Oh, my reviewers are sooooooooooo fabulous. Thank you all so much. Just for
you guys, I got this chapter out sooner than usual (despite having written
five exams this week) and it's even quite long. Hope you all enjoy, I think
this is my favorite chapter yet, but I'll let you guys decide.
The Stone of Malinya
Legolas walked through the forest, enjoying the sights and smells of nature; it was calm and peaceful here, as everything should be. He suddenly stopped walking and listened. He could hear water running nearby. This confused him for he knew that no stream or river flowed anywhere near the section of wood he walked in. He began to follow the sound, curious as to what could be causing it and where it could be coming from. He walked and walked but the sound never came any closer; the water seemed to be running just out of his reach. Frustration began to fill him, despite being in his peaceful land of dreams where things were usually calm and relaxing. He continued to walk; he was searching, desperately now, to find the river that he knew should not be there.
He was so intent on his destination, so tuned to his sense of hearing and direction that he did not notice the world was fading around him. The sky blackened and lowered, the trees around him blurred, then faded together to form black walls about him, and the leaves beneath his feet hardened and became cold, until he was walking on solid stone.
He still could not find the water. It had to be close. It had to be somewhere. Then a new sound was added to his darkening world; footsteps. Several pairs of footsteps, that were approaching swiftly. And there were voices; they were distant and rough. Perhaps they would know where the water was. He ran now, towards the voices, pushing through blackness, desperate to find this lost river. Where was it? It had to be close. It had to be somewhere. The sounds were all around him yet he could reach none of them. Water, footsteps, voices, water, footsteps, voices, water, footsteps, voices....
The sounds continued, pulsing through his thoughts with every stride of his legs. He ran and ran, then stopped! Silence.
The footsteps had ceased. The voices had quieted. Then the sound of running water suddenly became loud. Very loud; almost as if he was standing in its path.
He looked up into the darkness. He was under a waterfall..
... Legolas awoke with a start, blinking his already open eyes and shaking his head to clear away the droplets of water. He was soaked from head to foot and there was a puddle forming around him, red from the mix of water and blood. A satisfied laugh came from above him and he looked up to see several of Risorine's guards crowded into the cell. One was holding a now empty water pail.
"Get up Elf!" The man with the pail ordered, his smirk disappearing and quickly changing to anger when he caught Legolas's defiant stare. "We won't fall for your tricks. Rise!"
Legolas got the impression that the men had been trying to get him to rise for some time, and they had been the sources of the voices and footsteps from his dream. It disturbed him that he had not awoken when they first arrived; it showed how unresponsive his body was becoming.
The men were already impatient with him, it had taken a bucket of water to get him to even respond to them, and they were not willing to wait for him to rise on his own. Now that he would be able to walk he was grabbed by the elbows and hauled to his feet; they cared nothing for his injuries and one man even deliberately pressed down on his shoulder, pressing into the wound. Legolas tensed with the pain but did not flinch or react in any way, refusing to give the Man any satisfaction; but his heart broke as the true hatred these Men held for his people became clear. It was not simply the malice of one Man that was against him, it was the malevolence of an entire nation.
He took a calming breath when they reached the outdoors once more. Though he had not been in the cell for very long it was still very confined and dark, and he had yearned for the sight of the outdoors. A sigh of relief actually passed his lips as he stepped into the sun's golden rays and immediately felt his skin begin to warm and dry.
When he stopped to enjoy the daylight his guards forced him ahead, surprising him and pulling on his shoulder once more. This time he hissed through his teeth. He considered lashing out at the guards, knowing he could overpower just the two of them even in his weakened state, but he looked behind him and realized they were not alone. Once more Risorine had sent half a dozen men to guard him; the Man was not underestimating him and that was annoying the Elf to no end.
They reached the front of the rebels' hide-out and Legolas saw Risorine, readying his horse along with several others. There were a few rider-less horses as well and he knew one would be for him.
"Bring him here." Risorine ordered when he saw them, showing no interest in the elf's dampness, then quickly turned back to inspecting his saddle bag. As Legolas was brought forward the Man turned to him; his moves crisp with anger. He was still seething from finding out about his true identity and Aragorn's deceptions. Legolas was glad. Finally this Man knew the sting of betrayal.
"Well, it is time to find out if Lord Elessar truly values your immortal life. I highly doubt it, but we shall go and see at the very least." Risorine said. He continued to downplay the bond of friendship between the two, not understanding how any Man could trust or befriend an Elf. Yet he knew that their friendship was strong and that still angered him, for it was a bond he had never had in his life.
"I would try to persuade you from this course of action, but I fear you are too much of a fool to heed sound advice." Legolas replied, shaking his head and truly pitying these people for their ignorance. As much as he tried to understand them, he simply could not. And for this reason he could not entirely forgive their hatred, despite having the compassionate heart of his people. Deep down he was beginning to despise them, simply due to their hatred of him.
"Let us go and we shall see who the fool is. If Lord Elessar truly is willing to trade the Stone of Malinya for your life, then it will prove to be him. Especially since your life will be forfeit either way, as will his." Risorine smirked and mounted his steed. His hair fell softly on his shoulders as he positioned himself, straight and tall, and he looked every bit a leader; confident and cunning. Legolas mentally added deceptive, cowardly and ignorant to his list of qualities as well.
Legolas had known that Risorine had planned to kill him for some time. Had suspected it in the beginning and been sure after the discovery of his true race. But his announcement that he planned to end Aragorn's life as well surprised him, for that was an act that would not go unnoticed.
The men prepared to ride out and Legolas was dragged toward an empty horse. It was the very horse he had been forced to ride to their home, and it remembered him. This time they were more prepared for his company and allowed him to ride alone. He was forced into the saddle, grimacing in uncomfort, and his hands were tied to it as well. He would not be able to jump off the horse, and just in case he tried to encourage the beast to speed him away, its reins were tied to those of the horses' before him. Risorine's was one of the horses which he was attached to. The man smirked, slapped his heels against his horse's flanks and sent them on their way at top speed. He had obviously wished to surprise Legolas with the sudden gallop, but even with his hands bound behind him the elf had perfect balance while atop the great creature. When Risorine noticed this his lips thinned in anger, and he sped the group even faster.
As they rode Legolas felt his body begin to relax with the rhythm of the horse. His shoulder was healing, finally, as the blood had stopped flowing and he had been given a short chance to rest. But his body was tired from fighting to keep him alive, so was still exhausted. His thoughts were drifting, as were his senses, but he had to stay focussed. Aragorn would have a plan; that much he knew. Risorine and his men would be captured and punished and he would be freed. He would need to be alert and ready to help or do his part in whatever it was the king had planned.
His head started to droop with exhaustion once more and he found it harder and harder to concentrate on his surroundings. Looking up he noticed the sun was swiftly setting. They would arrive at the field by dusk.
