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: Whoa! A hats off thank you to everyone who read the last chapter and took the time to review it for me. I don't know what to say, except that I truly appreciate the support you guys have given to me. I'm glad it wasn't a let down, and that it was enjoyable, even if Legolas did go through some not nice things, and trust me, it's not over yet! Wait! Don't attack me, Aragorn is on his way, so there's still some hope for everyone's favourite elven prince. This chapter is a bit shorter than the last one, but I hope you all like it anyway. Read on….
Chapter sixteen
The hours were passing in what seemed like days, and the strenuous pace the two men were taking through the tunnels, was taking it's toll on both their bodies and spirits. The pitch blackness of the place was not at all welcoming and Aragorn longed to be back in the comfort of his home. Rivendell. He missed the trees, and the paths, he missed the daylight, and how it would shine down upon his face warming and filling him with hope. He missed even the moonlight, and how it shone and sparkled like dancing fireflies upon the crystal lake near his father's home.
What hour it was, neither of the two men could even guess, for they had both long since lost track of time. No sunlight gave them a clue, and the only light that allowed them to see, was echoing from the torch that Jevinx had lit, and held in front of them. "We should make camp" said the man, catching Aragorn off guard, as they came to a stop.
"We can still go a bit further" Aragorn purged, not wanting to be halted in any way or form. Who knew if and when the rest of the orcs wandering this cave would come down upon them, and he really didn't think he could withstand another battle. Not in the shape he was in. He was tired, and Jevinx could see that written all over his still very young features. "Let us not stop when we are so close to our destination."
He knew that wherever Legolas was, he was in dire need of some assistance, and stopping would only prolong the elf's state of being alone. Aragorn knew that there was another of the prince's group with him out there, but the so many unanswered questions caused any hope he had to fade away. They had to reach Plemith soon, or he feared that he would be too late to do anything to help his elven friend.
"I am not going any further without some sleep," Jevinx declared as he took a seat on the pebbled ground, feeling Aragorn's eyes glaring right through him. "You're weary too, I can see it plain as day. Plemith isn't going anywhere, and nothing will be done until I get there. I think we can spare a few hours of rest."
This somewhat eased Aragorn's hurting heart. So Jevinx was the ring leader, and the way he said that nothing would be done until he got there, assured Aragorn that Legolas would still be breathing when they arrived. Or so he hoped. He gave an agitated sigh, as Jevinx removed the pack he carried, and spoke again, as he handed the torch he still held to Aragorn who took it and locked eyes with the man.
"Here" he said, as Strider also took a seat on the ground, while Jevinx placed his pack beside him and stretched out, using it as a pillow. "Since you claim not to be groggy, you can take first watch."
The heir of Gondor felt his glare darken upon the man who closed his eyes, and drifted off into a light slumber. He couldn't believe how much hatred he had for Jevinx, and to be honest it sort of scared him. When this was all said and done with, Aragorn promised that he would pay for the harm he had caused, and he hoped with all of his heart, that Legolas would be by his side, when that time came.
The silence was eating away at him, and his mind was far from the orcs he was suppose to be watching out for. Instead, it rested upon the ring he twirled around his finger. Barahir, was it's name, a symbol of who he truly was. The rightful king of Gondor. The city of men, which was known to be falling despite it's ruler's attempt to devoid it. He knew deep down that one day, he would have to face his future, and his destiny, as Elrond had put it, but right now, the only thing he was concentrating on was finding and bringing home the prince.
Taking off the ring, Aragorn slipped the piece of jewellery into his tunic pocket, not wanting anyone to see him wearing it. Especially Jevinx or any of him men when they reached Plemith. He was Mardin to them, not Aragorn, not Strider, and not the best friend of the elf they held captive. In doing so, he came across the other item he carried in his pocket. Slowly he pulled the silver chain out, and held it in his hand, staring at it as he set the torch upon the ground beside him, to give him some light.
It seemed to glimmer in the low light, as he rubbed it through his fingertips. Legolas had left it for him to find, that he knew. The elf had known he would come looking for him, and recognize the chain. The thought gave Aragorn some much sought after comfort. Legolas knew he would come. The elf knew that he still cared, and would look for him. A small smile cross his lips, which had not happened in quite some time, as a new determination overcame him. He wouldn't let Legolas down. Not this time.
He would find him.
As he went to pick up the torch once again, he saw that a small piece of folded paper now lay beside him. It surprised him, for he had not heard anyone approach, but it came to him that his mind was elsewhere, and they were in the presence of an elf. Elrohir and Kip were still hiding somewhere in the darkness, and watched over him. That gave him some reassurance as he picked up the note, and opened it to read what had been left for him.
