Greatest Risk
Part 9
~*~*~*~
Don't turn away
(Don't give in to the pain)
Don't try to hide
(Though they're screaming your name)
Don't close your eyes
(God knows what lies behind them)
Don't turn out the light
(Never sleep, never die)
~Evanescence
~*~*~*~
"Legolas, we're days from Mirkwood" Aragorn repeated as he ran to catch up to the elf. "And you're hurt."
Legolas would not stop. True, his arm was injured and was beginning to hurt quite badly, but he pushed the pain away.
"I don't care about how hurt I am. We have to get her to Mirkwood and fast and you can't carry her."
"You stubborn elf! If we don't get that arrow out of you, the wound could get infected.," Aragorn reasoned, "Let me carry Isilme so at least you can tend to yourself if you won't let me stop to do it."
"I can't Aragorn," Legolas stated blankly.
"Why?" Aragorn snapped, "Give me one good reason."
"Because I'm keeping her alive!" Legolas' voice returned the same fierceness that Aragorn's held.
"What?"
"I'm keeping her alive," he whispered, "Some sort of life power I have is flowing from me to her. If I let her go, then we can't get her back."
Aragorn nodded in understanding. He had lived with elves nearly all of his life and Lord Elrond and taught him many of their healing secrets.
"But what are we going to do about your arm, Legolas?" Aragorn asked.
Legolas thought for a moment, there was nothing he could do. "I guess it will stay there until we get to Mirkwood."
"Fine, we'll wait," Aragorn sighed looking at his friiend. The prince's eyes moved sadly over Isilmeriel's limp body.
Aragorn placed a comforting hand on Legolas' good shoulder. "Don't worry, my friend. Isilme is strong, maybe stronger than you. She'll make it."
"I hope you're right, my friend," Legolas said kissing Isilmeriel's forehead gently. "I just hope I can hold on, my arm's killing me. Why is it that whenever I'm with you."
"Oh no," Aragorn warned, "This one wasn't my fault. There's no way that you can pin this one on me."
"There is and I will," Legolas lowered his eyes, "My life was perfectly normal until you came barging into my woods and dragged me into your nice, little, never-ending bad luck."
Aragorn laughed lightly, he knew the banter was to keep Legolas' mind of his pain, his weariness, and the miles that they would have to travel nonstop in order to save Isilmeriel.
"You are such a liar!" Aragorn argued, "Number one, I didn't barge into your woods, I was shot, rememeber? Number two, I didn't drag you, you volunteered. And number three, my life was perfectly normal until you started to come with me on my adventures."
"Come with you?" Legolas scoffed, "Half the time I find myself having to come and save you, human."
"And half the time I find myself saving you while you're trying to save me!"
The banter carried on for hours and with each day that passed Aragorn would make up more things for them to argue about. His plan had worked. He had managed to keep Legolas awake and make him forget about his injuries and the extra weight he carried. They reached the northern border of Mirkwood by sunset on the forth day and it was well passed midnight when they reached the palace.
"Edro!" Legolas called out at the magical gate.
The large door opened slowly, just enough to let them in. Legolas and Aragorn ran into the palace with all haste.
"Father!" Legolas cried when he reached the hall his father's quarters were on, "Father!"
King Thranduil walked groggily out of his room. 'Legolas Greenleaf!" he boomed, "What in the name of Middle Earth.?"
"Father," Legolas said, "Isilmeriel is hurt badly. She was stabbed about four days ago."
Thranduil's eyes fixed on the beaten and bloody body that seemed lifeless in his son's arms. Isilmeriel's blood had soaked through Aragorn's heavy, leather overcoat and the vest that was tied around the wound and it now covered almost Legolas' entire tunic.
"Lord Elrond!" The king shouted at the top of his lungs. "Elladan! Elrohir!"
"What?" My family is here?" Aragorn asked.
"Yes, we're here, little brother," Elladan yawned, walking down the hall followed by Lord Elrond and Elrohir, "What's all the." he saw his cousin lying in Legolas arms,
"Oh no!" Elrohir gasped running over to Legolas, reaching out to Isilmeriel.
"Do not touch her, Elrohir," Elrond warned as he joined his sons by Legolas. His ancient eyes focused on the elf prince's. "You're keeping her alive, are you not?" he whispered in Legolas ear.
