Author's Note: Yes! Another timely update with a new chapter! (pats self
on back) I've been doing so well! Okay, enough with the self-love, is
Maeglin truly dead? Hmmmm..we'll just have to wait and see. And a thousand
thanks to all my wonderful readers (gathers everyone for a big group hug)
I've never had so much attention to a story and it makes me feel all
special inside to know people are actually enjoying it, enough to threaten
my life over the cliff-hangers, now that's REAL love. Alright then, enough
chit-chat now, on to the story! P.S. not Tolkien.
Chapter 29
Time seemed to stop along with Maeglin. Nobody moved or made a sound, staring in morbid wonder at the sight of the now dead elf lord.
The one who broke the stillness was Legolas.
Finally being able to tear his eyes off of the still body of Maeglin, he knelt down to check his father. The blade had gone in deep, such had been the power behind it, but it had not hit a vital spot and not a lot of blood was coming from the wound. Legolas quickly checked his steady pulse and ascertained that his breath was coming easily and freely. Thranduil appeared to be fine, or would be as soon as he was taken to a healer.
Legolas lifted his head to scan the crowd of assembled elves. He called out to the few guards that were there to take his father out of the Grand Hall and to the healing room. The guards readily stepped forward to comply, but stopped right before the platform.
Maeglin's warriors were still standing there.
They had thrown down their weapons at Glorfindel's order, but had not moved from their position and were now looking warily at the Mirkwood guards who were trying to make their way through. They looked uncertain as to whether to take their arms back up again or not, but Legolas noticed that if they did his own people did not have any weapons at all. Even if Maeglin was dead, there was still a threat to his people.
"If you leave these lands now you will not be prosecuted," Legolas called out to Maeglin's people. He was unsure of how they would react, but a small number of the dark haired elves turned to exit the room. However, a larger number remained.
Legolas tried again, "Your lord is dead, if you wish to return to your own homelands and live freely without charge you can. If you stay you shall be treated as a prisoner of war."
Legolas was aware that it was partially an empty threat. If the dark haired elves decided to finish their lord's fight, the consequences against the people of Mirkwood could prove disastrous.
The elves still seemed uncertain and shifted uneasily on their feet until one of them spoke up. He was in the center of the group of those nearest to the platform, and Legolas pegged him for one who held a high position.
"Remember Maeglin's will," he called out, "he wanted the forest to be saved."
"Do not be foolish," a voice spoke up. All turned to Glorfindel who was still sitting in the same position in front of Maeglin. He still held an imposing air however and everybody felt forced to heed his words.
"Maeglin was a traitor in every sense of the word. He had no feelings for you or the Mirkwood forest. His only wish was to control a large realm so that he may enlarge it and kill off the second-born of Middle-Earth. He was going to use you to help him destroy all of man."
The elves now looked extremely uncertain, but Legolas could tell that it was going to take more prompting in order to have them leave peacefully. As Legolas tried to think of something else to say, Glorfindel cocked his head to one side, as if listening thoughtfully.
"And I suggest you leave now," he said in a strong voice, "before reinforcements arrive."
Now everybody turned to listen. Glorfindel spoke the truth, the faint sound of many approaching hoof beats could be heard. Legolas was unsure as to who it could be, but Glorfindel was smiling softly as if he knew very well who it was. Slowly, the dark haired elves began to depart.
The group that stood next to the platform still stood, though they wavered in their stance. "And how can we trust what you speak is the truth?" the same elf who had spoken up before asked.
Glorfindel turned his head so that his bright blue eyes were upon him. "Your days of being deceived are over," he said softly, "and if you wish to enjoy your freedom I suggest that you leave now."
The authority and sincerity in Glorfindel's voice was enough to make the rest of the elves turn and hurry out of the room. The elf of position lingered a few moments longer, staring at his fallen elf lord, as if willing him to get up and call all of his men back, that it was truly Glorfindel who was lying after all.
But Maeglin did not move, and finally with a soft curse that was the result of broken pride and sadness more than menace, the elf too turned and exited the room hurriedly.
