Hello Readers,
Yeah, um… eLLe (my beta) has disappeared on me. I am assuming she is still having computer problems but the bottom line is this is another unedited chapter. So sorry for all of the mistakes. To make up for it I have made this chapter *really* long. ^_^ So enjoy!
Also hello to my newest reviewers: wellduh and Elfling. I just got to say wow, and thanks to you guys for reading all that text to catch up to this chapter. I am amazed!
LOL – I cannot believe how many of you thought I might have killed Legolas in the last chapter. *chuckles* I wouldn't do that… yet… there is still a ways to go in this! ^_~
Also – this next scene is not suppose to be taken in a romantic light. It is a little tribute to merrylyn who asked for a tender moment between Legolas and Eowyn. So don't worry – this is not nor ever will be a romance story! ^_^
Chapter #22 ~ A Moment of Recovery
Eowyn sat close to her charge, gently cleaning the gashes that marred the pale skin with a tenderness few had seen her display before. The elf was an enigma, one that stirred the powers of the imagination, and Eowyn was taking full advantage of his continued unconsciousness to examine him unabashedly.
She had laid him out on a bed, with the aid of the soldiers, so that he was laying on his stomach. The injuries on his back were even more brutal in appearance close up then they had appeared earlier, and Eowyn found that she was wincing in sympathy simply looking upon them. Calling for hot-water and some cleaning clothes, Eowyn had then begun her task. She had originally requested the help of a healer, for her own knowledge of healing techniques was not all that impressive, but the ignorant man had taken one look at the charge and refused his aid. The general fear and ignorance the general population felt towards the elves created an atmosphere of terror, and not even Éomer's orders and assurances could persuade his people of Legolas's harmlessness, especially after Theoden's earlier public warnings.
And so Eowyn was left to her own devices.
His skin was impossibly soft and smooth, devoid of the imperfections that marked her own. It was a delight to touch, but it also made the cuts seem all the more offensive, for to have such a beautiful creature marred seemed all the more horrific, making the violation greater in Eowyn's mind. This had not been his fight and yet he had fought it for them, opening up their eyes and minds to the treachery they were living under with his own sacrifice. Rohan would remain indebted to this elf for all time.
As the cuts in his back were finally cleaned she turned her attention to his side. The colour of the skin here implied great injury and she realized he had not escaped from his fall undamaged, as she had first assumed. She probed the area as gently as she could, relieved that the elf could not feel this in his state, for she wanted to spare him what pain she could. Eowyn was more then slightly pleased when she determined that nothing was broken.
She turned her attentions to his face next. Tenderly pushing silver-blond hair from his eyes she cleaned the five finger-nail scratches on his cheek and wiped away the tear tracks that had dried from his visage. She felt disgusted that she had allowed this to happen.
She had to roll him onto his back then, as gently as such an operation could be performed, so that she could clean the cuts the whip had left in its wake from his chest, from where the leather had wrapped itself around his torso and waist. He looked so young with his eyes closed, like some adolescent boy caught up in the throws of some horrific nightmare, and Eowyn silently vowed she would do all in her power to preserve the air of innocence the elf projected. She wanted to shelter him, so that even as the world darkened there would still be this light and hope remaining.
Mentally preparing herself for the next step, she reached out and began to rub a healing cream upon the burn marks from the iron. There were three blistered brands, one on his chest and two on his stomach. She then carefully cut bandages, hoping that the injuries would not scar too much for his sake.
This task finished she moved on to his slender wrists. The bruising and rope burns upon them made them look frail, and Eowyn slowed her movements once again so that they were gentler. She did not want to hurt him. Once clean she bound them firmly and laid them by his sides.
She allowed her eyes to rake over him, trying to discern any other hurts that might need tending, but she could see none. It was then her gaze fell upon his ears, their delicate points visible through his main of tangled hair. Her curiosity won over her normal behaviour code and she reached out, allowing her fingers to trace the outline. She would never have thought that pointed ears could appear as attractive but it gave the elf a certain graceful appearance and, although this was the first elf she had ever met, she felt that it must do the same for all elves. It suited their race.
