Chapter Fifty-Four: Return to the Elves
A/N: Think of this as an extraordinarily late Christmas present. Anyway, it took me a while to write this. I've had terrible writer's block all Christmas break. (That, and I'm lazy!) I watched the Fellowship of the Ring twice (Got the DVD) in two days, and I'm going to watch it again tonight. (Can't get enough of Orlando Bloom!)
…
Aila's eyes remained closed and a strange light came over Glorinul's eyes. They glazed and dimmed, and his body stood still. Legolas could not see Aila, but he felt her fidget against his back, and the soldiers gasped, looking at her eyes, which glazed over as well, a thin white film covering them, the same covering those of Glorinul.
Legolas' bright eyes widened, viewing the sight of Glorinul's glazed eyes. He only knew of one time that someone's eyes were ever glazed in life like that: when two mind walkers battled within their heads. So Glorinul had the unique talent as well, Legolas thought to himself. He immediately began to worry about Aila, and he turned his mouth near her ear.
"Aila!" He shouted to her, but she didn't respond. "Aila, get out! Get out!" But still she didn't respond, her mind was entirely out of the physical world. After a few minutes of tension, Glorinul's eyes returned to their normal color, but Aila did not move.
"Well," said Glorinul, "I shall think of what I want our prince to do for me. I'll be sure to make it quite amusing. Now, guards, take them back. I don't think we need to worry about them escaping anymore, now that I have her mind entirely under my control. Happy sleeping, Prince Legolas." Glorinul laughed, a deep throaty laugh that is only suitable for those with evil purposes.
Legolas narrowed his eyes as the guards took hold of his arms. His blue eyes only held malice and he spit in Glorinul's face, leaving the King to wipe his face off while the elf was being escorted out, with his zombie-like wife.
"You'll pay for that, Prince," said Glorinul. He laughed again, louder and more evil than before. "You'll pay for that, perhaps with your life … perhaps with hers … or perhaps with the lives of all of your peoples."
…
Back in the tent, Legolas closed his eyes against the darkness that surrounded them, still sitting on the ground with his back to Aila.
Aila.
What exactly had happened there, a few minutes ago in Glorinul's tent? There was really no explanation that Legolas could give himself, he had no idea. He wasn't a mind-walker and didn't know too much about Aila's powers. But still, he knew that the elves from Ithilien would be arriving soon in Mirkwood, or perhaps they had already come, and perhaps they would wield something that would further explain her powers. Perhaps the elves of Ithilien had the book of the Light Bearer. It was his only hope, and he just had to wait for Hukil to return.
To begin his wait, Legolas began to sing a song to the Valar, praying for his well-being and for the well-being of Aila.
"A Elbereth gilthoniel!
Silivren penna miriel
O menel aglar elenath!"
"Hey," shouted one of the guards, beating his hand against the canvas of the tent. "Quiet in there!" Legolas sighed and stopped singing, humming the rest quietly, and singing the words in his head. There was naught else for him to do but wait.
So he waited.
…
Findecano was pacing yet again. He was pleased that his mother was not dead, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to be killed. Wild thoughts ran through Findecano's mind when one of the Ithilien elves cautiously entered the room. Immediately he stopped pacing and stood, hands clasped behind his back, and stared at the elf. In response, the elf bowed his head and clutched tighter to the book he was holding in his hand.
"Sire," said the elf. "I was told to bring this to you, in the absence of your mother. It is hers, and perhaps it will be of use to you." The elf rushed forward and dumped the book into Findecano's hands, as if the book was extraordinarily hot and he couldn't stand to hold it anymore. "Good day, sire." The elf bowed and almost ran out of the room, but Findecano hardly noticed, his eyes were trained upon the book that he held in his hands.
It was old. Older than old. Perhaps it was the first book ever written by elves in the common tongue. It was the book of the Light Bearer, full of the secrets of her powers, further elaboration on the prophecy and legacy. His fingers trembled as he felt the weight of the ancient scripture, the warm breath caught in his throat, and it became cold. The endless light in his ever-blue eyes shivered with excitement and his spine seized.
Findecano shifted the book in his slender hands, so careful of its brittle covers and he brought it into his father's wing. The wing had served as a home for the entire family, but there was one room in particular he was headed: the room that belonged solely to his mother. There were few occasions when he had been in there, mostly when she told him stories of the history of her time, the future of his.