We are close by if you need anything,
Just don't get yourself killed.
We'll find him.
Another soft smile crossed the man's lips as he refolded the note, and placed the corner over the flame he held in his other hand. The paper quickly ignited, and he let it fall to the floor of the cave, letting it burn away, along with his up until now, sorrow. "Yes we will" he thought to himself, looking back down at the chain of his friend. "Just hold on Legolas, we're coming for you."
~~~~~~~*****~~~~~~
"You enjoying this, elf?" Gwiryn mocked evilly, as he pulled Legolas' head back, by grabbing a hold of the immortal's golden hair. The prince cringed at the touch, but no more could he shed another tear, he was fresh out of them. The pain was too much and unstopping. He saw that Hirid had gone to the other side of the room, and was so for a couple of minutes now.
Legolas really didn't want to know what the man was doing, for it could not be good. All he still prayed for was for it to end. The thoughts of a rescue had fled from his mind, and all hope to him was lost. All he could feel, think and comprehend was pain and agony. The suffering he was forced to endure by his captures. He wanted to give in, he wanted to give up, but his body refused to let his soul go.
As his head was flung back to the floor, Legolas looked over at his wounded arm, that was still bleeding freshly and thickly. The horseshoe that penetrated his flesh didn't even hurt anymore. His entire arm had gone numb, and for that he was thankful. He guessed it had hit some vital veins, but he could not be sure. He was just glad that the pain there had ceased because, the amounts from his torn and mutilated back were enough for him to try and live with.
He closed his eyes and let his battered cheek rest on the cold stone beneath him, but he opened them right away, as he heard Hirid approach him again. He recoiled in fear, as he heard a stream of laughter from the two men, before he was pulled upwards again, as they attempted to turn him over. The horseshoe prevented them from doing so, as it kept him on his stomach, which made Hirid decide that it was no longer needed.
With little care and less sensitivity, the metal was pulled out, and thrown aside, causing Legolas to have to bite down on the insides of his already bleeding mouth to not cry out again. He had done enough of that, and he refused to let them win over him again. If he were going to die, than he would do it with pride, and not scowl. His broken arm now freed, allowed the men, the ability to roll the helpless being onto his aching back, making him wince when the rough surface scratched his lacerations.
The sight of what Hirid held in his hand made the elf squirm, as he tried desperately to get away, but his attempts were foreseen, and hoped for. The metal broach that had come off of the man's cloak had been attached to the end of a pipe. It was red hot, from the fire it had been placed in, and Legolas could smell the burning metal getting closer and closer to his exposed chest. He knew what the purpose of this was. He knew what they were doing. Branding him like he was their cattle. Making him their property.
The fear in the prince's eyes told both Hirid and Gwiryn that he knew what they were thinking. And with a laugh, the healer held the panicking creature still, by bending his long slender arms behind his head, and holding them there along with a clump of his blood soaked hair. "No" the elf mouthed as he shook his head, trying to kick the approaching man away, but his attempts were in vane, and only earned him a slap across the face from Hirid who laughed again.
"You belong to us now, Legolas," Hirid teased, as the prince shook his head, refusing to believe it. He was no one's property. He belonged to no one. "And now with this I'm going to make it known to you. Permanently. A scar that will forever tell you and anyone else who stumbles upon your corpse that you were nothing but property. You'll know it, and soon, so will your murderous father."
His words only earned him a disgusted look from Thranduil's son. Legolas had not the strength to speak, nor fight anymore, but he would not do nothing. He spit in the man's face, which earned him another hit, this time from the pipe, before the burning broach was then dug into his upper chest. Just under the left broken collar bone.
Laughter erupted from the men, as Legolas' body trembled, as his jaw tightened, and his eyes closed. He refused to cry out, not this time. Which to some point angered the abusers. However just from outward appearance, they could tell the amount of pain the prince was going through, and that made the whole thing a lot more enjoyable to them.
His body was screaming, and Legolas could feel the hot metal burning away at his flesh as it imprinted it's design onto his up until now flawless skin. His breathing was in gasps now, and coming up short. He couldn't take any more. His spirit, which had always burned so brightly was dying out, and his mind was exploding, going all over the place. From childhood memories, to recent ones. From Mirkwood, to Imladris. From his father to Aragorn. It was as if his entire lifetime flashed before his eyes, until at last there was nothing, and he slipped away into complete darkness.
~~~~~~~*****~~~~~~
As he stood there, looking through the door, of the prison he felt his heart welling up inside of him. He forced his own feelings to be put aside as he pushed the door open allowing him to enter, and walk past the other captives, who eyed him pleadingly, as he reached the final cell, where he immediately met the eyes of Piong. The royal advisor of King Thranduil.
