Eeeek! Please don't hurt me! Please! I know that I promised an update of
this ages ago..well, Wednesday/Thursday night, and yes, it is now late
Sunday night, but please forgive me. Have spent the last 3 days either at
work or doing Biology coursework on the respiration of yeast in bread
baking..I think my brain will never recover from its current state of mush!
I have had this written since about weds morning, but I didn't want to put
it up with out saying my final words and thank-you's and authors notes. So,
therefore it's all a bit late. But seeing as this is the last part, and I'm
concluding it all, I'm sure you can find it in your hearts to forgive
me.can't you? **looks hopeful**
Oh my. As you can all see I'm sure, this is my longest update by far. I am desperate to split this up into two separate ones, and every part of me as the old hand at writing that I am suggests that this *should* be two separate updates. But, I am going against the little voices in my head that are telling me not to post it all as one. And I am doing it for you guys. In my last post I said that there would only be one more chapter, and so, there is only one more chapter...just an exceedingly long one. As you have all been wonderful and reviewed and been so good to me all the time that I have been writing this, I am not going to make you wait any longer for a conclusion, so a little bit of literary mashing, and it all fits together. This is dedicated to all you guys who have been with me since the beginning, and everyone who has appeared since and shown me support. This was my first 'long' LotR fic, and a slash one at that! You guys have really helped me get this one out, and because of your support there will be many more to come - she hopes! I am definitely going to be setting up shop in this fandom for a while. Thankies for the support.
On my almost final note, it feels SO odd coming to the end of this fic, I have been working on this for a while now and its going to be so odd not having to update this or write any more.though I could be tempted into a sequel in the future if inspiration strikes...I'm really going to miss this fic. WARNING: author getting emotional and sentimental like the crazy person she is, back away slowly and hope she doesn't start blubbering...Joke, I won't blubber =) I think =S
Now, I have one parting request..well, a few actually. I want to write more fics and I've got some good idea's but I want to get my facts sorted before I dive in there, as I really don't have time to study the whole trilogy before I get back at the keyboard. Firstly, does any one know of nay good MPREG fics about, I've read some that have been really good and I want to dig out some more, preferably A/L of course. Second request, what do we know about Legolas' parentage..apart from he's son of Thranduil. Do we know what Thranduil looks like, what about his mother, what she look like, she alive, and siblings - does he have any and ages??? If anyone knows, I would love you forever if you let me know. The next fic I write will be devoted to anyone who can give me any of this info, because I'd rather get it right than make it up. Thankies all.
Queen-of-Gondor - Read on and hopefully I can be spared. =)
Alona - wow, thank you and your bagel for the compliment.I think =)
Earen - Wow. **blushes and gushes simultaneously** I can't believe you actually love this and my writing. Thank you. Am all happy now! Am once again honoured to hear the choir of elves praising the Valar.is most orginal and brilliant compliment I have ever recived..please don't melt, but I will have the mop and bucket on stand by for this chapter =) take care hunny. Love and huggles.
Mydogisfudge - thank you for reviewing, its great that you did at all instead of staying as a lurker. Thank you for the wonderful compliments.
Skywise - Hehehe, I love angst to. I love mush, don't get me wrong, but I felt the need to break it up a little..but don't worry, plenty more mush to come =) so there's no need to come any closer to me with that club.ok? It has been a journey through this fic, and you have been there every leg of the way. Thank you so much, and it will be great to see you at the next one I write, which I will hopefully be producing soon. Thank you for al the support, couldn't have done it without. Love and Huggles.
Beautifully Twisted - It's nice to know that you have still been reading, even if you haven't been reviewing. Always nice to have sone extra followers reveal themselves. You're review was fantastic, it was really beautiful and it really moved me the way you managed to sum all the best bits of my fic so wonderfully and so eloquently. I can't help but think my fic doesn't do your summary justice. But don't worry, nothing is ever done in vain ;)
Golden Rose - LOL..it would seem that way.but things aren't always as they appear.and I have no desire to die.
Lanier - And you keep that dagger kept away..i do not want to become a shish-kebab! LOL! =)
Shauna - **hides** I don't want to be smited! Smite some one else! If you smite me once I have finished this one, I wont be able to write any more..and we can't have that can we now??? If I'm nice to Legolas will you promise not to gang up on me with Ethe and smite me? Ethe I think is now most deserving of her own medicine, just as things were looking up for our beloved elf she goes and gets all nasty to him again.I'm not the only one out there being horrible to him! Honest! I'm very sorry for the shortness, I couldn't help it, there really wasn't any more to say, but this one is sooooo long, you can forgive me..right? Of course we know hey belong together, they just need their heads banging together so that they can see it. I agree, curse Arwen..damn her being alive.she causes such problems. I really do NOT like Arwen.I mean look at what she did, she stole Glorfindels limelight completely.and not to mention his horse! I am also very allergic to her.it's terrible. She brings me out in a awful rash..lol. I will visit your fic asap and drop a review and see if lightening strikes, I will send the suggestions your way. And in the meantime, beat up Ethe over her terrible abuse of Legolas! Though I can forgive her slightly because he going to have a baby..awww how sweet **melts** Thank you for the long running and constant support. You're reviews always brighten up my day. Love and Huggles P.SWhat rule did you break????
