The Choices We Make
*******
Chapter 16 The Choices We Make
In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.
-Eleanor Roosevelt
*******
Voices.
Voices trickled through the black.
Legolas pushed up through the darkness as mumbled voices drifted into his awareness. No matter how hard he tried to listen he could not understand them.
What strange language were they speaking?
He could not tell so he waited. Waited for the darkness to reclaim him or waited for the voices to make sense.
With time Legolas' senses did start to return. He was heedful that he was cold and that his very being ached. Above the dull rhythmic aching, pain radiated from his entire left side. The throbbing worked to clear his mind somewhat and the voices blended down to just one. It was vaguely familiar. Like a voice heard flittering on the edge of a distant dream and just out of reach.
Something exceedingly hot touched his cheek and he tried to recoil away. However, his body did not want to cooperate. Everything refused to budge. Something must be holding him down. Even with the heaviness there was a strange lightness he couldn't explain. An odd hollowness that resulted in an odd tingling that ran through his body.
Slowly the voice began to form words that Legolas could understand.
"Come on...do it. I need... eyes."
What was this bothersome voice trying to say?
Ire brought him further towards the light.
"What?" he tried to yell, unsure whether the voice would hear him or not.
The voice came again. It seemed more urgent this time.
"Legolas can you hear me?"
"I am here. Open your eye my friend. You can do it, I know you can."
Friend? Who was calling to him? How did they know his name and why did they sound so persistent?
Legolas tried to open his eyes so that he could find out why the voice was bothering him. They were extremely uncooperative and the movement caused his head to ache even more. Despite the discomfort he wanted to find out what was occurring. As he inched his leaden eyes open a face materialized in his line of sight. The blurry image was unfamiliar. Who was this staring down at him?
******
Aragorn's immense relief for when Legolas woke was short lived. The elf looked upon him with slightly glazed eye that held great confusion.
"Legolas?"
The elf's eyes looked back into his and Aragorn was allayed that Legolas recognized his name at least. He couldn't keep his worry from showing when his friend's eyes held no recognition for him, though.
"Legolas do you remember who I am? Do you understand me?"
Aragorn held his breath as he waited for his friend to respond. When he did Aragorn had to strain to hear the meek voice even in the relative quiet surrounding them.
"Amin sinta lle?" //Do I know you?//
That definitely wasn't the response Aragorn had been hoping for and even though he was crestfallen inside he struggled to keep his outward features calm.
"It is Estel, your friend. We have known each other for some years now and have traveled together ever and anon. Do you not remember?"
Aragorn was discouraged when Legolas did not answer him, but instead his eyes started to droop shut again.
"No, Legolas," Aragorn called gently shaking his friend, "come on, stay awake."
It was no use so the ranger stopped and sighed. Great, he was alone in the dark again. Aragorn cradled Legolas again and wrapped his cloak around the both of them to try and keep his friend warm. Whether it was more to aid his friend or for his own comfort Aragorn did not know. He at least felt like he was doing something. He leaned back against the cave wall and after taking one last look at the sedentary warg Aragorn closed his eyes.
******
Legolas was floating somewhere between consciousness and the void. He was not sure if he was dead or dreaming and didn't really care. A part of his mind told him he should care and that his friends and family would be worried about him. The other part of his mind said to forget them and that he was all that mattered. One side was offering him light and love, while the other sweet darkness and power. One strong, the other coaxing. One seemingly pure, the other powerful. Both sides where fighting for control and causing Legolas great confusion. He was growing tired of struggling. Which side to give into? Which side did he belong to?
Legolas woke with a start. He was leaning back against something and as he turned his head slightly he knew it to be Estel. He silently eased up into a sitting position and looked around. Wondering where he was he brought his hand up to his aching head. What was going on? How did he get into this position? Aragorn must have moved him so. Legolas also noticed his bonds where cut and he instinctively rubbed his chaffed wrist. Detail of the last couple days refused to come to him. He remembered running around a forest and trying to head north and being caught. Why north? For that question he did not have an answer. Maybe if he woke Aragorn the ranger would know what was befalling. Before he could touch the human a throaty female voice sounded near his ear.
"Leave him. It is so much quieter with just us."
Legolas recoiled from the strange being in front of him. What was that and why did it seem so familiar?
"You do not remember me do you?"
Legolas shook his head no and Nadina practically glowed.
