CHAPTER 33
RIGHTING WRONGS
Legolas and Arwen were descending the stairway to the Gray Cliffs when she suddenly stopped and gasped.
"What? What is wrong?"
She leaned on his arm and began breathing uneasily, placing her hand upon her chest - "I'm not sure, I felt inside my heart a warning of great danger and evil coming; I cannot tell what it is."
A shadow of concern fell upon his fair features - "I did not want to trouble you, but my heart feels uneasy too, something beyond my understanding threatens us."
....................................
"CLOSE THE GATES! ARCHERS TO THE WALLS!"
In the blink of an eye the White City became a living pandemonium; panic took over every one of the citizens as the White Army's commanders shouted orders to the soldiers and Smong's massive shadow flew over their homes. Dominated by fear the people ran without real direction, screaming in horror as they heard the horrid sound of the dragon's wings, beating above their heads.
WSSHHH, WSSHHHH
Eldarion stood still on top of the city's wall, his dilated eyes fixed on the beast that had so quickly put his beloved city under siege. He had ordered the archers to take the walls and be ready to shoot the beast; but something told him that arrows wouldn't be enough to stop it if it decided to attack. Right then, all the creature did was fly over the city, lower each time, until it's monstrous wings grazed the towers' roofs. It was like if it was showing itself, menacing the people and trying to put fear in their hearts.
......................................
Legolas and Arwen entered the Gray Cliff's stables, intending to prepare the horses, since the task wasn't concluded the night before. To their surprise, they found both horses packed and ready to go, someone had prepared them during the night.
"Nohemy" - Arwen said softly.
Legolas just nodded, unsure of what to tell her.
"She is a good woman" - Arwen said looking at him - "I wronged her with my attitude"
Legolas looked down sadly - "No, it was I who wronged her, I should have never allowed what happened to happen. She has suffered so much in her brief life, and now, I have hurt her yet more."
"You should talk to her"
Legolas turned his face from her - "I've sworn no to"
"Forget about that, I got a little too carried away when I asked you not to talk to her"
"It is when we are dominated by our feelings when we exteriorize what we truly want" - he said
Arwen's face reddened, but she regained composure quickly - "Then I will talk to her, I think I owe her an explanation"
Legolas looked up to her, a soft smile in his features - "Would you do that? I would be eternally thankful"
Arwen smiled broadly - "Off course I will, I have discovered that I have nothing against her"
Legolas took her hand and kissed her palm - "Thank you"
"It is the least I can do. Now why don't you go to Kron's to gather the provisions and in the meantime I will go and talk to her?
"Fair enough" - and with that he left towards Kron's. Arwen herself started walking towards Nohemy's house, thinking carefully about what she was going to tell her.
........................................
Stirred by Sauron's voice, Smong finally decided to unleash attack upon the White City. It soared above the shinning roofs, before making a sharp turn in mid air; and launched itself with devastating strength against one of the main towers, which broke to little pieces and fell upon the city's square.
Up in the wall, Eldarion watched in panic as the beast began destroying the City's highest buildings, killing many soldiers and citizens without contemplation. The archers in the walls began shooting the beast, but the sharp arrows only bounced against the solid scales that covered the totality of Smong's body.
Not knowing what to do, Eldarion ran towards the healers' wing, hoping that his father would have enough strength to give him advice on what to do.
He ran through the corridors inside the walls, wincing as he felt the rumbling of the repeated impacts of the dragon against the city, followed by the desperate screams of the citizens. While he passed the main hall, he found most of the members of the White Council, arguing angrily among them, not knowing what to do.
"Prince Eldarion, you must do something!" - one of them said, blocking him.
The Prince looked at them annoyed - "You should get to a safer place gentlemen, I assure you that you won't achieve anything arguing like this. I will do everything I can to stop the beast, but you must clear my path at once!"
They stepped to a side and let him through; he began running again - "Go to the city's undergrounds, and take as many civilians as you can, you will be safe there"
...................................
The sun was barely appearing over the eastern horizon when Arwen stopped at Nohemy's door. She still wasn't sure about what to tell her, and she wasn't sure of the reaction of the Gray Cliff's woman upon seeing her. Taking a deep breath she knocked the door.
She could hear a grumbling Nohemy struggling to open the squeaky door; but when she finally could open it and saw who was standing there, Nohemy froze and went silent. Arwen gave her time to adjust to the situation, but Nohemy seemed not to understand what was happening, and just stood there in front of her, her eyes big with surprise and fixed on her.
