Okay, no action in this one, just angst and sentiment, loads of sentiment.
Read on.
CHAPTER 36
ELENDIL'S ARMOR
Silent and somber, they went through the dark and deserted corridors of the healers' wing. Arwen walked upfront, fast and determined; Legolas followed her.
He leant a hand on the cold walls as he advanced, suddenly feeling sapped of strength and courage. His body became heavy and he felt as if his head was spiraling about. His vision became blurry and the light of the torches on the walls in the narrow hallway dimmed to his eyes. His heart began to race as he felt Aragorn's presence coming closer, and he had to stop to catch his breath.
Arwen noted his backwardness and turned around to question him. But what she saw in his face served as good enough explanation; his skin was pale, his eyes filled with doubt and shame. He was leant against the wall, panting difficultly.
"Legolas, what troubles you so much?" - she asked, placing a hand upon his shoulders.
He winced and stepped back from her touch, as if it burned him. - "How can I look upon his eyes? - He said, turning his face from her - "How can I dare to enter his presence? I feel that I have betrayed him; and I dread the moment I should meet with him."
Arwen stepped closer to him and held his face to her. - "Legolas" - she said, looking in his eyes - "you are not to blame for something you did not seek. Your love for me is something you cannot control."
"And yet" - he whispered wearily, shutting his eyes - "I have no right to it"
"Nor responsibility of it" - she replied - "You have been beyond faithful; to me, to this kingdom and to the King. But he is not your King; he is your friend, your companion Aragorn. Is he not? He will not reproach you, for your deeds have been spotless. I can be witness of all that."
"My heart does not fool me Arwen, remorse eats my soul"
"Do you love him?" - she asked simply.
"As if he was my own brother"
"And have you forgotten that he loves you just as much?"
"No, but things have changed"
"Love does not change Legolas. He calls to you now, and I can swear that he calls you with love. If you truly love him, then answer his call and bury your guilt, he will open his arms to you."
Legolas straightened and sighed. He knew her words were honest, but he also knew how precious Arwen was to Aragorn. Of Aragorn receiving him with open arms he wasn't sure, but he decided to face what destiny had decreed for him, whatever the outcome could be.
Arwen took his hand between hers - "You are not alone Legolas; as you are here for me, I am here for you. We will face whatever is to come together. No darkness can overrule us if we have each other."
Her words comforted him, and he regained serenity. His heart steadied again as they walked towards the healing rooms, especially since she was holding his hand all the way through.
But comfort abandoned him as soon as they entered the small room where the King was. Arwen had dropped his hand as soon as she had seen her husband, and ran to the bed where he was laid. Legolas felt as if the air supply was suddenly cut from his lungs when she had ran from him, they were no longer together, and he was alone again. He stayed by the room's door, unable to give one step closer to him, to them. He looked upon the man in the bed; despite being weak and wounded, King Elessar looked regal, magnificent and dignified, as a true King of Men, with his venerable sword held tightly against his chest.
As he saw Arwen kneeling by his side and kissing his hand with tears streaming down her cheeks, Legolas knew that he had fulfilled his promise, and an enormous burden was lifted from his shoulders; only to be replaced by another one, even bigger than the previous; the overwhelming sensation of having lost her forever. He did not feel jealous, or angry; but he suddenly felt as if he was an excessive and unnecessary presence in the room.
Aragorn opened his eyes to find his Queen's face very near his. He looked at her for endless moments, marveled in her features now relieved of age, young and radiant again; only the tears that now covered it marred its perfect beauty. It was the same face he had contemplated so many years ago at Cerin Amoth, the day he had fallen in love with her. She leant close to him and planted a soft kiss upon his pale lips. He let go of his sword and caressed her face sweetly, wiping her warm tears.
"My Queen, you have come. I could feel you drawing close to me."