S_Star - LOL. Okay, I will take my £200 and not be evil. So here it is! Thankies for all the reviews and support. Love and Huggles.
Estel - Thank you for all the wonderful reviews you have left me since I began this story. They have always brightened up my day and given me the courage to carry on writing. Hope to see your comments on this final chapter, and hopefully o my nest fic. Love and Huggles.
Shadow Dreamer - LOL..you honestly didn't think I was going to kill him did you?? Well, okay it did look like I was going to, but I could never do that to my poor little Legolas! What would Aragorn do without him? I'm glad you liked the ring idea.. I wasn't sure about it, but it was the only way to get him back to nearly proper health in the time so he and Aragorn can 'talk'. Yay, pupper master me! **starts singing randomly and scarily to the tune of 'I am the music man' about being the puppet master** Denial is great, Boromir and Haldir are thinking about eloping..also they said something about a wedding.I'm still waiting to find out if I can be bridesmaid or not for introducing them to each other and the wonderd of dirty weekends. Thank you for the wonderful comments. You've made a day of crappy bio a good one. Love and Huggles.
Alyanna - Yeh, they're loving it out there..especially the whole not being dead part. Apparently its nice..i'm going to take their word on it =)
Ethe - have left you as second to last as your review was massive - thank you so much sweetie, it was fab to see it, definitely my longest review received yet! Now, I hardly think you are one to comment about the length of time between posts.even though you have just put one up, which I will read and review asap! Promise! I know what sign you mean, and I did think that the review was a bit odd. It was cut off in a funny place and didn't really make sense, and was obviously shorter than your normal ones, but this one you left was SO long, it makes up for it all =) You apologised to me for the Nazgul thing and said he's "safe in the shire now"..he had better stay that way or I will not be happy and will be demanding a smiting from the Valar! But I am happy that he is having the baby, Aragorns baby **gets all mushy and cooeey** I guess I can forgive you a little bit for doing that! I know what you mean about it being over and it being sad. I really want to finish this, so I can say that I've finished it, but I don't want to at the same time. Because I've built up a good rapport with people on this fic in my notes and the reviews - like you for example, and Shauna, and Earen and Estel - and I don't want to let that go. I'm expecting to see you at my next fic reviewing me! I'm definitely going to miss this, and updating this, but it will be kewl to be finished! Yay for Gandalf making Legoals better.had to give the old guy something big to do to make up for his lack of time in the fic ;) Yes, I agree, bad Arwen.I have a serious dislike of her. I'm very allergic, she brings me out in a terrible rash! =) I agree that, that 'thing' could never be better than Legolas, he is far superior to her in every way! There really is no competition.Legolas is just modest and shy.unlike 'the thing'. As for the epilogue..I really don't think I could get one out of this.I don't know, not with how I have ended it. Maybe. We'll see. You are not insane, I very much agree with your idea for the RotK premiere chant. I'll provide the flags and you bring a megaphone - as I don't think me and you will manage to raise our voices over the screaming crowds without aid - and see if we can get a snog out of them.hehehehe..that would be so kewl **spends ten minutes daydreaming with idiotic grin on face** Legolas does seem to attract suffering, does he not..it must be something about him, everyone makes him suffer.poor thing. Aragorn will just have to comfort him some more!!! **grins** Well, I hope this chapter will save me form a severe smiting from you and your partner in crime.I think you will like it in the end. Thank you for all the support you have given me, I love your reviews, they really cheer m up and make me smile. Don't know what I would do without them!!! Take care sweetie. Love and Huggles. Botticelli Angel
Little Moo - Thank you for the support and demands. I don't think I will ever have faith in myself or my writing, but as long as other people do then that is enough to keep me going. So, I think that's meeting you in the middle.right? I'm glad you trust me to make it right.but I can't but think you have more reason to say that any one else..hmm, I wonder. I know, I am most sad that this is the final update..how shocking that I'm actually finished and that people actually liked this. Weird. But, I promise as long as the ideas are in my head and I can use a keyboard, I will keep on writing so you can carry on reading my 'little gems'. I will start the next fic asap, I promise.but I need to decide which one to do next before I can begin! I'm sorry about the horns comment. You know I love horns.but I didn't realise you meant that kind of horn, as in my newly retrieved horn. I though you meant the devil horns that you get on your head that you always wrongly imply that I have.when we all know that it is you who has those kinds of horns! I'm glad you like your signed version of this, I m going to print it all off for me so I have a copy..can't wait to see it all done and printed on paper! As for Boromir and Haldir, I am sure you have read about their happy news in the above messages. Will see if I can get you an invite, but it's a very private affair.they're going to have a barbeque at the reception =) Please my child, do not lower the tone by discussing yeast and traumatising me further. Thankies for all the nagging and the support. Yes, I am only *your* Mistress Mummy Moo, the Pervy Hobbit Fancier. And you are *my* Baby Moo Slave, the Grimy Grima Grabber.- you so knew I wasn't going to end this without getting that in there one more time! And think about the next fic before you insult me **raises eyebrows to make point** Huggles. MMMthePHF
Thank you to every one who has ever reviewed this fic positively. You have given me the strength and the determination to go on. Thank you all! This is dedicated to everyone who reviewed, but especially Little Moo, who has supported me through the last few months of writing and has been good enough to let me convert her, twice!
