Again, I own nothing of this; it belongs to that genius called J.R.R
Tolkien. Don't sue me, please.
IF THE LIGHT SHINES ON ME AGAIN
Chapter 6
How can I prove to you that I'm worthy?
Legolas stayed in Gondor for 3 weeks, preparing the invasion to the southern territories and spending all the time he could with Arwen. They played and laughed like kids all over the city, their favorite place however was the garden were they spent endless afternoons enjoying each other's company. Aragorn was always amused to see them together; he thought to himself about how young and vibrant his wife looked when she was close to Legolas, it was like if time went back for them, and as if they were back in the forest of Lorien, playing and laughing like children.
On a shiny morning they celebrated a council to ultimate the last details of the upcoming mission. All the rangers were there, along with the King and Queen, the lords and Legolas.
"Everything is ready now, the strategies and weapons are set, the rangers are ready to march; we will leave tomorrow, at dusk."
Arwen sat quiet, listening to Legolas's words. She knew from the beginning that he had to go soon, but she never thought it would be so soon. Suddenly, Eldarion entered the hall dressed up for battle, and brandishing a sword.
"I wish to go with you to this mission Legolas, don't tell me I am not ready, cause I am. All I do here is study and practice. I want to defend my country and banner with my life. I want to serve Gondor like you do."
Aragorn stood up, intending to reprehend his son, but was told otherwise by Legolas's look. Legolas intended to take care of this matter.
"How old are you young prince?"
"17"
"I see. I know you have trained a lot Eldarion, I recognize your skills in the art of war and the strength of your limbs. Your blood is inflamed with the call of the battlefield, I know. But you have never been on a battlefield, you have never even seen one."
"Legolas…"
"Let me finish young man" The elf's voice was firm and filled with authority.
"You give a very poetic description of war and I can assure you that it is not beautiful or poetic to see your friends and companions slaughtered around you; I've been in and out of war for over 2,500 years, and I've never enjoyed it, but endured it, for war is the biggest horror one can face. Anyhow, I understand your yearning, but you must understand this is no regular mission; I am taking with me only the most skillful and experienced rangers in Gondor, I'm not accepting less than that; And I hope you don't intend to be treated differently just because you are the prince"
Eldarion stood silent for a moment, the words sinking slowly in his mind, then he retorted.
"How can I prove to you that I am worthy of this mission?"
Legolas pondered for a moment and nodded. "Very well, if you want to be tested, so be it"
"My group is complete, but I will call the youngest ranger and you will fight him. If you manage to defeat him then you will take his place, if not then you will stay in Gondor with no further contestation. Agree?"
Eldarion had no choice; he looked at his now expressionless father and very worried mother and answered. "Agree".
Legolas then spoke to the group of rangers.
"Very well then. Herodir, step forward!"
At once the youngest of the new rangers came to him. Herodir was around 21 years old, despite that he looked very experienced and skillful; an incipient beard covered most of his face, disguising his juvenile features and he was dressed in the armored uniform that the rangers chose for the mission. He unsheathed the heavy sword and stood expectant in the middle of the hall.
Eldarion too yielded his sword and stood in front of the ranger, a defying look in his eyes.
Arwen stood up and questioned Legolas. "Do you think it is necessary, or even wise to do this? I have to object"
Aragorn quickly replied "Please sit, my Queen, do not interfere with this"
She sat, but couldn't restrain the grimace of concern in her face.
Legolas looked at both warriors and added, "Whenever you are ready gentlemen"
Eldarion attacked first, swinging his sword and striking his opponent from every possible angle, but every blow was skillfully dodged or blocked by Herodir, who couldn't find the way to attack the prince. They continued like that for a while until Herodir looked at Legolas seeking for his council. Legolas looked at him and with his eyes and a slight nod he gave the young ranger the approbation to strike back.
Eldarion lifted up his sword and practically threw it with all his might against the ranger's body. Herodir blocked the blow with his own sword so they were very close to each other, Eldarion pressed his sword against the Ranger's sword trying to get the lead, but in a quick, unexpected maneuver Herodir tilted his sword to the side and pushed hard, knocking Eldarion off balance and wounding the prince's shoulder in the process.
