A/N: And here it is, the so awaited chapter! (well I don't know about you but personnally I really looked forward to writing it. Actually it was one of the couple of chapters that I already had in mind when I first imagined the plot). Thanks again to all my reviewers (including Lori who sent me a private mail, that was very nice of you! ;-)
I think I should also answer a question eck asked in a review (and by the way, thanks for saying you had no complaints with my ponctuation. Do you mind if I send you the number of a former (evil) english teacher who kept ticking half the commas in my english essays?)
Yes, Cindra was Ederis' (that's the "Norean dude's" name ;-) girlfriend. But as pointed out in previous chapter, her father didn't really like the guy. So even if he knew them to be best friends since childhood, I don't think she would let him know (at least not immediately) that from friends they became lovers (well I believe she wouldn't go all "hey, you know that best friend of mine you hate? well we're dating now, don't you think it's cool?")
I think I even hinted at it as early as the introduction (or was it the prologue?), when she says something along the lines of being tired of hiding, and then she teases the guy by asking him if he's afraid of her father (ah, details...)
So basically yes, they were dating, but no, the father didn't know about it (I guess I watched too many soaps during my younger days...)(aaah, high school, good old days... *sniffle*)
I had planned to explain this a bit more clearly in a later chapter, but I might as well explain it now, as that part of the story is not essential to the plot. I didn't want to give the OCs too much importance, so I just gave them some background to be able to develop the characters a little.
The only thing you need to remember about that is that they were first best friends, then lovers, but as they didn't tell anyone about it, everyone (and by everyone I mean everyone on the journey)(except Cindra of course, duh) think they still are (or more likely were, considering the recent death of a certain OC) best friends.
(wow, I can't believe it took me that long to explain such a simple thing...)
Stupid question: Does "OC" mean "Original Character" or "Other Character"?
Important note: Some parts of this chapter may be a bit confusing because of pronouns (yeah, it's weird, I know). I hope it's not though. I made my best to make it the least confusing possible The main problem is that english is not my native language, and in my actual native language there is no real equivalent for the pronoun "it" (one would either use the word for "he" or "she"). I don't want to tell too much here (to not spoil the plot too much), but just keep in mind that when refering to the creature I used "it" and "its" (at least most of the time...)
I won't delay any further, so here is the new chapter.
Chapter 6
Possession
A scream escaped Cindra's throat as an arrow embedded itself into the bark of the tree behind her, mere inches from her head. Panicked, she stared at the arrow for a few seconds and then at her surroundings, but could not find where it came from. Incomprehension and fright filled her heart, and she quickly got up. She produced a new scream when a second arrow hit the tree, exactly where she had just stood.
Realization suddenly sank in. They were being attacked. Her hand frantically laid on her belt, looking for the dagger that had been given to her. She cursed herself for her stupidity when she found none, panicking more and more. She had left it at the campfire. The campfire, she thought. She had to go back to the campfire. She looked around. She did not know where the campfire was. She had not paid much attention on her way there, and her actual state of panic was not really helping.
She finally decided to just flee the other way the arrows were coming, hoping it would lead her farther from whoever was shooting them and closer to the campfire. She gave a quick look back while running, still trying to find out who was attacking. But all she could make out in the darkness of the night were dark shadows moving swiftly.
As she looked in front of her again, she bumped into something and loudly fell backwards. Helping herself up with her elbows, her eyes slowly lifted to the level of the face of the creature in front of her. An Orc, she guessed. If she had been panicked until then, it was naught compared to how she felt now. Her eyes widened as she saw him draw a sword and raise it above her head. Her pulse fastened and her breaths grew louder as she closed her eyes, readying herself to receive the blow that was now inevitable.
But all that came was a thud near her along with war cries far behind. She slowly opened her eyes, and jumped when she discovered the Orc lying dead on the ground, an arrow transpiercing his forehead. She quickly turned round, and saw Legolas at some distance, already shooting another arrow at the upcoming Orcs. At his sides were Gimli, King Elessar and his men, as well as the two other Noreans. All carried their weapons, ready for battle.