It was at this inopportune moment that the elf regained consciousness. He jerked out from underneath her touch, his eyes immediately adopting a defiant gleam as they snapped open, before a wave of pain rocked his body from the quick movement, and Eowyn heard him suck in a deep breath in an attempt to cut off a cry from his lips. It was then he seemed to realize that it was Eowyn he confronted instead of her uncle. He eyed her wearily before one hand absentmindedly came up to rub at the ear she had been examining, as if attempting to rid it of some irritating itch.
Eowyn had the decency to blush, rising quickly so that the elf might not see the colour on her cheeks. "How do you feel, my prince?"
Legolas' eyes narrowed slightly, as if he were trying gauge wether he was being mocked or not. He did not seem to take Eowyn inquiring after his health well, not that Eowyn could blame him on this score. She had, after all, done nothing as he was tortured.
She stepped closer then, allowing him to clearly see her face and the sincerity of what she was to say. "Legolas," the name fell thickly from her tongue as she attempted the musical pronunciation, "my people have wronged you greatly, and I do not pretend that we can make amends for our actions, but we have come to admit that our King," Eowyn's voice cracked slightly as she thought of her uncle before she steadied it, "was taken by the darkness. The sorcerer who was responsible for this has been killed, by my brother's hand. It is over."
The elf held her gaze for a long moment and although Eowyn felt overwhelmed by those ancient eyes she forced herself to meet it without flinching, her pride demanding that she face her judgement with her head held high and her eyes open. She would not run from her sentence.
"What now, lady?" Eowyn flinched slight at the raw, scratchy quality to his voice, once so soft and melodious. She rose and fetched him a glass of water, holding it out to him in offering before she attempted to answer the question.
The elf looked at the water suspiciously, but accepted it quickly enough, draining it hurriedly. Eowyn smiled at the momentary pleading look he bestowed her, to prideful to directly ask for more but obviously desiring it. She took the empty glass from him and filled it once more.
"I know not. Our people have proclaimed my brother as King. We will endure."
Something unreadable flashed in the elf's eyes and he turned his head from her, looking instead at the window, the sinking sun marking the time of day. He sighed slowly, a sound that seemed so devoid of hope. It made Eowyn want to cry. "It might not be that easy," he said finally into the darkening room.
Eowyn waited patiently for him to continue, but the elf said no more, seeming simply content to gaze at what sky was visible from the open window. Looking at him, Eowyn felt herself amazed to see his profile changing, his skin starting to glow lightly. He shone like a star in the night sky, with a power that Eowyn felt incapable of understanding. He had never seemed more beautiful or more alien to her then at that moment.
"Endurance is life's one surety, my lord," she finally managed to stammer out. "We are a people who survive. We have endure much in our past and emerged victorious. We will face much in our future and overcome it as best we can. This is our destiny."
The elf turned to face her once again, his eyes large and sorrowful. "Would that I could believe your words, lady, for they have that innocent assurance of childhood, but nay, such false hope is beyond me. You talk of sureties? Such things lead to blind us by faith alone. Do not rely on them to see the dawn come. Instead rally your men for battle," he paused here and looked back to the sky, as if seeking strength from the light of the stars. "The wizard yet lives and he comes with an army to support him this time."
Eowyn felt her eyes widen at this statement. "How do you know this?"
Legolas brought both of his hands to his face, momentarily cupping his cheeks in the exact same manner Saruman had done earlier. "His spell, lady. He looked into my soul through it, and I looked into his. At first all I could see was the darkness, but as I adjusted to it I was able to discern more then he would have had me see. He comes with an army of ten thousand strong."
Eowyn gasped. "We have not half that number."
Legolas rose from the bed, ignoring Eowyn's small protest, to stretch gingerly. He hurt, to be sure, but had not the luxury to remain bed ridden. "Lady, if I might have a bath drawn for me, some clothes provided and my weapons returned? I would report to your brother after that and offer what council as I might be able to provide."
Eowyn nodded mutely. She felt crushed and simply went about numbly to obey his requests. She had servants fill up a basin for him to bath in and she went to find clothes that might suit, and to track down his belongings.