Casually, Findecano pushed open the door and stepped in, still harboring the book delicately in his arms. Upon a beautifully carved wood desk sat a rectangular object of strange composition. Findecano had watched many times as his mother opened the lid to the box, and pressed buttons along the bottom, causing the lid to light up different shades and colors. "It's a computer, a laptop," he heard her voice shake through his head, but he ignored it. The rest of the room was covered in bookcases, from floor to ceiling, and books were even on the floor from lack of room on the shelves. It wasn't a large room, but had more books than Findecano had seen any other place. Upon the desk, next to the computer, Findecano placed the book of his mother, hoping that soon she would return and would be able to read it herself. Another book for her collection.
…
Legolas was hanging in chin against his chest, trying to sleep, but none came as he worried about Aila. Sometimes, he could hear her groan behind him, but there was nothing he could do to help. He hoped that soon Hukil would come again. Just as he was about to close his eyes and fall asleep, ignoring the bread and water that had been placed by the guards, Hukil came again and stood before Legolas.
"Sire," he began, but Legolas interrupted him.
"Keep quiet, Hukil. The guards are still awake, as is half the camp. We're in quite a situation now, and I don't want to make it worse. Aila's mind is held by their king, Glorinul. He is a mind-walker too. Quickly," he whispered. "Quickly Hukil, go to Aila, and tell me if there is a chain around her neck." Hukil did as he was bid.
"Yes, sire. There is a chain here, and upon it is a most curious ring. It is of some green metal, shaped as a stem, but the leaf itself is emerald, shot with gold and silver."
"Good," said Legolas, almost smiling, though the pangs of sorrow and hunger kept him sober. "That is Greenleaf, given to her by the Lady Galadriel. Now, Hukil, take it from her neck and the chain, and place the ring upon one of her fingers." Again, Hukil did as Legolas told him and delicately took the chain from Aila's neck. Her skin was brown and soft, but he was not deterred and soon Aila's forefinger harbored the wondrous ring. "Excellent," whispered Legolas, closing his blue eyes once more. "Let us pray, my friend, that Aila is able to defeat him now, for the ring has amazing properties. There is nothing we can do now."
"Yes sire," said Hukil, inching close to Legolas. "There is. Outside at fifty elves, armed with bows and swords. We are to make a quick escape. The guards have already been slaughtered and no one is the wiser. We must go quickly, Lord, or all is lost." Hukil pulled a dagger from his boot and cut the bonds of his hands and feet. Legolas turned and grabbed Aila's limp form. "Let's go." They quickly looked around outside the tent before they dashed out the way Hukil had come and came to the relative safety of the host of elves. Nothing extraordinarily exciting happened on their trip back, except Aila groaned again and shifted in Legolas' arms. He stopped to stare at her for a few moments before running again to the castle. The rescue attempt was a success.
…
Findecano was walking out of his mother's room when the servant who had comforted him in the garden came running, a smile on her face.
"Prince Findecano!" she cried, her cheeks flushed. "Prince, Hukil has gone to rescue your parents."
"Without my consent?" asked Findecano, becoming angry. "What if they fail. We will lose Hukil, possibly my parents. That is more than I can bear …"
"Prince," she gasped, coming to a halt in front of him. "He took fifty archers with him. He said something about it being swift and silent. The sneaky type that elves like him go for. I am sorry, Prince, none could stop him, though many supported him."
"Well," said Findecano, thinking a moment. "I do believe this is all right. We will see what happens." The girl turned to go but Findecano's hand flew to her arm, holding her back. "I never thanked you for what you did in the garden the other day." She blushed. "Thank you," he said, at a loss for words.
"It was nothing," she responded. Slipping from his grasp, she walked away and left Findecano staring after her. Findecano stopped for a few minutes more, absentmindedly staring at the spot where he had seen her last. Then, he wandered to the front of the castle, to await the rescue party. It was not another hour when they returned, triumphant.
"Father!" cried Findecano, bellowing for the gates to be thrown open. He ran through them just as they were and went to Legolas, but stopped a few feet away, staring at Aila's limp body. "So it is true," he said, his eyes frozen and unfocused. "She is dead, then."