She could now see their enemies, and tried to number them. Three dozens, maybe more. They were too many, they did not stand a chance against them. Or did they? The Orcs had now arrived near the warriors and the blades had begun to shed the blood of the creatures.
Gimli was doing pretty well, making swirls with his axe with a dexterity no one would have expected from someone like him at first sight. At each of his blows an Orc fell, and every time a gleam lit the Dwarf's eyes as if he enjoyed fighting.
As for Aragorn his sword knew no respite, cutting and transpiercing any enemy close enough. Despite the last years spent in Minas Tirith, he had not lost his touch and his attacks were lethal.
Many Orcs fell under Legolas' shots, but they were now too close to allow him to use his bow. He had produced his two short knives and was using them wisely. As he was taking out his right blade out of an Orc's stomach, his keen senses alerted him of a presence behind him. He turned swiftly, throwing his left blade, and when the tip was about to transpierce the flesh of his opponent he felt the touch of a hand on his shoulder while his eyes met the other's.
Time suddenly froze, and it seemed everything had stopped around him. He sensed the Orc's eyes boring into his own, boring into his mind, and despite his efforts to avert his gaze he could not. He felt trapped.
Unable to move, he was like hypnotized while he fought back with all his strength the peculiar sensation that was beginning to overwhelm him. He felt cold tentacles encircling his mind and soul, catching him in their tight embrace. Legolas tried once more to avert his eyes but failed again.
Never his forces had abandoned the Elf before, yet it was happening now as despite his efforts his mind was slowly surrendering to the assaults, sinking into a dark place he had ignored the existence.
Time suddenly started to flow normally again and the blade finished its course in the Orc's stomach, an unusual smirk for an Elf appearing on Legolas' face.
* * * * *
Legolas emerged from some kind of unconsciousness that seemed to have prevented any coherent thinking until then. His senses were attenuated; the sounds were muffled, his vision diminished. It was such an unusual situation for an Elf he felt extremely disoriented.
It took him some time to take in his surroundings. It seemed to be the morning, and he and his companions were gathered around something he could not identify yet. When exactly had the battle ended? What in the Valar's name was going on? Why had he no memory of the events of the last hours?
He eventually understood what laid between all of them. Graves freshly dug, several of them. Who had died? He only remembered Ederis, the Norean, hence who else had died? Had they suffered losses during the fight? Why could he not remember? Among the persons present, he noticed the absence of two of Aragorn's men as well as Qeladon, the old Norean. Had all three of them been killed? When? His memories were so confused…
He felt there was an imperceptible smile playing on his lips, yet it was not he who had decided it. Again, he wondered what was going on. He wanted to turn to Gimli at his side to ask him about the situation, but his body would not obey him.
Legolas was now extremely uncomfortable. He was convinced something totally abnormal was happening. His unease increased when his head slightly turned, but at a moment he had not wished to, and it was not towards Gimli but towards Aragorn. He tried to force his head the other way, in vain.
Panic began to grow in his heart. As an Elf, he was used to having a great control over his body, and suddenly he was deprived of it. He felt completely trapped. It was like watching his own life being lived by someone else without being able to intervene. Like being under this someone's will. Like being a stranger in his own body…
Around the tombs, the two remaining Noreans stood close to each other with sorrowful gazes next to what he guessed to be Qeladon's grave. Legolas wanted to share their grief. He had grown to like the old man along the last days, appreciating his knowledge and wisdom, and he would have wanted so much to show him the respect he deserved… But there was still this annoying smile on his lips, though no one around seemed to notice it.
While everyone dispersed, Cindra made a few steps towards him. Once in front of the Elf, she spoke a few words with something that looked like a grateful smile, though sadness still shone in her eyes. What was she thanking him for? He searched through his memory, forcing it back. After much efforts, he eventually remembered the beginning of the battle. He had killed that Orc that menaced her, which was probably why she was thanking him.
