Disclaimer: I own nothing Tolkien created.
A/N: This is the penultimate chapter. I thought seeing as so many people were interested in what happened in the last two that I would put this one up now, a kind of new years treat.
Michelle: Aragorn and Elrond did try and are still trying but so far it hasn't happened. I hope you're not too disappointed with the outcome of this chapter, whether it's good or bad.
angelic_star: On the edge of your seat? Don't fall off until you've read the final chapters.
Wynjara: I assume that's a compliment. I hope this one helps you hit 'beach towel'. Enjoy.
Mistal, Autumn Priestess: Okay, here's your update. Sorry if I stopped at a.no actually I'm really not. Happy new year to you too.
The-Serious-Padfoot: I made you cry? I'm sorry. Keep reading this chapter and it might happen again. You really have one of those Legolas bobblehead things? Does it help?
Kel: I understand completely why you're so emotional after seeing ROTK. I'm going on Friday and I can't wait but I know I'm going to cry.again. The answer to your question is below. I hope you're not too depressed to read and review (hint hint) the rest of the story. As for saving Legolas, well.
Thanks to all readers, even those who didn't review, but it's not too late. okay I hope everyone has a really great new year. See you in 2004.
Ch 19 Namarie
Elrond allowed Legolas to drink the last of the pain medication from the mug before gently smoothing his hair off his face. He smiled kindly, somehow knowing this would be the last time he would see Legolas alive. Legolas smiled weakly back. Elrond got up and left him and Aragorn alone. In the last few hours Legolas' condition had gotten progressively worse. He could no longer hold back the cries of pain and no longer tried, the exhaustion was beginning to get the better of him. In between the intense pain Legolas had fallen in and out of an exhausted sleep. He was shaking violently now, a sheen of sweat covered his body and he had a fever worse than anything he had experienced before.
Aragorn had stayed with him since he had become really ill, never leaving his side especially when the pain was almost too much for his dying lover. Mostly he sat by the bed, holding his hand and keeping him calm, occasionally he went to the fire, making sure it was kept lit.
Before he got really sick Legolas had requested that the only healers he wanted were Aragorn, Elrond and the twins. He had insisted that he didn't want healers he didn't know fussing around him. Aragorn knew it was more likely his elvish pride. Even when Elrond was there Aragorn didn't leave his side, he didn't want to miss one moment they had left together. He helped Legolas through the worst of the pain although it hurt him to see Legolas in such distress he still refused to leave Legolas' side. He knew Legolas didn't have much time but luckily he wasn't reminded about it by anyone in his family.
"Aragorn?" Legolas whispered dryly. He weakly turned his head on the pillow so he could face his husband.
"I'm here my love." Aragorn moved closer and made sure he was in Legolas' line of sight. "I'm right here, it's alright."
Legolas closed his eyes against the pain, no longer having any strength to cry out. When he opened them again the bright blue seemed to dull and his eyes were glazed with pain and exhaustion. Aragorn knew Legolas was running out of time, he tried to stop the tears that were welling up.
"Aragorn.I.I can't." Legolas said weakly and almost apologetically.
Aragorn took a deep breath before answering. "It's alright my love. Don't.don't try. It's alright to let go." This time he couldn't stop the tears as he tried to steady his own shaking hands, which grasped tightly to Legolas'.
"I don't want to leave you." Legolas cried allowing his own tears to fall.
"Shh, it's alright. Don't try to fight it." Aragorn whispered fiercely as Aragorn leaned over to kiss him.
"I love you too." Aragorn's voice shook. He could feel his lover fading away from him and he couldn't stand it.
"Stay with me. Just until I go to sleep." Legolas said quietly as Aragorn leaned forwards and rested his head on the bed so he could look at Legolas.
"Of course." Aragorn replied never once taking his eyes off the beautiful Elf. Legolas smiled and reluctantly closed his eyes releasing a sigh as he did so.
"Sleep." Aragorn whispered moving his head so it was resting on his lover's still chest, he already missed that steady rise and fall as he felt the warm body beneath his head. He closed his eyes and shivered from the sudden chill that encompassed the room. He couldn't believe it had happened, he had been expecting it for so long but now it had happened the reality hit him in a cruel wave. The tears silently fell making the sheet covering Legolas damp. Aragorn clutched Legolas' body, never wanting to leave him, right then nothing else mattered to him. He stayed like this, on the edge of sleep but never allowing himself to succumb to the urge.
