-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=- = Dream

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ = Scene change

(Takes place when Ashia is about 14, according to the elves. doesn't start with any of the LotR characters at first. but they'll be here, promise)

"She said life sucks, it's the truth to me, didn't you think it would be better than this? So where's the prize that I was promised, where's my great reward, where's my happiness.?" - More, J Englishmen

Chapter 3

Legolas-The Tainted Prince

"You shall not pass!" Gandalf was standing on the bridge of Khazad-dum, his back to the rest of the Company, facing the Balrog. "I am a servant of the secret fire, wielder of the flame of Anor! YOU SHALL NOT PASS!"

Slamming his staff to the ground the bridge cracked, and still Durin's Bain stepped forward, threatening Gandalf with its flaming whip. The bridge fell, taking the Balrog with it. They thought it was over and Mithrandir sighed, ready to leave the cursed mines. But the Balrog would not go without taking something with it. Its' whip coiled around poor Mithrandir's ankle and dragged him down. His last words to the breaking company were soon drowned out by Frodo's screams, "Fly, you fools."

And that they did, Legolas and the others flew and did not return. His fall affected all of them, some much more than others. None of the small Company had left those mines the same.

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Waking up the next morning was painful for the elf-prince. He did not want this to be real. But that was the curse of elves, to see all that you love whither away, and finally, pass out of Middle-Earth's existence. It was an awful price to pay for immortality, and Legolas would have gladly given it up, for anything at all.

Sitting up, and realizing where he was, he also noticed that Aragorn wasn't there. The others were still sleeping, and the sun had just begun to creep above the trees. The leaves looked like they were on fire, and their voices made Legolas drift away from his worries about Aragorn.

"Good morning, Legolas." The sound of the voice made him jump slightly, but knowing who it was, turned around to greet his friend.

"You sound more careless then you look, Estel." Legolas used the name given to Aragorn by the elves, and was heavily implying that he wondered what was going on in his head.

Aragorn ignored this and asked, "How was your sleep? We have not had a safe night of rest for a long while, and we should enjoy it while we can. The road is dark and dangerous ahead." The elf noticed the stress in his voice, now knowing that the fall of Mithrandir was going to be the hardest on him.

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The next few days in Lothlorien were peaceful, but still, in his heart, Legolas was troubled. Aragorn was not around for the most part, and when he was, it was for meals, and then Estel did not eat. The elf could sense something in his voice, something that had been growing more and more disturbing each day.

Legolas had to find out what was hurting his friend so much, and he would. But when he did, he would wish he hadn't.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Are you all right, Aragorn?" Legolas had finally cornered Aragorn, alone. "You haven't been around, and we're staring to worry." Yes, he was beginning to worry, very much and wonder too. It was not like his friend to seek solitude when it was not the only option.

"Yes, Legolas. I am fine. I have just felt the need to be alone" he replied. Legolas was hurt; they had been best friends ever since Aragorn came to Rivendell, despite the 'age' difference. They had always been able to tell each other everything, and now Estel was hiding from him.

Legolas smiled grimly, knowing that there was no truth in Aragorn's response; "You are lying Estel. You know very well that you are not all right, as do I. Now tell me, friend, what is bothering you?" he was trying to get the truth out of him, without trying to pressure Aragorn. He was a full-grown man, but to the elves, he was still a very young child.

"If you do not mind, I am doing very well, and I would wish very much to be alone." He walked off with that last comment, and the young prince had never felt more betrayed by a friend in his life. Never.

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