Authors notes: - Thank you for all the great reviews and I hope you enjoy
this chapter.
**
Legolas stumbled for what seemed the hundredth time. His legs had grown
numb and supporting his weight was just too much for his weaken body to
handle even with Eomer's help. With a soft cry he fell and as he fell he
took Eomer with him. The two lay still the only sound their harsh
breathing and the rain hitting the leaves.
With a groan Eomer struggled to sit up grabbing onto a tree for support.
His gaze drifted over to Legolas who had yet to rise.
"Are you well my friend?" he asked. A muffled groan was his only reply.
With a groan of his own he crawled to the prone elf.
"If only Gimli could see us now." He stated breathlessly as he reached
Legolas's side. The elf managed a weak smile.
"I cannot remain." Legolas said.
Eomer looked at him with panicked eyes. "Your injuries? I had not known
they were that severe? What can I do?"
Legolas raised a hand and using Eomer as a support he sat up.
"Nay you mistake my words. I am not destined for Mandos's halls again so
soon. I cannot remain here. In the world of men. I made a mistake in
believing that it could be done. I will return home to Mirkwood."
"Nothing remains Legolas. Your people left."
"My people have left but it is still my home. The trees, the creatures. I
want to return."
"I understand that desire but how is it possible? You have a new destiny.
You will need protection."
Legolas laughed softly. "If I am that valuable they will find a way for
me to remain."
The two lapsed into silence.
"We should move again." Eomer said after a time.
"There is no need." Legolas said as his gaze drifted into the trees.
"Gandalf has come."
As the words left his mouth Shadowfax burst into the clearing and with a
snort drew to a halt. Gandalf swiftly dismounted and stood before them.
"I am glad to see you are well." He said.
"As are we." Eomer replied gratefully as he stepped forward to greet the
wizard.
Legolas rose awkwardly but did not approach.
"Legolas?" Eomer questioned.
"I wish to know something." He said his eyes met those of the wizards.
Gandalf looked away.
"I knew it. Ever since I was told about this destiny I have been
wondering why me? Why I knew nothing about it considering that you should
all have known. Then it came to me. You have lied to me, all of you, for
all of my life. Did you not think I could handle this?"
Gandalf turned to regard the elf. Eomer looked between the two confused.
"We felt that it would not have been beneficial to tell you until we felt
it necessary."
Legolas frowned. "When was that? I must have missed it."
Gandalf opened his mouth to respond but Legolas cut him off. "Do not seek
to lecture me about the greater workings of the Valor in words that only
you understand as if I was a child. It was my right to know this."
"And what would you have done with the knowledge young Greenleaf?"
Gandalf asked. Legolas frowned.
"That was not for you to decide."
The elf sighed and walked up to Shadowfax a saddened look on his face.
"Three cannot ride him." With a pat of the great horse's white neck the
elf set off towards Gondor, limping and occasionally weaving as if
knocked by a strong wind.
Gandalf sighed.
"You knew this was going to occur?" Eomer questioned confused.
"Do not speak of things that you do not understand Eomer King of Rohan."
Gandalf snapped tiredly.
"Oh I think I understand too well." Eomer said and turned to follow
Legolas.
Gandalf sighed and muttered, "The young would never learn."
**
Aragorn turned from the window of the room in the House of Healing back
to the bed where Gimli was resting. He was just sleeping now suffering
from a slight concussion. He would be fine in the morning, well at least
physically. The dwarf would be furious at them and at Legolas.
That would be one of many problems that the morning would bring. He could
see the sky begin to brighten already.
"Do they still wait?" Faramir asked.
"Yes." Aragorn said as he sat in one of the chairs next to the bed.
"They have refused to see healers or sleep or eat." Faramir said.
"They await the return of their lord, they will not rest till he is with
them."
"What do you think will happen to them next?
"I know not. I feel they will probably leave for the Havens."
"And Legolas?"
Aragorn shook his head and closed his eyes. "I do not envy him. He has
many decisions to make."
**
Dawn had broken, the suns rays pushing away the last of the rain clouds.
The walls of Gondor were getting closer and Eomer had to admit that he
had never felt happier to see that sight.
Legolas had fallen far behind but had refused any aid and had not even
acknowledged Gandalf when the wizard had attempted to talk to him.
The gates opened to admit them. Shadowfax trotted smartly through the
gateway, followed by a very weary Eomer. Legolas stumbled in and had to
be caught by Eomer before he fell. With a thank you the elf regained his
feet.
"Legolas, Eomer.I am glad you have returned safe," Aragorn said greeting
them as they reached the steps to the Houses of Healing."
The surviving elves gathered around their lord.
"Are you well my lord?" Lanmaer asked.
"Nay."
"My lord?" Lanmaer asked confused but turning to regard the non-elves
with an expression of suspicion.
"See to yourselves. Have your wounds attended to, eat something and rest.