~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~
"Aragorn, I feel I must bring something to your attention." This was the first time Gimli had spoken since they set out nearly an hour ago. He was used to trying to attempt conversations while riding behind someone, but they were not usually travelling at such speeds.
"What is it Gimli?" Aragorn asked, tilting his head back to hear him better but keeping his eyes on their course.
"If Risorine knows Legolas is an elf, how are we to keep this information from these Men?" Gimli asked, indicating those that rode behind them.
"We shall have to hope for chance to be by our side. I have brought with me the Mist of Concealment; I found it in Legolas's chambers. We shall simply have to search for, or make, an opportunity to use it on him, before these Men discover his identity." Aragorn replied. It had been a question plaguing his mind as well. He had planned enough ahead to bring the Mist but beyond that he knew he would have to see how the circumstances unfolded themselves.
Sorinth was true to his word; they had ridden swiftly and arrived in the field where Legolas had been taken, only two hours after they left Miscalanth. Aragorn and Gimli both held a look of disdain for the place.
"This is where we last saw them." Aragorn announced, stopping and dismounting Hasufel.
"I believe they came from that direction; that is at least the way they left by." Gimli added, pointing into the forest ahead of them.
"Yes, that would make sense. These woods are not well used and it would be unlikely for them to be found accidentally. Come though, there is much to do before sun fall, we must hurry." Sorinth ushered them unnecessarily.
Dusk was still two hours away, and they were glad for the time. Sorinth explained that he knew the forest fairly well and led his men to areas where they could hide until their quarry arrived.
"They should stay back quite a distance," Aragorn suggested, "Risorine's men will know these woods well also, and know where to look for that which is hidden."
Sorinth agreed and the large bulk of his men were placed a great distance away from the valley. They would be able to see all and approach quickly enough, but they would not be spotted by those who did not know they were there, and they could not hear anything from the field. That was what Aragorn wanted.
What he didn't want was anyone close enough to hear any conversation in the valley, but this was exactly what Sorinth gave him. While most of his men kept away, Sorinth and a single guard set themselves among the boulders on the high hill overlooking the field. Aragorn wished to argue that they would be seen, but in truth he could not. It was a good hiding spot; Sorinth would be able to see Aragorn's signal from below and they would not be easily spotted. He simply wanted none of Brelan's men in hearing range. But if they did not shout their voices would not be easily heard.
At this point Gimli cared little whether they heard them or not, as long as the Men were quick and true to their word, and Risorine was stopped.
By the time all the men were positioned it was nearly dusk. That had not waited a moment too long. Aragorn and Gimli were the only ones visible in the field and they were hard pressed to see the men of Brelan, hiding in the forest. Hasufel stood behind them, for obvious reasons the Men had been forced to leave their steeds far behind in the woods.
The Stone weighed heavily on Aragorn's shoulder as he paced the valley floor. The treasure they had sought to bring peace to the lands seemed to be causing nothing but pain, betrayal, and misery. He idly wondered why the good things in life were so few; even those things made to be good seemed to turn against him.
Gimli was nervous as well. He did not like waiting and was impatient so passed the time fiddling with his axe; changing its position and checking and re-checking its blade.
Looking out into the forest Aragorn could see none of Sorinth's men, and was impressed by their skills in stealth. His head snapped around suddenly, drawn by the sounds coming from the other side of the valley. Gimli noticed this and stood straight and alert.
"They're coming." Aragorn whispered, knowing the Dwarf had not heard them yet.
Just as the last rays of sunlight filtered through the tips of the trees, the sound of hooves became clear in the distance.
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Legolas knew he had to save his strength, so he let his body relax and his mind drift as they rode towards the valley in the descending sunlight. Despite the evil these Men seemed to fill them with, the forests were actually quite beautiful. Especially at this time, the pivotal moment where night and day meet and then quickly part ways. He always loved this time of day. But there were several factors that were ruining it for him. His fatigue, the pain he was in, and the fact that the object in his direct line of sight was the back of Risorine's head; an object he desperately wanted to impale with an arrow.
They continued riding and Legolas let his gaze wander around the woods. He spotted a type of tree he did not recognize, which was curious to him. He greatly wished to see it, talk to it, but he knew that was out of the question. As they passed closely by another tree of its kind he promised he would return and learn of it, if he could. When they neared the valley Legolas noticed something else in the woods. Unnatural shadows were moving in the darkness. They did not belong to plant or animal and he knew that they were Men. And not Risorine's men.
When he realized this he averted his gaze, but not too quickly as to draw attention. He simply hung his head low and watched the forest closely from the corner of his eye. They were close now; Risorine would soon be dealt with by Aragorn, or hopefully by him. Legolas knew the men in the woods were there to help him, sent by Aragorn and Gimli. His muscles tensed and his body became alert as he prepared for the battle that would soon be coming. He just wished he wasn't so tired.
~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~
As the sounds of hoof beats drew nearer Aragorn had to fight the urge to unsheathe his sword as he would normally do when an enemy approached. And Risorine was an enemy, it was all Aragorn saw him as now. To keep his hands from his weapon they instead sought out his pack at his side. He placed his palm over the cloth protectively, as if assuring himself it was still there.
Gimli took a step forward, axe high. Aragorn put out an arm and stopped him. "Wait. They will come to us." He said. It was clear the Dwarf was out for blood but would try to contain himself as best he could. Aragorn wondered if it might not have been better if he had hidden in the woods with Sorinth.
The company at last came into view and Gimli saw pure hatred burning within Aragorn's eyes as he caught sight of Risorine, sitting high and smug upon his dirty brown horse. Shortly behind the betrayer came Legolas and Aragorn's gaze and expression quickly shifted. His friend was alive; he felt a breath of relief leave his lungs as his eyes continued their gathering.
Legolas was indeed alive, clearly, but he was also bound, bruised, damp, and covered in blood. Far too much blood, thought Aragorn. The elf looked very weak; his head was hung low and his body slumped with fatigue. He heard a low growl emit from Gimli, and the axe was lifted once more. Aragorn again had to stop him with a touch of his hand.
"Greetings Lord Elessar," Risorine called out as he dismounted, his voice far too cheerful. "So glad you could make it. But I did tell you to come alone."
Aragorn fought down his anger and adopted a look of calm as he cast a casual glance Gimli's way, "He would not be left behind." He explained with a shrug.
Risorine actually laughed, "Very well, it matters little." He turned and snapped his fingers at several of his men. Aragorn did a quick count; Sorinth's company outnumbered them by more than a half a dozen.
At Risorine's command two men approached Legolas's horse. One man cut him free from the saddle, while keeping his hands still bound, and the other pulled him forcefully off the horse. Legolas landed roughly and was very grateful his leg had ceased to pain him, but he did stumble and was pitched forward slightly. The larger man took him by the hair and forced him to stand, dragging him forward until he was slightly past Risorine. He then shoved the elf onto his knees, so he was facing Aragorn and Gimli, then took a single step back. He had a sword drawn at his side.