Legolas bathed quickly, lingering only momentarily in the warm waters before rising and drying himself. He pulled on the pants he had been wearing before, trying to ignore the fact that they were dirty, his success in doing so mixed. It was then he saw the brush on the dressing table and, even though he had not been granted permission to use it, the temptation it provided undid his resolve. He started to try and rip out the knots that tangled his hair. Once this was done he felt much better and more like himself.
Eowyn returned not long after, carrying his pack and weapons. Legolas smiled at seeing the bow that Galadriel had given him. Although he had yet to test the weapon in battle, he felt attached to it and was glad to have it once again in his possession. Opening his bag he pulled a clean shirt from it, pulling it over his head gingerly, trying not to wince as the material touched his burning skin. It was when it came to strapping on his quiver that he paused in horrid realization that he might not be able to do so. Sighing in frustration he attached it to his hip instead, although not as practical it would suffice.
He then turned to Eowyn and saw that she was holding out something for him. He paused and looked at her slowly opening palm, a smile forming on his face as he saw what she held. The Evening Star shone, untouched and unsullied in the purest of forms. It's light touched Legolas gently, comforting in its caress, and, as he looked upon it's beauty, he felt once again like the light stood a chance at overcoming the darkness.
He reached out and cupped the pendant and Eowyn's hand between his own. He smiled at the surprised look that crossed her face as he did this, and he caught and held her gaze. "Forget my words from earlier," he said in all seriousness. " There is still yet hope."
Eowyn did not understand what passed between them at that moment, but she felt like she had received a gift, as strength once again passed through her body, allowing her resolve to harden once again. She nodded firmly and even as she did so she found herself believing him, such was an elf's power to bewitch a human's mind. Yet Eowyn did not fear this power, but embraced it as a life line upon stormy waters.
There was still yet hope.
That was enough for now.
~*~
Éomer stood in the main hall with four other men, military leader's all. Good men. Men who had just unswervingly sworn allegiance to a newly crowned King who had come by the position by less than honest means. I do not deserve such loyalty. I, who have the blood of kin and King upon my hands, but for whatever doubts Éomer himself still harboured, his people held none.
A dark cloud had been removed from Edoras. Light once again breathed life into the halls of the Rohirrium, and the people celebrated, grasping onto this new sense of freedom joyously. None were left lingering in the shadows.
Éomer had just finished listening to the situational reports when his sister and the elf entered the hall. They both walked regally and Éomer was struck with how quickly the elf was on his feet. His sister curtsied to her king and brother - the elf stood straight, one eyebrow slightly raised above the other as he examined Éomer thoroughly.
The young King tried to hold straight above the scrutiny, willing himself to not hide or finch. The gaze of an elf was said to have the power to do many things and, being on the receiving end of a particularly intense gaze, made Éomer believe in each rumour full heartedly. Finally the elf released him, and offered a slight nod of the head to show his respects. Éomer could feel the offence his generals took at the small, barely civil courtesy, but he himself felt it was more then he did in fact deserve.
Desperate to penetrate the silence Éomer spoke, "How fair you, master elf?"
"As well as can be expected," came the clipped response and Éomer winced slightly at the icy tone. The elf then sighed and seemed to try and mask his anger to a greater degree. "My lord, I feel I must warn you that Rohan is still far from safe. Saruman will return, and with him shall ride an army. You must make your people ready to fight."
"No, he is dead. The wizard was killed."
"It is not so easy to kill one of the Istari, my lord. He is not dead," Legolas said firmly. "I have thus far, since our meeting, been honest with you. You have no reason to doubt my word and in fact all my warnings have proven valid. I do not make such claims lightly. If I say an army approaches, then rest assure, one does."
Éomer froze, the reprimand ringing true in his heart. "How large a force?"
"Ten thousand strong," came the emotionless response.
"No, it cannot be," Éomer whispered, shock making him voice such words more then sense.
"Cannot be, or you would have it not be?" Legolas inquired calmly.
"How are we to defeat such numbers? There is no such aid to be found that would balance the tide. How do I protect my people?" Éomer spoke the words more to himself then to those around him. Yet his tone and distress opened Legolas' heart to his plight.
