The pure Legolas chapter. Not quite as violent as the previous chapter and
perhaps a little bit more rewarding in the sense of romance. I finished
this chapter early, mainly because I became caught up in writing it (I love
being in writing moods!). I think that I am going to look over the
previous chapters and overall take into consideration different factors:
grammar, plot, etc. I will do this while writing the next chapter, so it
may take a while before I post (no more than a week, I promise). When I
post, I will make note of any changes I made (there will be no major
changes, only more description and possibly slight change). I do plan to
focus on chapter 12, mainly because I believe I wrote it hastily and it can
be much better.
Please continue to review! This chapter contains a slight revelation and I greatly desire to know if it seems plausible to you. I love the reviews I have been receiving! I will now address the reviewers at the bottom of the chapter so that it will not take up too much space above. If you really want to make my day, review! I do a little dance whenever I see a change in the number of reviews. And please, if you want to flame me, do it. I am surprised that I have not received any thus far. Flaming will help me, but please don't be so incredibly hurtful that it ruins my inspiration (unless that's your point, in which case I ask you not to review!). Thank you again!
*********
ELVISH DIALOGUE: Anírach i tulu nîn: You need my help?
*********
Darkness was all that was visible and no welcoming sounds disturbed the ominous scene. And then: suddenly a brilliant white flash answered the pleas for light, but when it dimmed the sight was horribly gruesome, forcing the viewer to instead grieve for darkness again. A fire was raging violently within a storm of blackness, but as the vision became clearer it became noticeable that blackened creatures surrounded the fire; all the beings were silently roaring to the clouded sky, but all that could be heard was the sorrowful cry of a hidden being. "Law!" it screamed into the night and ripping into the very soul of the only one who heard it.
Yet, then the scene disappeared and returned to the now comforting darkness. It could not remain, however, as a flowing voice echoed within the delusions of a tormented mind:
'Have you ever gazed upon the sea?' questioned a familiar voice. Slowly, a different and welcomed picture became focused: her eyes shimmered in the warm sunlight, an aspect of a life somewhat forgotten. She appeared to be a reminder to a hurtful experience as a sudden pang of fear accompanied the vision. However, the memory remained unexplained. 'The crashing of such magnificent waves, reminding those who listen of its awesome power; my heart yearns to return to such peace. The delicious smell of salt flowing through the air and pleading me to quench my body in cooling waters. Sand between my toes and a gentle breeze kissing my skin, welcoming me to bliss. A paradise within a world of corruption.' She closed her eyes and smiled, allowing the one who watched her to attempt the act as well. 'To be able to run with that breeze and hear my laugh follow the undulating pattern of its balance, I would give anything. . .' Slowly, the voice faded and only the picture of her smiling remained etched, allowing a temporary hint of reality to subdue the raging insanity.
***
"Hold him steady!" yelled Elrohir at the Elf Tarlambas, who was struggling to hold down the powerful legs of the Elven Prince. "Tarlambas!" he yelled again, glaring at the inexperienced Elf who was now flung upon the ground by a kick to the chest. "Subdue him or this shall fail," warned the twin, causing the younger Elf to nervously swallow and attempt to control the unsteadying motions of the semi-conscious patient.
Elrohir and Elladan had been attending to Legolas' chest wounds for some time before the Prince began to mumble in his unconsciousness. This incoherent mumbling led to the harmed Elf to begin to thrash about, desperately trying to escape the hold of the Elves that only desired to help him. The Prince's eyes were now open with fear, but it was obvious that he was not participating in reality and was instead caught up in some delusional process. Both twins were becoming frustrated in Legolas' stubbornness, but were even more frustrated when he was able to push away those that held him.
"How can such strength reside within him?" queried Elrohir to his brother as Legolas wrenched his hand away from the Elf that held onto him. Elladan merely shook his head in frustration, but would not allow the Elven Prince to succeed.
"Lainauriel," stated Elrohir, "Find the leather straps." He hated to have to bind the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen, but it appeared there was no other solution.
"And lavender," added Elladan. Elrohir peered at his brother over the peculiar request. "I remember Ada using it before on Estel," answered Elladan. The twins waited for Lainauriel to return with the desired objects; they did not attempt to mend more while Legolas continued to struggle.