"Here is mine. Where's yours?" Risorine asked, enjoying the look of hatred and anxiety across Aragorn's face.
"Does Salogel look different to you?" Sorinth asked his companion quietly from atop the hill. The guard gave him a look that said the answer to the question should be obvious. Sorinth shook his head, "No, besides his injuries. He looks ... different." The guard just shrugged, not having spent much time with Salogel before, so unable to form an opinion. Sorinth pushed the thoughts away and concentrated once more on the scene below.
The length of the field suddenly seemed as long as the River Anduin; he was so close to his friend, yet so far. Aragorn looked at Legolas from across the valley and anger burned within him from his friend's mistreatment. The archer's face was bruised, quite badly, and they were fresh, for if he had received them in the initial fight several hours ago they would have faded. His hair and clothes had been soaked somehow and he could see a long trail of blood down the back of the elf's cloak. It was clear Risorine's men had not treated him well.
But Aragorn had to force himself not to smile as he met the elf's eye. Legolas was indeed weak, but not nearly so much as he had let on. He had a great will of determination within him and that was driving him on. Since neither Risorine nor his men could now see his expression the elf allowed the façade of weakness to drop from his face. His eyes were alert and narrowed in concentration as he absorbed every sound, smell and sight in the area. He tilted his head to the right and then clearly blinked three times, signalling to Aragorn that he knew there were other Men in the forest. He would be ready when they attacked. Aragorn acknowledged this then turned his eyes back to Risorine.
"Release him and you may get it." Gimli replied to the Man, then grumbled, "Or something worse."
"Clearly you do not know the rules of this game Master Dwarf. You give us what we want and you get him back. If you don't give it to us," The man beside Legolas lifted his sword to the elf's bare throat, "I think you know what happens."
"Untie him at the least," Requested Aragorn, stalling now, "As a show of good faith."
The man beside Legolas looked to Risorine, who shook his head. "I have no faith in you good King of Gondor who would lie to kings and even his own captain. You will give me the Stone now or he dies." The steel bit in deeper and Legolas pulled away. The man stepped closer, until he was right behind the elf and took him by the hair to steady him as he pressed the sword to his throat. He was now right where Legolas needed him.
Aragorn saw the blade draw blood from his friend's throat and knew he could stall no longer. He reached into his pack and withdrew the Stone of Malinya and held it high. It was not as beauteous as before. Its light had faded while in Aragorn's care, for it could sense the Man was being deceitful in some way. Still he held it up high, to make sure Risorine and Sorinth both saw. That was the first signal.
Legolas felt the wave of joy and warmth pass through him from the Stone, but he could pay it no mind in his current situation. The steel bit in deeper.
"What is that?" The guard with Sorinth asked up on the hill.
Sorinth shook his head, unable to hear much from down below, "I do not know; perhaps a sacred relic of Gondor."
"Release him." Aragorn repeated, dropping his arm and taking the Stone from sight.
Risorine nodded towards his man and Legolas's hair was released and the sword lowered, but the Man did not back away. "Give me the Stone and you can have the Elf back, though why you would want him is beyond me."
Aragorn took a last, longing look at the Stone and then lobbed it across the field, intentionally causing it to land far from Risorine's reach, but clearly in his sight. When the Stone of Malinya left his fingers it began to glow once more with its previous beauty, and Risorine and all his men were stunned by the sight of it as its rays of color seemed to light up the entire field. The throwing of the Stone had been the second signal.
Aragorn met Legolas's gaze once more and offered a quick and purposeful nod.
Legolas stood quickly, head-butting the man behind him. The man was taken by surprise and fell back, but retained his sword and quickly recovered after stumbling. Legolas turned around and kicked the man swiftly in the stomach, knocking him down before he could let loose a single stroke of his weapon.
Arrows suddenly began to fly from the forest, striking several of Risorine's men and one of the horses. The rebels were quickly pulled from the trance the Stone's beauty had put them in and they realized the danger around them. It had been a trap. Now they had to decide whether to fight or retreat. They had no way of knowing how many men they fought, or where they were. Risorine was urging his men forward, telling them to hold their ground, but few listened.
Arrows continued to fly through the air and Legolas tried to stay low. He needed to find cover and free himself from his bonds. Looking around him he saw most of Risorine's men were in retreat, and the men of Brelan were appearing from the forest. Some had swords drawn and ran forward, while others stayed back and notched more arrows to their bows. Legolas had to drop to the ground suddenly as an arrow flew towards his chest. Were not these men sent here to help him? He thought, but forgave them instantly, knowing that a Man's aim with a bow was not always true. He struggled to rise without the use of his hands, and without injuring himself further.
Risorine fumed as he dodged arrows and approached one of the Men of Brelan. He quickly ran his sword through the Man's stomach, desperate to release some of his anger. Aragorn had deceived him again and was cheating him out of his prize. Looking across the field he saw the Stone, so close, but not close enough. If he went after it he would be captured or killed. He knew he must retreat, but he also knew he must make Aragorn pay for his loss. Unsheathing a knife from his belt Risorine stalked forward as he saw the King of Men running across the field to join the battle.
Aragorn and Gimli raced to engage the rebels with sword and axe drawn and ready. Aragorn stopped for only a moment to pick the Stone of Malinya up from the ground and put it safely back in his pack. Gimli passed him in this time and joined the battle first. He would later comment that the legs of a Dwarf finally outran those of a Man.
When Aragorn raised his eyes he was struck by a great sense of danger and he looked around to find the source. Risorine was approaching swiftly, knife drawn dangerously. He was too far; Aragorn could not reach him in time. All he could do was shout a warning and run forth as swiftly as possible.
"Legolas!"
Legolas had just gotten to his feet once more when he heard Aragorn shout in warning. He turned around to seek out the danger and found Risorine was directly behind him. The elf could not defend himself in a fight while his arms were still bound behind his back and he began to back away. Risorine did not wish to fight him. Without hesitation the man took a step towards Legolas, bringing them almost face to face, and gripped his shoulder tightly in one hand. With the other hand he plunged his dagger deep into the elf's unguarded torso.
Legolas gasped, overwhelmed with pain and surprise, and was kept upright only by Risorine's death grip on both his shoulder and the knife which was held firmly in place. Risorine brought his head forward and whispered to him, "I told you Lord Elessar would pay for his deceptions."
The man withdrew the knife and stepped back. Legolas glared at him for a moment, pain, hatred and anger all etched into his face. Then his body slackened and he fell onto his knees. He took a long wheezing breath and continued to fall until he hit the hard earth, already red from blood.