"Yes, sir," Legolas replied.
The elf lord reached out his hands and placed them under Isilmeriel, "Give her to me, Legolas." Legolas hesitated. "Trust me, Legolas. Give her to me."
Legolas let Elrond lift Isilmeriel out of his arms. For four days he had supported her life with his and he felt as if all of him had been drained. Exhausted, he fell unto his knees.
"Legolas?" King Thranduil kneeled by his son and just now noticing the arrow in his shoulder
"I'm fine father," Legolas said calmly.
"No, you're not, my son. What happened?"
Aragorn knew Legolas would not answer directly, "Your majesty, it is a very long story. Too long for right now. However, Legolas was injured and I plan on tending to him right now." The ranger helped the elf prince to his feet. "Come on Legolas, I'll make you some special tea."
"Oh how can I ever thank you," Legolas rolled his eyes as Aragorn directed him to his bed chamber.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Dawn peaked over the horizon and Elladan and Elrohir had fallen fast asleep on the sofa in Isilmeriel's room about half an hour ago. The three Noldor elves were exhausted from trying to save Isilmeriel but only one of them could find no rest.
Lord Elrond sat on the edge of the bed, singing softly. Her life was no longer in his hands, no matter how hard he tried, he was not sure if she would make it.
"Please, Illuvitar," he prayed, "let her live. I feel her true purpose has not been fulfilled. Please do not take her yet."
"Lord Elrond," Legolas spoke softly as he entered the room and walked slowly toward Isilmeriel's bed. Fear gripped the prince's heart; he had never seen the ancient elf look so heart broken. "Is she.?"
"She is alive, Legolas," Elrond replied moving to a nearby chair and letting Legolas sit on the edge of the bed.
Legolas let out a sigh of relief as he lovingly stroked her bruised and cut face that was normally so fair. "Then she'll be alright."
"That I do not know," Elrond whispered putting his hand over Legolas' forearm, "She is hurt very badly. Some of her injuries go beyond my skill to heal. She lost a lot of blood and had some internal bleeding. Plus, with all of the injuries she sustained, her body went into shock. I have done all that I can but I do not know for sure if I have saved her."
Tears flooded Legolas' eyes, leaving tracks down his face. "You have to live, Isilme," he whispered gently kissing her cracked lips.
"Legolas," Elrond's voice held a comforting tone, "do you remember what you told me back in Rivendell? You told me that you could never give up on her. That promise kept her alive in your arms for those long days. I may not be able to save her, but you certainly can."
Legolas' long fingers left Isilmeriel's cheeks as he reached up to his neck. The prince let out a hiss of pain at the stiffness of his arm as he removed Isilas. Carefully lifting her head he fastened the leaf-shape pendant around her neck and let it rest upon the slow, short rise and fall of her chest.
Lord Elrond patted Legolas on the back as he stood and walked over to the sofa where the twins were sleeping. Leaning over he shook each of them gently and motioned to the door. Elladan and Elrohir yawned as they nodded and stood, stumbling out of the room to their rooms.
Once he was alone, Legolas took Isilmeriel's hand into his and kissed it repeatedly. "Please, Isilme, don't give up. You're stronger than this, I know it. Please, melamin, please."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Warmth. She felt warmth. It surrounded her. No longer did ice grip at her senses and the blackness was fading away. Very slowly she eased her eyes open slightly; just enough to see a fair-haired elf over her, singing softly and running his fingers through her hair.
Legolas had not noticed the slight movement his wife made. His thoughts reeled through his head too fast. Save from the few small cuts and bruises that had healed, she had shown little improvement over the past week.
The elf prince lay down next to Isilmeriel. Stroking her face he continued his song.
"I ur panya hoire
En, ai, ve I lumna wilin oar
I elenan mirilya mi I vilya
Ve I isil ortan oro
Caluva mi I vilya ve silma
Ta rilma tyava alda 'ar sire
Eh amba 'ar vela ta rilma
Maica lean a I lome
Mi I mornie, I isil 'ar elen
Tananta rilma hovahaia
Caluva undu homenel ma cemi
Vela I rilma an ma ta na valda
Sana lle hanar 'ar uin caure
Milya hon, mornie n'lavtula har
Asta I rilma 'ar uin lavta oanie
En, I ur ortan an vinya re
(The sun sets from another day,
Look, ho, as the troubles fly away.