The young woman slowly walked away and joined her father. Both of them were followed by the Elf's gaze. He hated the Noreans so much he wished all of them dead. Legolas paled at the thought, or would have had he been in control of his body. It was not him who had thought this, he was sure of that.
He had to find out what happened. He remembered quite clearly the beginning of the battle now. Everything seemed to be under control then, so what could possibly have happened? His arrows had killed nine Orcs – he usually kept the count in mind to compare his performance with Gimli afterwards as they often did – and his blades at least two of them. That was after then that his memories became fuzzy. There had been this Orc behind him… The latter had not tried to attack him, but instead put a hand on his shoulder…
Legolas suddenly remembered. The gaze. The unusual sensation overwhelming him. The coldness abruptly encircling his mind. And then the void.
He knew. He knew what had just befallen him. It was the creature, moving from the Orc's body to his own, that had caused his dizziness. And now it was in him.
Was it all that it took? The slightest physical and eye contact, and the creature was able to switch from a body to another? So easy… So dangerously, wickedly easy…
Once again his gaze laid on the Noreans with disgust. No, it was not his feelings, but its, the creature's. Not his, he repeated. The pure hatred he experienced was not his, he tried to convince himself. It was all so confusing, his own feelings mixing with the creature's ones…
Legolas allowed himself to walk to Aragorn and Gimli but yet, there was not much he could do anyway. He could see them, hear them, but there was naught he could do on his own. As he began to feel incredibly powerless, a wave of rage and offended self-pride built up in his heart. He was an Elf Lord, and none shall pretend to control him.
He tried to talk to them, to warn them, he really tried, with all the will he could muster, but none of the words that came out of his mouth were his. "It seems everything is over now."
Aragorn slightly shook his head. "While I am quite sure that if the creature was still alive it was amongst those Orcs, I am afraid there is no way to know for sure whether it has been defeated."
"Unless it starts killing again," Gimli added. "If it does, we will know it has not been defeated."
Aragorn sighed. "That is true, but for the moment it is all we can do."
"What shall we do now, then?" the Dwarf asked.
"We are quite close to Mirkwood," the Elf began. "The men are exhausted, we should give them some rest, and I am sure my people will welcome us with pleasure."
Legolas gasped. It knew who he was. Had they not said it was power that this creature might be seeking? Which meant it most probably knew it could get it through him, an Elf Prince.
This shall not be. He would not allow this creature to reach his father's kingdom. But to his greatest despair, Aragorn nodded.
"They do indeed deserve some rest before going back to Minas Tirith. We will do that, then," the King of Gondor stated before moving towards his men to tell them about their new destination.
Why could they not see that it was not him who was talking? Could they not notice a difference in his behavior? He had to do something, *anything* to let them know. Gathering all his willpower, he made his best to regain the control over his body, fighting the dark and cold presence that had until then pushed him into the background of his mind.
For the shortest moment he felt like he had managed to slightly move his hand – like *he* had actually moved it. The movement itself was certainly imperceptible and it had drained an incredible amount of strength from him, but it was a beginning. If he could do that, he could certainly do more. He just had to find the right way, but for the time being he was quite incapable of going any further.
He suddenly became aware that Gimli was staring at him. A wave of relief rushed through him. Gimli. Gimli would notice the change in him.
The Dwarf slightly tilted his head. "Are you all right, Legolas?"
"I am fine," he heard himself answer dryly. No, he certainly was not fine, not with this parasite controlling his every move. There had to be a way to get rid of it…
* * * * *
It was such a delectation. Feeling the panic and fear invading its host's mind as he realized how defenseless he was against it… Oh, sure, he had tried to fight back, and it had to admit he had been the most challenging of all its hosts. But it was useless. It was already too late for him.
Bringing along such a great company had been very wise of the Noreans, it thought with irony. Three heroes of a great war, as it discovered while searching through the memories of its host… And amongst them, a King and a Prince, no less… Very wise indeed…
It was not much interested in the Dwarf, and even less in the few soldiers that accompanied them all. During the battle it had instinctively decided on the Elf, but now it knew it could also have chosen a King it almost regretted its choice.