Risorine smiled and as he turned away he wiped the blood from his dagger. He had the look of a man who was very satisfied with himself. "Retreat! Fall back!" He ordered his men as he mounted his horse, still smiling broadly and rode away from the scene. The ones who had not yet fled followed him.
Aragorn reached Legolas too late, the damage was done. He dropped down beside the elf and turned him over gently.
"Legolas, can you hear me?" He asked while pulling cloth and bandages from his bag.
The elf's eyes were glazed over but Aragorn saw recognition in them, "Aragorn." He smiled, then grimaced as Aragorn applied pressure to the wound in his side to stop the blood flow. Gimli suddenly appeared as well, his axe blood red with revenge. He quickly cut free his friend's hands as Aragorn continued to look over the wound. The tightness of the ropes did not escape his notice, or the bleeding of the elf's wrists. Anger fuelled in the Dwarf from the clear mistreatment of his friend, but he fought it down for now and concentrated on helping to heal him.
"Hold on, Legolas, please." Aragorn pleaded, pulling herbs and more bandages from his bag.
"Risorine?" Legolas asked, his voice weak and eyes straying over the area, taking in the end of the fight.
Aragorn and Gimli both grimaced and look behind them; Risorine had gotten away, along with several of his men. Many men lay dead on the ground; some were rebels and some were of Brelan.
"We'll find him together." Gimli said optimistically.
Sorinth appeared suddenly, there was a curious look on his face and he stared hard at first Aragorn and then Legolas. He was clearly curious about something but he was also concerned and eager to help.
"Is there anything ..." Aragorn did not let him finish.
"We can care for him, go after Risorine. Find him!" The King ordered vehemently. Sorinth nodded in agreement, knowing he himself had little skill in healing and would be of little help. Several of his men had already taken chase after the rebels, using the horses of the ones slain. Aragorn whistled absently and Hasufel came forward. "Take him. Quickly." Sorinth complied, mounted Hasufel and sped away.
The three friends were left alone in the field, with only the dead for company.
Aragorn and Gimli turned their attention back to their friend on the ground; his breathing was becoming more laboured and his skin was pale. He was fading quickly and they knew it. They would have to act soon or the crown prince of Mirkwood, and their dear friend, would be lost.
"Gimli, come and keep pressure on this, I must inspect his shoulder as well." Aragorn explained as the Dwarf and Man switched position. Gimli pressed the cloth against the stab wound and tried to give his friend a reassuring smile. It was returned weakly.
"This was not quite the reunion I had planned." Legolas said, talking in quick breaths as he lay on his side.
"Nor I, lad, but I should have, knowing you." Legolas usually hated when Gimli called him lad, but at the moment he didn't mind that much. But he winced as Aragorn prodded at his injured shoulder.
"It is not infected but he's lost so much blood. If I remove the arrowhead it will only be worse." Aragorn announced.
Gimli looked up, hopeful, "What about the Stone?"
"I am unsure Gimli. If we decide to use it I shall have to remove the arrowhead, for it cannot be healed over. This will make the blood loss worse; removing it would kill him if the Stone does not work." Aragorn explained, his voice dropping with sadness and frustration.
"But if the Stone does work ..." Gimli continued and was cut short.
"And if it doesn't than we have doomed him!" Aragorn pleaded.
"Do it Aragorn." Legolas said from below, sick of being talked about and not to. "I am lost if you do not." The elf could feel it, his vision was fading, his thoughts were becoming blurred and his soul seemed restless, as if it no longer fit his body. He was dying, and he did not wish it.
Aragorn's fists gripped his knees tightly as he tried to decide what to do. He bit his lip and ran his hand through his hair. A great weight seemed to press down on his shoulders, for his friends had just clearly passed the decision on to him.
"I shall try." Aragorn replied at last, getting up and retrieving his bag from beside Gimli. He removed the Stone of Malinya along with another bundle of bandages. His fingers began to gently probe the injury to the elf's shoulder. The arrowhead was in deep now; he would have to go into the wound, then pull it free. "This will hurt." He announced sorrowfully, "Gimli, hold him down."
The Dwarf did as asked of him and kept his friend in place. Legolas and Aragorn took a large breath at the same time. The Man's fingers reached into the wound until he grasped what was left of the shaft of the arrow, then he quickly hauled it free. Legolas was too tired to fight it back and screamed in pain as the arrowhead was removed. Gimli held him down as his body arced in pain and both the friends' hearts cracked a little at the sound of his screams. Legolas slumped to the ground, exhausted and breathing heavily. Aragorn quickly placed several bandages over the wound after throwing away the arrow in disdain. Taking another deep breath to compose himself he picked up the Stone of Malinya, not allowing its beauty to steal a single of his thoughts.
He needed to do this, he had to save his friend, he had to be strong and stop his hands from shaking. Memories of all those he had ever lost suddenly flew to his mind, and he fought to push their images away.
As he held the Stone over his friend, who lay hurt and bleeding so badly, all he could do was curse Risorine and his treacherous soul. But more than that, he cursed himself. For bringing his closest friend to a land that hated him and being the cause of his pain. He cursed the country of Brelan for their hatred, and he cursed those who ruled over Fate and Chance for their unfairness. And he cursed himself for his stupidity; it suddenly had dawned on him, he had no idea how to harness the power of Malinya's Stone.
Gimli looked down at Legolas, so peaceful and quiet despite the pain he must be in. Then he realized he was far too peaceful and his eyes had become glazed and stared, unfocussed, into the distance. The Dwarf moved his hand that was holding the bandage in place and rested it on the elf's chest.
"Aragorn, he's not breathing."
TBC
A/N - Ha, I'm evil!!!!!!!
No, I'm not. I'll have the next chapter out soon, I have a four day weekend coming up, so I should have lots of time. I really don't want to leave you hanging too long; just long enough that you start to lose your grip. Anyway, to my fab reviewers, whom I hope won't hate me after reading this chapter
Jay of Lasgalen - there's a lot planned for Vecery and Sorinth. But first we must deal with Risorine.
The Insane One - yeah! A cookie. Thanks. Oh, and a nice new white coat so I can hug myself allllll day.
Lil*bee - Ah, thank you for putting me on your faves list. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Glad you like the fic.
Lady-Daine - don't worry, Risorine's gonna get his just desserts. Thank you for appreciating the emotions in the characters, those are usually the parts I have to proofread four or five times to get right.
Aurienia - Wow, your first review, you did a great job. Said all the stuff you should. I don't know how many more chaps there will be, probably four but that's a rough guess. There are lots of sights to learn Elvish, try: http://www.grey-company.org/Circle/language/intro.htm it's a very large dictionary and very well done.
Sunchaser - I like the lock of hair bit too.
Littlefish - I pretty much have Lord V's reaction all written out. But I won't give away anymore than that.
Mia-philosphet - The Aragorn and Gimli angst is the best, isn't it?
Aireroswen - my imagination likes to explode too, but what mine comes up with I usually use.