The stars glitter in the sky,
As the moon rises high.
Shinning in the sky like silver,
Its light touching tree and river.
Look up and see its light,
Piercing the shadows of the night.
In the darkness, the moon and star,
Reveal their light from afar.
Shinning down from heaven to earth,
See the light for what its worth.
Close your eyes and do not fear,
In your heart, darkness cannot come near.
Hold the light and don not let it sway,
Look, the sun rises for a new day)."
A smile tugged at Isilmeriel's lips as Legolas sang. He sang the song that Elrond used to sing to her whenever she would have a nightmare or feel discouraged. "You know my song?"
Legolas shot up as heard the ragged voice that was usually so musical. "You're awake! Praise the Valar! Oh, Isilmeriel I was so worried. I was scared I would never see those beautiful eyes of yours ever again."
Isilmeriel reached up weakly and brushed her hand against Legolas' fair face. "I felt the same way."
"So did all the rest of us, my dear," Elrond added as he entered the room followed by his sons and King Thranduil.
"Uncle, what are you doing here?" She asked.
"We decided it would be nice to see the ceremony where you are crowned Princess of Mirkwood. But honestly, Isilme," Elrohir laughed, "It's one thing to be dragged into Rivendell inches from death, but must you do it here? I thought that you would have quit nearly getting yourself killed now that you are settled down."
Isilmeriel managed a weak laugh, "Elrohir, I will never settle down. Just because I'm married now doesn't change a thing."
"You got that right. You're still the luckiest elf in all of Middle Earth," Elladan muttered, "next to your husband."
"It is true, Isilmeriel," King Thranduil turned serious, "You are extremely lucky. When you arrived you were beyond our skill and you were slipping away very quickly. It is your luck that Elrond and his sons were here. They brought you back."
Isilmeriel's eyebrows furrowed, "Was I really that bad?"
"That bad?" Aragorn asked astonished, "You were.."
"Aragorn, please," Legolas' voice was desperate as he interrupted his friend. He did not want to be reminded how close he really was to losing her. "Could we be alone please?"
"Certainly, my son," Thranduil answered, ushering the company out of the room.
Once they were alone, Legolas laid back down next to Isilmeriel. Isilmeriel slowly rolled over, wincing in pain, to look her husband in the eyes.
"Legolas," she started her voice soft as she felt the bandage from under the sleeve of Legolas' tunic. "Are you alright? You weren't hurt that night, were you?"
Inside Legolas felt so much love as he looked into Isilmeriel's ever changing eyes. She had come inches from death only to ask how he fared. "I am fine. But how can you ask my well being when you."
Isilmeriel's warm, bright smile stopped the elf prince mid-sentence. "Because I vowed to protect you, Legolas. I vowed to protect you with my life because now you are my life. Every piece of me is now yours, my love. I put my life at risk to save the person I love and you would have done the same for me."
"But it's not the same, Isilme," Legolas' voice was beginning to choke again. "You are my wife and it should have been me back there and it should be me laying here right now."
"Legolas," Isilmeriel laughed lightly, "We can't live our lives by 'should have's' and 'should not's'."
"You sound like your uncle," Legolas mumbled.
"I know," she smiled.
"But I guess that you're right," Legolas admitted. "The fact is that you're here, you're safe, and you're with me. Just please."
Legolas' words were cut off as Isilmeriel reached up and pulled him to her lips. At that moment all the doubts and fears Legolas carried flew away. After they had broken the kiss, Legolas was content to just look upon Isilmeriel's face. No longer did his eyes see cuts, bruises, and bandages, but her. Just her as she always was and forever will be.
"Well, I am glad to see your strength is swiftly returning," he commented, running his fingers lightly over the leaf pendant that had been returned to Isilmeriel. "Pretty soon you will be well enough for Elrond to let you out of bed. But until then I am going to take you up on your offer that you made to me a while ago."
Legolas carefully wrapped his arms lovingly around Isilmeriel. They spent the day lying there as Legolas sang songs and recited sonnets in his wife's ear. Around sunset they calmly fell asleep in each other's arms.