"Yes, my love" - she said, putting her hand above his. - "I have come never to leave you again"
He squeezed her hand, with whatever strength left in him - "And yet we must fight again, our city is falling to ruins"
Arwen lifted her gaze to the room's only window, and saw the smoke columns in the distance. - "This time we are confronted with too great an enemy, we should flee now that there is a chance, that if we want to save our lives."
"You know I won't forsake Minas Tirith to fall alone; I will stay here."
"The city can be rebuild my King, but what would Gondor do without you? Without a King there is no realm, if you survive there will be hope; but now look outside the window, there is no hope left for this city, not against that demon."
"No Arwen, there is hope; hope strong enough to overpower even the most terrible of foes; hope strong enough to bring the might of Gondor back from fear and ashes. This hope has a name, a proud and honorable name, and it is now with us in this very room" - Aragorn said, looking at the tall figure standing awkwardly by the room's entrance.
"Legolas" - Aragorn called, his voice filled with sentiment. Legolas closed his eyes and sighed. He knew Aragorn was not going to reproach him, he knew he was receiving him with love; but he also knew at that moment, that Aragorn was going to ask from him the greatest of sacrifices, and he could not say no to his request.
He approached the King's bed slowly - "Yes, my King" - he answered, kneeling by the bed, opposite side to Arwen.
"Legolas" - Aragorn said, turning to look at him with nothing but love - "You have fulfilled your promises yet again. Never have you failed those of us who love you, and for that I am thankful to you."
Legolas held his cold hand, unable to utter word.
Aragorn continued - "I see your heart Legolas, and all I can tell you is that you have been more than faithful; I have nothing to reproach you for. I honor you, noble friend, and I owe you my life and the life of my beloved."
"Whatever loyalty I have given to you, has been due to your own nobility" - Legolas finally said - "If I have loved you, it has been because you deserve nothing less than that"
"What's left of my kingdom and my life doesn't hold enough to compensate you for what you have done, dear friend; and yet now I have one more favor to ask from you; one perhaps too immense to ask"
Legolas held the King's hand against his forehead and closed his eyes, resigning to his own doom - "Whatever you ask from me shall be done. I know what you require, and my answer is yes. I will defend your city yet again; I swear upon my soul, Aragorn, that your city will not fall, not while there is life left in me."
Aragorn's eyes filled with tears - "I did not expect less from you, my friend. But my heart aches as I send you to death once again"
Legolas stood on his feet and leaned to kiss Aragorn's forehead with reverence - "Do not be troubled, for to death I march with a smile upon my lips." - truth he spoke, since for his life Legolas no longer cared. Life without Arwen he could no longer imagine; and right then he felt he had lost her.
The Evenstar had listened to all this in reverent silence, her face veiling the turmoil of emotion happening inside her heart. A part of her was relieved, finally being able to hold her husband's hand. But she knew Legolas was marching now to a field of death, and the mere prospect of seeing his downfall stabbed her soul like a dagger. What could she do? She could not stop destiny, nor could she tell Legolas how much she truly loved him. For love him she did, even though her love for Aragorn had not changed. Unable to look upon his face as he was standing up, Arwen turned her face away from Legolas, refusing even to say a wordless goodbye to him. His face solemn and resolved, the elven warrior stood tall; ready to confront his own demise; but as he was about to leave the room, he saw a mighty armor he had failed to notice before, rested by the room's only window.
Aragorn nodded to a couple of royal subjects that awaited his signal in a corner of the small room, and they motioned to pick up the armor.
"Before you go, noble Legolas, let me give you the only help I can afford. This is Elendil's armor, and I wish you to wear it now that you go to this remarkable battle." - Aragorn said, while the subjects began strapping the exquisite breastplates to Legolas' torso.