Arwen decided to break the awkward silence - "I am sorry to bother you so early Nohemy, I need to talk to you"
Nohemy snapped out of her trance - "Yes,... come in please."
They both stepped into the humble house, and Nohemy offered Arwen a seat at the wooden table. Then, she sat across from her and crossed her arms over the table. - "What can I do for you?"
"You have done too much for us already, and we are very thankful. I came here not to ask anything from you, I came here to apologize."
"Apologize?"
"Yes, I have been under much distress in this past few days, and that lead me to act stupidly, even childishly. I am sorry that you had to witness that."
"Lady I...."
"Please, let me finish. I would like to explain to you the situation between Legolas and me, you see... it is quite complicated, I ..." - Arwen shifted on her seat, trying to find words that could make some sense.
Nohemy lifted up her hand, signaling her to be quiet - "There is no need for an explanation, I understand everything."
"You do?"
"It is quite simple, he loves you; and you love him, no matter how hard you try to hide it or deny it; you cannot fool your own heart."
Arwen lowered her gaze, surprised by the wisdom in her words.
Nohemy continued - "What I cannot understand is why you try to hide your feelings; he is such a sweet man....elf; doesn't he deserve your affection? You seem to be meant for each other."
"It is I who doesn't deserve his love; but I cannot love him freely; once again it is complicated..."
At that moment, Nohemy's father began to stir and groan painfully. Nohemy got up immediately and went to his side. She lit up a lamp and started wiping her father's forehead with a damp cloth.
Arwen came to her side and placed a hand over her shoulder, trying to comfort her in some level. Nohemy turned her head to her and looked at her sadly - "He has this pains every morning, it tortures me to see him like this, and the worst thing is that I cannot help him."
Arwen's heart shrunk at the sight of the old man's suffering; but then, as she looked at him closely under the lamp's light, her completely recovered keen sight revealed something she had not seen the day before. On the left side of his neck she saw a small swelling; she leant to look closer at it and saw that the skin around it was ashen.
"Nohemy, would you let me examine your father a little closer" - she said, giving Nohemy's shoulder a light squeeze. Nohemy stood up and gave her some space, wondering about what she intended to do.
Arwen knelt down beside the man and examined the swelling, touching it carefully with the tips of her fingers; she felt some sort of liquid accumulated underneath the skin, so she came even closer and stretched the skin with her fingers, looking for a familiar spot. Finally, after some time, she found what she was looking for; a whitish dot, located near the center of the swelling.
"Aha! Just as I suspected!" - she exclaimed, standing up. Then, she turned around, smiling broadly at the confounded Nohemy. - "I found it Nohemy! I can help your father."
Nohemy's face brightened, and she looked at Arwen, filled with hope. "Really? Please tell me you are not fooling me, please tell me it is true" - she exclaimed, giving Arwen an unexpected hug.
..........................................
Legolas crossed the last bridge that separated him from Kron's place; right at the entrance of the house, he saw the trip's provisions, neatly packed and accommodated. He leant down to pick them up when a dark shadow attacked him from somewhere in front of him. He straightened and jumped back, dodging the sword blow, and saw his unexpected attacker.
"Young Nean! What are you doing?"
But Nean didn't answer, he looked at him with nothing but hate in his eyes and sprang forward with the curved sword raised high, intending to slice Legolas in two halves. Cornered and unarmed, Legolas adopted a fighting stance, ready to face him.
Nean let his sword fall upon Legolas with all his strength, but Legolas stepped to a side and evaded the attack. As the blade passed on one of his sides, barely missing him, Legolas stepped forward and grabbed Nean by his arm with his right hand. Then, he turned and elbowed the young man in the stomach with his left arm, leaving him breathless. While Nean shrunk in pain, Legolas stripped him of his sword and pushed him back, causing him to fall.
Nean opened his eyes and found himself lying helplessly on his back, cold metal pushing him to stay still.
"I would like to know the reason for you trying to kill me with such enthusiasm, young Nean." - Legolas said, pressing the curve sword firmly against the man's throat.
Nean murmured a curse and grabbed the blade with one hand - "Go ahead! Kill me; you have proven to be a traitor."
"Traitor? What have I done to deserve such a harsh adjective?"
"We gave you our hospitality, helped you in every possible way, and what did you do to pay us? You seduced our women."
Legolas withdrew the sword and stepped back, suddenly understanding the man's motives - "Nean I..."
"I can't believe you betrayed us! You have such a beautiful mate. What do you want with our women?"
Legolas dropped the sword and stepped back, not knowing what to say.
"And then you dared to scorn her? I heard her crying; I was there, outside the stables! You thought you could just get away with it?!!"
