The Choices We Make
***
Chapter 7 The Meaning of 'Friend'
"The holy passion of friendship is of so sweet and steady and loyal and enduring a nature that it will last through a whole lifetime, if not asked to lend money."
-Mark Twain
****
Nadina watched as the elf picked himself up off the ground and continued on. Supposed to interfere or not she had and there was no taking it back now. She knew her lord was watching and hoped she hadn't just nailed herself deeper into the hole she had already dug. Nadina followed silently behind the elf expecting at any point to be mentally reprimanded or thrashed out of existence entirely. To her amazement no such lashings came. 'Why not?' she wondered.
The elf stopped after a while and sat down. He appeared to be indecisive about where to go. She figured he probably wanted to catch back up with his companion. The logical choice would be to turn back around or head to the north in hopes that he was still there. The elf kept an eye out to the west and she figured that was the path he had chosen. She was glad he was going to change his course for he was already drawing to close to that place as it was. She watched as he closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the tree and waited. What exactly he was waiting for, she really didn't care.
****
Valdumus had to have known what had just happened. Did he want her to keep a watch on them so? If so, why did he not just tell her? 'I think I have just been manipulated,' she thought and almost had to form lips to frown with. Nadina, careful not to do it out loud and attract the elf's attention, sighed inwardly at the thought. If she wanted to continue to simply exist there was nothing to be done about such intrigues. 'Why does he find such pleasure in that sort of thing? And what in the world is that elf doing?!' Nadina silently yelled as he got up and continued east. With no sign of orcs she figured he would try and seek out his friend and not, to her dismay, explore the countryside and especially not that way. With the orcs heading towards the mountain he had no reason what so ever to be walking in that blasted direction. Nadina followed as he approach the clearing she already knew was there and stopped. The elf walked out under the open sky and she just hoped her lord was paying attention to this spot and not detained with the human.
Nadina tried to follow him out but it was useless. She could not enter this area and knew what was denying her entry. As she watched from the edge of the clearing she saw the elf staring at the stone structure with interest and guessed what was happening. She could not physically, in a manner of speaking, enter this area so she reached out with her senses as she mentally called for her master. Nadina felt the other one's presence gathering its will and she tried to force her way past it or block it off from the elf. When she pushed, though, the other one protectively barricaded her thoughts away from the elf entirely and forcefully pushed her back. Out in the clearing the elf dropped to his knees. Nadina tried to hold her ground, but she knew her will was no match against the one she faced and almost gave up hope. That is until she felt another and stronger presence with her. "Not this time," Nadina cried out in excitement as she felt her lord burst through and crumble the protective barrier around the elf.
The battle of wills had begun and she knew who the victor would be. She saw the elf topple over and for the first time noticed that his companion had entered the clearing. She found it quite amusing to watch the human as he tried to help his friend. His effort would be in vein though, because he had no idea what was actually taking place and even if he did he could not stop it. As the seconds passed she began to worry, well worry wasn't really the word for it she corrected herself, that the elf would die before her master squashed that nuisance. 'What is taking so long,' she grumbled impatiently. Before she even had time to huff in irritation a blinding mental wave swept through her that would have knocked her to the ground had she a body to blow over and then all was silent. Nadina reached out with her senses once more and could no longer feel the struggle going on that had been taking place moments before. What had happened? Surely her lord didn't lose. Did those two in their duel over the elf just kill him?
*****
'That was too close,' Valdumus fumed to himself. The elf had a stronger will than he had originally believed, but that fact actually delighted him because the harder the elf fought the more interesting the challenge became. What he didn't count on was her. He knew that she would be a pest, but he didn't think she would become such a forceful one. Normally she wasn't or more precisely couldn't, but the elf had wondered into the one place that she was able to manage such a feat. Never before had she so brazenly opposed him and she annoyingly wouldn't give up her hold over the elf, so he was forced to cease his intrusion before they snapped his mind or killed him. They came too close to doing precisely that and if he hadn't of withdrew when he did the elf would be dead. He was breaking down the elf's resolve a little bit at a time and was pleased with his progress thus far. But he had to admit that what strength the elf had left, coupled with hers, was more than he had expected. The two had put up an impressive struggle and she almost threatened to push him out. So he had tried to squash that detestable wench, but he had nearly pushed too far and squashed the elf instead. Valdumus was not pleased with the fact that he had had to back down and as he rigidly stood there he balled up his fist in frustration. Valdumus was not usually one to let his temper get the best of him and he tried to push his anger back down. Even despite his best effort he very nearly picked up the heavy wooden chair beside him and chucked it out the window in anger. The sun was now rising and that only added to his frustrations for his powers were much more limited during the day. With the waning of his strength it was difficult to keep his connection with the elf as long as he was nestled in that accursed dell. He had to drive them out of there before the elf recovered or before that nuisance managed to make contact with him again. A thought came to Valdumus then. What if they tried to retreat? They way south had to be cut off.
Grimnosh and some of his band were still in the forest taking shelter in an abandoned station and he knew they wouldn't come out again until nightfall. The rest of his degenerates had fled into the mountains at dawn and were out of his reach. Nadina was still close by the two keeping watch over them. Since she was not in the dell he could feel her presence clearly. The problem was he could feel her outside of the area because she couldn't enter the area and so couldn't drive them out of the cursed place. He didn't know if he trusted her to block their path either. How then to get them on the move again quickly? He wondered how someone could have so many useless servants at their disposal. Out of the wide variety only Nadina and a few others were not afraid of the daylight and although she was close, she unfortunately was the one being he couldn't call on for this particular task and any of his servants here would never reach the place in time. Did he have to go there himself just to get something done during the daylight? 'If only that detestable werewolf had stayed,' he thought angrily, 'at least he is not afraid of the light.' And then another thought came to him. 'Speaking of werewolves, I wonder if Radoc is near.'
*****
As Valdumus stormed down to the lower levels his long black cape fluttered angrily behind him. The orcs could easily tell the foul mood he was in and scrambled to get out of his way lest his anger turn on them. They were quite afraid of their master as it was and to his see him agitated was just plain frightening. Their master usually never came down to the lower levels and they were certain it wasn't a good sign. One orc in particular was very aware of this as Valdumus stalked toward him. As Ulak stood there quivering he was sure a fully armored army of elves charging toward him would have been less dreadful than the sight of is master coming toward him with murder in his eyes. Usually if his lord wanted something he just called to him. He couldn't imagine what in all of Middle Earth he could have done to elicit such wrath from his master that he would come down here for him personally. By the look in his master's eyes he had apparently done something terribly wrong and he was about to pay dearly for it.
****
Valdumus stomped over to the orc and when he stopped directly in front of Ulak alone every other orc in the room let out a sigh of relief he wasn't there for them.
"Find Radoc immediately and send him toward the forest. And give this to Jeridan," Valdumus said as he held out a piece of parchment.
"B, b, but how my lord? It's too big for the little birdie to carrys."
Valdumus, not in the mood to deal with any more nuisances today, reached out with a deceptively frail arm, grabbed the orc by the throat and hoisted him completely off the ground.