Legolas looked down on it with apprehension - "I cannot be the bearer of such an inheritance, it is not my place, nor my right. This should be only worn by Elendil's kindred, I have no part in the Numenorean legacy"
"You have more than earned the right to battle in this armor Legolas. You are as worthy of wearing it as it is the only armor in this earthly realm worthy of resting on your honored shoulders. Gondor deserves to be protected by this armor; and the brave soldiers deserve to be encouraged by its symbolism. Do not deny my country the hope of seeing that helmet shinning in the battlefield again; I cannot give that to them, but you can." - Aragorn said, while the servants placed the polished helmet upon Legolas' head.
Legolas silently accepted Aragorn's tribute and allowed the subjects to finish strapping the legendary armor. It was a segmented armor, forged in black iron; the few ornaments on it where wrought in brushed silver. It was not as beautiful as an elven war armor, but it was definitely solid, and gave its bearer a feral appearance.
The servants quickly finished strapping on the shin-guards, gauntlets and harnesses that completed the armor; then, they covered the broad shoulders with a purple cape, symbol of Gondor's royalty, and stepped back to contemplate the seemly newborn legend. An elven warrior prince dressed like a Numenorean king, now that was something worthy of seeing.
He had never looked so dignified, so fiery, so powerful. Underneath this dark armor Legolas felt as if he was inflamed by Numenor's entire warrior vein. Fear abandoned him, and he suddenly felt anxious to enter battle, eager to slain the beast.
Aragorn smiled at him, mostly in awe - "Now you are almost ready; just one more thing" - he said tiredly, since the effect of the elven wine was starting to wear off - "Come near"
Legolas approached him again. Aragorn took his armored hand - "Please save my son, Legolas, and give him this for me" - he said, closing Legolas' hand around Narsil's handle. Legolas pulled his hand away - "No! You will give it to him yourself; I will not wield your sword. Please, don't ask this from me! Forever cursed will be the one who dares to even touch that sword, not being Isildur's heir"
But Aragorn pulled his hand back again - "I am giving you my right of caste. Will you not do this? Even if a fading man begs you to?"
"You are not fading" - Legolas said, touching his chin - "you have many springs yet to delight on. Life is strong inside of you, I can feel it"
"And yet I cannot wield this sword to defend my people." - Aragorn almost shouted, then his voice nearly vanished into a whisper - "I beg you with all my heart, to take this sword now and fight in my place. Take Gondor's pride to the field now, and slain that demon with my sword. To me it will be as if I am doing it myself."
Legolas' icy blue eyes looked back at the King from beneath the silvered helmet, that revealed only his fiery pupils, his mouth and strong jaw line - "The strength in my arms will deliver the blows, but may your soul guide this blade to victory. The glory of this battle is yours Elessar Telcontar" - Legolas said solemnly, his voice shaking with emotion, while he grasped Narsil and sheathed it in Elendil's scabbard. - "Farewell, King of Men"
"May you be blessed. Your horse awaits you by the main hall's entrance" - Aragorn said, receiving confirmation from one of the servants.
Legolas nodded and turned around to leave. He walked out the door and was about to start running down the corridor when an irresistible urge from his heart forced him to stop. He needed to see his beloved's face one last time before leaving. He slowly turned around to see her, the only one he could ever love, leaning over Aragorn and kissing him fervently.
Time seemed to stop and his heart came to a halt. A strong emotion began building up inside of him. Rage? No. Jealousy? No. Sorrow, only sorrow; so deep and so great that it gave place to the irresistible desire to cease his own existence. And yet he smiled, his soft lips curved in the most honest and sincere smile one can ever imagine, as his eyes looked wistfully upon the couple. - "They are worth the sacrifice" - he thought for himself - "the battlefield awaits for me, and maybe there I will finally find my peace and release, in the arms of my own demise."
"Farewell beloved, I wish you nothing but happiness"
She felt his eyes fixated on her; she felt the sadness of his heart and his unspoken goodbye burning her soul. She parted from Aragorn, compelled by the incontrollable need of seeing his face one last time, and lifted her eyes to the door; but it was too late and he was already gone.
......................................
