Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any recognizable characters
and/or places.
Author's Note: I am so, so sorry that it took me so long to get a new chapter out. I still have a bit of writers' block, but I wrote this because I felt that I really owe you guys something, and that strange songfic really doesn't cut it. I hope you like this chapter, although it's a bit strange. Where there are rhymes, someone is singing. It should be easy to tell who is speaking. (the songs are in second person, between Legolas and Aragorn) Again, I am sincerely sorry. It's hard to write someone else's up when you are down.
The Wanderer: Not dead yet! Again, sorry this took so long. I'll try to have out the next chapter quickly.
Soulsearcher-Arbariel: Aragorn means well, you have to keep that in mind. He's frightened, and he doesn't know what to do, and he does not want to admit how child-like he feels. Yes, the Lady has that affect, doesn't she? Which outburst? When he and Aragorn fought or when he was talking to Aragorn a bit crazy-like? This is before Gimli and Legolas's friendship, but Gimli will play a larger role later on. As for the story. . .mwuhahahaha!
Lady-Daine: How could they be going to the Havens? They showed up in Return of the King! As for the "humorous" way the twins treat their little brother. . .yeah, he's pretty much going to be a baby forever in their eyes, as far as my writing goes. As for the fight scene, fights are my trademark style: I always insinuate what's happening instead of saying it. And poor Haldir. . .he wasn't supposed to die!
Goma-Ryu: So now you're prescribing crazy people soda? By the Valar, where did you get your degree? (just kidding, of course)
Reginabean: Homework is so much better when you ignore it. (I've got to write a brief, but I think I'll be doing that after the Oscars)
Queen of Shadows: As for Gimli's story, I am only at liberty to say this: you'll see.
Tadrienda of Mirkwood: You'll see what happened! What's confusing you? Perhaps I can straighten things out.
Earendilstar: How do you get those little dots over the "a"??? The twins are so awesome.
Ola: You'll see what Gimli's story is. Aragorn gets lots of angst, as well, in this story.
Saki: He is a role model to a lot of people. I know that I, personally, have no role models in life but I find that Aragorn and Legolas serve that purpose just fine--mostly the reason that I wrote this story, in fact. It helps me vent, and it's much healthier than. . .you know. The alternative.
Alyssa-Anime-Angel: Thanks. I'm sorry this chapter took so long.
Zelda123: Thanks! I'm sure you're a very good writer.
ZeroCool: To Aragorn, Legolas had always been someone to look up to, someone who he could trust, someone who was strong enough to endure anything. Aragorn, in essence, idolized him. The fact that he hurts himself destroys what Aragorn saw in him. As for Gimli's story. . ."Good things come to those who wait."
Liana Dimnauriel: Lucky!! It never snows here. Sorry this chapter took so long. Evil school. . .and various other things.
Erhothwen: Estel! Legolas! No more fighting unless I say so! Anyway, Legolas, your self-esteem is so low you don't want revenge. Eep! Sorry for the delay.
Pure Luck: It's good to know that someone likes the stories. Sorry this took so long to write!
Queen-of-Gondor: Thanks!
RainyDayz: Oh, no! That is not at all what the fight was about! Aragorn felt that Legolas had betrayed him on a very deep level, because everything Aragorn had seen in him--strength, endurance, cool-headed-ness, security-- it really wasn't there, or so it seems with the cutting. Aragorn and Legolas were both children as soon as that fight began. I know, I leave a bit too much unsaid. Sorry.
Estelle Yavetil: Thanks, and I tried to.
Lirenel: All in good time, all in good time. Thanks!
Heather: I don't mind criticism, but could you tell me why it was confusing?
Lindelothelieniel: The parts about Legolas's opinions of everyone really worried me. People might think I was taking too many liberties. I'm glad you liked it. Hypnotism. . .that is one thing I had not considered. Thank you for realizing that! They were supposed to be just like little children!
Wicked Misty: Thanks. I'm afraid you will have to wait a while for the next morning. But no-one can stop the sun from rising!