Tomorrow, be ready to leave."
Lanmaer nodded and the elves retreated into the Houses of Healing.
"Legolas?" Aragorn asked stepping forward towards his friend.
"Did you know?" he asked an expression of deep hurt on his face.
"Know what?" Aragorn asked confused.
"This! What I have become! Did you know?" Legolas said desperately.
Aragorn ducked his head unable to stand the betrayal written across his
friends face.
"How could you?!" Legolas whispered. "How many others knew?"
"We only just found out from Gandalf. Please my friend, come inside."
Aragorn implored. Legolas backed away tears threatening to fall. Too much
had happened in too little time for him to react with anything other than
practical hysteria.
"Friend.FRIEND?!" Legolas cried. "In the last few days I have been
tortured, betrayed by friends, died, found out about a destiny that I
should have known about as soon as I could talk and betrayed again. Do
you think I should just sit here, accept your words calmly and go on like
nothing has happened?!" Legolas cried and wavered dangerously as his last
strength began to fail him. Both Aragorn and Gimli stepped forward but
Legolas moved out of their way.
"What happens now? Ithilien is destroyed. My people, the ones I should
have protected as their lord have been slaughtered. In there." Legolas
said waving his arm in the general direction of the House of Healing.
"Are the only survivors."
Legolas's breathing hitched, dangerously close to tears.
Aragorn watched the devastated elf, standing alone, soaked to the skin
with an expression of extreme sorrow. He had failed his friend. Eomer,
Gandalf, Faramir and Gimli stood near him all watching their friend with
equal expressions and thoughts.
"I can't even go to the Havens! Not that they would want a failure like
me! But I don't even get that choice do I? I have to remain here and do
what? Just remain here for eternity, make sure I don't die again so you
don't have to face creatures like the Darak. Creatures that I have faced,
that I have seen murder my friends, my family! I don't want this.."
Legolas fell to his knees and let loose a wail of utter despair. Aragorn
walked to his side and knelt next to him. He gathered his friend into his
arms and let him sob out all the despair and agony that the elf had
suffered since the Darak had arrived.
Legolas clutched Aragorn like he was the last lifeline he had in this
world. Aragorn hugged the elf tightly offering him all the support he
needed. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Faramir lead an exhausted
Eomer into the Houses of Healing, Gandalf went with them after casting a
long sad glance at the devastated prince. Gimli however did not go with
him, after an initial pause the dwarf settled down next to Legolas and
rubbed his back soothingly.
**
this chapter.
**
Legolas stumbled for what seemed the hundredth time. His legs had grown
numb and supporting his weight was just too much for his weaken body to
handle even with Eomer's help. With a soft cry he fell and as he fell he
took Eomer with him. The two lay still the only sound their harsh
breathing and the rain hitting the leaves.
With a groan Eomer struggled to sit up grabbing onto a tree for support.
His gaze drifted over to Legolas who had yet to rise.
"Are you well my friend?" he asked. A muffled groan was his only reply.
With a groan of his own he crawled to the prone elf.
"If only Gimli could see us now." He stated breathlessly as he reached
Legolas's side. The elf managed a weak smile.
"I cannot remain." Legolas said.
Eomer looked at him with panicked eyes. "Your injuries? I had not known
they were that severe? What can I do?"
Legolas raised a hand and using Eomer as a support he sat up.
"Nay you mistake my words. I am not destined for Mandos's halls again so
soon. I cannot remain here. In the world of men. I made a mistake in
believing that it could be done. I will return home to Mirkwood."
"Nothing remains Legolas. Your people left."
"My people have left but it is still my home. The trees, the creatures. I
want to return."
"I understand that desire but how is it possible? You have a new destiny.
You will need protection."
Legolas laughed softly. "If I am that valuable they will find a way for
me to remain."
The two lapsed into silence.
"We should move again." Eomer said after a time.
"There is no need." Legolas said as his gaze drifted into the trees.
"Gandalf has come."
As the words left his mouth Shadowfax burst into the clearing and with a
snort drew to a halt. Gandalf swiftly dismounted and stood before them.
"I am glad to see you are well." He said.
"As are we." Eomer replied gratefully as he stepped forward to greet the
wizard.
Legolas rose awkwardly but did not approach.
"Legolas?" Eomer questioned.
"I wish to know something." He said his eyes met those of the wizards.
Gandalf looked away.
"I knew it. Ever since I was told about this destiny I have been
wondering why me? Why I knew nothing about it considering that you should
all have known. Then it came to me. You have lied to me, all of you, for
all of my life. Did you not think I could handle this?"
Gandalf turned to regard the elf. Eomer looked between the two confused.
"We felt that it would not have been beneficial to tell you until we felt
it necessary."
Legolas frowned. "When was that? I must have missed it."
Gandalf opened his mouth to respond but Legolas cut him off. "Do not seek
to lecture me about the greater workings of the Valor in words that only
you understand as if I was a child. It was my right to know this."