"We have meet before. What do you remember?"
Aragorn who had awakened when Legolas rose listened intently.
Legolas was prepared to stubbornly not answer anything she asked him, but the way her eyes glowed brought back a memory or... a dream.
"I dreamt of you."
This answer seemed to anger her greatly and she couldn't help but respond.
"No," she hissed vehemently, "that was not me elf. You have been seeing delusions of my sister."
Legolas wanted to answer that if he were delusional how had she helped him earlier. For he now understood that it was her that had come to his aid before. She had been trying to help him. This line of reasoning made his head hurt and a chill go down his spin. Legolas brought his hand back up to his head as he started to rock back and forth. These were wrong thoughts. A lie. He had only himself to thank. Beside the presence before had only tried to control him. No, a part of his mind argued. That was the lie.
Deep down Legolas knew that it was not normal for his mind to be so torn apart. What was happening to him?
Aragorn could no longer hold his curiosity and sat up.
"Who is this sister you speak of?"
Nadina stared at the human coldly.
"No one to be concerned with, human. She is dead anyway," Nadina said haughtily and then vanished.
'Why must she keep doing that?' Aragorn also wanted to ask her that wasn't she dead also. At least the ranger knew she had been alive at one time. Whatever good that did him. He glanced at Legolas and saw the elf rocking again. That wasn't good. He reached out and put his hand on the elf's shoulder.
"Legolas?"
His eyes went wide when Legolas practically slapped his hand way.
"Do not touch me," he hissed.
Aragorn removed his hand and held it up as in surrender.
"But... alright. What is wrong? Did I hurt you?"
Legolas stopped his rocking and Aragorn couldn't see his face since he had constricted into a ball.
"Legolas, talk to me."
Legolas wanted to. He wanted to tell Aragorn what he was feeling. The trouble was he didn't know what he was feeling. He was too confused. It was not to terribly far from nightfall, how he knew that he could not tell, but he was not as afraid of it as he was yesterday.
That was ridiculous. Most of the terrible things that had occurred recently happened after the sun went down. Why in Middle Earth was he not afraid? What would Estel think?
Who cares what Estel thinks. It is none of his business what he does and what he feels.
Of course it is his business, he is stuck her with you.
No it is not.
Legolas felt like his thoughts were being ripped in half.
Was this what insanity felt like?
Every inch of him had two opposite emotions pulling at him. Which one was right?
His very being deep down inside was pleading with him that he was an elf and to listen to the other side was wrong.
But for his part the path of light was becoming annoying. Why should he waist his time with such a life when there was nothing it could offer him in return? These orcs in the cave could be so easily dominated. Why shouldn't the pathetic creatures follow the will of someone stronger? It was just a law of nature.
Aragorn was becoming extremely worried. No matter what he said to Legolas the elf would not answer or even acknowledge him. He was reluctant to touch him again, since he was not sure what happened the first time.
*****
This was it. The sunset draws near and he is making his move. The elf must hold onto himself now or be lost. She could feel Valdumus gathering his strength and with each push she could also feel the elf's resolve faltering. The figure in blackness gathered her strength as well. She had to help. To buy time. The other had sent help, he had told her that. Should the elf fail he could possibly call him back as well if he did not fall too far. Time. That was all they needed. With the sun setting that was what she didn't have. Have it or not she had to try. With the pushing and pulling from Valdumus and her she feared they would addle the poor elf's wits, but it was a risk, she knew, were he in right mind he would gladly take. He was going to have to make a choice right now. He was going to have to choose which side to fight. Her only hope was that she would be enough and that the darkness within was not already too strong. She had to hang onto that hope.
*****
Aragorn didn't know what else to do so he kept talking. He realized this was happening too often lately.
"Legolas, can you hear me? If you can please say something."
"Safe your breath. He cannot hear you."
Aragorn looked up with ire at the spectral figure that he suspected took great pleasure in taunting him. If she thought he was going to idly sit by while his friend was in some sort of distress she had another thing coming.
Nadina saw the frustration boil in he humans eyes and laughed.
"Stubborn, are you not?" she chuckled.
'Not as pretty as the other one,' she mused, 'but persistence can count.'
"Tell me ranger, if you had the choice to leave this place right now, would you take it?"
Aragorn tore his eyes away from Legolas and looked sharply at the entity beside him. Never before had she called him anything but 'human.'
