A/N: Well, this is strange.it is snowing heavily outside. I don't think
earth has quite decided what to do with us yet. But that's beside the
point. This chapter is mostly about Aragorn, Haldir, etc. Once again,
short, BUT THE NEXT CHAPTER WILL BE LONGER! Teaser: Legolas gets tortured.
MWAHAHAHAHAHA!
Apologies to any Boromir lovers out there. I absoloutly DETEST Boromir with all my heart, and I want to strangle him sooooooo much. Throughout this story, expect to see him more of a nuisance, which I believe he is. Expect the same of Faramir. THEY ANNOY ME SO MUCH! Once again, apologies to all you out there who like them.
Disclaimer: Let's see.I want Haldir.want Legolas.want Glorfindel.want the twins.aw, hell, but none are mine..yet.*cackles evilly*
* * *
"You cannot linger here much longer." Haldir stared hard at his friend, desperately trying to do what was right for Middle-earth. "You set out with Legolas to protect the Ringbearer, and take the Ring to Mordor." Aragorn held his head in his hands. "It was not meant as a friendly journey. Had any other been taken, but for the Ringbearer, you would continue on just the same." The elf reached across to Aragorn. "And you have already lingered here too long."
Aragorn looked up at his friend, his blue eyes showing no glimpse of the anguish raging in his heart, and he knew what Haldir had said to be true. He sighed wearily. "Aye, my friend, you are right." Long hours of taking council with the elves of Lothlorien had tired Aragorn greatly, chiefly the talk of Legolas. Still they had come up with no decision what to do about the elf, and it grieved Aragorn greatly to depart without his friend.
Gradually, the elves left the council, flitting off to other places; Galadriel and Celeborn returned to Caras Galadhon. Nearly all the elves had gone, as Aragorn rose miserably to leave.
"Aragorn." The man stopped, and slowly turned to face Haldir, his emotionless mask shattered, his face creased with despair. The elf rose in once graceful movement from his seat, and almost floated over to his friend. He set his hands on each of Aragorn's shoulders in a consoling gesture, and gazed softly into the man's troubled eyes. "Legolas will be fine. He is strong."
Aragorn sighed heavily, and almost in frustration. "That I know well, Haldir. I have always known his strength." He lowered his eyes. "But a darkness has crept over him since Moria. Something within him is broken . . .I fear for him."
"I know what you desire. You wish to stay, and bring Legolas back. You do not wish to leave him. Aragorn," Haldir raised the man's head. "You must continue on with the Fellowship. You must aid Frodo, for that is what is most important now. Listen to me!" Haldir shook his friend as his head began to drop. "You must continue on with Frodo. But I promise you; we will not leave Legolas unattended. I will do everything in my power to bring him back."
Aragorn stared long into the elf's eyes in silence. At last, he spoke, his words plagued with fatigue. "Aye, my friend, you are right. But you have to promise me, you must bring him back."
Haldir returned the intense gaze, and let a slight grin play across his lips. "You have my word."
Exhausted with both sorrow, and with all that had taken place, each turned their separate ways, trying best they could to shove it all to the back of their minds, into a little corner where it could be forgotten for the time being. Yet, as might they tried, naught could erase the memories of their dear friend.
* * *
It was extremely late as Aragorn at last returned to where the rest of the Fellowship lay sleeping. His normally tall and dignified posture had descended to an exhausted slouch. He stopped as the resting figures of his companions came into view. Four hobbits, all sound asleep, so unawares of all that was taking place, and so disillusioned of everything; Gimli, who, even ere the quest had begun, had loathed Legolas and all his kin, and now was doing as much as possible to save the elf; and.. where was Boromir?
"Where have you been?" Almost on cue, Boromir emerged from the shadows, a suspicious light in his eyes, like that of a mother awaiting a child who has returned far later than his curfew. "And where is the elf? I have not seen him for at least a day and a night."
Aragorn sighed. He knew he would have to explain it sooner or later, but not now. anytime but now. "I have been taking council from the elves," he said, his voice groggy and tinted with frustration and annoyance.
"Would it not be fitting if all the Fellowship was included in this council?" Boromir stated, obviously annoyed himself.
Idiot, thought Aragorn, does it really matter? "I assure you, you shall know everything on the morrow. But for now, I am weary, and would like to rest for a while, if you are finished with your inquiries?" Anger rose in the man's voice.
Just as Aragorn began to turn away, Boromir's voice rose once again in question. "I am not finished." He plainly saw Aragorn cringe, but continued none the less. "Where is the elf? I know he spends time with his kin, but he has practically disappeared in the last while." Silence hung over the two for a while, but it was not to last.
