May it Be
By Siren
OMG, thank you for the reviews! I never expected for so many people to like this story. Well, in this chapter, Lily goes to Rohan, still thinking that Gandalf, Merry and Pippin are dead. She meets Grima Wormtongue, and King Theoden. She also meets Eowyn. Gandalf returns in this chapter! I don't own 'My Immortal' by Evanescence. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lily was dreaming.
She knew she was, but it didn't matter. She was back in Mirkwood, the place where it all began. She wore an elvish dress that reached to her ankles. It was a pale gray, and almost sheer. She was standing on the balcony of her room, gazing out at the city below. Elves were walking about as they would normally. But something was missing. "Quel amrun, melamin," a soft voice greeted. Two arms wrapped around her middle, and she smiled. "Good morning Legolas."
She closed her eyes as his kissed her shoulder. "We are dreaming," he whispered. Lily opened her eyes. "I know." Turning around, she met his gaze. Tracing his cheek, she pulled him down for a kiss. Her lips brushed his, and she smiled. "I miss you," she said quietly. Legolas closed his eyes. "I miss you too." He kissed her softly, pulling her closer to him. Breaking the kiss, he tilted his head. "Something is different about you. What happened?" Lily shook her head with a smile. "Nothing happened," she lied.
He pulled back, his eyes narrowing. "You're lying." Lily sighed and pulled away completely. Turning away from him, she went back to looking at the city. "Why do you keep things from me?" he asked. Lily cringed. "I have to. You wouldn't understand." Frowning, Legolas turned her around. "What wouldn't I understand?" Lily pulled her arm away. "You wouldn't understand what I had to do!" He shook his head. "What did you have to do Lily? What are you hiding from me?"
Lily brushed past him and walked into her room. She couldn't tell him about the choice she had made. Despite what he said, he wouldn't understand. "Some secrets I must keep to myself." "Why don't you trust me?" he asked angrily, his voice laced with hurt. She bit her lip to keep from telling him. "I wish I could tell you, but I can't. Please stop pushing Legolas!" He grabbed her shoulders and turned her to him roughly. "It's about that rider, isn't it? You have fallen for him!"
Lily looked at him in shock. "How can you say such a thing?" The elf's eyes blazed with fury. "Because it is true! You pushed me away and chose to go with him!" Lily tried to push him away but he was too strong. "You're wrong Legolas! I would never betray you like that!" "Dina!" he shouted. Lily shut her mouth, and stared at the man in front of her in hurt.
"Edan, Lle wethrine amin!" he yelled, slipping back into his native tongue. She didn't know how she understood him, but she did. His words cut through her like the orc's blade. "I have never deceived you! I have done nothing with the rider, and I never would!" She pulled free of his grasp, and stepped back. "You don't trust me! After everything we've been through together, you don't trust me!"
Legolas opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off. "Don't even think about talking to me!" He shut his mouth, his eyes narrowed. "Do you know why I came here, Legolas?" He didn't reply. "It's because my soul was crying out for happiness! For a place where I would be safe and loved! And now I'm wondering why the hell I was sent here at all." Legolas looked away, not wanting to look at her.
But Lily would not have it. She grabbed his cheek and forced him to look at her. "Look at me when I'm talking to you!" Hurt flashed in his eyes. "You're hurt, I can see it. But so am I! If you had any idea what I sacrificed for you..." She closed her eyes for a moment, willing the tears away. "You really want to know what I gave up, Legolas?" He didn't move. "I gave up heaven in exchange for this hell. And to think, I did it for you." Legolas's eyes widened in shock.
"I was offered a chance to be what I once was, but I refused it for you. Because I didn't want to leave you. But now I'm not so sure that it was worth it." Legolas's eyes filled with guilt. "Lily..." "Kela!" Legolas frowned. "Amin heraetha," he said softly. Lily shut her eyes tightly. "Kela!" she shouted again, and woke up. Gasping, she sat up. She felt something wet on her cheek and wiped it away. Looking at her hand, she frowned. She had been crying in her sleep.
(A.N.- 'Dina' means 'be silent', 'Edan, Lle wethrine amin' means 'human, you have deceived me,' 'Kela' means 'go away', 'amin heraetha' means 'I'm sorry' and 'melamin' means 'my love'.) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Legolas's eyes focused as he woke up. Was it true? Had Lily really given up heaven for him? Yes, he had sensed her in the dream. Humans rarely stray into the dreams of elves, but it was not impossible. He shut his eyes. He couldn't believe how he had treated her. He should have known better than to act like some jealous fool. She had looked so hurt....Reaching into his pocket, he touched the necklace. Taking it out, he studied it. He had washed the blood away, and now it shone beautifully.
The crystal sun, given to Lily by Lady Galadriel to show her that she wasn't alone. 'But now she is alone. I have hurt her and betrayed her trust in me,' he thought sadly. Sighing, he sat up. "Bad dream?" Gimli asked gruffly. Legolas frowned and put the necklace back in his pocket. "You have no idea." "Come, the hobbit's trail leads into Fangorn forest. The sooner we find them, the sooner we can tell Lily the good news."
(A.N- I didn't want to spend a lot of time on the rotting orc corpses because I want to get to Gandalf's return.)
Legolas nodded, though now he dreaded the thought of seeing her. She was surely furious with him, and he doubted she would speak to him at all. Standing up, he followed the others into the dense woods. Immediately he was met with a wave of anger and anguish. "This forest is old," he whispered. "Very old. And full of anger." Gimli snorted behind him. "The day I believe that trees have emotions is the day that orcs fly!" Legolas smiled slightly. "Than you had better pray that we are prepared for an aerial attack."