"I don't care if you have to run it all the way to the mountains yourself. Send it out now!"
Ulak blanched at the thought of having to run around outside the tower with the sun shining brightly in the sky. Then he remembered he was being held up in the air, looked into his master's fuming eyes, and blanched even more. Maybe the sun wasn't so bad after all.
"There are a few of the wild men here, halfwit. Have one of them deliver it."
"Yes, my lord," the orc practically squeaked out.
Valdumus, noticing the orc's normally gray complexion turning a shade of blue, dropped Ulak to the floor and stormed back out of the room scattering the orcs behind him who had gathered around to watch.
Ulak hit the floor sputtering and brought a hand up to his rapidly bruising throat. He noticed a few of the others close by were sniggering at him and he snarled at them in irritation as he picked himself off the floor and headed for the door.
*********
When Legolas suddenly jerked upward Aragorn had to snap his head back to keep the elf's head from colliding with his nose. His heart soared as the elf's eyes fluttered open and then practically stopped when his friend went slack in his arms again. Aragorn quickly felt for his friend's pulse and when he felt one closed his eyes and took a calming breath. The color was returning to his friend's face and his breathing became steadier. He touched the elf's face and was glad to feel that warmth was again returning to his body. Aragorn didn't know why but he felt that the attack was over and hung his head in relief. They had made it through another one.
Aragorn gently shook his friend and repeatedly called his name, but he did not respond. He hoped Legolas was at least finding some rest right now and decided not to bother him anymore. He lowered him to the ground and tried to make him as comfortable as possible. Aragorn was not sure of what just occurred and so decided to be safe and he left Legolas bundled up. The elf's complexion was still pale, but he looked decidedly better that he had just a few minutes ago. Aragorn sat back beside his friend and brought his knees up to his chest. He took a few deep breaths to calm his still rapidly beating heart. That was too close. Each attack seemed to be getting worse and he didn't know how much more his already frayed nerves could take. He was worried that his friend might not survive the next one. He wasn't sure what was transpiring here, but decided that it had gone on long enough. They had made a mistake coming here in the first place and it was time to leave. Aragorn decided that when or more to the point if they ever returned here it would be safer to return at the head of a very large army. Mystery or not his friend's life meant more than finding out the answers and when he woke, if he felt well enough to travel, they were leaving this forest with all possible haste. Nothing had gone right from the beginning and this situation seemed to be rapidly getting out of control. Aragorn couldn't remember ever seeing so many orcs in one place before at the same time. He didn't like the fact that the longer they stayed here the sicker his friend seemed to be getting and he definitely didn't like this forest. He disliked feeling so useless and he was beginning to hate this land. He also didn't like...
'Stop it,' he sternly told himself. Sitting here thinking of all the things he didn't like was not going to help matters. Aragorn made himself stop this chain of mental complaining and checked on his friend again. Legolas as far as he could tell was still resting, at least he hoped, peacefully. Now that he had calmed down he became aware of how tired he was and to his amazement how hungry. 'Running for most of the night will do that to you,' he thought wryly. He looked over to his pack and realized he had nearly scattered everything about when he had ripped the blanket out and he reorganized everything. After doing one last paranoid check on his friend he pulled out his water canteen and some lembas and refreshed himself. The way bread worked wonders in renewing energy and his mood lightened some. Although he was glad his friend was resting at the moment he still wished he would arise to eat something as well. Crumbling nerves or not, Aragorn figured this ordeal was still harder on the elf and his friend needed to keep up strength.
*****
As Aragorn sat there he eventually looked around for the first time. They were in a small dell and for the first time he realized there was the remnants of a structure right beside him. The mountains were not far off and with a wistful thought he remembered that Mirkwood lay just on the other side and the forest, as the phrase goes, was so close yet so far away. Aragorn was tempted to forget turning around and just scaling the mountains to get to Mirkwood. But he shook that thought out of head for the mountains were dangerous and trying to travel through them without a clear pass was suicidal. 'And traveling into this land was not?' he asked himself dryly. Aragorn sighed and drew his gaze away from the mountains and back to the structure beside him. His curiosity got the best of him and he had to get a closer look. He stood up after glancing at his friend again and walked closer to it. The roof was gone, as were most of the walls. What was left was mainly the foundation and a lot of broken stone. Nothing was left in what had once been the inside and it appeared as if no one had lived here for a very long time. This was reinforced by the fact that grass was now growing on the inside of the foundation. Aragorn didn't poke around 'inside' because for some reason he felt like he would be intruding. He felt kind of silly for feeling that way because it was obvious no one was going to show up any time soon and tell him to get out. As Aragorn circled around the structure something on the ground caught his eye and he went over and picked it up. It was an old and partially rusted weather vain in the shape of a star. He respectfully laid it back down where he had found it and moved on. Not really having anything else to do he examined the entire clearing trying to keep himself occupied.
*****
Aragorn was on his seventh lap around the building when he heard his friend beginning to stir. He figured after seven times around the structure and three entire trips around the clearing he had probably seen all there was to see in this area and gratefully abandoned his examination for something else to do. He jogged over to the elf and kneeled down next to him. Aragorn placed his hand on the elf's forehead and called his name. He was rewarded when Legolas's eyes fluttered open and came to rest on him. His friend's eyes held confusion and he became slightly worried something was wrong.
"How do you feel?"
"What happened?"
Aragorn became even more concerned.
"Do you not remember? What is the last thing you remember, my friend?"
Legolas closed his eyes and unconsciously brought his hand up to his head as he tried to think back as to why he continually seemed to wake up on the ground with Aragorn hovering over him. He knew he didn't feel well and that his head felt like an entire army of dwarves was in there drunkenly crashing around and clumsily throwing hammers at each other. He remembered fleeing through the trees and his untimely decision to take to the ground. He remembered feeling like he was being watched and then discovering this clearing he appeared to be laying in now. The rest of his memories were unclear. He did remember seeing a house, those eyes again, and he thought he might have had another attack. Legolas opened his eyes to see Aragorn watching him intently.
"I remember finding this place and it lifted my heart to be able to see the sky again. After that I am afraid it is unclear. Images come to my mind, but I cannot tell if I really saw them or merely dreamed them. I take it I had another episode and since I cannot remember it clearly that it was worse this time?"
"I will not lie to you. Yes, my friend, it was. The previous two times you had not completely blacked out, but this time you were rendered totally unconscious. I feared this attack was going to kill you. It seems they are getting worse the longer we stay here and that is why I think after you have eaten and rested we should return to Rivendell at once."
"Leave? Run you mean?"
"Legolas I am worried for you and I do not think we should risk staying here any longer. I do not know what is happening to you, but I do know that it was not happening before we entered this forest and I believe it is time to leave."
