Disclaimer: I don't…blah blah blah…I own squat!
Summary: After the death of his friend, Aragorn falls into depression and there may only be one person who can draw him out of it.
~*Author's Notes*~ Thanks to everyone who is reviewing. The conclusion will be here soon! Oh and by the by, I am leaving to go to Ottawa in 2 days so this will probably be the last chapter in about a week, unless I decide to write tomorrow as well. Anyway please stick with me 'til the end!
How Can I Survive
Chapter 31
The two companions walked swiftly back to the palace, as if they had only just noticed that there was pouring rain. They were too intent on making it back to shelter, that there was no room for talking. Besides the thunder was so loud, they probably wouldn't have heard each other anyway.
When they finally reached the entrance, Nessime threw open the door and both of them collapsed on the marble floor. "What in the Valar" Glorfindel mumbled when he saw them fall to the ground. He quickly closed the still ajar door. The blonde elf sprinted to the other end of the hallway where he saw Elrond and his two sons waiting by the other way in.
"My lords" he called, catching their attention. "Come quick" he said as he went back to the two females.
When they saw them, Elladan and Elrohir hurriedly knelt down beside them. "I'm fine" Arwen said when she felt her brother's hand on her forehead. She struggled to get on her feet but was held down. "You're not going anywhere" Elladan said firmly as he refrained her from standing. "I think they will be okay, if they get some rest" Elrohir said as he touched Nessime's pale face. "Their natural elven healing abilities kept away any sickness" he finished. "I have the same opinion" Elladan agreed.
"That is good to hear" Elrond responded. "Please bring them to the houses of healing" he asked as he himself made his way down there. "Of course Adar."
Elladan picked up his sister and Elrohir carried Nessime, though there was much complaining about this. When the arrived at the desired room, the twins laid each of the she elves down on a bed. Within minutes, both of them were asleep. "Just let them rest the night and they should be alright by morning or mid afternoon" Elrond stated, as he and his children left.
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"Face it Estel, they don't want you to wake up. Arwen hates you, she doesn't love you anymore" this voice continued to haunt him, even when he was unconscious.
Aragorn looked around him and all he saw was darkness, and it was blisteringly hot. He felt like he was ignited. "You're lying to me" he managed to say. "I never lie" the voice replied. As if on cue, an explosion of lights happened when that sentence was completed. It was so bright, that the man had to shield his eyes. When he uncovered them, in every corner of this place that he was in, they was bonfires and torches hung on each and every wall. Aragorn looked down at the ground and it was made of dirt and filth.
"You are the reason that all these horrible things are happening to such a good family" it cackled. "No it's not true. I'm a part of that family" Aragorn defended himself. "How can you say that when you yourself don't believe it?"
Estel began to walk forward on what seemed like a path made up of rocks and stones. "I do believe it" he said as he continued on foot. Deep in the back of his mind, he knew that he was indeed being dishonest. "Who are you?" the dunadan demanded. "Keep on walking and you will soon find out" it called for him to keep going and he obeyed even though his gut instinct told him not to. Finally he reached what seemed to be a pedestal and he ran his hand down it's velvet cover.
He turned around because he felt eyes on him. When he twisted, he suddenly got pushed down onto the table and strapped to it by more than one set of hands. He looked all around him, and there were dozens and dozens of orcs surrounding him. And at his feet stood the person he never thought he would have to see again. He saw the person who he thought was long gone from his life. "Thartel" he hissed. "Good job" the older man laughed.
"I never thought I would get to see you again" he said evilly. "This isn't real. You're dead, this is a dream" Aragorn said disbelieving that Thartel was indeed up and well. "Maybe so, but who says that you can't feel anything in dreams" he responded, snapping his fingers as a signal for the orcs to begin the torture.
Endless thrashings fell upon his unprotected chest and he felt spears going in and coming back out of his arms and legs. He could feel his blood leaving his young body. Torches were being touched to his already hurting skin and he could no longer hold back. Heart wrenching screams escaped him and tears flowed from his eyes.
"Stop it" he yelled. "Daro" [halt]. The orcs guffawed cruelly as they kept on with this undeserving punishment to an undeserving victim. "My family does care about me" he shouted. Thartel's words were still clear in his head and he needed to defend himself.
"This isn't real. It's a dream" he bellowed, but his voice cracked as he did. He just about choked on his own blood, that was filling his mouth.
"What's wrong with him Adar?"
Aragorn heard Elrohir's voice in the back of his head along with that of Elrond and Elladan. "They do love me" he screamed, only causing the orcs to laugh even harder.
*****
"Hurry, get me some athelas" the peredhil ordered to his eldest. "Right away" he answered, speedily leaving the room to get the renowned healing product. "Is he going to be okay?" Elrohir asked. "I am not sure my son. He seems to have gone in to a hyperventilating stage, but the reason still remains a secret. We have to wait and see" Elrond answered. Just then, Elladan appeared with a jar filled with athelas.
"Boil some water and then put the plant in it" the elf lord commanded. The older twin did as he was told. While he was doing that, Elrohir was advised to whisper soothing elvish songs to Aragorn. If he had fallen in to darkness, that was the best way to call him out of it.
Elrond was putting some salve on Estel's chest to slow down his speeding heart. When Elladan was finished, he placed the bowl that was filled with the mixture he had just made, on the table that was beside Aragorn's bed.
By this time, Arwen and Nessime had awoke. They were in the same room so they heard all of the commotion that had occurred. "He's going to live, right?" the evenstar asked her father. "At this point…I can not be sure."
What do you think? Let me know, I'm counting on it!
~*Judy Greenleaf*~
