Title: Regret
Summery: When you lose a friend to death, it is tragic, but what if you lost them before you got the chance to say, "I'm sorry." Could you live with that?
Note: I am overjoyed by the amount of feedback I've received from you guys, and I thank you all very much. The last chapter was fairly long, for me anyways, and I apologize for the amount of spelling errors. I will do my best to correct that, and keep you hooked. So, here we go with chapter eleven, read on….
Extra Note: Sorry to anybody who read this chapter already, I had to repost it, cause I fixed something in it. I hope you enjoy it though. The next one will be up soon.
Chapter eleven
The night had gone by very slowly, and Aragorn had yet to leave the room where the elf's body had been laid down. In fact, the only movement the young man made, was when he turned his chair, so that he was facing the bed. He lowered his head, and rested his forehead on the palms of his sweaty hands that he had balanced on his knees, that were growing sore from the lack of action.
"Legolas" he began, as he rose his face, and met the still form under the sheet with his eyes. "When I said that I never wanted to see you again," he paused, letting the tears fall as he continued, "this is not what I meant. It shouldn't have been like this, you weren't suppose to get hurt."
The pain was almost unbearable for the ranger, and he felt as if he were dying inside. His world had been so grey up until a few months ago. He had never known love, until he met Arwen, and never had he known real friendship until the prince of Mirkwood had journeyed through the gates of Imladris. He could still remember the first time, that he and Legolas had spoke. It seemed as if they had known each other for years, when in reality, it had been merely minutes. The days that followed were filled with adventure, and laughter, and also with the feeling of brotherhood. Neither of the two princes had ever had someone, other than a family member to be so comfortable with, and the sudden change was unexpectedly welcomed.
"I am so sorry," he started again, as he lifted his shaky hand and placed it on top of the cold one of the fair being and gently rubbed the top of the icy hand with his thumb as he spoke. "You were my best friend, Legolas. You are my best friend, and I am sorry that I wasn't there when you needed me. I'm sorry that I let you walk away, that I let you leave without even saying goodbye. Now, I guess I will never have the chance to. You're gone, and because of my foolish temper, and stubborn pride, you'll never know how much I regret saying the things I did to you."
More than anything, Aragorn wanted to be angry with Legolas. For just allowing him to treat him the way he had, and for walking away. He wanted to be angry with the elf for lowering his bow, and for being so loyal and selfless, that his life was taken from him. However, no matter how much he tried, Aragorn could never feel that way. Legolas was the strongest person he had ever known, and now that flame that once burned so brightly, had been blown out, long before it ever should have.
A part of the man knew that deep down, the prince had never felt any ill feelings towards him, even after the cruel words the heir of Gondor spoke. He knew that in reality, Legolas was probably feeling guilty himself, for not trying hard enough to make him see that he had been honest, and not betrayed the human's trust. Legolas' word was everything to him, and the elf never made a promise that he couldn't keep.
What hurt the ranger more than anything though, was the fact he knew that the most likely last thing that crossed Legolas' mind before he died, was how much his own death would affect Aragorn. The man knew that the prince would have felt extremely guilty about the hurt Elrond's human son would endure, and Aragorn hated that even on the brink of death, Legolas would be worried about him.
* ***flashback*** *
"I am going to murder you, are you aware of that?" Aragorn promised with an evil smirk, as he crawled out of the crystal waters of the pond just south of his father's home. The laughter on the face of the elf standing beside the edge took all the anger out of the man, but gave him more of a reason to be annoyed.
Legolas was struggling to keep himself standing, and had his arms wrapped in front of his chest as the laughing overtook him. The sight of the usually aloof royal behaving so childlike cause a smile to grow on Aragorn's face as well. "You think that was funny? Pushing me in there like that?" he asked, as he mockingly put his hands on hips.
"I couldn't resist, Aragorn," the prince replied, as he started to compose himself. "But honestly, if you plan to make a life with Arwen Undomiel, I suggest you pay closer attention to the sounds of elven footsteps. It seems to be a very weak spot for you, which is strange to me, considering you have grown up around them."