Before he knew what happened, Eldarion was lying in the cold floor, a piercing pain in his left shoulder, and the tip of a sword pressed firmly against his throat.
Legolas quickly ordered Herodir to hold back, and sent him back with his rangers companions. Arwen stood up, but Aragorn quickly restrained her from going to her son's side. "Let him be"
Eldarion stood up slowly, his fair face contorted with pain. He held the shoulder wound with his hand, pressing to stop the bleeding. He walked towards Legolas and stopped right in front of him.
"You better go see the healers young prince, we have a council to close"
Eldarion said nothing, turned around and walked thru the hall's entrance, his face a mixture of pain, hurt and embarrassment.
Arwen couldn't restrain herself any longer. She stood up and looked at Legolas, her eyes sending daggers towards the now stoic elf.
"Was that really necessary? Not only he got severely hurt, you also embarrassed him in front of all the rangers and the lords of Gondor. How could you?" Her voice trembled with rage and hurt. She couldn't believe Legolas's actions.
"Do not recriminate Legolas Arwen, he did what was necessary" Aragorn said, while holding Arwen's hand gently, but firmly.
"Our son learned a very important lesson today. He learned about patience and humbleness. These lessons will most likely keep him alive now and in the future. Now he understands that he is not ready for war, and he probably will think it twice before doing anything stupid like running away or putting himself in danger. Many young men die or get someone killed before learning these lessons, and I thank you Legolas, for having the strength to show him this on time."
Arwen returned to her seat without saying a word, and Legolas noticed that she didn't looked at him for the rest of the council. He understood her concern, but it tortured him to think that she was mad at him. She had never before looked at him with such anger in her eyes.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Legolas sat in the wooden bench at the misty garden, sadness haunting his eyes. It was almost dusk and Arwen didn't come to meet him like every day.
"She must be very angry at me" he thought, and sighed heavily. "What was I to do? It was necessary".
He tried to convince himself that she wasn't angry. "She is probably busy" But deep inside he knew that something was very wrong.
He cursed his luck said out loud "Why now? I'm leaving tomorrow; nothing would hurt me more than leaving her angry. And I can't even talk to her, she probably won't let me."
He looked at the falling sun and sadness overcame him. The call of the ocean was stronger each day, and with this new sadness upon him, he felt the yearning to be unbearable. With a clear, resonant voice he started to sing a song filled with shades of sadness and melancholy, but also joy and hope.
……………
I who sing at night to the rumble of the sea
I who ask the moon to explain me the mystery of love
And you are so strong upon me in the summer evenings
I hear your words like little fires, burning at the bottom of my heart
Inside my life the music plays
New poetry in memory of you
Vast oceans of freedom, a promise I will never forget
Such cold winter will fall upon me at the time of your farewell
Love, desire, melancholy; so many mysteries, so many joys
Prisoner of time, locked in memory
I've never again felt the infinite perfume of a mist-covered rose
This voice inside me whispers only of us
Like sweet agony this faraway dream
It keeps me awake
Like a river's stream, this sweet music
I sing it just for you
Vast ocean, I will find for you celestial bodies, undying lands
And another sun will warm us now and forever
Infinite flights over cities, to the horizon just us
A new world to seek together, this is the mystery of love
A new world to seek together, that is the mystery of my love.
……………..
"Your song is beautiful, yet it is also confusing"
Arwen came out of the shadows were she was hiding, she heard the whole song without being noticed by the heavyhearted elf.
"Arwen! You were here. I can't believe I didn't notice."
"You seemed to be very absorbed by your own song and feelings. You know I had already forgotten of how beautiful your voice is"
Legolas blushed at the compliment and added. "Not nearly as beautiful as yours, lady Undomiel".
"I would like you to explain the meaning of the song, for it is confusing to me. At moments it seemed to be very sad, and at moments it seemed to be joyful. But at all times it seemed to have a very strong yearning for something else, for something that is beyond"
"That song wasn't intended for you to hear, that's why you found it confusing. And yes, it is at moments very sad and at moments very joyful, but so is life. Don't you think? Well, at least so is my life."
"And what about the yearning, Is it also part of your life?"