"I hope you've become settled" Aleic stated, as he straightened his posture, and looked the elf in the eye, forcing himself not to back down. This was his job and he had to keep telling himself that. He ignored the cries that came from the child behind him, and Piong could tell that unlike the others, this man felt something.
"Let them go" he said, as he gripped the bars of the cell that caged him in, coming only centimetres from the man. "You have me, that's enough to get back at Thranduil. Besides I was there, these people were not. Do not place the blame on them and Legolas for something they had absolutely no part in."
"That is not for me to decide, master elf" replied Aleic flatly.
Piong gave a half laugh at this response, causing the man to tilt his head at him, urging him to extend the response. "That's an excuse you and your men use often," he began, as the other prisoners listened and listened well. They knew not who this elf was, but he seemed to give them a sense of hope. Something they desperately needed. "You say that it is not your choice, but yet you make the choice to keep us here. To work under someone cruel and ruthless. You give yourself too little credit young man. You have much more power than you lead yourself to believe."
Aleic shook his head, forcing a laugh, as he backed up a few steps, feeling terribly uncomfortable with the elf's statements. "Do not lay this upon me, elf. I know where I stand and I do not need you to spell it out for me."
"Then do what is right" Piong urged, with sincerity in his eyes. "Let them go."
"I just came down here to see that you had been placed," the man started as he headed back for the door with great haste. "Now that I see you are, I must get back to my other duties. Behave and I will make sure your death is quick and as painless as possible."
"Release them" Piong called out again, causing the man to pause, before he turned back to the elf, with regret in his emerald eyes.
"I cannot."
~~~~~~~*****~~~~~~~
"Why does the world have to be like this?" Kip asked, as he and the elf next to him settled themselves behind some large boulders, a few metres away, and close enough for them to keep an eye on Aragorn, who was resting up against a rocky wall. "Why do people hurt each other like this, and so often?"
The young man's comment caught the son of Elrond off guard, but immediately gave him something to think about. It was a question that he had asked his father a long time ago. And even though Elrond had given him an answer, he still found himself pondering on it every once in a while. Especially in times such as these, when lives were really on the line..
"I know not" he began, as he sat cross legged, tightening the string on Legolas' bow, which Aragorn had given to him to mind along with the quiver and two knives that had belonged to the prince. "The world is no longer a safe place for anyone. It is ruled by people, so it would seem. But that is not the case. We live in a world where the people who are suppose to be in charge, are ruled by emotions and not fine judgement. We let our feelings get in the way, and they cause us to act irrationally."
"But not everyone is like these men" Kip began again, as he laid down on his stomach next to the fair being. "They kill for sport. What emotion can cause a man to end the life of another of his own. To have such a low respect for the very force that keeps his own heart beating?"
"Hate" answered Elrohir flatly, as he let his silver eyes drift over to where his human brother sat. "Hate can drive even the most caring person to do the most unthinkable things. It can drive us to kill, rape, yell, and disrespect our fellow person" he continued, with Kip's full attention focussed on him as he spoke. "I look around and see horrible things occurring everyday. Long since before you or Strider were even born. War, and genocide, kingdom's falling, people dying, families falling apart. It's all sprung from one thing. It truly shows what hate can really do to us."
There was a long silence between the two companions, as each shuffled through their own thoughts, pondering and praying that some good would come to them, even though the odds of this turning out okay were slim to none. Could love triumph over all? They hoped and prayed it was so.
"Elrohir" Kip said, drawing the elf out of his thoughts, "you said that the world was no longer a safe place. Tell me, when was it ever so?"
The first born shook his head, "I don't know," he answered, "perhaps it never was."
The young man sighed, "then why do we say that it was?"
The elf smiled, enjoying speaking to this young man a great deal. It reminded him of how eager Aragorn was to learn about things he knew not about yet. It was relaxing and enlightening to try and answer the man's questions, which he found to be very deep and meaningful. So much so, that he found it sometimes hard to try and respond. These simple moments were the things he loved, and appreciated more than anything else in the world.
"I think it's because it give us hope that maybe one day, the world will be what we hope it once was, again."
There was another silence, and Elrohir smiled again, "do you understand what I mean?" he questioned, causing Kip to laugh.
"No, not really, but it helped me to talk about it. Thanks."
"It helped me too, young one" Elrohir assured as he comfortingly patted the ranger on the back, "now get some sleep. We shall both need it, for our journey has still a ways to go."
~~~~~~~~*****~~~~~~~
"Aww, you knocked him out with that thing" Gwiryn laughed as he and Hirid came to a stand before the unmoving form of the elven prince, whose body was a bloody mess. His skin had already been pale, but now had gone to a shade far paler than any of his kind ever got. He was loosing too much blood, and too quickly. The elf was dying right before their eyes and they loved it. They only wished it could last longer, when suddenly an evil thought came into Hirid's head.
