Happy Day After Thanksgiving Day! Hope your holiday was good!
Just a warning, I got the idea for this chapter from another story I read, not plagiarism, just using the idea along a completely different plot line. But my warning is that it is very AU, and I know that only Glorifindel (sp?) managed the feat that you are about to read. . . but that's why I write fanfiction. Otherwise, I would have something of my own published, savvy? Please don't hate me. I did do my research.
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"We're here."
Aldarion had no response from the young man, who refused to let anyone else carry the prince. "Strider?"
"He's not talking anymore."
Aldarion put a hand on the man's shoulder. He knew what that meant. "Come, perhaps there is still something that can be done."
Mithfalas sighed. "Continue on, you shall see Lord Thranduil and Lord Elrond in a clearing straight ahead. This is where I leave you." He looked directly at Aragorn. "Take care of him, Estel."
Aragorn nodded.
"Fal-" Minastir started, but stopped himself. The other elf turned.
"Yes?"
"Nothing, I'm sorry. It's just, it was good to see you again. I, we've missed you."
Mithfalas smiled. "Thanks. Oh, and Estel? Do not mention that I was with you. No one must know."
Creasing his brow, Aragorn nodded, but did not ask any of the questions assaulting his mind.
Mithfalas disappeared into the distance. Telemnar looked at Aragorn, who was so tired he was ready to drop where he was. "If he dies, human-"
"Then what? What are you going to do?"
"I'll take avenge his death on the stupid human that let him die!"
Aldarion stepped forward. "Guys, please, let's not start this, Legolas needs help."
"You know what? I am I'm sick of you putting me down just because I'm human! Being tall and having pointy ears doesn't make you right, and it sure doesn't make you smart! Your own prince befriended me, so at least give me a chance!"
Telemnar's jaw went slack, but Aragorn did not give him a chance to respond. He turned and started taking Legolas into the forest.
Downhearted, angry, and one fewer in their number, they entered the great elven city. Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir, and Thranduil rushed up to meet them.
"We knew you would come here," Elrond answered his human son's inquisitive glare. "It was the only logical place for you to come."
Thranduil had walked forward, taking his son away from Aragorn. The man was too tired, weak, and confused to protest. The weight having been lifted from his arms, he stumbled and collapsed in the soft ground.
"Oniya, take care of him. We must get Legolas to the Lady," Elrond instructed his sons. He turned to Thranduil. "She will know what to do."
The two elder elves were running now. They could see Haldir in the distance, running to get the Lady of the Wood. The three Mirkwood elves were following them.
Celeborn met the elven lords, directing them on where to take the fallen prince. The prince was finally laid on a table of stone which had long ago been overrun by moss. Galadriel rushed into the small clearing shortly thereafter. "What happened to him?"
Aragorn burst onto the scene, followed by his two brothers. Galadriel turned toward him, and he bowed his head. It felt like the right thing to do.
"Aragorn, son on Arathorn, tell me what happened to Legolas." Aragorn heard the words in his head, and was slightly awed.
He swallowed, choking on his words. He let the entire story fall from his lips, including how it was his fault that Legolas was in this state. "It's bad, isn't it?"
The only response he got was from his father. "Havo dad, Estel. Heca, hannon le."
It went against everything his heart was telling him, but he obeyed, and stayed well out of the way. He tried to watch from a distance, but so many elves had gathered around that he could not see the prince.
"Thranduil, are you sure you want to be here for this?"
The elven lord nodded, not trusting himself to speak. Galadriel nodded. "Then take his hand. He needs something familiar to tie him here." Thranduil obeyed as Galadriel took the prince's other hand.
"If I cannot do it. . ." She let the implications set it before continuing. "It would be better if he died by friendly hands."
Aragorn's heart caught in his throat. This wasn't possible, it wasn't happening. No. No, no, no. If he were too far gone, they would kill him. No!
No one said a word, and so Galadriel nodded. She poured a potion into Legolas' mouth. Aragorn figured it would counteract the poison in him.
The lady sighed. She began muttering incantations, putting her free hand over the prince's forehead.
Aragorn could not say how long he sat there, holding his breath. Hours? It may as well have been days. Finally, Galadriel grew quiet. Aragorn stood, but dared not speak. Minutes passed in a thick silence.
A very low, dangerous voice broke the silence. "You said you would save him."
"Now, Thranduil, I said I would try. You knew I might not be able to. You were supposed to be prepared for this."
"With all due respect, Lady," Elrond broke in, casting at glance at Thranduil, "Legolas had a tendency to charm anyone into his ways. You can't prepare yourself for a death such as his."