The elf watched as the tirade of emotions crossed the humans face, amazed that such variation could be experienced within the span of a few breathes. Humans were creatures of the moment. It was what they lived for and, although an elf could never fully understand such an existence, Legolas did find himself growing to respect it. Human were so young, so easily lead astray, all too soon lost from the world.
"You must be a strong king for your people. You must lead them forward to face this threat. I will stand by your side and, Valar willing, you... we, shall endure as our forefathers have done before us," he said as his eyes sought out those of Eowyn's, offering her a half smile as he repeated a speech he had been on the receiving end of earlier.
Éomer caught Legolas' gaze once again, feeling gratitude well up in him from the simplicity of the words spoken. There was no other path to take, yet the road they walked seemed less dark by the fair words spoken by the elf. Éomer found himself believing, and with that conviction came strength and hope.
"Highness," a page at one of the entryways spoke up. "Strangers approach and ask for an audience with you. One is a man, the other a child. Shall I allow them entry?"
Éomer watched as the elf's head jerked up, a look of utter disbelief etched onto his features. "It cannot be," Legolas mutter quietly, but where his head told him one thing, his heart obviously spoke another, for the elf strode down the hall and pushed open the doors to the outside world.
"Legolas! How on all the mushroom's in the Shire!? Of all the people to meet here! Strider, look and see who it is!"
Legolas stood for but a moment longer as he saw his two companions on the steps below, very much alive. Then he was running down the stairs to fling his arms, first around Pippin and then around Aragorn. "I had thought you dead," he whisper, almost afraid that he dreamed.
"You could not simply remain in the safety of Lothlorien, could you?" Aragorn asked lightly with a small chuckle of amusement, though he was much relieved to see a friendly face in these unfriendly times.
"Then who would be here to look after you! Besides, I promised your lady I would see you return to her in one piece." Legolas retorted, smiling broadly, his mind still grasping joyously at the knowledge that Aragorn was alive.
Aragorn's eyes widened at hearing this, a rather displeased expression forming across his features. "I am perfectly capable of keeping myself in one piece!"
Legolas snorted in a most un-elf like way. "And this is why you come to me looking like you just pulled yourself from the Halls of Mandos and back!"
"You do not look all that well yourself," Aragorn said, his voice turning more concerned as his gaze wandered protectively over Legolas.
"I am an elf. I always look well. Your eyesight is obviously lessening if you claim otherwise," Legolas said dismissively, purposefully misunderstanding the words spoken.
"Ah, my friend, you have not changed," came the fond reply. "What of the company? Where are they?"
Legolas paused here, slow in forming a reply. He glanced back up the steps, seeing Éomer and his sister watching the reunion with quiet interest. They all deserved answers. Forcing a smile onto his face, he looked back at the ranger. "First we look to your injuries. They appear poorly treated. Then answers, for we all have our tales to tell."
~*~
Eowyn watched the elf tend to Lord Aragorn. The man's dark head was bowed slightly, so that his face was hidden underneath a curtain of ebony locks, but she could imagine the set pained expression on his face as the gruesome injuries were tended. Yet, even enduring this, his shoulders were held back, straight and proud. He projected an air of confidence, of regalness, of strength. She was amazed by that image. He was a king in his own rights.
She listened with growing appreciation as the hobbit, Pippin, retold of their imprisonment by the orcs and their subsequent escape, of their encounter with the Ents in Fangorn, and, finally, their journey to these halls. Once all was related she felt herself exhale. The pair had endured much.
Yet Aragorn had not been broken. He bore not that spirit of a man humbled or afraid. He was a beacon of hope that Eowyn felt scarcely able to comprehend. She would gladly follow such a man and, looking upon Legolas, revealed that the elf too would call this man his captain.
The archer tended to the cuts upon Aragorn's hands with a tenderness humans were incapable of; his hands steady and his gaze unwavering. He bandaged each of the others fingertips securely once he had cleaned them. Eowyn wanted to offer her aid, but was not sure if they would accept it, or what in truth she could provide if she were to be welcomed. She felt useless, and it was a feeling that was eating away at the shield maiden more and more as of late.