Soon the she-Elf returned and immediately the Elves began to tie Legolas to the table; Elladan began to crush the lavender within a wooden bowl until he felt satisfied, then waving the bowl under the nose of the Prince. An effect immediately was noticed as Legolas' attempts began to become less strong. Elladan smiled at his brother, satisfied that his intelligence in herbs was more prominent than Elrohir's. Elrohir merely rolled his eyes and then continued to work upon the wounds.
The twins had already reconstructed Legolas' nose and, besides the swelling, there was no outward appearance of it being broken. It had been strenuous work: there was no clean break, but instead many tiny breaks within the bones. Both thanked Valar that a fragment had not reached the brain, which would have caused immediate death.
The chest wound was more extensive and deep than the abdominal wound; it surprised the twins that the wound had not begun to heal, but it soon became clear that the Orcs' poison had repressed the natural Elven ability. It took a few efforts to extract the poison and counteract its effects, but the toxin was not so intricate that it could not be controlled. Thanks to Firithostion, the wound was already disinfected of bacteria and was ready to be stitched. A few hours later, both the abdominal and chest wounds were attended to and Legolas had fallen asleep.
***
"Firithostion, where did you say you found the Prince?" asked Elrohir who was now sitting comfortably within a chair. Legolas was within the next room and Elladan, who was sitting near the fire, could see him perfectly through the opened door.
"He was within a cave among the Hithaeglir," answered Firithostion as he moved closer to the fire.
"The one Glorfindel found?" asked Elladan.
"Aye, the very one."
"And you say he was surrounded by slaughtered Orcs?" asked Elrohir.
"Aye, but these were not Orcs of the Hithaeglir," answered Firithostion, concern etched within his face, "It appears as if they had derived from a more western climate, for their clothes were not suited for mountain weather."
"Any idea why these creatures would be upon this range?" Elrohir generally asked. The other two Elves pondered the question for a while, until Elrohir answered his own question:
"There was a she-Elf, a few weeks back, that entered Imladris," he began, "Perhaps these Orcs are connected to her."
"Perhaps," answered Elladan who knotted his eyebrows in confusion, "But why would they attack the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen?"
"Hunger?" suggested Firithostion. Elrohir nodded at the idea, but Elladan shook his head.
"No, it cannot be so," he then paused, regaining his thoughts, "These Orcs would be following that messenger, not Legolas."
"Perhaps they were waiting for her along the High Pass," proposed Elrohir, "But Legolas instead reached it before her."
"Does not seem plausible," stated Elladan, "Why would Legolas be traveling the High Pass?" The three Elves stared into the crackling fire, trying to understand the entire situation.
"Perhaps she was with him," suggested Elrohir. Firithostion shook his head.
"I found no other body."
"She could have escaped," answered Elrohir.
"How could she escape and Legolas not?" questioned Elladan. Elrohir shrugged his shoulders and then placed his chin upon his cupped hands. Silence then ensued the struggle for knowledge and no further suggestions about the incidence made.
"Perhaps we should wait until he awakes," suggested Elrohir, interrupting the thoughts of the other two. Elladan nodded his head in agreement and then peered into the adjacent room where Legolas was continuing to sleep in peace.
***
A shrill cry of pain reverberated within his mind, disturbing the peace that was previously settled there. He grimaced and tumbled within the sheets, trying to understand why there was so much torment. "Law!" screamed out that pitiable voice, a voice that had no face. So many cries wreaking havoc upon his mind that offered no remedy. Again, there was a pitched cry; however, it sounded as if the victim was within the room.
Legolas quickly sat up within the bed and nervously peered around the room, looking for the one who continuously screamed. But soon spots blotched his view and a sudden sense of nausea rose up within him. Sinking back into the sheets and urging his stomach to be calm, he commanded his eyes to remain open so that the horrendous sound would be heard no more.
"Legolas?" asked a voice. Legolas tensed under the sheets, trying to contemplate whether the voice was real or another imagination. "Legolas, anírach i tulu nîn?" The Prince quietly sighed in relief and turned around.
"Elladan," he whispered, a smile creeping into his face.
"Are you alright?" Elladan answered, slowly walking towards the bed.