Legolas remained silent. He couldn't find a way to answer her question.
"Legolas?"
He sighed and looked at her intently. "Yes, it is also a part of my life"
Arwen moved to seat beside him, and continued, "The song speaks about the ocean. Do you yearn for the ocean?"
This interrogatory was making Legolas very uncomfortable, yet he politely responded
"Yes, the yearning for the ocean grows stronger inside of me everyday. But I also have other yearnings."
"Like what?"
"You should know, from the song"
She made a pause before continuing.
"Love. You yearn for love"
"Yes"
She moved her hand and gently stroked his silky hair. "I'm sorry I yelled at you today"
Surprised by her apologize he responded. "It is I who is sorry, I took everything to far"
"No, I understand your actions, what you did was necessary. My reaction was unwise, and it was a good thing that Aragorn made me realize it before I could do something worse."
"I thought you were still mad at me, since you didn't come earlier and you refused to look at me at the council"
"No. I was just looking for the right words to say to you, and I was actually too embarrassed to look at you"
"Oh my lady! You could have spared me from a lot of pain if you had just come and graced with your presence. I thought you were angry at me and my heart grew heavy from the very thought of leaving you like that"
She moved closer to him and embraced him sweetly trying to comfort him; he responded and gathered her into his arms, relieved. They stayed like that for a while, just holding each other under the moonlight. She thought of him, of his song, of his pain. Now that they were so close she could feel the powerful presence of his scent; he always smelled the same, like the scent of a forest under a spring sunrise, so fresh, so vital and yet, so soothing. She thought of how comfortable she was, there in his arms and felt sad, sad for she knew he was leaving soon, perhaps too soon. Again she would be without his light and his vitality. And so, she held him tightly, as if trying to delay the imminent farewell.
…………………………………….
Awww! Aren't they cute?
It was really hard to finish this chapter, as you see it was very long and it took a lot of effort to shape it and to make sense out of it. So please, if you like it, motivate me to keep writing, remember to review.
Next chapter will be about Legolas leaving Gondor with the Rangers (sad stuff) and the development of the mission (lots of action, I hope).
Stay tuned.
IF THE LIGHT SHINES ON ME AGAIN
Chapter 6
How can I prove to you that I'm worthy?
Legolas stayed in Gondor for 3 weeks, preparing the invasion to the southern territories and spending all the time he could with Arwen. They played and laughed like kids all over the city, their favorite place however was the garden were they spent endless afternoons enjoying each other's company. Aragorn was always amused to see them together; he thought to himself about how young and vibrant his wife looked when she was close to Legolas, it was like if time went back for them, and as if they were back in the forest of Lorien, playing and laughing like children.
On a shiny morning they celebrated a council to ultimate the last details of the upcoming mission. All the rangers were there, along with the King and Queen, the lords and Legolas.
"Everything is ready now, the strategies and weapons are set, the rangers are ready to march; we will leave tomorrow, at dusk."
Arwen sat quiet, listening to Legolas's words. She knew from the beginning that he had to go soon, but she never thought it would be so soon. Suddenly, Eldarion entered the hall dressed up for battle, and brandishing a sword.
"I wish to go with you to this mission Legolas, don't tell me I am not ready, cause I am. All I do here is study and practice. I want to defend my country and banner with my life. I want to serve Gondor like you do."
Aragorn stood up, intending to reprehend his son, but was told otherwise by Legolas's look. Legolas intended to take care of this matter.
"How old are you young prince?"
"17"
"I see. I know you have trained a lot Eldarion, I recognize your skills in the art of war and the strength of your limbs. Your blood is inflamed with the call of the battlefield, I know. But you have never been on a battlefield, you have never even seen one."
"Legolas…"
"Let me finish young man" The elf's voice was firm and filled with authority.
"You give a very poetic description of war and I can assure you that it is not beautiful or poetic to see your friends and companions slaughtered around you; I've been in and out of war for over 2,500 years, and I've never enjoyed it, but endured it, for war is the biggest horror one can face. Anyhow, I understand your yearning, but you must understand this is no regular mission; I am taking with me only the most skillful and experienced rangers in Gondor, I'm not accepting less than that; And I hope you don't intend to be treated differently just because you are the prince"
Eldarion stood silent for a moment, the words sinking slowly in his mind, then he retorted.