The man shrugged, and swatted at the elf's arm, "well I haven't had much experience with elves such as yourself." "Such as myself?" "The immature type" Aragorn answered, causing Legolas to give him a fake frown in return. However it quickly faded, and was replaced with laughter once again, when he took in the sight before him. The ranger was soaked, and his shoes seemed to have come off, and now floated on the surface of the water.
"Well," Legolas started again, replacing his smile with a very serious expression, "don't you agree that the Evenstar deserves someone who is clean?"
The glare the elf received from the man was all it took to send the prince back into hysterics, and it only increased when the man spoke again. "I never should have told you," he jested, "but speaking of clean, I'd say it's high time you took a dip as well. Don't you agree?"
Before Legolas had time to respond, the man ran towards him, with the intent on pushing the fair haired being into the cold water. However, he was thrown off, when Legolas sidestepped him, and gave Aragorn a slight shove as he passed, sending the ranger, once again into the pond.
The surprised and embarrassed expression on Aragorn's face cause Legolas to smile, and give a slight shake of his fine head, very pleased and proud with his victory over the ranger. "Don't humans ever learn?"
* ***end of flashback*** *
"Apparently not." Aragorn answered the question that had been asked of him weeks ago, by his friend. The memory was still fresh in his mind, and for that he was grateful. He was thankful that the memories were all still there, and they gave him some much needed comfort. However, one, did stick out more than others, and that was the last time the two had spoken to one another.
Aragorn could still feel the anger inside of him that he had felt when he had confronted the prince before his departure, but no longer could he understand why he wouldn't listen, when Legolas said that he had nothing to do with telling Lord Elrond. He had let his fear of losing Arwen and his family, drive him to treat the prince with such heated and malicious words, that were completely undeserved. Aragorn could not understand why fate had allowed that fear drive him to lash out at the one person who he was actually going to lose.
He no longer had need to brush away the tears streaming down his cherry cheeks, for it was only he who was in the room. Alone he was, with his thoughts and his guilt. "Why weren't you furious with me?" he asked as he pulled the lifeless hand into his own. "After all I said to you, how could you have just took it, and walked away like that? No matter what I said before, you are not like the others in this realm. I withdraw that statement entirely. I know that there is no way to go back, and undo what has happened, but I pray that wherever you are, that you know how truly sorry I am.
Father said that you had a great future ahead of you, Legolas, but this is far from what he for-told. Perhaps if he was so wrong about you, then maybe he was wrong about me as well. I doubt I am deserving of the name Estel. It means hope, and there is none, that I have left. Perhaps I am also not deserving of Arwen's love, or your friendship, which you both offered to me freely, and without doubt. Perhaps, I am to blame for what happened to you, mellon nin, for everything."
"Estel! Never again, are you to ever let me hear you speak like that."
The loud voice echoed inside the dim lit room, and the second the ranger knew that that someone else had joined him, he reached up and wiped away the tears that matted to his face. The footsteps of is brother grew louder as the elf approached him, and as Elrohir knelt down in front of the man, Aragorn found himself struggling to hold back the tears once again.
"Listen to me Aragorn," Elrohir began before his human brother could continue to blame himself. "You are not responsible for what has happened, there was nothing you could have done. Those men, the hunters, they are who did this, not you. They took his life, and many others, you did nothing to provoke them, nor did Legolas, they did what they did of their own free will, and that makes them the villains, and that will earn them a severe punishment for their actions."
The ranger shook his head, he knew his brother was right, but he still couldn't help but feel remorseful for the way he had acted. "He didn't deserve this," he spoke, as he reached down and picked up the torn green tunic from the floor at his feet, and as he lifted his head once again, Elrohir gripped his shoulders tightly.
"None of them did. Legolas, Elvomir, Piong, Morhil, and you. None of you deserved for this to happened."
"Me?" Aragorn questioned, "Why would you include my name in with Legolas' party? They have suffered far more than I have in this." His statement caused the elf to loosen his grip, but continued to keep eye contact. "They have suffered greatly, yes I know. However you are now suffering with the loss, as are father, and I. As well as King Thranduil and Elladan when they arrive. Legolas and his companions were loved by many, and their deaths will be avenged, and mourned. You must remember that there are still three others out there who need our help, you cannot forget to live. Legolas would never have wanted you to blame yourself, in any way, don't rob his memory, by placing all fault upon yourself, when it is obvious as to whom it belongs to."
