Disclaimer: Anything recognizable or worth owning is not mine. A.k.a. all I
own is the organization of these words.
Tbiris: Thanks. I actually know that nocked is used for arrows, but my computer doesn't so it automatically corrected that.
Soulsearcher- Arbariel: Yes, lovely guilt. . .maybe he will, maybe he won't, maybe this chapter answers your question. Yeah, your parents would be worried. . .no matter!
Just Jill: What do you mean by "not exactly what you'd thought of"? Thanks!
Gwyn: That bit was, yes. Maybe maybe maybe!!! **grins** answering would be spoilers. . .
Sugar Addict: Yeah, I noticed that after I had posted. . .tried to take it out, but the computer wouldn't post the re-done chapter! Watching only one character changes your perception of the film entirely. . .like Legolas hiding behind Aragorn at one bit, and the shooting thing with the balrog.
Earendil - Baby: **is very disturbed** thanks!
Forest Elfin: Oh. . .k. . .
Child of Magick: It will probably go all through Lord of the Rings, really depending on what people want. Thanks!
Callisto Firestarter: Thanks. Yes, he does.
Erhothwen: Oy! Quit choking my characters! Hey, you finally got to say your line! Yay!
Lady- Daine: Well, they don't know that he's only going for a wardrobe change. Do you know where that word comes from? It's a fascinating story.
Zero Cool: Yes, he does. Maybe he will, maybe he won't harm himself again. Thanks!
Ola: Yeah, that repition was an accident. . .(stupid author pressed "c" instead of "x") thanks!
Golden Rose: More chapter, you think? Really? Hmm, that's a difficult one to improve. . .j/k.
Dream Catcher: Okay, I'll tell him. . .me: Oy, Leggy! It's not your fault! Legolas: **sobs** me: some Elves just never learn. . .
Goma Ryu: All right. You're welcome!
Padfoots Girl: Thanks and okay!
Saera: Legolas works better for getting updates. . .JUST KIDDING!
Legolas Girl 86: Heh, it was so obvious? Oh, well. I'll try to make him feel better, but recently he's just been so stubborn and inconsolable. . .You're welcome! Thanks for being a good reviewer!
Thanks majorly to everyone who reviewed! And I know a few sentences were repeated in the last chapter, I am trying to fix that.
*****
The others had fallen to sleep, but even in the lands of Elves Legolas could find no rest. I as good as killed him, Legolas thought. Perhaps I could not have slain the balrog, but one well-placed arrow to slow or distract him. . .But not to fear, The Lady will see. She will know and she will judge me.
What had Aragorn said about her? It had been so many years ago. . ."The Lady knows the guilty, the evil, and she does not welcome them." She would see Legolas for what he was. Soundly did he sleep then, for he knew it was his last night in Lorien.
*****
The company followed Haldir deeper into Lorien. Legolas felt his judgment approaching, and was gleeful, almost euphoric. A single doubt nagged at the back of his mind: what if he was not allowed to stay with the fellowship? Don't be silly, he told himself, they will be better off without you.
*****
"Gandalf the Grey set out with the company, but did not pass the borders of this land. Now tell us where he is; for I much desired to speak with him again."
"Gandalf the Grey fell into shadow. He remained in Moria, and did not escape."
Nice, Legolas thought, spoken without blame. But folly, all here know where blame is due. Celeborn asked Haldir why no word of this had been brought to him. Legolas jumped to his friend's defense. "Haldir knew nothing of this. First we were too tired, and danger too near, then for a time we set aside our grief on the fair paths of Lothlorien." Here his guilt deepened. What right had he to forget his crimes? Now the discussion went on around Legolas, each syllable a knife in his heart.
The Fellowship was dismissed to go and rest. Legolas blinked in confusion. Had he not heard? Wasn't she angry with him? "Stay but a moment, Legolas Greenleaf," Galadriel requested, and he did. Surely she was only sparing him the humiliation of being chastised before his friends, not that it mattered with such little pride. Now only the two Elves remained. "Is there something you wish to say?"
"Lady?" she had asked him to stay, not the other way around.
"Nothing? Not some question? I know your thoughts were not for me to see, and so I have not seen them. Is there something troubling you? Nay, Legolas," she added quickly, "speak not of protecting or burdening me."
