Here we go! The Last chapter!! Remember I said if you guys wanted a sequel
it would effect how this chapter went! Well, people wanted one so I will
write one and this chapter was molded to support one. So when you get to
the end don't be too angry! There is more to come soon! You have been
warned.
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The Choices We Make
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Chapter 19 Rise of a New Nightmare
What is to give light must endure the burning
- Eleanor Roosevelt
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Elrohir was the first to move and he groaned as he rolled over. His already injured knee protested loudly at being slammed into by the orc. Elrohir saw Legolas lying near him and Estel a short distance away. He wanted to run to them, but the orcs who had busted in the door where stirring as well and if they got in no one would rise again. Grabbing his sword Elrohir pushed himself up to his feet sucking in his breath as his injured knee almost gave out sending him back to the floor. By the time Elrohir reached the door a few orcs where already up. He turned sharply as a movement beside him drew his attention and he turned to find Aragorn, hands finally free, coming up behind him.
"It's about time," Aragorn said smiling as he came up beside his brother.
"If you would only learn to stay out of trouble there would be no need," Elrohir replied.
Aragorn gave a good-natured snort.
"Look who is talking," Aragorn said as he stabbed an orc through the neck.
Elrohir only smiled at his younger brother. He looked down to see Elladan half buried under an orc and the orc was arising first. Elrohir's eyes narrowed at the orc and he kicked the thing in the head and off his brother. Aragorn stepped in and grabbed the stunned Elladan by the shoulders and dragged him back from the door. The elf winced at the contact, but did not resist the movement glad to be away from the foul creatures.
Elrohir heard the Mirkwood elves outside the room finally and the orcs, now that their master and leader were dead, did not have any fight left. Reluctantly they threw down their weapons as opposed to the alternative.
Elladan was still somewhat groggy and clearly in pain, but he shooed Aragorn away to look after someone else. Aragorn hesitated briefly then nodded and rose. He rushed over and knelt down next to Legolas who had not moved yet. The elf was deathly pale and lying there with his eyes closed. Aragorn said a silent prayer to the Valar as he checked for a pulse. They had not gone through the nightmare that was the past few days only to lose his friend now that it was all over.
*****
Elrohir heard the other elves in the hall outside and the orcs were suddenly more concerned with them instead of the people in the room. He turned as Aragorn left Elladan and took the ranger's place beside his brother. Before he reached his brother Elladan gave him the same annoyed shoo he gave Estel. Elrohir looked on in concern at his brother, but obeyed and walked past him. Where was Glorfindel?
Elrohir rushed past Elladan, grimaced as he saw an orc missing its head, and stopped in surprise at what he saw. He saw the golden-haired elf crumpled next to the wall, but there was no sight of the foe he had faced. As Elrohir had hit the floor he could have sworn he saw Glorfindel run his sword through the fiend. The elf's sword was lying on the floor, but nothing else. Where in Middle Earth was the thing's body?
Pushing past his surprise Elrohir ran towards his friend. Glorfindel was half lying on the floor and half propped up by the wall with his golden hair obscuring his face. Elrohir saw the older elf's dark blood already pooling out beneath him.
"Nys, nys, nys," he whispered as he ran over and knelt down. //no//
*****
The ranger let out an unsteady breath as he found one. The elf's pulse was weak, his breathing shallow, and his skin was cold to the touch. 'Not again,' Aragorn thought somewhat desperately. Aragorn took his cloak off and wrapped the elf in it. No matter how hard he tried to wake Legolas up the elf would not stir. Aragorn could only hope that with the death of that horrible thing Legolas' mind was not addled or worse. The ranger cradled his unconscious friend close to him. He realized he was rocking now as well. Aragorn saw the first pale light of dawn shining into the room.
"Look my friend, we can finally see the light," he said quietly.
*****
Elladan winced as he tried to rise. Yes, those had to be broken ribs and perhaps a broken collarbone as well. Well, at least they were alive. He gritted his teeth and got unsteadily to his feet. He couldn't stop the groan that escaped as he was assaulted by a wave of lightheadedness. It passed after a couple of deep breaths and he scanned the room. Estel was cradling Legolas and Elrohir took off towards the far wall where he guessed Glorfindel probably was. 'Well, maybe everyone is not alive after all' he thought grimly. Elladan did not know whom to go to first. Estel seemed to have everything under control and Elladan figured that if anything were still wrong with Legolas the only one who might help him now was their father. Grabbing at things for support as he ran Elladan rushed to follow his brother.
*****
Elrohir knelt down next to Glorfindel. He swept the golden hair out of his friend's face and held his breath as his fear built inside. Glorfindel's features were so pale dark circles appeared under his closed eyes. Elrohir felt for a pulse with a slightly shaky hand and took a steadying breath when he felt a rapid one. The elf's skin was cool and clammy. Besides the many claw marks his friend sported Elrohir could not see any obvious wound to account for the amount of blood his friend was losing.