That's it for now, I'll hopefully be back in a few. Robinyj ^_^ *rereads end* I AM evil!
The Stone of Malinya
Legolas walked through the forest, enjoying the sights and smells of nature; it was calm and peaceful here, as everything should be. He suddenly stopped walking and listened. He could hear water running nearby. This confused him for he knew that no stream or river flowed anywhere near the section of wood he walked in. He began to follow the sound, curious as to what could be causing it and where it could be coming from. He walked and walked but the sound never came any closer; the water seemed to be running just out of his reach. Frustration began to fill him, despite being in his peaceful land of dreams where things were usually calm and relaxing. He continued to walk; he was searching, desperately now, to find the river that he knew should not be there.
He was so intent on his destination, so tuned to his sense of hearing and direction that he did not notice the world was fading around him. The sky blackened and lowered, the trees around him blurred, then faded together to form black walls about him, and the leaves beneath his feet hardened and became cold, until he was walking on solid stone.
He still could not find the water. It had to be close. It had to be somewhere. Then a new sound was added to his darkening world; footsteps. Several pairs of footsteps, that were approaching swiftly. And there were voices; they were distant and rough. Perhaps they would know where the water was. He ran now, towards the voices, pushing through blackness, desperate to find this lost river. Where was it? It had to be close. It had to be somewhere. The sounds were all around him yet he could reach none of them. Water, footsteps, voices, water, footsteps, voices, water, footsteps, voices....
The sounds continued, pulsing through his thoughts with every stride of his legs. He ran and ran, then stopped! Silence.
The footsteps had ceased. The voices had quieted. Then the sound of running water suddenly became loud. Very loud; almost as if he was standing in its path.
He looked up into the darkness. He was under a waterfall..
... Legolas awoke with a start, blinking his already open eyes and shaking his head to clear away the droplets of water. He was soaked from head to foot and there was a puddle forming around him, red from the mix of water and blood. A satisfied laugh came from above him and he looked up to see several of Risorine's guards crowded into the cell. One was holding a now empty water pail.
"Get up Elf!" The man with the pail ordered, his smirk disappearing and quickly changing to anger when he caught Legolas's defiant stare. "We won't fall for your tricks. Rise!"
Legolas got the impression that the men had been trying to get him to rise for some time, and they had been the sources of the voices and footsteps from his dream. It disturbed him that he had not awoken when they first arrived; it showed how unresponsive his body was becoming.
The men were already impatient with him, it had taken a bucket of water to get him to even respond to them, and they were not willing to wait for him to rise on his own. Now that he would be able to walk he was grabbed by the elbows and hauled to his feet; they cared nothing for his injuries and one man even deliberately pressed down on his shoulder, pressing into the wound. Legolas tensed with the pain but did not flinch or react in any way, refusing to give the Man any satisfaction; but his heart broke as the true hatred these Men held for his people became clear. It was not simply the malice of one Man that was against him, it was the malevolence of an entire nation.
He took a calming breath when they reached the outdoors once more. Though he had not been in the cell for very long it was still very confined and dark, and he had yearned for the sight of the outdoors. A sigh of relief actually passed his lips as he stepped into the sun's golden rays and immediately felt his skin begin to warm and dry.
When he stopped to enjoy the daylight his guards forced him ahead, surprising him and pulling on his shoulder once more. This time he hissed through his teeth. He considered lashing out at the guards, knowing he could overpower just the two of them even in his weakened state, but he looked behind him and realized they were not alone. Once more Risorine had sent half a dozen men to guard him; the Man was not underestimating him and that was annoying the Elf to no end.
They reached the front of the rebels' hide-out and Legolas saw Risorine, readying his horse along with several others. There were a few rider-less horses as well and he knew one would be for him.
"Bring him here." Risorine ordered when he saw them, showing no interest in the elf's dampness, then quickly turned back to inspecting his saddle bag. As Legolas was brought forward the Man turned to him; his moves crisp with anger. He was still seething from finding out about his true identity and Aragorn's deceptions. Legolas was glad. Finally this Man knew the sting of betrayal.
"Well, it is time to find out if Lord Elessar truly values your immortal life. I highly doubt it, but we shall go and see at the very least." Risorine said. He continued to downplay the bond of friendship between the two, not understanding how any Man could trust or befriend an Elf. Yet he knew that their friendship was strong and that still angered him, for it was a bond he had never had in his life.
"I would try to persuade you from this course of action, but I fear you are too much of a fool to heed sound advice." Legolas replied, shaking his head and truly pitying these people for their ignorance. As much as he tried to understand them, he simply could not. And for this reason he could not entirely forgive their hatred, despite having the compassionate heart of his people. Deep down he was beginning to despise them, simply due to their hatred of him.
"Let us go and we shall see who the fool is. If Lord Elessar truly is willing to trade the Stone of Malinya for your life, then it will prove to be him. Especially since your life will be forfeit either way, as will his." Risorine smirked and mounted his steed. His hair fell softly on his shoulders as he positioned himself, straight and tall, and he looked every bit a leader; confident and cunning. Legolas mentally added deceptive, cowardly and ignorant to his list of qualities as well.
Legolas had known that Risorine had planned to kill him for some time. Had suspected it in the beginning and been sure after the discovery of his true race. But his announcement that he planned to end Aragorn's life as well surprised him, for that was an act that would not go unnoticed.
The men prepared to ride out and Legolas was dragged toward an empty horse. It was the very horse he had been forced to ride to their home, and it remembered him. This time they were more prepared for his company and allowed him to ride alone. He was forced into the saddle, grimacing in uncomfort, and his hands were tied to it as well. He would not be able to jump off the horse, and just in case he tried to encourage the beast to speed him away, its reins were tied to those of the horses' before him. Risorine's was one of the horses which he was attached to. The man smirked, slapped his heels against his horse's flanks and sent them on their way at top speed. He had obviously wished to surprise Legolas with the sudden gallop, but even with his hands bound behind him the elf had perfect balance while atop the great creature. When Risorine noticed this his lips thinned in anger, and he sped the group even faster.
As they rode Legolas felt his body begin to relax with the rhythm of the horse. His shoulder was healing, finally, as the blood had stopped flowing and he had been given a short chance to rest. But his body was tired from fighting to keep him alive, so was still exhausted. His thoughts were drifting, as were his senses, but he had to stay focussed. Aragorn would have a plan; that much he knew. Risorine and his men would be captured and punished and he would be freed. He would need to be alert and ready to help or do his part in whatever it was the king had planned.
His head started to droop with exhaustion once more and he found it harder and harder to concentrate on his surroundings. Looking up he noticed the sun was swiftly setting. They would arrive at the field by dusk.
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"Aragorn, I feel I must bring something to your attention." This was the first time Gimli had spoken since they set out nearly an hour ago. He was used to trying to attempt conversations while riding behind someone, but they were not usually travelling at such speeds.