As if they had been waiting for their signal, Thranduil's guards surged forward and gently lifted their fallen king. They carried him carefully out of the room and towards the healing room with most of the Sindarin elves following the small caravan to see to the welfare of their king.
Legolas stood as well, meaning to go with also, but he paused. He turned slowly and stared at Glorfindel, who looked as though he had just used up the last of his strength and was lying down.
After a brief pause, Legolas went to him and knelt at his side. He wanted to say something, but was unsure of what.
Glorfindel met his gaze and smiled softly. "I am sorry to have put you through all of that, young prince."
Legolas frowned slightly. The elf lord's voice was a lot weaker than what it had been a moment ago when reasoning with the Moriquendi.
"I did not see," Legolas murmured. He did not have to explain what he meant, Glorfindel understood and smiled again.
"I had to keep you confused, else Maeglin would have found out through you. Yet I truly do regret one thing, and if it could have turned out any differently I would have fought hard for it to end that way." Glorfindel's eyes strayed down to the wound in Legolas' thigh and Legolas understood that he was sorry for returning Legolas to Maeglin.
"I could only strike when his focus was entirely off of me," Glorfindel continued, desperation entering his voice. "Until tonight he always kept a portion of his mind with me, for he was shrewd and untrusting of me. He planned to use me to help him defeat Mirkwood and then kill me, likely from the back. He was a coward."
Legolas was slightly confused at the sudden intensity of his voice until realization came to him. Glorfindel wanted Legolas to understand, he wanted a clear conscience. He also sounded as though he wanted to say all that he had to say right at the moment, as if he would be unable to do so later.
"Is it that bad?" Legolas questioned softly.
Once again Glorfindel did not bother to ask what he meant. "Enough of it came through to slay me. I only hope that I did not make as many mistakes as I think with this mission and that Mandos will be forgiving."
Sadness filtered into Legolas, and he found that he would be greatly disturbed if Glorfindel were to die. Even if he had been unsure if Glorfindel was on his side or not, there was no doubt in his mind now and Legolas realized the huge sacrifice Glorfindel had made for him and his people. He could very easily not have bothered with the whole of things and left Mirkwood on its own, yet he had chosen to help and to fight against the same foe that had already been responsible for his death before.
Legolas carefully covered the elf lord's hand in his own, and was comforted slightly when Glorfindel received his hand and squeezed it. Legolas was suddenly aware of tears in his eyes, and he was unsure of whether to feel shame for displaying emotional weakness in front of Glorfindel.
Yet Glorfindel again smiled at him. "All is well young elf," he said, "if this task was the only reason for me to come back then this was the only way it could have turned out. We cannot question nor feel responsible for the actions of the Valar."
Legolas nodded at the sensibility of the words, yet it did little to comfort him. He closed his eyes and laid his forehead against their entwined hands, fighting to regain control of his emotions and be strong for Glorfindel.
The sound of the doors opening broke Legolas out of his revelry and he snapped to attention, bringing his head up to face the entrance. He had almost forgotten where they were and stared out in surprise at the elves that still remained in the hall, forlornly watching the exchange between the elf lord and the young prince. Yet now they too turned to face the doors and see who had come to interrupt them.
To Legolas' surprise, many armed Mrikwood warriors came pouring in at a fast rate, as if they were expecting a battle inside of the hall. They stopped uncertainly when they saw that nothing was happening in the room and looked about for some sort of explanation.
But Legolas did not bother to give one to them just yet. He was still watching the doors, for elves were still coming in, but they were not of his people. They had dark hair and dark features, but were unlike the Moriquendi. And then he knew, they were Noldor elves from Rivendell. Briefly Legolas remembered overhearing Maeglin talk of sending the elves in the wrong direction towards Rivendell, but he had underestimated their speed. They had come almost as soon as they had realized that something was wrong, and in strong numbers, ready to back Mirkwood.
They had been the reinforcements Glorfindel had warned the Moriquendi of.