Elrohir looked up as Elladan knelt beside him. Elladan's eyes reflected his own concern. Glorfindel, like their father, was usually there to comfort them in times of need or uncertainty and it was unnerving to see the usually solid figure so frail.
Deciding the injury must lie on the other side Elrohir gingerly lowered the fair-haired elf into a lying position and, not caring about the blood covering him, half cradled the injured elf.
The movement jarred the injury sending an overwhelming stab of pain through Glorfindel and his eyes fluttered open. He clenched his teeth together to hold back the groan.
Elrohir and Elladan were elated to see the older elf's eyes open.
"Amin hiraetha," Elrohir whispered, "but I must see what is wrong." //I'm sorry //
Glorfindel nodded slightly and Elladan and Elrohir turned the fair-haired elf over as gently as they could to lie on his stomach. Elladan and Elrohir saw the problem immediately and exchanged concerned looks. The wound could not be treated with the blade still in there.
"I will do it," Elladan suggested.
"We can not remove the dagger until we are ready to treat the wound," Elrohir said.
"Do you have someplace better in mind?" Elladan snapped.
"I am sorry brother," Elladan continued before Elrohir had a chance to say anything.
"Stop bickering and just do it," Glorfindel said quietly, his thoughts already becoming cloudy.
*****
Aragorn did not even pay attention to what was happening around him so he did not hear the other elves finally break into the room. He was extremely worried about Legolas, but the non stop pace of the last few days combined with the stress had been exhausting and as he sat there rocking he was doing a pretty good job of practically rocking his own self to sleep. A light touch on the shoulder made him look up and Aragorn almost fell over in surprise.
"Nienor! How...?"
The golden-haired maid smiled down at the human and knelt down next to the two. She reached out and gently brushed a stray lock of hair out of Legolas' face.
"What have you gotten yourself into this time cousin?" she asked sadly.
Aragorn still stared dumbstruck at the maid, his mind too tired to figure out how it could be that Legolas' cousin was kneeling next to him.
"It's not that I am not relieved beyond words or anything that you are here, but how and why?"
"There will be time for explanations later my young ranger. Just know that it is over," she said lifting Aragorn's chin to look at her.
******
Elrohir sighed and nodded. He took his cloak off and tore a few long strips off of it. He took one of the strips and prepared himself. Elladan took his off also and laid it down beside them. A brief thought went through Elladan's mind of whether he could do this to a friend or not, but he steeled himself for he had to. Elladan reached out and grabbed a hold of the hilt and looked to Glorfindel. He saw the elf tense slightly, held his own breath, and with a steady, sure motion removed the blade. Elladan's heart went out to the older elf as he felt Glorfindel convulse in pain at the movement, but the only sound he made was a slight groan. Elladan had to bite back his own groan as his right shoulder down to his arm protested in pain at the cracked or broken bone getting jerked.
As soon as Elladan removed the knife Elrohir took the makeshift bandage and applied pressure to the wound. He felt the elf beneath him shivering, whether from the blood loss or in pain he could not tell. He caught Elladan's eye and hide a frown when he noticed his brother's own pained expression.
Elladan bent over further so he could see his friend's face. Glorfindel's lips where pale and further inspection reveled the elf's palms were as well. Elladan had to push his fear aside when the other elf's eyes started to drift shut.
"Glorfindel," he said sternly tapping the elf's clammy hand, "come on stay awake, you know better than that."
Elladan was rewarded when Glorfindel's eyes open slightly to look up at the younger elf and a faint trace of a weak smile pulled at the corners of his mouth. The cloth Elrohir was applying pressure with became soaked so he grabbed another piece of the cloak and pressed it down over the old one. Elladan wrapped his own cloak around the prone elf as best he could and looked up at Elrohir.
"I will see what else I can find, keep him awake."
Elrohir simply nodded as Elladan rose. He would remember to tell his brother that he knew what he was doing later.
*****
Over.
Aragorn sighed.
This nightmare was over.
Aragorn smiled up at Nienor. Everything was over and would be fine. He had to believe that. He looked down to Legolas and, maybe it was just wishful thinking, but the elf was already regaining some color in his complexion. Maybe all his friend needed was rest. Legolas had received little of that recently after all. Aragorn checked his friend's pulse again and was relived that it too was already stronger and the elf's breathing was steadier. Had Aragorn not been so tired he would have laughed. Instead he settled for a genuine smile. Nienor brushed the young human's face when she saw the smile.
"You look like you could use some rest as well," she said merrily.
'If she only knew,' Aragorn thought already feeling his eyelids getting heavy. With Legolas resting and his brothers and Glorfindel here all the ranger wanted to do was curl up on the floor and sleep. He heard the maid beside him chuckle, but he did not mind. The sound of elven laughter was all the more comforting and he caught his eyes drifting shut.
The sound of an elven shout snapped his eyes back open, though.
"Estel," Elladan called as he ran up to the three.
Aragorn looked up to see his brother approach him quickly.
Elladan's gaze swept from Aragorn to Legolas.