Aragorn fell back to his seat. Elrohir looked at him, then left his spot at the circle around the prince. Elladan followed.
"Estel, it's not your fault. Don't go thinking that it is. Legolas had a knack for getting into trouble. We all knew it would do him in one day."
"You don't understand! He was poisoned, and it was wearing off, but I didn't know! I told them to help him, and they gave him more poison. With my permission! I asked for Legolas' death!"
Elrohir took his brother by the shoulders. "Stop it, Aragorn. You didn't know!"
"Save him!" Thranduil's voice grew loud and desperate. "It is not too late, save him! Save him before he enters the halls!"
Galadriel looked at the elf with sympathy in her eyes. She sighed. "I will try. It will be his choice to come back, though."
A vast, empty hall greeted the prince. Mist swirled around his feet. Legolas sat back against the smooth door, hugging his knees to his chest. He knew what going in would mean, and he didn't want to have to accept that. A tear escaped his eye, then he let the rest follow. He hadn't wanted it to end this way. He so wanted to see the Undying Lands. "Nienna!" he cried out in despair. He knew from tales that his father told him that Nienna, one of the Aratar, often visited the Halls of Mandos to turn sadness to wisdom. He needed that now, so much.
"Nienna! I beg thee, help me!" He was sobbing now so that his whole frame shook.
"Be quite, young one. Do not despair."
"Nienna?" The prince's head shot up. However, he did not see Nienna in front of him. "Lady Galadriel?"
The Lady smiled. "It is I."
"But, are you. . . dead?"
She laughed lightly. "No, indeed. But you, my boy, you are another story."
Legolas let his head fall to his knees again. He did not want her to see his tears.
"Do not shed any more tears, Legolas. I am here to bring you back."
"Can you do that?"
Galadriel knelt to be at his level. "I can. But the true question is, do you want me to?"
"More than anything! I did not want to die!"
"Sh, Legolas. Think about it. You will never have to experience pain, loss, death, war, or despair, any of it. Never again. You shall be in paradise."
"No, milady. Paradise is the Undying Lands."
"You will never feel pain. Legolas, if I take you back, you will feel all the pain that your body is experiencing. And of the other things you will never have to experience again?"
"Nor will I get to experience earthly love, peace, or joy. I want to go back, milady, if you would but do that for me."
"As you wish, Legolas."
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Celeborn sighed as another hour passed by. "I don't think she convinced him, Thranduil. Or she was too late."
"We shall not know until she returns," Elrond interjected pointedly, watching Galadriel's unmoving body.
By now, the twins, Aragorn, and the three Mirkwood elves were circled together, begging the Valar to have mercy on Legolas' soul.
Elladan was trying valiantly to hold in his own grief, for the sake of his two brothers. Legolas was a good friend of his, but he knew what the prince meant to his brothers. And to Arwen.
"Lady!" Elrond's voice was slightly relieved as the Lady of the Wood stirred. Everyone looked at her, then at the still body of Legolas.
"Well?" Thranduil demanded.
"Have patience, my lord. He follows."
Elladan stood up, followed by Telmnar, Aldarion, and Minastir. Elrohir grasped Aragorn's hand tighter. The two brothers pressed their foreheads together, eyes closed, praying for the best.
There was a loud cry of pain that sounded beautifully familiar to Aragorn. He and Elrohir finally stood.
Legolas was gasping for air. He knew to expect this: the full rush of pain on his body, but he hadn't remembered it being so unbearable.
Thranduil laid a hand on his son's chest. He looked at Galadriel. "Hannon le."
"Thank him. He chose to come back."
"Legolas," Thranduil wept joyfully at the return of his son.
"Come, let us go have some wine, and let the boy recover before we overwhelm him."
The large group reluctantly left the clearing, all except Aragorn. He waited until he was left alone, then walked slowly to Legolas.
"Are you okay?" It was the stupidest question he could have asked. His friend just returned from the dead, and all he could think of was, 'how are you?'
"I don't remember being in this much pain."
"You weren't. You were drugged for most of it. I thought we decided on not making a habit out of this."
Legolas laughed, despite the pain in his lungs. "You know, it wasn't something I meant to do. To do: get captured by men? Check. Be a slave? Check. Twice, actually. Die? Check."
"See, now you're being sarcastic. You don't have to be."
"When are you going to realize that this is me, and when are you going to stop telling me that?"
Aragorn shrugged. "Probably never. It's become habit now."
"It has become one of those small things in life that you take for granted. I can always count on you to tell me I should not be so sarcastic. It's comforting almost."