"How can I prove to you that I am worthy of this mission?"
Legolas pondered for a moment and nodded. "Very well, if you want to be tested, so be it"
"My group is complete, but I will call the youngest ranger and you will fight him. If you manage to defeat him then you will take his place, if not then you will stay in Gondor with no further contestation. Agree?"
Eldarion had no choice; he looked at his now expressionless father and very worried mother and answered. "Agree".
Legolas then spoke to the group of rangers.
"Very well then. Herodir, step forward!"
At once the youngest of the new rangers came to him. Herodir was around 21 years old, despite that he looked very experienced and skillful; an incipient beard covered most of his face, disguising his juvenile features and he was dressed in the armored uniform that the rangers chose for the mission. He unsheathed the heavy sword and stood expectant in the middle of the hall.
Eldarion too yielded his sword and stood in front of the ranger, a defying look in his eyes.
Arwen stood up and questioned Legolas. "Do you think it is necessary, or even wise to do this? I have to object"
Aragorn quickly replied "Please sit, my Queen, do not interfere with this"
She sat, but couldn't restrain the grimace of concern in her face.
Legolas looked at both warriors and added, "Whenever you are ready gentlemen"
Eldarion attacked first, swinging his sword and striking his opponent from every possible angle, but every blow was skillfully dodged or blocked by Herodir, who couldn't find the way to attack the prince. They continued like that for a while until Herodir looked at Legolas seeking for his council. Legolas looked at him and with his eyes and a slight nod he gave the young ranger the approbation to strike back.
Eldarion lifted up his sword and practically threw it with all his might against the ranger's body. Herodir blocked the blow with his own sword so they were very close to each other, Eldarion pressed his sword against the Ranger's sword trying to get the lead, but in a quick, unexpected maneuver Herodir tilted his sword to the side and pushed hard, knocking Eldarion off balance and wounding the prince's shoulder in the process.
Before he knew what happened, Eldarion was lying in the cold floor, a piercing pain in his left shoulder, and the tip of a sword pressed firmly against his throat.
Legolas quickly ordered Herodir to hold back, and sent him back with his rangers companions. Arwen stood up, but Aragorn quickly restrained her from going to her son's side. "Let him be"
Eldarion stood up slowly, his fair face contorted with pain. He held the shoulder wound with his hand, pressing to stop the bleeding. He walked towards Legolas and stopped right in front of him.
"You better go see the healers young prince, we have a council to close"
Eldarion said nothing, turned around and walked thru the hall's entrance, his face a mixture of pain, hurt and embarrassment.
Arwen couldn't restrain herself any longer. She stood up and looked at Legolas, her eyes sending daggers towards the now stoic elf.
"Was that really necessary? Not only he got severely hurt, you also embarrassed him in front of all the rangers and the lords of Gondor. How could you?" Her voice trembled with rage and hurt. She couldn't believe Legolas's actions.
"Do not recriminate Legolas Arwen, he did what was necessary" Aragorn said, while holding Arwen's hand gently, but firmly.
"Our son learned a very important lesson today. He learned about patience and humbleness. These lessons will most likely keep him alive now and in the future. Now he understands that he is not ready for war, and he probably will think it twice before doing anything stupid like running away or putting himself in danger. Many young men die or get someone killed before learning these lessons, and I thank you Legolas, for having the strength to show him this on time."
Arwen returned to her seat without saying a word, and Legolas noticed that she didn't looked at him for the rest of the council. He understood her concern, but it tortured him to think that she was mad at him. She had never before looked at him with such anger in her eyes.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Legolas sat in the wooden bench at the misty garden, sadness haunting his eyes. It was almost dusk and Arwen didn't come to meet him like every day.
"She must be very angry at me" he thought, and sighed heavily. "What was I to do? It was necessary".
He tried to convince himself that she wasn't angry. "She is probably busy" But deep inside he knew that something was very wrong.
He cursed his luck said out loud "Why now? I'm leaving tomorrow; nothing would hurt me more than leaving her angry. And I can't even talk to her, she probably won't let me."