"Were it to leave my friend behind, like I suspect you mean, then no. Absolutely not. We will leave this place together or not at all."
"Strong words, but I do not think you realize what you are vowing yourself to. Even were you given a chance to escape with your friend right now, it might not be so easy."
Aragorn continued to stare at Nadina. Her tone was different now. She had never sounded so, sincere, was the only word he could think of. He got the distinct impression that there was more to her words than just the obvious threat of the orcs and wargs. She actually seemed to be warning him to leave now and never look back. But why would she care what happens to him?
Aragorn tensed when she floated down and positioned herself next to Legolas. She did not look as if she was going to touch him, but she had looked extremely calm the last time.
"As I told you before, sister," she whispered and Aragorn had to strain to hear her words, "not this time. Save yourself the grief Malayrn and stand down."
Malaryn. A name. A name to the unseen help Legolas had received earlier. Aragorn was unsure about what was transpiring in Legolas' mind, but it would seem their unseen protector was struggling with someone or something. But what?
*****
As the sun was sinking three figures cloaked against the wind rode through the valley following the mountains, rounded an outcropping, and stopped near the eves of a forest.
"What is it?" Elladan called.
Glorfindel turned on his horse to face the twins.
"My memory could be failing me, but I do not remember a forest being here. There is also evil emanating from it."
"I feel it as well," Elrohir spoke up, "and considering the fell nature it would seem to possess, I would think that is probably were Estel and Legolas are."
Despite the situation Elladan smiled at his brother's words. He was correct, though, if the forest was evil then the two they were looking for would definitely be in there.
Glorfindel nodded his head in agreement. He turned back towards the trees and closed his eyes briefly. When he turned to face the twins again they could see a slight frown on the normally composed features.
"I can also feel a watchfulness there."
Elladan and Elrohir nodded their heads. They could do nothing about that. It was up to their father now.
******
Back in Rivendell Elrond stopped his pacing as he felt a sense of urgency. It was coming from two different sources, one from her, and the other from his sons.
Wherever there was they were at it and needed help. Elrond sat down at his desk in his private study and took a deep breath. Doubt was again entered his mind. What if this did not work? If not, what would happen to his sons and his friend? By attempting this was he putting all of Imladris in danger from being seen?
No, he had to stop this and make a choice right now of whether to try it or not. They decision was already made really. He had planned trying this with Glorfindel and he intended to keep up his end. Elrond took another calming breath and concentrated.
*****
As Glorfindel, Elladan, and Elrohir sat on their horses a brief surge of tingled through them. For a short moment a calmness usually only felt at home washed through them.
"Do you think that meant it worked," Elrohir said quietly.
"If it did, is it still happening?"
Glorfindel looked at the two younger elves.
"Whether it did or not we are now faced with the choice of whether to go on or not. Carn Dum must lie on the other side of these woods and I have a feeling that that is where our missing friends will be."
"As I said before, I will go all the way to Carn Dum if I must. My decision is already made."
"I am with Elladan my friend. I will go wherever I must."
Glorfindel nodded his head.
"Very well, then let us continue and see what we shall see."
*****
What was he thinking these thoughts weren't normal?
He knew that and yet he couldn't convince himself that they were wrong either. If other beings were too weak to take control, why shouldn't someone stronger do it? He was of a stronger race by far than most others, so why shouldn't he use that advantage? If others were so weak how could it be wrong?
****
Aragorn who was sitting beside Legolas decided to try his luck again. He hesitantly reached out his hand and placed it on his friend's shoulder. He was relieved when Legolas did not recoil from his touch. Of course the fact that he didn't seem to notice was worrisome also and the fact that Legolas still felt cool to the touch. What was happening? He tried calling to his friend again, with still no response.
***
What did humans, who ruined everything they touched, know? Weak, short- lived race. And these orcs. Pathetic grueling creatures, all of them. What about his own kin? They could be so great if only they would not content themselves to lurk in the shadows of the miserable humans. After all the elves were here first. Arda belonged to them! Not to the humans. They shouldn't be forced into small pockets of space that the humans didn't want. They were better than that. He was better than that. They were stronger. He was stronger and suddenly he knew who could show him the way! He was finally free to think on his own and he knew what he was to do!
******
"No!" Malayrn screamed as her link with the Legolas was abruptly cut off. It had not been blocked from Valdumus: the elf had severed it. She had failed!