Legolas already ran across the darkened corridors, forcing his mind to think only on the battle ahead. Everything else ceased to be important as he approached his destiny; even her, even his love for her was pushed aside.
He arrived the Main Hall's entrance and found his horse, Antares, waiting for him armored and ready for battle. The stable's groom handled him the horse's reins bowing his head in respect and Legolas mounted the horse and motioned towards the city gates.
As he passed by the City's square, and upon seeing the unlikely character trotting down the street, the crowd gathered there gasped in unison and some of them fell to their knees, recognizing the royal attire in which he was clad.
At first they thought it was the King, but upon seeing his golden hair flowing from underneath the helmet, they knew this was an even more unique personage. The Eldest and more instructed in the Numenorean legacy began shouting it was Amandil's spirit, who had returned from his endless journey into the unknown to slain Gondor's enemy. Upon hearing this, the crowd began shouting and cheering their new hero, but Legolas only looked at them with sadness and disenchant in his eyes. At least four thousand soldiers were there, paralyzed by fear, unable to stand proudly to defend their city.
"Hush, Sons of Gondor!" - He shouted, lifting his armored palm to quiet them down. - "Save your homage for another hour, it is not yet time to celebrate."
The crowd went silent and he continued speaking with authority and exhortation - "Your prince and your companions are out there, sacrificing their lives for the continued existence of this city. Why do you cower back here? What happened to the proud and powerful White Army?"
A high official of the army stood up and replied, crying out - "You can confront this demon, being that you are a powerful Lord, honored and blessed. We are nothing more than simple men, we stand no chance."
Legolas pierced him with his fiery eyes and replied sadly - "And yet I bleed, just as any of you do."
The official lowered his head, unable to look straight at him. Legolas continued his exhortation - "I know you love this city. You were born here; you grew up here. I did not, I am a mere refugee inside these walls; and yet I am willing to go out there and give my life. But you, you cower back, giving that demon the satisfaction of seeing you defeated without even putting up a fight."
He scanned the crowd's faces - "I say it doesn't matter if we don't stand a chance, as long as we give our everything for our city; as long as we go down as real soldiers of Gondor.....Fighting!
The soldiers dropped their heads in shame, being that their fear was bigger that their willpower. But Legolas did not give up on them and continued.
"I am willing to go out and fight" - he said firmly - "But you are right, the beast is too powerful, and therefore there is nothing I can do, not if I am alone."
The soldiers lifted their faces with disbelief, he had managed to caught their attention.
"But come now, brave soldiers; fight by my side and I swear to you that together, we will bring that demon down before nightfall!" - he shouted, and the crowd looked back at him with new hope in their eyes.
The same official rose his voice boldly - "If you promise this, then I will fight by your side!" - the motion was backed up with shouts and cheers from the rest of the soldiers.
Legolas smiled thankful - "Have faith, and Eru will grant us a great victory in this day. Come now!" - he said to the myriad of soldiers willing to follow him; and spurred his horse towards the gates.
With their heads and shoulders now held high and proud, and their armors shinning almost as much as their determined eyes; four thousand infantry soldiers marched right behind him.
Upon reaching the gates, Legolas looked up to the gates stewards in the wall posts. With potent voice he gave the order
"Open the gates!"
.....................................
Like it? Hate it?
I put a lot of heart in this chapter. I sat for days thinking what would Aragorn and Legolas say to each other upon their meeting. It was also really hard to describe what they were feeling. What do you think? Did it come out realistic? Is it a little bit overdone?
In next chapter the real action begins. Also, in an unexpected turn of events, my twisted mind has decided that this story is far from ending and many things are still to come.
See you on next chapter; that will be probably ready around next weekend.
*** I just want to say that my heart is with those of you who had their stories removed from this site just yesterday. All my sympathy for everyone of you, cause as a writer I know how hard it is to write a story; and I know how much it means to the writer. I just hope you can find another great site to publish your work. This goes specially for Precious Jewelle; big, comforting bear hug to you. (
Blessings to you all
Elwe.
