did he not mean what he had said? Of course he did not, how could he have meant it?
I am nothing in comparison to the Evenstar, to Arwen his betrothed. How could he love me when he loved her? The jewel he wore around his neck, the jewel I had returned to him was a sign of his love, was a sign that his heart was taken. He would never belong to me. He would never want to belong to me.
All that he said to me in my dying breaths was a lie.
He thought that I was to die and comforted me by giving me my last wish. All that he said, all that he did was nothing more than an attempt to ease my passing.
Is this what Gandalf was trying to tell me? To expect nothing from the future King of Men, to have the love he confessed taken away from me.
I bowed my head, trying to hide from the Wizards questioning gaze. "Are you quite all right Legolas?"
I nodded and lied. "I am fine. I am just weary still."
I was weary, but more was I filled with shame and heartache. How could I face Aragorn? How could I look him in the eye knowing that I had professed my love to him, a love that he did not return? Would he even be able to look upon me? Would he cast me out and away, back to Mirkwood? Perhaps that would be for the best, never to see the Man again. There was no way that I could continue to be near Aragorn, not with the memory of his kiss and his words of love engraved in my mind to forever taunt me, knowing that never would I have the love that I so desired. Yes, I would apologise to him for all that I have said and done, and then return to Mirkwood when I could pass from grief. Mourning the love that I have lost and the friendship I had so carelessly destroyed.
If Gandalf knew that I was lying, he did not show it or try to impart any wisdom upon me against doing so. He simply said, "You need to rest Legolas. Your body has been through much trauma. Sleep today and you may see the others upon nightfall. They will be glad to see you, especially Aragorn."
My heart broke at the sound of his name. I simply nodded and watched Gandalf leave, shutting the door behind him. Once he was gone my composure broke and I sobbed until I fell into a restless slumber.
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tbc...
a/n: **sniffles** Poor Legolas. All alone and feeling unloved. I'm so nasty to him! But at least he's alive, which saves me from a smiting and sudden death from many of you. See, Legolas is nice and alive so there's no need to start getting violent now is there..is there???
As I said, this is the second to last chapter. The grand finale is as good as written, so it all depends on how much response I get to this chapter to when I put the final chapter up. So, the more and sooner you review, the sooner you get to find out what happens..i can be so naughty I know!
So, please REVIEW!
Botticelli Angel
p.s on the subject of my Haldir/Boromir denial, they are very much enjoying their dirty weekend away. I got a postcard the other day and they would like me to inform you that they are enjoying each others 'company' so much that they are going to extend it for a few years ;)