No, no, no she practically cried. He was stronger than that. She knew it. This shouldn't be happening. She cried alone in the darkness. She had failed him. Valdumus had been the stronger and now the elf was doomed.
******
"Yes," Valdumus cried into the quiet room as he stood up. The sudden outburst startled the poor orc standing next to him and Ulak fell backwards with a squeak.
Valdumus saw the orc topple over and when he started to laugh Ulak was looking at him like he had three heads.
"Oh, get up you detestable creature. Finally," said more to himself, "finally, he has taken the morsel I have offered."
Valdumus laughed once again.
"He is mine now."
******
Glorfindel, Elladan, and Elrohir passed under the canopy. It was twilight outside, but as they entered the trees it was very dark. The only source of light was the luminescent glow the three elves gave off.
"It is far warmer in here," said Elladan peering around suspiciously.
"And very dark," Elrohir finished.
"Could they not have found a more pleasant place for us to have to come?"
Glorfindel smiled to himself at the two younger elves. They could be traveling through Mordor itself and would still find the time to tease. He stroked the horse's neck trying to keep the animal calm. He could feel that the horse really did not like being here and it was only adding to it skittishness.
A howl cut through darkness from close by and the nervous horses began to panic. The tree elves tried to reassure them, but the horse Elrohir was riding was not listening to the comforting words. He let out a loud wine and reared up unexpectedly sending its rider flying off and into the undergrowth. Elladan called to his brother as Glorfindel tried to grab for the frightened animal. With all of his speed the horse bolted before Glorfindel could reach it and it took off in the opposite direction.
Elladan and Glorfindel turned their heads in the direction from which the howl originated when they heard movement, lots of movement, in that direction. Glorfindel drew his bow as Elladan continued to scan the darkness. Great they had just entered here and they were already getting into trouble. And where by the Valar was his brother?
******
Aragorn was so preoccupied that he did not notice someone approach them.
"Time to gets going. And who said yous could untie yourselves!"
The ranger looked up and his jaw clenched as he recognized the orc in front of him as the one that had introduced him to the tree earlier. This must be the leader Grimnosh and the thought made Aragorn's blood boil. He had unfinished business with this one.
"Is your brain addled? I said time to go. Gets up!"
Aragorn looked to Legolas who had not moved and his breath caught in his throat as Legolas' glow dimmed to almost none existent.
"Valar," he breathed forgetting that he was supposes to be angry with the orc.
"I said come on!" Grimnosh growled as he nudged the elf who seemed to be ignoring him completely.
At that Legolas did lift his head. He glanced at Aragorn and then looked up at Grimnosh.
When he looked at Aragorn the ranger held his breath this time. The strange dark eyes stared back at him and not the bright blue ones that should have been there. The difference now was that their dark depths were not filled with anger, but with a cold and emotionless glint.
******
TBC...
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White Wolf - I'm glad you liked the two perspectives. It is how I imagine the two to take things differently. Thank you again for pointing that out. I definitely will correct it! :) Thanks again for the review and with sticking with the story!! Any chance of a new chapter anytime soon? (It doesn't hurt to ask, huh?)
Sprout - Hope all your papers are done and that they went well! Thranduil will be one of the many in the story from now on. None of him in this chapter, though. Don't worry, he will be back soon. You're right, if Legolas was himself he would rather be poisoned right now. Of course I didn't exactly tell you what happened, but I'm sure you can guess. You like the word wroth as well? Great word! Strange people are always welcome at this story!! Considering the author is odd...
Karri - Thanks for the good wished. I needed them. Yep, Aragorn is up and now so is Legolas, and at the same time too. Well now it looks like things are going down hill for the 'three musketeers' now. Course you are right! I would feel as though I let everyone down if I left things to peachy for too long. ;)
goblz - Thank you and once again thank for the review! Poor Legolas for the last one? Now you can say poor Legolas. Muah, ah, ah!
Tithen Min - You are sooo sweet. You love this story? Hurray!! No bashing in this chapter. :( But there is always the next one. It is looking hopeful for our twins to get knocked around a bit. :P I'm glad you found that line amusing!! I liked it as well. I think Grimnosh coming after me would be scary, but *whew* you're right, he is my character. Course he is hard to control...You're not the only one confused. ;) Who is Niedor again?