"Aye," he quickly answered, not wanting the twin to know of the visions that had haunted him from the previous days.
"Liar," answered Elrohir who was leaning against the doorframe, a smile glowing upon his face.
"Still believe I am a liar after all these years?" asked Legolas, the smile becoming stronger.
"Aye!" answered the twins, chuckling at the Prince. Legolas shook his head in sarcastic disbelief, but the smile still did not leave his face.
"Why is that you two never believe me?"
"You always admit a problem as soon as we declare you a liar," answered Elladan.
"You have not disproved us once," added Elrohir as he sat down upon the end of the bed. Legolas gently laughed.
"I am afraid you both are wrong," stated Legolas.
"Are we?"
"Aye," assured the Prince. Elrohir glanced over to his brother, cocking his eyebrows upwards and nodding at Legolas as if in disbelief. Elladan's smiled broadened and he nodded his head, silently agreeing with Elrohir. Legolas watched the twins' actions until he could bear it no longer: "Stop acting."
"Acting, dear friend?" laughed Elladan, "What ever do you mean?"
"You pretend as if to read each other's thoughts."
"Pretend?" asked Elrohir.
"Aye, aye, pretend!" stated Legolas, happiness again building up within him. The humorous personalities of Elrond's sons could always cheer up the most pessimistic souls.
"Well, through our 'acting,' or 'pretending' if you will," stated Elrohir, "We have decided that you are, of course, wrong."
"I am not wrong," laughed Legolas, "I am the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen and I am always right!" Elladan and Elrohir both burst into laughter at this statement; Elrohir clapping his hands and nodding his head while Elladan bent over in pain from laughing so much.
"If you are right, then we are dwarves!" laughed Elladan, still bent over and trying to regain his breath.
"Odd looking dwarves, I must admit," answered Legolas, pretending to study the twins carefully.
"But all dwarves are odd," pointed out Elrohir. Elladan nodded his head and let out a breath, finally calming down from the previous laughter.
"That's true!" stated Elladan. Legolas shook his head at the two and slouched comfortably into the bed. But as he slouched, a sharp pain arose in his chest and he slightly grimaced in pain. Immediately, he heard a voice whisper into the room, circling around his ears.
"Help me," it continuously stated until it flowed out the other window, leaving a perplexed look upon the Prince's face. Immediately a face flashed into his mind and a pain ripped through him, forcing a slight gasp to escape. Elladan stood up from his chair and stepped closer to Legolas, a concern showing in his eyes.
"Legolas, what is it?" asked Elrohir. Legolas looked at one twin and then the other, disbelief showing in his eyes. 'How could I even forget her?' he accusingly asked himself.
"Haemerethwen," he silently stated, closing his eyes in shame.
"Who?" asked Elladan.
"The messenger from Mithlond," answered Elrohir, a look of comprehension showing upon his face. Legolas brought his face into his hands, understanding now the visions that had distorted his reality. 'It was her screams,' he disgustingly thought, 'But the voice. . .?'
"She was captured by the Orcs," he slowly answered, dropping his hands from his face.
"You were traveling with her?"
"Aye," stated Legolas, "Her two companions were murdered within Eryn Lasgalen and my father decided that I was best fit to accompany her back to Mithlond." He looked upwards to the ceiling, the color in his face draining as the entire incidence came back to him. "But I failed her."
"Why did you not mention this sooner?" asked Elladan, concerned now about the well being of the female Elf. Orcs had captured his mother, Celebrian, and the event was so traumatic that she was early sent to the land of the Valar. Legolas peered at him, concern also showing in his eyes.
"I had visions of pain, but it did not occur to me that it involved her," he stated, "I suppose it was because my mind was still too unsteady to remember what had brought me to Imladris."
"Did the visions reveal where she was?" asked Elrohir.
"No, I only saw fire; it is the scream that still echoes within my mind," answered Legolas, his voice dropping into silence.
"You have been through much, Legolas," eased Elladan who placed his slender hand upon the shoulder of the Prince.
"That does not excuse me for forgetting her," he answered, despair becoming evident in his eyes.
"But you did not forget," stated Elladan, "The pain disrupted the order within your mind; it is not your fault."