"Are you and Legolas alright?" Elladan asked.
"Legolas is still unconscious, but he has a strong pulse and does not appear to be in pain. Already he his looking better."
"And you?" Elladan pressed.
"I am well, just tired I think and..."
At conformation that his little brother and friend were doing well Elladan did not wait for Aragorn to finish his sentence. He turned abruptly to Nienor and seemed to notice her for the first time.
"Nienor? How...? Never mind. Later. Did you happen to bring any blankets with you? Or cloaks would be fine."
Nienor and Aragorn, especially Aragorn's tired mind, looked at Elladan expectantly not quite understanding the question.
"Elladan, stop chatting!" Elrohir's voice floated across the room.
Aragorn did not know what was going on, but Elrohir's tone, his other brother's haste, and, now that he paid attention, the lack of Glorfindel gave him a sense of foreboding.
Elladan took a breath and forced the question out slower this time.
"Nienor, did you bring any blankets with you, if not I am afraid I must ask a few or your people for their cloaks. I need them to keep Glorfindel warm."
Nienor snapped out of her daze.
"Of course, we were packed for speed so unfortunately we do not have any blankets, but any of us would gladly give you whatever you need to save Glorfindel, just let us know," Nienor answered taking off her cloak and handing it to Elladan.
She called to a few of her kin tying the prisoners up and they offered their cloaks without complaint. Elladan took them gratefully and ran back over to where Glorfindel was lying.
Aragorn could not remember the last time he saw Elladan that apprehensive. After all that had happened he did not want to leave Legolas' side, but if Glorfindel was injured enough that he was going into shock then he owed it to the older to see if he could help. The only reason Glorfindel was here in the first place was because of him and his inability to get Legolas and himself away from this cursed land sooner. He was responsible for getting two friends hurt, but he was not going to let either of them die. He looked to Nienor and she seemed to read what he was thinking from his expression. She smiled reassuringly at him.
"Go on, I will stay with Legolas. I have put up with him for millennia now, I think I can stand it a little longer," she winced at the ranger and took a hold of her cousin and cradled him instead.
Aragorn gave her a strained smile and rose to follow his brother.
Except for the spot where Elrohir was still applying pressure the twins had Glorfindel wrapped up so snuggly it was a good thing he did not feel like moving. Aragorn took in all the blood and how pale his friend looked as he ran over and knelt down next to Elladan. He tried to remind himself that it only seemed like a lot of blood because Glorfindel was a friend and it probably was not that bad. At least he tried to keep telling himself that.
"What can I do?" Aragorn asked.
"And what can we do?"
All three turned their heads to see a small group of elves standing near them.
Elladan smiled appreciatively up at them.
"Why don't you get those things," he said pointing to the miserable orcs tied up in the corner, "out of here. I am sure not having their foul presence around will help."
The elf that had asked the question simply nodded.
"And," Aragorn began hesitantly, "well, Legolas as not seen the sun for awhile now. He might rest more peacefully outside in the open where he can finally see the sun."
The warrior smiled warmly at the human and nodded again. A few of the elves and Nienor escorted their unconscious prince outside first before the orcs were removed from the room. Aragorn desperately wanted to go with Legolas, but the elven prince did not appear to be in danger of dying at the moment. His other friend did he realized as he looked worriedly down at the golden- haired elf. Aragorn did not think it possibly, but Glorfindel's face was even paler than it was a minute ago and the elf was seriously struggling to remain alert now.
They did not have the proper supplies to stitch the wound and Elrohir shook his head in frustration. The bleeding would not slow and he was running out of cloth. Soon he would have to start ripping up one of the cloaks they had wrapped around the injured elf.
Elladan on the other hand would not stop talking. He was saying everything he could think of to try and keep Glorfindel talking to him. This tactic became useless after awhile and soon he was just trying to keep the fair- haired elf awake.
Aragorn watched in helpless frustration for he could do nothing. This was too much like watching Legolas suffer one of the frightening attacks where he could nothing at all but watch. He realized with a heavy heart that both cases were his fault. Aragorn's nerves could not take anymore of this and he wanted to scream. Was this accursed land destined to make everyone he cared about suffer?
The door banged open before the ranger yelled out loud and the elf they had talked to shortly ago ran in.
"Pardon lords, but I thought you would want to know. Prince Legolas is gone."
"Gone?" Aragorn asked in confusion and his voice rising in frustration, "what do you mean gone?"
"We made the Prince as comfortable as we may and turned our attention to the other wounded and the prisoners. He attacked lady Nienor and disappeared when no one was watching."
"Is she alright?" Elrohir asked.
"I believe so," the elf answered nodding, "but she is not very pleased."
Aragorn really was going to yell or cry now. What was the elf thinking? Was he even himself anymore? Was the Legolas he knew gone? Or maybe he was still confused and he thought he was in danger for some reason. Aragorn desperately hoped it was something like the later.
"How could this be happening? This nightmare was supposed to be over," he whispered out loud.