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Chapter 11
Aragorn PoV
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Panic.
Blind panic.
It had been all I knew since Legolas whispered my name and slipped out of consciousness. How could I have been so careless, so stupid, so thoughtless as to kiss him in his state. I am a healer. I should have known better, I should not have risked him and his health to content myself with his warm and soft lips. I remembered grabbing his shoulders and shaking him, trying to bring him back into awareness, but to no avail.
This was how Gandalf found us.
With one look at my dearest Legolas, Gandalf told me that there was no time left for my love and there was naught left that I could do. Forcing me out the room Gandalf bade me to help the other injured, for only he could save Legolas now. Promising me he would do all that he could to stop Legolas from fading he shut the door in my face and locked it from within.
I do not know how long I waited for Gandalf to leave Legolas' room. I could not think, I could not eat, I could not stand and yet I could not sit either. I was restless and relentless as I searched the Deep for Gimili to inform him of Legolas' condition. He now waited by my side as I paced back and forth along the corridor, patiently and wisely not disturbing my brooding thoughts on Legolas and how he fared inside that small room. This was my greatest fear. I could lose my own life in battle, it was something that I knew and faced with pride and honour, but to lose Legolas. No, it could not happen. I could not live with out him, I would not be able to go on. If he were to die, then I would follow him.
Finally the lock turned in the door and Gandalf exited the room.
"Gandalf. How is he? Is he.?" I trailed off, I could not bear to voice the question for fear that it would be so.
"He is alive and well Aragorn. Alive and well." If it were not for the large grin upon Gandalfs face, I would not have believe or trusted my ears which had been desperate to hear such words for so long now.
"The poison?" Gimili asked.
"I have banished it from his body. His wound in his chest will need some time to finish healing. He will be fit to ride with us in but a few days."
"How? He was but a breath away from passing?" As much as I wanted to believe that he was well, how could it be? How could this not be a figment of a tired and desperate mind?
"Do not ask me such again Aragorn, for I cannot answer such a question. Legolas is well and shall remain so." Despite the gravity of his words, I knew from the smile on his face and the light in his eyes that whatever he had done, he would do it again in a beat of his heart.
"Can I see him?" My need to see him overwhelmed my need for answers and all else.
Gandalf shook his head. "He is weary Aragorn and he must rest. You may see him when the sun sets. Do not enter until then." He gave me a warning stare, knowing me too well and in such knowing that I would try and sneak in to look upon him. To sate my fears.
Gandalf sighed and took pity upon me. "I know how you feel for him Aragorn and that you worry so. Do not fear. He is well and true. Do not doubt him." With a meaningful raise of his eyebrows Gandalf turned and announced to us both that he was to tend to more wounded and bade us to rest.
Gimili and I found little rest, for despite Gandalfs reassurance neither of us could believe that Legolas was truly well until we saw him with our own eyes. I sat upon the cold stone floor for most the day, lost in my thoughts of Legolas and his words to me. Smiling as the memory of his kiss and his confession of love warmed and soothed me.
A hand on my shoulder broke into my thoughts. I looked up to see Gimili smiling down at me. "The sun has set Aragorn."
I had been so content and lost in my thoughts that I had not noticed the sun setting?
"Go and see him Laddie." Gimili said with a chuckle and a glint in his eye. Did every one know how I felt for Legolas before I did?
I smiled and muttered a thanks to Gimili as I stood and made my way to Legolas' door. It was finally time to see my love.
My Legolas.
I opened the door and entered calling out Legolas' name softly to see if he was still sleeping. He was sat in the bed that I had laid him upon that morning, looking down at the blankets that covered him, hiding his eyes from mine. If I did not know Legolas better then I would say that he was afraid, that he was hiding from me. He was most certainly hiding his gaze from me. I instantly began to worry, what could have occurred that would cause this the very instant that I entered the room?
"Legolas?" I asked making no attempt to hide my concern as I hurried over to his bedside and seated myself beside him, taking his hand in mine.
"Aragorn?" He said my name so softly that I almost did not hear it.
"Yes Legolas, it is I. I am here."
He sighed and my fear only increased. What if my fears where true? What if Gandalf was wrong? What if he did not love me and it was the delusions of the poison...then he was going to tell me that he does not love me. Is why he cannot bear to look me in the eye? Because he knows how I feel for him, but does not return my affections? I muted a sob that I wanted to release and instead spoke again. "Gandalf says you are well again. You shall be able to ride again in but a few days."
"Yes, I know." He replied, once again softly, his voice pained.
I paused for a long moment. I could not let this go on any longer. I had to know. "Legolas, why do you not look me in the eye."
"Oh, I was not aware that-"
I cut him off. "Your attention has been fixed upon the blanket since I have entered. Have I done something to displease you?"
His eyes shot up and locked with mine. His bright blue eyes, normally so beautiful and full of life were dead and grey, full of pain and tears that trembled as they prepared to fall. "No Aragorn. You have done nothing." He paused, his eyes flitting from the blanket covering his legs and chest to me. Eyes still so full of pain and unshed tears. "It is I, I fear have offended."