"Then the pain ended," he stated, "I should have immediately remembered what had occurred." Legolas clenched his teeth, upset that his delay would be causing more pain to Haemerethwen. Just the sound of the scream had agonized him, but now understanding that it was hers ripped his heart in two. Fear now clenched upon his mind as he considered what might be happening to her at that moment. She, the one who began to offer her heart to him, was now captured and pained. Then an intense fear grabbed hold of him: what if he was unable to save her? What if she became lost to him forever and all the beautiful opportunities she offered him became ruined?
"I must help her," stated Legolas, trying to stand up.
"No," answered Elladan, gently pushing him back down.
"Elladan!" pleaded Legolas, "You must let me! I cannot let her suffer longer!" He peered at the twin. "You know firsthand the danger of a she-Elf within the grasps of Orcs."
"Do not speak of that," warned Elrohir, a sadness creeping in towards his heart.
"Sorry," returned Legolas, "I did not think." There was silence for a few moments, before Legolas again spoke. "We must leave tomorrow."
"Legolas, you are hurt," stated Elladan.
"She will be more if we do not leave tomorrow!" he urgently stated, a silent fear etched into his face. Elrohir peered at him, not use to the way that Legolas now spoke.
"I have not been witness to this mannerism before," stated Elrohir. Legolas peered at him silently.
"Neither have I," he answered, "She confessed her heart was slowly becoming affective to mine and I denied her."
"Denied her?" quietly asked Elladan.
"I am afraid of what may follow if I allow my heart to flutter with hers."
"Afraid of love?" queried Elrohir, knotting his brows together, "How can one fear love?"
"It is an emotion I know not of!" blurted Legolas, "Besides, there would be no future between us."
"Why is that?"
"How can a Wood-Elf and an Elf attached to the Sea live together? More, where?" asked Legolas.
"Legolas, my friend," comforted Elladan, a small smile upon his face, "Love shall find a way; do not fear the future, but instead cherish what she may offer you. If your heart welcomes the chance for love then not even your attempts to stifle it will succeed. You are caught within the beautiful process that leads to love, an emotion that all should venerate."
"My heart desires to accept this chance, but my mind continuously denies it. I cannot accept to follow the pattern with the fear of becoming too attached to realize that our different identities will separate us, leaving both too pained to continue."
"Then you shall continue to live alone, Legolas, just as you have been," answered Elrohir. "You must take the risk in order to achieve it." Legolas simply paused and looked down at his hands, contemplating the different opinions now placed before him.
"These suggestions are worthwhile, but I must find her first," stated Legolas.
"We shall leave tomorrow," stated Elrohir, peering at his brother and silently demanding him not to refuse. Elladan nodded his head.
"I shall tell those who will accompany us," said Elladan, walking out of the door in silence. Elrohir patted Legolas' leg and smiled at him.
"I never thought to see the day that the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen would fall for another," he stated.
"I have not fallen yet," answered Legolas.
"Oh, but you will," stated Elrohir, standing up as well and leaving without another word.
****
Night Interlude: I understand what you mean about there being no change in rhythm throughout the chapter; to be honest, I wrote that chapter hastily in order to just to finish it (bad me, I know). I am looking over it now in hopes of improving it. I hope you enjoyed the past chapter and this one as well! And in terms of anatomy, I had two quizzes: one over all 206 bones of the body and the other over the skull (bones, sutures, foramens, canals, blah blah blah). I'm sorry that you didn't get to review chapter 15, but hopefully I'll hear your opinion on this one!
CylentWind: you are the epitome of an excellent reviewer in how you intensely review my chapters! In response to your question on why Thrakdreg tortures her, I will address that in the next chapter, but I will basically say that since he has been transformed into an Orc, he focuses more on carnal pleasure (sex and violence) than he does reason. I will fully answer your question in the next chapter, so you'll just have to wait.
***: I was hoping that the readers would pity Thrakdreg because he really does deserve pity, in my opinion at least. However, how much he deserves will be decided in the next chapter!
Bloom: I'm writing as fast as I can! I'm glad you like the story!