Legolas knelt and lowered his arms - "I have no excuse for what I did. If killing me relieves the affront I won't stop you, but I beg you not to harm my companion, please let her continue with her journey."
Nean stood up and picked his sword menacingly; he walked slowly towards Legolas, sword raised high; and stopped right in front of him; Legolas closed his eyes, ready to face death. As Nean was about to cut his head off, he stopped and clenching his fist, he just punched the elf right in the face, with all his strength.
Legolas fell to the ground, blood coming out of his mouth, and looked up at the enraged man - "Why did you stop? Why didn't you kill me?"
"Bare with me here, master Elf; I am trying to act wisely. I know that it wasn't you who started all this, you don't deserve to die; much less by my hand. Forgive me, I got carried away"
"I don't understand."
"For years I've heard Nohemy rambling nonsense about an angel that would come to wash away all her sorrows; now you came here, and she is so naïve that she probably thought you were this 'angel'. Besides, I am not blind, I saw the way she was looking at you yesterday, I bet she started everything." - the man said sadly, extending his hand to him.
Legolas took his hand and stood up, wiping the blood of his face. - "Thank goodness you ended up to be such a wise man, I thought my days in this life were finally over."
He looked at the man's saddened face and suddenly understood his actions - "You care deeply for her".
Nean turned his face from him, as if trying to conceal his feelings - "I've known her all my life, she is a dear friend."
Legolas placed a hand on the man's shoulder - "You cannot fool me child, she is more than a friend for you. Am I right?"
Nean hesitated, unsure of whether to reveal his deepest feelings to a complete stranger or not. Then, he saw Legolas' sincere eyes and knew it was time to let it out of his chest.
"I have always liked her, very much; and after her mate died I thought I had a chance with her. But as time passes I've come to realize she doesn't feel the same way about me."
"Why don't you talk to her; you must tell her."
"I can't, I fear that I could ruin our friendship if I tell her. Besides, all she does is speak about this 'angel' that will come; she won't settle for less than that."
"How can you know if you don't try? Nean...."
"She won't have me; she always says that I am an unsocial beast, that no woman could ever stand being with me; and that my temper is the reason why I am still alone."
"But that is not the reason, right young Nean? You are still unmated because you love her."
"Love? Love is for weaklings and fools!! I must not get carried away...."
"You are wrong Nean; love is the noblest feeling there is. Even though it hurts some times, even though it drives you insane, even though sometimes it drags you to the very pits of death and pain. It is the most wonderful thing that you can ever feel. You must not fear to admit you love, Nean; love makes us braver and stronger, it is love what gives us the courage to stand up and continue our battles." "Do you love your mate?"
"I love Arwen with all my heart, my soul, my body and mind. See? I am not afraid to admit it, for it has been because of this love that I have fought and won the most terrible battles."
"But, what if Nohemy doesn't love me back? What if she rejects me?"
"Listen to me child. You have been good to us, you have helped us, and you have shown me your kindness and wisdom. Now I ask you to give me the chance to reciprocate your kindness with an advice."
"Advice...?"
"Let me finish please; an pay attention, for your happiness depends on this. I beg you to talk to her, tell her what you feel. Please, don't make the same mistake I did; I have paid for that mistake with blood and tears; don't let the same burden fall upon you."
"I am not sure...."
"You are a good man, Nean; and you love her. I am sure you can bring joy back into her life."
"I would do anything to see her smile."
"Then, what are you waiting for? Take your chances Nean! You'll never know what is possible unless you try!"
Nean lifted his eyes to meet the elf's; a new brightness illuminated his fiery eyes, the brightness of hope. - "I'll do it. I will talk to her, right now"
Legolas smiled broadly and patted the man's back cordially - "Congratulations my friend! You have just made the most important decision of your life" - Nean smiled back and started walking towards Nohemy's house, his chest filled with hope, while Legolas started picking up the provisions. Nean stopped in the middle of the bridge and turned to him.
"Thank you Master Elf!" - the man said, before taking off running.
"No young Nean, thank you!"
.......................................
Eldarion arrived his father's room in the healer's wing and knelt by his side. Aragorn was livid; not a sign of life could be seen or felt in his cold, ashen face. Eldarion took his father's venerable hand between his and spoke softly, doing his best to hold back the tears forming in his eyes.
"Oh father; I need you so much. I know not what to do in this time of tribulation, if I could just count with your wise words in this dark hour."