Kaimelieamin: But has Elrohir changed? Is he the same as he once was? A beta reader is someone who edits your work, reading it through before you post it. Do you know the Greek alphabet? "Alpha beta gamma delta. . ."
Squirrel: Thanks. Sorry this one took so long.
ElvenPrincessofLegolas: If Pippin had pulled out a glove, it would have been a bit too comedic. It would have taken away from the actual story. Thanks for reviewing, and I'm honoured to be on your favourites list!
Tbiris: Wait and see!
Gwyn: They were supposed to be acting like children. These sorts of things. . .they change people in strange ways.
Fairylady: Cutting and such has a strange affect on people, especially people who do not partake in such activities.
Ruby: O.k. Thanks for saying something.
Author's Note: When Legolas was acting all jittery, he was supposed to be like Brad Pitt in Twelve Monkeys. Did everyone understand what the fight was about? Oh, and if my writing changes a bit, that's due to the book I'm reading (I Never Promised you a Rose Garden by Hannah Green).
*****
But rest came for not long to Aragorn and to Legolas, even in the peaceful realm of Lothlorien. Sure that his companions were asleep, Aragorn stood and made his way to a nearby tree. Carefully he pulled himself up onto the first branch, then the second. After a while the climb was almost routine, and Aragorn hardly noticed when he reached the highest branches. The sight before him cleared his mind of all thought.
Aragorn, though he was no Elf, had keen sight for a Man. The heavens seemed open, littered with glittering points of light and warmth, smiling down on Middle-earth. A warm breeze blew, creating gentle music with the leaves on the branches. The moon was high and full, casting a pale silver glow over the world. Nightbirds sang out to each other, perfuming the air with their music.
It felt so peaceful. For a moment Aragorn closed his eyes and let the breeze wash over him, afraid that when he opened his eyes the serenity would have fled; but it had not. "How can something be so beautiful, so perfect," he wondered quietly, "when so much is happening, that is evil, and when all that is beautiful must be in part destroyed?" Not only to Sauron did he refer, but to his friend. Why, Legolas? he wanted to ask, but could not.
Meanwhile, down on the ground, Legolas rose in silence and stood beneath a large tree. He could not see the stars above him, but the freshness of the air was nevertheless a gift. Elven eyes gazed on his comrades, the sleeping Halflings who were so peaceful and knew so little of war and worldly affairs, Gimli the Dwarf, who he sometimes had to fight to hate, and Boromir, who meant well if he did annoy Legolas. Where was Aragorn? It mattered not. What right had he, Legolas, an Elf of such dishonour, to question the actions of another? What right had he to care for another when he hurt so the ones that cared for him?
.
"We were friends from the day I met you,
Somehow we always made it through,
Even though I kicked you and you choked me till my face was blue,
So tell me now, what can I do?"
.
"I never meant to hurt you,
I never meant to bring you down,
But when should I have told you?
What would you have had me express?"
.
"Let me come near you to take your pain away,
I cannot endure it that you suffer day by day,
When I am on the brink of madness, why are you in the fray?
Why when I move to help you do you order me to stay?"
.
"I wish you could be near me without my having to fear,
But how can you endear me when my downfall is so clear?
More than else I wish to let you know,
Why I had to make this pain show."
.
"On every cliff for you the edge is near,
And when walking to your doom your path is clear,
If you put aside whatever it is you fear,
Would you see that to so many you are dear?"
.
"I want so much to tell you that I did not know it wrong,
But I just went on dancing to the most dangerous song,
Self-hatred never left me then, now hatred comes I knew,
Tell me, my friend. . .how could I give this pain to you?"
.
"You tell me there is nothing wrong when I know that to be a lie,
You act as if I could sit back and simply watch you die!
Remember once a trick you taught me; pretend that you can fly,
All it takes is the believe and that you try."
.
"Into the world you are so new it seems,
Still clinging on to childish, boyhood dreams,
I could not bear to let you see,
The evil within me."