Legolas said nothing as he stared at his friend. Legolas was not accustomed to backing out of a situation, but what Aragorn had said was true. He himself was not sure how much more he could take and just last night he remembered saying that he had already grown weary of this place. 'What if the next one does kill me?' As an immortal Legolas had never really thought about death at great length before, but after many adventures he had had many close experiences with it before. He was not afraid to die, but he figured that if he ever got killed it would be at the end of a blade and not this slow process that seemed to wither away at him a little at a time. He was beginning to realize that after each spell he was steadily growing weaker and it was getting harder to resist as well. What would happen when his resolve failed? Would it finally slay him? Or more frightening, would he simple go mad? Legolas didn't like the idea of retreating, but he was full of doubt and as he looked into his friend's eyes he could tell how hard this must be on Aragorn as well. He could tell the ranger was concerned and didn't like feeling so helpless. Even if Legolas didn't mind what was happening to him, which he was not too pleased about, was it really fair to make Aragorn suffer as well. It pained him to see his friend's eyes so troubled and he hated to place such a burden on his shoulders. He was sure if the roles were reversed he would make Aragorn get out of this place for his own good also, even if he had to drag him out kicking all the way. Which, he realized with a ghost of smile, the ranger may very well do to him now if he were to say no.
***
Aragorn could see the conflict going on inside of his friend and he felt sympathy for him. He guessed that the stubborn elvish pride was probably flaring up again and he hoped the elf would see reason. He didn't know what to do if Legolas refused to leave, but he was resolute about his decision and they were going to leave whether his friend came to the same conclusion or not. Aragorn was somewhat surprised and relieved at the same time when he saw a faint smile light his companion's fine features. He had no idea what his friend could actually be smiling about now, but he knew the elf was going to agree to leave and was glad.
"So be it, my friend, we will depart from this place."
"I am glad you say so, my friend, for I was worried I would not be able to carry you so far."
The two shared a smile as the ranger handed the elf a water bottle and a piece of lembas bread. After the elf had eaten Aragorn couldn't help it anymore.
"If you don't mind my intrusion Legolas, what were you thinking about?"
Legolas responded with an inquisitive look as he cocked his head to the side.
"Before you agreed to leave I saw you smile. I was just wondering what was amusing you so."
"Before you even suggested it I guessed your line of reasoning Estel. I was just picturing you trying to hoist me over your shoulder and carry me off."
"Trying to throw you over my shoulder," the ranger responded with a broad grin.
"Don't fool yourself, Aragorn, you would never catch me," smiled the elf with his eyes twinkling.
"You just may be right, my friend. I am simply glad I do not have to try," Aragorn said honestly and then they both shared a laugh.
****
Legolas rose with, to his utmost annoyance, Aragorn standing protectively near. It felt good to stand up and stretch and he looked around. To his great displeasure he noticed that he felt a little unstable on his feet. While sitting on the ground he didn't realize how weak he felt on the inside and it both aggravated and scared him.
The ranger thought his friend looked a bit peaked anyway and he grew concerned when the elf paled a few shades when he stood up. He was worried he might have risen too quickly and moved nearer encase he passed out. Which Aragorn could tell he wasn't going to do when the elf looked over at him in slight irritation. The ranger smiled innocently in apology and backed off. Legolas seemed to grow steadier after a moment and headed toward the stone structure. Aragorn, resisting the temptation to hover close to his friend, proceeded to repack his pack.
****
'Why does this look so familiar?' Legolas asked himself as he stood in front of what was once a cottage. He didn't know how he knew that it was a cottage, he just knew. He looked down and saw a deteriorated weather vein and an image of the thing reflecting in the sun flashed through his mind. It came to him suddenly and only lasted for a brief second. 'Where did that come from?' It occurred to him that he had seen that image before and that he just might have seen it last night. As Legolas continued to stare he remembered more images from last night. In his mind he saw the eyes that had haunted his dreams, flowers, and this house. It seemed to grow brighter in the clearing and Legolas looked up at the sun. It was still early morning and the sun should have just been visible over the tops of the mountains, but there it was fully over his head. 'That's impossible.' Legolas looked back down in front of him to be greeted by the sight of the house fully restored. The weather vein was swiveling on top of the house and reflecting the sun in his eyes. He instinctively looked down to the spot where he had just seen it lying on the ground and saw only the empty grass. Despite his confusion peacefulness washed through him and he was content.
In the back of his mind it felt like something gave a slight tug and the scene before him became less bright. The other feeling was by far peaceful and he could tell it was trying to block out the first one. This all seemed too familiar for his liking. Legolas was filled with anxiety as sudden realization hit and he remembered a good deal of what had happened last night. He had seen this scene last night and then something had totally crushed it. He remembered feeling helpless as the two had pushed and pulled him in opposite directions and he feared he would go mad. Even though he had tried to help the first one he feared they would not be enough and they were going to lose and he would be at the other ones mercy. Legolas was dreadful that whole struggle was going to take place again, but the two forces were considerably weaker this time. He wasn't sure why they weren't overpowering like they had been last night and right now he didn't care. He gathered his own strength and tried to push every thing from his mind. To his amazement it worked and all of the illusions melted away and he again saw tall grass around the remnants of a deteriorated stone structure. He became aware of the fact that he was leaning against Aragorn, but took some satisfaction in the observation that at least this time he was still standing.
****
Aragorn finished his preparations to leave and called to his friend to see if he was ready get going. When he received no answer he turned his head and looked at the elf. Legolas was staring intently at the pile of stones and didn't seem to have heard him.
"Legolas," he called again.
He again received no answer and with a frown he rose and went over to the elf. He came up to the elf and stopped next to him. He didn't look ill, but Aragorn was very concerned over the fact that he didn't seem to hear him. Legolas looked to be concentrating on something and Aragorn tried calling his name again. The elf's eyes snapped shut as he winced and began to sway. Aragorn wrapped his arm around the slender waist and used his heavier body to steady the elf. He got ready to catch him if he sunk to the ground and prepared himself for the worst. To his surprise Legolas recovered quickly and he felt him stop swaying. His friend looked up at him and he smiled gratefully.
"Are you well? Do you need to sit down? What happened?"
"It is alright, Estel. I merely became lightheaded a moment and it has passed. Are we ready to go?"
Aragorn was hardly convinced. Elves did not just become lightheaded, but he was happy they did not have to struggle through another attack. Whatever had happened the ranger could see Legolas wasn't about to elaborate on the issue and he knew that arguing would only cause discourse between them. Aragorn felt he was giving in too easily, but he simply didn't know if he had the energy put up an argument with the stubborn elf at the moment. With a heavy heart the ranger merely nodded his head in agreement.
"All is ready, Legolas. I was just asking if you were."
"Ays, mellonamin, let us go."