"I would imagine, right now, that anything is comforting."
Legolas nodded. "At least I know where you'll be when you finally go."
"Finally, what, are you waiting for it?"
"With a growing dread, now that I know what it's like." Legolas sobered the jest.
"I'm so glad you're alive."
"Oh, good. I am too. Besides, I figure you'll stick me in another situation where I'll have to make that choice to come back again, and I would gladly do it."
"Now, now, Legolas. Don't think I'm going to come get you every time you do that. It is quite an exhausting endeavor. Besides, I don't think Mandos would appreciate it very much."
The two friends turned at the sound of Galadriel's voice. She smiled at them. "Come, Aragorn. Let us leave Legolas so he can rest."
"Wait, Lady," Legolas stopped the retreat of Galadriel and his friend.
"Yes, Legolas?"
"Is my brother here?"
"No, I'm sorry. He left just after your friends came to ask him where to find you. He wanted to go with them. He wanted to help save you, but it was too dangerous for him."
Aragorn looked a the Lady, but Galadriel silently warned him not to speak up.
The statement brought so many questions to Legolas' mind. He opened his mouth, but could not think of what to ask. "M-my friends?" he finally spat out.
Aragorn laughed. "Oh, you missed so much due to that drug. I'll explain it after you rest and I eat. I haven't had a proper meal in nearly a month."
Galadriel smiled at the elf. "I would offer you some food, but." she trailed off, and Legolas finished for her.
"I couldn't eat it, not just yet."
"We will worry about healing you after you rest." She paused. "You are saddened, Legolas. Do you regret your decision?"
"No, milady," Legolas said quietly, before he fell into a deep sleep. Aragorn would have bet that Galadriel initiated it, but it didn't matter at this point.
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Reviewers:
This chapter was for everyone one of you that thought I would never kill Legolas. Just goes to show, don't be so sure of yourself. I might leave him dead next time. So do we hate me for the AUyness, or am I okay to keep writing?
Apparently, Mithfalas has everyone's approval of being ultra-cool. Good, I like him too. Shame though, knowing what's gonna happen to him. . . ::laughs::
I hope the AU factor wasn't too bizarre. Sorry if it was, but that's about as AU as any of my stories will ever get. Well. . . except for one, but I wrote that just for fun. Anyway, you'll see. Right, review responses.
Translator: Havo dad, Estel. Heca, hannon le: Have a seat, Estel. Stand aside, thank you.
Hannon le: Thank you
Angel With No Wings: Hey, at least my cliffhangers aren't as bad as my last story. I think I had one chapter that wasn't a cliffhanger, lol. Uhm, well, this update was relatively quick, no? But alas, school starts again soon, so I may go back to my one every week and a half updates. I'm trying to make them all quick, though. Thanks!
SPEoD: See, no one anymore has seen Mr. Ed! Oh well, I just feel old. I was little when Mr. Ed was on though, so I may as well have not seen it for as much as I remember. My last show was a schooling show, and I haven't showed recently because of my horse retiring. The last show was about a month ago, and that wasn't even my horse. I did not say that I was definitely going to kill off Fal. I'm curious now, so I'm gonna go check out Captives of Isengard. It sounds familiar, but I couldn't tell you anything else about it, so I am assuming I haven't read it.
Lulu Bell: 7k, man. Not your biggest, but still huge! Yeah, the hooded figures were my bad. Legolas was supposed to see them as Tarduain, Oropher, and Mithnien, but I think I forgot to write that in. Sorry about that. I've hinted at why Mithfalas was exiled, but I haven't actually come out and told you yet. You'll find out soon. Okay, this is bad, considering that I am the author, but what caves are we talking about? Oh, I get it, the ones they work in, got it. Uhm, remember in one of the flashback Fal told Legolas that he knew of a little town of men close to Mirkwood? And then later we found out that he lived there once, before it went to the dogs. So that explains that. (I hope.) He didn't know to come that day specifically. That was kind of a, just in the nick of time bit. I have a demented mind, that's how I come up with this stuff, lol. I ride English. Dressage, actually. I compete in Hunter Jumper sometimes as well. I actually learned Western first, but I didn't like it as much. It's not as refined, and you're not as close to the horse. (Just my opinion.) I used to hate coffee when I was little. Then I would only drink frappachinos, (sp?) but now I'll drink anything. It's an acquired taste really. Oh yeah, I drink coke. I'm addicted, I think. But yeah, motorcycle riders use it to clean the rust off of their bikes. You can make pennies really shiny with it. It will eat through and egg shell. Makes me wonder what it's doing to my intestines. How was your Thanksgiving? Mine was good. I went down to visit my parents, and from there we went up to my Grandma's house. My aunt and her husband came over. It was pretty nice. Your reviews are never boring! I love them! Long never bothers me. Mar will come back (
Lizzie: Lol, you're one of the few that even mentioned Telemnar's attitude. That's a fun story line. . . but, uhm, I've said too much.