By miracle or good fortune, the King heard his call of desperation, and gathering strength from there was none left; he came out of his slumber. He opened his eyes to find his one and only heir kneeled by his side, his afflicted head rested on his chest, and his strong hands curled into the white sheets of the bed, a sign of his deep despair.
Aragorn took a deep breath - "My son; what troubles you?" - he managed to ask in a mere whisper.
Eldarion lifted his head, and was just about to speak when a loud rumble and a quake were felt from Smong's impact against a close-by building. Arangorn grabbed his son's hand - "What devilry is this? - He gasped, startled by the sudden impact.
Eldarion looked at him with a mixture of concern and relief in his eyes - "Father, Thank Eru you are conscious!" - the young man said, touching his father's chin - "A beast is attacking the city, an enormous dragon! Please tell me what must I do?"
Aragorn started panting difficultly - "A dragon?!! How is this possible?"
"I don't know father" - Eldarion said - "but if we don't take action soon, it will bring Minas Tirith down to ruins." - the prince's face looked upon his father, hoping he could find a solution.
"First, bring me some elvish liquor" - Aragorn requested - "it will strengthen me, at least enough to think straight."
Eldarion ran to a small cupboard in the room and brought a sleek, crystal bottle containing the clear, sweet liquor elves use to strengthen weary limbs and to clear clouded minds. Holding his father's head, he brought the bottle near the pale lips; and the King drank a few sips of the invigorating elixir.
"Gather the army" - Aragorn said - "We need to draw it away from the city"
"The army is ready, but what must we do? How do we force this thing to go away? Arrows are useless, spears won't reach it!"
Aragorn took a deep breath - "I am not sure; I never had to face such a foe in all my years of kingship, nor before. But maybe if the army goes outside the city gates, and provokes the beast, maybe...."
Eldarion understood the strategy - "You mean to divert his attention and attack from the city....to the army? That beast will annihilate the army in no time, specially in an open field; that won't do us any good!"
"I know it seems like folly, but is the only solution I can see; at least it will give us time. Order the first regiment to go to open field and provoke the beast to follow them into the western forest. If we are lucky enough, that will give us time to prepare and take the catapults and the ballistae out to the field."
Realization settled in the young prince, and he looked upon his father with nothing but admiration; he truly was a genius. - "Thank you father" - Eldarion said, pressing his father's hand against his chest - "Your wise words have brought hope, to me and to our city. Your orders will be done at once; I will lead the army"
Aragorn looked at his son with horror - "No! Give the orders, but don't go out to the field, it is too dangerous!"
Eldarion straightened and took a deep breath - "If you order me to stay inside the city, I will do as you wish; but my place is out there, with my countrymen. I am a man now father, and the soldiers trust and respect me. I cannot send them to die unless I am leading them."
Aragorn looked at his son, standing in front of him tall and proud; a respectable beard had grown in his chin, his arms and shoulders ha gotten broad and strong, his face stoic; but what really stroke him was the look in his eyes, that where shinning with courage and determination. He reminded the weary King of himself, many years ago when the strength of youth still filled his limbs - "My son! You are a true King now; I have no right to hold you back. Go take your place! You have earned it"
Eldarion kneeled in front of him - "Bless me father!"
Aragorn's faithful sword was right beside his bed; Eldarion had placed it there, knowing that his father wouldn't want it any other way. Making no small effort, Aragorn unsheathed Narsil and lowered its noble blade upon Eldarion's shoulder.
"May Eru be with you, my son; may he guide and protect you; may he give you strength and wisdom for what is to come. Rise! Noble heir, you have made me proud"
Eldarion stood up, his eyes filled with tears, knowing that this could be the last time he saw his beloved father; should he die in the battlefield. He was not afraid, on the contrary, he was eager, for he was going to die in the most honorable way. He embraced his father once again - "Farewell father!"
"Please don't be careless of your life, Eldarion; your city needs you" - Aragorn said, pulling him against his chest as hard as his weakness allowed - "Namarie"
And with that, Eldarion left the room, while Smong continued to pour his ancient wrath upon the city. Aragorn pulled his sword and let it rest upon his chest, praying to the Valar to spare his son's life; while the entire room shook with the impact of the flying beast with yet another beautiful tower.
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Wow, long one!
Sorry if it was a little too digressive, I kind of got carried away. Next one will be better, I promise.
Thank you, all of you who have been kind enough to review.
Note to Precious Jewelle: I do watch FRIENDS! And I love it, too bad I don't get NBC here, I am going to have to wait for Latin America Warner Channel to air the Season Premiere. Bummer! Oh! And thanks for your comment; I am flattered.
Stay tuned everybody, much is still to come!
Peace.