But it did not matter. It was all for the better…
Its gaze found the Noreans again. Maybe it could finish the work… After all, putting an end to their pathetic lives would be doing them a favor. Its gaze rested on the female. It could still remember some moments she had spent with its former host. And now the latter was gone she seemed so pitifully devastated.
It smirked. She would be the first one. But it would have to act cautiously and make sure its new host would not be suspected, otherwise it would ruin its ambitions…
* * * * *
The company continued its way northward, following the river for another day then crossing it went it began to turn towards northwest. Soon would they reach the South of Mirkwood, and another week would be more than enough to get to Thranduil's kingdom in the north of the forest.
It was no longer required for the two remaining Noreans to keep watch every night, and they welcomed the rest they were given with gladness. They had barely spoken any word since the death of Qeladon, even between the two of them.
As they were all settling and preparing themselves to spend yet another night in the wilderness after crossing the Anduin, Legolas offered to keep watch that night, which did not surprise anyone. After all, the Elf was the one among them that needed the least sleep, and it was obvious that despite all the watches he had already kept he did not seem remotely exhausted.
Soon they all fell asleep, Men, Noreans and Dwarf alike, completely oblivious to the inner battle that had been going on in the Elf's mind all along the last day.
Despite all his efforts, Legolas could not find a way to escape the creature's control. It was as if it had managed to hinder his will and to relegate him to a mere observer. But he would not give up. Never. He had a strong spirit, and he had not used his capacities to their full extent. He would find a way. He had to.
Nevertheless, Legolas felt greatly disappointed that none of two of his closest friends had noticed what had befallen him. He had to admit the creature was a clever pretender, putting on a rather convincing act. But they should have noticed, especially Gimli.
Its annoyance every time the Dwarf approached him to slip some witty remark was evident to Legolas, but it probably did not appear on his face as Gimli kept on insisting. Yet the repartee with which the creature responded was way below the Elf's usual level, and Legolas was all the more convinced Gimli should have noticed. He had seen a few frowns form on the Dwarf's forehead at some of his answers – answers Legolas knew he would not have chosen or phrased that way – but it did not seem to be enough. And every time, he could feel the creature's irritation growing more and more.
That was probably one of the worst part of Legolas' situation. He knew what the creature was preparing. He could almost read its thoughts, all of them mixing with his own. And everything in the creature's mind dealt with domination, killing and death. Its obsession with getting rid of the Noreans was so strong and fanatical…
Maybe if the creature killed again, it would give away its presence… But it would mean he would have to witness the murder of one of them, to see his own hands take the life of one his traveling companions…
No, he would not let that happen.
The brighter part, Legolas observed bitterly, was that he no longer suffered from his sea longing, too preoccupied he was to give it more than a single thought…
* * * * *
Through the darkness of the night, the creature observed the sleeping forms around the campfire. Now would be the perfect moment to achieve some of its goals… Silently, it drew near the slumbering female Norean, seeming at peace. It could end it right then, right now. It would be so easy, all the others being fast asleep…
It walked nearer, but stopped midway. When everyone would wake up and discover the body, they would know its host's role in this, as he was the only one keeping watch… It would give away not only its presence among the company but also the identity of its host.
Another thought suddenly crossed its mind. It could kill them all, one by one, during their sleep. A smirk lit Legolas' face. Yes, it would do that… And then it would continue its way to Mirkwood alone, pretending the others had all died after an attack of Orcs…
It pushed its host one more step forward, but froze when it felt a hand being laid on his shoulder. As it turned to see who had dared interrupt him, it was welcomed with a warm smile from the King of Gondor. The latter did not seem to know what it had been about to perpetrate, hence it forced its host to smile back.
"I thought you were asleep," it asked almost bitterly.
"I was, but…" Aragorn sighed and shook his head. "No, actually I did not manage to find sleep."