"Is anyone looking for him?" Elrohir asked the elf.
"Yes lord. Others are searching as we speak, but an elf not wishing to be found is hard to follow."
"Yes, but a ranger really wanting to find someone is hard to lose," Aragorn said determinedly.
Elladan's voice, which had been constantly in the background speaking to the injured elf, cut through their conversation when he cried out.
"No! Come on wake up! Please my friend! Open your eyes back up, you can do it!"
Elladan was actually shaking Glorfindel now and Elrohir looked down in horror as he realized the elf beneath his hands, except for his brother's shaking, was not moving.
Aragorn swore he would have been sick if he were not so frightened that he could not breath. Legolas and Glorfindel were two of his friends that he cared enough about to practically consider family.
This was a nightmare, he decided, and they were all trapped inside it.
A nightmare that had just stolen two of his family.
******
The End!!
*****
The end? Did I just write the end!?! *Cackles evilly* Yes, I did!
But what about Legolas! Will Glorfindel make it? And darn it you didn't even mention what happened to Elrond! Sorry gang, this is the end of The Choices We Make. ;) Hey, I have to have something to draw you back to the sequel now don't I?
Final comments about how what you thought of this chapter or especially the story on a whole would be greatly appreciated, as this is my first fanfic remember. ;) The more reviews that come in the faster the sequel will come and the faster we start a new adventure!! Oh yea, and find out what happens to everyone.
*****
I wanted to send out a special thanks to Karri, Sprout, and Tithen Min. You guys have stuck with me through the entire story and reviewed it all!!!!! I love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't say how much I appreciate your support. *Hugs you all*
And thanks to White wolf for joining me later on! And thanks to everyone who ever reviewed. Your reviews were welcomed warmly. I loved them all!
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tapetum lucidum - I am very pleased you liked it!! I was out of breath when I wrote it! It took quite a while. Indiana Jones? You have no idea how flattering that comment is! I love you! Well Glorfindel is still hanging in there for the mean time, or his he? Muah, ah, ah! Yeah poor Elrohir. And I know I would definitely be distracted standing in front of Legolas... what was I saying? Aragorn's hands are free, finally! But he is going to need more than that to help Legolas now. And I am flattered again by the last comment. Did I already say I love you?
Rhonda - I know I have an addiction to angst and torture. I really should get help. ;) But where would be the fun in that? Thanks for the review! Hope to hear from you for this chapter as well.
Cheysuli - Here you go!! Hope you liked it!!
White wolf - Glad you liked the battle and thank you!! Well it looks like some of the characters might make it through this story after all. And you get your wish! A sequel!! Yea!! Because people would probably kill me if I ended the story like this and did not sequel it. ;) Hope you liked the finish! *Looks around for anyone* White wolf??? And when the heck is chapter 10 going to be posted?! Yells, ever so politely, though. ;)
Nilbrethiliel - Yep, there was a chapter left. Whether it lowers your stress levels or not though... And yea, there is going to be a sequel! So far everyone is going to be in it, well, the ones who survive anyway. *Cackles evilly* Ahem, I like them all also! Thank you very much for the comment!! Evil? Yes, yes... *taps fingers menacingly* I warned everyone that I am known for it.
xsilicax - Actually now you can call me evil, muah, ah, ah!! Hey, this is a SUSPENCE story after all, ha, ha, ha! Ahem, sorry, have to learn to control those maniacal rants... Elrond? Elrond who? Oh, doh yea. Opps, I guess I left everyone hanging about him, huh? Poor Glor, he might need a little help staying warm now instead of Aragorn! Well, my dear you will get your sequel, as for everyone being well... *looks innocently* Well everyone is still alive, does that count? Man, did you catch up fast. When you said you were reading this story I expected a review, like much later, but you caught up with me!!
Tithen Min - Yep, both of them are alive at the moment. At least for the "moment." Muah, ah, ah! Too much suspense? He, he, he. How is your stress level now mellon nin? I am glad you like the action! Ch. 18 took a long time to write. Can't wait to hear from you at the sequel! Or, actually, I suppose at the next post of Fading Light, which is the next chapter I am going to write. ;)
Sprout - You know, Aragorn's day is just going downhill, and it's only like dawn! Well I think everyone will be happy I didn't kill everyone, don't you think? Glad you like the chance for Glorfindel to kick some a... ahem, you know get the bad guy. ;) I suppose this cliffie is worse, just for the fact that it is THE END!! Ha, ha, ha! But how else is a "suspense" story supposed to end? Hope to see you back at the sequel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Karri - Wee? Little? Eek, *falls out of chair* that was like 22 pages in word. My internship paper wasn't even that long! Poor Legolas, I guess no one knows what happened to him, huh? And Glorfindel!! AI! I am soooo mean. Glorfindel is lucky I like him a lot. I suppose I have a thing for blondes as well! Pretty elves... what was I saying? Well the last chapter is here! Although I don't know how much fans are going to like me after this chapter. I wasn't my fault, honest! There has to be some sort of temptation for the sequel. Which I hope I will see you at!!! And, *looks on with big puppy eyes* any more stories of your coming up soon?