Gimli glared at him, but looked at the trees warily. Suddenly Legolas froze. "There is a presence here. One of great power," he warned. Aragorn and the others stopped. "Can you see who it is?" Legolas searched the trees, before settling on a form. He felt his pulse quicken. "It's the white wizard." Boromir drew his sword from its scabbard. "Kill him before he is able to cast a spell on us!" Weapons ready, they watched as a form stepped up before them.
The sun shone behind him, blinding them for a moment. Than Aragorn and Boromir moved to attack him. Their weapons were easily cast aside, as were Legolas's and Gimli's. The light behind him faded, and Legolas gasped. It was indeed a wizard that stood before them, but it was not Saruman. It was quite the opposite. "Gandalf!" Legolas knelt before him and bowed his head. "Forgive me, I did not see!" Gandalf smiled. "No need for apologies, Legolas." Boromir spoke up. "Have you seen the little ones?" he asked urgently.
Gandalf smiled and nodded. "They are with Treebeard, an Ent. You have no reason to worry for them anymore. They are safe," he assured them. Legolas stood up, eyes wide. "The Ents are real? I thought they were just a myth!" Gandalf shook his head. "They are no myth." "What happened to you, Gandalf? We saw the Balrog pull you down into the abyss!" The wizard suddenly grew solemn. "Indeed, you did. I fought with the Balrog on the top of a mountain. Finally, I felled him, but my energy was spent. I recall passing over, through space and time. But my service is still needed here, so I returned. I am no longer Gandalf the Gray, but am now Gandalf the White."
Gimli could only gape at him. Suddenly noticing something, the wizard frowned. "Where is Lily?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Here we are, milady. Welcome to Rohan!"
Lily gaped at the sight before her. The city was huge, and built upon a rocky outcrop in the White Mountains. Banners danced in the wind, bearing a symbol of a horse. "The mark of the Rohirrim," he explained. She nodded, still amazed. Entering the city though, Lily got a very different impression. It was lifeless! The people of Rohan looked worn and hopeless, almost spiteful. She frowned as one woman looked up at her and sneered.
"What happened here?" she asked. She felt Eomer tense behind her. "The king is not well. He is very weak, and is acting very strange. Some say that he is possessed. At these dark times, I find it easy to believe." They came to a stop in front of Edoras, the main court of Rohan. Dismounting from their horses, they handed them over to the guards. "Come Lily, I shall show you to the king. He will give you a place to stay until your companions arrive."
They walked inside, and a shiver ran down her spine. Something was very wrong, she could sense it. The room was cold, and filled with shadow. They came before the king, and Lily couldn't help but stare. He seemed ancient! His skin was pale, and his hair was white. He could barely keep his eyes open, and regarded the world around him hazily. 'He should be in a retirement home, not here!' she thought to herself. Eomer stepped forward. "My lord, I return with ill news."
"I am not sure that the king is able to handle any more ill news," a sly voice answered. Lily frowned as a man stepped out from behind the king's throne. Like the king, he was pale. But his hair was black and his eyes were dark. "Perhaps I should hear the news first." Eomer's eyes flashed with distrust. 'I know how you feel,' Lily thought and shuddered. "This is news that the king should hear for himself, Grima Wormtongue!" Lily frowned. What an awful name!
Grima scowled and turned to the king. "Your nephew is here, and he brings ill news. I do not trust whatever he has to say," he whispered. The king struggled to focus his eyes on Eomer, but was failing miserably. "Eomer...what news do you bring me?" he wheezed. Eomer stepped forward, his eyes softening at the sight of his uncle. "Orcs have been spotted close to our boarders. I fear that they will invade Rohan soon if something is not done."
Theoden shook his head. "We will not engage in battle. We have been loyal allies of Saruman...he will not harm us." "Uncle, please listen to reason! Our people are in danger!" Grima smiled coldly, and knelt next to the king. "Your nephew is against you. He wishes you harm. Banish him from Rohan!" Eomer had heard enough. Grabbing Grima by the collar of his shirt, he lifted him off the ground. "How long have you been under Saruman's control? What has he promised you?"
Grima's eyes grew wide with fear, and at the sound of soft footsteps, turned his attention to a woman. Eomer followed his gaze, and felt his stomach churn when he saw his sister. Eowyn frowned at the sight in front of her, growing worried. Eomer shook his head, and she walked away. "Long have your gaze been fixed on my sister! But no more! You cannot and will not have her, no matter what Saruman promises!" "Guards! Escort Eomer out of Rohan!" "You cannot order them around!" Eomer shouted.
To his surprise, the guards pulled him away from Grima, and began to drag him away. "Uncle, please! Stop this madness!" Grima sulked back to Theoden's side, and began to whisper in his ear. "Banish him from Rohan! He wishes to harm you!" The king opened his eyes weakly. "You are banished," he wheezed. Eomer stared at him in shock, and struggled against the guards. "Uncle! Uncle stop this!"
Lily watched in horror as Eomer was dragged away and banished from Rohan. "And who do we have here?" Her gaze snapped back to the form in front of her. "How dare you," she growled. Grima's eyes wandered over her form, sizing her up. "How kind of Eomer to bring another woman into Rohan. Yes, you'll do nicely," he said, licking his lips. Lily's nose wrinkled in disgust. "Whatever you're thinking, it's not going to happen. I already belong to someone." Grima smiled thinly. "Is that so?" Lily nodded, and his smile grew.