With a tilt of his head, Aragorn invited the Elf to follow him farther from the campfire to a place where they would be able to talk more freely with no risk to wake their companions up. The creature cast a last glance at the sleeping form of the Norean and refrained a sigh of frustration before following the King.
They both moved away from the campfire and settled next to each other. They remained there silent for a few seconds. Actually the creature was rather content with it. It did not wish to speak. It did not wish to have to keep up a conversation. But Aragorn eventually spoke.
"I believe you are glad to go back to Mirkwood."
"Aye, I am," Legolas simply answered, his face expressionless. But an expressionless Elf was not much unusual, at least not unusual enough for Aragorn to notice there was anything wrong.
Oh, yes, it certainly was glad to go to Mirkwood, even if the word "back" did not really apply, the creature thought while preparing its plans. It would probably not be hard to arrange a private conversation between the Elf Prince and the King his father, would it? Then all it would have to do would be to –
"Especially after all those years. You have not been there since the Council of Elrond, have you?"
Legolas just shook his head. Keep the conversation to the bare minimum, the creature thought. It would be the best way to shorten it and keep its presence a secret.
"I have to admit I greatly envy you at the moment."
The Elf cocked an eyebrow at his friend. Anyone able to read Legolas' mind would certainly have found the situation and Aragorn's statement highly ironical.
"Knowing that one is going home can be such a great feeling…" The King of Gondor let go a long sigh. "I have travelled a lot over Middle-earth during my life, but few places have I been able to call home. Not so long ago I would have thought of Rivendell first as such."
Aragorn paused, and Legolas remained silent. If only it could have him go back to sleep…
"No matter how far we get from there, my mind still wanders back to Minas Tirith." He turned to face the Elf at his side. "I miss them so much, Legolas," he eventually said, his eyes full of sorrow. "I miss them so much that it aches. Well I guess that if I still wondered whether my heart and my duties laid in the same place, I have my answer…"
The archer nodded. "Is that what kept you awake?"
"Aye. Partially, at least." Aragorn hesitated. He did not wish to impose his personal concerns on the Elf. Yet… He was an Elf. He would understand. And he knew his friend would soon enquire about what it was all about – actually he would not, or more accurately *it* would not, but Aragorn had no way to know that. Hence he decided to go on. "You know what Arwen did for me when she married me, or more precisely what she gave up for me… I praise her courage, for I know it was no easy choice, and I am proud to have a woman as strong as her as my wife. But sometimes… Sometimes I wonder if I deserved such a sacrifice…"
The creature wondered if it should kill him right then. Obviously it would catch him off guards. It also benefited from its host's memories – the latter knew the King well. It knew his strengths – and his weaknesses…
"I know Arwen does not consider what she did as a sacrifice … Do not misunderstand me, I love her, with all my heart, and I know she loves me as well… Yet… I fear a day will come, a day when the weight of mortality becomes so crushing she might regret her choice, and blame it on me."
No, it would be best to keep them all alive. They might prove to be useful later on. The creature refrained a wince while preparing a suitable answer. It hated all this sentimentalism, but it had no other choice. Soon enough this would all be over…
* * * * *
Legolas wanted to yell. To tell the world he was there. Despair began to build up in him as he realized how hopeless his situation was.
His anger had renewed when Aragorn began to confide in him freely, the creature barely listening to his words while planning to kill its interlocutor – or the King of Mirkwood. It had brought mental images that Legolas had rather not have – ever. He had pictured himself murdering a close friend or his own father, and the fantasy itself could have been enough to drive him crazy. If it ever was to happen for real, he knew he would not be able to stand it.
But what angered him most at the moment was that Aragorn was confiding in him completely, ignoring that the Elf was not the only one listening and above all not the one answering, and it made Legolas wish he could torture that cursed creature to death. If he ever managed to get rid of it and was able to confront the real face of this creature… Valar, would he make it pay…
He would have wanted to be there to answer his friend during these moments of doubts. First of all, he would never have allowed Aragorn to talk so poorly of himself. And as an Elf himself he had quite an idea what a hard choice deciding to give up one's immortality was. He did not think he himself would ever have the force to do the same, and the very fact that Arwen managed to take that delicate decision meant she would never regret it.
