Disclaimer: I own nothing.
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. AU
~*Author's Notes*~ Thanks to all my reviewers! I appreciate all your reviews and support. Sadly, this chapter may be slightly short. Sorry!
LadiSiri ~ I hope you enjoy this chapter. Have lots of fun in Italy!
How Can I Survive
Chapter 38
"She's gone" Elrohir mumbled solemnly after he felt for a pulse.
"Perhaps seeing as how we are closer to Imladris than Mirkwood we should head back there instead of going further east" Glorfindel suggested.
"That is a good idea, with all the dangers in Thranduil's realm we should be more prepared and have more people with us especially if we carry the deceased" Elladan agreed with a nod of his raven head. "I concur" Elrohir stated slightly surprising his companions. He was trying to put up a strong front but they could both see the pain and anguish written all over his fair features.
"Are you okay?" the older twin asked his brother.
"Of course, I am fine" he answered somewhat defensively. "We should get going now, we are a few days away and we need to arrive back as soon as possible" he said quickly changing the subject.
"Yes you are right" Glorfindel responded as he brushed away some of his golden hair away from his eyes. The blonde elf lord then picked up the limp form of a very brave Nessime who in the end did achieve what she wanted. She got to leave the world that would no longer accept her and she wouldn't have to do the one thing that she would dread the most. Live with the knowledge that she hurt the person that she loved more than life itself.
I hope life treats you kind
And I hope you have all you dreamed of
And I wish to you joy and happiness
But above all this I wish to you love
Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You
"Don't try to hide it from me that you are indeed hurting" Elladan said as he slowed down his pace so he could walk beside a very distant Elrohir.
"Alright fine, I am upset. Why would she do that when she could have just shoved me out of the way and we both could have made it out alive?" he questioned.
"The truth is she actually could have done that and come away without even a scratch. But she didn't want to go on living her life, she wanted to die" Elladan told him.
"What are you talking about? Why in the Valar would she want to end her life?" Elrohir demanded.
"She didn't want to live anymore because she knew that you would never return the love that she had for you. She told me that she would rather die than go on living knowing that she caused you any grief" the heir to Rivendell proclaimed.
"So she sacrificed herself because I didn't love her anymore? Can I tell you something?" the younger twin asked.
"Sure, anything."
"In reality no matter how much I tried, I could never erase all the feeling of love that I had for her. And I don't know why but even though she had our mother executed I was always trying to make up excuses for her in my head. Thinking of ways so it wouldn't be her fault, but it was, which is why I told myself that all I had left for her was hatred. I know because I still have love for her that makes me a bad person and a shame to our family " he admitted.
"That doesn't make you a bad person. If you carry true love for a person even a person like her who has committed a hateful crime, you can not just forget all the tenderness and affection you feel for them, even if they have wronged you in the most unforgettable way imaginable. I am not ashamed of you and neither is the rest of our kin" Elladan said and his words were truly sincere.
"Thank you" Elrohir said softly as he pulled his brother into an embrace. "You don't know what that means to me" he whispered.
*****
"Ah Halbarad you have arrived. And I see you have brought a companion" Elrond jested as he, Arwen and Aragorn came to the gates of Imladris to greet his new guests.
"It's been a while since I have visited you my friend" Gandalf said as he patted the peredhil on the shoulder.
"I met him on the way here to get Estel" Halbarad acclaimed.
"Actually speaking of that" Aragorn broke in "I was hoping we could wait to depart until Elladan and Elrohir return back home" the young man enquired.
"Oh of course, that would be no trouble at all. Where are those fine rangers off to?" Halbarad asked, his curiosity piqued as they walked into the palace and took seats on the benches in the front foyer of the beautiful elven crafted castle.
Aragorn exchanged quick glances with his beloved and with his foster father before Elrond himself answered the question.
"My sons along with Lord Glorfindel are making their way to Mirkwood. They are escorting a young she elf back there due to…a crime, a serious crime that she committed and reprimand is in need" the peredhil offered still not convincing the grey wizard whom he had know for many a year.
"My friend?" Gandalf questioned.
"We received information that she was the one who had Lady Celebrian killed. She ordered it to happen" Elrond proclaimed.
An awkward silence took over the small group. None of them could think of anything to say to what they had just been told. And although Aragorn and Arwen already knew of this, it was still a rather delicate topic for them to discuss.
"I am not sure whether to consider that good or bad news" Halbarad mumbled finally breaking the quiet that had settled in upon them.
"It is good news. We are finally able to have some justice and closure on something that has been haunting my family for years" Elrond assured the man.
"My brothers should be coming back within 2 weeks" Arwen said trying to get off the subject of her mother. She didn't like talking about that theme, it was to hurtful for her. "Milord" Pityon called as he ran into the foyer. "What is it Pityon?" Elrond questioned the older human.
"Your sons and lord Glorfindel have arrived."
Hope you guys all liked this chapter! Again, sorry that it was so short.
~*Judy Greenleaf*~