"Then where is your champion?" She frowned. "He'll be here soon, and when he does come, he'll kick your ass," she shot back. Grima laughed. "With Eomer banished, he won't know you're here at all!" Lily's eyes narrowed. "He'll know I'm here because he'll see me here." Grima shook his head. "I doubt he'll see you at all. Guards!" Lily's eyes widened as two guards grabbed her arms. "What the hell are you doing?" He traced her cheek and smiled when she jerked away from him. "Take her down to the prison. Don't let her make a sound. Drug her if you must."
Lily struggled against her captors. "If you think you're going to get away with this, than you're seriously wrong." Grima smiled. "Oh, the woman is threatening me. Whatever shall I do?" he mocked, feigning fear. Lily smiled. "'Ksher, Dolle naa lost. Lle naa haran e' nauselle." He frowned, not understanding a bit of her elvish. She smiled knowingly. "Tenna' ento lye omenta." Grima frowned. "Take her away!" Lily smiled coldly as the guards dragged her away.
(A.N.- ' 'Ksher, Dolle naa lost' means 'Evil one, your head is empty.' 'Lee naa haran e' nauselle' means 'you are a king in your own mind'. 'Tenna' ento lye omenta' means 'until next we meet.') ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gandalf and the others approached Rohan, and the wizard tensed. "A shadow has fallen over this city. Evil lurks within. Do not expect to be welcomed warmly," he cautioned. Despite Legolas's cool demeanor, he was getting worried. Was Lily alright? Dismounting from their horses, they walked up to Edoras. The guards greeted them harshly. "The king does not wish to see anyone at the moment. Especially you, Gandalf," one of them sneered.
Gandalf lifted an eyebrow. "Do not test a wizard's patience," he retorted. Fear flickered in their eyes, and they nodded. "You may see him, but you must abandon your weapons before going inside." Aragorn and the others reluctantly handed over their swords, bows, arrows, axes and daggers. One guard turned to Gandalf. "Your staff," he commanded. The wizard smiled slightly. "Surely you would not part an old man from his walking stick," he said, feigning weakness.
The guard nodded and opened the door. They walked inside, shocked by the sight of the king. He looked so frail! "Theoden, it is I, Gandalf." Theoden shifted where he sat. "I know who you are, and you're not welcome here. Leave!" he commanded. Gandalf frowned. "You are not yourself," he argued. Theoden coughed and wheezed. "I am fine." Noticing his staff, the king frowned. "I told you to take the staff!" he shouted. The guards, realizing their mistake, moved to take it. Boromir and the others held them off.
"I will drive this evil from you, Theoden of Rohan," Gandalf said with confidence. Theoden laughed mockingly. "You cannot! Not even you, Gandalf the Gray, are strong enough to save the king!" Gandalf gripped his staff tightly. "Leave the king, Saruman," he commanded. The king laughed again. "You could not defeat me before. What makes you think you can now?" Glaring coldly, Gandalf threw back his cloak, revealing the white robe underneath.
Theoden gasped and his eyes widened in shock. "I am no longer Gandalf the Gray, but Gandalf the White. Now leave this king, Saruman!" Theoden shook his head. "No! You cannot make me!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Grima watched his new prisoner with fascination. She was harsh and fierce, something he was strangely attracted to. It made sense, seeing as how he was attracted to the same elements in Eowyn. Lily was sitting near the window, her chin resting on her hand. She appeared to be somewhat disappointed. "Your hero has not come and he never will," he sneered. Lily whipped her head toward the door and her eyes narrowed.
"Shut up," she growled. Grima smirked. "I am merely stating the truth, milady. Your hero will never come to this place." Lily stood up and walked over to the cell doors. "Bite your tongue before I rip it out of your mouth," she hissed. Grima smiled, loving the way her eyes glowed when she got angry. "What makes you think he's coming?" Lily lifted her chin. "Because he---" Grima cut her off. "Cares?" Lily shut her mouth and he laughed. "And why should he? He didn't care enough to come with you to Rohan."
Lily glared at him. "I told him not to." He shook his head. "I know what it is like to love a maiden. If he truly cared than he would have followed you here." Lily hit the door with her fist. "You know nothing of love! You're nothing but a soulless monster!" she shouted. Grima's smile disappeared. "I know what love is, you insolent wench!" He grabbed the bars on the small window of the door and shook them.
He closed his eyes and calmed himself. "From what I have heard, your hero is an elf. What makes you think he'd give up the immortal life for you?" Lily looked away and he smiled. "You are nothing to him. Nothing but a toy for his amusement." Lily shook her head. "You're lying," she said softly. Grima's smile grew. "I may be quite a few things my dear, but I am not a liar. The elf may be interested in you, but love?" He smirked. "He does not love you. He never will. He will toy with your feelings, and he will make false promises. But he will never love you."
He watched as Lily's gaze met his, and he was delighted at what he saw. Her gray eyes were distant and misted with tears. 'Yes,' he thought, 'I've broken her.' Lily turned away and walked back to the window. "Please leave me alone," she said brokenly. Grima nodded. "As you wish," he said, and left with a smile tugging at his lips. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gandalf watched as Saruman was finally driven from Theoden's body. Everyone in the room watched as youth seeped back into him, and he regained his strength. "Uncle?" Theoden opened his eyes and looked at the young girl in front of him. "Eowyn?" Ecstatic that he recognized her, she flew into his arms. He smiled and hugged her back tightly. "What has happened?"