"I have naught to say, Lady. Naught but thank you for this opportunity."
"You may always seek me out, should you think of something."
"Thank you." Though of course he would never dream of it.
"Go now and find your companions. Good-night, child."
*****
Moonlight has a magic effect on steel, Legolas thought, tilting his blade to catch the gleam. How could the Lady have let him down like that? Was it possible that she did not see how evil he was? Perhaps this was her punishment for him: facing the others. Slowly he brought the blade to his flesh, sighing with relief.
"Legolas!" The sound startled him. Legolas dropped the knife, which nicked his arm before falling to the ground.
"Is something wrong?" Legolas asked.
"Are you all right?" Aragorn asked, ignoring the first question and reaching for Legolas's bleeding arm. "What were you doing out here?"
"I was just sharpening my knife. I'm fine, Aragorn," Legolas answered, drawing back his arm and pushing his sleeve down over it.
"You're bleeding," Aragorn observed. "I'm sorry. Let me see the cut."
Let him? Never. Legolas trusted Aragorn and he would follow him into Mordor, but this. . .no. He was only a child, far too young. "It's not too bad," Legolas said.
"You can trust me, Legolas," Aragorn insisted, reaching again for the hurt appendage.
"Estel!" Legolas said angrily. That had not been intentional. A look of pain and of comprehension crossed Aragorn's face. Stooping he gathered up the knife and thrust it towards Legolas, then without a word he walked away.
Great job, Legolas told himself sarcastically. What was I to do? I cannot tell him, it would not be right. And rejecting him like that was? He only cares about you, though only the Valar know why. And I only care about him!
Why do you think Mithrandir chose him to lead the company? Aragorn is far more trustworthy than you are. That is not so! Mithrandir chose him for his leadership history, maybe even to tell me to trust him. . .there, you stupid. You've gone against Mithrandir's wishes already.
I can't take this any long, Legolas realized. Aragorn. . .he was supposed to trust Aragorn. Well, look what Aragorn had told him to do. The knife reflected the moonlight as Legolas brought it down to his flesh. The point was sharp as could be, and it took little effort for Legolas to puncture the flesh, then draw the point across. . ."No!" In anger he threw the knife, and it stuck out of a tree at a right angle. He ripped out his other two knives, throwing them similarly, and he ran away.
"Legolas," a light, musical voice intoned. He froze, and turned slowly. Galadriel stood between two trees, her golden hair falling loosely over shoulders clad in material of an almost uncanny white. Her face held no scorn or judgment, but her eyes were so piercing Legolas could not run now. "Is there nothing you wish to tell me, now?"
"Lady," Legolas managed to gasp before falling to his knees sobbing. Galadriel caught him before he hit the ground, and like a small child Legolas buried his face in her shoulder and cried hard for a long time. "I didn't mean it, I didn't, it was only supposed to affect me," he sobbed, voice bubbly. "It wasn't supposed to affect him, I didn't mean to hurt him, I didn't mean to."
"No one thinks you did, my child."
"Yes, yes they do. I killed him, Lady. If not for me, Mithrandir would still be alive today."
"Mithrandir would not be alive today for anything. None of us can change the will of the Valar, not even the mightiest or the wisest. Come, Legolas," Galadriel said, lifting his head, "it is time to behave like the warrior you are."
"Yes, Lady," Legolas said, brushing away his tears and keeping the rest at bay.
"You have something to resolve with Aragorn, do you not?" she asked, trying to prod him in the right direction without being too blatant about it.
"That I do, Lady, but he has no reason to forgive me."
"Legolas," she had hoped it would not come to this, but her voice had hardened, and she was no longer the same woman upon whose shoulder Legolas had shed endless tears only moments before. "You are a warrior, a messenger of Mirkwood forest, and most importantly you are a member of this company. This childish behavior will not do. Go to them now, Legolas. The sun rises, and they with it. And, Legolas. . .there are to be no more temper tantrums in this forest," she added, handing him his three knives.
"Yes, Lady," Legolas said, well enough chastised. True to her word, the sun rose. He had not realized he had cried so long. He ducked his head and headed back to the Fellowship.
*****
"So Master Elf sees fit to join us!" Gimli the Dwarf exclaimed.