My brow furrowed in thought. He has been asleep for the last day, how could he have offended.
"In my illness." He explained, his voice shaking, and the first tears from his eyes dropping onto the blanket. "I said things to you Aragorn that I should not have said."
I gasped.
No.
This can't be happening.
It can not be true.
It can't.
He does not love me.
I could feel the tears well up in my eyes, dangerously threatening to fall.
How could I have presumed that this beautiful, wonderful creature sat before me could ever fall for a dirty man, afraid of his own destiny.
"It is alright Legolas. It is I who should be apologising."
I should never have confessed my feelings, never. He shall never be near me again after this.
"No Aragorn. I should not have said what I said. You love the Evenstar. You have given yourself to Arwen. It was foolish of me to think that I could be a comparison to her in your heart, let alone surpass what you feel for her. I should not have said what I said and laid it upon your shoulders. Forced you to cater to a dying Elf's whim and affections."
I'm sure my mouth hung agape as I listened to Legolas and watched him begin to sob broken into his hands, repeated whispering apologies in both Evlish and the Common Tongue. I pulled his shaking form into my arms and held him as tightly as I could, not caring about what ever pain there may be left in his wound that Gandalf bade me to be mindful of. How could he believe that I did not love him? Surely he did not think my confession fake? Did he?
"Legolas, surely you remember my words to you as you lay in this very bed."
He sniffled. "Yes. I am sorry that I forced such words upon your lips. Words you had no desire to say or contemplate."
I was shocked into silence. How could he think such a thing? The words forced?
"Nay Legolas, surely you do not believe such a thing."
He nodded against my shoulder.
"If you wish me to return to Mirkwood then I shall. I will understand if you no longer want my presence."
This had gone far enough!
"Legolas! Listen to me!" I pulled him back away from me and looked into his tear filled eyes. "I do not wish you to return to Mirkwood. I want you to tell me why you believe such things."
"You love Arwen! You only said what I said because you thought that I would die, you said it to placate me in journey to Mandos."
"Never would I do such a thing!" I hissed. "I speak only the truth and that is what I spoke last night."
Legolas looked at me, his head titled and I know he did not truly hear what I was saying.
"Legolas. I did not say what I said out of duty to a dying friend. I told the true feelings of my heart to the one I love. To make them fight for life, to let them know that I can not live without them by my side. That I love you."
"You-"
I could still see the disbelief in his eyes. So I leaned in closer to him so my lips were only a hairs breadth from his.
"I love you Legolas." I said again softly before claiming his lips once again, for the first time in far to longer day.
"Really?" He asked when I released his lips.
"Really Legolas. I meant every word I said last night. I was scared that you did not return my affections. That all you said was a result of Sarumans poison."
"Never."
"Never?"
"Never." He told me firmly as his hand slipped up to my neck and pulled me forward so that his lips could meet mine. After a brief and far to chaste kiss for my liking he pulled away, looking me in the eyes he told me softly. "I love you Aragorn. Every word I spoke last night was true. I have been afraid to speak such until now for fear of rejection. When I thought that I was to die, I knew that I could not find peace until I told you. And I would suffer it again to hear those words from you lips."
I smiled. "Never shall you have to suffer to hear it my love, never again."
Legolas' hand caressed my face. "You are weary my love. Have you not taken rest?"
"I could not rest, not until I had laid my eyes upon you."
Legolas smiled warmly at me and lifted the edge of his blanket. "Then take your rest with me. I do not think I could bear to be without you, my Aragorn."
I could not suppress my smile. To be able to hold Legolas in my arms in a lover's embrace, to feel his breath upon me was the dream become real, the simplest offer he could make was the one that would mean the most to me until the day I passed. I kicked off my boots and removed my jacket and jerkin before sliding beneath the blankets and tucking them around us, though the bed was small it was perfect for Legolas and I. I put my arms around Legolas as he turned rolled onto his side and snuggled up to me, resting his head against my chest, his arms snaking their way around my frame. He let out a long sigh of contentment.
"This is how it is supposed to be my love." I told him before placing a kiss on the top of his blonde head.
"Promise me it shall be like this always Aragorn." He said softly.
"I promise Legolas, never will I let anything come between us again." And I meant it.
He let out another content sigh.
"I love you Legolas."
"And I love you. Now sleep nin meleth." [my love]
And for the first time since joining the quest, I slept peacefully. Content in the arms of my love.
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**Finis**
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**sniffle** I've finished. Wow, it feels weird.
I hope you guys liked it, I think I have given you what you wanted =) a happy A/L ending I'm sure is satisfactory to everyone right??? **smiles broadly** I'm a real pansy I am, I'm a sucker for happy endings, and I couldn't have my first a/l fic end sadly.just added the doubt for angst and suspense because I am evil like that. But I made it all right in the end...aren't they so sweet, all snuggled up together and happy. **melts into a pool of mushy goo**
I hope this has saved me from several beatings from numerous readers and a double smiting from Ethe and Shauna...i am saved right guys.I made them make up, and confess love, and snuggle up together..happy ever after together gets me saved right...because I can't write more if I get smited..i may die of grief..wait, dammit, I'm not an elf! =)
Hoped you all liked. I love feedback, you know that by now. I live for it! Please let me know what you think! Please REVIEW!