HalandLeg4ever: Thank you! Well where would the suspense be if it was only five more minutes to get there? Lol.
Hellmarie: Haha, I love everyone asking if they can expect more quick updates. Please refer to my answer to Angle With No Wings for that answer. Lol, which him don't you want me to kill? Fal or Leggy? One of those won't die. I can't guarantee that the other won't, though.
Louise_oblique: Hm, see, Mithfalas can't really let his father know that he's there. . . but we'll get into that. Thanks for the great review! (We will see more of Fal, don't worry.) ::Big hugs back::
Sara: Oh yeah, school. I've been there too. Eh. I hated PT. I had a pretty bad back injury (still do, rather,) and went to PT for it and they only made it worse. Anyway, good luck with yours!
Gwyn: Wow, a lot of people have damned me. It's kind of fun! (I'm tired, okay?) Haha, I like that. Fish poop. I'm gonna use that. Thanks! I never said that Fal was definitely going to die. I won't give away that part of my plot. ::evil laughter::
Nikki: Thank goodness it was precooked, because if you gave me raw turkey, I'd be worried. Thanks for the review! (PS. Food is a good way to get me writing!)
Nenya: Lol, ask and ye shall receive. Look where we got to see this chapter! Even though he left us this chapter, we will see Fal again, I promise. I am always in my I-Love-Legolas stage. Lol, that never goes away. Thank you!
Coolio02: Ah, thank you! Actually, it's more like, "That incredibly intelligent Mar escaped." Ah, but again I give away things in my story. We shall see what happened to him.
WeasleyTwinsLover1112: Did you pick out that number, or are there a lot of Weasley Twins lovers? I'm one too, to tell the truth. Anyway, after that nice little sidetrack, thanks for the great review! I love Fal. Apparently, so does everyone else, and we've only seen a little tiny bit of him. Hope the update was quick enough!
F h c: So, first question, how did you do on your exam(s)? I try not to put the dictionary thingy at the bottom. I personally find it really annoying when I have to scroll down to figure out what it means, then scroll back up and keep reading. But I will add one for you. You can usually figure out what my stuff means though. I try to make it evident by context, or else I say it in English too. Like last chapter when Aragorn was saying Lasto beth nin, the very next thing he said was Listen to my voice, which is what Last beth nin means. Or else, like in this chapter, when Elrond says Heca, havo dad, Aragorn is mentioned to obey and "stay out of the way." Which isn't literal, but the elvish means "Stand aside, have a seat." Basically the same thing. Wow, does any of that make sense? Anyway, I put the dictionary at the top for ya.
Das Blume: So who is your stupid idealist that you're reading? Ah, yay, someone worked a miracle so that I could have a review! I feel so loved! ::big smiles and hugs:: Minastir is from Family Ties. He was the elf that went away from the guards and convinced them that they needed to serve Legolas instead of the grandfather. Remember now? Hm, should I count that as a poor Legolas? You did work awfully hard not to say it, so that I knew what it was you were trying not to say. Haha, yeah, Telemnar's not very friendly. . . I see why he answered Aragorn's, "What about me?" You know, I was going to say, "What other Bob would there be?" But then I read a review from someone else, and they mentioned Bob, and now I'm thinking I confused reviewers when mentioning Bob. . . and. . . I must have been really tired. But yes, it was Bob the Mirkwood Spider, though I now no longer know who first mentioned him. Shame on me. Lol, I will go check out the update! Yay!
ForceofHobbit: Haha, I just flashed on, "May the force be with you!" And little Frodo kissing Princess Liegha (I cannot spell for beans tonight!) Anyway, what about the stupid human hating elves? (Telemnar, mainly, but then, there is the entire population of Mirkwood minus the prince that doesn't care for them. Poor Aragorn.) I know, it's so cute how Mithfalas still protects him even though he's never allowed in Mirkwood again. Ah, I almost feel bad for him. Shoot, I completely forgot what the line was, grr, I hate when that happens. I think it was in this chapter when Legolas goes through his to do list.
Dimostiel: Same here. Too many Bobs and Bob Juniors. ::shivers:: Thanks!
Elainor: Ah, your reviews are so flattering! Thank you! Yeah, Legolas was looking kind of bad there for a while. Thank you a million for your ever so kind reviews!