The elves finally stopped moving in, all their numbers now held inside of the Grand Hall, and Legolas was surprised at just how large the number was. There was not as many as the Moriquendi, but they would have proven to be a formidable foe had the dark elves chosen to stay behind and fight.
Legolas was about to turn away when one more figure stepped into the room. He was clothed in traditional warrior clothing, but the thin circlet upon his brow gave away his heritage. Lord Elrond had come to Mirkwood as well.
Legolas stood immediately as Elrond strode soundlessly towards him and Glorfindel. He bowed in respect, but Elrond waved the formalities off, his attention fixed on Glorfindel.
"What happened here?" he asked in a soft voice that still held the strong note of power.
"Galvorn powder," was all Glorfindel said. It was all that needed to be said.
Elrond nodded once. "I am familiar with it," he muttered and then turned to two elves who had flanked him as he moved forward. "Come, let us move Lord Glorfindel to the healing rooms and see what can be done."
The two elves stepped forward immediately and bent to move Glorfindel, but Glorfindel waved them off. "It will be of no use," he protested.
Elrond raised a graceful eyebrow, "I will decide that, now be quiet great one or I shall be forced to silence you myself."
Legolas stood silently listening and felt aghast at the light manner of Elrond in what he thought was a dire situation.
Elrond began to turn to lead the way to the rooms of healing when he caught notice of Legolas and his wide gaze. He developed a somber expression almost immediately and said to Legolas, "I will do what I can, and if Elbereth is with us, he will pull through. There is a chance and we shall know for sure by the time of tomorrow's sunset." He glanced down briefly before meeting Legolas' eyes again. "And I would suggest that you see to yourself and make your way down to the healing rooms as well."
He began to walk away, "I will keep you posted," he called as he walked, "but haste is our only friend now." And then he was gone, the two elves carrying Glorfindel closely following him.
Legolas was left standing uncertainly until he realized that other elves were still in the room. "Return to your homes for now," Legolas called out, "you will be kept informed on the condition of Lord Glorfindel and King Thranduil."
Several elves bowed and turned to make their way out of the room, followed slowly by the warriors who still looked as though they were expecting a fight. One elf stopped before Legolas.
"My lord," he said quietly, "would you like an escort to the healing room?"
Legolas recognized him as Elderein, one of his father's advisors. The flesh beneath his eye looked discolored and ready to bruise, the testament to rough treatment from the dark elves when they had first reached Mirkwood.
Legolas shook his head. "I will be alright friend," he told him, "I need a few moments to myself before I seek aid."
Elderein nodded and bowed slightly before turning and following the last of the elves out. Legolas was soon alone in the room and he let out a long sigh. The past few hours had been very trying and he was undoubtedly glad that his nightmare was over. Or, it will be, Legolas corrected himself, as soon as Elrond gives the word that Glorfindel is well.
Legolas started to make his own way out of the large room until he was stopped by an object caught in his peripheral vision.
Legolas turned to regard the still unmoving form of Maeglin. He was almost certain that the dark elf lord lay dead, yet he could not bring himself any closer to check for a pulse. After a brief hesitation, Legolas decided he would send in others to see to the body later.
Legolas watched the dark elf lord for a few moments. He was unpleasantly reminded of all the grievances he had suffered at the hand of the elf lord and Legolas could not suppress a small shudder that passed through him.
Wanting to spend no more time alone in the same room as the elf lord even if he was dead, Legolas walked as quickly as he could to the exit. He would leave the Grand Hall and see to a healer and then he would appoint somebody else to watch over things. He knew that he himself was too exhausted to deal with everything at the moment and could only guess at when Thranduil would be able to regain control. Perhaps he would be able to catch up with Elderein and let him take care of everything.
Legolas' thoughts were so concentrated on getting to the healing rooms and seeking out help that he did not notice the figure waiting for him as he stepped out of the doors and into the darkness of the night.
A hand came out and grabbed Legolas by the back of the neck before throwing him against the palace wall.