I have a question to some previous reviews that I forgot to address, but anyone can respond if they have an opinion on it: Lily and Lizard lava 13: you both mention that I'm graphic in my narrative, I was wondering if you think there is an excessive amount of adjective use? I have been told by teachers that my writing is too complex because of the amount of description I use and sometimes the syntax/diction. Any opinion would be helpful! Thanks!
PLEASE continue to review! Thanks so much!
Please continue to review! This chapter contains a slight revelation and I greatly desire to know if it seems plausible to you. I love the reviews I have been receiving! I will now address the reviewers at the bottom of the chapter so that it will not take up too much space above. If you really want to make my day, review! I do a little dance whenever I see a change in the number of reviews. And please, if you want to flame me, do it. I am surprised that I have not received any thus far. Flaming will help me, but please don't be so incredibly hurtful that it ruins my inspiration (unless that's your point, in which case I ask you not to review!). Thank you again!
*********
ELVISH DIALOGUE: Anírach i tulu nîn: You need my help?
*********
Darkness was all that was visible and no welcoming sounds disturbed the ominous scene. And then: suddenly a brilliant white flash answered the pleas for light, but when it dimmed the sight was horribly gruesome, forcing the viewer to instead grieve for darkness again. A fire was raging violently within a storm of blackness, but as the vision became clearer it became noticeable that blackened creatures surrounded the fire; all the beings were silently roaring to the clouded sky, but all that could be heard was the sorrowful cry of a hidden being. "Law!" it screamed into the night and ripping into the very soul of the only one who heard it.
Yet, then the scene disappeared and returned to the now comforting darkness. It could not remain, however, as a flowing voice echoed within the delusions of a tormented mind:
'Have you ever gazed upon the sea?' questioned a familiar voice. Slowly, a different and welcomed picture became focused: her eyes shimmered in the warm sunlight, an aspect of a life somewhat forgotten. She appeared to be a reminder to a hurtful experience as a sudden pang of fear accompanied the vision. However, the memory remained unexplained. 'The crashing of such magnificent waves, reminding those who listen of its awesome power; my heart yearns to return to such peace. The delicious smell of salt flowing through the air and pleading me to quench my body in cooling waters. Sand between my toes and a gentle breeze kissing my skin, welcoming me to bliss. A paradise within a world of corruption.' She closed her eyes and smiled, allowing the one who watched her to attempt the act as well. 'To be able to run with that breeze and hear my laugh follow the undulating pattern of its balance, I would give anything. . .' Slowly, the voice faded and only the picture of her smiling remained etched, allowing a temporary hint of reality to subdue the raging insanity.
***
"Hold him steady!" yelled Elrohir at the Elf Tarlambas, who was struggling to hold down the powerful legs of the Elven Prince. "Tarlambas!" he yelled again, glaring at the inexperienced Elf who was now flung upon the ground by a kick to the chest. "Subdue him or this shall fail," warned the twin, causing the younger Elf to nervously swallow and attempt to control the unsteadying motions of the semi-conscious patient.
Elrohir and Elladan had been attending to Legolas' chest wounds for some time before the Prince began to mumble in his unconsciousness. This incoherent mumbling led to the harmed Elf to begin to thrash about, desperately trying to escape the hold of the Elves that only desired to help him. The Prince's eyes were now open with fear, but it was obvious that he was not participating in reality and was instead caught up in some delusional process. Both twins were becoming frustrated in Legolas' stubbornness, but were even more frustrated when he was able to push away those that held him.
"How can such strength reside within him?" queried Elrohir to his brother as Legolas wrenched his hand away from the Elf that held onto him. Elladan merely shook his head in frustration, but would not allow the Elven Prince to succeed.
"Lainauriel," stated Elrohir, "Find the leather straps." He hated to have to bind the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen, but it appeared there was no other solution.
"And lavender," added Elladan. Elrohir peered at his brother over the peculiar request. "I remember Ada using it before on Estel," answered Elladan. The twins waited for Lainauriel to return with the desired objects; they did not attempt to mend more while Legolas continued to struggle.
Soon the she-Elf returned and immediately the Elves began to tie Legolas to the table; Elladan began to crush the lavender within a wooden bowl until he felt satisfied, then waving the bowl under the nose of the Prince. An effect immediately was noticed as Legolas' attempts began to become less strong. Elladan smiled at his brother, satisfied that his intelligence in herbs was more prominent than Elrohir's. Elrohir merely rolled his eyes and then continued to work upon the wounds.