Just a warning, I got the idea for this chapter from another story I read, not plagiarism, just using the idea along a completely different plot line. But my warning is that it is very AU, and I know that only Glorifindel (sp?) managed the feat that you are about to read. . . but that's why I write fanfiction. Otherwise, I would have something of my own published, savvy? Please don't hate me. I did do my research.
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"We're here."
Aldarion had no response from the young man, who refused to let anyone else carry the prince. "Strider?"
"He's not talking anymore."
Aldarion put a hand on the man's shoulder. He knew what that meant. "Come, perhaps there is still something that can be done."
Mithfalas sighed. "Continue on, you shall see Lord Thranduil and Lord Elrond in a clearing straight ahead. This is where I leave you." He looked directly at Aragorn. "Take care of him, Estel."
Aragorn nodded.
"Fal-" Minastir started, but stopped himself. The other elf turned.
"Yes?"
"Nothing, I'm sorry. It's just, it was good to see you again. I, we've missed you."
Mithfalas smiled. "Thanks. Oh, and Estel? Do not mention that I was with you. No one must know."
Creasing his brow, Aragorn nodded, but did not ask any of the questions assaulting his mind.
Mithfalas disappeared into the distance. Telemnar looked at Aragorn, who was so tired he was ready to drop where he was. "If he dies, human-"
"Then what? What are you going to do?"
"I'll take avenge his death on the stupid human that let him die!"
Aldarion stepped forward. "Guys, please, let's not start this, Legolas needs help."
"You know what? I am I'm sick of you putting me down just because I'm human! Being tall and having pointy ears doesn't make you right, and it sure doesn't make you smart! Your own prince befriended me, so at least give me a chance!"
Telemnar's jaw went slack, but Aragorn did not give him a chance to respond. He turned and started taking Legolas into the forest.
Downhearted, angry, and one fewer in their number, they entered the great elven city. Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir, and Thranduil rushed up to meet them.
"We knew you would come here," Elrond answered his human son's inquisitive glare. "It was the only logical place for you to come."
Thranduil had walked forward, taking his son away from Aragorn. The man was too tired, weak, and confused to protest. The weight having been lifted from his arms, he stumbled and collapsed in the soft ground.
"Oniya, take care of him. We must get Legolas to the Lady," Elrond instructed his sons. He turned to Thranduil. "She will know what to do."
The two elder elves were running now. They could see Haldir in the distance, running to get the Lady of the Wood. The three Mirkwood elves were following them.
Celeborn met the elven lords, directing them on where to take the fallen prince. The prince was finally laid on a table of stone which had long ago been overrun by moss. Galadriel rushed into the small clearing shortly thereafter. "What happened to him?"
Aragorn burst onto the scene, followed by his two brothers. Galadriel turned toward him, and he bowed his head. It felt like the right thing to do.
"Aragorn, son on Arathorn, tell me what happened to Legolas." Aragorn heard the words in his head, and was slightly awed.
He swallowed, choking on his words. He let the entire story fall from his lips, including how it was his fault that Legolas was in this state. "It's bad, isn't it?"
The only response he got was from his father. "Havo dad, Estel. Heca, hannon le."
It went against everything his heart was telling him, but he obeyed, and stayed well out of the way. He tried to watch from a distance, but so many elves had gathered around that he could not see the prince.
"Thranduil, are you sure you want to be here for this?"
The elven lord nodded, not trusting himself to speak. Galadriel nodded. "Then take his hand. He needs something familiar to tie him here." Thranduil obeyed as Galadriel took the prince's other hand.
"If I cannot do it. . ." She let the implications set it before continuing. "It would be better if he died by friendly hands."
Aragorn's heart caught in his throat. This wasn't possible, it wasn't happening. No. No, no, no. If he were too far gone, they would kill him. No!
No one said a word, and so Galadriel nodded. She poured a potion into Legolas' mouth. Aragorn figured it would counteract the poison in him.
The lady sighed. She began muttering incantations, putting her free hand over the prince's forehead.
Aragorn could not say how long he sat there, holding his breath. Hours? It may as well have been days. Finally, Galadriel grew quiet. Aragorn stood, but dared not speak. Minutes passed in a thick silence.
A very low, dangerous voice broke the silence. "You said you would save him."
"Now, Thranduil, I said I would try. You knew I might not be able to. You were supposed to be prepared for this."
"With all due respect, Lady," Elrond broke in, casting at glance at Thranduil, "Legolas had a tendency to charm anyone into his ways. You can't prepare yourself for a death such as his."