.
"And yet you treat me like a young boy,
New in the world, so innocent and coy,
You think I think that life is just a toy,
Yet the advantage of blindness you employ."
.
"You may think you mean well,
But you're under someone's spell,
Broken people you cannot fix,
And so with them, never mix."
.
"Stop holding me and pushing me back!
I will not watch as you yourself attack!
Not all the world around you is in black!
Why for hiding until death have you a knack?
.
"Do you even see me for what I truly am?
Reality must have hit with a slam,
Because all I'll do is hurt you,
And in those times I wish you'd hurt me, too."
.
Aragorn paused in his song as a few notes made their way up to him from below, carried by the wind. A soft voice sang them, a voice that, as Aragorn had done, wished to throw its sorrow to the stars yet at the same time feared to loose it, lest someone else catch it.
"Through the window in my soul,
In my heart you'll see a hole.
Love gets out and hate comes in,
You can try but will never win
.
You may think you care for me,
But I am not whole you think I'll be,
Though every single day I try,
I know I will never fly."
.
"No, Legolas!" Aragorn cried before he could stop himself. The song paused, and Aragorn scrambled through the branches of the tree, gaining a few nasty scraps, to get to his friend before the Elf did something rash. "No, Legolas!" he repeated, standing breathless before the shocked Elf.
Legolas opened his mouth, but no words came out. He swallowed, and tried again. "Aragorn," he said. Though the voice was meant to be even, it was not. The sounds wobbled and swayed up and down, mirroring Legolas's emotions.
"Tell me what to do," Aragorn begged. "Tell me, I will do anything."
Legolas could not reply. His heart was struck by his friend's loyalty, and by another emotion, one that made breathing harder and emptied his heart. With his eyes he conveyed to Aragorn his despair, and his sorrow, then he could stand it no longer, and tears streamed down his cheeks. Legolas burned with humiliation, not for crying, but for his inability to do anything for his friend.
And all hope was gone.
Author's Note: I am so, so sorry that it took me so long to get a new chapter out. I still have a bit of writers' block, but I wrote this because I felt that I really owe you guys something, and that strange songfic really doesn't cut it. I hope you like this chapter, although it's a bit strange. Where there are rhymes, someone is singing. It should be easy to tell who is speaking. (the songs are in second person, between Legolas and Aragorn) Again, I am sincerely sorry. It's hard to write someone else's up when you are down.
The Wanderer: Not dead yet! Again, sorry this took so long. I'll try to have out the next chapter quickly.
Soulsearcher-Arbariel: Aragorn means well, you have to keep that in mind. He's frightened, and he doesn't know what to do, and he does not want to admit how child-like he feels. Yes, the Lady has that affect, doesn't she? Which outburst? When he and Aragorn fought or when he was talking to Aragorn a bit crazy-like? This is before Gimli and Legolas's friendship, but Gimli will play a larger role later on. As for the story. . .mwuhahahaha!
Lady-Daine: How could they be going to the Havens? They showed up in Return of the King! As for the "humorous" way the twins treat their little brother. . .yeah, he's pretty much going to be a baby forever in their eyes, as far as my writing goes. As for the fight scene, fights are my trademark style: I always insinuate what's happening instead of saying it. And poor Haldir. . .he wasn't supposed to die!
Goma-Ryu: So now you're prescribing crazy people soda? By the Valar, where did you get your degree? (just kidding, of course)
Reginabean: Homework is so much better when you ignore it. (I've got to write a brief, but I think I'll be doing that after the Oscars)
Queen of Shadows: As for Gimli's story, I am only at liberty to say this: you'll see.
Tadrienda of Mirkwood: You'll see what happened! What's confusing you? Perhaps I can straighten things out.
Earendilstar: How do you get those little dots over the "a"??? The twins are so awesome.
Ola: You'll see what Gimli's story is. Aragorn gets lots of angst, as well, in this story.