Read on.
CHAPTER 36
ELENDIL'S ARMOR
Silent and somber, they went through the dark and deserted corridors of the healers' wing. Arwen walked upfront, fast and determined; Legolas followed her.
He leant a hand on the cold walls as he advanced, suddenly feeling sapped of strength and courage. His body became heavy and he felt as if his head was spiraling about. His vision became blurry and the light of the torches on the walls in the narrow hallway dimmed to his eyes. His heart began to race as he felt Aragorn's presence coming closer, and he had to stop to catch his breath.
Arwen noted his backwardness and turned around to question him. But what she saw in his face served as good enough explanation; his skin was pale, his eyes filled with doubt and shame. He was leant against the wall, panting difficultly.
"Legolas, what troubles you so much?" - she asked, placing a hand upon his shoulders.
He winced and stepped back from her touch, as if it burned him. - "How can I look upon his eyes? - He said, turning his face from her - "How can I dare to enter his presence? I feel that I have betrayed him; and I dread the moment I should meet with him."
Arwen stepped closer to him and held his face to her. - "Legolas" - she said, looking in his eyes - "you are not to blame for something you did not seek. Your love for me is something you cannot control."
"And yet" - he whispered wearily, shutting his eyes - "I have no right to it"
"Nor responsibility of it" - she replied - "You have been beyond faithful; to me, to this kingdom and to the King. But he is not your King; he is your friend, your companion Aragorn. Is he not? He will not reproach you, for your deeds have been spotless. I can be witness of all that."
"My heart does not fool me Arwen, remorse eats my soul"
"Do you love him?" - she asked simply.
"As if he was my own brother"
"And have you forgotten that he loves you just as much?"
"No, but things have changed"
"Love does not change Legolas. He calls to you now, and I can swear that he calls you with love. If you truly love him, then answer his call and bury your guilt, he will open his arms to you."
Legolas straightened and sighed. He knew her words were honest, but he also knew how precious Arwen was to Aragorn. Of Aragorn receiving him with open arms he wasn't sure, but he decided to face what destiny had decreed for him, whatever the outcome could be.
Arwen took his hand between hers - "You are not alone Legolas; as you are here for me, I am here for you. We will face whatever is to come together. No darkness can overrule us if we have each other."
Her words comforted him, and he regained serenity. His heart steadied again as they walked towards the healing rooms, especially since she was holding his hand all the way through.
But comfort abandoned him as soon as they entered the small room where the King was. Arwen had dropped his hand as soon as she had seen her husband, and ran to the bed where he was laid. Legolas felt as if the air supply was suddenly cut from his lungs when she had ran from him, they were no longer together, and he was alone again. He stayed by the room's door, unable to give one step closer to him, to them. He looked upon the man in the bed; despite being weak and wounded, King Elessar looked regal, magnificent and dignified, as a true King of Men, with his venerable sword held tightly against his chest.
As he saw Arwen kneeling by his side and kissing his hand with tears streaming down her cheeks, Legolas knew that he had fulfilled his promise, and an enormous burden was lifted from his shoulders; only to be replaced by another one, even bigger than the previous; the overwhelming sensation of having lost her forever. He did not feel jealous, or angry; but he suddenly felt as if he was an excessive and unnecessary presence in the room.
Aragorn opened his eyes to find his Queen's face very near his. He looked at her for endless moments, marveled in her features now relieved of age, young and radiant again; only the tears that now covered it marred its perfect beauty. It was the same face he had contemplated so many years ago at Cerin Amoth, the day he had fallen in love with her. She leant close to him and planted a soft kiss upon his pale lips. He let go of his sword and caressed her face sweetly, wiping her warm tears.
"My Queen, you have come. I could feel you drawing close to me."