Aragorn fell back to his seat. Elrohir looked at him, then left his spot at the circle around the prince. Elladan followed.
"Estel, it's not your fault. Don't go thinking that it is. Legolas had a knack for getting into trouble. We all knew it would do him in one day."
"You don't understand! He was poisoned, and it was wearing off, but I didn't know! I told them to help him, and they gave him more poison. With my permission! I asked for Legolas' death!"
Elrohir took his brother by the shoulders. "Stop it, Aragorn. You didn't know!"
"Save him!" Thranduil's voice grew loud and desperate. "It is not too late, save him! Save him before he enters the halls!"
Galadriel looked at the elf with sympathy in her eyes. She sighed. "I will try. It will be his choice to come back, though."
A vast, empty hall greeted the prince. Mist swirled around his feet. Legolas sat back against the smooth door, hugging his knees to his chest. He knew what going in would mean, and he didn't want to have to accept that. A tear escaped his eye, then he let the rest follow. He hadn't wanted it to end this way. He so wanted to see the Undying Lands. "Nienna!" he cried out in despair. He knew from tales that his father told him that Nienna, one of the Aratar, often visited the Halls of Mandos to turn sadness to wisdom. He needed that now, so much.
"Nienna! I beg thee, help me!" He was sobbing now so that his whole frame shook.
"Be quite, young one. Do not despair."
"Nienna?" The prince's head shot up. However, he did not see Nienna in front of him. "Lady Galadriel?"
The Lady smiled. "It is I."
"But, are you. . . dead?"
She laughed lightly. "No, indeed. But you, my boy, you are another story."
Legolas let his head fall to his knees again. He did not want her to see his tears.
"Do not shed any more tears, Legolas. I am here to bring you back."
"Can you do that?"
Galadriel knelt to be at his level. "I can. But the true question is, do you want me to?"
"More than anything! I did not want to die!"
"Sh, Legolas. Think about it. You will never have to experience pain, loss, death, war, or despair, any of it. Never again. You shall be in paradise."
"No, milady. Paradise is the Undying Lands."
"You will never feel pain. Legolas, if I take you back, you will feel all the pain that your body is experiencing. And of the other things you will never have to experience again?"
"Nor will I get to experience earthly love, peace, or joy. I want to go back, milady, if you would but do that for me."
"As you wish, Legolas."
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Celeborn sighed as another hour passed by. "I don't think she convinced him, Thranduil. Or she was too late."
"We shall not know until she returns," Elrond interjected pointedly, watching Galadriel's unmoving body.
By now, the twins, Aragorn, and the three Mirkwood elves were circled together, begging the Valar to have mercy on Legolas' soul.
Elladan was trying valiantly to hold in his own grief, for the sake of his two brothers. Legolas was a good friend of his, but he knew what the prince meant to his brothers. And to Arwen.
"Lady!" Elrond's voice was slightly relieved as the Lady of the Wood stirred. Everyone looked at her, then at the still body of Legolas.
"Well?" Thranduil demanded.
"Have patience, my lord. He follows."
Elladan stood up, followed by Telmnar, Aldarion, and Minastir. Elrohir grasped Aragorn's hand tighter. The two brothers pressed their foreheads together, eyes closed, praying for the best.
There was a loud cry of pain that sounded beautifully familiar to Aragorn. He and Elrohir finally stood.
Legolas was gasping for air. He knew to expect this: the full rush of pain on his body, but he hadn't remembered it being so unbearable.
Thranduil laid a hand on his son's chest. He looked at Galadriel. "Hannon le."
"Thank him. He chose to come back."
"Legolas," Thranduil wept joyfully at the return of his son.
"Come, let us go have some wine, and let the boy recover before we overwhelm him."
The large group reluctantly left the clearing, all except Aragorn. He waited until he was left alone, then walked slowly to Legolas.
"Are you okay?" It was the stupidest question he could have asked. His friend just returned from the dead, and all he could think of was, 'how are you?'
"I don't remember being in this much pain."
"You weren't. You were drugged for most of it. I thought we decided on not making a habit out of this."
Legolas laughed, despite the pain in his lungs. "You know, it wasn't something I meant to do. To do: get captured by men? Check. Be a slave? Check. Twice, actually. Die? Check."
"See, now you're being sarcastic. You don't have to be."
"When are you going to realize that this is me, and when are you going to stop telling me that?"
Aragorn shrugged. "Probably never. It's become habit now."
"It has become one of those small things in life that you take for granted. I can always count on you to tell me I should not be so sarcastic. It's comforting almost."
"I would imagine, right now, that anything is comforting."