This was how Elrond, accompanied by the twins, found him when they came to Aragorn an hour later. Elrond had insisted that Aragorn should be alone with Legolas when he died. The twins had objected at first insisting that they should be with their brother. After a long speech from Elrond they had agreed that they should stay away, at least for a little while.
Elrond quietly instructed them to leave him and Aragorn alone for a moment, they left the room quietly.
Elrond stood just watching Aragorn for a few minutes before Aragorn finally spoke in a hushed voice.
"He's gone." Came the weak, tired and saddened voice.
Elrond nodded and walked over to Aragorn and placed a comforting hand on his son's back. Aragorn jumped slightly but did not deny the contact. Elrond noticed the slight shaking and wondered at the coldness of the room. Whether it was from the Prince or the almost dead fire Elrond didn't know, nor did he really care. He fetched a blanket from a cupboard and placed it on his son's shoulders.
"Come Estel, you need rest." Elrond gently prompted.
"I said I would stay with him." Aragorn whispered. "I will not leave him." There was a firmness to his voice Elrond had not expected.
He knelt down next to his son and looked him in the eye. "Estel, he is gone, there's nothing you can do." Elrond hated to sound so cold when his son was so vulnerable but he knew it had to be said, if only to get his son away from the body.
Aragorn was silent for a moment before weakly nodding. Elrond stood as Aragorn sat up, still not taking his eyes off the pale, lifeless body of his husband. He slowly stood allowing Elrond to keep a steady hand on his arm, he was grateful for the support. He leaned down and kissed the cold blue lips. He stood up straight and looked at his father with tear-filled eyes.
"He's cold." Aragorn said, removing the blanket from his own shoulders and positioning it over Legolas' body. "He doesn't like the cold." Aragorn tucked the blanket around Legolas and looked back to his father. Elrond nodded and led Aragorn out of the room.
Elladan and Elrohir were outside and bowed their heads in sympathy and respect when they saw Aragorn. Elrond led Aragorn past them and gave the twins and thankful glance as they passed.
Elrond led Aragorn into his room, they had ignored the confused and sad looks they got even though Aragorn was the same as most of them, not that he noticed them. Elrond closed the door quietly and Aragorn went straight to lie down on the bed. He curled up and closed his eyes. Elrond went over to his son and stood before him.
"You cannot sleep in those clothes Estel." Elrond said kneeling down and stroking Aragorn's hair. Aragorn didn't even move, he just kept on staring past Elrond.
"Sit up, you will feel better in night robes." Elrond said as he went to the wardrobe to fetch a night robe. He was surprised to see that Aragorn had done as he was told and was sitting and trying to undo the buttons on his tunic. No matter how he tried cold shaking fingers would not comply. He couldn't seem to undo the buttons. Something that under normal circumstances would have been very easy.
"Here, let me help you." Elrond knelt down in front of Aragorn and began unbuttoning the tunic himself whilst Aragorn watched his hands with interest. He neither helped nor hindered Elrond carefully pulled the tunic off, followed by his shirt. He then slipped the robe over Aragorn's head.
"Stand." Elrond instructed, offering a helping hand, which was gratefully accepted. Aragorn pulled his boots and trousers off and allowed the night robe to fall. Elrond helped him keep his balance and smiled when he had finished.
"That wasn't so hard was it?" Elrond joked.
Instead of laughing Aragorn covered his face with his hands and began sobbing. The reality of what happened had hit him suddenly and unexpectedly. Legolas was dead. He would never hold him in his arms again or go on an adventure again. He would never see his husband, lover and friend again.
Elrond enveloped him with his arms and held his son close whilst Aragorn cried into his father's shoulder. Elrond tried to comfort Aragorn, tried to make things better but he found that there was nothing he could say that could ever do that. Aragorn stood crying into his father's arms a long time before the sobs finally calmed down to weak cries.
"I'm tired." Aragorn said pulling away from his father and keeping his eyes fixed on the floor.
"You should get some rest." Elrond led him over to the bed and pulled the covers over his son. Aragorn allowed himself to be tucked in as though he were a child, this was something Elrond hadn't done in many years but he didn't mind doing it now, in fact he quite like it.
"Rest." Elrond said as Aragorn sleepily closed his eyes. Elrond smiled and gently kissed Aragorn's forehead. He stood up to leave but his son's voice stopped him.
"Ada. Stay." Aragorn said weakly but looking at Elrond with sleepy eyes. Elrond didn't hesitate in pulling a chair to Aragorn's side and gently stroking his hair until Aragorn was sleeping soundly. The image of Legolas fixed in his memory.