"Forgive my absences, Master Dwarf, I took a walk to clear my mind."
"Obviously you were awake throughout," Aragorn commented. "You look terrible."
"Aragorn, I did find injury in these trees last night. Would you be so kind as to treat the cut?" Legolas asked as politely as he could.
"I would be glad to, Legolas. Mellon-nin." Aragorn smiled at him, a closed- lipped, almost secret smile to let him know that things were well between them. Legolas rolled up his sleeve and held out his arm to Aragorn, who set about washing away the dried blood. "Oh. . .Legolas. . .how in Middle- earth. . .?" he ran a finger along Legolas's old cut, from many centuries ago.
"It was a feral cat," Legolas employed the old lie. Elrohir had not believed him, but Aragorn took his word for it. "Is the new cut all right?"
"It should be fine," Aragorn assured him, binding the wound. Legolas thanked him and stood, thinking about everything. . .
"Mister Legolas?" A nervous voice asked.
"Yes?" Legolas replied in a half-dream, looking around for the source of the voice.
"Down here, sir," Pippin said. As soon as Legolas noticed him, Pippin said through giggles, "I challenge you to a duel," and he pointed his small sword at Legolas. Boromir was sparring with Merry and Gimli was eating breakfast with Frodo and Sam (hadn't Frodo and Sam already had breakfast?). Aragorn was watching him, and Legolas wanted to do something nice, so Legolas drew his knife.
"All right, Pippin," he said. "But I should warn you. . .I'm told I fight like a feral cat."
Aragorn froze, his lips parted in shocked and his eyes wide. As Pippin and Legolas sparred he moved only to sit, so as not to fall to the ground. A feral cat. . .that had been meant for him. Legolas was a feral cat. . .there had to be some mistake. Not Legolas, not his friend, not the Elf who had stood by him through so much. . .no. Noise and feeling all ceased, as suddenly in Aragorn's mind things snapped into place, and it was too much. He stood and walked mutely away, not hearing the calls of his friends asking where he was going.
Out of hearing range of the company Aragorn fell against a tree, sliding down to the ground. "I can't do this. It's too much. . ." He did not cry, but he sat on his own thinking for a long time.
Sorry for the shortie!
Tbiris: Thanks. I actually know that nocked is used for arrows, but my computer doesn't so it automatically corrected that.
Soulsearcher- Arbariel: Yes, lovely guilt. . .maybe he will, maybe he won't, maybe this chapter answers your question. Yeah, your parents would be worried. . .no matter!
Just Jill: What do you mean by "not exactly what you'd thought of"? Thanks!
Gwyn: That bit was, yes. Maybe maybe maybe!!! **grins** answering would be spoilers. . .
Sugar Addict: Yeah, I noticed that after I had posted. . .tried to take it out, but the computer wouldn't post the re-done chapter! Watching only one character changes your perception of the film entirely. . .like Legolas hiding behind Aragorn at one bit, and the shooting thing with the balrog.
Earendil - Baby: **is very disturbed** thanks!
Forest Elfin: Oh. . .k. . .
Child of Magick: It will probably go all through Lord of the Rings, really depending on what people want. Thanks!
Callisto Firestarter: Thanks. Yes, he does.
Erhothwen: Oy! Quit choking my characters! Hey, you finally got to say your line! Yay!
Lady- Daine: Well, they don't know that he's only going for a wardrobe change. Do you know where that word comes from? It's a fascinating story.
Zero Cool: Yes, he does. Maybe he will, maybe he won't harm himself again. Thanks!
Ola: Yeah, that repition was an accident. . .(stupid author pressed "c" instead of "x") thanks!
Golden Rose: More chapter, you think? Really? Hmm, that's a difficult one to improve. . .j/k.
Dream Catcher: Okay, I'll tell him. . .me: Oy, Leggy! It's not your fault! Legolas: **sobs** me: some Elves just never learn. . .
Goma Ryu: All right. You're welcome!
Padfoots Girl: Thanks and okay!
Saera: Legolas works better for getting updates. . .JUST KIDDING!
Legolas Girl 86: Heh, it was so obvious? Oh, well. I'll try to make him feel better, but recently he's just been so stubborn and inconsolable. . .You're welcome! Thanks for being a good reviewer!