Keep your eyes open for my next fic! It is on its way and it will be A/L!
Love you all. **huggles**
Botticelli Angel
Oh my. As you can all see I'm sure, this is my longest update by far. I am desperate to split this up into two separate ones, and every part of me as the old hand at writing that I am suggests that this *should* be two separate updates. But, I am going against the little voices in my head that are telling me not to post it all as one. And I am doing it for you guys. In my last post I said that there would only be one more chapter, and so, there is only one more chapter...just an exceedingly long one. As you have all been wonderful and reviewed and been so good to me all the time that I have been writing this, I am not going to make you wait any longer for a conclusion, so a little bit of literary mashing, and it all fits together. This is dedicated to all you guys who have been with me since the beginning, and everyone who has appeared since and shown me support. This was my first 'long' LotR fic, and a slash one at that! You guys have really helped me get this one out, and because of your support there will be many more to come - she hopes! I am definitely going to be setting up shop in this fandom for a while. Thankies for the support.
On my almost final note, it feels SO odd coming to the end of this fic, I have been working on this for a while now and its going to be so odd not having to update this or write any more.though I could be tempted into a sequel in the future if inspiration strikes...I'm really going to miss this fic. WARNING: author getting emotional and sentimental like the crazy person she is, back away slowly and hope she doesn't start blubbering...Joke, I won't blubber =) I think =S
Now, I have one parting request..well, a few actually. I want to write more fics and I've got some good idea's but I want to get my facts sorted before I dive in there, as I really don't have time to study the whole trilogy before I get back at the keyboard. Firstly, does any one know of nay good MPREG fics about, I've read some that have been really good and I want to dig out some more, preferably A/L of course. Second request, what do we know about Legolas' parentage..apart from he's son of Thranduil. Do we know what Thranduil looks like, what about his mother, what she look like, she alive, and siblings - does he have any and ages??? If anyone knows, I would love you forever if you let me know. The next fic I write will be devoted to anyone who can give me any of this info, because I'd rather get it right than make it up. Thankies all.
Queen-of-Gondor - Read on and hopefully I can be spared. =)
Alona - wow, thank you and your bagel for the compliment.I think =)
Earen - Wow. **blushes and gushes simultaneously** I can't believe you actually love this and my writing. Thank you. Am all happy now! Am once again honoured to hear the choir of elves praising the Valar.is most orginal and brilliant compliment I have ever recived..please don't melt, but I will have the mop and bucket on stand by for this chapter =) take care hunny. Love and huggles.
Mydogisfudge - thank you for reviewing, its great that you did at all instead of staying as a lurker. Thank you for the wonderful compliments.
Skywise - Hehehe, I love angst to. I love mush, don't get me wrong, but I felt the need to break it up a little..but don't worry, plenty more mush to come =) so there's no need to come any closer to me with that club.ok? It has been a journey through this fic, and you have been there every leg of the way. Thank you so much, and it will be great to see you at the next one I write, which I will hopefully be producing soon. Thank you for al the support, couldn't have done it without. Love and Huggles.
Beautifully Twisted - It's nice to know that you have still been reading, even if you haven't been reviewing. Always nice to have sone extra followers reveal themselves. You're review was fantastic, it was really beautiful and it really moved me the way you managed to sum all the best bits of my fic so wonderfully and so eloquently. I can't help but think my fic doesn't do your summary justice. But don't worry, nothing is ever done in vain ;)
Golden Rose - LOL..it would seem that way.but things aren't always as they appear.and I have no desire to die.
Lanier - And you keep that dagger kept away..i do not want to become a shish-kebab! LOL! =)
Shauna - **hides** I don't want to be smited! Smite some one else! If you smite me once I have finished this one, I wont be able to write any more..and we can't have that can we now??? If I'm nice to Legolas will you promise not to gang up on me with Ethe and smite me? Ethe I think is now most deserving of her own medicine, just as things were looking up for our beloved elf she goes and gets all nasty to him again.I'm not the only one out there being horrible to him! Honest! I'm very sorry for the shortness, I couldn't help it, there really wasn't any more to say, but this one is sooooo long, you can forgive me..right? Of course we know hey belong together, they just need their heads banging together so that they can see it. I agree, curse Arwen..damn her being alive.she causes such problems. I really do NOT like Arwen.I mean look at what she did, she stole Glorfindels limelight completely.and not to mention his horse! I am also very allergic to her.it's terrible. She brings me out in a awful rash..lol. I will visit your fic asap and drop a review and see if lightening strikes, I will send the suggestions your way. And in the meantime, beat up Ethe over her terrible abuse of Legolas! Though I can forgive her slightly because he going to have a baby..awww how sweet **melts** Thank you for the long running and constant support. You're reviews always brighten up my day. Love and Huggles P.SWhat rule did you break????
S_Star - LOL. Okay, I will take my £200 and not be evil. So here it is! Thankies for all the reviews and support. Love and Huggles.