"No," said Legolas. "She is not dead. Her mind has been taken by Glorinul. He is a mind-walker as well. But it is only a matter of time before she battles him off." Just as he spoke, Aila's eyes opened. Though she seemed distant and her sight was blurry, she seemed in control of herself for the moment.
"Oh good," she said weakly, glancing at the castle. "We're home. Just as well, he knew my plan." Then her eyes glazed over once more and she fell limply again to Legolas.
"She is not well," said Findecano, and all Legolas did in response was shake his head.
Aila was laid upon their bed deep in the wing and Legolas sat in a chair as her side, fervently watching her eyes and any movement. But there was none for a long time. Thranduil walked into the room.
"Legolas," he began, but paused at the look on Legolas' face. Thranduil remembered the look that Legolas had held those months when Aila had first gone back to her time, when she did not visit. When he had thought he'd lost his love. "Legolas, you are needed to decide what we must do with these men. You have a superior military mind, my son. I will send someone to watch her and inform you immediately." Legolas hesitated for a long time, his eyes longingly upon Aila, but eventually he left, and a servant took his place at Aila's side.
…
It had been hours since Legolas was in the meeting of war while the servant watched a motionless princess and was bored almost to sleep. She slumped forward in her chair and rested her head along the sheets of the royal bed. So comfortable, she told herself, pity she wasn't royal, so she could have sheets like these. She looked up and the princess had made no movement. However, despite herself, the servant kept staring at Aila's closed eyes, as if entranced. Suddenly, without any warning they flew open. The servant paused for a moment and began running for the door. "Prince Legolas!" she screamed. "Prince Legolas!"
"No," came a voice behind her, meek and silent. "No, come back." The servant paused at the door, her light blonde hair quivering at her hips. "Help me come to him. I have control over my mind once more."
…
A/N: Short, yes, but I couldn't write more, because I just didn't want to. Selfish, aren't I? Oh well. Thanks for all your reviews. You guys rule. Oh, and good news. I might just come out with another story after I've finished this one. I've already begun writing it, and that's why this one is starting to come along slowly. But I promise, I won't keep going with the second until I'm done with this one. I'm almost finished, too. Sob, sob. So sad.
Review
A/N: Think of this as an extraordinarily late Christmas present. Anyway, it took me a while to write this. I've had terrible writer's block all Christmas break. (That, and I'm lazy!) I watched the Fellowship of the Ring twice (Got the DVD) in two days, and I'm going to watch it again tonight. (Can't get enough of Orlando Bloom!)
…
Aila's eyes remained closed and a strange light came over Glorinul's eyes. They glazed and dimmed, and his body stood still. Legolas could not see Aila, but he felt her fidget against his back, and the soldiers gasped, looking at her eyes, which glazed over as well, a thin white film covering them, the same covering those of Glorinul.
Legolas' bright eyes widened, viewing the sight of Glorinul's glazed eyes. He only knew of one time that someone's eyes were ever glazed in life like that: when two mind walkers battled within their heads. So Glorinul had the unique talent as well, Legolas thought to himself. He immediately began to worry about Aila, and he turned his mouth near her ear.
"Aila!" He shouted to her, but she didn't respond. "Aila, get out! Get out!" But still she didn't respond, her mind was entirely out of the physical world. After a few minutes of tension, Glorinul's eyes returned to their normal color, but Aila did not move.
"Well," said Glorinul, "I shall think of what I want our prince to do for me. I'll be sure to make it quite amusing. Now, guards, take them back. I don't think we need to worry about them escaping anymore, now that I have her mind entirely under my control. Happy sleeping, Prince Legolas." Glorinul laughed, a deep throaty laugh that is only suitable for those with evil purposes.
Legolas narrowed his eyes as the guards took hold of his arms. His blue eyes only held malice and he spit in Glorinul's face, leaving the King to wipe his face off while the elf was being escorted out, with his zombie-like wife.
"You'll pay for that, Prince," said Glorinul. He laughed again, louder and more evil than before. "You'll pay for that, perhaps with your life … perhaps with hers … or perhaps with the lives of all of your peoples."
…
Back in the tent, Legolas closed his eyes against the darkness that surrounded them, still sitting on the ground with his back to Aila.
Aila.