Aragorn backed away in a deplorable manner and went over to retrieve his bag. Legolas could see the concern and, was it, resignation in his friend's eyes. Now he had to give his friend's back a look of concern of his own. He was sure the ranger was about to make him tell what had happened and he prepared himself for a confrontation. Although Legolas did not want to argue with his friend he was quite worried when no such argument occurred. He could see that his friend did not want to push him and he felt guilty for blocking him out. 'This has to be extremely hard on him,' he thought with remorse. Elves generally were not so open with others and especially with none elves, but Legolas had to admit he preferred this humans company to many of his own kind. Aragorn in a fashion was distantly related to many of them anyway. When they had first met it was hard not to be protective of the young human. It was hard to get used to the fact that someone could be so young of age and still be considered an adult. He had grown accustomed to it after awhile though and in him Legolas had found a noble man, a competent adventuring companion, and a true and honest friend. Which, inadvertently or not, he was causing great grief and after being so close with him he felt like he was only adding to the pile. Pride or not, Aragorn was his friend and worried for him and he did not deserve such chesty behavior. Friends should not treat each other so. Besides, in the past when he had confided in the ranger the human had never betrayed his trust. Legolas closed his eyes, hung his head, sighed, and swallowed his pride for his companion's sake.
"Tampa, Estel, amin..."
****
The sincerity in that simple phrase did indeed make Aragorn stop and he turned around to look at his friend. Legolas was standing there with his head tilted toward the ground with his eyes closed. He looked exhausted and to Aragorn suddenly very frail and his heart was saddened to see an elf, usually so bright and energetic, looking rather vulnerable. Aragorn, mistaking Legolas's stance, closed the distance between them and laid his hand reassuringly on the elf's arm.
"Amin hiraetha, mellonamin. Lle anta amin tu?" the ranger asked gently.
Legolas not expecting that response look up questionably at the human. He read the ranger's expression and realized Aragorn had misread his reason for asking him to wait.
"Lle irma sint?"
"Mani?"
"Lle irma sint mani marte?"
Aragorn wasn't so sure anymore. He could tell how difficult it was for the elf to speak of something that, even though he would never admit it, frightened him. He knew that the only reason Legolas was willing to do it now was for his sake and he felt bad for making the elf feel guilty.
"Ere' manka lle merna quen en' ta," he answered warmly.
Legolas smiled back as best he could.
"I don't know if I do, but I will try."
Legolas told Aragorn about all he could remember. He recounted the strange feeling of being watched at their camp and the sudden feeling of something cold brushing up against him. He tried to as best he could to tell the ranger of what it was like when he became ill and how it felt like the last two times something had tried to help him. He spoke of his flight through the woods last night and how he felt the feeling of being watched return. He told him all he could remember of what had happened here last night even though he could still not recall all of what transpired. Aragorn in turn recounted all of what he had encountered in the forest and how he had found Legolas when he finally caught up with him.
It was getting close to mid morning when they finally finished and Legolas was exhausted. It did lighten his spirits to share his burdens with someone he trusted and he was amused at how much it seemed to help his friend also. 'Only someone like Aragorn could be content after sharing ones troubles.' They decided, mainly at Aragorn insistence, to eat before they headed back to the south. Legolas was too tired to argue and smiled amusingly at his friend's resoluteness. They ate and then packed up their packs preparing to leave this land far behind. They figured they could break free of the forest before nightfall and would be out of this country entirely before nightfall tomorrow. They had been traveling somewhat quickly, or more precisely fleeing quickly, when they had entered this place last night. The journey out would be slower and a little less frantic and Aragorn was rather stern about Legolas not pushing himself to hard. Legolas hadn't realized how relieved he was at the decision to leave. Now as he prepared to leave he was greatly aware of how much he was beginning to despise this forest and only wished they didn't have to enter it again to leave Angmar. He didn't know why, but he did not want to leave this clearing. It was the same kind of feeling he received before they charged into the forest last night. He knew he was going to have to force himself to enter it again like he had done last night. The only difference was he was a lot wearier than he had been last night. He was seriously wondering if he had enough strength to win the fight with his legs again, but unless he wanted to stay right where he was he was going to have to.
They slung their gear on and prepared to leave. Legolas took one last wistful glance back at the stone structure and then moved beside Aragorn.
"Are you ready to go Legolas?"
Legolas opened his mouth to answer Aragorn, but he choked off his reply when an ear-splitting howl echoed through the valley from the south. Another answered it farther to the east than the first and then another one sprang forth quite far to the west. Four more answered in succession and all coming from the south.
"It is too difficult to say for sure what those beast are for sure and what they are howling about, but I have a sinking suspicion I could guess the answers to both."
Legolas looked over at Aragorn as he said this and saw worry etched on the young ranger's face. When Aragorn looked over at him in return he nodded his head in agreement.
"With our luck so far, mellonamin, I am inclined to agree. This land does not seem to want to give up its hold on us. If we do not hurry I believe the possibility of traveling south will be cut off from us."
"Whatever they are, they sound to be some distance to the south. We may yet beat them to the edge if that is their destination. Let us hurry."
Legolas nodded his consent to Aragorn and, although they had not originally planned to, they took off running to the south. Their only hope was to break free of the forest before the beasts intercepted them. If they could not they would be trapped in here with the creatures to the south, the strange party of orcs to the west, and the mountains and even more orcs to the east. The only direction available would then be the north and neither of the two wanted to travel any deeper into this hostile land that seemed to be rallying forces against them.
***
TBC...
***
See, I left them in relative peace for one whole chapter. I am so proud of myself. That took more restraint than you realize. For being trouble magnets they were lucky to get the morning off. The next chapter doesn't look so promising for them though does it? Bad for them, good for us! This chapter was a bit slow, but it was needed to build on later, you'll see. ;)
****
ays ------------------yes
tampa ----------------stop
amin ------------------I
Amin hiraetha, mellonamin -----------------I'm sorry, my friend
Lle anta amin tu? ----------------------------Do you need help?
Lle irma sint? -------------------------------Do you want to know?
Mani? ---------------------------------What?
Lle irma sint mani marte? ------------------Do you want to know what ------- ------------------------------------------happened?
Ere' manka lle merna quen en' ta.----------Only if you wish to speak of ---- --------------------------------------------it.
*****
Thanks to everyone for sticking with the story!!
White wolf - I'm also glad you found this story and enjoy it! I'm a sucker for Legolas/Aragorn stories too. I like their potential character interactions the best. It's also fun to torture the both of them.;) I hope you keep reading and I will try to not disappoint you. And PLEASE, PLEASE keep reviewing!!
Tithen Min - I am beginning to love you too!! *Blushes* I simply love the fact that you are enjoying the story and that you keep reviewing. *Big hug* It took a little longer to finish this chapter than expected and I hope I didn't cause you too much distress over the cliffy. This nice calm chapter should have helped you out some. But like I said it doesn't look too likely that the next one is going to be very gentle on our favorite pair. *Smiles evilly* In fact, I will make sure of it. Ops, did I just say that out loud?
Karri - Well, my dear, here was some good old Legolas angst just for you.;) There was a cliff somewhere? *Looks around* Oh, yes, the one I pushed Legolas off of the last chapter. *Grins wickedly* Evil? Yes, muah, ah, ah! I mean, no, I like to think of myself as benevolently impaired.
Sprout - Oh, no, is there a healer in the house? I hope you didn't hurt yourself! This chapter should help calm your nerves a bit. Now the next one... Thanks for continuing to read and as always I hope you keep reviewing!!