Elwe
RIGHTING WRONGS
Legolas and Arwen were descending the stairway to the Gray Cliffs when she suddenly stopped and gasped.
"What? What is wrong?"
She leaned on his arm and began breathing uneasily, placing her hand upon her chest - "I'm not sure, I felt inside my heart a warning of great danger and evil coming; I cannot tell what it is."
A shadow of concern fell upon his fair features - "I did not want to trouble you, but my heart feels uneasy too, something beyond my understanding threatens us."
....................................
"CLOSE THE GATES! ARCHERS TO THE WALLS!"
In the blink of an eye the White City became a living pandemonium; panic took over every one of the citizens as the White Army's commanders shouted orders to the soldiers and Smong's massive shadow flew over their homes. Dominated by fear the people ran without real direction, screaming in horror as they heard the horrid sound of the dragon's wings, beating above their heads.
WSSHHH, WSSHHHH
Eldarion stood still on top of the city's wall, his dilated eyes fixed on the beast that had so quickly put his beloved city under siege. He had ordered the archers to take the walls and be ready to shoot the beast; but something told him that arrows wouldn't be enough to stop it if it decided to attack. Right then, all the creature did was fly over the city, lower each time, until it's monstrous wings grazed the towers' roofs. It was like if it was showing itself, menacing the people and trying to put fear in their hearts.
......................................
Legolas and Arwen entered the Gray Cliff's stables, intending to prepare the horses, since the task wasn't concluded the night before. To their surprise, they found both horses packed and ready to go, someone had prepared them during the night.
"Nohemy" - Arwen said softly.
Legolas just nodded, unsure of what to tell her.
"She is a good woman" - Arwen said looking at him - "I wronged her with my attitude"
Legolas looked down sadly - "No, it was I who wronged her, I should have never allowed what happened to happen. She has suffered so much in her brief life, and now, I have hurt her yet more."
"You should talk to her"
Legolas turned his face from her - "I've sworn no to"
"Forget about that, I got a little too carried away when I asked you not to talk to her"
"It is when we are dominated by our feelings when we exteriorize what we truly want" - he said
Arwen's face reddened, but she regained composure quickly - "Then I will talk to her, I think I owe her an explanation"
Legolas looked up to her, a soft smile in his features - "Would you do that? I would be eternally thankful"
Arwen smiled broadly - "Off course I will, I have discovered that I have nothing against her"
Legolas took her hand and kissed her palm - "Thank you"
"It is the least I can do. Now why don't you go to Kron's to gather the provisions and in the meantime I will go and talk to her?
"Fair enough" - and with that he left towards Kron's. Arwen herself started walking towards Nohemy's house, thinking carefully about what she was going to tell her.
........................................
Stirred by Sauron's voice, Smong finally decided to unleash attack upon the White City. It soared above the shinning roofs, before making a sharp turn in mid air; and launched itself with devastating strength against one of the main towers, which broke to little pieces and fell upon the city's square.
Up in the wall, Eldarion watched in panic as the beast began destroying the City's highest buildings, killing many soldiers and citizens without contemplation. The archers in the walls began shooting the beast, but the sharp arrows only bounced against the solid scales that covered the totality of Smong's body.
Not knowing what to do, Eldarion ran towards the healers' wing, hoping that his father would have enough strength to give him advice on what to do.
He ran through the corridors inside the walls, wincing as he felt the rumbling of the repeated impacts of the dragon against the city, followed by the desperate screams of the citizens. While he passed the main hall, he found most of the members of the White Council, arguing angrily among them, not knowing what to do.
"Prince Eldarion, you must do something!" - one of them said, blocking him.
The Prince looked at them annoyed - "You should get to a safer place gentlemen, I assure you that you won't achieve anything arguing like this. I will do everything I can to stop the beast, but you must clear my path at once!"
They stepped to a side and let him through; he began running again - "Go to the city's undergrounds, and take as many civilians as you can, you will be safe there"
...................................
The sun was barely appearing over the eastern horizon when Arwen stopped at Nohemy's door. She still wasn't sure about what to tell her, and she wasn't sure of the reaction of the Gray Cliff's woman upon seeing her. Taking a deep breath she knocked the door.
She could hear a grumbling Nohemy struggling to open the squeaky door; but when she finally could open it and saw who was standing there, Nohemy froze and went silent. Arwen gave her time to adjust to the situation, but Nohemy seemed not to understand what was happening, and just stood there in front of her, her eyes big with surprise and fixed on her.
Arwen decided to break the awkward silence - "I am sorry to bother you so early Nohemy, I need to talk to you"
Nohemy snapped out of her trance - "Yes,... come in please."