The End
Part 9
~*~*~*~
Don't turn away
(Don't give in to the pain)
Don't try to hide
(Though they're screaming your name)
Don't close your eyes
(God knows what lies behind them)
Don't turn out the light
(Never sleep, never die)
~Evanescence
~*~*~*~
"Legolas, we're days from Mirkwood" Aragorn repeated as he ran to catch up to the elf. "And you're hurt."
Legolas would not stop. True, his arm was injured and was beginning to hurt quite badly, but he pushed the pain away.
"I don't care about how hurt I am. We have to get her to Mirkwood and fast and you can't carry her."
"You stubborn elf! If we don't get that arrow out of you, the wound could get infected.," Aragorn reasoned, "Let me carry Isilme so at least you can tend to yourself if you won't let me stop to do it."
"I can't Aragorn," Legolas stated blankly.
"Why?" Aragorn snapped, "Give me one good reason."
"Because I'm keeping her alive!" Legolas' voice returned the same fierceness that Aragorn's held.
"What?"
"I'm keeping her alive," he whispered, "Some sort of life power I have is flowing from me to her. If I let her go, then we can't get her back."
Aragorn nodded in understanding. He had lived with elves nearly all of his life and Lord Elrond and taught him many of their healing secrets.
"But what are we going to do about your arm, Legolas?" Aragorn asked.
Legolas thought for a moment, there was nothing he could do. "I guess it will stay there until we get to Mirkwood."
"Fine, we'll wait," Aragorn sighed looking at his friiend. The prince's eyes moved sadly over Isilmeriel's limp body.
Aragorn placed a comforting hand on Legolas' good shoulder. "Don't worry, my friend. Isilme is strong, maybe stronger than you. She'll make it."
"I hope you're right, my friend," Legolas said kissing Isilmeriel's forehead gently. "I just hope I can hold on, my arm's killing me. Why is it that whenever I'm with you."
"Oh no," Aragorn warned, "This one wasn't my fault. There's no way that you can pin this one on me."
"There is and I will," Legolas lowered his eyes, "My life was perfectly normal until you came barging into my woods and dragged me into your nice, little, never-ending bad luck."
Aragorn laughed lightly, he knew the banter was to keep Legolas' mind of his pain, his weariness, and the miles that they would have to travel nonstop in order to save Isilmeriel.
"You are such a liar!" Aragorn argued, "Number one, I didn't barge into your woods, I was shot, rememeber? Number two, I didn't drag you, you volunteered. And number three, my life was perfectly normal until you started to come with me on my adventures."
"Come with you?" Legolas scoffed, "Half the time I find myself having to come and save you, human."
"And half the time I find myself saving you while you're trying to save me!"
The banter carried on for hours and with each day that passed Aragorn would make up more things for them to argue about. His plan had worked. He had managed to keep Legolas awake and make him forget about his injuries and the extra weight he carried. They reached the northern border of Mirkwood by sunset on the forth day and it was well passed midnight when they reached the palace.
"Edro!" Legolas called out at the magical gate.
The large door opened slowly, just enough to let them in. Legolas and Aragorn ran into the palace with all haste.
"Father!" Legolas cried when he reached the hall his father's quarters were on, "Father!"
King Thranduil walked groggily out of his room. 'Legolas Greenleaf!" he boomed, "What in the name of Middle Earth.?"
"Father," Legolas said, "Isilmeriel is hurt badly. She was stabbed about four days ago."
Thranduil's eyes fixed on the beaten and bloody body that seemed lifeless in his son's arms. Isilmeriel's blood had soaked through Aragorn's heavy, leather overcoat and the vest that was tied around the wound and it now covered almost Legolas' entire tunic.
"Lord Elrond!" The king shouted at the top of his lungs. "Elladan! Elrohir!"
"What?" My family is here?" Aragorn asked.
"Yes, we're here, little brother," Elladan yawned, walking down the hall followed by Lord Elrond and Elrohir, "What's all the." he saw his cousin lying in Legolas arms,
"Oh no!" Elrohir gasped running over to Legolas, reaching out to Isilmeriel.
"Do not touch her, Elrohir," Elrond warned as he joined his sons by Legolas. His ancient eyes focused on the elf prince's. "You're keeping her alive, are you not?" he whispered in Legolas ear.