***
Chapter 7 The Meaning of 'Friend'
"The holy passion of friendship is of so sweet and steady and loyal and enduring a nature that it will last through a whole lifetime, if not asked to lend money."
-Mark Twain
****
Nadina watched as the elf picked himself up off the ground and continued on. Supposed to interfere or not she had and there was no taking it back now. She knew her lord was watching and hoped she hadn't just nailed herself deeper into the hole she had already dug. Nadina followed silently behind the elf expecting at any point to be mentally reprimanded or thrashed out of existence entirely. To her amazement no such lashings came. 'Why not?' she wondered.
The elf stopped after a while and sat down. He appeared to be indecisive about where to go. She figured he probably wanted to catch back up with his companion. The logical choice would be to turn back around or head to the north in hopes that he was still there. The elf kept an eye out to the west and she figured that was the path he had chosen. She was glad he was going to change his course for he was already drawing to close to that place as it was. She watched as he closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the tree and waited. What exactly he was waiting for, she really didn't care.
****
Valdumus had to have known what had just happened. Did he want her to keep a watch on them so? If so, why did he not just tell her? 'I think I have just been manipulated,' she thought and almost had to form lips to frown with. Nadina, careful not to do it out loud and attract the elf's attention, sighed inwardly at the thought. If she wanted to continue to simply exist there was nothing to be done about such intrigues. 'Why does he find such pleasure in that sort of thing? And what in the world is that elf doing?!' Nadina silently yelled as he got up and continued east. With no sign of orcs she figured he would try and seek out his friend and not, to her dismay, explore the countryside and especially not that way. With the orcs heading towards the mountain he had no reason what so ever to be walking in that blasted direction. Nadina followed as he approach the clearing she already knew was there and stopped. The elf walked out under the open sky and she just hoped her lord was paying attention to this spot and not detained with the human.
Nadina tried to follow him out but it was useless. She could not enter this area and knew what was denying her entry. As she watched from the edge of the clearing she saw the elf staring at the stone structure with interest and guessed what was happening. She could not physically, in a manner of speaking, enter this area so she reached out with her senses as she mentally called for her master. Nadina felt the other one's presence gathering its will and she tried to force her way past it or block it off from the elf. When she pushed, though, the other one protectively barricaded her thoughts away from the elf entirely and forcefully pushed her back. Out in the clearing the elf dropped to his knees. Nadina tried to hold her ground, but she knew her will was no match against the one she faced and almost gave up hope. That is until she felt another and stronger presence with her. "Not this time," Nadina cried out in excitement as she felt her lord burst through and crumble the protective barrier around the elf.
The battle of wills had begun and she knew who the victor would be. She saw the elf topple over and for the first time noticed that his companion had entered the clearing. She found it quite amusing to watch the human as he tried to help his friend. His effort would be in vein though, because he had no idea what was actually taking place and even if he did he could not stop it. As the seconds passed she began to worry, well worry wasn't really the word for it she corrected herself, that the elf would die before her master squashed that nuisance. 'What is taking so long,' she grumbled impatiently. Before she even had time to huff in irritation a blinding mental wave swept through her that would have knocked her to the ground had she a body to blow over and then all was silent. Nadina reached out with her senses once more and could no longer feel the struggle going on that had been taking place moments before. What had happened? Surely her lord didn't lose. Did those two in their duel over the elf just kill him?
*****
'That was too close,' Valdumus fumed to himself. The elf had a stronger will than he had originally believed, but that fact actually delighted him because the harder the elf fought the more interesting the challenge became. What he didn't count on was her. He knew that she would be a pest, but he didn't think she would become such a forceful one. Normally she wasn't or more precisely couldn't, but the elf had wondered into the one place that she was able to manage such a feat. Never before had she so brazenly opposed him and she annoyingly wouldn't give up her hold over the elf, so he was forced to cease his intrusion before they snapped his mind or killed him. They came too close to doing precisely that and if he hadn't of withdrew when he did the elf would be dead. He was breaking down the elf's resolve a little bit at a time and was pleased with his progress thus far. But he had to admit that what strength the elf had left, coupled with hers, was more than he had expected. The two had put up an impressive struggle and she almost threatened to push him out. So he had tried to squash that detestable wench, but he had nearly pushed too far and squashed the elf instead. Valdumus was not pleased with the fact that he had had to back down and as he rigidly stood there he balled up his fist in frustration. Valdumus was not usually one to let his temper get the best of him and he tried to push his anger back down. Even despite his best effort he very nearly picked up the heavy wooden chair beside him and chucked it out the window in anger. The sun was now rising and that only added to his frustrations for his powers were much more limited during the day. With the waning of his strength it was difficult to keep his connection with the elf as long as he was nestled in that accursed dell. He had to drive them out of there before the elf recovered or before that nuisance managed to make contact with him again. A thought came to Valdumus then. What if they tried to retreat? They way south had to be cut off.
Grimnosh and some of his band were still in the forest taking shelter in an abandoned station and he knew they wouldn't come out again until nightfall. The rest of his degenerates had fled into the mountains at dawn and were out of his reach. Nadina was still close by the two keeping watch over them. Since she was not in the dell he could feel her presence clearly. The problem was he could feel her outside of the area because she couldn't enter the area and so couldn't drive them out of the cursed place. He didn't know if he trusted her to block their path either. How then to get them on the move again quickly? He wondered how someone could have so many useless servants at their disposal. Out of the wide variety only Nadina and a few others were not afraid of the daylight and although she was close, she unfortunately was the one being he couldn't call on for this particular task and any of his servants here would never reach the place in time. Did he have to go there himself just to get something done during the daylight? 'If only that detestable werewolf had stayed,' he thought angrily, 'at least he is not afraid of the light.' And then another thought came to him. 'Speaking of werewolves, I wonder if Radoc is near.'
*****
As Valdumus stormed down to the lower levels his long black cape fluttered angrily behind him. The orcs could easily tell the foul mood he was in and scrambled to get out of his way lest his anger turn on them. They were quite afraid of their master as it was and to his see him agitated was just plain frightening. Their master usually never came down to the lower levels and they were certain it wasn't a good sign. One orc in particular was very aware of this as Valdumus stalked toward him. As Ulak stood there quivering he was sure a fully armored army of elves charging toward him would have been less dreadful than the sight of is master coming toward him with murder in his eyes. Usually if his lord wanted something he just called to him. He couldn't imagine what in all of Middle Earth he could have done to elicit such wrath from his master that he would come down here for him personally. By the look in his master's eyes he had apparently done something terribly wrong and he was about to pay dearly for it.
****
Valdumus stomped over to the orc and when he stopped directly in front of Ulak alone every other orc in the room let out a sigh of relief he wasn't there for them.
"Find Radoc immediately and send him toward the forest. And give this to Jeridan," Valdumus said as he held out a piece of parchment.
"B, b, but how my lord? It's too big for the little birdie to carrys."
Valdumus, not in the mood to deal with any more nuisances today, reached out with a deceptively frail arm, grabbed the orc by the throat and hoisted him completely off the ground.