Aragorn's head fell into his hands, and met the soft fabric of the tunic, as he let the tears and cries escape finally. No more did he care that his brother was present, he really didn't understand why he did just recently, but that was the furthest thing from his mind at the moment. All he could see, think and hear in the back of his mind was the thought of Legolas' last moments.
"I keep picturing what they did to him" Estel finally responded, as he lifted his trembling head, and met the supportive face of his brother, "I can't help it. He must have been in so much pain, and I wasn't there for him. I wasn't by his side when he needed me the most."
Elrohir wanted to say something, anything to try to convince his young sibling that what he was feeling was natural, but it seemed as if his mind drew a complete blank. There was nothing he could say, and so, he quietly rose, and patted his brother's shoulder, as he then walked over to the window, just as the sun was beginning to rise.
The young human studied the shirt in his hands, and the blood that stained the fabric was haunting him. The blood had cooled and hardened, but it still had the stench of death, immortal death. "Can you imagine how afraid he must have been," Aragorn began again, "I bet he didn't show it, he never would, but I know it must have been terrifying for him, as it would be for any of the elven race. They really tortured him, and mercilessly. They whipped him, burned him, shot him, stabbed him, they even carved an evil message into his chest for crying out loud."
Elrohir turned, and faced the back of his brother, as the visions of what the young prince of Mirkwood endured in his final minutes flashed before his eyes as well. It seemed horrible, a way for no one to die, especially one of the fair folk, who had never encountered that type of fear or pain before. Though a part of what his brother said, Elrohir had to correct, he couldn't let his sibling be led astray.
"He wasn't stabbed or shot, Estel. Praise the Valar that Legolas did not have to suffer that as well."
Aragorn closed his eyes tightly, "yes he was," he informed the younger twin, "there are holes in the shirt where is was done to him. He endured both wounds to the back." As he spoke he handed the torn clothing over to Elrohir, "They wounded him in the back, perhaps they were too cowardly to fight him face to face."
Elrohir nodded, and let a hint of a smile cross over his thin lips. It was true that Legolas was a fine warrior, and not too many had the courage to face him in combat, unless given no other option. Both the elf and ranger, were relived to know that at least even in his final minutes, he managed to fight back.
"I wonder why father didn't mention the wounds to his back" Elrohir commented, as he then handed the shirt back to his brother. In doing so, their eyes met, and instantly they were thinking the very same thing. The thought had never crossed their minds until now, but after Elrohir's statement, the little voice inside their minds finally grew loud enough for them to hear it.
Aragorn instantly rose to his feet, and approached the bedside of the fallen elf, and Elrohir made haste to join him. Both of their hopes were suddenly higher than they had ever been, and both prayed that this time, their hopes wouldn't be shattered.
"Ada!" Elrohir called out, as he and Aragorn both slipped their hands under the still elf, and prepared to gently move the being onto his side. In unison, they elevated the elf, and rested him on his right side so they could get a good look at his back. Pushing aside the white blanket, Aragorn bent over slightly to get a better look, and to his pleasant surprise, other than a few scratches and some dried blood, there were no deep wounds, as the tunic showed there to be.
"What is going on in here?" Elrond commanded, as he entered the room to find both of his sons had elevated the body of the elf, thought to be Prince Legolas. His call alerted the two siblings, who immediately turned to their bewildered father, and gently, let go of the body, which still lay on it's side on the bed.
"This isn't Legolas." Aragorn proclaimed, as the elven lord joined them at the bedside, and examined the elf's back, as he was ushered to do by his children. "How can you be certain of this?" he asked. This time it was Elrohir who answered him. "His tunic, Legolas' tunic shows that he was wounded twice on his back. Though the elf before us has no damage there. It seems that we have been tricked, the prince's tunic was placed on the body afterwards. Which explains why his face is so mutilated," the twin explained, and was earned a nod from his father.