Legolas wished he could tell that to Aragorn. But there would be no way for him to voice his thoughts as long as the creature would be in control…
* * * * *
The next morning came quickly. While everyone was beginning to pack, Legolas immediately remarked the insistent gaze Crireth laid on him. A gaze almost suspicious, so constant it looked like the man was trying to bore into his mind.
It was as if… Could the Norean have noticed what his closest friends had not? When his attention focused on him, Crireth immediately averted his eyes. Aye, he knew. Maybe having been in contact with the creature before allowed him to see what others could not. Or maybe the Norean had just noticed that whenever the Elf looked at him a hatred that was not there before had appeared in his eyes.
But Legolas could feel the creature had noticed this sustained attention as well, and its thoughts began to flow through his own mind. He knew. He had to get rid of him before he could tell anyone…
"King Elessar," the Norean called, "I am going to the river to fill my water skin," he said, indicating the item.
The King nodded, and as Crireth walked away he was followed by Legolas' gaze. It would be the perfect occasion… Alone with the Norean in the woods, far enough from the campfire…
He looked around, making sure no one saw him, and discreetly followed the man.
Legolas knew what the creature was planning to do, and with all his will he fought against it, but once more he lost that battle, and after a few minutes he found himself catching up with Crireth.
The latter eventually turned round with a start when he heard him coming. "Oh. Legolas," he just said.
The Elf smirked, slowly advancing towards him. No, Legolas thought. He could not do that. He could not let that creature make him do that. He concentrated and approached the part of his mind he had lost the access to since that creature began to parasite him, trying to find a flaw, a breach, anything. But he was quickly pushed away to a darker side.
His hand flew to the Norean's neck and he pinned him to the closest tree. Stop. Stop! Legolas found himself ordering to his own body, in vain. He fought again, trying to prevent his fingers' muscles to tighten around Crireth's throat, but it was no use. He could feel the man's pulse quickening under his palm.
An odd combination of fright and resignation was gleaming in the Norean's eyes when he said: "Legolas, I know you can hear me. Tell Cindra I –"
With a twist of his fingers, he snapped the man's neck, and allowed the lifeless body to fall to the floor. "Sorry, your time is over. Besides, I do not take messages."
No. No, no, no… Legolas stared at the corpse on the ground, and was aware of the satisfied smile appearing on his lips. He slowly backed away from consciousness, sinking into the darkest side of his mind and seeking comfort in its silent quietness, pushing away the memories of the odious crime he had just committed…
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End of Chapter Six...
Ah, do I love cliffies... (grins evilly) And I'm sure you love them as well... (grins even more evilly - if that's possible) Remember when I said you wouldn't be bothered by the OCs too long? See? Two down... (new evil grin)
Please let me know what you think about this chapter! (I'm sure you remember where the review button is - didn't move since last time)
Bad news: I'm moving in a new flat, and I probably won't have an internet connection for a little while (though the "little while" will be as little as I can make it). Which means that I won't be able to post a new chapter before the end of that "little while" (oooooooooh...). Anyway the next chapter will be rather delicate to write so I will need some time.
Good news: I might have no TV for the next 5 months. Which means more free time on my hands to work on this story. (aaaaaaaah!)
Anyway, in the meantime, I'd love to hear your opinion about this story - what are your hopes, your fears? What would you like to see happen? (actually I'd love to have a lot to read when the "little while" is over...)
Next chapter: "Of Suspicion, Distrust and Loneliness" (more Elvish psychological torture to come...)(and I know you all love that, you wicked people...)
I think I should also answer a question eck asked in a review (and by the way, thanks for saying you had no complaints with my ponctuation. Do you mind if I send you the number of a former (evil) english teacher who kept ticking half the commas in my english essays?)