"I don't care if you have to run it all the way to the mountains yourself. Send it out now!"
Ulak blanched at the thought of having to run around outside the tower with the sun shining brightly in the sky. Then he remembered he was being held up in the air, looked into his master's fuming eyes, and blanched even more. Maybe the sun wasn't so bad after all.
"There are a few of the wild men here, halfwit. Have one of them deliver it."
"Yes, my lord," the orc practically squeaked out.
Valdumus, noticing the orc's normally gray complexion turning a shade of blue, dropped Ulak to the floor and stormed back out of the room scattering the orcs behind him who had gathered around to watch.
Ulak hit the floor sputtering and brought a hand up to his rapidly bruising throat. He noticed a few of the others close by were sniggering at him and he snarled at them in irritation as he picked himself off the floor and headed for the door.
*********
When Legolas suddenly jerked upward Aragorn had to snap his head back to keep the elf's head from colliding with his nose. His heart soared as the elf's eyes fluttered open and then practically stopped when his friend went slack in his arms again. Aragorn quickly felt for his friend's pulse and when he felt one closed his eyes and took a calming breath. The color was returning to his friend's face and his breathing became steadier. He touched the elf's face and was glad to feel that warmth was again returning to his body. Aragorn didn't know why but he felt that the attack was over and hung his head in relief. They had made it through another one.
Aragorn gently shook his friend and repeatedly called his name, but he did not respond. He hoped Legolas was at least finding some rest right now and decided not to bother him anymore. He lowered him to the ground and tried to make him as comfortable as possible. Aragorn was not sure of what just occurred and so decided to be safe and he left Legolas bundled up. The elf's complexion was still pale, but he looked decidedly better that he had just a few minutes ago. Aragorn sat back beside his friend and brought his knees up to his chest. He took a few deep breaths to calm his still rapidly beating heart. That was too close. Each attack seemed to be getting worse and he didn't know how much more his already frayed nerves could take. He was worried that his friend might not survive the next one. He wasn't sure what was transpiring here, but decided that it had gone on long enough. They had made a mistake coming here in the first place and it was time to leave. Aragorn decided that when or more to the point if they ever returned here it would be safer to return at the head of a very large army. Mystery or not his friend's life meant more than finding out the answers and when he woke, if he felt well enough to travel, they were leaving this forest with all possible haste. Nothing had gone right from the beginning and this situation seemed to be rapidly getting out of control. Aragorn couldn't remember ever seeing so many orcs in one place before at the same time. He didn't like the fact that the longer they stayed here the sicker his friend seemed to be getting and he definitely didn't like this forest. He disliked feeling so useless and he was beginning to hate this land. He also didn't like...
'Stop it,' he sternly told himself. Sitting here thinking of all the things he didn't like was not going to help matters. Aragorn made himself stop this chain of mental complaining and checked on his friend again. Legolas as far as he could tell was still resting, at least he hoped, peacefully. Now that he had calmed down he became aware of how tired he was and to his amazement how hungry. 'Running for most of the night will do that to you,' he thought wryly. He looked over to his pack and realized he had nearly scattered everything about when he had ripped the blanket out and he reorganized everything. After doing one last paranoid check on his friend he pulled out his water canteen and some lembas and refreshed himself. The way bread worked wonders in renewing energy and his mood lightened some. Although he was glad his friend was resting at the moment he still wished he would arise to eat something as well. Crumbling nerves or not, Aragorn figured this ordeal was still harder on the elf and his friend needed to keep up strength.
*****
As Aragorn sat there he eventually looked around for the first time. They were in a small dell and for the first time he realized there was the remnants of a structure right beside him. The mountains were not far off and with a wistful thought he remembered that Mirkwood lay just on the other side and the forest, as the phrase goes, was so close yet so far away. Aragorn was tempted to forget turning around and just scaling the mountains to get to Mirkwood. But he shook that thought out of head for the mountains were dangerous and trying to travel through them without a clear pass was suicidal. 'And traveling into this land was not?' he asked himself dryly. Aragorn sighed and drew his gaze away from the mountains and back to the structure beside him. His curiosity got the best of him and he had to get a closer look. He stood up after glancing at his friend again and walked closer to it. The roof was gone, as were most of the walls. What was left was mainly the foundation and a lot of broken stone. Nothing was left in what had once been the inside and it appeared as if no one had lived here for a very long time. This was reinforced by the fact that grass was now growing on the inside of the foundation. Aragorn didn't poke around 'inside' because for some reason he felt like he would be intruding. He felt kind of silly for feeling that way because it was obvious no one was going to show up any time soon and tell him to get out. As Aragorn circled around the structure something on the ground caught his eye and he went over and picked it up. It was an old and partially rusted weather vain in the shape of a star. He respectfully laid it back down where he had found it and moved on. Not really having anything else to do he examined the entire clearing trying to keep himself occupied.
*****
Aragorn was on his seventh lap around the building when he heard his friend beginning to stir. He figured after seven times around the structure and three entire trips around the clearing he had probably seen all there was to see in this area and gratefully abandoned his examination for something else to do. He jogged over to the elf and kneeled down next to him. Aragorn placed his hand on the elf's forehead and called his name. He was rewarded when Legolas's eyes fluttered open and came to rest on him. His friend's eyes held confusion and he became slightly worried something was wrong.
"How do you feel?"
"What happened?"
Aragorn became even more concerned.
"Do you not remember? What is the last thing you remember, my friend?"
Legolas closed his eyes and unconsciously brought his hand up to his head as he tried to think back as to why he continually seemed to wake up on the ground with Aragorn hovering over him. He knew he didn't feel well and that his head felt like an entire army of dwarves was in there drunkenly crashing around and clumsily throwing hammers at each other. He remembered fleeing through the trees and his untimely decision to take to the ground. He remembered feeling like he was being watched and then discovering this clearing he appeared to be laying in now. The rest of his memories were unclear. He did remember seeing a house, those eyes again, and he thought he might have had another attack. Legolas opened his eyes to see Aragorn watching him intently.
"I remember finding this place and it lifted my heart to be able to see the sky again. After that I am afraid it is unclear. Images come to my mind, but I cannot tell if I really saw them or merely dreamed them. I take it I had another episode and since I cannot remember it clearly that it was worse this time?"
"I will not lie to you. Yes, my friend, it was. The previous two times you had not completely blacked out, but this time you were rendered totally unconscious. I feared this attack was going to kill you. It seems they are getting worse the longer we stay here and that is why I think after you have eaten and rested we should return to Rivendell at once."
"Leave? Run you mean?"
"Legolas I am worried for you and I do not think we should risk staying here any longer. I do not know what is happening to you, but I do know that it was not happening before we entered this forest and I believe it is time to leave."