"Yes, my love" - she said, putting her hand above his. - "I have come never to leave you again"
He squeezed her hand, with whatever strength left in him - "And yet we must fight again, our city is falling to ruins"
Arwen lifted her gaze to the room's only window, and saw the smoke columns in the distance. - "This time we are confronted with too great an enemy, we should flee now that there is a chance, that if we want to save our lives."
"You know I won't forsake Minas Tirith to fall alone; I will stay here."
"The city can be rebuild my King, but what would Gondor do without you? Without a King there is no realm, if you survive there will be hope; but now look outside the window, there is no hope left for this city, not against that demon."
"No Arwen, there is hope; hope strong enough to overpower even the most terrible of foes; hope strong enough to bring the might of Gondor back from fear and ashes. This hope has a name, a proud and honorable name, and it is now with us in this very room" - Aragorn said, looking at the tall figure standing awkwardly by the room's entrance.
"Legolas" - Aragorn called, his voice filled with sentiment. Legolas closed his eyes and sighed. He knew Aragorn was not going to reproach him, he knew he was receiving him with love; but he also knew at that moment, that Aragorn was going to ask from him the greatest of sacrifices, and he could not say no to his request.
He approached the King's bed slowly - "Yes, my King" - he answered, kneeling by the bed, opposite side to Arwen.
"Legolas" - Aragorn said, turning to look at him with nothing but love - "You have fulfilled your promises yet again. Never have you failed those of us who love you, and for that I am thankful to you."
Legolas held his cold hand, unable to utter word.
Aragorn continued - "I see your heart Legolas, and all I can tell you is that you have been more than faithful; I have nothing to reproach you for. I honor you, noble friend, and I owe you my life and the life of my beloved."
"Whatever loyalty I have given to you, has been due to your own nobility" - Legolas finally said - "If I have loved you, it has been because you deserve nothing less than that"
"What's left of my kingdom and my life doesn't hold enough to compensate you for what you have done, dear friend; and yet now I have one more favor to ask from you; one perhaps too immense to ask"
Legolas held the King's hand against his forehead and closed his eyes, resigning to his own doom - "Whatever you ask from me shall be done. I know what you require, and my answer is yes. I will defend your city yet again; I swear upon my soul, Aragorn, that your city will not fall, not while there is life left in me."
Aragorn's eyes filled with tears - "I did not expect less from you, my friend. But my heart aches as I send you to death once again"
Legolas stood on his feet and leaned to kiss Aragorn's forehead with reverence - "Do not be troubled, for to death I march with a smile upon my lips." - truth he spoke, since for his life Legolas no longer cared. Life without Arwen he could no longer imagine; and right then he felt he had lost her.
The Evenstar had listened to all this in reverent silence, her face veiling the turmoil of emotion happening inside her heart. A part of her was relieved, finally being able to hold her husband's hand. But she knew Legolas was marching now to a field of death, and the mere prospect of seeing his downfall stabbed her soul like a dagger. What could she do? She could not stop destiny, nor could she tell Legolas how much she truly loved him. For love him she did, even though her love for Aragorn had not changed. Unable to look upon his face as he was standing up, Arwen turned her face away from Legolas, refusing even to say a wordless goodbye to him. His face solemn and resolved, the elven warrior stood tall; ready to confront his own demise; but as he was about to leave the room, he saw a mighty armor he had failed to notice before, rested by the room's only window.
Aragorn nodded to a couple of royal subjects that awaited his signal in a corner of the small room, and they motioned to pick up the armor.
"Before you go, noble Legolas, let me give you the only help I can afford. This is Elendil's armor, and I wish you to wear it now that you go to this remarkable battle." - Aragorn said, while the subjects began strapping the exquisite breastplates to Legolas' torso.
Legolas looked down on it with apprehension - "I cannot be the bearer of such an inheritance, it is not my place, nor my right. This should be only worn by Elendil's kindred, I have no part in the Numenorean legacy"
"You have more than earned the right to battle in this armor Legolas. You are as worthy of wearing it as it is the only armor in this earthly realm worthy of resting on your honored shoulders. Gondor deserves to be protected by this armor; and the brave soldiers deserve to be encouraged by its symbolism. Do not deny my country the hope of seeing that helmet shinning in the battlefield again; I cannot give that to them, but you can." - Aragorn said, while the servants placed the polished helmet upon Legolas' head.