The twins had already reconstructed Legolas' nose and, besides the swelling, there was no outward appearance of it being broken. It had been strenuous work: there was no clean break, but instead many tiny breaks within the bones. Both thanked Valar that a fragment had not reached the brain, which would have caused immediate death.
The chest wound was more extensive and deep than the abdominal wound; it surprised the twins that the wound had not begun to heal, but it soon became clear that the Orcs' poison had repressed the natural Elven ability. It took a few efforts to extract the poison and counteract its effects, but the toxin was not so intricate that it could not be controlled. Thanks to Firithostion, the wound was already disinfected of bacteria and was ready to be stitched. A few hours later, both the abdominal and chest wounds were attended to and Legolas had fallen asleep.
***
"Firithostion, where did you say you found the Prince?" asked Elrohir who was now sitting comfortably within a chair. Legolas was within the next room and Elladan, who was sitting near the fire, could see him perfectly through the opened door.
"He was within a cave among the Hithaeglir," answered Firithostion as he moved closer to the fire.
"The one Glorfindel found?" asked Elladan.
"Aye, the very one."
"And you say he was surrounded by slaughtered Orcs?" asked Elrohir.
"Aye, but these were not Orcs of the Hithaeglir," answered Firithostion, concern etched within his face, "It appears as if they had derived from a more western climate, for their clothes were not suited for mountain weather."
"Any idea why these creatures would be upon this range?" Elrohir generally asked. The other two Elves pondered the question for a while, until Elrohir answered his own question:
"There was a she-Elf, a few weeks back, that entered Imladris," he began, "Perhaps these Orcs are connected to her."
"Perhaps," answered Elladan who knotted his eyebrows in confusion, "But why would they attack the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen?"
"Hunger?" suggested Firithostion. Elrohir nodded at the idea, but Elladan shook his head.
"No, it cannot be so," he then paused, regaining his thoughts, "These Orcs would be following that messenger, not Legolas."
"Perhaps they were waiting for her along the High Pass," proposed Elrohir, "But Legolas instead reached it before her."
"Does not seem plausible," stated Elladan, "Why would Legolas be traveling the High Pass?" The three Elves stared into the crackling fire, trying to understand the entire situation.
"Perhaps she was with him," suggested Elrohir. Firithostion shook his head.
"I found no other body."
"She could have escaped," answered Elrohir.
"How could she escape and Legolas not?" questioned Elladan. Elrohir shrugged his shoulders and then placed his chin upon his cupped hands. Silence then ensued the struggle for knowledge and no further suggestions about the incidence made.
"Perhaps we should wait until he awakes," suggested Elrohir, interrupting the thoughts of the other two. Elladan nodded his head in agreement and then peered into the adjacent room where Legolas was continuing to sleep in peace.
***
A shrill cry of pain reverberated within his mind, disturbing the peace that was previously settled there. He grimaced and tumbled within the sheets, trying to understand why there was so much torment. "Law!" screamed out that pitiable voice, a voice that had no face. So many cries wreaking havoc upon his mind that offered no remedy. Again, there was a pitched cry; however, it sounded as if the victim was within the room.
Legolas quickly sat up within the bed and nervously peered around the room, looking for the one who continuously screamed. But soon spots blotched his view and a sudden sense of nausea rose up within him. Sinking back into the sheets and urging his stomach to be calm, he commanded his eyes to remain open so that the horrendous sound would be heard no more.
"Legolas?" asked a voice. Legolas tensed under the sheets, trying to contemplate whether the voice was real or another imagination. "Legolas, anírach i tulu nîn?" The Prince quietly sighed in relief and turned around.
"Elladan," he whispered, a smile creeping into his face.
"Are you alright?" Elladan answered, slowly walking towards the bed.
"Aye," he quickly answered, not wanting the twin to know of the visions that had haunted him from the previous days.
"Liar," answered Elrohir who was leaning against the doorframe, a smile glowing upon his face.
"Still believe I am a liar after all these years?" asked Legolas, the smile becoming stronger.