What exactly had happened there, a few minutes ago in Glorinul's tent? There was really no explanation that Legolas could give himself, he had no idea. He wasn't a mind-walker and didn't know too much about Aila's powers. But still, he knew that the elves from Ithilien would be arriving soon in Mirkwood, or perhaps they had already come, and perhaps they would wield something that would further explain her powers. Perhaps the elves of Ithilien had the book of the Light Bearer. It was his only hope, and he just had to wait for Hukil to return.
To begin his wait, Legolas began to sing a song to the Valar, praying for his well-being and for the well-being of Aila.
"A Elbereth gilthoniel!
Silivren penna miriel
O menel aglar elenath!"
"Hey," shouted one of the guards, beating his hand against the canvas of the tent. "Quiet in there!" Legolas sighed and stopped singing, humming the rest quietly, and singing the words in his head. There was naught else for him to do but wait.
So he waited.
…
Findecano was pacing yet again. He was pleased that his mother was not dead, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to be killed. Wild thoughts ran through Findecano's mind when one of the Ithilien elves cautiously entered the room. Immediately he stopped pacing and stood, hands clasped behind his back, and stared at the elf. In response, the elf bowed his head and clutched tighter to the book he was holding in his hand.
"Sire," said the elf. "I was told to bring this to you, in the absence of your mother. It is hers, and perhaps it will be of use to you." The elf rushed forward and dumped the book into Findecano's hands, as if the book was extraordinarily hot and he couldn't stand to hold it anymore. "Good day, sire." The elf bowed and almost ran out of the room, but Findecano hardly noticed, his eyes were trained upon the book that he held in his hands.
It was old. Older than old. Perhaps it was the first book ever written by elves in the common tongue. It was the book of the Light Bearer, full of the secrets of her powers, further elaboration on the prophecy and legacy. His fingers trembled as he felt the weight of the ancient scripture, the warm breath caught in his throat, and it became cold. The endless light in his ever-blue eyes shivered with excitement and his spine seized.
Findecano shifted the book in his slender hands, so careful of its brittle covers and he brought it into his father's wing. The wing had served as a home for the entire family, but there was one room in particular he was headed: the room that belonged solely to his mother. There were few occasions when he had been in there, mostly when she told him stories of the history of her time, the future of his.
Casually, Findecano pushed open the door and stepped in, still harboring the book delicately in his arms. Upon a beautifully carved wood desk sat a rectangular object of strange composition. Findecano had watched many times as his mother opened the lid to the box, and pressed buttons along the bottom, causing the lid to light up different shades and colors. "It's a computer, a laptop," he heard her voice shake through his head, but he ignored it. The rest of the room was covered in bookcases, from floor to ceiling, and books were even on the floor from lack of room on the shelves. It wasn't a large room, but had more books than Findecano had seen any other place. Upon the desk, next to the computer, Findecano placed the book of his mother, hoping that soon she would return and would be able to read it herself. Another book for her collection.
…
Legolas was hanging in chin against his chest, trying to sleep, but none came as he worried about Aila. Sometimes, he could hear her groan behind him, but there was nothing he could do to help. He hoped that soon Hukil would come again. Just as he was about to close his eyes and fall asleep, ignoring the bread and water that had been placed by the guards, Hukil came again and stood before Legolas.
"Sire," he began, but Legolas interrupted him.
"Keep quiet, Hukil. The guards are still awake, as is half the camp. We're in quite a situation now, and I don't want to make it worse. Aila's mind is held by their king, Glorinul. He is a mind-walker too. Quickly," he whispered. "Quickly Hukil, go to Aila, and tell me if there is a chain around her neck." Hukil did as he was bid.
"Yes, sire. There is a chain here, and upon it is a most curious ring. It is of some green metal, shaped as a stem, but the leaf itself is emerald, shot with gold and silver."
"Good," said Legolas, almost smiling, though the pangs of sorrow and hunger kept him sober. "That is Greenleaf, given to her by the Lady Galadriel. Now, Hukil, take it from her neck and the chain, and place the ring upon one of her fingers." Again, Hukil did as Legolas told him and delicately took the chain from Aila's neck. Her skin was brown and soft, but he was not deterred and soon Aila's forefinger harbored the wondrous ring. "Excellent," whispered Legolas, closing his blue eyes once more. "Let us pray, my friend, that Aila is able to defeat him now, for the ring has amazing properties. There is nothing we can do now."