*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: This is the penultimate chapter. I thought seeing as so many people were interested in what happened in the last two that I would put this one up now, a kind of new years treat.
Michelle: Aragorn and Elrond did try and are still trying but so far it hasn't happened. I hope you're not too disappointed with the outcome of this chapter, whether it's good or bad.
angelic_star: On the edge of your seat? Don't fall off until you've read the final chapters.
Wynjara: I assume that's a compliment. I hope this one helps you hit 'beach towel'. Enjoy.
Mistal, Autumn Priestess: Okay, here's your update. Sorry if I stopped at a.no actually I'm really not. Happy new year to you too.
The-Serious-Padfoot: I made you cry? I'm sorry. Keep reading this chapter and it might happen again. You really have one of those Legolas bobblehead things? Does it help?
Kel: I understand completely why you're so emotional after seeing ROTK. I'm going on Friday and I can't wait but I know I'm going to cry.again. The answer to your question is below. I hope you're not too depressed to read and review (hint hint) the rest of the story. As for saving Legolas, well.
Thanks to all readers, even those who didn't review, but it's not too late. okay I hope everyone has a really great new year. See you in 2004.
Ch 19 Namarie
Elrond allowed Legolas to drink the last of the pain medication from the mug before gently smoothing his hair off his face. He smiled kindly, somehow knowing this would be the last time he would see Legolas alive. Legolas smiled weakly back. Elrond got up and left him and Aragorn alone. In the last few hours Legolas' condition had gotten progressively worse. He could no longer hold back the cries of pain and no longer tried, the exhaustion was beginning to get the better of him. In between the intense pain Legolas had fallen in and out of an exhausted sleep. He was shaking violently now, a sheen of sweat covered his body and he had a fever worse than anything he had experienced before.
Aragorn had stayed with him since he had become really ill, never leaving his side especially when the pain was almost too much for his dying lover. Mostly he sat by the bed, holding his hand and keeping him calm, occasionally he went to the fire, making sure it was kept lit.
Before he got really sick Legolas had requested that the only healers he wanted were Aragorn, Elrond and the twins. He had insisted that he didn't want healers he didn't know fussing around him. Aragorn knew it was more likely his elvish pride. Even when Elrond was there Aragorn didn't leave his side, he didn't want to miss one moment they had left together. He helped Legolas through the worst of the pain although it hurt him to see Legolas in such distress he still refused to leave Legolas' side. He knew Legolas didn't have much time but luckily he wasn't reminded about it by anyone in his family.
"Aragorn?" Legolas whispered dryly. He weakly turned his head on the pillow so he could face his husband.
"I'm here my love." Aragorn moved closer and made sure he was in Legolas' line of sight. "I'm right here, it's alright."
Legolas closed his eyes against the pain, no longer having any strength to cry out. When he opened them again the bright blue seemed to dull and his eyes were glazed with pain and exhaustion. Aragorn knew Legolas was running out of time, he tried to stop the tears that were welling up.
"Aragorn.I.I can't." Legolas said weakly and almost apologetically.
Aragorn took a deep breath before answering. "It's alright my love. Don't.don't try. It's alright to let go." This time he couldn't stop the tears as he tried to steady his own shaking hands, which grasped tightly to Legolas'.
"I don't want to leave you." Legolas cried allowing his own tears to fall.
"Shh, it's alright. Don't try to fight it." Aragorn whispered fiercely as Aragorn leaned over to kiss him.
"I love you too." Aragorn's voice shook. He could feel his lover fading away from him and he couldn't stand it.
"Stay with me. Just until I go to sleep." Legolas said quietly as Aragorn leaned forwards and rested his head on the bed so he could look at Legolas.
"Of course." Aragorn replied never once taking his eyes off the beautiful Elf. Legolas smiled and reluctantly closed his eyes releasing a sigh as he did so.
"Sleep." Aragorn whispered moving his head so it was resting on his lover's still chest, he already missed that steady rise and fall as he felt the warm body beneath his head. He closed his eyes and shivered from the sudden chill that encompassed the room. He couldn't believe it had happened, he had been expecting it for so long but now it had happened the reality hit him in a cruel wave. The tears silently fell making the sheet covering Legolas damp. Aragorn clutched Legolas' body, never wanting to leave him, right then nothing else mattered to him. He stayed like this, on the edge of sleep but never allowing himself to succumb to the urge.