They both stepped into the humble house, and Nohemy offered Arwen a seat at the wooden table. Then, she sat across from her and crossed her arms over the table. - "What can I do for you?"
"You have done too much for us already, and we are very thankful. I came here not to ask anything from you, I came here to apologize."
"Apologize?"
"Yes, I have been under much distress in this past few days, and that lead me to act stupidly, even childishly. I am sorry that you had to witness that."
"Lady I...."
"Please, let me finish. I would like to explain to you the situation between Legolas and me, you see... it is quite complicated, I ..." - Arwen shifted on her seat, trying to find words that could make some sense.
Nohemy lifted up her hand, signaling her to be quiet - "There is no need for an explanation, I understand everything."
"You do?"
"It is quite simple, he loves you; and you love him, no matter how hard you try to hide it or deny it; you cannot fool your own heart."
Arwen lowered her gaze, surprised by the wisdom in her words.
Nohemy continued - "What I cannot understand is why you try to hide your feelings; he is such a sweet man....elf; doesn't he deserve your affection? You seem to be meant for each other."
"It is I who doesn't deserve his love; but I cannot love him freely; once again it is complicated..."
At that moment, Nohemy's father began to stir and groan painfully. Nohemy got up immediately and went to his side. She lit up a lamp and started wiping her father's forehead with a damp cloth.
Arwen came to her side and placed a hand over her shoulder, trying to comfort her in some level. Nohemy turned her head to her and looked at her sadly - "He has this pains every morning, it tortures me to see him like this, and the worst thing is that I cannot help him."
Arwen's heart shrunk at the sight of the old man's suffering; but then, as she looked at him closely under the lamp's light, her completely recovered keen sight revealed something she had not seen the day before. On the left side of his neck she saw a small swelling; she leant to look closer at it and saw that the skin around it was ashen.
"Nohemy, would you let me examine your father a little closer" - she said, giving Nohemy's shoulder a light squeeze. Nohemy stood up and gave her some space, wondering about what she intended to do.
Arwen knelt down beside the man and examined the swelling, touching it carefully with the tips of her fingers; she felt some sort of liquid accumulated underneath the skin, so she came even closer and stretched the skin with her fingers, looking for a familiar spot. Finally, after some time, she found what she was looking for; a whitish dot, located near the center of the swelling.
"Aha! Just as I suspected!" - she exclaimed, standing up. Then, she turned around, smiling broadly at the confounded Nohemy. - "I found it Nohemy! I can help your father."
Nohemy's face brightened, and she looked at Arwen, filled with hope. "Really? Please tell me you are not fooling me, please tell me it is true" - she exclaimed, giving Arwen an unexpected hug.
..........................................
Legolas crossed the last bridge that separated him from Kron's place; right at the entrance of the house, he saw the trip's provisions, neatly packed and accommodated. He leant down to pick them up when a dark shadow attacked him from somewhere in front of him. He straightened and jumped back, dodging the sword blow, and saw his unexpected attacker.
"Young Nean! What are you doing?"
But Nean didn't answer, he looked at him with nothing but hate in his eyes and sprang forward with the curved sword raised high, intending to slice Legolas in two halves. Cornered and unarmed, Legolas adopted a fighting stance, ready to face him.
Nean let his sword fall upon Legolas with all his strength, but Legolas stepped to a side and evaded the attack. As the blade passed on one of his sides, barely missing him, Legolas stepped forward and grabbed Nean by his arm with his right hand. Then, he turned and elbowed the young man in the stomach with his left arm, leaving him breathless. While Nean shrunk in pain, Legolas stripped him of his sword and pushed him back, causing him to fall.
Nean opened his eyes and found himself lying helplessly on his back, cold metal pushing him to stay still.
"I would like to know the reason for you trying to kill me with such enthusiasm, young Nean." - Legolas said, pressing the curve sword firmly against the man's throat.
Nean murmured a curse and grabbed the blade with one hand - "Go ahead! Kill me; you have proven to be a traitor."
"Traitor? What have I done to deserve such a harsh adjective?"
"We gave you our hospitality, helped you in every possible way, and what did you do to pay us? You seduced our women."
Legolas withdrew the sword and stepped back, suddenly understanding the man's motives - "Nean I..."
"I can't believe you betrayed us! You have such a beautiful mate. What do you want with our women?"
Legolas dropped the sword and stepped back, not knowing what to say.
"And then you dared to scorn her? I heard her crying; I was there, outside the stables! You thought you could just get away with it?!!"