Once his hands had been tended, the elf turned his attentions to the gash that stretched from the man's thigh down the side of his leg. They talked quietly to each other in the elven language, their tones soft and comforting. She wondered what it was they whispered to the other, what secrets they shared, and she found herself somewhat jealous of that intimacy. She craved to share such confidences with this man, who embodied all the noble idea's her young mind could conjure.
Still watching, as the elf completed his work, she gasped softly as the silver pendant was once again drawn forth. She saw Aragorn's gaze brighten and a smile grace his lips, as he reached out to take the piece from the elf. He clasped it momentarily to his heart, a dreamy expression of his face, before slipping it over his head and letting it disappear beneath his clothing.
She heard Westron words then, and she briefly wondered if they realized they had switched, but could not help but continuing to listen.
"Her light still shines for you, my friend. I am pleased to see it once again where it belongs. Though I must confess I drew upon its power while I was its keeper. It gave me much," Legolas said quietly.
"I kill her," Aragorn said softly, sorrow evident behind the words.
"No," Legolas said, perhaps more forcefully then he intended for his voice softened as he continued, "you love her. Do not insult that gift by denying it for fear of death. Do not undermine what is hers to give. She loves you Aragorn, it is too late for what might have been. Cherish what has been given you."
"Were it that simple," Aragorn sighed. "But, come now, and tell me of your travels from when we last parted. I would hear what has befallen the remainder of the company," his voice rose as he spoke this last part so that all might hear, and Eowyn tried to not feel guilty for overhearing what was meant to be spoken in privacy.
"Yes," Éomer said, "tell us of the ring."
"Such things are not for all to know!" Legolas said curtly, his gaze falling sharply upon Éomer. "I would not part with these secrets in such open company."
Eowyn realized somewhat unhappily that the uneasy alliance Legolas had struck between them did not seem to encompass trust. She watched, feeling somewhat enraged, as Éomer cast down his head, his obvious guilt tangible.
"Has not my brother sacrificed enough to be party to such information, Master Legolas, or have you forgotten what he was forced to do in order to save, not only your own person, but that which you guard so ferociously? He deserves no such rancour or judgement from you!" Her eyes burned, her body tense, as she rose in defence of Éomer. Legolas looked at her for a long moment, amazed by the strength she projected before Aragorn rose, his hands spread in a calming gesture.
"Lady, King Eomer, forgive Legolas his secrecy and, please, take no offense by his words. He has been sworn to silence, and takes such a vow most seriously," he turned to the elf, a questioning expression tilting his head slightly as he tried to deduce from where the apparent hostility originated from.
Legolas appeared unremorseful for his strong words. He meant Aragorn's gaze levelly. "The quest continues. Five individual's left the Falls of Rauros, their path that which we had planned to take. I did not meet with them, for unfortunately I arrived to late. I chose to follow you since it appeared you might need more help. Nothing has changed. If it had, I would have followed them." Legolas' response told both Aragorn and Pippin all, while still being coded enough to tell nothing to all else present.
Aragorn's gaze darkened. "And who lead them?"
Legolas became confused by such a question. "I assume Boromir and Gimli."
"You left them to be influenced by Boromir?" Aragorn asked, his tone reprimanding in nature, making Legolas' confusion grow even more.
"He is a captain of Gondor. I saw no harm in leaving him to watch over the fellowship."
"The shadow eats at him! How could you not know this?"
Legolas raised an eyebrow. "I knew he was being tested. I informed you of this on Caradhras, but when I was parted with the company I had not thought that he posed a serious risk. We were all tempted, Aragorn."
"Ai, but his has grown into an obsession," Aragorn paused here uneasily. "Yet, you were not there to see it. Forgive me. How were you to know."
"I could still go to them. I am an elf. I could catch up."
"Are your tracking skills that good my friend?"
At this Legolas paused. He knew that in a familiar setting, like a forest, he could track very well, but the coarse the fellowship took was one that crossed rocks and through swamp land. He did not know if he could, with accuracy, follow them.
"I know not," he confessed.