This was how Elrond, accompanied by the twins, found him when they came to Aragorn an hour later. Elrond had insisted that Aragorn should be alone with Legolas when he died. The twins had objected at first insisting that they should be with their brother. After a long speech from Elrond they had agreed that they should stay away, at least for a little while.
Elrond quietly instructed them to leave him and Aragorn alone for a moment, they left the room quietly.
Elrond stood just watching Aragorn for a few minutes before Aragorn finally spoke in a hushed voice.
"He's gone." Came the weak, tired and saddened voice.
Elrond nodded and walked over to Aragorn and placed a comforting hand on his son's back. Aragorn jumped slightly but did not deny the contact. Elrond noticed the slight shaking and wondered at the coldness of the room. Whether it was from the Prince or the almost dead fire Elrond didn't know, nor did he really care. He fetched a blanket from a cupboard and placed it on his son's shoulders.
"Come Estel, you need rest." Elrond gently prompted.
"I said I would stay with him." Aragorn whispered. "I will not leave him." There was a firmness to his voice Elrond had not expected.
He knelt down next to his son and looked him in the eye. "Estel, he is gone, there's nothing you can do." Elrond hated to sound so cold when his son was so vulnerable but he knew it had to be said, if only to get his son away from the body.
Aragorn was silent for a moment before weakly nodding. Elrond stood as Aragorn sat up, still not taking his eyes off the pale, lifeless body of his husband. He slowly stood allowing Elrond to keep a steady hand on his arm, he was grateful for the support. He leaned down and kissed the cold blue lips. He stood up straight and looked at his father with tear-filled eyes.
"He's cold." Aragorn said, removing the blanket from his own shoulders and positioning it over Legolas' body. "He doesn't like the cold." Aragorn tucked the blanket around Legolas and looked back to his father. Elrond nodded and led Aragorn out of the room.
Elladan and Elrohir were outside and bowed their heads in sympathy and respect when they saw Aragorn. Elrond led Aragorn past them and gave the twins and thankful glance as they passed.
Elrond led Aragorn into his room, they had ignored the confused and sad looks they got even though Aragorn was the same as most of them, not that he noticed them. Elrond closed the door quietly and Aragorn went straight to lie down on the bed. He curled up and closed his eyes. Elrond went over to his son and stood before him.
"You cannot sleep in those clothes Estel." Elrond said kneeling down and stroking Aragorn's hair. Aragorn didn't even move, he just kept on staring past Elrond.
"Sit up, you will feel better in night robes." Elrond said as he went to the wardrobe to fetch a night robe. He was surprised to see that Aragorn had done as he was told and was sitting and trying to undo the buttons on his tunic. No matter how he tried cold shaking fingers would not comply. He couldn't seem to undo the buttons. Something that under normal circumstances would have been very easy.
"Here, let me help you." Elrond knelt down in front of Aragorn and began unbuttoning the tunic himself whilst Aragorn watched his hands with interest. He neither helped nor hindered Elrond carefully pulled the tunic off, followed by his shirt. He then slipped the robe over Aragorn's head.
"Stand." Elrond instructed, offering a helping hand, which was gratefully accepted. Aragorn pulled his boots and trousers off and allowed the night robe to fall. Elrond helped him keep his balance and smiled when he had finished.
"That wasn't so hard was it?" Elrond joked.
Instead of laughing Aragorn covered his face with his hands and began sobbing. The reality of what happened had hit him suddenly and unexpectedly. Legolas was dead. He would never hold him in his arms again or go on an adventure again. He would never see his husband, lover and friend again.
Elrond enveloped him with his arms and held his son close whilst Aragorn cried into his father's shoulder. Elrond tried to comfort Aragorn, tried to make things better but he found that there was nothing he could say that could ever do that. Aragorn stood crying into his father's arms a long time before the sobs finally calmed down to weak cries.
"I'm tired." Aragorn said pulling away from his father and keeping his eyes fixed on the floor.
"You should get some rest." Elrond led him over to the bed and pulled the covers over his son. Aragorn allowed himself to be tucked in as though he were a child, this was something Elrond hadn't done in many years but he didn't mind doing it now, in fact he quite like it.
"Rest." Elrond said as Aragorn sleepily closed his eyes. Elrond smiled and gently kissed Aragorn's forehead. He stood up to leave but his son's voice stopped him.
"Ada. Stay." Aragorn said weakly but looking at Elrond with sleepy eyes. Elrond didn't hesitate in pulling a chair to Aragorn's side and gently stroking his hair until Aragorn was sleeping soundly. The image of Legolas fixed in his memory.
*~*~*~*~*~*~