"What is it Gimli?" Aragorn asked, tilting his head back to hear him better but keeping his eyes on their course.
"If Risorine knows Legolas is an elf, how are we to keep this information from these Men?" Gimli asked, indicating those that rode behind them.
"We shall have to hope for chance to be by our side. I have brought with me the Mist of Concealment; I found it in Legolas's chambers. We shall simply have to search for, or make, an opportunity to use it on him, before these Men discover his identity." Aragorn replied. It had been a question plaguing his mind as well. He had planned enough ahead to bring the Mist but beyond that he knew he would have to see how the circumstances unfolded themselves.
Sorinth was true to his word; they had ridden swiftly and arrived in the field where Legolas had been taken, only two hours after they left Miscalanth. Aragorn and Gimli both held a look of disdain for the place.
"This is where we last saw them." Aragorn announced, stopping and dismounting Hasufel.
"I believe they came from that direction; that is at least the way they left by." Gimli added, pointing into the forest ahead of them.
"Yes, that would make sense. These woods are not well used and it would be unlikely for them to be found accidentally. Come though, there is much to do before sun fall, we must hurry." Sorinth ushered them unnecessarily.
Dusk was still two hours away, and they were glad for the time. Sorinth explained that he knew the forest fairly well and led his men to areas where they could hide until their quarry arrived.
"They should stay back quite a distance," Aragorn suggested, "Risorine's men will know these woods well also, and know where to look for that which is hidden."
Sorinth agreed and the large bulk of his men were placed a great distance away from the valley. They would be able to see all and approach quickly enough, but they would not be spotted by those who did not know they were there, and they could not hear anything from the field. That was what Aragorn wanted.
What he didn't want was anyone close enough to hear any conversation in the valley, but this was exactly what Sorinth gave him. While most of his men kept away, Sorinth and a single guard set themselves among the boulders on the high hill overlooking the field. Aragorn wished to argue that they would be seen, but in truth he could not. It was a good hiding spot; Sorinth would be able to see Aragorn's signal from below and they would not be easily spotted. He simply wanted none of Brelan's men in hearing range. But if they did not shout their voices would not be easily heard.
At this point Gimli cared little whether they heard them or not, as long as the Men were quick and true to their word, and Risorine was stopped.
By the time all the men were positioned it was nearly dusk. That had not waited a moment too long. Aragorn and Gimli were the only ones visible in the field and they were hard pressed to see the men of Brelan, hiding in the forest. Hasufel stood behind them, for obvious reasons the Men had been forced to leave their steeds far behind in the woods.
The Stone weighed heavily on Aragorn's shoulder as he paced the valley floor. The treasure they had sought to bring peace to the lands seemed to be causing nothing but pain, betrayal, and misery. He idly wondered why the good things in life were so few; even those things made to be good seemed to turn against him.
Gimli was nervous as well. He did not like waiting and was impatient so passed the time fiddling with his axe; changing its position and checking and re-checking its blade.
Looking out into the forest Aragorn could see none of Sorinth's men, and was impressed by their skills in stealth. His head snapped around suddenly, drawn by the sounds coming from the other side of the valley. Gimli noticed this and stood straight and alert.
"They're coming." Aragorn whispered, knowing the Dwarf had not heard them yet.
Just as the last rays of sunlight filtered through the tips of the trees, the sound of hooves became clear in the distance.
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Legolas knew he had to save his strength, so he let his body relax and his mind drift as they rode towards the valley in the descending sunlight. Despite the evil these Men seemed to fill them with, the forests were actually quite beautiful. Especially at this time, the pivotal moment where night and day meet and then quickly part ways. He always loved this time of day. But there were several factors that were ruining it for him. His fatigue, the pain he was in, and the fact that the object in his direct line of sight was the back of Risorine's head; an object he desperately wanted to impale with an arrow.
They continued riding and Legolas let his gaze wander around the woods. He spotted a type of tree he did not recognize, which was curious to him. He greatly wished to see it, talk to it, but he knew that was out of the question. As they passed closely by another tree of its kind he promised he would return and learn of it, if he could. When they neared the valley Legolas noticed something else in the woods. Unnatural shadows were moving in the darkness. They did not belong to plant or animal and he knew that they were Men. And not Risorine's men.
When he realized this he averted his gaze, but not too quickly as to draw attention. He simply hung his head low and watched the forest closely from the corner of his eye. They were close now; Risorine would soon be dealt with by Aragorn, or hopefully by him. Legolas knew the men in the woods were there to help him, sent by Aragorn and Gimli. His muscles tensed and his body became alert as he prepared for the battle that would soon be coming. He just wished he wasn't so tired.
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As the sounds of hoof beats drew nearer Aragorn had to fight the urge to unsheathe his sword as he would normally do when an enemy approached. And Risorine was an enemy, it was all Aragorn saw him as now. To keep his hands from his weapon they instead sought out his pack at his side. He placed his palm over the cloth protectively, as if assuring himself it was still there.
Gimli took a step forward, axe high. Aragorn put out an arm and stopped him. "Wait. They will come to us." He said. It was clear the Dwarf was out for blood but would try to contain himself as best he could. Aragorn wondered if it might not have been better if he had hidden in the woods with Sorinth.
The company at last came into view and Gimli saw pure hatred burning within Aragorn's eyes as he caught sight of Risorine, sitting high and smug upon his dirty brown horse. Shortly behind the betrayer came Legolas and Aragorn's gaze and expression quickly shifted. His friend was alive; he felt a breath of relief leave his lungs as his eyes continued their gathering.
Legolas was indeed alive, clearly, but he was also bound, bruised, damp, and covered in blood. Far too much blood, thought Aragorn. The elf looked very weak; his head was hung low and his body slumped with fatigue. He heard a low growl emit from Gimli, and the axe was lifted once more. Aragorn again had to stop him with a touch of his hand.
"Greetings Lord Elessar," Risorine called out as he dismounted, his voice far too cheerful. "So glad you could make it. But I did tell you to come alone."
Aragorn fought down his anger and adopted a look of calm as he cast a casual glance Gimli's way, "He would not be left behind." He explained with a shrug.
Risorine actually laughed, "Very well, it matters little." He turned and snapped his fingers at several of his men. Aragorn did a quick count; Sorinth's company outnumbered them by more than a half a dozen.
At Risorine's command two men approached Legolas's horse. One man cut him free from the saddle, while keeping his hands still bound, and the other pulled him forcefully off the horse. Legolas landed roughly and was very grateful his leg had ceased to pain him, but he did stumble and was pitched forward slightly. The larger man took him by the hair and forced him to stand, dragging him forward until he was slightly past Risorine. He then shoved the elf onto his knees, so he was facing Aragorn and Gimli, then took a single step back. He had a sword drawn at his side.