Gandalf watched as Grima crept into the room. "Ask your advisor," the old wizard said coldly. Narrowing his eyes, Theoden stood up and turned to him. "Grima Wormtongue you have betrayed me!" Grima's eyes widened when he saw that the king was no longer under Saruman's control. He ran to the door, and tried to escape. The guards moved to go after him, but Theoden shook his head. "He is banished from Rohan. Let no more blood be shed for the moment. Now, where is my son?"
Eowyn's face fell. "Uncle, there is much I must tell you." Theoden frowned but nodded. Legolas was pleased to see the king well again, but he had other matters on his mind. "Where is Lily?" he asked. Eowyn's eyes widened. "She is in the prison!" she answered. Taking his arm, she led him to her. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'He will never love you.'
Grima's words echoed in her mind. Shutting her eyes, she shook her head. He was the bad guy; she wasn't supposed to believe him. But the things he said made sense. Legolas was immortal. He would live forever, and she would die. She didn't know that elves could give up their immortality. Legolas had never mentioned it. Grima had sounded so sure when he told her of Legolas's intentions. 'He will toy with your feelings. He will make you false promises, but he will never love you.'
Slipping deeper into her thoughts, she didn't hear the cell door open. Before she knew what was happening, she was pulled into someone's arms. Blinking, she realized it was Legolas. "Thank the Valar, you're alright! I was so worried! I knew I should have come with you!" Closing her eyes, Lily tried to push Grima's words out of her mind. "Lily!" She opened her eyes to see Boromir, Aragorn and Gimli rush into the room.
She smiled faintly when she received hugs from each of them. Looking at Boromir, she smiled. He knelt next to her, his eyes glistening. "You saved me. My little angel," he whispered and hugged her tightly. She hugged him back, the smile slowly leaving her face. "I'm glad you're all okay." Gimli stepped forward, and pulled her into a tight hug. "You had us all worried, lass. The elf was the most impatient creature I've ever seen! It was enough to frighten any dwarf!" Lily smiled and looked over at her hero.
He was smiling at her, his eyes never leaving her form. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That night, everyone was settled in and going to bed. Soon, the only ones awake were Lily and Legolas. Lily walked over to the steps of Edoras and sat down. "Can't sleep?" a soft voice asked. Lily shook her head. "Not tonight," she answered. She turned to see the elf sitting next to her. "I have something for you," he said, and pressed something into her palm. She smiled when she saw the crystal sun.
"I was wondering if you ever found it." Legolas smiled and looked at the city before them. "Rohan's people look so sad," he said. Lily nodded and looked away. "So elves can give up their immortality?" Legolas looked at her in shock. "Who told you that?" Her face fell. So it was true. "Grima Wormtongue," she answered truthfully. Legolas frowned. "Yes, we can choose to live a mortal life."
I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
'Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone
Lily nodded and looked up at the sky. Silence hung in the air for a moment. Lily was the first to break it. "I'm going to die someday," she said softly. Legolas looked at her, confused. She smiled as she looked at the stars. "I'm human, so it's sort of inevitable." Legolas frowned. "Lily, why are you---" "You'll never die." He shook his head. "What does that have to do with anything?" "Everything."
She tore her gaze away from the stars, and smiled sadly. "I can't be with you." Legolas stared at her with wide eyes. "Why?" She looked at her hands for a moment. "Because I'm going to die." She hesitated. "And because you don't trust me." Legolas opened his mouth to argue, but she pressed a finger to his lips. "Don't say it isn't true, because it is. You thought something happened between Eomer and I. It shows that you don't trust me."
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase
She drew her knees to her chest and frowned. "Grima said a lot of things, but some of them were true." She looked at the elf next to her. "You'll make false promises, and you'll tell me that what I say is nonsense. You'll care about me, but..." She swallowed. "It's not enough." Legolas frowned. "What should I do?" Lily shook her head. "I don't know. I don't want you to give up your immortality. You're a prince, and you're going to be a king someday. I, on the other hand, will die."
Legolas didn't know what to say. "There must be something..." Lily shook her head. "There's just no way. I've been thinking about this, and I've looked at it from every angle. There's just no way." Legolas looked over at her and took her hand. "I'll become mortal." Lily shook her head. "No, you won't." "I will!" "No!" She stood up and glared at him. "You're a prince! You're going to be a king someday! Mirkwood needs a leader. They need you."
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me
"What am I supposed to do than?" he asked, standing up. Lily looked away. "There's nothing you can do." Legolas shook his head. "I don't accept that." Lily looked up at him, her gray eyes flashing in the moonlight. "You don't have a choice," she said, and walked away. Legolas growled and walked after her. Grabbing her arm, he turned her to him. "You think you can just walk away like that?" Lily struggled against him.
"You act as though it is all so simple! Well it's not! I feel for you, Lily." Lily stopped struggling, and just shook her head. Lifting her face, he saw that she was crying. "I was never meant to be with you. I'm not from this world. You and I were never supposed to meet." Legolas pressed his forehead against her's. "But we did." Lily closed her eyes. "I was never meant to feel this way about you." "But you do."
You used to captivate me
By your resonating life
Now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face it haunts
My once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away
All the sanity in me
Lily felt his lips brush against her's. "We'll find a way," he whispered. Lily opened her eyes and met his. "Promise me." His hands slid from her arms to her hands. "I promise you, we will find a way." 'He will make false promises but he will never love you.' Lily pushed Grima's voice away and hugged the elf tightly. "Whatever you do, don't break my heart, okay?" He nodded and kissed her shoulder. "I won't."