Estel - Thank you for all the wonderful reviews you have left me since I began this story. They have always brightened up my day and given me the courage to carry on writing. Hope to see your comments on this final chapter, and hopefully o my nest fic. Love and Huggles.
Shadow Dreamer - LOL..you honestly didn't think I was going to kill him did you?? Well, okay it did look like I was going to, but I could never do that to my poor little Legolas! What would Aragorn do without him? I'm glad you liked the ring idea.. I wasn't sure about it, but it was the only way to get him back to nearly proper health in the time so he and Aragorn can 'talk'. Yay, pupper master me! **starts singing randomly and scarily to the tune of 'I am the music man' about being the puppet master** Denial is great, Boromir and Haldir are thinking about eloping..also they said something about a wedding.I'm still waiting to find out if I can be bridesmaid or not for introducing them to each other and the wonderd of dirty weekends. Thank you for the wonderful comments. You've made a day of crappy bio a good one. Love and Huggles.
Alyanna - Yeh, they're loving it out there..especially the whole not being dead part. Apparently its nice..i'm going to take their word on it =)
Ethe - have left you as second to last as your review was massive - thank you so much sweetie, it was fab to see it, definitely my longest review received yet! Now, I hardly think you are one to comment about the length of time between posts.even though you have just put one up, which I will read and review asap! Promise! I know what sign you mean, and I did think that the review was a bit odd. It was cut off in a funny place and didn't really make sense, and was obviously shorter than your normal ones, but this one you left was SO long, it makes up for it all =) You apologised to me for the Nazgul thing and said he's "safe in the shire now"..he had better stay that way or I will not be happy and will be demanding a smiting from the Valar! But I am happy that he is having the baby, Aragorns baby **gets all mushy and cooeey** I guess I can forgive you a little bit for doing that! I know what you mean about it being over and it being sad. I really want to finish this, so I can say that I've finished it, but I don't want to at the same time. Because I've built up a good rapport with people on this fic in my notes and the reviews - like you for example, and Shauna, and Earen and Estel - and I don't want to let that go. I'm expecting to see you at my next fic reviewing me! I'm definitely going to miss this, and updating this, but it will be kewl to be finished! Yay for Gandalf making Legoals better.had to give the old guy something big to do to make up for his lack of time in the fic ;) Yes, I agree, bad Arwen.I have a serious dislike of her. I'm very allergic, she brings me out in a terrible rash! =) I agree that, that 'thing' could never be better than Legolas, he is far superior to her in every way! There really is no competition.Legolas is just modest and shy.unlike 'the thing'. As for the epilogue..I really don't think I could get one out of this.I don't know, not with how I have ended it. Maybe. We'll see. You are not insane, I very much agree with your idea for the RotK premiere chant. I'll provide the flags and you bring a megaphone - as I don't think me and you will manage to raise our voices over the screaming crowds without aid - and see if we can get a snog out of them.hehehehe..that would be so kewl **spends ten minutes daydreaming with idiotic grin on face** Legolas does seem to attract suffering, does he not..it must be something about him, everyone makes him suffer.poor thing. Aragorn will just have to comfort him some more!!! **grins** Well, I hope this chapter will save me form a severe smiting from you and your partner in crime.I think you will like it in the end. Thank you for all the support you have given me, I love your reviews, they really cheer m up and make me smile. Don't know what I would do without them!!! Take care sweetie. Love and Huggles. Botticelli Angel
Little Moo - Thank you for the support and demands. I don't think I will ever have faith in myself or my writing, but as long as other people do then that is enough to keep me going. So, I think that's meeting you in the middle.right? I'm glad you trust me to make it right.but I can't but think you have more reason to say that any one else..hmm, I wonder. I know, I am most sad that this is the final update..how shocking that I'm actually finished and that people actually liked this. Weird. But, I promise as long as the ideas are in my head and I can use a keyboard, I will keep on writing so you can carry on reading my 'little gems'. I will start the next fic asap, I promise.but I need to decide which one to do next before I can begin! I'm sorry about the horns comment. You know I love horns.but I didn't realise you meant that kind of horn, as in my newly retrieved horn. I though you meant the devil horns that you get on your head that you always wrongly imply that I have.when we all know that it is you who has those kinds of horns! I'm glad you like your signed version of this, I m going to print it all off for me so I have a copy..can't wait to see it all done and printed on paper! As for Boromir and Haldir, I am sure you have read about their happy news in the above messages. Will see if I can get you an invite, but it's a very private affair.they're going to have a barbeque at the reception =) Please my child, do not lower the tone by discussing yeast and traumatising me further. Thankies for all the nagging and the support. Yes, I am only *your* Mistress Mummy Moo, the Pervy Hobbit Fancier. And you are *my* Baby Moo Slave, the Grimy Grima Grabber.- you so knew I wasn't going to end this without getting that in there one more time! And think about the next fic before you insult me **raises eyebrows to make point** Huggles. MMMthePHF
Thank you to every one who has ever reviewed this fic positively. You have given me the strength and the determination to go on. Thank you all! This is dedicated to everyone who reviewed, but especially Little Moo, who has supported me through the last few months of writing and has been good enough to let me convert her, twice!
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Chapter 11
Aragorn PoV
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Panic.
Blind panic.