"It also seems that I have overlooked this. I appreciate that the two of you saw what I did not," he responded, as he placed caring hands on the forearms of his children. "The fault is not yours, father, your mind was elsewhere," Aragorn assured, when out of nowhere the room became silent for many long seconds.
Finally, it was Elrond who broke the quiet, "If this is not the son of Thranduil, then it is either Piong or Elvomir who suffered his fate for him." The realization was hard to accept, and suddenly all three beings became guilt ridden, for having been so happy that it wasn't Legolas, they had forgotten that someone had died in his place.
"Then let their names be added to the list of people we will avenge in this fight. Legolas is out there somewhere, and with him, who knows how many others," Aragorn began, as he brushed himself off, and made for the door. "The sun has risen, and I will now set out and finish what I started. I will find these men, and when I do, I will see they pay for the damage they have caused all of us."
"Aragorn," Elrond started, but was cut off, as the man continued, "I've been given a second chance, and I will not waste it this time, father." he informed the two elves before him, before turning to the long wooden table, and picking up the long ivory bow that had belonged to his friend, "Legolas is going to be happy to see this" he said with a smile, as he left the room, and the two elves standing with growing grins.
"Oh and father," the man spoke as he poked his head around the corner, and faced the fair beings once again, "when King Thranduil gets here, please give him a message for me. Tell him, that I will bring his son home to him, I swear it."
"Elrohir" Elrond started, as his other son stood in front of him, but answered before the elven lord could even ask. "I'm going," he assured with a smirk, and dashed out of the room after his human brother, as Elrond called out to them, "be careful, both of you."
"I'm coming Legolas," Aragorn promised, as he and Elrohir raced out to the stables, "I'm coming."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The cave floor was cold, and the passage was crammed full of about twenty hillmen, their steeds, as well as two extras who had joined their group. They seemed to have quickened their pace once they had entered the caverns, and that was hours ago now. The elves were holding strong and though they were growing tired of being dragged along by horses, they were in fairly good condition. Which was why Legolas' act was not fooling Piong in the slightest.
Legolas was up to something, and even though the prince was tied to Jevinx's horse on the other side of the passage, Piong could tell just from Legolas' body language, that he had something running through his head. That thought was confirmed when his sharp elven eyes caught glimpse of the prince fiddling with the side seam of his leggings. It was a trick that Thranduil had taught him, and Legolas seemed to be putting that knowledge to good use now. "Perhaps we will get out of here" Piong thought to himself, and hid the smile that formed.
"You'll never know when it might come in handy" his father had said, and those words were replaying in the prince's mind. The king had told him that by keeping a small pin in the seam of a piece of clothing was an old Mirkwood hunters trick, and even though it seemed pointless at times, eventually there would be a need for it. And Thranduil was right, Legolas had finally found a reason for the pin, and a smile formed on his face as well, when he clasped it in his hand.
Legolas had been staggering, and taking deep breaths as they walked, but when he took a quick glance in Piong's direction, he could see that there was one person he wasn't fooling, and that person was urging him on. He let out another moan, and forced himself to trip, subtly, as not to give away that fact that he was faking the entire thing. He knew he'd finally succeeded, when Jevinx turned around and Legolas could feel his eyes on him, studying him intensely, before finally pulling his steed to a stop, and ushering the others to do the same.
Legolas didn't know exactly what had spurred Jevinx's hatred for his father, but he had a gut feeling that Piong did, and the prince promised himself, that as soon as he had the chance, he would get to the bottom of this. In the meantime, Legolas knew that he was very valuable to the leader of this wild group, and he planned to use that to his full advantage. But he also knew that he had to be careful, because Jevinx had said that he was going to kill him, and he still had Piong in his clutches too.
"What's the matter with you?" Jevinx asked heatedly, as he approached the prince. The others had dismounted as well, and were using this sudden pause as a opportunity to take a breather, and were all occupied with their own thoughts that no one seemed to notice that as the prince responded to the man's question, he was using the pin to slowly but thoroughly cut the bonds that held him.