Legolas said nothing as he stared at his friend. Legolas was not accustomed to backing out of a situation, but what Aragorn had said was true. He himself was not sure how much more he could take and just last night he remembered saying that he had already grown weary of this place. 'What if the next one does kill me?' As an immortal Legolas had never really thought about death at great length before, but after many adventures he had had many close experiences with it before. He was not afraid to die, but he figured that if he ever got killed it would be at the end of a blade and not this slow process that seemed to wither away at him a little at a time. He was beginning to realize that after each spell he was steadily growing weaker and it was getting harder to resist as well. What would happen when his resolve failed? Would it finally slay him? Or more frightening, would he simple go mad? Legolas didn't like the idea of retreating, but he was full of doubt and as he looked into his friend's eyes he could tell how hard this must be on Aragorn as well. He could tell the ranger was concerned and didn't like feeling so helpless. Even if Legolas didn't mind what was happening to him, which he was not too pleased about, was it really fair to make Aragorn suffer as well. It pained him to see his friend's eyes so troubled and he hated to place such a burden on his shoulders. He was sure if the roles were reversed he would make Aragorn get out of this place for his own good also, even if he had to drag him out kicking all the way. Which, he realized with a ghost of smile, the ranger may very well do to him now if he were to say no.
***
Aragorn could see the conflict going on inside of his friend and he felt sympathy for him. He guessed that the stubborn elvish pride was probably flaring up again and he hoped the elf would see reason. He didn't know what to do if Legolas refused to leave, but he was resolute about his decision and they were going to leave whether his friend came to the same conclusion or not. Aragorn was somewhat surprised and relieved at the same time when he saw a faint smile light his companion's fine features. He had no idea what his friend could actually be smiling about now, but he knew the elf was going to agree to leave and was glad.
"So be it, my friend, we will depart from this place."
"I am glad you say so, my friend, for I was worried I would not be able to carry you so far."
The two shared a smile as the ranger handed the elf a water bottle and a piece of lembas bread. After the elf had eaten Aragorn couldn't help it anymore.
"If you don't mind my intrusion Legolas, what were you thinking about?"
Legolas responded with an inquisitive look as he cocked his head to the side.
"Before you agreed to leave I saw you smile. I was just wondering what was amusing you so."
"Before you even suggested it I guessed your line of reasoning Estel. I was just picturing you trying to hoist me over your shoulder and carry me off."
"Trying to throw you over my shoulder," the ranger responded with a broad grin.
"Don't fool yourself, Aragorn, you would never catch me," smiled the elf with his eyes twinkling.
"You just may be right, my friend. I am simply glad I do not have to try," Aragorn said honestly and then they both shared a laugh.
****
Legolas rose with, to his utmost annoyance, Aragorn standing protectively near. It felt good to stand up and stretch and he looked around. To his great displeasure he noticed that he felt a little unstable on his feet. While sitting on the ground he didn't realize how weak he felt on the inside and it both aggravated and scared him.
The ranger thought his friend looked a bit peaked anyway and he grew concerned when the elf paled a few shades when he stood up. He was worried he might have risen too quickly and moved nearer encase he passed out. Which Aragorn could tell he wasn't going to do when the elf looked over at him in slight irritation. The ranger smiled innocently in apology and backed off. Legolas seemed to grow steadier after a moment and headed toward the stone structure. Aragorn, resisting the temptation to hover close to his friend, proceeded to repack his pack.
****
'Why does this look so familiar?' Legolas asked himself as he stood in front of what was once a cottage. He didn't know how he knew that it was a cottage, he just knew. He looked down and saw a deteriorated weather vein and an image of the thing reflecting in the sun flashed through his mind. It came to him suddenly and only lasted for a brief second. 'Where did that come from?' It occurred to him that he had seen that image before and that he just might have seen it last night. As Legolas continued to stare he remembered more images from last night. In his mind he saw the eyes that had haunted his dreams, flowers, and this house. It seemed to grow brighter in the clearing and Legolas looked up at the sun. It was still early morning and the sun should have just been visible over the tops of the mountains, but there it was fully over his head. 'That's impossible.' Legolas looked back down in front of him to be greeted by the sight of the house fully restored. The weather vein was swiveling on top of the house and reflecting the sun in his eyes. He instinctively looked down to the spot where he had just seen it lying on the ground and saw only the empty grass. Despite his confusion peacefulness washed through him and he was content.
In the back of his mind it felt like something gave a slight tug and the scene before him became less bright. The other feeling was by far peaceful and he could tell it was trying to block out the first one. This all seemed too familiar for his liking. Legolas was filled with anxiety as sudden realization hit and he remembered a good deal of what had happened last night. He had seen this scene last night and then something had totally crushed it. He remembered feeling helpless as the two had pushed and pulled him in opposite directions and he feared he would go mad. Even though he had tried to help the first one he feared they would not be enough and they were going to lose and he would be at the other ones mercy. Legolas was dreadful that whole struggle was going to take place again, but the two forces were considerably weaker this time. He wasn't sure why they weren't overpowering like they had been last night and right now he didn't care. He gathered his own strength and tried to push every thing from his mind. To his amazement it worked and all of the illusions melted away and he again saw tall grass around the remnants of a deteriorated stone structure. He became aware of the fact that he was leaning against Aragorn, but took some satisfaction in the observation that at least this time he was still standing.
****
Aragorn finished his preparations to leave and called to his friend to see if he was ready get going. When he received no answer he turned his head and looked at the elf. Legolas was staring intently at the pile of stones and didn't seem to have heard him.
"Legolas," he called again.
He again received no answer and with a frown he rose and went over to the elf. He came up to the elf and stopped next to him. He didn't look ill, but Aragorn was very concerned over the fact that he didn't seem to hear him. Legolas looked to be concentrating on something and Aragorn tried calling his name again. The elf's eyes snapped shut as he winced and began to sway. Aragorn wrapped his arm around the slender waist and used his heavier body to steady the elf. He got ready to catch him if he sunk to the ground and prepared himself for the worst. To his surprise Legolas recovered quickly and he felt him stop swaying. His friend looked up at him and he smiled gratefully.
"Are you well? Do you need to sit down? What happened?"
"It is alright, Estel. I merely became lightheaded a moment and it has passed. Are we ready to go?"
Aragorn was hardly convinced. Elves did not just become lightheaded, but he was happy they did not have to struggle through another attack. Whatever had happened the ranger could see Legolas wasn't about to elaborate on the issue and he knew that arguing would only cause discourse between them. Aragorn felt he was giving in too easily, but he simply didn't know if he had the energy put up an argument with the stubborn elf at the moment. With a heavy heart the ranger merely nodded his head in agreement.
"All is ready, Legolas. I was just asking if you were."
"Ays, mellonamin, let us go."
