Story Title: Lean on Me
Chapter Title: Rain of Nostalgia
Author: J. Chassells
Summary: My take on how Aragorn (mostly referred to as Strider and Estel in this fic) and Legolas met and how their friendship was forged throughout their adventures and misadventures.
Author's Note: My first LOTR fic, so please don't hurt me! Reviews and flames are appreciated. This fic isn't really dedicated to anyone, but if I'd have to dedicate it to someone or something, I think this one goes to the US Military. I'm an extremely patriotic person and I support our military completely and firmly. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Don't own the characters, just the plot, yada, yada, yada...
Characters that star in this story: Strider (Estel), Legolas, Elladan, Elrohir, Elrond, maybe a mention of Arwen here and there, and some unnamed orcs and just plain ol' bad guys.
Another A/N: Hmm... this is going to be odd...I'm trying for a new approach this time... first person... I rarely do it, but I realize that steps must be taken so readers can get into the characters' heads. That also means this chappie will be longer hopes people will like that. Bear with me as I try my hand at this, okay? cracks knuckles and starts typing
Indicates Thought
Chapter 5
Strider rode hard, galloping through the trees as though Sauron himself was after him. He concentrated fully on every step his steed took, on every tree they passed. He felt the wind driving stinging snowflakes into his face, but still he continued.
It was only about three hours later when Strider allowed his horse to stop at a stream. He felt a pang of guilt when he saw Hijak's heaving flanks, and he shook his head after sliding from the horse.
Father, what did I do to wrong you so much?
The answers were not forthcoming.
/Strider's POV/
I know, somehow, that I will never be the same. Sure, I may pretend and show otherwise, but this will forever leave a scar on my heart...
...No, what was once my heart.
No more.
There is nothing there but a block of ice, a heart of stone. It replaced that burning, beating piece of flesh when he said that one thing...when he told me to leave behind Estel. When he told me...to leave behind everything I was, and become a new person, a new man.
I see Hijak heaving for breath, and know I pushed him too hard, too long. He forgives me, though; that much is obvious in the way he nuzzles my shoulder. But it doesn't really matter now, does it? He loved Estel, not Strider. Hopefully, he can learn to accept me for who I am, and for what I am.
Why, father? Why does loving Arwen come at so high a price? And...did you mean it?
Hijak senses my unease, perhaps through some Elven secret I've yet to uncover. I thought I knew elves; I thought I had them figured out.
Until yesterday, that is.
Did you mean I am not worthy to love her?
I shouldn't have put it off. I should have told him, the moment after our lips first met, I should have told him.
It's a little late for should haves, isn't it, Longshanks?
I grin, and feel something wet upon my face. No, not tears; I lost the ability to cry after those high wooden gates slammed shut. Looking up, I wished I had the ability to use a few choice Elven curses.
But that's forbidden.
The sky suddenly opens up, drenching me immediately with a freezing cold rain. The atmosphere was obviously warmer than the air, for the water began to freeze as soon as it hit the ground.
I sigh, knowing that I would catch a death of cold in the icy rain. But my main concern is not for me, but for my horse.
I shake my head and look around to get my bearings. I know this place, and quickly take off my Elven cloak. Seeing the brooch with the Rivendell leaves on it brings a pang of sorrow, but I brush it away and fling the waterproof material over Hijak's back.
I smile slightly as he whinnies his pleasure, and I reposition the cloak so that it covers most of the saddle, too. No need in ruining my best saddle. I debate getting on the horse, and my decision is made for me when I see Hijak is still heaving for air. Grabbing his reigns tightly, I started to walk.
My destination is only known to my feet.
/End Strider POV/
Elrond sat at his desk and looked over some documents. His heart wasn't in it, though. He still trembled when he though of the Adan...the Adan that had dared try and take his Arwen from him. The heavy oak door that provided entrance to his study was suddenly pushed in, and Elrond looked at the disturber in surprise.
"Mithrandir, what an unexpected pleasure." He set down the document he'd been reading and asked calmly, "What can I help you with?" The wizard shut the door with such force Elrond could've sworn his teeth rattled. However, the aged man was calm, and he sat down in front of Elrond.
His voice was sincere as he asked, "Old friend, what has drawn you to do this?" Elrond growled, "Estel...no, Strider, crossed a line that was never meant to be crossed, Mithrandir. For a mortal to love an immortal is criminal." Mithrandir said, "But love is not."
Elrond snapped suddenly, "Love is not on trial, Mithrandir! Aragorn is!" The wizard seemed taken aback, and Elrond could not meet his gaze after his outburst. After a moment of heavy silence, Mithrandir gently asked, "If you are putting Aragorn on trial for loving an elf, should you not also be putting Arwen on trial for loving a human?"
Elrond shook his head adamantly. "She's forgiven. She's my daughter." Mithrandir nodded, and then said in a soft, but authoritive tone, "And Aragorn is your son, the one you took into your home and heart after his father was killed." Elrond was still, and Mithrandir continued. "How can you make an exception of love with Arwen and deny the one she loves the same privileges? Aragorn is your son, my friend, and Arwen is your daughter.
One is the heir of a kingdom of Men, the other an heir of a kingdom of Elves. Both are royalty, and both love you fiercely, beyond reason. So why would you take their love and their trust and betray them in the way you have?"
Elrond seemed at a loss for words. During Mithrandir's speech, he'd felt the anger drifting from him, leaving him labored with guilt and astonishment.
His eyes fell to the ground and he whispered in anguish, "Mithrandir, I was so mad...I couldn't let him take Arwen...I didn't..." He trailed off, and Mithrandir finished the sentence for him. "You didn't want to be alone." Elrond's head snapped up, and Mithrandir continued softly.
"Your wife left you for the Undying Lands, and Elladan and Elrohir are warriors; you fear you shall lose them to battle. Arwen is the only one you can keep here at Rivendell, safe. And in your eyes, Aragorn tried to take her from you."
The wizard saw his friend's conflicting emotions and said, "Friend, Aragorn would never do anything to hurt you; you know that. Call him back, Elrond. Let Aragorn be Estel yet again."
Elrond sat silently, fighting with his emotions, and Mithrandir left quietly, leaving the Elf lord to his own devices.
Strider glanced at his sleeping horse, his mind wandering. The cave they'd taken refuge in was lit dimly by the small fire Strider had built. After drying his outer garments by the fire and shaking the water off the Elven cloak, Strider sat, lost in his thoughts. He was exhausted, but found nothing in him that craved sleep.
For with sleep, came dreams.
Which turned to nightmares.
To say that the Ranger was numb to fear would be a lie. However, to say that he was fearful of most things men fear would also be a lie. No, his fears lied in his mind, and in what his mind was capable of doing to him.
Trying to turn from the dark road his thoughts had taken, Strider stoked the fire, put another piece of semi-dry wood on it, and laid out his bedroll. He laid down, and to his surprise, his muscles relaxed immediately. He allowed his eyes to close sleepily, and slipped into the confines of sleep.
Translations:
Adan-
human
Estel lasta an enni- Estel listen to me
tithen pen-
little one
tithen gwador- little brother
ion nin- My son
post
mae- rest well
Brannon
nin- My lord
Mellon nin- My friend
Ada- Father
Ooh!
How was that? Hope you guys liked it! Another chappie coming up soon!
Off to write some more! Take care, everyone! And thanks, Raven, for
all your support!