Legolas silently accepted Aragorn's tribute and allowed the subjects to finish strapping the legendary armor. It was a segmented armor, forged in black iron; the few ornaments on it where wrought in brushed silver. It was not as beautiful as an elven war armor, but it was definitely solid, and gave its bearer a feral appearance.
The servants quickly finished strapping on the shin-guards, gauntlets and harnesses that completed the armor; then, they covered the broad shoulders with a purple cape, symbol of Gondor's royalty, and stepped back to contemplate the seemly newborn legend. An elven warrior prince dressed like a Numenorean king, now that was something worthy of seeing.
He had never looked so dignified, so fiery, so powerful. Underneath this dark armor Legolas felt as if he was inflamed by Numenor's entire warrior vein. Fear abandoned him, and he suddenly felt anxious to enter battle, eager to slain the beast.
Aragorn smiled at him, mostly in awe - "Now you are almost ready; just one more thing" - he said tiredly, since the effect of the elven wine was starting to wear off - "Come near"
Legolas approached him again. Aragorn took his armored hand - "Please save my son, Legolas, and give him this for me" - he said, closing Legolas' hand around Narsil's handle. Legolas pulled his hand away - "No! You will give it to him yourself; I will not wield your sword. Please, don't ask this from me! Forever cursed will be the one who dares to even touch that sword, not being Isildur's heir"
But Aragorn pulled his hand back again - "I am giving you my right of caste. Will you not do this? Even if a fading man begs you to?"
"You are not fading" - Legolas said, touching his chin - "you have many springs yet to delight on. Life is strong inside of you, I can feel it"
"And yet I cannot wield this sword to defend my people." - Aragorn almost shouted, then his voice nearly vanished into a whisper - "I beg you with all my heart, to take this sword now and fight in my place. Take Gondor's pride to the field now, and slain that demon with my sword. To me it will be as if I am doing it myself."
Legolas' icy blue eyes looked back at the King from beneath the silvered helmet, that revealed only his fiery pupils, his mouth and strong jaw line - "The strength in my arms will deliver the blows, but may your soul guide this blade to victory. The glory of this battle is yours Elessar Telcontar" - Legolas said solemnly, his voice shaking with emotion, while he grasped Narsil and sheathed it in Elendil's scabbard. - "Farewell, King of Men"
"May you be blessed. Your horse awaits you by the main hall's entrance" - Aragorn said, receiving confirmation from one of the servants.
Legolas nodded and turned around to leave. He walked out the door and was about to start running down the corridor when an irresistible urge from his heart forced him to stop. He needed to see his beloved's face one last time before leaving. He slowly turned around to see her, the only one he could ever love, leaning over Aragorn and kissing him fervently.
Time seemed to stop and his heart came to a halt. A strong emotion began building up inside of him. Rage? No. Jealousy? No. Sorrow, only sorrow; so deep and so great that it gave place to the irresistible desire to cease his own existence. And yet he smiled, his soft lips curved in the most honest and sincere smile one can ever imagine, as his eyes looked wistfully upon the couple. - "They are worth the sacrifice" - he thought for himself - "the battlefield awaits for me, and maybe there I will finally find my peace and release, in the arms of my own demise."
"Farewell beloved, I wish you nothing but happiness"
She felt his eyes fixated on her; she felt the sadness of his heart and his unspoken goodbye burning her soul. She parted from Aragorn, compelled by the incontrollable need of seeing his face one last time, and lifted her eyes to the door; but it was too late and he was already gone.
......................................
Legolas already ran across the darkened corridors, forcing his mind to think only on the battle ahead. Everything else ceased to be important as he approached his destiny; even her, even his love for her was pushed aside.