Éomer spoke up once again, his curiosity peaked through listening to the exchange. "You speak of Boromir of Gondor? I have meet him, and he struck me as a man of great strength and virtue. I would not worry about treachery from him. He will act with honour." As he spoke the Rohirrium King looked between the human and elf.
It was Legolas who finally sighed and made to respond. "My Lord, for the time that I travelled in the company of Boromir I too was struck by his character and could admire it, yet you heard enough to know that we travelled with the One Ring of Sauron himself. Such an object... twists and confuses the mind. It can take noble intentions and defile them into something base. Even the most courageous of men could succumb to its call," he said before turning to Aragorn once again. "I am sorry. I did not realize that his condition was enough to warrant concern. Yet, Gimli is there, and I know the dwarf will be ever watchful."
Pippin finally cleared his throat. The hobbit had been content to sit and listen, not really wanting to join the arguments that seemed to be breaking out, but he rose still to defend Boromir. "I know not what you are talking about! Listen to the pair of you! Boromir was our friend and companion and swore his life to protect Fr..."
"Pippin!" Legolas interjected smoothly. "I feel I must tell you both what has recently transpired here within these Halls, so that perhaps you will speak with more caution, young one," he added giving Pippin a rather stern look of warning. "Saruman has spread his deception far, and these people have felt the sting of it most grievously. Through dark arts he has recently taken the mind and body of the late King. Though the people have vanquished that shadow," he voice softening to a caring caress, "it came at a great cost. Yet, we know not if his shadow has been completely subdued here yet, and until such a time as we can be certain, I suggest we leave this subject for private places."
"Saruman was here?" Aragorn asked shocked.
"Yes, he sought the location of the ring. He demanded it of me, yet I remained silent, so worry not. He knows not where it is, and I would have it remain as such. The company faces enough peril without the further involvement of a traitorous wizard."
Aragorn nodded. "I agree. We must keep him suitably preoccupied until the quest is complete."
"Do you wish me to attempt to go to them?" Legolas inquired once again.
"Why don't we all go?" Pippin asked.
"You and I, Pippin, could never catch up to them, for they have too many days advantage on us. I have doubts that Legolas could either." He again eyed the elf critically. "When was the last time you slept?"
The question threw Legolas for a moment. Blinking, he tried to remember the last time he slept properly. "When I tracked you, before I met up with the Rohirrium," came the honest answer.
"Car- aphad-?" (Can you follow?) Aragorn pressed once again, hoping that if Legolas thought just the two of them could understand the other he could extract an exact answer from the elf. "Delia- harn, elvellon." (You conceal wounds, my friend.)
"Im naegra- ned-mân rhaw." (I hurt more in spirit (than) body.) Legolas confessed softly.
"Mân?" (Spirit?) Aragorn asked quickly, for he knew that sometimes wounds to an elf's soul could prove more fatal then those their bodies could ever face, and to hear Legolas confess to such an injury concerned him greatly.
"Saes, Estel, ú-si. (Please, Estel, not now.) What are your orders for me?" he continued in Westron. "I would follow your council in this. There are only so many paths the company could take. I am confident that the land would guild me to them."
Aragorn paused for a long moment. He felt torn in this decision. Sighing he finally spoke. "No. It is to dangerous a path for you to take alone and injured. Should you be seen or captured you might, unintentionally, alert unfriendly eyes to the companies course. The fellowship is beyond us now."
Legolas inclined his head in a slight show of submission. "So be it. Then let us discuss what strategy we are going to employ to deal with Saruman's troops."
"Helm's Deep," Eomer said quietly. "We must lead my people to the safety of that fort. It is the only place where we might stand a chance at facing such large numbers and emerging victorious."
"Do we know what sort of numbers we will be facing in this conflict?" Aragorn asked.
"Ten thousand, at least," Legolas informed him grimly.
"And what our own numbers?" Aragorn pressed.
"Not even half that number," Eomer confessed.
"Can we ask for aid from any quarter? Surely you have allies who will come to your defence," Aragorn suggested.
"We can request such from Gondor, but I know not what they have to spare," Eomer said, already reaching for a quill to write the letter as he spoke.
"Legolas, if a direct request was sent to the elves would they respond to our need?" Aragorn asked.
