Wow, the number of reviews is encouraging…
…the threat of drastic actions hanging in the air even more :-)
A big thank you to all of you who take the time to let me know what you think!!! And a
very special thanks to those of you who do it for each chapter… :-)
And something I forgot to clear up : To Gwyndolen Rhionne: Greenleaf is the
translation of the elven word Legolas.
The word 'ion' means 'son', so Thandruilion would mean 'son of Thranduil' – just to
clear up a misunderstanding :-) … and thanks for your regular reviewing :-)
So for all of you asking for more – the next chapter…
And let me know what you think!!!
___
Aragorn was still tired but no longer so deeply exhausted when he entered the House
of Healing again. He found the room quiet; Elladan sitting next to Gimli, bathing him
with a wet cloth. Legolas stood at the wide-open window, a cup filled with water in his
hands. He seemed deep in thought, but only a few heartbeats later he turned to face
Aragorn. His face was darkened with emotions the man found difficult to read.
Concern was there as well as fear, but also anger and something else.
'Who did this to him, Aragorn?' the elf asked, and his voice carried a tone of
command and determination. Aragorn would have bristled at anyone else speaking
to him like this. Coming from Legolas, he chose to ignore it.
'I know not, my friend. When he arrived here he was in no state to tell us anything.'
He could see disappointment flickering over Legolas' features, and the elf put down
the cup with slightly more force than necessary.
'Who would dare to attack him? He is a known friend of Gondor.'
Aragorn met his eyes squarely, not backing down from the elf whose eyes betrayed
how enraged he truly was.
'This has not stopped them before,' Elladan voiced what the man had been thinking.
For a moment Legolas froze, then he turned and looked out of the window again.
They all remembered the incident shortly after Aragorn's wedding, it had been men of
Gondor who had turned on the elf. It was a bitter memory for Legolas, whose trust in
men had been deeply shaken then. He closed his eyes in pain as he remembered
Gimli's quiet concern and not so quiet demand for revenge. With a shaky breath, he
turned again to retake his place at his friend's side.
'I would not think this was an attempt on his life but that he was simply waylaid and
robbed, if not for the fact that Selena was still with him,' Aragorn offered. 'Surely no
robber would leave the horse behind and everything it carried.' He gestured at Gimli's
belongings that had been brought in and left in a corner of the room.
'I already searched his belongings and it is a most peculiar thing that the small pouch
with gold and gems he always carries with him is still here, while the one thing most
precious to him is missing.'
A frown appeared on Aragorn's face as he realized what it was Legolas spoke about.
'It is a beautiful thing, but for someone who is not aware of its meaning a piece of
gold would have more worth. So I wonder why someone would take this but leave his
other belongings,' the elf mused.
'So you think this was no mere robbery?'
The elf shook his head and confusion tinged his voice.
'If it was an attempt on his life, then why did they not make sure he was dead? His
wounds were not severe.'
Legolas sighed and for a moment he seemed weary.
'I know not what to make of this. It seems the only one to tell us is Gimli himself.'
His eyes turned back to his friend once more and Aragorn could see the pain in his
eyes.
'Selena is very attached to him. Maybe she escaped and found her way back to him,'
Elladan spoke up once more. Aragorn considered his words as he stepped closer to
the dwarf.
'Has he woken?'
'Several times. But he never was aware of his surroundings.'
Defeat showed in Elladan's voice and Legolas shot him a sharp look.
'His fever has not risen any further,' he told Aragorn.
The man only nodded, his fingers busy in removing the bandage once more. The
wound was still festering and the arm was swollen. He could see no improvement
and it showed on his features.
Legolas watched in silence, his heart clenching. He knew Gimli's condition was
grave, but refused to see that it was deteriorating.
@@@
Aragorn had left to get fresh herbs and to talk to Elrohir. Discussing Gimli's state with
Legolas was useless, for the elf refused to acknowledge that time was running out.
Elladan left shortly after him, needing to get out of the room for a while.
Legolas stayed behind and, alone with his friend for once, he took hold of Gimli's
hands. He closed his eyes and tried to reach out, to feel his friend's presence. He
would never admit it aloud, but he could feel him fading and it frightened him. He tried
to offer his own strength, to use the weak gift of healing he knew he possessed,
wishing he had learned how to do it.
Gimli was still, his ashen complexion showing clearly the sickness of his body. He did
not stir at the touch.
When Elladan returned, he found Legolas once more in deep concentration and
loathing to disturb him, he silently took a seat. He wondered if Legolas was aware of
what a great risk he was taking here. For one untrained in using the power of healing,
things could go terribly wrong. It was always a risk to open oneself in this way, but
not knowing how to close oneself up again if need be could prove fatal.
Footsteps brought him out of his thoughts ere he could come to a decision of what to
do. With relief, he saw Aragorn and his brother entering the room.
One look was enough for both of them to understand what Legolas was doing.