It had been all I knew since Legolas whispered my name and slipped out of consciousness. How could I have been so careless, so stupid, so thoughtless as to kiss him in his state. I am a healer. I should have known better, I should not have risked him and his health to content myself with his warm and soft lips. I remembered grabbing his shoulders and shaking him, trying to bring him back into awareness, but to no avail.
This was how Gandalf found us.
With one look at my dearest Legolas, Gandalf told me that there was no time left for my love and there was naught left that I could do. Forcing me out the room Gandalf bade me to help the other injured, for only he could save Legolas now. Promising me he would do all that he could to stop Legolas from fading he shut the door in my face and locked it from within.
I do not know how long I waited for Gandalf to leave Legolas' room. I could not think, I could not eat, I could not stand and yet I could not sit either. I was restless and relentless as I searched the Deep for Gimili to inform him of Legolas' condition. He now waited by my side as I paced back and forth along the corridor, patiently and wisely not disturbing my brooding thoughts on Legolas and how he fared inside that small room. This was my greatest fear. I could lose my own life in battle, it was something that I knew and faced with pride and honour, but to lose Legolas. No, it could not happen. I could not live with out him, I would not be able to go on. If he were to die, then I would follow him.
Finally the lock turned in the door and Gandalf exited the room.
"Gandalf. How is he? Is he.?" I trailed off, I could not bear to voice the question for fear that it would be so.
"He is alive and well Aragorn. Alive and well." If it were not for the large grin upon Gandalfs face, I would not have believe or trusted my ears which had been desperate to hear such words for so long now.
"The poison?" Gimili asked.
"I have banished it from his body. His wound in his chest will need some time to finish healing. He will be fit to ride with us in but a few days."
"How? He was but a breath away from passing?" As much as I wanted to believe that he was well, how could it be? How could this not be a figment of a tired and desperate mind?
"Do not ask me such again Aragorn, for I cannot answer such a question. Legolas is well and shall remain so." Despite the gravity of his words, I knew from the smile on his face and the light in his eyes that whatever he had done, he would do it again in a beat of his heart.
"Can I see him?" My need to see him overwhelmed my need for answers and all else.
Gandalf shook his head. "He is weary Aragorn and he must rest. You may see him when the sun sets. Do not enter until then." He gave me a warning stare, knowing me too well and in such knowing that I would try and sneak in to look upon him. To sate my fears.
Gandalf sighed and took pity upon me. "I know how you feel for him Aragorn and that you worry so. Do not fear. He is well and true. Do not doubt him." With a meaningful raise of his eyebrows Gandalf turned and announced to us both that he was to tend to more wounded and bade us to rest.
Gimili and I found little rest, for despite Gandalfs reassurance neither of us could believe that Legolas was truly well until we saw him with our own eyes. I sat upon the cold stone floor for most the day, lost in my thoughts of Legolas and his words to me. Smiling as the memory of his kiss and his confession of love warmed and soothed me.
A hand on my shoulder broke into my thoughts. I looked up to see Gimili smiling down at me. "The sun has set Aragorn."
I had been so content and lost in my thoughts that I had not noticed the sun setting?
"Go and see him Laddie." Gimili said with a chuckle and a glint in his eye. Did every one know how I felt for Legolas before I did?
I smiled and muttered a thanks to Gimili as I stood and made my way to Legolas' door. It was finally time to see my love.
My Legolas.
I opened the door and entered calling out Legolas' name softly to see if he was still sleeping. He was sat in the bed that I had laid him upon that morning, looking down at the blankets that covered him, hiding his eyes from mine. If I did not know Legolas better then I would say that he was afraid, that he was hiding from me. He was most certainly hiding his gaze from me. I instantly began to worry, what could have occurred that would cause this the very instant that I entered the room?
"Legolas?" I asked making no attempt to hide my concern as I hurried over to his bedside and seated myself beside him, taking his hand in mine.
"Aragorn?" He said my name so softly that I almost did not hear it.
"Yes Legolas, it is I. I am here."
He sighed and my fear only increased. What if my fears where true? What if Gandalf was wrong? What if he did not love me and it was the delusions of the poison...then he was going to tell me that he does not love me. Is why he cannot bear to look me in the eye? Because he knows how I feel for him, but does not return my affections? I muted a sob that I wanted to release and instead spoke again. "Gandalf says you are well again. You shall be able to ride again in but a few days."
"Yes, I know." He replied, once again softly, his voice pained.
I paused for a long moment. I could not let this go on any longer. I had to know. "Legolas, why do you not look me in the eye."
"Oh, I was not aware that-"
I cut him off. "Your attention has been fixed upon the blanket since I have entered. Have I done something to displease you?"
His eyes shot up and locked with mine. His bright blue eyes, normally so beautiful and full of life were dead and grey, full of pain and tears that trembled as they prepared to fall. "No Aragorn. You have done nothing." He paused, his eyes flitting from the blanket covering his legs and chest to me. Eyes still so full of pain and unshed tears. "It is I, I fear have offended."
My brow furrowed in thought. He has been asleep for the last day, how could he have offended.
"In my illness." He explained, his voice shaking, and the first tears from his eyes dropping onto the blanket. "I said things to you Aragorn that I should not have said."