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The Choices We Make
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Chapter 19 Rise of a New Nightmare
What is to give light must endure the burning
- Eleanor Roosevelt
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Elrohir was the first to move and he groaned as he rolled over. His already injured knee protested loudly at being slammed into by the orc. Elrohir saw Legolas lying near him and Estel a short distance away. He wanted to run to them, but the orcs who had busted in the door where stirring as well and if they got in no one would rise again. Grabbing his sword Elrohir pushed himself up to his feet sucking in his breath as his injured knee almost gave out sending him back to the floor. By the time Elrohir reached the door a few orcs where already up. He turned sharply as a movement beside him drew his attention and he turned to find Aragorn, hands finally free, coming up behind him.
"It's about time," Aragorn said smiling as he came up beside his brother.
"If you would only learn to stay out of trouble there would be no need," Elrohir replied.
Aragorn gave a good-natured snort.
"Look who is talking," Aragorn said as he stabbed an orc through the neck.
Elrohir only smiled at his younger brother. He looked down to see Elladan half buried under an orc and the orc was arising first. Elrohir's eyes narrowed at the orc and he kicked the thing in the head and off his brother. Aragorn stepped in and grabbed the stunned Elladan by the shoulders and dragged him back from the door. The elf winced at the contact, but did not resist the movement glad to be away from the foul creatures.
Elrohir heard the Mirkwood elves outside the room finally and the orcs, now that their master and leader were dead, did not have any fight left. Reluctantly they threw down their weapons as opposed to the alternative.
Elladan was still somewhat groggy and clearly in pain, but he shooed Aragorn away to look after someone else. Aragorn hesitated briefly then nodded and rose. He rushed over and knelt down next to Legolas who had not moved yet. The elf was deathly pale and lying there with his eyes closed. Aragorn said a silent prayer to the Valar as he checked for a pulse. They had not gone through the nightmare that was the past few days only to lose his friend now that it was all over.
*****
Elrohir heard the other elves in the hall outside and the orcs were suddenly more concerned with them instead of the people in the room. He turned as Aragorn left Elladan and took the ranger's place beside his brother. Before he reached his brother Elladan gave him the same annoyed shoo he gave Estel. Elrohir looked on in concern at his brother, but obeyed and walked past him. Where was Glorfindel?
Elrohir rushed past Elladan, grimaced as he saw an orc missing its head, and stopped in surprise at what he saw. He saw the golden-haired elf crumpled next to the wall, but there was no sight of the foe he had faced. As Elrohir had hit the floor he could have sworn he saw Glorfindel run his sword through the fiend. The elf's sword was lying on the floor, but nothing else. Where in Middle Earth was the thing's body?
Pushing past his surprise Elrohir ran towards his friend. Glorfindel was half lying on the floor and half propped up by the wall with his golden hair obscuring his face. Elrohir saw the older elf's dark blood already pooling out beneath him.
"Nys, nys, nys," he whispered as he ran over and knelt down. //no//
*****
The ranger let out an unsteady breath as he found one. The elf's pulse was weak, his breathing shallow, and his skin was cold to the touch. 'Not again,' Aragorn thought somewhat desperately. Aragorn took his cloak off and wrapped the elf in it. No matter how hard he tried to wake Legolas up the elf would not stir. Aragorn could only hope that with the death of that horrible thing Legolas' mind was not addled or worse. The ranger cradled his unconscious friend close to him. He realized he was rocking now as well. Aragorn saw the first pale light of dawn shining into the room.
"Look my friend, we can finally see the light," he said quietly.
*****
Elladan winced as he tried to rise. Yes, those had to be broken ribs and perhaps a broken collarbone as well. Well, at least they were alive. He gritted his teeth and got unsteadily to his feet. He couldn't stop the groan that escaped as he was assaulted by a wave of lightheadedness. It passed after a couple of deep breaths and he scanned the room. Estel was cradling Legolas and Elrohir took off towards the far wall where he guessed Glorfindel probably was. 'Well, maybe everyone is not alive after all' he thought grimly. Elladan did not know whom to go to first. Estel seemed to have everything under control and Elladan figured that if anything were still wrong with Legolas the only one who might help him now was their father. Grabbing at things for support as he ran Elladan rushed to follow his brother.
*****
Elrohir knelt down next to Glorfindel. He swept the golden hair out of his friend's face and held his breath as his fear built inside. Glorfindel's features were so pale dark circles appeared under his closed eyes. Elrohir felt for a pulse with a slightly shaky hand and took a steadying breath when he felt a rapid one. The elf's skin was cool and clammy. Besides the many claw marks his friend sported Elrohir could not see any obvious wound to account for the amount of blood his friend was losing.
Elrohir looked up as Elladan knelt beside him. Elladan's eyes reflected his own concern. Glorfindel, like their father, was usually there to comfort them in times of need or uncertainty and it was unnerving to see the usually solid figure so frail.