"I'm hurt, or have you forgotten that one of you men shot me in the back?" Legolas growled, as the ropes were starting to loosen. His comment cause the man to laugh, "I have not forgotten. Your ensemble gives that away at first glance" he returned in a mocking tone, which cause Legolas to look down at himself. It was true, he was a mess. His leggings were stained with his own blood, and the braids in his hair had disappeared, and the closest thing he had to a shirt, was the two strips of cloth around his shoulders, and around his lower back.
"You know what's strange?" Jevinx asked, as he tilted his head to the side, and let a crooked grin encase his dark features. "No, what?" the fair prince shot back, as the two glared holes through the other, and each sizing up their opponent. "For the son of Thranduil, I would have expected more out of you, perhaps you are more like your mother then."
The man's teasing was working, and Piong could see the tightening in the prince's facial muscles, as well as the fact that Legolas was sawing even rougher at the ropes around his hands. "You know nothing of my mother, and do not soil her name by mentioning her again," Legolas hissed, obviously taking the cruel man's bait. "I know that she's dead" Jevinx continued, "but tell, Prince Legolas, was she as pretty as you?" he teased, hammering the last nail into his own coffin.
"If my father had not killed yours, I would have enjoyed doing it myself." Legolas stated very coldly, and in turn, received a sharp punch to the upper cheek in response, causing the elf to stumble backwards from the unexpected blow. The sight of anyone laying a hand on the young prince, sent Piong into a rage, and he began to tug at the bonds that held him tightly to the steed of Aleic.
The impact had sent Legolas off balance, but his mind was perfectly clear, and he took the opportunity given to him, to really pull at the ropes, and finally, to his delight his hands came free, but he still held them behind him, not fully ready to use them yet. As he slowly straitened his posture, he met the angry eyes of Jevinx, and though the man seemed infuriated, there was a hint of amusement there as well, that Legolas quickly picked up on.
"Aww, what are you going to about it Legolas? Your hands are all tied up" he jested, causing Legolas to match his grin. "Want to bet" the prince shot back, as he swung his left arm out, and collided it with the bridge of Jevinx's nose.
The sudden movements sent all within the cave into action, and as Jevinx backed away, Legolas subtly placed the pin into his mouth, before he started going to combat with all the men who ran at him. "Don't kill him" Jevinx shouted, as he held his bleeding nose tightly, and caused all of the men who had readied bows to lower them, and instead drew their blades. Legolas was forced to fight unarmed, and was so busy sidestepping, that he didn't notice that three of the men were making their way over to Jevinx, who still fought against the ropes.
As Legolas ducked low to the ground, he managed to grip the handle of a fallen foe's blade, and he trusted upwards, into the stomach of one of the last few standing Dunlandings that got a little too close for comfort. But as he did, he heard the foul voice of Jevinx, who caught his attention instantly, when he saw that two men had hold of his father's advisor, and one held a knife to his throat.
Without warning, the prince used all of his strength to shot the pin from his mouth, and sent it flying through the air, and directly into the left eye of the man who held the knife. Piong was released, and fought back against the man who tried to grab hold of him, but was brought down, when the handle of a sword collided with the back of his neck.
"Amazing aim" Jevinx congratulated, as he looked at the wound the prince had done to Hirid's eye. "You have great skill." His words went ignored, as Legolas tried to make his way over to where his dizzy friend was laying on the ground. However his attempts were in vain, as the men started to get up, and blocked his path.
"Let him go" Legolas commanded in tone that seemed as royal as he was, "now!"
"Or what?" Jevinx questioned as he took steps towards the elven prince, "you'll give us another ultimatum?" The was great rage growing inside Legolas' mind, and all he wanted to do, was strangle the man with his bare hands, but he knew that Piong was no warrior, and if he did anything stupid, that the loyal friend of his father would suffer because of it.
"Well, you don't seem all that talkative," the man began again, "so how about I give you mine this time." There was a deep fear that lingered inside Piong's heart, and it only increased when Jevinx pulled out a black canteen from his pack. "You see this?" he asked, as he received Legolas and Piong's full attention. "Very good. Now, dear prince decide, either you take what's inside of this, or he does" he finished as he pointed to the other elf, now being held by Aleic and another man.