Legolas grunted as his breath left him on the impact and before he could push off of the wall he felt a cold blade at his throat.
"Thought you got away with it all?" a familiar voice sneered at him.
Legolas focused his blurry gaze on the one holding him back. It was Eirien.
Chapter 29
Time seemed to stop along with Maeglin. Nobody moved or made a sound, staring in morbid wonder at the sight of the now dead elf lord.
The one who broke the stillness was Legolas.
Finally being able to tear his eyes off of the still body of Maeglin, he knelt down to check his father. The blade had gone in deep, such had been the power behind it, but it had not hit a vital spot and not a lot of blood was coming from the wound. Legolas quickly checked his steady pulse and ascertained that his breath was coming easily and freely. Thranduil appeared to be fine, or would be as soon as he was taken to a healer.
Legolas lifted his head to scan the crowd of assembled elves. He called out to the few guards that were there to take his father out of the Grand Hall and to the healing room. The guards readily stepped forward to comply, but stopped right before the platform.
Maeglin's warriors were still standing there.
They had thrown down their weapons at Glorfindel's order, but had not moved from their position and were now looking warily at the Mirkwood guards who were trying to make their way through. They looked uncertain as to whether to take their arms back up again or not, but Legolas noticed that if they did his own people did not have any weapons at all. Even if Maeglin was dead, there was still a threat to his people.
"If you leave these lands now you will not be prosecuted," Legolas called out to Maeglin's people. He was unsure of how they would react, but a small number of the dark haired elves turned to exit the room. However, a larger number remained.
Legolas tried again, "Your lord is dead, if you wish to return to your own homelands and live freely without charge you can. If you stay you shall be treated as a prisoner of war."
Legolas was aware that it was partially an empty threat. If the dark haired elves decided to finish their lord's fight, the consequences against the people of Mirkwood could prove disastrous.
The elves still seemed uncertain and shifted uneasily on their feet until one of them spoke up. He was in the center of the group of those nearest to the platform, and Legolas pegged him for one who held a high position.
"Remember Maeglin's will," he called out, "he wanted the forest to be saved."
"Do not be foolish," a voice spoke up. All turned to Glorfindel who was still sitting in the same position in front of Maeglin. He still held an imposing air however and everybody felt forced to heed his words.
"Maeglin was a traitor in every sense of the word. He had no feelings for you or the Mirkwood forest. His only wish was to control a large realm so that he may enlarge it and kill off the second-born of Middle-Earth. He was going to use you to help him destroy all of man."
The elves now looked extremely uncertain, but Legolas could tell that it was going to take more prompting in order to have them leave peacefully. As Legolas tried to think of something else to say, Glorfindel cocked his head to one side, as if listening thoughtfully.
"And I suggest you leave now," he said in a strong voice, "before reinforcements arrive."
Now everybody turned to listen. Glorfindel spoke the truth, the faint sound of many approaching hoof beats could be heard. Legolas was unsure as to who it could be, but Glorfindel was smiling softly as if he knew very well who it was. Slowly, the dark haired elves began to depart.
The group that stood next to the platform still stood, though they wavered in their stance. "And how can we trust what you speak is the truth?" the same elf who had spoken up before asked.
Glorfindel turned his head so that his bright blue eyes were upon him. "Your days of being deceived are over," he said softly, "and if you wish to enjoy your freedom I suggest that you leave now."
The authority and sincerity in Glorfindel's voice was enough to make the rest of the elves turn and hurry out of the room. The elf of position lingered a few moments longer, staring at his fallen elf lord, as if willing him to get up and call all of his men back, that it was truly Glorfindel who was lying after all.
But Maeglin did not move, and finally with a soft curse that was the result of broken pride and sadness more than menace, the elf too turned and exited the room hurriedly.
As if they had been waiting for their signal, Thranduil's guards surged forward and gently lifted their fallen king. They carried him carefully out of the room and towards the healing room with most of the Sindarin elves following the small caravan to see to the welfare of their king.