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Chapter 16 The Choices We Make
In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.
-Eleanor Roosevelt
*******
Voices.
Voices trickled through the black.
Legolas pushed up through the darkness as mumbled voices drifted into his awareness. No matter how hard he tried to listen he could not understand them.
What strange language were they speaking?
He could not tell so he waited. Waited for the darkness to reclaim him or waited for the voices to make sense.
With time Legolas' senses did start to return. He was heedful that he was cold and that his very being ached. Above the dull rhythmic aching, pain radiated from his entire left side. The throbbing worked to clear his mind somewhat and the voices blended down to just one. It was vaguely familiar. Like a voice heard flittering on the edge of a distant dream and just out of reach.
Something exceedingly hot touched his cheek and he tried to recoil away. However, his body did not want to cooperate. Everything refused to budge. Something must be holding him down. Even with the heaviness there was a strange lightness he couldn't explain. An odd hollowness that resulted in an odd tingling that ran through his body.
Slowly the voice began to form words that Legolas could understand.
"Come on...do it. I need... eyes."
What was this bothersome voice trying to say?
Ire brought him further towards the light.
"What?" he tried to yell, unsure whether the voice would hear him or not.
The voice came again. It seemed more urgent this time.
"Legolas can you hear me?"
"I am here. Open your eye my friend. You can do it, I know you can."
Friend? Who was calling to him? How did they know his name and why did they sound so persistent?
Legolas tried to open his eyes so that he could find out why the voice was bothering him. They were extremely uncooperative and the movement caused his head to ache even more. Despite the discomfort he wanted to find out what was occurring. As he inched his leaden eyes open a face materialized in his line of sight. The blurry image was unfamiliar. Who was this staring down at him?
******
Aragorn's immense relief for when Legolas woke was short lived. The elf looked upon him with slightly glazed eye that held great confusion.
"Legolas?"
The elf's eyes looked back into his and Aragorn was allayed that Legolas recognized his name at least. He couldn't keep his worry from showing when his friend's eyes held no recognition for him, though.
"Legolas do you remember who I am? Do you understand me?"
Aragorn held his breath as he waited for his friend to respond. When he did Aragorn had to strain to hear the meek voice even in the relative quiet surrounding them.
"Amin sinta lle?" //Do I know you?//
That definitely wasn't the response Aragorn had been hoping for and even though he was crestfallen inside he struggled to keep his outward features calm.
"It is Estel, your friend. We have known each other for some years now and have traveled together ever and anon. Do you not remember?"
Aragorn was discouraged when Legolas did not answer him, but instead his eyes started to droop shut again.
"No, Legolas," Aragorn called gently shaking his friend, "come on, stay awake."
It was no use so the ranger stopped and sighed. Great, he was alone in the dark again. Aragorn cradled Legolas again and wrapped his cloak around the both of them to try and keep his friend warm. Whether it was more to aid his friend or for his own comfort Aragorn did not know. He at least felt like he was doing something. He leaned back against the cave wall and after taking one last look at the sedentary warg Aragorn closed his eyes.
******
Legolas was floating somewhere between consciousness and the void. He was not sure if he was dead or dreaming and didn't really care. A part of his mind told him he should care and that his friends and family would be worried about him. The other part of his mind said to forget them and that he was all that mattered. One side was offering him light and love, while the other sweet darkness and power. One strong, the other coaxing. One seemingly pure, the other powerful. Both sides where fighting for control and causing Legolas great confusion. He was growing tired of struggling. Which side to give into? Which side did he belong to?
Legolas woke with a start. He was leaning back against something and as he turned his head slightly he knew it to be Estel. He silently eased up into a sitting position and looked around. Wondering where he was he brought his hand up to his aching head. What was going on? How did he get into this position? Aragorn must have moved him so. Legolas also noticed his bonds where cut and he instinctively rubbed his chaffed wrist. Detail of the last couple days refused to come to him. He remembered running around a forest and trying to head north and being caught. Why north? For that question he did not have an answer. Maybe if he woke Aragorn the ranger would know what was befalling. Before he could touch the human a throaty female voice sounded near his ear.
"Leave him. It is so much quieter with just us."
Legolas recoiled from the strange being in front of him. What was that and why did it seem so familiar?
"You do not remember me do you?"
Legolas shook his head no and Nadina practically glowed.