Legolas knelt and lowered his arms - "I have no excuse for what I did. If killing me relieves the affront I won't stop you, but I beg you not to harm my companion, please let her continue with her journey."
Nean stood up and picked his sword menacingly; he walked slowly towards Legolas, sword raised high; and stopped right in front of him; Legolas closed his eyes, ready to face death. As Nean was about to cut his head off, he stopped and clenching his fist, he just punched the elf right in the face, with all his strength.
Legolas fell to the ground, blood coming out of his mouth, and looked up at the enraged man - "Why did you stop? Why didn't you kill me?"
"Bare with me here, master Elf; I am trying to act wisely. I know that it wasn't you who started all this, you don't deserve to die; much less by my hand. Forgive me, I got carried away"
"I don't understand."
"For years I've heard Nohemy rambling nonsense about an angel that would come to wash away all her sorrows; now you came here, and she is so naïve that she probably thought you were this 'angel'. Besides, I am not blind, I saw the way she was looking at you yesterday, I bet she started everything." - the man said sadly, extending his hand to him.
Legolas took his hand and stood up, wiping the blood of his face. - "Thank goodness you ended up to be such a wise man, I thought my days in this life were finally over."
He looked at the man's saddened face and suddenly understood his actions - "You care deeply for her".
Nean turned his face from him, as if trying to conceal his feelings - "I've known her all my life, she is a dear friend."
Legolas placed a hand on the man's shoulder - "You cannot fool me child, she is more than a friend for you. Am I right?"
Nean hesitated, unsure of whether to reveal his deepest feelings to a complete stranger or not. Then, he saw Legolas' sincere eyes and knew it was time to let it out of his chest.
"I have always liked her, very much; and after her mate died I thought I had a chance with her. But as time passes I've come to realize she doesn't feel the same way about me."
"Why don't you talk to her; you must tell her."
"I can't, I fear that I could ruin our friendship if I tell her. Besides, all she does is speak about this 'angel' that will come; she won't settle for less than that."
"How can you know if you don't try? Nean...."
"She won't have me; she always says that I am an unsocial beast, that no woman could ever stand being with me; and that my temper is the reason why I am still alone."
"But that is not the reason, right young Nean? You are still unmated because you love her."
"Love? Love is for weaklings and fools!! I must not get carried away...."
"You are wrong Nean; love is the noblest feeling there is. Even though it hurts some times, even though it drives you insane, even though sometimes it drags you to the very pits of death and pain. It is the most wonderful thing that you can ever feel. You must not fear to admit you love, Nean; love makes us braver and stronger, it is love what gives us the courage to stand up and continue our battles." "Do you love your mate?"
"I love Arwen with all my heart, my soul, my body and mind. See? I am not afraid to admit it, for it has been because of this love that I have fought and won the most terrible battles."
"But, what if Nohemy doesn't love me back? What if she rejects me?"
"Listen to me child. You have been good to us, you have helped us, and you have shown me your kindness and wisdom. Now I ask you to give me the chance to reciprocate your kindness with an advice."
"Advice...?"
"Let me finish please; an pay attention, for your happiness depends on this. I beg you to talk to her, tell her what you feel. Please, don't make the same mistake I did; I have paid for that mistake with blood and tears; don't let the same burden fall upon you."
"I am not sure...."
"You are a good man, Nean; and you love her. I am sure you can bring joy back into her life."
"I would do anything to see her smile."
"Then, what are you waiting for? Take your chances Nean! You'll never know what is possible unless you try!"
Nean lifted his eyes to meet the elf's; a new brightness illuminated his fiery eyes, the brightness of hope. - "I'll do it. I will talk to her, right now"
Legolas smiled broadly and patted the man's back cordially - "Congratulations my friend! You have just made the most important decision of your life" - Nean smiled back and started walking towards Nohemy's house, his chest filled with hope, while Legolas started picking up the provisions. Nean stopped in the middle of the bridge and turned to him.
"Thank you Master Elf!" - the man said, before taking off running.
"No young Nean, thank you!"
.......................................
Eldarion arrived his father's room in the healer's wing and knelt by his side. Aragorn was livid; not a sign of life could be seen or felt in his cold, ashen face. Eldarion took his father's venerable hand between his and spoke softly, doing his best to hold back the tears forming in his eyes.
"Oh father; I need you so much. I know not what to do in this time of tribulation, if I could just count with your wise words in this dark hour."
By miracle or good fortune, the King heard his call of desperation, and gathering strength from there was none left; he came out of his slumber. He opened his eyes to find his one and only heir kneeled by his side, his afflicted head rested on his chest, and his strong hands curled into the white sheets of the bed, a sign of his deep despair.