I gasped.
No.
This can't be happening.
It can not be true.
It can't.
He does not love me.
I could feel the tears well up in my eyes, dangerously threatening to fall.
How could I have presumed that this beautiful, wonderful creature sat before me could ever fall for a dirty man, afraid of his own destiny.
"It is alright Legolas. It is I who should be apologising."
I should never have confessed my feelings, never. He shall never be near me again after this.
"No Aragorn. I should not have said what I said. You love the Evenstar. You have given yourself to Arwen. It was foolish of me to think that I could be a comparison to her in your heart, let alone surpass what you feel for her. I should not have said what I said and laid it upon your shoulders. Forced you to cater to a dying Elf's whim and affections."
I'm sure my mouth hung agape as I listened to Legolas and watched him begin to sob broken into his hands, repeated whispering apologies in both Evlish and the Common Tongue. I pulled his shaking form into my arms and held him as tightly as I could, not caring about what ever pain there may be left in his wound that Gandalf bade me to be mindful of. How could he believe that I did not love him? Surely he did not think my confession fake? Did he?
"Legolas, surely you remember my words to you as you lay in this very bed."
He sniffled. "Yes. I am sorry that I forced such words upon your lips. Words you had no desire to say or contemplate."
I was shocked into silence. How could he think such a thing? The words forced?
"Nay Legolas, surely you do not believe such a thing."
He nodded against my shoulder.
"If you wish me to return to Mirkwood then I shall. I will understand if you no longer want my presence."
This had gone far enough!
"Legolas! Listen to me!" I pulled him back away from me and looked into his tear filled eyes. "I do not wish you to return to Mirkwood. I want you to tell me why you believe such things."
"You love Arwen! You only said what I said because you thought that I would die, you said it to placate me in journey to Mandos."
"Never would I do such a thing!" I hissed. "I speak only the truth and that is what I spoke last night."
Legolas looked at me, his head titled and I know he did not truly hear what I was saying.
"Legolas. I did not say what I said out of duty to a dying friend. I told the true feelings of my heart to the one I love. To make them fight for life, to let them know that I can not live without them by my side. That I love you."
"You-"
I could still see the disbelief in his eyes. So I leaned in closer to him so my lips were only a hairs breadth from his.
"I love you Legolas." I said again softly before claiming his lips once again, for the first time in far to longer day.
"Really?" He asked when I released his lips.
"Really Legolas. I meant every word I said last night. I was scared that you did not return my affections. That all you said was a result of Sarumans poison."
"Never."
"Never?"
"Never." He told me firmly as his hand slipped up to my neck and pulled me forward so that his lips could meet mine. After a brief and far to chaste kiss for my liking he pulled away, looking me in the eyes he told me softly. "I love you Aragorn. Every word I spoke last night was true. I have been afraid to speak such until now for fear of rejection. When I thought that I was to die, I knew that I could not find peace until I told you. And I would suffer it again to hear those words from you lips."
I smiled. "Never shall you have to suffer to hear it my love, never again."
Legolas' hand caressed my face. "You are weary my love. Have you not taken rest?"
"I could not rest, not until I had laid my eyes upon you."
Legolas smiled warmly at me and lifted the edge of his blanket. "Then take your rest with me. I do not think I could bear to be without you, my Aragorn."
I could not suppress my smile. To be able to hold Legolas in my arms in a lover's embrace, to feel his breath upon me was the dream become real, the simplest offer he could make was the one that would mean the most to me until the day I passed. I kicked off my boots and removed my jacket and jerkin before sliding beneath the blankets and tucking them around us, though the bed was small it was perfect for Legolas and I. I put my arms around Legolas as he turned rolled onto his side and snuggled up to me, resting his head against my chest, his arms snaking their way around my frame. He let out a long sigh of contentment.
"This is how it is supposed to be my love." I told him before placing a kiss on the top of his blonde head.
"Promise me it shall be like this always Aragorn." He said softly.
"I promise Legolas, never will I let anything come between us again." And I meant it.
He let out another content sigh.
"I love you Legolas."
"And I love you. Now sleep nin meleth." [my love]
And for the first time since joining the quest, I slept peacefully. Content in the arms of my love.
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**Finis**
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**sniffle** I've finished. Wow, it feels weird.
I hope you guys liked it, I think I have given you what you wanted =) a happy A/L ending I'm sure is satisfactory to everyone right??? **smiles broadly** I'm a real pansy I am, I'm a sucker for happy endings, and I couldn't have my first a/l fic end sadly.just added the doubt for angst and suspense because I am evil like that. But I made it all right in the end...aren't they so sweet, all snuggled up together and happy. **melts into a pool of mushy goo**
I hope this has saved me from several beatings from numerous readers and a double smiting from Ethe and Shauna...i am saved right guys.I made them make up, and confess love, and snuggle up together..happy ever after together gets me saved right...because I can't write more if I get smited..i may die of grief..wait, dammit, I'm not an elf! =)
Hoped you all liked. I love feedback, you know that by now. I live for it! Please let me know what you think! Please REVIEW!
Keep your eyes open for my next fic! It is on its way and it will be A/L!
Love you all. **huggles**
Botticelli Angel