"We have meet before. What do you remember?"
Aragorn who had awakened when Legolas rose listened intently.
Legolas was prepared to stubbornly not answer anything she asked him, but the way her eyes glowed brought back a memory or... a dream.
"I dreamt of you."
This answer seemed to anger her greatly and she couldn't help but respond.
"No," she hissed vehemently, "that was not me elf. You have been seeing delusions of my sister."
Legolas wanted to answer that if he were delusional how had she helped him earlier. For he now understood that it was her that had come to his aid before. She had been trying to help him. This line of reasoning made his head hurt and a chill go down his spin. Legolas brought his hand back up to his head as he started to rock back and forth. These were wrong thoughts. A lie. He had only himself to thank. Beside the presence before had only tried to control him. No, a part of his mind argued. That was the lie.
Deep down Legolas knew that it was not normal for his mind to be so torn apart. What was happening to him?
Aragorn could no longer hold his curiosity and sat up.
"Who is this sister you speak of?"
Nadina stared at the human coldly.
"No one to be concerned with, human. She is dead anyway," Nadina said haughtily and then vanished.
'Why must she keep doing that?' Aragorn also wanted to ask her that wasn't she dead also. At least the ranger knew she had been alive at one time. Whatever good that did him. He glanced at Legolas and saw the elf rocking again. That wasn't good. He reached out and put his hand on the elf's shoulder.
"Legolas?"
His eyes went wide when Legolas practically slapped his hand way.
"Do not touch me," he hissed.
Aragorn removed his hand and held it up as in surrender.
"But... alright. What is wrong? Did I hurt you?"
Legolas stopped his rocking and Aragorn couldn't see his face since he had constricted into a ball.
"Legolas, talk to me."
Legolas wanted to. He wanted to tell Aragorn what he was feeling. The trouble was he didn't know what he was feeling. He was too confused. It was not to terribly far from nightfall, how he knew that he could not tell, but he was not as afraid of it as he was yesterday.
That was ridiculous. Most of the terrible things that had occurred recently happened after the sun went down. Why in Middle Earth was he not afraid? What would Estel think?
Who cares what Estel thinks. It is none of his business what he does and what he feels.
Of course it is his business, he is stuck her with you.
No it is not.
Legolas felt like his thoughts were being ripped in half.
Was this what insanity felt like?
Every inch of him had two opposite emotions pulling at him. Which one was right?
His very being deep down inside was pleading with him that he was an elf and to listen to the other side was wrong.
But for his part the path of light was becoming annoying. Why should he waist his time with such a life when there was nothing it could offer him in return? These orcs in the cave could be so easily dominated. Why shouldn't the pathetic creatures follow the will of someone stronger? It was just a law of nature.
Aragorn was becoming extremely worried. No matter what he said to Legolas the elf would not answer or even acknowledge him. He was reluctant to touch him again, since he was not sure what happened the first time.
*****
This was it. The sunset draws near and he is making his move. The elf must hold onto himself now or be lost. She could feel Valdumus gathering his strength and with each push she could also feel the elf's resolve faltering. The figure in blackness gathered her strength as well. She had to help. To buy time. The other had sent help, he had told her that. Should the elf fail he could possibly call him back as well if he did not fall too far. Time. That was all they needed. With the sun setting that was what she didn't have. Have it or not she had to try. With the pushing and pulling from Valdumus and her she feared they would addle the poor elf's wits, but it was a risk, she knew, were he in right mind he would gladly take. He was going to have to make a choice right now. He was going to have to choose which side to fight. Her only hope was that she would be enough and that the darkness within was not already too strong. She had to hang onto that hope.
*****
Aragorn didn't know what else to do so he kept talking. He realized this was happening too often lately.
"Legolas, can you hear me? If you can please say something."
"Safe your breath. He cannot hear you."
Aragorn looked up with ire at the spectral figure that he suspected took great pleasure in taunting him. If she thought he was going to idly sit by while his friend was in some sort of distress she had another thing coming.
Nadina saw the frustration boil in he humans eyes and laughed.
"Stubborn, are you not?" she chuckled.
'Not as pretty as the other one,' she mused, 'but persistence can count.'
"Tell me ranger, if you had the choice to leave this place right now, would you take it?"
Aragorn tore his eyes away from Legolas and looked sharply at the entity beside him. Never before had she called him anything but 'human.'