"Ah, Estel, you know as well as I do that my people diminish," Legolas tried to keep the bitterness from his tone as he spoke. "Even when I left Lothlorien my people were departing. It will be the same with Rivendell. As for Mirkwood, my own people face Dol Guldur. The shadow is strong there and the fighting intense. I am not sure we would have the warriors to spare, especially to help in the plight of mortals. You know my father's prejudices well enough to know how he would take such a request, yet if a messenger was supplied I would write."
"Then let us at least make the request. Should none respond, then at least we would have tried. I shall also send word to Rivendell, and to my people in the North. By the time they respond it will be too late in all likelihood, but if we should triumph here, then they will be able to aid us in the next stage of the fighting. Helm's Deep, you say," Aragorn asked quizzically. "That place has served your people well in the past. Let us hope that it serves us well again now. I and my comrades stand with you King Éomer, if you will have us."
"Your aid is something unlooked for, yet gives us hope. I thank you on behalf of my people and myself," Éomer said simply. Then, looking at his generals, he spoke the order to abandon Edoras.
As soon as the words were spoken a flurry of activity spread throughout the hall. People rushed about in a chaotic jumble, each dedicated to their own tasks. Éomer watched the activity with a heavy heart. His home was now being lost to him, and soon might the lives of his people as well. He never wanted the title of King.
It was from this mesh of movement that the elf materialized in front of him. He moved with such stealthy grace that Éomer found himself shocked by the sudden appearance.
"Master El... Legolas," he cursed himself silently for not being able to hide the slight jump of his person, and the hitch in his voice. "Do you require something?"
The elf said nothing for a long moment, his eyes scanning Éomer, as he seemed to size him up anew. Then in a quiet voice, that might have been lost in the large volume of noise about the two, had Éomer not been listening so attentively, he spoke. "My thanks, my Lord, for my life."
"Do not thank me. I left you to suffer. My help was too little, too late."
"No, my Lord, you pulled me back from shadows I hope to never face again. You kept your word to me. You have much honour in you, despite my harsher words earlier. I hope you will forgive me them."
Éomer laughed a small humourless laugh, feeling tears stinging at his eyes, but he refused to let them fall. "Honour! Hah. I have slain my uncle, my foster father, and my King."
"No. Do not believe that. Your uncle would thank you if he was able. I was touched momentarily by the darkness of that wizard, and the pain was great. I can only imagine how your uncle suffered being trapped by that same darkness for many days. You released his soul. Though the deed was hard, you acted for the sake of your uncle, and not your own peace of mind. Such is the true colours of love and honour, my Lord." The elf paused for a moment and then reached out and clasped Eomer's shoulder in a soldier's fashion of greeting and comfort. "I am sorry for your loss and pain."
"I would wish to learn more of you," Éomer stumbled out, as he clumsily returned the gesture, tenderly laying his hand over the slender shoulder of the elf, careful to not aggravate any hidden injury the elf might house.
Legolas' responding laughter was like music, making all in the hall pause momentarily to hear the sound. "And so you shall, my friend," he promised lightly.
And so from the ashes of despair, hope was born.
Well – hope you enjoyed it. Not much happened but I rather liked this chapter. Don't know why. Anyway, here are your reviewer notes.
Cheysuli ~ I hope you are feeling better. I can understand about medication making you feeling wonky. I have an inner ear infection at the moment and I am having severe bouts of dizziness and the medication they gave me makes me feel ill. So if you are not better now I hope this chapter at least makes you smile! ^_^
Artemisa ~ I hope you liked the little tender moment between Legolas and Eomer in the end of this one. I also set up for how to get the twins into the picture in this chapter, what with Aragorn writing to them. See I am finally keeping my word – an update a week! Oh, and before I forget you have my complete permission to print out my vignette! Thanks for asking! ^_^
TrinityTheSheDevil ~ LOL – yep, Eomer got up and did something – poor guy has got some demons now in his closet because of it. Yep, poor Legolas. He has some problems to deal with as well. I love writing Pippin and although there wasn't much of our hobbit in this chapter there will be lots more of him in the story. Here is more for you! ^_^
Gwyn ~ ROFL! Thanks for being patient with me. I will try to update more quickly from now on. Thanks a million for continuing to review me. I am glad you are still enjoying this… now that I have given you more are you going to give me the next chapter of your story? *gives puppy eyes* LOL – no pressure though!