He arrived the Main Hall's entrance and found his horse, Antares, waiting for him armored and ready for battle. The stable's groom handled him the horse's reins bowing his head in respect and Legolas mounted the horse and motioned towards the city gates.
As he passed by the City's square, and upon seeing the unlikely character trotting down the street, the crowd gathered there gasped in unison and some of them fell to their knees, recognizing the royal attire in which he was clad.
At first they thought it was the King, but upon seeing his golden hair flowing from underneath the helmet, they knew this was an even more unique personage. The Eldest and more instructed in the Numenorean legacy began shouting it was Amandil's spirit, who had returned from his endless journey into the unknown to slain Gondor's enemy. Upon hearing this, the crowd began shouting and cheering their new hero, but Legolas only looked at them with sadness and disenchant in his eyes. At least four thousand soldiers were there, paralyzed by fear, unable to stand proudly to defend their city.
"Hush, Sons of Gondor!" - He shouted, lifting his armored palm to quiet them down. - "Save your homage for another hour, it is not yet time to celebrate."
The crowd went silent and he continued speaking with authority and exhortation - "Your prince and your companions are out there, sacrificing their lives for the continued existence of this city. Why do you cower back here? What happened to the proud and powerful White Army?"
A high official of the army stood up and replied, crying out - "You can confront this demon, being that you are a powerful Lord, honored and blessed. We are nothing more than simple men, we stand no chance."
Legolas pierced him with his fiery eyes and replied sadly - "And yet I bleed, just as any of you do."
The official lowered his head, unable to look straight at him. Legolas continued his exhortation - "I know you love this city. You were born here; you grew up here. I did not, I am a mere refugee inside these walls; and yet I am willing to go out there and give my life. But you, you cower back, giving that demon the satisfaction of seeing you defeated without even putting up a fight."
He scanned the crowd's faces - "I say it doesn't matter if we don't stand a chance, as long as we give our everything for our city; as long as we go down as real soldiers of Gondor.....Fighting!
The soldiers dropped their heads in shame, being that their fear was bigger that their willpower. But Legolas did not give up on them and continued.
"I am willing to go out and fight" - he said firmly - "But you are right, the beast is too powerful, and therefore there is nothing I can do, not if I am alone."
The soldiers lifted their faces with disbelief, he had managed to caught their attention.
"But come now, brave soldiers; fight by my side and I swear to you that together, we will bring that demon down before nightfall!" - he shouted, and the crowd looked back at him with new hope in their eyes.
The same official rose his voice boldly - "If you promise this, then I will fight by your side!" - the motion was backed up with shouts and cheers from the rest of the soldiers.
Legolas smiled thankful - "Have faith, and Eru will grant us a great victory in this day. Come now!" - he said to the myriad of soldiers willing to follow him; and spurred his horse towards the gates.
With their heads and shoulders now held high and proud, and their armors shinning almost as much as their determined eyes; four thousand infantry soldiers marched right behind him.
Upon reaching the gates, Legolas looked up to the gates stewards in the wall posts. With potent voice he gave the order
"Open the gates!"
.....................................
Like it? Hate it?
I put a lot of heart in this chapter. I sat for days thinking what would Aragorn and Legolas say to each other upon their meeting. It was also really hard to describe what they were feeling. What do you think? Did it come out realistic? Is it a little bit overdone?
In next chapter the real action begins. Also, in an unexpected turn of events, my twisted mind has decided that this story is far from ending and many things are still to come.
See you on next chapter; that will be probably ready around next weekend.
*** I just want to say that my heart is with those of you who had their stories removed from this site just yesterday. All my sympathy for everyone of you, cause as a writer I know how hard it is to write a story; and I know how much it means to the writer. I just hope you can find another great site to publish your work. This goes specially for Precious Jewelle; big, comforting bear hug to you. (
Blessings to you all
Elwe.