Aragorn turned swiftly on Boromir, anger flaring in his eyes. "The reason I have been receiving council, Boromir, son of Gondor," he snarled in almost a mocking tone, "is that Legolas has been taken from Lothlorien by orcs, and that is why you have not seen him lately. Now, if you have naught more to ask, I will go now and sleep."
Without waiting for a reply, Aragorn stomped off, like to a child in a fit over something incredibly insignificant, leaving a stunned Boromir to stand alone in the shadows.
* * *
Countless hours had passed since the black dungeons of Isenguard had held their first sight of the prince of Mirkwood. Legolas' eyes had adjusted to the darkness, but to little avail: the dungeons were pitch black, with not a single torch nor lamp. The orcs had on the most part left him alone, only every now and again stopping to mock the elf. With no cell about him, another prisoner would declare him freer than others. Yet his arms stretched out and upward, the chains giving no slack for relief, and even as he attempted to sleep away the long hours, he dangled from his wrists, now worn almost raw from the shackles, and he could feel his arms stretching from their sockets.
His feet grew weary of his weight, but less so than his arms, so still he stood upon them. Though tall and proud his posture was, his head hung, golden hair caressing his fair face. For so long, he had wept; out of self- pity, out of fear.out of pure hopelessness. Now there were no more tears left to be cried, but the heavy gloom still clung to him.
Ever so desperately, he chanted inwardly to himself I let Gandalf fall. I deserve to be here. Those words he felt to be true.yet again and again, he thought, 'Perhaps, I do deserve punishment.but not like this.'
Now he found himself repeating the pattern, this time unconsciously muttering to himself. I let Gandalf fall. I should be here. I deserve this. This is my punishment. I should be here. This is what I deserve. I did the right thing. I let Gandalf fall. This is my punishment.
Suddenly, light flared from a near corner of the dungeon and Legolas had to squint even in such little of it. All thoughts came to an immediate halt, as he searched for someone who may have lit the torch. But no person stood within the range of the light given from the flame.
"Little princeling. such a prize.yet how ever did you come to be here?" A voice, slow and menacing, drifted from the shadows, becoming silhouette, and finally, physical form: there stood Saruman the white, a cruel smile playing on his lips.
"What do you want from me?" Legolas growled, his sparkling eyes now set ablaze in loathing.
As if he hadn't even heard Legolas speak, Saruman continued on, slowly circling the elf. His face was calm and still, with only the torch reflecting in his dark eyes, and the light of a grin on his lips. "But I don't need you to tell me that, do I? Because I know what it is that haunts you, little elf." He came to a stop in front of Legolas, again so close to his face. Yet even under the power influenced by those eyes, Legolas stared straight back, determined not to show weakness.
Saruman smiled.
"You killed Gandalf."
An explosion of alarm and of fear suddenly erupted in his mind. He did his best to remain unfazed outwardly, though Saruman's grin grew wider still, sensing the panic in his prisoner's mind.
"And you know you did. Denial is no use here, little elf." Saruman stepped back, and resumed his previous position of circling Legolas. "You watched the Balrog fall from Khazad-dum. You watched as its whip coiled about Mithrandir's ankle, tugging him down to the great crevice in the stone." Now he used Gandalf's elven name, trying to provoke Legolas.
He paused, as if unsure of what came next, though Legolas knew well it was all an act.
"And there you stood.emotionless, stalk still.as Mithrandir lost his hold.and fell.because you could not find what it took to save him."
And there, Legolas' breath almost stopped. His heart quickened in its pace, his blood pulsing anxiously through his veins. That incredible fire in his eyes kindled, and all his features seemed to glow with new light.
He is lying.
* * *
A/N: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! JOY! JOY UPON BURGERS WITH FRIES! Haha, what did Legolas realize? Does he really and truly believe the right thing now? MWAHA! Oo, I love it! I love all of you for reviewing. I'm in a bit of a rush today, so I can't write to all of you, BUT I LOVE YOU ALL!
Andravix: Namarie means "farewell" in elvish. And thanks, I need all the luck I can get.
Kaimelieamin: Darnit, your names hard to spell. But that's beside the point. I'm keeping the suspense on..no torture yet! But just wait till you see what I have planned for the next chapter..MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Kate: I know. Sadistic is my trademark. The rest is coming!
Erhothwen: GO HALDIR! Sorry, I love him too.
Merrylyn: You know, just wishing Gandalf will come back, I kind of keep thinking of new ideas..you gave me a new one. I dunno if I'll use it. And I promise, cringes galore in the next chapter.