Deciding the injury must lie on the other side Elrohir gingerly lowered the fair-haired elf into a lying position and, not caring about the blood covering him, half cradled the injured elf.
The movement jarred the injury sending an overwhelming stab of pain through Glorfindel and his eyes fluttered open. He clenched his teeth together to hold back the groan.
Elrohir and Elladan were elated to see the older elf's eyes open.
"Amin hiraetha," Elrohir whispered, "but I must see what is wrong." //I'm sorry //
Glorfindel nodded slightly and Elladan and Elrohir turned the fair-haired elf over as gently as they could to lie on his stomach. Elladan and Elrohir saw the problem immediately and exchanged concerned looks. The wound could not be treated with the blade still in there.
"I will do it," Elladan suggested.
"We can not remove the dagger until we are ready to treat the wound," Elrohir said.
"Do you have someplace better in mind?" Elladan snapped.
"I am sorry brother," Elladan continued before Elrohir had a chance to say anything.
"Stop bickering and just do it," Glorfindel said quietly, his thoughts already becoming cloudy.
*****
Aragorn did not even pay attention to what was happening around him so he did not hear the other elves finally break into the room. He was extremely worried about Legolas, but the non stop pace of the last few days combined with the stress had been exhausting and as he sat there rocking he was doing a pretty good job of practically rocking his own self to sleep. A light touch on the shoulder made him look up and Aragorn almost fell over in surprise.
"Nienor! How...?"
The golden-haired maid smiled down at the human and knelt down next to the two. She reached out and gently brushed a stray lock of hair out of Legolas' face.
"What have you gotten yourself into this time cousin?" she asked sadly.
Aragorn still stared dumbstruck at the maid, his mind too tired to figure out how it could be that Legolas' cousin was kneeling next to him.
"It's not that I am not relieved beyond words or anything that you are here, but how and why?"
"There will be time for explanations later my young ranger. Just know that it is over," she said lifting Aragorn's chin to look at her.
******
Elrohir sighed and nodded. He took his cloak off and tore a few long strips off of it. He took one of the strips and prepared himself. Elladan took his off also and laid it down beside them. A brief thought went through Elladan's mind of whether he could do this to a friend or not, but he steeled himself for he had to. Elladan reached out and grabbed a hold of the hilt and looked to Glorfindel. He saw the elf tense slightly, held his own breath, and with a steady, sure motion removed the blade. Elladan's heart went out to the older elf as he felt Glorfindel convulse in pain at the movement, but the only sound he made was a slight groan. Elladan had to bite back his own groan as his right shoulder down to his arm protested in pain at the cracked or broken bone getting jerked.
As soon as Elladan removed the knife Elrohir took the makeshift bandage and applied pressure to the wound. He felt the elf beneath him shivering, whether from the blood loss or in pain he could not tell. He caught Elladan's eye and hide a frown when he noticed his brother's own pained expression.
Elladan bent over further so he could see his friend's face. Glorfindel's lips where pale and further inspection reveled the elf's palms were as well. Elladan had to push his fear aside when the other elf's eyes started to drift shut.
"Glorfindel," he said sternly tapping the elf's clammy hand, "come on stay awake, you know better than that."
Elladan was rewarded when Glorfindel's eyes open slightly to look up at the younger elf and a faint trace of a weak smile pulled at the corners of his mouth. The cloth Elrohir was applying pressure with became soaked so he grabbed another piece of the cloak and pressed it down over the old one. Elladan wrapped his own cloak around the prone elf as best he could and looked up at Elrohir.
"I will see what else I can find, keep him awake."
Elrohir simply nodded as Elladan rose. He would remember to tell his brother that he knew what he was doing later.
*****
Over.
Aragorn sighed.
This nightmare was over.
Aragorn smiled up at Nienor. Everything was over and would be fine. He had to believe that. He looked down to Legolas and, maybe it was just wishful thinking, but the elf was already regaining some color in his complexion. Maybe all his friend needed was rest. Legolas had received little of that recently after all. Aragorn checked his friend's pulse again and was relived that it too was already stronger and the elf's breathing was steadier. Had Aragorn not been so tired he would have laughed. Instead he settled for a genuine smile. Nienor brushed the young human's face when she saw the smile.
"You look like you could use some rest as well," she said merrily.
'If she only knew,' Aragorn thought already feeling his eyelids getting heavy. With Legolas resting and his brothers and Glorfindel here all the ranger wanted to do was curl up on the floor and sleep. He heard the maid beside him chuckle, but he did not mind. The sound of elven laughter was all the more comforting and he caught his eyes drifting shut.
The sound of an elven shout snapped his eyes back open, though.
"Estel," Elladan called as he ran up to the three.
Aragorn looked up to see his brother approach him quickly.
Elladan's gaze swept from Aragorn to Legolas.
"Are you and Legolas alright?" Elladan asked.
"Legolas is still unconscious, but he has a strong pulse and does not appear to be in pain. Already he his looking better."