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me
OMG, thank you for the reviews! I never expected for so many people to like this story. Well, in this chapter, Lily goes to Rohan, still thinking that Gandalf, Merry and Pippin are dead. She meets Grima Wormtongue, and King Theoden. She also meets Eowyn. Gandalf returns in this chapter! I don't own 'My Immortal' by Evanescence. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lily was dreaming.
She knew she was, but it didn't matter. She was back in Mirkwood, the place where it all began. She wore an elvish dress that reached to her ankles. It was a pale gray, and almost sheer. She was standing on the balcony of her room, gazing out at the city below. Elves were walking about as they would normally. But something was missing. "Quel amrun, melamin," a soft voice greeted. Two arms wrapped around her middle, and she smiled. "Good morning Legolas."
She closed her eyes as his kissed her shoulder. "We are dreaming," he whispered. Lily opened her eyes. "I know." Turning around, she met his gaze. Tracing his cheek, she pulled him down for a kiss. Her lips brushed his, and she smiled. "I miss you," she said quietly. Legolas closed his eyes. "I miss you too." He kissed her softly, pulling her closer to him. Breaking the kiss, he tilted his head. "Something is different about you. What happened?" Lily shook her head with a smile. "Nothing happened," she lied.
He pulled back, his eyes narrowing. "You're lying." Lily sighed and pulled away completely. Turning away from him, she went back to looking at the city. "Why do you keep things from me?" he asked. Lily cringed. "I have to. You wouldn't understand." Frowning, Legolas turned her around. "What wouldn't I understand?" Lily pulled her arm away. "You wouldn't understand what I had to do!" He shook his head. "What did you have to do Lily? What are you hiding from me?"
Lily brushed past him and walked into her room. She couldn't tell him about the choice she had made. Despite what he said, he wouldn't understand. "Some secrets I must keep to myself." "Why don't you trust me?" he asked angrily, his voice laced with hurt. She bit her lip to keep from telling him. "I wish I could tell you, but I can't. Please stop pushing Legolas!" He grabbed her shoulders and turned her to him roughly. "It's about that rider, isn't it? You have fallen for him!"
Lily looked at him in shock. "How can you say such a thing?" The elf's eyes blazed with fury. "Because it is true! You pushed me away and chose to go with him!" Lily tried to push him away but he was too strong. "You're wrong Legolas! I would never betray you like that!" "Dina!" he shouted. Lily shut her mouth, and stared at the man in front of her in hurt.
"Edan, Lle wethrine amin!" he yelled, slipping back into his native tongue. She didn't know how she understood him, but she did. His words cut through her like the orc's blade. "I have never deceived you! I have done nothing with the rider, and I never would!" She pulled free of his grasp, and stepped back. "You don't trust me! After everything we've been through together, you don't trust me!"
Legolas opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off. "Don't even think about talking to me!" He shut his mouth, his eyes narrowed. "Do you know why I came here, Legolas?" He didn't reply. "It's because my soul was crying out for happiness! For a place where I would be safe and loved! And now I'm wondering why the hell I was sent here at all." Legolas looked away, not wanting to look at her.
But Lily would not have it. She grabbed his cheek and forced him to look at her. "Look at me when I'm talking to you!" Hurt flashed in his eyes. "You're hurt, I can see it. But so am I! If you had any idea what I sacrificed for you..." She closed her eyes for a moment, willing the tears away. "You really want to know what I gave up, Legolas?" He didn't move. "I gave up heaven in exchange for this hell. And to think, I did it for you." Legolas's eyes widened in shock.
"I was offered a chance to be what I once was, but I refused it for you. Because I didn't want to leave you. But now I'm not so sure that it was worth it." Legolas's eyes filled with guilt. "Lily..." "Kela!" Legolas frowned. "Amin heraetha," he said softly. Lily shut her eyes tightly. "Kela!" she shouted again, and woke up. Gasping, she sat up. She felt something wet on her cheek and wiped it away. Looking at her hand, she frowned. She had been crying in her sleep.
(A.N.- 'Dina' means 'be silent', 'Edan, Lle wethrine amin' means 'human, you have deceived me,' 'Kela' means 'go away', 'amin heraetha' means 'I'm sorry' and 'melamin' means 'my love'.) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Legolas's eyes focused as he woke up. Was it true? Had Lily really given up heaven for him? Yes, he had sensed her in the dream. Humans rarely stray into the dreams of elves, but it was not impossible. He shut his eyes. He couldn't believe how he had treated her. He should have known better than to act like some jealous fool. She had looked so hurt....Reaching into his pocket, he touched the necklace. Taking it out, he studied it. He had washed the blood away, and now it shone beautifully.
The crystal sun, given to Lily by Lady Galadriel to show her that she wasn't alone. 'But now she is alone. I have hurt her and betrayed her trust in me,' he thought sadly. Sighing, he sat up. "Bad dream?" Gimli asked gruffly. Legolas frowned and put the necklace back in his pocket. "You have no idea." "Come, the hobbit's trail leads into Fangorn forest. The sooner we find them, the sooner we can tell Lily the good news."
(A.N- I didn't want to spend a lot of time on the rotting orc corpses because I want to get to Gandalf's return.)
Legolas nodded, though now he dreaded the thought of seeing her. She was surely furious with him, and he doubted she would speak to him at all. Standing up, he followed the others into the dense woods. Immediately he was met with a wave of anger and anguish. "This forest is old," he whispered. "Very old. And full of anger." Gimli snorted behind him. "The day I believe that trees have emotions is the day that orcs fly!" Legolas smiled slightly. "Than you had better pray that we are prepared for an aerial attack."