Imire: I have a theory of heaven: it's wherever you would be happiest. Therefore, I would go to Middle-earth and be an elf and live with my little blonde friends. Hm.the first person who dies, if that's true, come back and ring my neck.
Apologies to any Boromir lovers out there. I absoloutly DETEST Boromir with all my heart, and I want to strangle him sooooooo much. Throughout this story, expect to see him more of a nuisance, which I believe he is. Expect the same of Faramir. THEY ANNOY ME SO MUCH! Once again, apologies to all you out there who like them.
Disclaimer: Let's see.I want Haldir.want Legolas.want Glorfindel.want the twins.aw, hell, but none are mine..yet.*cackles evilly*
* * *
"You cannot linger here much longer." Haldir stared hard at his friend, desperately trying to do what was right for Middle-earth. "You set out with Legolas to protect the Ringbearer, and take the Ring to Mordor." Aragorn held his head in his hands. "It was not meant as a friendly journey. Had any other been taken, but for the Ringbearer, you would continue on just the same." The elf reached across to Aragorn. "And you have already lingered here too long."
Aragorn looked up at his friend, his blue eyes showing no glimpse of the anguish raging in his heart, and he knew what Haldir had said to be true. He sighed wearily. "Aye, my friend, you are right." Long hours of taking council with the elves of Lothlorien had tired Aragorn greatly, chiefly the talk of Legolas. Still they had come up with no decision what to do about the elf, and it grieved Aragorn greatly to depart without his friend.
Gradually, the elves left the council, flitting off to other places; Galadriel and Celeborn returned to Caras Galadhon. Nearly all the elves had gone, as Aragorn rose miserably to leave.
"Aragorn." The man stopped, and slowly turned to face Haldir, his emotionless mask shattered, his face creased with despair. The elf rose in once graceful movement from his seat, and almost floated over to his friend. He set his hands on each of Aragorn's shoulders in a consoling gesture, and gazed softly into the man's troubled eyes. "Legolas will be fine. He is strong."
Aragorn sighed heavily, and almost in frustration. "That I know well, Haldir. I have always known his strength." He lowered his eyes. "But a darkness has crept over him since Moria. Something within him is broken . . .I fear for him."
"I know what you desire. You wish to stay, and bring Legolas back. You do not wish to leave him. Aragorn," Haldir raised the man's head. "You must continue on with the Fellowship. You must aid Frodo, for that is what is most important now. Listen to me!" Haldir shook his friend as his head began to drop. "You must continue on with Frodo. But I promise you; we will not leave Legolas unattended. I will do everything in my power to bring him back."
Aragorn stared long into the elf's eyes in silence. At last, he spoke, his words plagued with fatigue. "Aye, my friend, you are right. But you have to promise me, you must bring him back."
Haldir returned the intense gaze, and let a slight grin play across his lips. "You have my word."
Exhausted with both sorrow, and with all that had taken place, each turned their separate ways, trying best they could to shove it all to the back of their minds, into a little corner where it could be forgotten for the time being. Yet, as might they tried, naught could erase the memories of their dear friend.
* * *
It was extremely late as Aragorn at last returned to where the rest of the Fellowship lay sleeping. His normally tall and dignified posture had descended to an exhausted slouch. He stopped as the resting figures of his companions came into view. Four hobbits, all sound asleep, so unawares of all that was taking place, and so disillusioned of everything; Gimli, who, even ere the quest had begun, had loathed Legolas and all his kin, and now was doing as much as possible to save the elf; and.. where was Boromir?
"Where have you been?" Almost on cue, Boromir emerged from the shadows, a suspicious light in his eyes, like that of a mother awaiting a child who has returned far later than his curfew. "And where is the elf? I have not seen him for at least a day and a night."
Aragorn sighed. He knew he would have to explain it sooner or later, but not now. anytime but now. "I have been taking council from the elves," he said, his voice groggy and tinted with frustration and annoyance.
"Would it not be fitting if all the Fellowship was included in this council?" Boromir stated, obviously annoyed himself.
Idiot, thought Aragorn, does it really matter? "I assure you, you shall know everything on the morrow. But for now, I am weary, and would like to rest for a while, if you are finished with your inquiries?" Anger rose in the man's voice.
Just as Aragorn began to turn away, Boromir's voice rose once again in question. "I am not finished." He plainly saw Aragorn cringe, but continued none the less. "Where is the elf? I know he spends time with his kin, but he has practically disappeared in the last while." Silence hung over the two for a while, but it was not to last.