Legolas nodded. "At least I know where you'll be when you finally go."
"Finally, what, are you waiting for it?"
"With a growing dread, now that I know what it's like." Legolas sobered the jest.
"I'm so glad you're alive."
"Oh, good. I am too. Besides, I figure you'll stick me in another situation where I'll have to make that choice to come back again, and I would gladly do it."
"Now, now, Legolas. Don't think I'm going to come get you every time you do that. It is quite an exhausting endeavor. Besides, I don't think Mandos would appreciate it very much."
The two friends turned at the sound of Galadriel's voice. She smiled at them. "Come, Aragorn. Let us leave Legolas so he can rest."
"Wait, Lady," Legolas stopped the retreat of Galadriel and his friend.
"Yes, Legolas?"
"Is my brother here?"
"No, I'm sorry. He left just after your friends came to ask him where to find you. He wanted to go with them. He wanted to help save you, but it was too dangerous for him."
Aragorn looked a the Lady, but Galadriel silently warned him not to speak up.
The statement brought so many questions to Legolas' mind. He opened his mouth, but could not think of what to ask. "M-my friends?" he finally spat out.
Aragorn laughed. "Oh, you missed so much due to that drug. I'll explain it after you rest and I eat. I haven't had a proper meal in nearly a month."
Galadriel smiled at the elf. "I would offer you some food, but." she trailed off, and Legolas finished for her.
"I couldn't eat it, not just yet."
"We will worry about healing you after you rest." She paused. "You are saddened, Legolas. Do you regret your decision?"
"No, milady," Legolas said quietly, before he fell into a deep sleep. Aragorn would have bet that Galadriel initiated it, but it didn't matter at this point.
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Reviewers:
This chapter was for everyone one of you that thought I would never kill Legolas. Just goes to show, don't be so sure of yourself. I might leave him dead next time. So do we hate me for the AUyness, or am I okay to keep writing?
Apparently, Mithfalas has everyone's approval of being ultra-cool. Good, I like him too. Shame though, knowing what's gonna happen to him. . . ::laughs::
I hope the AU factor wasn't too bizarre. Sorry if it was, but that's about as AU as any of my stories will ever get. Well. . . except for one, but I wrote that just for fun. Anyway, you'll see. Right, review responses.
Translator: Havo dad, Estel. Heca, hannon le: Have a seat, Estel. Stand aside, thank you.
Hannon le: Thank you
Angel With No Wings: Hey, at least my cliffhangers aren't as bad as my last story. I think I had one chapter that wasn't a cliffhanger, lol. Uhm, well, this update was relatively quick, no? But alas, school starts again soon, so I may go back to my one every week and a half updates. I'm trying to make them all quick, though. Thanks!
SPEoD: See, no one anymore has seen Mr. Ed! Oh well, I just feel old. I was little when Mr. Ed was on though, so I may as well have not seen it for as much as I remember. My last show was a schooling show, and I haven't showed recently because of my horse retiring. The last show was about a month ago, and that wasn't even my horse. I did not say that I was definitely going to kill off Fal. I'm curious now, so I'm gonna go check out Captives of Isengard. It sounds familiar, but I couldn't tell you anything else about it, so I am assuming I haven't read it.
Lulu Bell: 7k, man. Not your biggest, but still huge! Yeah, the hooded figures were my bad. Legolas was supposed to see them as Tarduain, Oropher, and Mithnien, but I think I forgot to write that in. Sorry about that. I've hinted at why Mithfalas was exiled, but I haven't actually come out and told you yet. You'll find out soon. Okay, this is bad, considering that I am the author, but what caves are we talking about? Oh, I get it, the ones they work in, got it. Uhm, remember in one of the flashback Fal told Legolas that he knew of a little town of men close to Mirkwood? And then later we found out that he lived there once, before it went to the dogs. So that explains that. (I hope.) He didn't know to come that day specifically. That was kind of a, just in the nick of time bit. I have a demented mind, that's how I come up with this stuff, lol. I ride English. Dressage, actually. I compete in Hunter Jumper sometimes as well. I actually learned Western first, but I didn't like it as much. It's not as refined, and you're not as close to the horse. (Just my opinion.) I used to hate coffee when I was little. Then I would only drink frappachinos, (sp?) but now I'll drink anything. It's an acquired taste really. Oh yeah, I drink coke. I'm addicted, I think. But yeah, motorcycle riders use it to clean the rust off of their bikes. You can make pennies really shiny with it. It will eat through and egg shell. Makes me wonder what it's doing to my intestines. How was your Thanksgiving? Mine was good. I went down to visit my parents, and from there we went up to my Grandma's house. My aunt and her husband came over. It was pretty nice. Your reviews are never boring! I love them! Long never bothers me. Mar will come back (
Lizzie: Lol, you're one of the few that even mentioned Telemnar's attitude. That's a fun story line. . . but, uhm, I've said too much.