Saki: He is a role model to a lot of people. I know that I, personally, have no role models in life but I find that Aragorn and Legolas serve that purpose just fine--mostly the reason that I wrote this story, in fact. It helps me vent, and it's much healthier than. . .you know. The alternative.
Alyssa-Anime-Angel: Thanks. I'm sorry this chapter took so long.
Zelda123: Thanks! I'm sure you're a very good writer.
ZeroCool: To Aragorn, Legolas had always been someone to look up to, someone who he could trust, someone who was strong enough to endure anything. Aragorn, in essence, idolized him. The fact that he hurts himself destroys what Aragorn saw in him. As for Gimli's story. . ."Good things come to those who wait."
Liana Dimnauriel: Lucky!! It never snows here. Sorry this chapter took so long. Evil school. . .and various other things.
Erhothwen: Estel! Legolas! No more fighting unless I say so! Anyway, Legolas, your self-esteem is so low you don't want revenge. Eep! Sorry for the delay.
Pure Luck: It's good to know that someone likes the stories. Sorry this took so long to write!
Queen-of-Gondor: Thanks!
RainyDayz: Oh, no! That is not at all what the fight was about! Aragorn felt that Legolas had betrayed him on a very deep level, because everything Aragorn had seen in him--strength, endurance, cool-headed-ness, security-- it really wasn't there, or so it seems with the cutting. Aragorn and Legolas were both children as soon as that fight began. I know, I leave a bit too much unsaid. Sorry.
Estelle Yavetil: Thanks, and I tried to.
Lirenel: All in good time, all in good time. Thanks!
Heather: I don't mind criticism, but could you tell me why it was confusing?
Lindelothelieniel: The parts about Legolas's opinions of everyone really worried me. People might think I was taking too many liberties. I'm glad you liked it. Hypnotism. . .that is one thing I had not considered. Thank you for realizing that! They were supposed to be just like little children!
Wicked Misty: Thanks. I'm afraid you will have to wait a while for the next morning. But no-one can stop the sun from rising!
Kaimelieamin: But has Elrohir changed? Is he the same as he once was? A beta reader is someone who edits your work, reading it through before you post it. Do you know the Greek alphabet? "Alpha beta gamma delta. . ."
Squirrel: Thanks. Sorry this one took so long.
ElvenPrincessofLegolas: If Pippin had pulled out a glove, it would have been a bit too comedic. It would have taken away from the actual story. Thanks for reviewing, and I'm honoured to be on your favourites list!
Tbiris: Wait and see!
Gwyn: They were supposed to be acting like children. These sorts of things. . .they change people in strange ways.
Fairylady: Cutting and such has a strange affect on people, especially people who do not partake in such activities.
Ruby: O.k. Thanks for saying something.
Author's Note: When Legolas was acting all jittery, he was supposed to be like Brad Pitt in Twelve Monkeys. Did everyone understand what the fight was about? Oh, and if my writing changes a bit, that's due to the book I'm reading (I Never Promised you a Rose Garden by Hannah Green).
*****
But rest came for not long to Aragorn and to Legolas, even in the peaceful realm of Lothlorien. Sure that his companions were asleep, Aragorn stood and made his way to a nearby tree. Carefully he pulled himself up onto the first branch, then the second. After a while the climb was almost routine, and Aragorn hardly noticed when he reached the highest branches. The sight before him cleared his mind of all thought.
Aragorn, though he was no Elf, had keen sight for a Man. The heavens seemed open, littered with glittering points of light and warmth, smiling down on Middle-earth. A warm breeze blew, creating gentle music with the leaves on the branches. The moon was high and full, casting a pale silver glow over the world. Nightbirds sang out to each other, perfuming the air with their music.
It felt so peaceful. For a moment Aragorn closed his eyes and let the breeze wash over him, afraid that when he opened his eyes the serenity would have fled; but it had not. "How can something be so beautiful, so perfect," he wondered quietly, "when so much is happening, that is evil, and when all that is beautiful must be in part destroyed?" Not only to Sauron did he refer, but to his friend. Why, Legolas? he wanted to ask, but could not.