Thanks majorly to everyone who reviewed! And I know a few sentences were repeated in the last chapter, I am trying to fix that.
*****
The others had fallen to sleep, but even in the lands of Elves Legolas could find no rest. I as good as killed him, Legolas thought. Perhaps I could not have slain the balrog, but one well-placed arrow to slow or distract him. . .But not to fear, The Lady will see. She will know and she will judge me.
What had Aragorn said about her? It had been so many years ago. . ."The Lady knows the guilty, the evil, and she does not welcome them." She would see Legolas for what he was. Soundly did he sleep then, for he knew it was his last night in Lorien.
*****
The company followed Haldir deeper into Lorien. Legolas felt his judgment approaching, and was gleeful, almost euphoric. A single doubt nagged at the back of his mind: what if he was not allowed to stay with the fellowship? Don't be silly, he told himself, they will be better off without you.
*****
"Gandalf the Grey set out with the company, but did not pass the borders of this land. Now tell us where he is; for I much desired to speak with him again."
"Gandalf the Grey fell into shadow. He remained in Moria, and did not escape."
Nice, Legolas thought, spoken without blame. But folly, all here know where blame is due. Celeborn asked Haldir why no word of this had been brought to him. Legolas jumped to his friend's defense. "Haldir knew nothing of this. First we were too tired, and danger too near, then for a time we set aside our grief on the fair paths of Lothlorien." Here his guilt deepened. What right had he to forget his crimes? Now the discussion went on around Legolas, each syllable a knife in his heart.
The Fellowship was dismissed to go and rest. Legolas blinked in confusion. Had he not heard? Wasn't she angry with him? "Stay but a moment, Legolas Greenleaf," Galadriel requested, and he did. Surely she was only sparing him the humiliation of being chastised before his friends, not that it mattered with such little pride. Now only the two Elves remained. "Is there something you wish to say?"
"Lady?" she had asked him to stay, not the other way around.
"Nothing? Not some question? I know your thoughts were not for me to see, and so I have not seen them. Is there something troubling you? Nay, Legolas," she added quickly, "speak not of protecting or burdening me."
"I have naught to say, Lady. Naught but thank you for this opportunity."
"You may always seek me out, should you think of something."
"Thank you." Though of course he would never dream of it.
"Go now and find your companions. Good-night, child."
*****
Moonlight has a magic effect on steel, Legolas thought, tilting his blade to catch the gleam. How could the Lady have let him down like that? Was it possible that she did not see how evil he was? Perhaps this was her punishment for him: facing the others. Slowly he brought the blade to his flesh, sighing with relief.
"Legolas!" The sound startled him. Legolas dropped the knife, which nicked his arm before falling to the ground.
"Is something wrong?" Legolas asked.
"Are you all right?" Aragorn asked, ignoring the first question and reaching for Legolas's bleeding arm. "What were you doing out here?"
"I was just sharpening my knife. I'm fine, Aragorn," Legolas answered, drawing back his arm and pushing his sleeve down over it.
"You're bleeding," Aragorn observed. "I'm sorry. Let me see the cut."
Let him? Never. Legolas trusted Aragorn and he would follow him into Mordor, but this. . .no. He was only a child, far too young. "It's not too bad," Legolas said.
"You can trust me, Legolas," Aragorn insisted, reaching again for the hurt appendage.
"Estel!" Legolas said angrily. That had not been intentional. A look of pain and of comprehension crossed Aragorn's face. Stooping he gathered up the knife and thrust it towards Legolas, then without a word he walked away.
Great job, Legolas told himself sarcastically. What was I to do? I cannot tell him, it would not be right. And rejecting him like that was? He only cares about you, though only the Valar know why. And I only care about him!
Why do you think Mithrandir chose him to lead the company? Aragorn is far more trustworthy than you are. That is not so! Mithrandir chose him for his leadership history, maybe even to tell me to trust him. . .there, you stupid. You've gone against Mithrandir's wishes already.
I can't take this any long, Legolas realized. Aragorn. . .he was supposed to trust Aragorn. Well, look what Aragorn had told him to do. The knife reflected the moonlight as Legolas brought it down to his flesh. The point was sharp as could be, and it took little effort for Legolas to puncture the flesh, then draw the point across. . ."No!" In anger he threw the knife, and it stuck out of a tree at a right angle. He ripped out his other two knives, throwing them similarly, and he ran away.