"Were it to leave my friend behind, like I suspect you mean, then no. Absolutely not. We will leave this place together or not at all."
"Strong words, but I do not think you realize what you are vowing yourself to. Even were you given a chance to escape with your friend right now, it might not be so easy."
Aragorn continued to stare at Nadina. Her tone was different now. She had never sounded so, sincere, was the only word he could think of. He got the distinct impression that there was more to her words than just the obvious threat of the orcs and wargs. She actually seemed to be warning him to leave now and never look back. But why would she care what happens to him?
Aragorn tensed when she floated down and positioned herself next to Legolas. She did not look as if she was going to touch him, but she had looked extremely calm the last time.
"As I told you before, sister," she whispered and Aragorn had to strain to hear her words, "not this time. Save yourself the grief Malayrn and stand down."
Malaryn. A name. A name to the unseen help Legolas had received earlier. Aragorn was unsure about what was transpiring in Legolas' mind, but it would seem their unseen protector was struggling with someone or something. But what?
*****
As the sun was sinking three figures cloaked against the wind rode through the valley following the mountains, rounded an outcropping, and stopped near the eves of a forest.
"What is it?" Elladan called.
Glorfindel turned on his horse to face the twins.
"My memory could be failing me, but I do not remember a forest being here. There is also evil emanating from it."
"I feel it as well," Elrohir spoke up, "and considering the fell nature it would seem to possess, I would think that is probably were Estel and Legolas are."
Despite the situation Elladan smiled at his brother's words. He was correct, though, if the forest was evil then the two they were looking for would definitely be in there.
Glorfindel nodded his head in agreement. He turned back towards the trees and closed his eyes briefly. When he turned to face the twins again they could see a slight frown on the normally composed features.
"I can also feel a watchfulness there."
Elladan and Elrohir nodded their heads. They could do nothing about that. It was up to their father now.
******
Back in Rivendell Elrond stopped his pacing as he felt a sense of urgency. It was coming from two different sources, one from her, and the other from his sons.
Wherever there was they were at it and needed help. Elrond sat down at his desk in his private study and took a deep breath. Doubt was again entered his mind. What if this did not work? If not, what would happen to his sons and his friend? By attempting this was he putting all of Imladris in danger from being seen?
No, he had to stop this and make a choice right now of whether to try it or not. They decision was already made really. He had planned trying this with Glorfindel and he intended to keep up his end. Elrond took another calming breath and concentrated.
*****
As Glorfindel, Elladan, and Elrohir sat on their horses a brief surge of tingled through them. For a short moment a calmness usually only felt at home washed through them.
"Do you think that meant it worked," Elrohir said quietly.
"If it did, is it still happening?"
Glorfindel looked at the two younger elves.
"Whether it did or not we are now faced with the choice of whether to go on or not. Carn Dum must lie on the other side of these woods and I have a feeling that that is where our missing friends will be."
"As I said before, I will go all the way to Carn Dum if I must. My decision is already made."
"I am with Elladan my friend. I will go wherever I must."
Glorfindel nodded his head.
"Very well, then let us continue and see what we shall see."
*****
What was he thinking these thoughts weren't normal?
He knew that and yet he couldn't convince himself that they were wrong either. If other beings were too weak to take control, why shouldn't someone stronger do it? He was of a stronger race by far than most others, so why shouldn't he use that advantage? If others were so weak how could it be wrong?
****
Aragorn who was sitting beside Legolas decided to try his luck again. He hesitantly reached out his hand and placed it on his friend's shoulder. He was relieved when Legolas did not recoil from his touch. Of course the fact that he didn't seem to notice was worrisome also and the fact that Legolas still felt cool to the touch. What was happening? He tried calling to his friend again, with still no response.
***
What did humans, who ruined everything they touched, know? Weak, short- lived race. And these orcs. Pathetic grueling creatures, all of them. What about his own kin? They could be so great if only they would not content themselves to lurk in the shadows of the miserable humans. After all the elves were here first. Arda belonged to them! Not to the humans. They shouldn't be forced into small pockets of space that the humans didn't want. They were better than that. He was better than that. They were stronger. He was stronger and suddenly he knew who could show him the way! He was finally free to think on his own and he knew what he was to do!
******
"No!" Malayrn screamed as her link with the Legolas was abruptly cut off. It had not been blocked from Valdumus: the elf had severed it. She had failed!