"Here is mine. Where's yours?" Risorine asked, enjoying the look of hatred and anxiety across Aragorn's face.
"Does Salogel look different to you?" Sorinth asked his companion quietly from atop the hill. The guard gave him a look that said the answer to the question should be obvious. Sorinth shook his head, "No, besides his injuries. He looks ... different." The guard just shrugged, not having spent much time with Salogel before, so unable to form an opinion. Sorinth pushed the thoughts away and concentrated once more on the scene below.
The length of the field suddenly seemed as long as the River Anduin; he was so close to his friend, yet so far. Aragorn looked at Legolas from across the valley and anger burned within him from his friend's mistreatment. The archer's face was bruised, quite badly, and they were fresh, for if he had received them in the initial fight several hours ago they would have faded. His hair and clothes had been soaked somehow and he could see a long trail of blood down the back of the elf's cloak. It was clear Risorine's men had not treated him well.
But Aragorn had to force himself not to smile as he met the elf's eye. Legolas was indeed weak, but not nearly so much as he had let on. He had a great will of determination within him and that was driving him on. Since neither Risorine nor his men could now see his expression the elf allowed the façade of weakness to drop from his face. His eyes were alert and narrowed in concentration as he absorbed every sound, smell and sight in the area. He tilted his head to the right and then clearly blinked three times, signalling to Aragorn that he knew there were other Men in the forest. He would be ready when they attacked. Aragorn acknowledged this then turned his eyes back to Risorine.
"Release him and you may get it." Gimli replied to the Man, then grumbled, "Or something worse."
"Clearly you do not know the rules of this game Master Dwarf. You give us what we want and you get him back. If you don't give it to us," The man beside Legolas lifted his sword to the elf's bare throat, "I think you know what happens."
"Untie him at the least," Requested Aragorn, stalling now, "As a show of good faith."
The man beside Legolas looked to Risorine, who shook his head. "I have no faith in you good King of Gondor who would lie to kings and even his own captain. You will give me the Stone now or he dies." The steel bit in deeper and Legolas pulled away. The man stepped closer, until he was right behind the elf and took him by the hair to steady him as he pressed the sword to his throat. He was now right where Legolas needed him.
Aragorn saw the blade draw blood from his friend's throat and knew he could stall no longer. He reached into his pack and withdrew the Stone of Malinya and held it high. It was not as beauteous as before. Its light had faded while in Aragorn's care, for it could sense the Man was being deceitful in some way. Still he held it up high, to make sure Risorine and Sorinth both saw. That was the first signal.
Legolas felt the wave of joy and warmth pass through him from the Stone, but he could pay it no mind in his current situation. The steel bit in deeper.
"What is that?" The guard with Sorinth asked up on the hill.
Sorinth shook his head, unable to hear much from down below, "I do not know; perhaps a sacred relic of Gondor."
"Release him." Aragorn repeated, dropping his arm and taking the Stone from sight.
Risorine nodded towards his man and Legolas's hair was released and the sword lowered, but the Man did not back away. "Give me the Stone and you can have the Elf back, though why you would want him is beyond me."
Aragorn took a last, longing look at the Stone and then lobbed it across the field, intentionally causing it to land far from Risorine's reach, but clearly in his sight. When the Stone of Malinya left his fingers it began to glow once more with its previous beauty, and Risorine and all his men were stunned by the sight of it as its rays of color seemed to light up the entire field. The throwing of the Stone had been the second signal.
Aragorn met Legolas's gaze once more and offered a quick and purposeful nod.
Legolas stood quickly, head-butting the man behind him. The man was taken by surprise and fell back, but retained his sword and quickly recovered after stumbling. Legolas turned around and kicked the man swiftly in the stomach, knocking him down before he could let loose a single stroke of his weapon.
Arrows suddenly began to fly from the forest, striking several of Risorine's men and one of the horses. The rebels were quickly pulled from the trance the Stone's beauty had put them in and they realized the danger around them. It had been a trap. Now they had to decide whether to fight or retreat. They had no way of knowing how many men they fought, or where they were. Risorine was urging his men forward, telling them to hold their ground, but few listened.
Arrows continued to fly through the air and Legolas tried to stay low. He needed to find cover and free himself from his bonds. Looking around him he saw most of Risorine's men were in retreat, and the men of Brelan were appearing from the forest. Some had swords drawn and ran forward, while others stayed back and notched more arrows to their bows. Legolas had to drop to the ground suddenly as an arrow flew towards his chest. Were not these men sent here to help him? He thought, but forgave them instantly, knowing that a Man's aim with a bow was not always true. He struggled to rise without the use of his hands, and without injuring himself further.
Risorine fumed as he dodged arrows and approached one of the Men of Brelan. He quickly ran his sword through the Man's stomach, desperate to release some of his anger. Aragorn had deceived him again and was cheating him out of his prize. Looking across the field he saw the Stone, so close, but not close enough. If he went after it he would be captured or killed. He knew he must retreat, but he also knew he must make Aragorn pay for his loss. Unsheathing a knife from his belt Risorine stalked forward as he saw the King of Men running across the field to join the battle.
Aragorn and Gimli raced to engage the rebels with sword and axe drawn and ready. Aragorn stopped for only a moment to pick the Stone of Malinya up from the ground and put it safely back in his pack. Gimli passed him in this time and joined the battle first. He would later comment that the legs of a Dwarf finally outran those of a Man.
When Aragorn raised his eyes he was struck by a great sense of danger and he looked around to find the source. Risorine was approaching swiftly, knife drawn dangerously. He was too far; Aragorn could not reach him in time. All he could do was shout a warning and run forth as swiftly as possible.
"Legolas!"
Legolas had just gotten to his feet once more when he heard Aragorn shout in warning. He turned around to seek out the danger and found Risorine was directly behind him. The elf could not defend himself in a fight while his arms were still bound behind his back and he began to back away. Risorine did not wish to fight him. Without hesitation the man took a step towards Legolas, bringing them almost face to face, and gripped his shoulder tightly in one hand. With the other hand he plunged his dagger deep into the elf's unguarded torso.
Legolas gasped, overwhelmed with pain and surprise, and was kept upright only by Risorine's death grip on both his shoulder and the knife which was held firmly in place. Risorine brought his head forward and whispered to him, "I told you Lord Elessar would pay for his deceptions."
The man withdrew the knife and stepped back. Legolas glared at him for a moment, pain, hatred and anger all etched into his face. Then his body slackened and he fell onto his knees. He took a long wheezing breath and continued to fall until he hit the hard earth, already red from blood.
Risorine smiled and as he turned away he wiped the blood from his dagger. He had the look of a man who was very satisfied with himself. "Retreat! Fall back!" He ordered his men as he mounted his horse, still smiling broadly and rode away from the scene. The ones who had not yet fled followed him.