Gimli glared at him, but looked at the trees warily. Suddenly Legolas froze. "There is a presence here. One of great power," he warned. Aragorn and the others stopped. "Can you see who it is?" Legolas searched the trees, before settling on a form. He felt his pulse quicken. "It's the white wizard." Boromir drew his sword from its scabbard. "Kill him before he is able to cast a spell on us!" Weapons ready, they watched as a form stepped up before them.
The sun shone behind him, blinding them for a moment. Than Aragorn and Boromir moved to attack him. Their weapons were easily cast aside, as were Legolas's and Gimli's. The light behind him faded, and Legolas gasped. It was indeed a wizard that stood before them, but it was not Saruman. It was quite the opposite. "Gandalf!" Legolas knelt before him and bowed his head. "Forgive me, I did not see!" Gandalf smiled. "No need for apologies, Legolas." Boromir spoke up. "Have you seen the little ones?" he asked urgently.
Gandalf smiled and nodded. "They are with Treebeard, an Ent. You have no reason to worry for them anymore. They are safe," he assured them. Legolas stood up, eyes wide. "The Ents are real? I thought they were just a myth!" Gandalf shook his head. "They are no myth." "What happened to you, Gandalf? We saw the Balrog pull you down into the abyss!" The wizard suddenly grew solemn. "Indeed, you did. I fought with the Balrog on the top of a mountain. Finally, I felled him, but my energy was spent. I recall passing over, through space and time. But my service is still needed here, so I returned. I am no longer Gandalf the Gray, but am now Gandalf the White."
Gimli could only gape at him. Suddenly noticing something, the wizard frowned. "Where is Lily?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Here we are, milady. Welcome to Rohan!"
Lily gaped at the sight before her. The city was huge, and built upon a rocky outcrop in the White Mountains. Banners danced in the wind, bearing a symbol of a horse. "The mark of the Rohirrim," he explained. She nodded, still amazed. Entering the city though, Lily got a very different impression. It was lifeless! The people of Rohan looked worn and hopeless, almost spiteful. She frowned as one woman looked up at her and sneered.
"What happened here?" she asked. She felt Eomer tense behind her. "The king is not well. He is very weak, and is acting very strange. Some say that he is possessed. At these dark times, I find it easy to believe." They came to a stop in front of Edoras, the main court of Rohan. Dismounting from their horses, they handed them over to the guards. "Come Lily, I shall show you to the king. He will give you a place to stay until your companions arrive."
They walked inside, and a shiver ran down her spine. Something was very wrong, she could sense it. The room was cold, and filled with shadow. They came before the king, and Lily couldn't help but stare. He seemed ancient! His skin was pale, and his hair was white. He could barely keep his eyes open, and regarded the world around him hazily. 'He should be in a retirement home, not here!' she thought to herself. Eomer stepped forward. "My lord, I return with ill news."
"I am not sure that the king is able to handle any more ill news," a sly voice answered. Lily frowned as a man stepped out from behind the king's throne. Like the king, he was pale. But his hair was black and his eyes were dark. "Perhaps I should hear the news first." Eomer's eyes flashed with distrust. 'I know how you feel,' Lily thought and shuddered. "This is news that the king should hear for himself, Grima Wormtongue!" Lily frowned. What an awful name!
Grima scowled and turned to the king. "Your nephew is here, and he brings ill news. I do not trust whatever he has to say," he whispered. The king struggled to focus his eyes on Eomer, but was failing miserably. "Eomer...what news do you bring me?" he wheezed. Eomer stepped forward, his eyes softening at the sight of his uncle. "Orcs have been spotted close to our boarders. I fear that they will invade Rohan soon if something is not done."
Theoden shook his head. "We will not engage in battle. We have been loyal allies of Saruman...he will not harm us." "Uncle, please listen to reason! Our people are in danger!" Grima smiled coldly, and knelt next to the king. "Your nephew is against you. He wishes you harm. Banish him from Rohan!" Eomer had heard enough. Grabbing Grima by the collar of his shirt, he lifted him off the ground. "How long have you been under Saruman's control? What has he promised you?"
Grima's eyes grew wide with fear, and at the sound of soft footsteps, turned his attention to a woman. Eomer followed his gaze, and felt his stomach churn when he saw his sister. Eowyn frowned at the sight in front of her, growing worried. Eomer shook his head, and she walked away. "Long have your gaze been fixed on my sister! But no more! You cannot and will not have her, no matter what Saruman promises!" "Guards! Escort Eomer out of Rohan!" "You cannot order them around!" Eomer shouted.
To his surprise, the guards pulled him away from Grima, and began to drag him away. "Uncle, please! Stop this madness!" Grima sulked back to Theoden's side, and began to whisper in his ear. "Banish him from Rohan! He wishes to harm you!" The king opened his eyes weakly. "You are banished," he wheezed. Eomer stared at him in shock, and struggled against the guards. "Uncle! Uncle stop this!"
Lily watched in horror as Eomer was dragged away and banished from Rohan. "And who do we have here?" Her gaze snapped back to the form in front of her. "How dare you," she growled. Grima's eyes wandered over her form, sizing her up. "How kind of Eomer to bring another woman into Rohan. Yes, you'll do nicely," he said, licking his lips. Lily's nose wrinkled in disgust. "Whatever you're thinking, it's not going to happen. I already belong to someone." Grima smiled thinly. "Is that so?" Lily nodded, and his smile grew.