'Legolas!' Elrohir cried out, reaching out to grasp the elf's shoulder. A strong hand
stopped his movement and he turned on Aragorn in anger.
'This is folly! He knows not what he is doing!'
'I think he knows very well,' the man spoke calmly. 'Breaking them up like this could
be more of a risk than letting him continue.'
Narrowing his eyes, Elrohir once more took a long look at the two still figures. He had
to admit that Aragorn was right. More out of instinct than knowledge, Legolas had
managed to build a connection to the dwarf and his hold on him was strong. Breaking
them up could have devastating consequences.
'If the dwarf dies,' he hissed, 'he will take Legolas with him.'
'Then we must not let him die,' Elladan's soft voice sounded and the twins exchanged
a long glance.
With a deep sigh Elrohir stepped close to Legolas, his hands lightly coming to rest
upon the other elf's shoulders. He did not react to the touch, deeply immersed in his
own mind.
Elrohir closed his eyes and took one deep breath ere he opened himself, reaching
out. He could feel Legolas, and his surprise as he touched his mind. Then he went
further, following the connection Legolas had built until he came into contact with the
weak presence he held onto.
Elladan's face held a mixture of fear and hope as he watched his twin. He could feel
Elrohir's concentration and power, susceptible as he was to his brother's feelings.
Aragorn moved to stand next to him. In silence they waited.
It was a strange thing to watch and not know exactly what was going on. For all his
knowledge of elves, Aragorn could still not fully understand the way their minds
worked. He knew why Elrohir had not offered his healing powers to help Gimli before,
and had not even considered asking him to do so. Neither had Legolas, but now the
stubborn son of Thranduil had chosen to take matters into his own hands instead.
Aragorn did not doubt that what Elrohir had said was true – should Gimli die he would
take Legolas with him – but he wondered what was going on now. Did Elrohir only
call Legolas back or had he chosen to take the risk in attempting to heal Gimli? He
would have asked Elladan had he not feared to break the silence.
Fear held Elladan's heart for he knew exactly the great risk his brother was taking.
This was more than simply calling out to Legolas as he had selfishly hoped. It was an
attempt to use the connection between the two to offer his own strength. Both elves
together might succeed in healing Gimli, but only if there was still strength enough for
the dwarf to take what was offered and fight.
Elrohir's last words were still ringing in his ears. Should Gimli die, the chance was
high that he would take both of them with him, for the death of a mortal is too great a
thing to be thwarted by the powers of the elves.
…the threat of drastic actions hanging in the air even more :-)
A big thank you to all of you who take the time to let me know what you think!!! And a
very special thanks to those of you who do it for each chapter… :-)
And something I forgot to clear up : To Gwyndolen Rhionne: Greenleaf is the
translation of the elven word Legolas.
The word 'ion' means 'son', so Thandruilion would mean 'son of Thranduil' – just to
clear up a misunderstanding :-) … and thanks for your regular reviewing :-)
So for all of you asking for more – the next chapter…
And let me know what you think!!!
___
Aragorn was still tired but no longer so deeply exhausted when he entered the House
of Healing again. He found the room quiet; Elladan sitting next to Gimli, bathing him
with a wet cloth. Legolas stood at the wide-open window, a cup filled with water in his
hands. He seemed deep in thought, but only a few heartbeats later he turned to face
Aragorn. His face was darkened with emotions the man found difficult to read.
Concern was there as well as fear, but also anger and something else.
'Who did this to him, Aragorn?' the elf asked, and his voice carried a tone of
command and determination. Aragorn would have bristled at anyone else speaking
to him like this. Coming from Legolas, he chose to ignore it.
'I know not, my friend. When he arrived here he was in no state to tell us anything.'
He could see disappointment flickering over Legolas' features, and the elf put down
the cup with slightly more force than necessary.
'Who would dare to attack him? He is a known friend of Gondor.'
Aragorn met his eyes squarely, not backing down from the elf whose eyes betrayed
how enraged he truly was.
'This has not stopped them before,' Elladan voiced what the man had been thinking.
For a moment Legolas froze, then he turned and looked out of the window again.
They all remembered the incident shortly after Aragorn's wedding, it had been men of
Gondor who had turned on the elf. It was a bitter memory for Legolas, whose trust in
men had been deeply shaken then. He closed his eyes in pain as he remembered
Gimli's quiet concern and not so quiet demand for revenge. With a shaky breath, he
turned again to retake his place at his friend's side.
'I would not think this was an attempt on his life but that he was simply waylaid and
robbed, if not for the fact that Selena was still with him,' Aragorn offered. 'Surely no
robber would leave the horse behind and everything it carried.' He gestured at Gimli's
belongings that had been brought in and left in a corner of the room.
'I already searched his belongings and it is a most peculiar thing that the small pouch
with gold and gems he always carries with him is still here, while the one thing most
precious to him is missing.'