"What is it?" Legolas questioned, a little bit unsure about the situation he found himself in. Jevinx laughed, which gave him all the answer he needed. Whatever it was, the man wasn't going to say, but both elves knew that whatever it was, it couldn't be good.
"I'll take it" Piong yelled before the prince could answer for himself. "I didn't ask you, I asked him" Jevinx shot back with an icy glare, before he turned back to Legolas, and widened his eyes, silently letting the prince know he was waiting for an answer. The prince nodded, "I will take it" he said proudly, which only made the man smile big, and Piong cry out as Jevinx took steps towards Legolas.
"No, don't you harm him. I'm the one you want, I was there. I was there when your father died. Take me instead," the elf pleaded, surprising all around him, even Legolas, but mostly Jevinx, who immediately turned, and charged at the hurt elf. Legolas tried to intervene, but the other men blocked him from reaching his friend.
Piong cried out, when Jevinx began to viciously attack him, not with any type of weapon, but merely with his fists. The sounds of the beating got Legolas very nervous, but no matter how much he tried, he could not get through the cluster of men. Finally, after long agonizing minutes, Jevinx ceased his actions, and stood once again, allowing Piong to take in deep breaths, and collect himself. He knew that killing the being would be enjoyable, but the next thought that came to mind was even better.
"You deserve to die for what you did" he spoke cruelly, before walking back in Legolas' direction who was giving him an equally hateful stare in return. "However, Legolas made his choice, and I shall abide by what he has chosen. Unless of course, you change you mind, Prince of Mirkwood?" he questioned, a hint of laughter in his words. "I do not." Legolas replied flatly, which made Piong quiver. He couldn't let this happen, he had sworn to Thranduil that he would keep his son safe.
"Don't do this" Piong pleaded, as all eyes but those of Legolas fell back upon him, "please."
"Save it for someone who cares, for I do not. You hurt me, and now, instead of doing the harm to you, I shall inflict it upon your young prince here. It'll will be like killing two birds with one stone. You and Thranduil being the birds, and Legolas, being the stone."
"Just get it over with" Legolas interrupted, and opened his mouth voluntarily, for the man to pour in the liquid. "You are a brave one," Jevinx replied, as he put the canteen to the prince's frail lips, "I could use someone like you on my team, if I thought I could trust you."
"I would rather work under a dwarf" Legolas shot back, as he forced himself to swallow the foul black liquid. It was warm and burned as it went down his throat. It seemed to have no affect on him, and for minutes, all everyone did, was wait to see what would happen, and just as Legolas was about to gloat about nothing happening, he felt it kick in.
His throat suddenly felt ablaze, and he began to gag as he tried to bring in the air, that seemed to be refusing to enter his lungs. The sight of the prince falling to his knees sent dread flowing through Piong's vanes, and his worried expression caught Jevinx's attention, who was very proud of what he had done.
"What have you done to him?" Piong asked, as Legolas began to grab at his throat, while the men surrounding him laughed and mockingly gave him kicks, which eventually knocked him flat on his aching back. "Well, I told you I wouldn't kill him right away, and I keep to my word," Jevinx began with a smile. "The acid I gave him is slowly going to eat away at his throat, and eventually suffocate him. You will find that he is already loosing the ability to speak, for the acid is eating away his vocal cords first, but that, my friend is only the beginning."
As Jevinx started to walk back to his horse, he gave Legolas another kick as he passed, and then ordered his men to ready themselves once again. Piong was tied back to the rope attached to Aleic's horse, while Legolas was forced to follow after Jevinx's steed. The road was going to be hard on Legolas, for he was still finding it hard to take in oxygen, never mind trying to deal with the intense burning sensation that was clinging to his throat.
"Come on, let's move," Jevinx ordered, "we must reach Plemith by nightfall."
* *************************** *
To Be Continued……
Another long one. Whew, I'm exhausted, but I hope you like it. And thanks again to everybody who is taking the time to read my story. It really means a lot to me , and I look forward to hearing what you guys think. So please review. Oh and if anybody would like to be emailed whenever I update, just let me know. Thanks again.