"You know what?" he began as he patted the healer on the shoulder, "that branding did cause him to pass out. Maybe it was too hot for him. Perhaps he just needs to cool down, and he'll awake again. I'll be right back" he finished with a wicked grin, as he left the room, leaving Gwiryn standing there, smiling as well.
The man returned minutes later carrying a bucket of water in his hand. His smirk grew when he showed his companion that he also carried with him a bag of salt. "This ought to wake him up don't you think?" he mocked as he put the bucket down, and poured the salt into it. He mixed the solution with the pipe he had used on the elf earlier, as Gwiryn dragged Legolas away from the wall, by his legs, so that the prince was in the middle of the floor on his stomach, his arms sprawled out above his head, completely unaware of what was coming to him.
With another laugh Hirid picked the bucket of water up once again, and without a shred of humanity, dumped it all out upon the exposed and ripped open back of the elf that lay at his feet. The salt got right into the wounds, and immediately woke the elf from the merciful sleep he had fallen into. The stinging and overwhelming pain surged through his entire body, and caused him to jerk and arch upwards, as he curled up into a ball.
He felt as if his body was ablaze, and there was nothing he could do. Legolas' eyes clenched shut, his hands balled up into fists, as he shook and trembled on the floor of his prison, ignoring the chuckles of his captures who were pleased and proud of their work. The prince tried with all his might and strength not to cry out, but he couldn't even try anymore. The moans and whimpers came without warning and often. Too often for his tastes, but that was the last thing on his mind.
"Let me go" he whispered silently in elvish inside his throbbing head. However his pleas were not directed at the men standing over him, but to Iluvitar himself. He didn't want to live anymore, he couldn't bare it. He had suffered too much in too short a period of time, and his body and heart couldn't withstand anymore. "Please, just let me go."
He was then given a sharp kick to the midsection, sending back to the wall in a roll. By whom he didn't know, nor did he care enough to look up and see who it was that had struck him. It didn't matter anymore. The pain was too intense, and he stayed curled up in a foetal position with his hands still tightly bound as he wrapped them around his knees which were securely tucked into his burning chest.
He didn't notice but it was at this very moment that the door of the room was opened, and in walked Aleic who felt his soul crush under the weight of what he saw. The elf was cowering, like a small child, which wasn't something he ever had expected or wanted to see. It would haunt him for a long time, and he knew it. "You idiots, what have you done to him?" he shouted, as he charged towards the men whose smiles faded when Aleic spoke to them.
"We were just playing with him" Hirid defended, waving his hands at the man, who looked back down at the elf, who had changed to a seated position, but still kept tightly wrapped in on himself.
"Playing with him?" Aleic shot back, angered beyond belief, "you nearly killed him. What were you thinking about?"
"What's the matter with you?" Gwiryn asked, confused as to why the guard suddenly cared about what was done to the prisoner. "We we just having a little fun."
"You heard what Ginyc said" Aleic responded, as he started shoving the two other men out of the room. "He wanted the elves kept alive until Jevinx got here, or until tomorrow night. You disobeyed a direct order and I could have you both beheaded for it."
"Relax!" Hirid shouted at the man as he was pushed out of the room, "the elf's alive. We didn't kill him. What's wrong with you?"
"He wouldn't have stayed that way if I hadn't come in just now, now get to your posts, you're relieved."
Hirid shook his head as the door was slammed shut in his and Gwiryn's faces. The two turned to each other, each covered in equal amounts of the elf's blood. "I told you he was going soft" he started as they headed off down the hall to the dining area where they knew they could brag. "He's turned, I knew it."
Back inside the room, Aleic turned his eyes back to the shaking and agonizing elf prince, who was rocking back and forward, with his fine head tilted in towards his knees, biting down softly, to keep from crying. The sight made a tear fall from the man's eye, as he knelt down next to the fair creature, and as he reached out to touch Legolas' shoulder comfortingly, the elf pulled away which he expected.
"I'm so sorry about this Legolas" he began softly, hearing the quiet humming that came from the hurting elf, who despite the centuries to his name, was still quite young. "It went too far. It went way too far."
* ************************ *
To Be Continued……
Okay so this chapter wasn't as short as I thought it was going to be, but still, the next one will be longer, and it should be up sometime Friday. I hope you all liked the new instalment, and for all you Aragorn lovers, there's a lot more of him in upcoming chapters so don't worry. Anyhoo, thanks for reading this, and please let me know what you think. Thanks a bunch. Adios.