"Legolas," a light, musical voice intoned. He froze, and turned slowly. Galadriel stood between two trees, her golden hair falling loosely over shoulders clad in material of an almost uncanny white. Her face held no scorn or judgment, but her eyes were so piercing Legolas could not run now. "Is there nothing you wish to tell me, now?"
"Lady," Legolas managed to gasp before falling to his knees sobbing. Galadriel caught him before he hit the ground, and like a small child Legolas buried his face in her shoulder and cried hard for a long time. "I didn't mean it, I didn't, it was only supposed to affect me," he sobbed, voice bubbly. "It wasn't supposed to affect him, I didn't mean to hurt him, I didn't mean to."
"No one thinks you did, my child."
"Yes, yes they do. I killed him, Lady. If not for me, Mithrandir would still be alive today."
"Mithrandir would not be alive today for anything. None of us can change the will of the Valar, not even the mightiest or the wisest. Come, Legolas," Galadriel said, lifting his head, "it is time to behave like the warrior you are."
"Yes, Lady," Legolas said, brushing away his tears and keeping the rest at bay.
"You have something to resolve with Aragorn, do you not?" she asked, trying to prod him in the right direction without being too blatant about it.
"That I do, Lady, but he has no reason to forgive me."
"Legolas," she had hoped it would not come to this, but her voice had hardened, and she was no longer the same woman upon whose shoulder Legolas had shed endless tears only moments before. "You are a warrior, a messenger of Mirkwood forest, and most importantly you are a member of this company. This childish behavior will not do. Go to them now, Legolas. The sun rises, and they with it. And, Legolas. . .there are to be no more temper tantrums in this forest," she added, handing him his three knives.
"Yes, Lady," Legolas said, well enough chastised. True to her word, the sun rose. He had not realized he had cried so long. He ducked his head and headed back to the Fellowship.
*****
"So Master Elf sees fit to join us!" Gimli the Dwarf exclaimed.
"Forgive my absences, Master Dwarf, I took a walk to clear my mind."
"Obviously you were awake throughout," Aragorn commented. "You look terrible."
"Aragorn, I did find injury in these trees last night. Would you be so kind as to treat the cut?" Legolas asked as politely as he could.
"I would be glad to, Legolas. Mellon-nin." Aragorn smiled at him, a closed- lipped, almost secret smile to let him know that things were well between them. Legolas rolled up his sleeve and held out his arm to Aragorn, who set about washing away the dried blood. "Oh. . .Legolas. . .how in Middle- earth. . .?" he ran a finger along Legolas's old cut, from many centuries ago.
"It was a feral cat," Legolas employed the old lie. Elrohir had not believed him, but Aragorn took his word for it. "Is the new cut all right?"
"It should be fine," Aragorn assured him, binding the wound. Legolas thanked him and stood, thinking about everything. . .
"Mister Legolas?" A nervous voice asked.
"Yes?" Legolas replied in a half-dream, looking around for the source of the voice.
"Down here, sir," Pippin said. As soon as Legolas noticed him, Pippin said through giggles, "I challenge you to a duel," and he pointed his small sword at Legolas. Boromir was sparring with Merry and Gimli was eating breakfast with Frodo and Sam (hadn't Frodo and Sam already had breakfast?). Aragorn was watching him, and Legolas wanted to do something nice, so Legolas drew his knife.
"All right, Pippin," he said. "But I should warn you. . .I'm told I fight like a feral cat."
Aragorn froze, his lips parted in shocked and his eyes wide. As Pippin and Legolas sparred he moved only to sit, so as not to fall to the ground. A feral cat. . .that had been meant for him. Legolas was a feral cat. . .there had to be some mistake. Not Legolas, not his friend, not the Elf who had stood by him through so much. . .no. Noise and feeling all ceased, as suddenly in Aragorn's mind things snapped into place, and it was too much. He stood and walked mutely away, not hearing the calls of his friends asking where he was going.
Out of hearing range of the company Aragorn fell against a tree, sliding down to the ground. "I can't do this. It's too much. . ." He did not cry, but he sat on his own thinking for a long time.
Sorry for the shortie!