Aragorn backed away in a deplorable manner and went over to retrieve his bag. Legolas could see the concern and, was it, resignation in his friend's eyes. Now he had to give his friend's back a look of concern of his own. He was sure the ranger was about to make him tell what had happened and he prepared himself for a confrontation. Although Legolas did not want to argue with his friend he was quite worried when no such argument occurred. He could see that his friend did not want to push him and he felt guilty for blocking him out. 'This has to be extremely hard on him,' he thought with remorse. Elves generally were not so open with others and especially with none elves, but Legolas had to admit he preferred this humans company to many of his own kind. Aragorn in a fashion was distantly related to many of them anyway. When they had first met it was hard not to be protective of the young human. It was hard to get used to the fact that someone could be so young of age and still be considered an adult. He had grown accustomed to it after awhile though and in him Legolas had found a noble man, a competent adventuring companion, and a true and honest friend. Which, inadvertently or not, he was causing great grief and after being so close with him he felt like he was only adding to the pile. Pride or not, Aragorn was his friend and worried for him and he did not deserve such chesty behavior. Friends should not treat each other so. Besides, in the past when he had confided in the ranger the human had never betrayed his trust. Legolas closed his eyes, hung his head, sighed, and swallowed his pride for his companion's sake.
"Tampa, Estel, amin..."
****
The sincerity in that simple phrase did indeed make Aragorn stop and he turned around to look at his friend. Legolas was standing there with his head tilted toward the ground with his eyes closed. He looked exhausted and to Aragorn suddenly very frail and his heart was saddened to see an elf, usually so bright and energetic, looking rather vulnerable. Aragorn, mistaking Legolas's stance, closed the distance between them and laid his hand reassuringly on the elf's arm.
"Amin hiraetha, mellonamin. Lle anta amin tu?" the ranger asked gently.
Legolas not expecting that response look up questionably at the human. He read the ranger's expression and realized Aragorn had misread his reason for asking him to wait.
"Lle irma sint?"
"Mani?"
"Lle irma sint mani marte?"
Aragorn wasn't so sure anymore. He could tell how difficult it was for the elf to speak of something that, even though he would never admit it, frightened him. He knew that the only reason Legolas was willing to do it now was for his sake and he felt bad for making the elf feel guilty.
"Ere' manka lle merna quen en' ta," he answered warmly.
Legolas smiled back as best he could.
"I don't know if I do, but I will try."
Legolas told Aragorn about all he could remember. He recounted the strange feeling of being watched at their camp and the sudden feeling of something cold brushing up against him. He tried to as best he could to tell the ranger of what it was like when he became ill and how it felt like the last two times something had tried to help him. He spoke of his flight through the woods last night and how he felt the feeling of being watched return. He told him all he could remember of what had happened here last night even though he could still not recall all of what transpired. Aragorn in turn recounted all of what he had encountered in the forest and how he had found Legolas when he finally caught up with him.
It was getting close to mid morning when they finally finished and Legolas was exhausted. It did lighten his spirits to share his burdens with someone he trusted and he was amused at how much it seemed to help his friend also. 'Only someone like Aragorn could be content after sharing ones troubles.' They decided, mainly at Aragorn insistence, to eat before they headed back to the south. Legolas was too tired to argue and smiled amusingly at his friend's resoluteness. They ate and then packed up their packs preparing to leave this land far behind. They figured they could break free of the forest before nightfall and would be out of this country entirely before nightfall tomorrow. They had been traveling somewhat quickly, or more precisely fleeing quickly, when they had entered this place last night. The journey out would be slower and a little less frantic and Aragorn was rather stern about Legolas not pushing himself to hard. Legolas hadn't realized how relieved he was at the decision to leave. Now as he prepared to leave he was greatly aware of how much he was beginning to despise this forest and only wished they didn't have to enter it again to leave Angmar. He didn't know why, but he did not want to leave this clearing. It was the same kind of feeling he received before they charged into the forest last night. He knew he was going to have to force himself to enter it again like he had done last night. The only difference was he was a lot wearier than he had been last night. He was seriously wondering if he had enough strength to win the fight with his legs again, but unless he wanted to stay right where he was he was going to have to.
They slung their gear on and prepared to leave. Legolas took one last wistful glance back at the stone structure and then moved beside Aragorn.
"Are you ready to go Legolas?"
Legolas opened his mouth to answer Aragorn, but he choked off his reply when an ear-splitting howl echoed through the valley from the south. Another answered it farther to the east than the first and then another one sprang forth quite far to the west. Four more answered in succession and all coming from the south.
"It is too difficult to say for sure what those beast are for sure and what they are howling about, but I have a sinking suspicion I could guess the answers to both."
Legolas looked over at Aragorn as he said this and saw worry etched on the young ranger's face. When Aragorn looked over at him in return he nodded his head in agreement.
"With our luck so far, mellonamin, I am inclined to agree. This land does not seem to want to give up its hold on us. If we do not hurry I believe the possibility of traveling south will be cut off from us."
"Whatever they are, they sound to be some distance to the south. We may yet beat them to the edge if that is their destination. Let us hurry."
Legolas nodded his consent to Aragorn and, although they had not originally planned to, they took off running to the south. Their only hope was to break free of the forest before the beasts intercepted them. If they could not they would be trapped in here with the creatures to the south, the strange party of orcs to the west, and the mountains and even more orcs to the east. The only direction available would then be the north and neither of the two wanted to travel any deeper into this hostile land that seemed to be rallying forces against them.
***
TBC...
***
See, I left them in relative peace for one whole chapter. I am so proud of myself. That took more restraint than you realize. For being trouble magnets they were lucky to get the morning off. The next chapter doesn't look so promising for them though does it? Bad for them, good for us! This chapter was a bit slow, but it was needed to build on later, you'll see. ;)
****
ays ------------------yes
tampa ----------------stop
amin ------------------I
Amin hiraetha, mellonamin -----------------I'm sorry, my friend
Lle anta amin tu? ----------------------------Do you need help?
Lle irma sint? -------------------------------Do you want to know?
Mani? ---------------------------------What?
Lle irma sint mani marte? ------------------Do you want to know what ------- ------------------------------------------happened?
Ere' manka lle merna quen en' ta.----------Only if you wish to speak of ---- --------------------------------------------it.
*****
Thanks to everyone for sticking with the story!!
White wolf - I'm also glad you found this story and enjoy it! I'm a sucker for Legolas/Aragorn stories too. I like their potential character interactions the best. It's also fun to torture the both of them.;) I hope you keep reading and I will try to not disappoint you. And PLEASE, PLEASE keep reviewing!!
Tithen Min - I am beginning to love you too!! *Blushes* I simply love the fact that you are enjoying the story and that you keep reviewing. *Big hug* It took a little longer to finish this chapter than expected and I hope I didn't cause you too much distress over the cliffy. This nice calm chapter should have helped you out some. But like I said it doesn't look too likely that the next one is going to be very gentle on our favorite pair. *Smiles evilly* In fact, I will make sure of it. Ops, did I just say that out loud?
Karri - Well, my dear, here was some good old Legolas angst just for you.;) There was a cliff somewhere? *Looks around* Oh, yes, the one I pushed Legolas off of the last chapter. *Grins wickedly* Evil? Yes, muah, ah, ah! I mean, no, I like to think of myself as benevolently impaired.
Sprout - Oh, no, is there a healer in the house? I hope you didn't hurt yourself! This chapter should help calm your nerves a bit. Now the next one... Thanks for continuing to read and as always I hope you keep reviewing!!