Meanwhile, down on the ground, Legolas rose in silence and stood beneath a large tree. He could not see the stars above him, but the freshness of the air was nevertheless a gift. Elven eyes gazed on his comrades, the sleeping Halflings who were so peaceful and knew so little of war and worldly affairs, Gimli the Dwarf, who he sometimes had to fight to hate, and Boromir, who meant well if he did annoy Legolas. Where was Aragorn? It mattered not. What right had he, Legolas, an Elf of such dishonour, to question the actions of another? What right had he to care for another when he hurt so the ones that cared for him?
.
"We were friends from the day I met you,
Somehow we always made it through,
Even though I kicked you and you choked me till my face was blue,
So tell me now, what can I do?"
.
"I never meant to hurt you,
I never meant to bring you down,
But when should I have told you?
What would you have had me express?"
.
"Let me come near you to take your pain away,
I cannot endure it that you suffer day by day,
When I am on the brink of madness, why are you in the fray?
Why when I move to help you do you order me to stay?"
.
"I wish you could be near me without my having to fear,
But how can you endear me when my downfall is so clear?
More than else I wish to let you know,
Why I had to make this pain show."
.
"On every cliff for you the edge is near,
And when walking to your doom your path is clear,
If you put aside whatever it is you fear,
Would you see that to so many you are dear?"
.
"I want so much to tell you that I did not know it wrong,
But I just went on dancing to the most dangerous song,
Self-hatred never left me then, now hatred comes I knew,
Tell me, my friend. . .how could I give this pain to you?"
.
"You tell me there is nothing wrong when I know that to be a lie,
You act as if I could sit back and simply watch you die!
Remember once a trick you taught me; pretend that you can fly,
All it takes is the believe and that you try."
.
"Into the world you are so new it seems,
Still clinging on to childish, boyhood dreams,
I could not bear to let you see,
The evil within me."
.
"And yet you treat me like a young boy,
New in the world, so innocent and coy,
You think I think that life is just a toy,
Yet the advantage of blindness you employ."
.
"You may think you mean well,
But you're under someone's spell,
Broken people you cannot fix,
And so with them, never mix."
.
"Stop holding me and pushing me back!
I will not watch as you yourself attack!
Not all the world around you is in black!
Why for hiding until death have you a knack?
.
"Do you even see me for what I truly am?
Reality must have hit with a slam,
Because all I'll do is hurt you,
And in those times I wish you'd hurt me, too."
.
Aragorn paused in his song as a few notes made their way up to him from below, carried by the wind. A soft voice sang them, a voice that, as Aragorn had done, wished to throw its sorrow to the stars yet at the same time feared to loose it, lest someone else catch it.
"Through the window in my soul,
In my heart you'll see a hole.
Love gets out and hate comes in,
You can try but will never win
.
You may think you care for me,
But I am not whole you think I'll be,
Though every single day I try,
I know I will never fly."
.
"No, Legolas!" Aragorn cried before he could stop himself. The song paused, and Aragorn scrambled through the branches of the tree, gaining a few nasty scraps, to get to his friend before the Elf did something rash. "No, Legolas!" he repeated, standing breathless before the shocked Elf.
Legolas opened his mouth, but no words came out. He swallowed, and tried again. "Aragorn," he said. Though the voice was meant to be even, it was not. The sounds wobbled and swayed up and down, mirroring Legolas's emotions.
"Tell me what to do," Aragorn begged. "Tell me, I will do anything."
Legolas could not reply. His heart was struck by his friend's loyalty, and by another emotion, one that made breathing harder and emptied his heart. With his eyes he conveyed to Aragorn his despair, and his sorrow, then he could stand it no longer, and tears streamed down his cheeks. Legolas burned with humiliation, not for crying, but for his inability to do anything for his friend.
And all hope was gone.