"Yes, sir," Legolas replied.
The elf lord reached out his hands and placed them under Isilmeriel, "Give her to me, Legolas." Legolas hesitated. "Trust me, Legolas. Give her to me."
Legolas let Elrond lift Isilmeriel out of his arms. For four days he had supported her life with his and he felt as if all of him had been drained. Exhausted, he fell unto his knees.
"Legolas?" King Thranduil kneeled by his son and just now noticing the arrow in his shoulder
"I'm fine father," Legolas said calmly.
"No, you're not, my son. What happened?"
Aragorn knew Legolas would not answer directly, "Your majesty, it is a very long story. Too long for right now. However, Legolas was injured and I plan on tending to him right now." The ranger helped the elf prince to his feet. "Come on Legolas, I'll make you some special tea."
"Oh how can I ever thank you," Legolas rolled his eyes as Aragorn directed him to his bed chamber.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Dawn peaked over the horizon and Elladan and Elrohir had fallen fast asleep on the sofa in Isilmeriel's room about half an hour ago. The three Noldor elves were exhausted from trying to save Isilmeriel but only one of them could find no rest.
Lord Elrond sat on the edge of the bed, singing softly. Her life was no longer in his hands, no matter how hard he tried, he was not sure if she would make it.
"Please, Illuvitar," he prayed, "let her live. I feel her true purpose has not been fulfilled. Please do not take her yet."
"Lord Elrond," Legolas spoke softly as he entered the room and walked slowly toward Isilmeriel's bed. Fear gripped the prince's heart; he had never seen the ancient elf look so heart broken. "Is she.?"
"She is alive, Legolas," Elrond replied moving to a nearby chair and letting Legolas sit on the edge of the bed.
Legolas let out a sigh of relief as he lovingly stroked her bruised and cut face that was normally so fair. "Then she'll be alright."
"That I do not know," Elrond whispered putting his hand over Legolas' forearm, "She is hurt very badly. Some of her injuries go beyond my skill to heal. She lost a lot of blood and had some internal bleeding. Plus, with all of the injuries she sustained, her body went into shock. I have done all that I can but I do not know for sure if I have saved her."
Tears flooded Legolas' eyes, leaving tracks down his face. "You have to live, Isilme," he whispered gently kissing her cracked lips.
"Legolas," Elrond's voice held a comforting tone, "do you remember what you told me back in Rivendell? You told me that you could never give up on her. That promise kept her alive in your arms for those long days. I may not be able to save her, but you certainly can."
Legolas' long fingers left Isilmeriel's cheeks as he reached up to his neck. The prince let out a hiss of pain at the stiffness of his arm as he removed Isilas. Carefully lifting her head he fastened the leaf-shape pendant around her neck and let it rest upon the slow, short rise and fall of her chest.
Lord Elrond patted Legolas on the back as he stood and walked over to the sofa where the twins were sleeping. Leaning over he shook each of them gently and motioned to the door. Elladan and Elrohir yawned as they nodded and stood, stumbling out of the room to their rooms.
Once he was alone, Legolas took Isilmeriel's hand into his and kissed it repeatedly. "Please, Isilme, don't give up. You're stronger than this, I know it. Please, melamin, please."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Warmth. She felt warmth. It surrounded her. No longer did ice grip at her senses and the blackness was fading away. Very slowly she eased her eyes open slightly; just enough to see a fair-haired elf over her, singing softly and running his fingers through her hair.
Legolas had not noticed the slight movement his wife made. His thoughts reeled through his head too fast. Save from the few small cuts and bruises that had healed, she had shown little improvement over the past week.
The elf prince lay down next to Isilmeriel. Stroking her face he continued his song.
"I ur panya hoire
En, ai, ve I lumna wilin oar
I elenan mirilya mi I vilya
Ve I isil ortan oro
Caluva mi I vilya ve silma
Ta rilma tyava alda 'ar sire
Eh amba 'ar vela ta rilma
Maica lean a I lome
Mi I mornie, I isil 'ar elen
Tananta rilma hovahaia
Caluva undu homenel ma cemi
Vela I rilma an ma ta na valda
Sana lle hanar 'ar uin caure
Milya hon, mornie n'lavtula har
Asta I rilma 'ar uin lavta oanie
En, I ur ortan an vinya re
(The sun sets from another day,
Look, ho, as the troubles fly away.
