Wow--515 reviews!!! Give me a little time to gloat--------------------------------------------------------------------------------**Plot Bunny kicks She-Cat** Ouch, all right, all right--I'm writing!!! **Grumbles**
Chapter 54--A Private Talk
They were still laughing at the story when Lady Galadriel came over. The men started to stand, but she shook her head. "That is not necessary," she said. Her ancient, wise eyes stared deep into Legolas'.
Legolas adverted his eyes, feeling like she had looked into his very soul. He felt her eyes still on him, but he didn't look up.
"Come, hiin, we need to talk in private," Galadriel said. Her tone was gentle, but firm.
Legolas rose reluctantly and followed the Lady from the clearing.
Once they were alone Galadriel turned to smile gently at him. "You did not know what you were doing when you killed the king of Gondor, hiin," she said.
Legolas flinched and paled. "I still killed an unarmed man. I am a healer and killing is repugnant to me," he whispered. "His blood will never wash off my hands."
"You feel guilt, that is good. He raped you and you were fading. You could take no more and you lost yourself for a while. You have no reason for shame. You must live with his death, but remember that Arathorn brought his fate upon himself," Galadriel said. She pulled Legolas into her arms. "There is no shame in tears. Let them cleanse you."
Legolas' control snapped and he began to weep. He cried until his throat was sore and his eyes ached. Finally the sobs dissolved into occasional shuddering breaths. When they were done Legolas pulled away and Galadriel let him go.
"Always remember, hiin, the soul of the healer is strong. Come, let us rejoin your friends," Galadriel said. They walked back to the clearing then Galadriel and Elrond excused themselves and went to find Thranduil.
Qui studied Legolas with concern. *Are you all right?* he signed.
Legolas took a deep, shuddery breath. "I will be," he said.
Early the next morning everyone returned to their posts and waited to see what Rian would try next. Hours passed and nothing happened. At noon younger Elves moved through the ranks with food and water. Another two-hour passed and still nothing.
"He is trying to wear us down with waiting," Aragorn said. He watched the trees warily. Suddenly he chuckled. "He doesn't know how patient an Elf is."
Other Elves heard the comment and laughed too. Thranduil gave them a quelling look. "Keep on your guard. Be ready," he ordered.
Another long hour passed then a sentry hurried up to Thranduil. "Sire, King Rian is on the field under a flag of truce. He wishes to have words with you," he said.
Thranduil considered then nodded. "Very well, I will speak to him," he said. "Not right away though; let him wait."
It was an hour before Thranduil and two of his body guards rode out to speak to Rian. "What do you want, King of Gondor?" Thranduil asked coolly.
Rian seethed over being kept waiting and Thranduil's tone. "I wish to offer you a bargain," he said.
"What sort of bargain?" Thranduil asked. "Speak quickly. You are wasting my time."
Rian gritted his teeth. "I will call of the attack and return to Minas Tirith if you swear on bended knee your alliance," he said.
Thranduil laughed. "I think not and for three reasons….first I kneel to no one. Second Mirkwood is not under your rule and finally I do not trust the word of one who would send soldiers to attack the wounded and the healers," he said.
"Are you saying I have no honor?!" Rian demanded.
"If the boot fits--here is my bargain--leave Mirkwood in peace and no more of your men will die. This parley is over," Thranduil said. He and his escorts turned their mounts and rode off.
Rian's eyes were filled with rage. He gestured and there was the sharp twang of a bowstring as it was released……
I'm back to cliffhangers again--glad you all like my tale--it isn't boring you all yet? This is the longest fan fiction I've ever written---------You know what to do now!!!!