Aragorn took a deep breath - "My son; what troubles you?" - he managed to ask in a mere whisper.
Eldarion lifted his head, and was just about to speak when a loud rumble and a quake were felt from Smong's impact against a close-by building. Arangorn grabbed his son's hand - "What devilry is this? - He gasped, startled by the sudden impact.
Eldarion looked at him with a mixture of concern and relief in his eyes - "Father, Thank Eru you are conscious!" - the young man said, touching his father's chin - "A beast is attacking the city, an enormous dragon! Please tell me what must I do?"
Aragorn started panting difficultly - "A dragon?!! How is this possible?"
"I don't know father" - Eldarion said - "but if we don't take action soon, it will bring Minas Tirith down to ruins." - the prince's face looked upon his father, hoping he could find a solution.
"First, bring me some elvish liquor" - Aragorn requested - "it will strengthen me, at least enough to think straight."
Eldarion ran to a small cupboard in the room and brought a sleek, crystal bottle containing the clear, sweet liquor elves use to strengthen weary limbs and to clear clouded minds. Holding his father's head, he brought the bottle near the pale lips; and the King drank a few sips of the invigorating elixir.
"Gather the army" - Aragorn said - "We need to draw it away from the city"
"The army is ready, but what must we do? How do we force this thing to go away? Arrows are useless, spears won't reach it!"
Aragorn took a deep breath - "I am not sure; I never had to face such a foe in all my years of kingship, nor before. But maybe if the army goes outside the city gates, and provokes the beast, maybe...."
Eldarion understood the strategy - "You mean to divert his attention and attack from the city....to the army? That beast will annihilate the army in no time, specially in an open field; that won't do us any good!"
"I know it seems like folly, but is the only solution I can see; at least it will give us time. Order the first regiment to go to open field and provoke the beast to follow them into the western forest. If we are lucky enough, that will give us time to prepare and take the catapults and the ballistae out to the field."
Realization settled in the young prince, and he looked upon his father with nothing but admiration; he truly was a genius. - "Thank you father" - Eldarion said, pressing his father's hand against his chest - "Your wise words have brought hope, to me and to our city. Your orders will be done at once; I will lead the army"
Aragorn looked at his son with horror - "No! Give the orders, but don't go out to the field, it is too dangerous!"
Eldarion straightened and took a deep breath - "If you order me to stay inside the city, I will do as you wish; but my place is out there, with my countrymen. I am a man now father, and the soldiers trust and respect me. I cannot send them to die unless I am leading them."
Aragorn looked at his son, standing in front of him tall and proud; a respectable beard had grown in his chin, his arms and shoulders ha gotten broad and strong, his face stoic; but what really stroke him was the look in his eyes, that where shinning with courage and determination. He reminded the weary King of himself, many years ago when the strength of youth still filled his limbs - "My son! You are a true King now; I have no right to hold you back. Go take your place! You have earned it"
Eldarion kneeled in front of him - "Bless me father!"
Aragorn's faithful sword was right beside his bed; Eldarion had placed it there, knowing that his father wouldn't want it any other way. Making no small effort, Aragorn unsheathed Narsil and lowered its noble blade upon Eldarion's shoulder.
"May Eru be with you, my son; may he guide and protect you; may he give you strength and wisdom for what is to come. Rise! Noble heir, you have made me proud"
Eldarion stood up, his eyes filled with tears, knowing that this could be the last time he saw his beloved father; should he die in the battlefield. He was not afraid, on the contrary, he was eager, for he was going to die in the most honorable way. He embraced his father once again - "Farewell father!"
"Please don't be careless of your life, Eldarion; your city needs you" - Aragorn said, pulling him against his chest as hard as his weakness allowed - "Namarie"
And with that, Eldarion left the room, while Smong continued to pour his ancient wrath upon the city. Aragorn pulled his sword and let it rest upon his chest, praying to the Valar to spare his son's life; while the entire room shook with the impact of the flying beast with yet another beautiful tower.
.............................
Wow, long one!
Sorry if it was a little too digressive, I kind of got carried away. Next one will be better, I promise.
Thank you, all of you who have been kind enough to review.
Note to Precious Jewelle: I do watch FRIENDS! And I love it, too bad I don't get NBC here, I am going to have to wait for Latin America Warner Channel to air the Season Premiere. Bummer! Oh! And thanks for your comment; I am flattered.
Stay tuned everybody, much is still to come!
Peace.
Elwe