He looked at the falling sun and sadness overcame him. The call of the ocean was stronger each day, and with this new sadness upon him, he felt the yearning to be unbearable. With a clear, resonant voice he started to sing a song filled with shades of sadness and melancholy, but also joy and hope.
……………
I who sing at night to the rumble of the sea
I who ask the moon to explain me the mystery of love
And you are so strong upon me in the summer evenings
I hear your words like little fires, burning at the bottom of my heart
Inside my life the music plays
New poetry in memory of you
Vast oceans of freedom, a promise I will never forget
Such cold winter will fall upon me at the time of your farewell
Love, desire, melancholy; so many mysteries, so many joys
Prisoner of time, locked in memory
I've never again felt the infinite perfume of a mist-covered rose
This voice inside me whispers only of us
Like sweet agony this faraway dream
It keeps me awake
Like a river's stream, this sweet music
I sing it just for you
Vast ocean, I will find for you celestial bodies, undying lands
And another sun will warm us now and forever
Infinite flights over cities, to the horizon just us
A new world to seek together, this is the mystery of love
A new world to seek together, that is the mystery of my love.
……………..
"Your song is beautiful, yet it is also confusing"
Arwen came out of the shadows were she was hiding, she heard the whole song without being noticed by the heavyhearted elf.
"Arwen! You were here. I can't believe I didn't notice."
"You seemed to be very absorbed by your own song and feelings. You know I had already forgotten of how beautiful your voice is"
Legolas blushed at the compliment and added. "Not nearly as beautiful as yours, lady Undomiel".
"I would like you to explain the meaning of the song, for it is confusing to me. At moments it seemed to be very sad, and at moments it seemed to be joyful. But at all times it seemed to have a very strong yearning for something else, for something that is beyond"
"That song wasn't intended for you to hear, that's why you found it confusing. And yes, it is at moments very sad and at moments very joyful, but so is life. Don't you think? Well, at least so is my life."
"And what about the yearning, Is it also part of your life?"
Legolas remained silent. He couldn't find a way to answer her question.
"Legolas?"
He sighed and looked at her intently. "Yes, it is also a part of my life"
Arwen moved to seat beside him, and continued, "The song speaks about the ocean. Do you yearn for the ocean?"
This interrogatory was making Legolas very uncomfortable, yet he politely responded
"Yes, the yearning for the ocean grows stronger inside of me everyday. But I also have other yearnings."
"Like what?"
"You should know, from the song"
She made a pause before continuing.
"Love. You yearn for love"
"Yes"
She moved her hand and gently stroked his silky hair. "I'm sorry I yelled at you today"
Surprised by her apologize he responded. "It is I who is sorry, I took everything to far"
"No, I understand your actions, what you did was necessary. My reaction was unwise, and it was a good thing that Aragorn made me realize it before I could do something worse."
"I thought you were still mad at me, since you didn't come earlier and you refused to look at me at the council"
"No. I was just looking for the right words to say to you, and I was actually too embarrassed to look at you"
"Oh my lady! You could have spared me from a lot of pain if you had just come and graced with your presence. I thought you were angry at me and my heart grew heavy from the very thought of leaving you like that"
She moved closer to him and embraced him sweetly trying to comfort him; he responded and gathered her into his arms, relieved. They stayed like that for a while, just holding each other under the moonlight. She thought of him, of his song, of his pain. Now that they were so close she could feel the powerful presence of his scent; he always smelled the same, like the scent of a forest under a spring sunrise, so fresh, so vital and yet, so soothing. She thought of how comfortable she was, there in his arms and felt sad, sad for she knew he was leaving soon, perhaps too soon. Again she would be without his light and his vitality. And so, she held him tightly, as if trying to delay the imminent farewell.
…………………………………….
Awww! Aren't they cute?
It was really hard to finish this chapter, as you see it was very long and it took a lot of effort to shape it and to make sense out of it. So please, if you like it, motivate me to keep writing, remember to review.
Next chapter will be about Legolas leaving Gondor with the Rangers (sad stuff) and the development of the mission (lots of action, I hope).
Stay tuned.