A frown appeared on Aragorn's face as he realized what it was Legolas spoke about.
'It is a beautiful thing, but for someone who is not aware of its meaning a piece of
gold would have more worth. So I wonder why someone would take this but leave his
other belongings,' the elf mused.
'So you think this was no mere robbery?'
The elf shook his head and confusion tinged his voice.
'If it was an attempt on his life, then why did they not make sure he was dead? His
wounds were not severe.'
Legolas sighed and for a moment he seemed weary.
'I know not what to make of this. It seems the only one to tell us is Gimli himself.'
His eyes turned back to his friend once more and Aragorn could see the pain in his
eyes.
'Selena is very attached to him. Maybe she escaped and found her way back to him,'
Elladan spoke up once more. Aragorn considered his words as he stepped closer to
the dwarf.
'Has he woken?'
'Several times. But he never was aware of his surroundings.'
Defeat showed in Elladan's voice and Legolas shot him a sharp look.
'His fever has not risen any further,' he told Aragorn.
The man only nodded, his fingers busy in removing the bandage once more. The
wound was still festering and the arm was swollen. He could see no improvement
and it showed on his features.
Legolas watched in silence, his heart clenching. He knew Gimli's condition was
grave, but refused to see that it was deteriorating.
@@@
Aragorn had left to get fresh herbs and to talk to Elrohir. Discussing Gimli's state with
Legolas was useless, for the elf refused to acknowledge that time was running out.
Elladan left shortly after him, needing to get out of the room for a while.
Legolas stayed behind and, alone with his friend for once, he took hold of Gimli's
hands. He closed his eyes and tried to reach out, to feel his friend's presence. He
would never admit it aloud, but he could feel him fading and it frightened him. He tried
to offer his own strength, to use the weak gift of healing he knew he possessed,
wishing he had learned how to do it.
Gimli was still, his ashen complexion showing clearly the sickness of his body. He did
not stir at the touch.
When Elladan returned, he found Legolas once more in deep concentration and
loathing to disturb him, he silently took a seat. He wondered if Legolas was aware of
what a great risk he was taking here. For one untrained in using the power of healing,
things could go terribly wrong. It was always a risk to open oneself in this way, but
not knowing how to close oneself up again if need be could prove fatal.
Footsteps brought him out of his thoughts ere he could come to a decision of what to
do. With relief, he saw Aragorn and his brother entering the room.
One look was enough for both of them to understand what Legolas was doing.
'Legolas!' Elrohir cried out, reaching out to grasp the elf's shoulder. A strong hand
stopped his movement and he turned on Aragorn in anger.
'This is folly! He knows not what he is doing!'
'I think he knows very well,' the man spoke calmly. 'Breaking them up like this could
be more of a risk than letting him continue.'
Narrowing his eyes, Elrohir once more took a long look at the two still figures. He had
to admit that Aragorn was right. More out of instinct than knowledge, Legolas had
managed to build a connection to the dwarf and his hold on him was strong. Breaking
them up could have devastating consequences.
'If the dwarf dies,' he hissed, 'he will take Legolas with him.'
'Then we must not let him die,' Elladan's soft voice sounded and the twins exchanged
a long glance.
With a deep sigh Elrohir stepped close to Legolas, his hands lightly coming to rest
upon the other elf's shoulders. He did not react to the touch, deeply immersed in his
own mind.
Elrohir closed his eyes and took one deep breath ere he opened himself, reaching
out. He could feel Legolas, and his surprise as he touched his mind. Then he went
further, following the connection Legolas had built until he came into contact with the
weak presence he held onto.
Elladan's face held a mixture of fear and hope as he watched his twin. He could feel
Elrohir's concentration and power, susceptible as he was to his brother's feelings.
Aragorn moved to stand next to him. In silence they waited.
It was a strange thing to watch and not know exactly what was going on. For all his
knowledge of elves, Aragorn could still not fully understand the way their minds
worked. He knew why Elrohir had not offered his healing powers to help Gimli before,
and had not even considered asking him to do so. Neither had Legolas, but now the
stubborn son of Thranduil had chosen to take matters into his own hands instead.
Aragorn did not doubt that what Elrohir had said was true – should Gimli die he would
take Legolas with him – but he wondered what was going on now. Did Elrohir only
call Legolas back or had he chosen to take the risk in attempting to heal Gimli? He
would have asked Elladan had he not feared to break the silence.
Fear held Elladan's heart for he knew exactly the great risk his brother was taking.
This was more than simply calling out to Legolas as he had selfishly hoped. It was an
attempt to use the connection between the two to offer his own strength. Both elves
together might succeed in healing Gimli, but only if there was still strength enough for
the dwarf to take what was offered and fight.
Elrohir's last words were still ringing in his ears. Should Gimli die, the chance was
high that he would take both of them with him, for the death of a mortal is too great a
thing to be thwarted by the powers of the elves.