Aragorn turned swiftly on Boromir, anger flaring in his eyes. "The reason I have been receiving council, Boromir, son of Gondor," he snarled in almost a mocking tone, "is that Legolas has been taken from Lothlorien by orcs, and that is why you have not seen him lately. Now, if you have naught more to ask, I will go now and sleep."
Without waiting for a reply, Aragorn stomped off, like to a child in a fit over something incredibly insignificant, leaving a stunned Boromir to stand alone in the shadows.
* * *
Countless hours had passed since the black dungeons of Isenguard had held their first sight of the prince of Mirkwood. Legolas' eyes had adjusted to the darkness, but to little avail: the dungeons were pitch black, with not a single torch nor lamp. The orcs had on the most part left him alone, only every now and again stopping to mock the elf. With no cell about him, another prisoner would declare him freer than others. Yet his arms stretched out and upward, the chains giving no slack for relief, and even as he attempted to sleep away the long hours, he dangled from his wrists, now worn almost raw from the shackles, and he could feel his arms stretching from their sockets.
His feet grew weary of his weight, but less so than his arms, so still he stood upon them. Though tall and proud his posture was, his head hung, golden hair caressing his fair face. For so long, he had wept; out of self- pity, out of fear.out of pure hopelessness. Now there were no more tears left to be cried, but the heavy gloom still clung to him.
Ever so desperately, he chanted inwardly to himself I let Gandalf fall. I deserve to be here. Those words he felt to be true.yet again and again, he thought, 'Perhaps, I do deserve punishment.but not like this.'
Now he found himself repeating the pattern, this time unconsciously muttering to himself. I let Gandalf fall. I should be here. I deserve this. This is my punishment. I should be here. This is what I deserve. I did the right thing. I let Gandalf fall. This is my punishment.
Suddenly, light flared from a near corner of the dungeon and Legolas had to squint even in such little of it. All thoughts came to an immediate halt, as he searched for someone who may have lit the torch. But no person stood within the range of the light given from the flame.
"Little princeling. such a prize.yet how ever did you come to be here?" A voice, slow and menacing, drifted from the shadows, becoming silhouette, and finally, physical form: there stood Saruman the white, a cruel smile playing on his lips.
"What do you want from me?" Legolas growled, his sparkling eyes now set ablaze in loathing.
As if he hadn't even heard Legolas speak, Saruman continued on, slowly circling the elf. His face was calm and still, with only the torch reflecting in his dark eyes, and the light of a grin on his lips. "But I don't need you to tell me that, do I? Because I know what it is that haunts you, little elf." He came to a stop in front of Legolas, again so close to his face. Yet even under the power influenced by those eyes, Legolas stared straight back, determined not to show weakness.
Saruman smiled.
"You killed Gandalf."
An explosion of alarm and of fear suddenly erupted in his mind. He did his best to remain unfazed outwardly, though Saruman's grin grew wider still, sensing the panic in his prisoner's mind.
"And you know you did. Denial is no use here, little elf." Saruman stepped back, and resumed his previous position of circling Legolas. "You watched the Balrog fall from Khazad-dum. You watched as its whip coiled about Mithrandir's ankle, tugging him down to the great crevice in the stone." Now he used Gandalf's elven name, trying to provoke Legolas.
He paused, as if unsure of what came next, though Legolas knew well it was all an act.
"And there you stood.emotionless, stalk still.as Mithrandir lost his hold.and fell.because you could not find what it took to save him."
And there, Legolas' breath almost stopped. His heart quickened in its pace, his blood pulsing anxiously through his veins. That incredible fire in his eyes kindled, and all his features seemed to glow with new light.
He is lying.
* * *
A/N: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! JOY! JOY UPON BURGERS WITH FRIES! Haha, what did Legolas realize? Does he really and truly believe the right thing now? MWAHA! Oo, I love it! I love all of you for reviewing. I'm in a bit of a rush today, so I can't write to all of you, BUT I LOVE YOU ALL!
Andravix: Namarie means "farewell" in elvish. And thanks, I need all the luck I can get.
Kaimelieamin: Darnit, your names hard to spell. But that's beside the point. I'm keeping the suspense on..no torture yet! But just wait till you see what I have planned for the next chapter..MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Kate: I know. Sadistic is my trademark. The rest is coming!
Erhothwen: GO HALDIR! Sorry, I love him too.
Merrylyn: You know, just wishing Gandalf will come back, I kind of keep thinking of new ideas..you gave me a new one. I dunno if I'll use it. And I promise, cringes galore in the next chapter.
Imire: I have a theory of heaven: it's wherever you would be happiest. Therefore, I would go to Middle-earth and be an elf and live with my little blonde friends. Hm.the first person who dies, if that's true, come back and ring my neck.