Well, guess that scene between Legolas and Mei was a bit cheesy and rushed--sorry. I just wanted to settle it..
Chapter 45--Terrible Choice
Legolas left the hall of healing to tired to hold up his head. He was exhausted. He had been left to tend the most severely wounded Elves that would perish without aid. Four had died despite his best efforts. The senseless waste of life tormented him.
Qui spotted Legolas as he and Aragorn emerged from a room. Concerned by his haggard appearance, they hurried to his side. They were even more worried when Legolas showed no reaction to their presence.
Aragorn could see how dangerously close to collapse the healer was. "We need to get him to his room and get him cleaned up," he said. There were smudges of dried blood on Legolas' face and his hands were bloody up to his elbows.
Each caught Legolas by one arm and guided him into his bedroom where they lowered him into a chair. Qui filled a basin with warm water and washed away the blood while Aragorn removed his boots. Legolas didn't protest like he usually would have.
Aragorn stood and studied Legolas' face. "He is all ready asleep. We need to move him to his bed where he will be more comfortable," he said.
Qui nodded and picked Legolas up as easily as he were a child. Aragorn pulled the covers back then covered the Elf when Qui laid him on the bed. They left the room, closing the door softly behind them.
They headed for the war room where they would discuss battle plans. Everyone else was all ready there when they came in. "Sorry, sire, we were assisting Legolas back to his room," Aragorn said.
"Is he well?" Thranduil asked.
"I believe so, sire. He is just exhausted. I think he will sleep for many hours though," Aragorn said.
Thranduil sighed and nodded. He spread out a map of Mirkwood and they began to make plans
**Meanwhile**
A guard hurried up to Rian. "The other troops are in sight, sire. They will be here by the morning with the siege weapons," he said.
"Perfect, they will either surrender or see their beloved forest burn," Rian gloated. "Now we wait. Tomorrow I will offer them a chance to surrender."
At dawn someone pounding on the door awaked Thranduil. "Sire, come quick. There is trouble at the front lines!" a messenger said.
When Thranduil arrived. Aragorn was waiting. "They have catapults. They are not going to give up. They want to speak to you," he said.
Thranduil nodded and went out to where Rian could see him with two guards. "Have you come to say that you will leave us in peace, King of Gondor?" he asked coldly.
"No, I have come to give you an ultimatum. Surrender now or this fine forest will be ash by dusk. I will not give you another chance," Rian said.
"You would burn the forest? You will destroy it if you do and you will gain nothing!" Thranduil protested.
"Yes, regrettable. My men cannot fight in Mirkwood because that would give your kind too much of an advantage. I am no fool. You have until midday to make your choice. Surrender by then or I start a bonfire," Rian said. He and his guards rode away without another word.
Rian watched the King and his escort leave with a triumphant smile. "Ready the pitch just in case he makes the wrong decision," he ordered his captain. "Make sure the men are ready to attack again if needed."
The captain bowed. "All will be ready, My Liege, I will make sure of it," he said.
Thranduil returned to his men, eyes grim. He looked at Aragorn. "He has threatened to burn Mirkwood unless we surrender by midday. I must think on this," he said. "Come Jadriel."
The crown prince nodded and followed his father as he rode off, heading back to the castle.
Two hours later Aragorn, Syri, Boromir, Qui, Mei and the twins were summoned to the castle and led to Thranduil's study. "I have made my decision," Thranduil said….
Clever little creep, isn't he? R?r please!!!! So what do you think-- surrender or fight? Anyone want another sequel to this?