"And you?" Elladan pressed.
"I am well, just tired I think and..."
At conformation that his little brother and friend were doing well Elladan did not wait for Aragorn to finish his sentence. He turned abruptly to Nienor and seemed to notice her for the first time.
"Nienor? How...? Never mind. Later. Did you happen to bring any blankets with you? Or cloaks would be fine."
Nienor and Aragorn, especially Aragorn's tired mind, looked at Elladan expectantly not quite understanding the question.
"Elladan, stop chatting!" Elrohir's voice floated across the room.
Aragorn did not know what was going on, but Elrohir's tone, his other brother's haste, and, now that he paid attention, the lack of Glorfindel gave him a sense of foreboding.
Elladan took a breath and forced the question out slower this time.
"Nienor, did you bring any blankets with you, if not I am afraid I must ask a few or your people for their cloaks. I need them to keep Glorfindel warm."
Nienor snapped out of her daze.
"Of course, we were packed for speed so unfortunately we do not have any blankets, but any of us would gladly give you whatever you need to save Glorfindel, just let us know," Nienor answered taking off her cloak and handing it to Elladan.
She called to a few of her kin tying the prisoners up and they offered their cloaks without complaint. Elladan took them gratefully and ran back over to where Glorfindel was lying.
Aragorn could not remember the last time he saw Elladan that apprehensive. After all that had happened he did not want to leave Legolas' side, but if Glorfindel was injured enough that he was going into shock then he owed it to the older to see if he could help. The only reason Glorfindel was here in the first place was because of him and his inability to get Legolas and himself away from this cursed land sooner. He was responsible for getting two friends hurt, but he was not going to let either of them die. He looked to Nienor and she seemed to read what he was thinking from his expression. She smiled reassuringly at him.
"Go on, I will stay with Legolas. I have put up with him for millennia now, I think I can stand it a little longer," she winced at the ranger and took a hold of her cousin and cradled him instead.
Aragorn gave her a strained smile and rose to follow his brother.
Except for the spot where Elrohir was still applying pressure the twins had Glorfindel wrapped up so snuggly it was a good thing he did not feel like moving. Aragorn took in all the blood and how pale his friend looked as he ran over and knelt down next to Elladan. He tried to remind himself that it only seemed like a lot of blood because Glorfindel was a friend and it probably was not that bad. At least he tried to keep telling himself that.
"What can I do?" Aragorn asked.
"And what can we do?"
All three turned their heads to see a small group of elves standing near them.
Elladan smiled appreciatively up at them.
"Why don't you get those things," he said pointing to the miserable orcs tied up in the corner, "out of here. I am sure not having their foul presence around will help."
The elf that had asked the question simply nodded.
"And," Aragorn began hesitantly, "well, Legolas as not seen the sun for awhile now. He might rest more peacefully outside in the open where he can finally see the sun."
The warrior smiled warmly at the human and nodded again. A few of the elves and Nienor escorted their unconscious prince outside first before the orcs were removed from the room. Aragorn desperately wanted to go with Legolas, but the elven prince did not appear to be in danger of dying at the moment. His other friend did he realized as he looked worriedly down at the golden- haired elf. Aragorn did not think it possibly, but Glorfindel's face was even paler than it was a minute ago and the elf was seriously struggling to remain alert now.
They did not have the proper supplies to stitch the wound and Elrohir shook his head in frustration. The bleeding would not slow and he was running out of cloth. Soon he would have to start ripping up one of the cloaks they had wrapped around the injured elf.
Elladan on the other hand would not stop talking. He was saying everything he could think of to try and keep Glorfindel talking to him. This tactic became useless after awhile and soon he was just trying to keep the fair- haired elf awake.
Aragorn watched in helpless frustration for he could do nothing. This was too much like watching Legolas suffer one of the frightening attacks where he could nothing at all but watch. He realized with a heavy heart that both cases were his fault. Aragorn's nerves could not take anymore of this and he wanted to scream. Was this accursed land destined to make everyone he cared about suffer?
The door banged open before the ranger yelled out loud and the elf they had talked to shortly ago ran in.
"Pardon lords, but I thought you would want to know. Prince Legolas is gone."
"Gone?" Aragorn asked in confusion and his voice rising in frustration, "what do you mean gone?"
"We made the Prince as comfortable as we may and turned our attention to the other wounded and the prisoners. He attacked lady Nienor and disappeared when no one was watching."
"Is she alright?" Elrohir asked.
"I believe so," the elf answered nodding, "but she is not very pleased."
Aragorn really was going to yell or cry now. What was the elf thinking? Was he even himself anymore? Was the Legolas he knew gone? Or maybe he was still confused and he thought he was in danger for some reason. Aragorn desperately hoped it was something like the later.
"How could this be happening? This nightmare was supposed to be over," he whispered out loud.
"Is anyone looking for him?" Elrohir asked the elf.
"Yes lord. Others are searching as we speak, but an elf not wishing to be found is hard to follow."