Legolas stood as well, meaning to go with also, but he paused. He turned slowly and stared at Glorfindel, who looked as though he had just used up the last of his strength and was lying down.
After a brief pause, Legolas went to him and knelt at his side. He wanted to say something, but was unsure of what.
Glorfindel met his gaze and smiled softly. "I am sorry to have put you through all of that, young prince."
Legolas frowned slightly. The elf lord's voice was a lot weaker than what it had been a moment ago when reasoning with the Moriquendi.
"I did not see," Legolas murmured. He did not have to explain what he meant, Glorfindel understood and smiled again.
"I had to keep you confused, else Maeglin would have found out through you. Yet I truly do regret one thing, and if it could have turned out any differently I would have fought hard for it to end that way." Glorfindel's eyes strayed down to the wound in Legolas' thigh and Legolas understood that he was sorry for returning Legolas to Maeglin.
"I could only strike when his focus was entirely off of me," Glorfindel continued, desperation entering his voice. "Until tonight he always kept a portion of his mind with me, for he was shrewd and untrusting of me. He planned to use me to help him defeat Mirkwood and then kill me, likely from the back. He was a coward."
Legolas was slightly confused at the sudden intensity of his voice until realization came to him. Glorfindel wanted Legolas to understand, he wanted a clear conscience. He also sounded as though he wanted to say all that he had to say right at the moment, as if he would be unable to do so later.
"Is it that bad?" Legolas questioned softly.
Once again Glorfindel did not bother to ask what he meant. "Enough of it came through to slay me. I only hope that I did not make as many mistakes as I think with this mission and that Mandos will be forgiving."
Sadness filtered into Legolas, and he found that he would be greatly disturbed if Glorfindel were to die. Even if he had been unsure if Glorfindel was on his side or not, there was no doubt in his mind now and Legolas realized the huge sacrifice Glorfindel had made for him and his people. He could very easily not have bothered with the whole of things and left Mirkwood on its own, yet he had chosen to help and to fight against the same foe that had already been responsible for his death before.
Legolas carefully covered the elf lord's hand in his own, and was comforted slightly when Glorfindel received his hand and squeezed it. Legolas was suddenly aware of tears in his eyes, and he was unsure of whether to feel shame for displaying emotional weakness in front of Glorfindel.
Yet Glorfindel again smiled at him. "All is well young elf," he said, "if this task was the only reason for me to come back then this was the only way it could have turned out. We cannot question nor feel responsible for the actions of the Valar."
Legolas nodded at the sensibility of the words, yet it did little to comfort him. He closed his eyes and laid his forehead against their entwined hands, fighting to regain control of his emotions and be strong for Glorfindel.
The sound of the doors opening broke Legolas out of his revelry and he snapped to attention, bringing his head up to face the entrance. He had almost forgotten where they were and stared out in surprise at the elves that still remained in the hall, forlornly watching the exchange between the elf lord and the young prince. Yet now they too turned to face the doors and see who had come to interrupt them.
To Legolas' surprise, many armed Mrikwood warriors came pouring in at a fast rate, as if they were expecting a battle inside of the hall. They stopped uncertainly when they saw that nothing was happening in the room and looked about for some sort of explanation.
But Legolas did not bother to give one to them just yet. He was still watching the doors, for elves were still coming in, but they were not of his people. They had dark hair and dark features, but were unlike the Moriquendi. And then he knew, they were Noldor elves from Rivendell. Briefly Legolas remembered overhearing Maeglin talk of sending the elves in the wrong direction towards Rivendell, but he had underestimated their speed. They had come almost as soon as they had realized that something was wrong, and in strong numbers, ready to back Mirkwood.
They had been the reinforcements Glorfindel had warned the Moriquendi of.
The elves finally stopped moving in, all their numbers now held inside of the Grand Hall, and Legolas was surprised at just how large the number was. There was not as many as the Moriquendi, but they would have proven to be a formidable foe had the dark elves chosen to stay behind and fight.