merrylyn ~ LOL – I am glad the last chapter threw you for a couple of loops. I like being an unpredictable author! I am glad you liked my little anonymous soldier. He sort of just leapt out of the tips of my fingers while I was typing. I liked him too. I am glad you liked the 'moonstruck' thing! That was my favorite part of the last chapter too. I was snickering as I was writing it. I felt like we all deserved a bit of lighthearted humor after those torture scenes. Never apologize for leaving me long reviews, *goofy grin*. I mean I love getting lots of feedback and your reviews are always a highlight! ^_^ Hope this chapter (as long as it was) managed to keep you all interested.
MoroTheWolfGod ~ I wouldn't kill him… yet! ^_^ I know, I am evil. Glad I got your heart pumping. Here is more! I always love the urgency of your reviews.
Rosie ~ LOL – modest to the last. I think you are a wonderful writer! Glad the last chapter got your attention. I love being evil and making you guys sweat, just a little at any rate! This chapter just came out and would not stop. I hope the next chapter proves to be as easy. Thanks for your kind words! =D
Angel of Death ~ ROTFL! I loved you laughing scenario. Too cute. I have to admit that after writing this story I have my evil laughter somewhat perfected. I am pleased to hear you got hooked on this. There is no bigger a compliment you could have given me as a writer and it makes me all the more determined to complete this fic… eventually! LOL, I can sympathize with math. I have taken calculus, and I might take it again next year and although I usually do all right in it I have never fully enjoyed it. Still 92! WOW! That is fantastic and congratulations on it! *throws around confetti* LOL – don't worry – Saruman will get his come up. Bad guys always do! ^_~
Niori ~ LOL – I am glad I spared you the inconvenience of having to track me down to hurt me, lol. You would have had some problems finding me, considering I am living at the ends of the earth right now and I am not sure my towns name had ever been printed on a map, lol. Also, trust me – you want to spend your summer somewhere warm and not here! ^_^ I love reading your stuff. I know how much reviews can mean to an author!
evil spapple pie ~ Glad you are liking it and feeling it is improving. I have to agree with you. I went back and reread some chapters and I think I am getting better at writing. I mean I have never written a story before (or at least not a serious one - only poetry) so this has been a learning experience for me. Yeah – the main fellowship… I am having some problems keeping interested there myself but Cheysuli gave me a plot bunny and I think it might have inspired me to write the next chapter and hopefully liven things up. Hope your studying is going well and that you kick ass in your exams! ^_^
Peacockgirl ~ Hehehe – glad I through in events that shocked you. I don't like being predictable so I am pleased I managed to through in a few surprises in the last chapter. Hope you liked the little reunion in this chapter. I though it rather touching if I might say so myself. Yay… Helm's Deep… I am rather unsure about how that is going to proceed as well at the moment. I don't really see help coming, either… well maybe the Ents will come marching like they did in the book. I don't know yet – but in another few chapters we will both find out!
Elfling ~ First of all thanks again for reading all of that and reviewing. Quite the undertaking! Legolas is off the hook (for now) but he is going to have some inner torments to live with after his experience. I hope those will suffice! I really enjoyed you story. I am looking forward to updates!
White Wolf ~ My big celebrity! I am so pleased to see how popular your fic has become. If any story deserves it – yours does. I love it – but I think you could deduce that from my reviews, lol. I am glad you liked the emotion and tension in the last chapter. I love angst and writing it is a lot of fun. Thanks for your continued support.
wellduh… ~ LOL – I read that passage again that I wrote in your review and I saw like three editing mistakes I made. I just can't edit my own stuff. I am glad you liked the soldier at any rate. He was the only thing that kept that last scene from escalating into a real catastrophe. He might make a few guest appearances in later chapters. If you have any suggestions for a name for him, I am all ears! ^_^ I am so flattered that you liked this. It is reviews like yours that keep me motivated. Hope you continue to enjoy.