Yes, Cindra was Ederis' (that's the "Norean dude's" name ;-) girlfriend. But as pointed out in previous chapter, her father didn't really like the guy. So even if he knew them to be best friends since childhood, I don't think she would let him know (at least not immediately) that from friends they became lovers (well I believe she wouldn't go all "hey, you know that best friend of mine you hate? well we're dating now, don't you think it's cool?")
I think I even hinted at it as early as the introduction (or was it the prologue?), when she says something along the lines of being tired of hiding, and then she teases the guy by asking him if he's afraid of her father (ah, details...)
So basically yes, they were dating, but no, the father didn't know about it (I guess I watched too many soaps during my younger days...)(aaah, high school, good old days... *sniffle*)
I had planned to explain this a bit more clearly in a later chapter, but I might as well explain it now, as that part of the story is not essential to the plot. I didn't want to give the OCs too much importance, so I just gave them some background to be able to develop the characters a little.
The only thing you need to remember about that is that they were first best friends, then lovers, but as they didn't tell anyone about it, everyone (and by everyone I mean everyone on the journey)(except Cindra of course, duh) think they still are (or more likely were, considering the recent death of a certain OC) best friends.
(wow, I can't believe it took me that long to explain such a simple thing...)
Stupid question: Does "OC" mean "Original Character" or "Other Character"?
Important note: Some parts of this chapter may be a bit confusing because of pronouns (yeah, it's weird, I know). I hope it's not though. I made my best to make it the least confusing possible The main problem is that english is not my native language, and in my actual native language there is no real equivalent for the pronoun "it" (one would either use the word for "he" or "she"). I don't want to tell too much here (to not spoil the plot too much), but just keep in mind that when refering to the creature I used "it" and "its" (at least most of the time...)
I won't delay any further, so here is the new chapter.
Possession
A scream escaped Cindra's throat as an arrow embedded itself into the bark of the tree behind her, mere inches from her head. Panicked, she stared at the arrow for a few seconds and then at her surroundings, but could not find where it came from. Incomprehension and fright filled her heart, and she quickly got up. She produced a new scream when a second arrow hit the tree, exactly where she had just stood.
Realization suddenly sank in. They were being attacked. Her hand frantically laid on her belt, looking for the dagger that had been given to her. She cursed herself for her stupidity when she found none, panicking more and more. She had left it at the campfire. The campfire, she thought. She had to go back to the campfire. She looked around. She did not know where the campfire was. She had not paid much attention on her way there, and her actual state of panic was not really helping.
She finally decided to just flee the other way the arrows were coming, hoping it would lead her farther from whoever was shooting them and closer to the campfire. She gave a quick look back while running, still trying to find out who was attacking. But all she could make out in the darkness of the night were dark shadows moving swiftly.
As she looked in front of her again, she bumped into something and loudly fell backwards. Helping herself up with her elbows, her eyes slowly lifted to the level of the face of the creature in front of her. An Orc, she guessed. If she had been panicked until then, it was naught compared to how she felt now. Her eyes widened as she saw him draw a sword and raise it above her head. Her pulse fastened and her breaths grew louder as she closed her eyes, readying herself to receive the blow that was now inevitable.
But all that came was a thud near her along with war cries far behind. She slowly opened her eyes, and jumped when she discovered the Orc lying dead on the ground, an arrow transpiercing his forehead. She quickly turned round, and saw Legolas at some distance, already shooting another arrow at the upcoming Orcs. At his sides were Gimli, King Elessar and his men, as well as the two other Noreans. All carried their weapons, ready for battle.
She could now see their enemies, and tried to number them. Three dozens, maybe more. They were too many, they did not stand a chance against them. Or did they? The Orcs had now arrived near the warriors and the blades had begun to shed the blood of the creatures.
Gimli was doing pretty well, making swirls with his axe with a dexterity no one would have expected from someone like him at first sight. At each of his blows an Orc fell, and every time a gleam lit the Dwarf's eyes as if he enjoyed fighting.