"Then where is your champion?" She frowned. "He'll be here soon, and when he does come, he'll kick your ass," she shot back. Grima laughed. "With Eomer banished, he won't know you're here at all!" Lily's eyes narrowed. "He'll know I'm here because he'll see me here." Grima shook his head. "I doubt he'll see you at all. Guards!" Lily's eyes widened as two guards grabbed her arms. "What the hell are you doing?" He traced her cheek and smiled when she jerked away from him. "Take her down to the prison. Don't let her make a sound. Drug her if you must."
Lily struggled against her captors. "If you think you're going to get away with this, than you're seriously wrong." Grima smiled. "Oh, the woman is threatening me. Whatever shall I do?" he mocked, feigning fear. Lily smiled. "'Ksher, Dolle naa lost. Lle naa haran e' nauselle." He frowned, not understanding a bit of her elvish. She smiled knowingly. "Tenna' ento lye omenta." Grima frowned. "Take her away!" Lily smiled coldly as the guards dragged her away.
(A.N.- ' 'Ksher, Dolle naa lost' means 'Evil one, your head is empty.' 'Lee naa haran e' nauselle' means 'you are a king in your own mind'. 'Tenna' ento lye omenta' means 'until next we meet.') ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gandalf and the others approached Rohan, and the wizard tensed. "A shadow has fallen over this city. Evil lurks within. Do not expect to be welcomed warmly," he cautioned. Despite Legolas's cool demeanor, he was getting worried. Was Lily alright? Dismounting from their horses, they walked up to Edoras. The guards greeted them harshly. "The king does not wish to see anyone at the moment. Especially you, Gandalf," one of them sneered.
Gandalf lifted an eyebrow. "Do not test a wizard's patience," he retorted. Fear flickered in their eyes, and they nodded. "You may see him, but you must abandon your weapons before going inside." Aragorn and the others reluctantly handed over their swords, bows, arrows, axes and daggers. One guard turned to Gandalf. "Your staff," he commanded. The wizard smiled slightly. "Surely you would not part an old man from his walking stick," he said, feigning weakness.
The guard nodded and opened the door. They walked inside, shocked by the sight of the king. He looked so frail! "Theoden, it is I, Gandalf." Theoden shifted where he sat. "I know who you are, and you're not welcome here. Leave!" he commanded. Gandalf frowned. "You are not yourself," he argued. Theoden coughed and wheezed. "I am fine." Noticing his staff, the king frowned. "I told you to take the staff!" he shouted. The guards, realizing their mistake, moved to take it. Boromir and the others held them off.
"I will drive this evil from you, Theoden of Rohan," Gandalf said with confidence. Theoden laughed mockingly. "You cannot! Not even you, Gandalf the Gray, are strong enough to save the king!" Gandalf gripped his staff tightly. "Leave the king, Saruman," he commanded. The king laughed again. "You could not defeat me before. What makes you think you can now?" Glaring coldly, Gandalf threw back his cloak, revealing the white robe underneath.
Theoden gasped and his eyes widened in shock. "I am no longer Gandalf the Gray, but Gandalf the White. Now leave this king, Saruman!" Theoden shook his head. "No! You cannot make me!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Grima watched his new prisoner with fascination. She was harsh and fierce, something he was strangely attracted to. It made sense, seeing as how he was attracted to the same elements in Eowyn. Lily was sitting near the window, her chin resting on her hand. She appeared to be somewhat disappointed. "Your hero has not come and he never will," he sneered. Lily whipped her head toward the door and her eyes narrowed.
"Shut up," she growled. Grima smirked. "I am merely stating the truth, milady. Your hero will never come to this place." Lily stood up and walked over to the cell doors. "Bite your tongue before I rip it out of your mouth," she hissed. Grima smiled, loving the way her eyes glowed when she got angry. "What makes you think he's coming?" Lily lifted her chin. "Because he---" Grima cut her off. "Cares?" Lily shut her mouth and he laughed. "And why should he? He didn't care enough to come with you to Rohan."
Lily glared at him. "I told him not to." He shook his head. "I know what it is like to love a maiden. If he truly cared than he would have followed you here." Lily hit the door with her fist. "You know nothing of love! You're nothing but a soulless monster!" she shouted. Grima's smile disappeared. "I know what love is, you insolent wench!" He grabbed the bars on the small window of the door and shook them.
He closed his eyes and calmed himself. "From what I have heard, your hero is an elf. What makes you think he'd give up the immortal life for you?" Lily looked away and he smiled. "You are nothing to him. Nothing but a toy for his amusement." Lily shook her head. "You're lying," she said softly. Grima's smile grew. "I may be quite a few things my dear, but I am not a liar. The elf may be interested in you, but love?" He smirked. "He does not love you. He never will. He will toy with your feelings, and he will make false promises. But he will never love you."
He watched as Lily's gaze met his, and he was delighted at what he saw. Her gray eyes were distant and misted with tears. 'Yes,' he thought, 'I've broken her.' Lily turned away and walked back to the window. "Please leave me alone," she said brokenly. Grima nodded. "As you wish," he said, and left with a smile tugging at his lips. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gandalf watched as Saruman was finally driven from Theoden's body. Everyone in the room watched as youth seeped back into him, and he regained his strength. "Uncle?" Theoden opened his eyes and looked at the young girl in front of him. "Eowyn?" Ecstatic that he recognized her, she flew into his arms. He smiled and hugged her back tightly. "What has happened?"