"Aye!" answered the twins, chuckling at the Prince. Legolas shook his head in sarcastic disbelief, but the smile still did not leave his face.
"Why is that you two never believe me?"
"You always admit a problem as soon as we declare you a liar," answered Elladan.
"You have not disproved us once," added Elrohir as he sat down upon the end of the bed. Legolas gently laughed.
"I am afraid you both are wrong," stated Legolas.
"Are we?"
"Aye," assured the Prince. Elrohir glanced over to his brother, cocking his eyebrows upwards and nodding at Legolas as if in disbelief. Elladan's smiled broadened and he nodded his head, silently agreeing with Elrohir. Legolas watched the twins' actions until he could bear it no longer: "Stop acting."
"Acting, dear friend?" laughed Elladan, "What ever do you mean?"
"You pretend as if to read each other's thoughts."
"Pretend?" asked Elrohir.
"Aye, aye, pretend!" stated Legolas, happiness again building up within him. The humorous personalities of Elrond's sons could always cheer up the most pessimistic souls.
"Well, through our 'acting,' or 'pretending' if you will," stated Elrohir, "We have decided that you are, of course, wrong."
"I am not wrong," laughed Legolas, "I am the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen and I am always right!" Elladan and Elrohir both burst into laughter at this statement; Elrohir clapping his hands and nodding his head while Elladan bent over in pain from laughing so much.
"If you are right, then we are dwarves!" laughed Elladan, still bent over and trying to regain his breath.
"Odd looking dwarves, I must admit," answered Legolas, pretending to study the twins carefully.
"But all dwarves are odd," pointed out Elrohir. Elladan nodded his head and let out a breath, finally calming down from the previous laughter.
"That's true!" stated Elladan. Legolas shook his head at the two and slouched comfortably into the bed. But as he slouched, a sharp pain arose in his chest and he slightly grimaced in pain. Immediately, he heard a voice whisper into the room, circling around his ears.
"Help me," it continuously stated until it flowed out the other window, leaving a perplexed look upon the Prince's face. Immediately a face flashed into his mind and a pain ripped through him, forcing a slight gasp to escape. Elladan stood up from his chair and stepped closer to Legolas, a concern showing in his eyes.
"Legolas, what is it?" asked Elrohir. Legolas looked at one twin and then the other, disbelief showing in his eyes. 'How could I even forget her?' he accusingly asked himself.
"Haemerethwen," he silently stated, closing his eyes in shame.
"Who?" asked Elladan.
"The messenger from Mithlond," answered Elrohir, a look of comprehension showing upon his face. Legolas brought his face into his hands, understanding now the visions that had distorted his reality. 'It was her screams,' he disgustingly thought, 'But the voice. . .?'
"She was captured by the Orcs," he slowly answered, dropping his hands from his face.
"You were traveling with her?"
"Aye," stated Legolas, "Her two companions were murdered within Eryn Lasgalen and my father decided that I was best fit to accompany her back to Mithlond." He looked upwards to the ceiling, the color in his face draining as the entire incidence came back to him. "But I failed her."
"Why did you not mention this sooner?" asked Elladan, concerned now about the well being of the female Elf. Orcs had captured his mother, Celebrian, and the event was so traumatic that she was early sent to the land of the Valar. Legolas peered at him, concern also showing in his eyes.
"I had visions of pain, but it did not occur to me that it involved her," he stated, "I suppose it was because my mind was still too unsteady to remember what had brought me to Imladris."
"Did the visions reveal where she was?" asked Elrohir.
"No, I only saw fire; it is the scream that still echoes within my mind," answered Legolas, his voice dropping into silence.
"You have been through much, Legolas," eased Elladan who placed his slender hand upon the shoulder of the Prince.
"That does not excuse me for forgetting her," he answered, despair becoming evident in his eyes.
"But you did not forget," stated Elladan, "The pain disrupted the order within your mind; it is not your fault."
"Then the pain ended," he stated, "I should have immediately remembered what had occurred." Legolas clenched his teeth, upset that his delay would be causing more pain to Haemerethwen. Just the sound of the scream had agonized him, but now understanding that it was hers ripped his heart in two. Fear now clenched upon his mind as he considered what might be happening to her at that moment. She, the one who began to offer her heart to him, was now captured and pained. Then an intense fear grabbed hold of him: what if he was unable to save her? What if she became lost to him forever and all the beautiful opportunities she offered him became ruined?