HalandLeg4ever: Thank you! Well where would the suspense be if it was only five more minutes to get there? Lol.
Hellmarie: Haha, I love everyone asking if they can expect more quick updates. Please refer to my answer to Angle With No Wings for that answer. Lol, which him don't you want me to kill? Fal or Leggy? One of those won't die. I can't guarantee that the other won't, though.
Louise_oblique: Hm, see, Mithfalas can't really let his father know that he's there. . . but we'll get into that. Thanks for the great review! (We will see more of Fal, don't worry.) ::Big hugs back::
Sara: Oh yeah, school. I've been there too. Eh. I hated PT. I had a pretty bad back injury (still do, rather,) and went to PT for it and they only made it worse. Anyway, good luck with yours!
Gwyn: Wow, a lot of people have damned me. It's kind of fun! (I'm tired, okay?) Haha, I like that. Fish poop. I'm gonna use that. Thanks! I never said that Fal was definitely going to die. I won't give away that part of my plot. ::evil laughter::
Nikki: Thank goodness it was precooked, because if you gave me raw turkey, I'd be worried. Thanks for the review! (PS. Food is a good way to get me writing!)
Nenya: Lol, ask and ye shall receive. Look where we got to see this chapter! Even though he left us this chapter, we will see Fal again, I promise. I am always in my I-Love-Legolas stage. Lol, that never goes away. Thank you!
Coolio02: Ah, thank you! Actually, it's more like, "That incredibly intelligent Mar escaped." Ah, but again I give away things in my story. We shall see what happened to him.
WeasleyTwinsLover1112: Did you pick out that number, or are there a lot of Weasley Twins lovers? I'm one too, to tell the truth. Anyway, after that nice little sidetrack, thanks for the great review! I love Fal. Apparently, so does everyone else, and we've only seen a little tiny bit of him. Hope the update was quick enough!
F h c: So, first question, how did you do on your exam(s)? I try not to put the dictionary thingy at the bottom. I personally find it really annoying when I have to scroll down to figure out what it means, then scroll back up and keep reading. But I will add one for you. You can usually figure out what my stuff means though. I try to make it evident by context, or else I say it in English too. Like last chapter when Aragorn was saying Lasto beth nin, the very next thing he said was Listen to my voice, which is what Last beth nin means. Or else, like in this chapter, when Elrond says Heca, havo dad, Aragorn is mentioned to obey and "stay out of the way." Which isn't literal, but the elvish means "Stand aside, have a seat." Basically the same thing. Wow, does any of that make sense? Anyway, I put the dictionary at the top for ya.
Das Blume: So who is your stupid idealist that you're reading? Ah, yay, someone worked a miracle so that I could have a review! I feel so loved! ::big smiles and hugs:: Minastir is from Family Ties. He was the elf that went away from the guards and convinced them that they needed to serve Legolas instead of the grandfather. Remember now? Hm, should I count that as a poor Legolas? You did work awfully hard not to say it, so that I knew what it was you were trying not to say. Haha, yeah, Telemnar's not very friendly. . . I see why he answered Aragorn's, "What about me?" You know, I was going to say, "What other Bob would there be?" But then I read a review from someone else, and they mentioned Bob, and now I'm thinking I confused reviewers when mentioning Bob. . . and. . . I must have been really tired. But yes, it was Bob the Mirkwood Spider, though I now no longer know who first mentioned him. Shame on me. Lol, I will go check out the update! Yay!
ForceofHobbit: Haha, I just flashed on, "May the force be with you!" And little Frodo kissing Princess Liegha (I cannot spell for beans tonight!) Anyway, what about the stupid human hating elves? (Telemnar, mainly, but then, there is the entire population of Mirkwood minus the prince that doesn't care for them. Poor Aragorn.) I know, it's so cute how Mithfalas still protects him even though he's never allowed in Mirkwood again. Ah, I almost feel bad for him. Shoot, I completely forgot what the line was, grr, I hate when that happens. I think it was in this chapter when Legolas goes through his to do list.
Dimostiel: Same here. Too many Bobs and Bob Juniors. ::shivers:: Thanks!
Elainor: Ah, your reviews are so flattering! Thank you! Yeah, Legolas was looking kind of bad there for a while. Thank you a million for your ever so kind reviews!