Gandalf watched as Grima crept into the room. "Ask your advisor," the old wizard said coldly. Narrowing his eyes, Theoden stood up and turned to him. "Grima Wormtongue you have betrayed me!" Grima's eyes widened when he saw that the king was no longer under Saruman's control. He ran to the door, and tried to escape. The guards moved to go after him, but Theoden shook his head. "He is banished from Rohan. Let no more blood be shed for the moment. Now, where is my son?"
Eowyn's face fell. "Uncle, there is much I must tell you." Theoden frowned but nodded. Legolas was pleased to see the king well again, but he had other matters on his mind. "Where is Lily?" he asked. Eowyn's eyes widened. "She is in the prison!" she answered. Taking his arm, she led him to her. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'He will never love you.'
Grima's words echoed in her mind. Shutting her eyes, she shook her head. He was the bad guy; she wasn't supposed to believe him. But the things he said made sense. Legolas was immortal. He would live forever, and she would die. She didn't know that elves could give up their immortality. Legolas had never mentioned it. Grima had sounded so sure when he told her of Legolas's intentions. 'He will toy with your feelings. He will make you false promises, but he will never love you.'
Slipping deeper into her thoughts, she didn't hear the cell door open. Before she knew what was happening, she was pulled into someone's arms. Blinking, she realized it was Legolas. "Thank the Valar, you're alright! I was so worried! I knew I should have come with you!" Closing her eyes, Lily tried to push Grima's words out of her mind. "Lily!" She opened her eyes to see Boromir, Aragorn and Gimli rush into the room.
She smiled faintly when she received hugs from each of them. Looking at Boromir, she smiled. He knelt next to her, his eyes glistening. "You saved me. My little angel," he whispered and hugged her tightly. She hugged him back, the smile slowly leaving her face. "I'm glad you're all okay." Gimli stepped forward, and pulled her into a tight hug. "You had us all worried, lass. The elf was the most impatient creature I've ever seen! It was enough to frighten any dwarf!" Lily smiled and looked over at her hero.
He was smiling at her, his eyes never leaving her form. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That night, everyone was settled in and going to bed. Soon, the only ones awake were Lily and Legolas. Lily walked over to the steps of Edoras and sat down. "Can't sleep?" a soft voice asked. Lily shook her head. "Not tonight," she answered. She turned to see the elf sitting next to her. "I have something for you," he said, and pressed something into her palm. She smiled when she saw the crystal sun.
"I was wondering if you ever found it." Legolas smiled and looked at the city before them. "Rohan's people look so sad," he said. Lily nodded and looked away. "So elves can give up their immortality?" Legolas looked at her in shock. "Who told you that?" Her face fell. So it was true. "Grima Wormtongue," she answered truthfully. Legolas frowned. "Yes, we can choose to live a mortal life."
I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
'Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone
Lily nodded and looked up at the sky. Silence hung in the air for a moment. Lily was the first to break it. "I'm going to die someday," she said softly. Legolas looked at her, confused. She smiled as she looked at the stars. "I'm human, so it's sort of inevitable." Legolas frowned. "Lily, why are you---" "You'll never die." He shook his head. "What does that have to do with anything?" "Everything."
She tore her gaze away from the stars, and smiled sadly. "I can't be with you." Legolas stared at her with wide eyes. "Why?" She looked at her hands for a moment. "Because I'm going to die." She hesitated. "And because you don't trust me." Legolas opened his mouth to argue, but she pressed a finger to his lips. "Don't say it isn't true, because it is. You thought something happened between Eomer and I. It shows that you don't trust me."
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase
She drew her knees to her chest and frowned. "Grima said a lot of things, but some of them were true." She looked at the elf next to her. "You'll make false promises, and you'll tell me that what I say is nonsense. You'll care about me, but..." She swallowed. "It's not enough." Legolas frowned. "What should I do?" Lily shook her head. "I don't know. I don't want you to give up your immortality. You're a prince, and you're going to be a king someday. I, on the other hand, will die."
Legolas didn't know what to say. "There must be something..." Lily shook her head. "There's just no way. I've been thinking about this, and I've looked at it from every angle. There's just no way." Legolas looked over at her and took her hand. "I'll become mortal." Lily shook her head. "No, you won't." "I will!" "No!" She stood up and glared at him. "You're a prince! You're going to be a king someday! Mirkwood needs a leader. They need you."
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me
"What am I supposed to do than?" he asked, standing up. Lily looked away. "There's nothing you can do." Legolas shook his head. "I don't accept that." Lily looked up at him, her gray eyes flashing in the moonlight. "You don't have a choice," she said, and walked away. Legolas growled and walked after her. Grabbing her arm, he turned her to him. "You think you can just walk away like that?" Lily struggled against him.
"You act as though it is all so simple! Well it's not! I feel for you, Lily." Lily stopped struggling, and just shook her head. Lifting her face, he saw that she was crying. "I was never meant to be with you. I'm not from this world. You and I were never supposed to meet." Legolas pressed his forehead against her's. "But we did." Lily closed her eyes. "I was never meant to feel this way about you." "But you do."
You used to captivate me
By your resonating life
Now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face it haunts
My once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away
All the sanity in me
Lily felt his lips brush against her's. "We'll find a way," he whispered. Lily opened her eyes and met his. "Promise me." His hands slid from her arms to her hands. "I promise you, we will find a way." 'He will make false promises but he will never love you.' Lily pushed Grima's voice away and hugged the elf tightly. "Whatever you do, don't break my heart, okay?" He nodded and kissed her shoulder. "I won't."
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me