"I must help her," stated Legolas, trying to stand up.
"No," answered Elladan, gently pushing him back down.
"Elladan!" pleaded Legolas, "You must let me! I cannot let her suffer longer!" He peered at the twin. "You know firsthand the danger of a she-Elf within the grasps of Orcs."
"Do not speak of that," warned Elrohir, a sadness creeping in towards his heart.
"Sorry," returned Legolas, "I did not think." There was silence for a few moments, before Legolas again spoke. "We must leave tomorrow."
"Legolas, you are hurt," stated Elladan.
"She will be more if we do not leave tomorrow!" he urgently stated, a silent fear etched into his face. Elrohir peered at him, not use to the way that Legolas now spoke.
"I have not been witness to this mannerism before," stated Elrohir. Legolas peered at him silently.
"Neither have I," he answered, "She confessed her heart was slowly becoming affective to mine and I denied her."
"Denied her?" quietly asked Elladan.
"I am afraid of what may follow if I allow my heart to flutter with hers."
"Afraid of love?" queried Elrohir, knotting his brows together, "How can one fear love?"
"It is an emotion I know not of!" blurted Legolas, "Besides, there would be no future between us."
"Why is that?"
"How can a Wood-Elf and an Elf attached to the Sea live together? More, where?" asked Legolas.
"Legolas, my friend," comforted Elladan, a small smile upon his face, "Love shall find a way; do not fear the future, but instead cherish what she may offer you. If your heart welcomes the chance for love then not even your attempts to stifle it will succeed. You are caught within the beautiful process that leads to love, an emotion that all should venerate."
"My heart desires to accept this chance, but my mind continuously denies it. I cannot accept to follow the pattern with the fear of becoming too attached to realize that our different identities will separate us, leaving both too pained to continue."
"Then you shall continue to live alone, Legolas, just as you have been," answered Elrohir. "You must take the risk in order to achieve it." Legolas simply paused and looked down at his hands, contemplating the different opinions now placed before him.
"These suggestions are worthwhile, but I must find her first," stated Legolas.
"We shall leave tomorrow," stated Elrohir, peering at his brother and silently demanding him not to refuse. Elladan nodded his head.
"I shall tell those who will accompany us," said Elladan, walking out of the door in silence. Elrohir patted Legolas' leg and smiled at him.
"I never thought to see the day that the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen would fall for another," he stated.
"I have not fallen yet," answered Legolas.
"Oh, but you will," stated Elrohir, standing up as well and leaving without another word.
****
Night Interlude: I understand what you mean about there being no change in rhythm throughout the chapter; to be honest, I wrote that chapter hastily in order to just to finish it (bad me, I know). I am looking over it now in hopes of improving it. I hope you enjoyed the past chapter and this one as well! And in terms of anatomy, I had two quizzes: one over all 206 bones of the body and the other over the skull (bones, sutures, foramens, canals, blah blah blah). I'm sorry that you didn't get to review chapter 15, but hopefully I'll hear your opinion on this one!
CylentWind: you are the epitome of an excellent reviewer in how you intensely review my chapters! In response to your question on why Thrakdreg tortures her, I will address that in the next chapter, but I will basically say that since he has been transformed into an Orc, he focuses more on carnal pleasure (sex and violence) than he does reason. I will fully answer your question in the next chapter, so you'll just have to wait.
***: I was hoping that the readers would pity Thrakdreg because he really does deserve pity, in my opinion at least. However, how much he deserves will be decided in the next chapter!
Bloom: I'm writing as fast as I can! I'm glad you like the story!
I have a question to some previous reviews that I forgot to address, but anyone can respond if they have an opinion on it: Lily and Lizard lava 13: you both mention that I'm graphic in my narrative, I was wondering if you think there is an excessive amount of adjective use? I have been told by teachers that my writing is too complex because of the amount of description I use and sometimes the syntax/diction. Any opinion would be helpful! Thanks!
PLEASE continue to review! Thanks so much!