Legolas was about to turn away when one more figure stepped into the room. He was clothed in traditional warrior clothing, but the thin circlet upon his brow gave away his heritage. Lord Elrond had come to Mirkwood as well.
Legolas stood immediately as Elrond strode soundlessly towards him and Glorfindel. He bowed in respect, but Elrond waved the formalities off, his attention fixed on Glorfindel.
"What happened here?" he asked in a soft voice that still held the strong note of power.
"Galvorn powder," was all Glorfindel said. It was all that needed to be said.
Elrond nodded once. "I am familiar with it," he muttered and then turned to two elves who had flanked him as he moved forward. "Come, let us move Lord Glorfindel to the healing rooms and see what can be done."
The two elves stepped forward immediately and bent to move Glorfindel, but Glorfindel waved them off. "It will be of no use," he protested.
Elrond raised a graceful eyebrow, "I will decide that, now be quiet great one or I shall be forced to silence you myself."
Legolas stood silently listening and felt aghast at the light manner of Elrond in what he thought was a dire situation.
Elrond began to turn to lead the way to the rooms of healing when he caught notice of Legolas and his wide gaze. He developed a somber expression almost immediately and said to Legolas, "I will do what I can, and if Elbereth is with us, he will pull through. There is a chance and we shall know for sure by the time of tomorrow's sunset." He glanced down briefly before meeting Legolas' eyes again. "And I would suggest that you see to yourself and make your way down to the healing rooms as well."
He began to walk away, "I will keep you posted," he called as he walked, "but haste is our only friend now." And then he was gone, the two elves carrying Glorfindel closely following him.
Legolas was left standing uncertainly until he realized that other elves were still in the room. "Return to your homes for now," Legolas called out, "you will be kept informed on the condition of Lord Glorfindel and King Thranduil."
Several elves bowed and turned to make their way out of the room, followed slowly by the warriors who still looked as though they were expecting a fight. One elf stopped before Legolas.
"My lord," he said quietly, "would you like an escort to the healing room?"
Legolas recognized him as Elderein, one of his father's advisors. The flesh beneath his eye looked discolored and ready to bruise, the testament to rough treatment from the dark elves when they had first reached Mirkwood.
Legolas shook his head. "I will be alright friend," he told him, "I need a few moments to myself before I seek aid."
Elderein nodded and bowed slightly before turning and following the last of the elves out. Legolas was soon alone in the room and he let out a long sigh. The past few hours had been very trying and he was undoubtedly glad that his nightmare was over. Or, it will be, Legolas corrected himself, as soon as Elrond gives the word that Glorfindel is well.
Legolas started to make his own way out of the large room until he was stopped by an object caught in his peripheral vision.
Legolas turned to regard the still unmoving form of Maeglin. He was almost certain that the dark elf lord lay dead, yet he could not bring himself any closer to check for a pulse. After a brief hesitation, Legolas decided he would send in others to see to the body later.
Legolas watched the dark elf lord for a few moments. He was unpleasantly reminded of all the grievances he had suffered at the hand of the elf lord and Legolas could not suppress a small shudder that passed through him.
Wanting to spend no more time alone in the same room as the elf lord even if he was dead, Legolas walked as quickly as he could to the exit. He would leave the Grand Hall and see to a healer and then he would appoint somebody else to watch over things. He knew that he himself was too exhausted to deal with everything at the moment and could only guess at when Thranduil would be able to regain control. Perhaps he would be able to catch up with Elderein and let him take care of everything.
Legolas' thoughts were so concentrated on getting to the healing rooms and seeking out help that he did not notice the figure waiting for him as he stepped out of the doors and into the darkness of the night.
A hand came out and grabbed Legolas by the back of the neck before throwing him against the palace wall.
Legolas grunted as his breath left him on the impact and before he could push off of the wall he felt a cold blade at his throat.
"Thought you got away with it all?" a familiar voice sneered at him.
Legolas focused his blurry gaze on the one holding him back. It was Eirien.