Aragorn reached Legolas too late, the damage was done. He dropped down beside the elf and turned him over gently.
"Legolas, can you hear me?" He asked while pulling cloth and bandages from his bag.
The elf's eyes were glazed over but Aragorn saw recognition in them, "Aragorn." He smiled, then grimaced as Aragorn applied pressure to the wound in his side to stop the blood flow. Gimli suddenly appeared as well, his axe blood red with revenge. He quickly cut free his friend's hands as Aragorn continued to look over the wound. The tightness of the ropes did not escape his notice, or the bleeding of the elf's wrists. Anger fuelled in the Dwarf from the clear mistreatment of his friend, but he fought it down for now and concentrated on helping to heal him.
"Hold on, Legolas, please." Aragorn pleaded, pulling herbs and more bandages from his bag.
"Risorine?" Legolas asked, his voice weak and eyes straying over the area, taking in the end of the fight.
Aragorn and Gimli both grimaced and look behind them; Risorine had gotten away, along with several of his men. Many men lay dead on the ground; some were rebels and some were of Brelan.
"We'll find him together." Gimli said optimistically.
Sorinth appeared suddenly, there was a curious look on his face and he stared hard at first Aragorn and then Legolas. He was clearly curious about something but he was also concerned and eager to help.
"Is there anything ..." Aragorn did not let him finish.
"We can care for him, go after Risorine. Find him!" The King ordered vehemently. Sorinth nodded in agreement, knowing he himself had little skill in healing and would be of little help. Several of his men had already taken chase after the rebels, using the horses of the ones slain. Aragorn whistled absently and Hasufel came forward. "Take him. Quickly." Sorinth complied, mounted Hasufel and sped away.
The three friends were left alone in the field, with only the dead for company.
Aragorn and Gimli turned their attention back to their friend on the ground; his breathing was becoming more laboured and his skin was pale. He was fading quickly and they knew it. They would have to act soon or the crown prince of Mirkwood, and their dear friend, would be lost.
"Gimli, come and keep pressure on this, I must inspect his shoulder as well." Aragorn explained as the Dwarf and Man switched position. Gimli pressed the cloth against the stab wound and tried to give his friend a reassuring smile. It was returned weakly.
"This was not quite the reunion I had planned." Legolas said, talking in quick breaths as he lay on his side.
"Nor I, lad, but I should have, knowing you." Legolas usually hated when Gimli called him lad, but at the moment he didn't mind that much. But he winced as Aragorn prodded at his injured shoulder.
"It is not infected but he's lost so much blood. If I remove the arrowhead it will only be worse." Aragorn announced.
Gimli looked up, hopeful, "What about the Stone?"
"I am unsure Gimli. If we decide to use it I shall have to remove the arrowhead, for it cannot be healed over. This will make the blood loss worse; removing it would kill him if the Stone does not work." Aragorn explained, his voice dropping with sadness and frustration.
"But if the Stone does work ..." Gimli continued and was cut short.
"And if it doesn't than we have doomed him!" Aragorn pleaded.
"Do it Aragorn." Legolas said from below, sick of being talked about and not to. "I am lost if you do not." The elf could feel it, his vision was fading, his thoughts were becoming blurred and his soul seemed restless, as if it no longer fit his body. He was dying, and he did not wish it.
Aragorn's fists gripped his knees tightly as he tried to decide what to do. He bit his lip and ran his hand through his hair. A great weight seemed to press down on his shoulders, for his friends had just clearly passed the decision on to him.
"I shall try." Aragorn replied at last, getting up and retrieving his bag from beside Gimli. He removed the Stone of Malinya along with another bundle of bandages. His fingers began to gently probe the injury to the elf's shoulder. The arrowhead was in deep now; he would have to go into the wound, then pull it free. "This will hurt." He announced sorrowfully, "Gimli, hold him down."
The Dwarf did as asked of him and kept his friend in place. Legolas and Aragorn took a large breath at the same time. The Man's fingers reached into the wound until he grasped what was left of the shaft of the arrow, then he quickly hauled it free. Legolas was too tired to fight it back and screamed in pain as the arrowhead was removed. Gimli held him down as his body arced in pain and both the friends' hearts cracked a little at the sound of his screams. Legolas slumped to the ground, exhausted and breathing heavily. Aragorn quickly placed several bandages over the wound after throwing away the arrow in disdain. Taking another deep breath to compose himself he picked up the Stone of Malinya, not allowing its beauty to steal a single of his thoughts.
He needed to do this, he had to save his friend, he had to be strong and stop his hands from shaking. Memories of all those he had ever lost suddenly flew to his mind, and he fought to push their images away.
As he held the Stone over his friend, who lay hurt and bleeding so badly, all he could do was curse Risorine and his treacherous soul. But more than that, he cursed himself. For bringing his closest friend to a land that hated him and being the cause of his pain. He cursed the country of Brelan for their hatred, and he cursed those who ruled over Fate and Chance for their unfairness. And he cursed himself for his stupidity; it suddenly had dawned on him, he had no idea how to harness the power of Malinya's Stone.
Gimli looked down at Legolas, so peaceful and quiet despite the pain he must be in. Then he realized he was far too peaceful and his eyes had become glazed and stared, unfocussed, into the distance. The Dwarf moved his hand that was holding the bandage in place and rested it on the elf's chest.
"Aragorn, he's not breathing."
TBC
A/N - Ha, I'm evil!!!!!!!
No, I'm not. I'll have the next chapter out soon, I have a four day weekend coming up, so I should have lots of time. I really don't want to leave you hanging too long; just long enough that you start to lose your grip. Anyway, to my fab reviewers, whom I hope won't hate me after reading this chapter
Jay of Lasgalen - there's a lot planned for Vecery and Sorinth. But first we must deal with Risorine.
The Insane One - yeah! A cookie. Thanks. Oh, and a nice new white coat so I can hug myself allllll day.
Lil*bee - Ah, thank you for putting me on your faves list. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Glad you like the fic.
Lady-Daine - don't worry, Risorine's gonna get his just desserts. Thank you for appreciating the emotions in the characters, those are usually the parts I have to proofread four or five times to get right.
Aurienia - Wow, your first review, you did a great job. Said all the stuff you should. I don't know how many more chaps there will be, probably four but that's a rough guess. There are lots of sights to learn Elvish, try: http://www.grey-company.org/Circle/language/intro.htm it's a very large dictionary and very well done.
Sunchaser - I like the lock of hair bit too.
Littlefish - I pretty much have Lord V's reaction all written out. But I won't give away anymore than that.
Mia-philosphet - The Aragorn and Gimli angst is the best, isn't it?
Aireroswen - my imagination likes to explode too, but what mine comes up with I usually use.
That's it for now, I'll hopefully be back in a few. Robinyj ^_^ *rereads end* I AM evil!