The stars glitter in the sky,
As the moon rises high.
Shinning in the sky like silver,
Its light touching tree and river.
Look up and see its light,
Piercing the shadows of the night.
In the darkness, the moon and star,
Reveal their light from afar.
Shinning down from heaven to earth,
See the light for what its worth.
Close your eyes and do not fear,
In your heart, darkness cannot come near.
Hold the light and don not let it sway,
Look, the sun rises for a new day)."
A smile tugged at Isilmeriel's lips as Legolas sang. He sang the song that Elrond used to sing to her whenever she would have a nightmare or feel discouraged. "You know my song?"
Legolas shot up as heard the ragged voice that was usually so musical. "You're awake! Praise the Valar! Oh, Isilmeriel I was so worried. I was scared I would never see those beautiful eyes of yours ever again."
Isilmeriel reached up weakly and brushed her hand against Legolas' fair face. "I felt the same way."
"So did all the rest of us, my dear," Elrond added as he entered the room followed by his sons and King Thranduil.
"Uncle, what are you doing here?" She asked.
"We decided it would be nice to see the ceremony where you are crowned Princess of Mirkwood. But honestly, Isilme," Elrohir laughed, "It's one thing to be dragged into Rivendell inches from death, but must you do it here? I thought that you would have quit nearly getting yourself killed now that you are settled down."
Isilmeriel managed a weak laugh, "Elrohir, I will never settle down. Just because I'm married now doesn't change a thing."
"You got that right. You're still the luckiest elf in all of Middle Earth," Elladan muttered, "next to your husband."
"It is true, Isilmeriel," King Thranduil turned serious, "You are extremely lucky. When you arrived you were beyond our skill and you were slipping away very quickly. It is your luck that Elrond and his sons were here. They brought you back."
Isilmeriel's eyebrows furrowed, "Was I really that bad?"
"That bad?" Aragorn asked astonished, "You were.."
"Aragorn, please," Legolas' voice was desperate as he interrupted his friend. He did not want to be reminded how close he really was to losing her. "Could we be alone please?"
"Certainly, my son," Thranduil answered, ushering the company out of the room.
Once they were alone, Legolas laid back down next to Isilmeriel. Isilmeriel slowly rolled over, wincing in pain, to look her husband in the eyes.
"Legolas," she started her voice soft as she felt the bandage from under the sleeve of Legolas' tunic. "Are you alright? You weren't hurt that night, were you?"
Inside Legolas felt so much love as he looked into Isilmeriel's ever changing eyes. She had come inches from death only to ask how he fared. "I am fine. But how can you ask my well being when you."
Isilmeriel's warm, bright smile stopped the elf prince mid-sentence. "Because I vowed to protect you, Legolas. I vowed to protect you with my life because now you are my life. Every piece of me is now yours, my love. I put my life at risk to save the person I love and you would have done the same for me."
"But it's not the same, Isilme," Legolas' voice was beginning to choke again. "You are my wife and it should have been me back there and it should be me laying here right now."
"Legolas," Isilmeriel laughed lightly, "We can't live our lives by 'should have's' and 'should not's'."
"You sound like your uncle," Legolas mumbled.
"I know," she smiled.
"But I guess that you're right," Legolas admitted. "The fact is that you're here, you're safe, and you're with me. Just please."
Legolas' words were cut off as Isilmeriel reached up and pulled him to her lips. At that moment all the doubts and fears Legolas carried flew away. After they had broken the kiss, Legolas was content to just look upon Isilmeriel's face. No longer did his eyes see cuts, bruises, and bandages, but her. Just her as she always was and forever will be.
"Well, I am glad to see your strength is swiftly returning," he commented, running his fingers lightly over the leaf pendant that had been returned to Isilmeriel. "Pretty soon you will be well enough for Elrond to let you out of bed. But until then I am going to take you up on your offer that you made to me a while ago."
Legolas carefully wrapped his arms lovingly around Isilmeriel. They spent the day lying there as Legolas sang songs and recited sonnets in his wife's ear. Around sunset they calmly fell asleep in each other's arms.
The End