No, no, no she practically cried. He was stronger than that. She knew it. This shouldn't be happening. She cried alone in the darkness. She had failed him. Valdumus had been the stronger and now the elf was doomed.
******
"Yes," Valdumus cried into the quiet room as he stood up. The sudden outburst startled the poor orc standing next to him and Ulak fell backwards with a squeak.
Valdumus saw the orc topple over and when he started to laugh Ulak was looking at him like he had three heads.
"Oh, get up you detestable creature. Finally," said more to himself, "finally, he has taken the morsel I have offered."
Valdumus laughed once again.
"He is mine now."
******
Glorfindel, Elladan, and Elrohir passed under the canopy. It was twilight outside, but as they entered the trees it was very dark. The only source of light was the luminescent glow the three elves gave off.
"It is far warmer in here," said Elladan peering around suspiciously.
"And very dark," Elrohir finished.
"Could they not have found a more pleasant place for us to have to come?"
Glorfindel smiled to himself at the two younger elves. They could be traveling through Mordor itself and would still find the time to tease. He stroked the horse's neck trying to keep the animal calm. He could feel that the horse really did not like being here and it was only adding to it skittishness.
A howl cut through darkness from close by and the nervous horses began to panic. The tree elves tried to reassure them, but the horse Elrohir was riding was not listening to the comforting words. He let out a loud wine and reared up unexpectedly sending its rider flying off and into the undergrowth. Elladan called to his brother as Glorfindel tried to grab for the frightened animal. With all of his speed the horse bolted before Glorfindel could reach it and it took off in the opposite direction.
Elladan and Glorfindel turned their heads in the direction from which the howl originated when they heard movement, lots of movement, in that direction. Glorfindel drew his bow as Elladan continued to scan the darkness. Great they had just entered here and they were already getting into trouble. And where by the Valar was his brother?
******
Aragorn was so preoccupied that he did not notice someone approach them.
"Time to gets going. And who said yous could untie yourselves!"
The ranger looked up and his jaw clenched as he recognized the orc in front of him as the one that had introduced him to the tree earlier. This must be the leader Grimnosh and the thought made Aragorn's blood boil. He had unfinished business with this one.
"Is your brain addled? I said time to go. Gets up!"
Aragorn looked to Legolas who had not moved and his breath caught in his throat as Legolas' glow dimmed to almost none existent.
"Valar," he breathed forgetting that he was supposes to be angry with the orc.
"I said come on!" Grimnosh growled as he nudged the elf who seemed to be ignoring him completely.
At that Legolas did lift his head. He glanced at Aragorn and then looked up at Grimnosh.
When he looked at Aragorn the ranger held his breath this time. The strange dark eyes stared back at him and not the bright blue ones that should have been there. The difference now was that their dark depths were not filled with anger, but with a cold and emotionless glint.
******
TBC...
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White Wolf - I'm glad you liked the two perspectives. It is how I imagine the two to take things differently. Thank you again for pointing that out. I definitely will correct it! :) Thanks again for the review and with sticking with the story!! Any chance of a new chapter anytime soon? (It doesn't hurt to ask, huh?)
Sprout - Hope all your papers are done and that they went well! Thranduil will be one of the many in the story from now on. None of him in this chapter, though. Don't worry, he will be back soon. You're right, if Legolas was himself he would rather be poisoned right now. Of course I didn't exactly tell you what happened, but I'm sure you can guess. You like the word wroth as well? Great word! Strange people are always welcome at this story!! Considering the author is odd...
Karri - Thanks for the good wished. I needed them. Yep, Aragorn is up and now so is Legolas, and at the same time too. Well now it looks like things are going down hill for the 'three musketeers' now. Course you are right! I would feel as though I let everyone down if I left things to peachy for too long. ;)
goblz - Thank you and once again thank for the review! Poor Legolas for the last one? Now you can say poor Legolas. Muah, ah, ah!
Tithen Min - You are sooo sweet. You love this story? Hurray!! No bashing in this chapter. :( But there is always the next one. It is looking hopeful for our twins to get knocked around a bit. :P I'm glad you found that line amusing!! I liked it as well. I think Grimnosh coming after me would be scary, but *whew* you're right, he is my character. Course he is hard to control...You're not the only one confused. ;) Who is Niedor again?