"Yes sire," said Hukil, inching close to Legolas. "There is. Outside at fifty elves, armed with bows and swords. We are to make a quick escape. The guards have already been slaughtered and no one is the wiser. We must go quickly, Lord, or all is lost." Hukil pulled a dagger from his boot and cut the bonds of his hands and feet. Legolas turned and grabbed Aila's limp form. "Let's go." They quickly looked around outside the tent before they dashed out the way Hukil had come and came to the relative safety of the host of elves. Nothing extraordinarily exciting happened on their trip back, except Aila groaned again and shifted in Legolas' arms. He stopped to stare at her for a few moments before running again to the castle. The rescue attempt was a success.
…
Findecano was walking out of his mother's room when the servant who had comforted him in the garden came running, a smile on her face.
"Prince Findecano!" she cried, her cheeks flushed. "Prince, Hukil has gone to rescue your parents."
"Without my consent?" asked Findecano, becoming angry. "What if they fail. We will lose Hukil, possibly my parents. That is more than I can bear …"
"Prince," she gasped, coming to a halt in front of him. "He took fifty archers with him. He said something about it being swift and silent. The sneaky type that elves like him go for. I am sorry, Prince, none could stop him, though many supported him."
"Well," said Findecano, thinking a moment. "I do believe this is all right. We will see what happens." The girl turned to go but Findecano's hand flew to her arm, holding her back. "I never thanked you for what you did in the garden the other day." She blushed. "Thank you," he said, at a loss for words.
"It was nothing," she responded. Slipping from his grasp, she walked away and left Findecano staring after her. Findecano stopped for a few minutes more, absentmindedly staring at the spot where he had seen her last. Then, he wandered to the front of the castle, to await the rescue party. It was not another hour when they returned, triumphant.
"Father!" cried Findecano, bellowing for the gates to be thrown open. He ran through them just as they were and went to Legolas, but stopped a few feet away, staring at Aila's limp body. "So it is true," he said, his eyes frozen and unfocused. "She is dead, then."
"No," said Legolas. "She is not dead. Her mind has been taken by Glorinul. He is a mind-walker as well. But it is only a matter of time before she battles him off." Just as he spoke, Aila's eyes opened. Though she seemed distant and her sight was blurry, she seemed in control of herself for the moment.
"Oh good," she said weakly, glancing at the castle. "We're home. Just as well, he knew my plan." Then her eyes glazed over once more and she fell limply again to Legolas.
"She is not well," said Findecano, and all Legolas did in response was shake his head.
Aila was laid upon their bed deep in the wing and Legolas sat in a chair as her side, fervently watching her eyes and any movement. But there was none for a long time. Thranduil walked into the room.
"Legolas," he began, but paused at the look on Legolas' face. Thranduil remembered the look that Legolas had held those months when Aila had first gone back to her time, when she did not visit. When he had thought he'd lost his love. "Legolas, you are needed to decide what we must do with these men. You have a superior military mind, my son. I will send someone to watch her and inform you immediately." Legolas hesitated for a long time, his eyes longingly upon Aila, but eventually he left, and a servant took his place at Aila's side.
…
It had been hours since Legolas was in the meeting of war while the servant watched a motionless princess and was bored almost to sleep. She slumped forward in her chair and rested her head along the sheets of the royal bed. So comfortable, she told herself, pity she wasn't royal, so she could have sheets like these. She looked up and the princess had made no movement. However, despite herself, the servant kept staring at Aila's closed eyes, as if entranced. Suddenly, without any warning they flew open. The servant paused for a moment and began running for the door. "Prince Legolas!" she screamed. "Prince Legolas!"
"No," came a voice behind her, meek and silent. "No, come back." The servant paused at the door, her light blonde hair quivering at her hips. "Help me come to him. I have control over my mind once more."
…
A/N: Short, yes, but I couldn't write more, because I just didn't want to. Selfish, aren't I? Oh well. Thanks for all your reviews. You guys rule. Oh, and good news. I might just come out with another story after I've finished this one. I've already begun writing it, and that's why this one is starting to come along slowly. But I promise, I won't keep going with the second until I'm done with this one. I'm almost finished, too. Sob, sob. So sad.
Review