"And what would you have done with the knowledge young Greenleaf?"
Gandalf asked. Legolas frowned.
"That was not for you to decide."
The elf sighed and walked up to Shadowfax a saddened look on his face.
"Three cannot ride him." With a pat of the great horse's white neck the
elf set off towards Gondor, limping and occasionally weaving as if
knocked by a strong wind.
Gandalf sighed.
"You knew this was going to occur?" Eomer questioned confused.
"Do not speak of things that you do not understand Eomer King of Rohan."
Gandalf snapped tiredly.
"Oh I think I understand too well." Eomer said and turned to follow
Legolas.
Gandalf sighed and muttered, "The young would never learn."
**
Aragorn turned from the window of the room in the House of Healing back
to the bed where Gimli was resting. He was just sleeping now suffering
from a slight concussion. He would be fine in the morning, well at least
physically. The dwarf would be furious at them and at Legolas.
That would be one of many problems that the morning would bring. He could
see the sky begin to brighten already.
"Do they still wait?" Faramir asked.
"Yes." Aragorn said as he sat in one of the chairs next to the bed.
"They have refused to see healers or sleep or eat." Faramir said.
"They await the return of their lord, they will not rest till he is with
them."
"What do you think will happen to them next?
"I know not. I feel they will probably leave for the Havens."
"And Legolas?"
Aragorn shook his head and closed his eyes. "I do not envy him. He has
many decisions to make."
**
Dawn had broken, the suns rays pushing away the last of the rain clouds.
The walls of Gondor were getting closer and Eomer had to admit that he
had never felt happier to see that sight.
Legolas had fallen far behind but had refused any aid and had not even
acknowledged Gandalf when the wizard had attempted to talk to him.
The gates opened to admit them. Shadowfax trotted smartly through the
gateway, followed by a very weary Eomer. Legolas stumbled in and had to
be caught by Eomer before he fell. With a thank you the elf regained his
feet.
"Legolas, Eomer.I am glad you have returned safe," Aragorn said greeting
them as they reached the steps to the Houses of Healing."
The surviving elves gathered around their lord.
"Are you well my lord?" Lanmaer asked.
"Nay."
"My lord?" Lanmaer asked confused but turning to regard the non-elves
with an expression of suspicion.
"See to yourselves. Have your wounds attended to, eat something and rest.
Tomorrow, be ready to leave."
Lanmaer nodded and the elves retreated into the Houses of Healing.
"Legolas?" Aragorn asked stepping forward towards his friend.
"Did you know?" he asked an expression of deep hurt on his face.
"Know what?" Aragorn asked confused.
"This! What I have become! Did you know?" Legolas said desperately.
Aragorn ducked his head unable to stand the betrayal written across his
friends face.
"How could you?!" Legolas whispered. "How many others knew?"
"We only just found out from Gandalf. Please my friend, come inside."
Aragorn implored. Legolas backed away tears threatening to fall. Too much
had happened in too little time for him to react with anything other than
practical hysteria.
"Friend.FRIEND?!" Legolas cried. "In the last few days I have been
tortured, betrayed by friends, died, found out about a destiny that I
should have known about as soon as I could talk and betrayed again. Do
you think I should just sit here, accept your words calmly and go on like
nothing has happened?!" Legolas cried and wavered dangerously as his last
strength began to fail him. Both Aragorn and Gimli stepped forward but
Legolas moved out of their way.
"What happens now? Ithilien is destroyed. My people, the ones I should
have protected as their lord have been slaughtered. In there." Legolas
said waving his arm in the general direction of the House of Healing.
"Are the only survivors."
Legolas's breathing hitched, dangerously close to tears.
Aragorn watched the devastated elf, standing alone, soaked to the skin
with an expression of extreme sorrow. He had failed his friend. Eomer,
Gandalf, Faramir and Gimli stood near him all watching their friend with
equal expressions and thoughts.
"I can't even go to the Havens! Not that they would want a failure like
me! But I don't even get that choice do I? I have to remain here and do
what? Just remain here for eternity, make sure I don't die again so you
don't have to face creatures like the Darak. Creatures that I have faced,
that I have seen murder my friends, my family! I don't want this.."
Legolas fell to his knees and let loose a wail of utter despair. Aragorn
walked to his side and knelt next to him. He gathered his friend into his
arms and let him sob out all the despair and agony that the elf had
suffered since the Darak had arrived.
Legolas clutched Aragorn like he was the last lifeline he had in this
world. Aragorn hugged the elf tightly offering him all the support he
needed. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Faramir lead an exhausted
Eomer into the Houses of Healing, Gandalf went with them after casting a
long sad glance at the devastated prince. Gimli however did not go with
him, after an initial pause the dwarf settled down next to Legolas and
rubbed his back soothingly.
**