"Yes, but a ranger really wanting to find someone is hard to lose," Aragorn said determinedly.
Elladan's voice, which had been constantly in the background speaking to the injured elf, cut through their conversation when he cried out.
"No! Come on wake up! Please my friend! Open your eyes back up, you can do it!"
Elladan was actually shaking Glorfindel now and Elrohir looked down in horror as he realized the elf beneath his hands, except for his brother's shaking, was not moving.
Aragorn swore he would have been sick if he were not so frightened that he could not breath. Legolas and Glorfindel were two of his friends that he cared enough about to practically consider family.
This was a nightmare, he decided, and they were all trapped inside it.
A nightmare that had just stolen two of his family.
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The End!!
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The end? Did I just write the end!?! *Cackles evilly* Yes, I did!
But what about Legolas! Will Glorfindel make it? And darn it you didn't even mention what happened to Elrond! Sorry gang, this is the end of The Choices We Make. ;) Hey, I have to have something to draw you back to the sequel now don't I?
Final comments about how what you thought of this chapter or especially the story on a whole would be greatly appreciated, as this is my first fanfic remember. ;) The more reviews that come in the faster the sequel will come and the faster we start a new adventure!! Oh yea, and find out what happens to everyone.
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I wanted to send out a special thanks to Karri, Sprout, and Tithen Min. You guys have stuck with me through the entire story and reviewed it all!!!!! I love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't say how much I appreciate your support. *Hugs you all*
And thanks to White wolf for joining me later on! And thanks to everyone who ever reviewed. Your reviews were welcomed warmly. I loved them all!
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tapetum lucidum - I am very pleased you liked it!! I was out of breath when I wrote it! It took quite a while. Indiana Jones? You have no idea how flattering that comment is! I love you! Well Glorfindel is still hanging in there for the mean time, or his he? Muah, ah, ah! Yeah poor Elrohir. And I know I would definitely be distracted standing in front of Legolas... what was I saying? Aragorn's hands are free, finally! But he is going to need more than that to help Legolas now. And I am flattered again by the last comment. Did I already say I love you?
Rhonda - I know I have an addiction to angst and torture. I really should get help. ;) But where would be the fun in that? Thanks for the review! Hope to hear from you for this chapter as well.
Cheysuli - Here you go!! Hope you liked it!!
White wolf - Glad you liked the battle and thank you!! Well it looks like some of the characters might make it through this story after all. And you get your wish! A sequel!! Yea!! Because people would probably kill me if I ended the story like this and did not sequel it. ;) Hope you liked the finish! *Looks around for anyone* White wolf??? And when the heck is chapter 10 going to be posted?! Yells, ever so politely, though. ;)
Nilbrethiliel - Yep, there was a chapter left. Whether it lowers your stress levels or not though... And yea, there is going to be a sequel! So far everyone is going to be in it, well, the ones who survive anyway. *Cackles evilly* Ahem, I like them all also! Thank you very much for the comment!! Evil? Yes, yes... *taps fingers menacingly* I warned everyone that I am known for it.
xsilicax - Actually now you can call me evil, muah, ah, ah!! Hey, this is a SUSPENCE story after all, ha, ha, ha! Ahem, sorry, have to learn to control those maniacal rants... Elrond? Elrond who? Oh, doh yea. Opps, I guess I left everyone hanging about him, huh? Poor Glor, he might need a little help staying warm now instead of Aragorn! Well, my dear you will get your sequel, as for everyone being well... *looks innocently* Well everyone is still alive, does that count? Man, did you catch up fast. When you said you were reading this story I expected a review, like much later, but you caught up with me!!
Tithen Min - Yep, both of them are alive at the moment. At least for the "moment." Muah, ah, ah! Too much suspense? He, he, he. How is your stress level now mellon nin? I am glad you like the action! Ch. 18 took a long time to write. Can't wait to hear from you at the sequel! Or, actually, I suppose at the next post of Fading Light, which is the next chapter I am going to write. ;)
Sprout - You know, Aragorn's day is just going downhill, and it's only like dawn! Well I think everyone will be happy I didn't kill everyone, don't you think? Glad you like the chance for Glorfindel to kick some a... ahem, you know get the bad guy. ;) I suppose this cliffie is worse, just for the fact that it is THE END!! Ha, ha, ha! But how else is a "suspense" story supposed to end? Hope to see you back at the sequel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Karri - Wee? Little? Eek, *falls out of chair* that was like 22 pages in word. My internship paper wasn't even that long! Poor Legolas, I guess no one knows what happened to him, huh? And Glorfindel!! AI! I am soooo mean. Glorfindel is lucky I like him a lot. I suppose I have a thing for blondes as well! Pretty elves... what was I saying? Well the last chapter is here! Although I don't know how much fans are going to like me after this chapter. I wasn't my fault, honest! There has to be some sort of temptation for the sequel. Which I hope I will see you at!!! And, *looks on with big puppy eyes* any more stories of your coming up soon?