As for Aragorn his sword knew no respite, cutting and transpiercing any enemy close enough. Despite the last years spent in Minas Tirith, he had not lost his touch and his attacks were lethal.
Many Orcs fell under Legolas' shots, but they were now too close to allow him to use his bow. He had produced his two short knives and was using them wisely. As he was taking out his right blade out of an Orc's stomach, his keen senses alerted him of a presence behind him. He turned swiftly, throwing his left blade, and when the tip was about to transpierce the flesh of his opponent he felt the touch of a hand on his shoulder while his eyes met the other's.
Time suddenly froze, and it seemed everything had stopped around him. He sensed the Orc's eyes boring into his own, boring into his mind, and despite his efforts to avert his gaze he could not. He felt trapped.
Unable to move, he was like hypnotized while he fought back with all his strength the peculiar sensation that was beginning to overwhelm him. He felt cold tentacles encircling his mind and soul, catching him in their tight embrace. Legolas tried once more to avert his eyes but failed again.
Never his forces had abandoned the Elf before, yet it was happening now as despite his efforts his mind was slowly surrendering to the assaults, sinking into a dark place he had ignored the existence.
Time suddenly started to flow normally again and the blade finished its course in the Orc's stomach, an unusual smirk for an Elf appearing on Legolas' face.
Legolas emerged from some kind of unconsciousness that seemed to have prevented any coherent thinking until then. His senses were attenuated; the sounds were muffled, his vision diminished. It was such an unusual situation for an Elf he felt extremely disoriented.
It took him some time to take in his surroundings. It seemed to be the morning, and he and his companions were gathered around something he could not identify yet. When exactly had the battle ended? What in the Valar's name was going on? Why had he no memory of the events of the last hours?
He eventually understood what laid between all of them. Graves freshly dug, several of them. Who had died? He only remembered Ederis, the Norean, hence who else had died? Had they suffered losses during the fight? Why could he not remember? Among the persons present, he noticed the absence of two of Aragorn's men as well as Qeladon, the old Norean. Had all three of them been killed? When? His memories were so confused…
He felt there was an imperceptible smile playing on his lips, yet it was not he who had decided it. Again, he wondered what was going on. He wanted to turn to Gimli at his side to ask him about the situation, but his body would not obey him.
Legolas was now extremely uncomfortable. He was convinced something totally abnormal was happening. His unease increased when his head slightly turned, but at a moment he had not wished to, and it was not towards Gimli but towards Aragorn. He tried to force his head the other way, in vain.
Panic began to grow in his heart. As an Elf, he was used to having a great control over his body, and suddenly he was deprived of it. He felt completely trapped. It was like watching his own life being lived by someone else without being able to intervene. Like being under this someone's will. Like being a stranger in his own body…
Around the tombs, the two remaining Noreans stood close to each other with sorrowful gazes next to what he guessed to be Qeladon's grave. Legolas wanted to share their grief. He had grown to like the old man along the last days, appreciating his knowledge and wisdom, and he would have wanted so much to show him the respect he deserved… But there was still this annoying smile on his lips, though no one around seemed to notice it.
While everyone dispersed, Cindra made a few steps towards him. Once in front of the Elf, she spoke a few words with something that looked like a grateful smile, though sadness still shone in her eyes. What was she thanking him for? He searched through his memory, forcing it back. After much efforts, he eventually remembered the beginning of the battle. He had killed that Orc that menaced her, which was probably why she was thanking him.
The young woman slowly walked away and joined her father. Both of them were followed by the Elf's gaze. He hated the Noreans so much he wished all of them dead. Legolas paled at the thought, or would have had he been in control of his body. It was not him who had thought this, he was sure of that.
He had to find out what happened. He remembered quite clearly the beginning of the battle now. Everything seemed to be under control then, so what could possibly have happened? His arrows had killed nine Orcs – he usually kept the count in mind to compare his performance with Gimli afterwards as they often did – and his blades at least two of them. That was after then that his memories became fuzzy. There had been this Orc behind him… The latter had not tried to attack him, but instead put a hand on his shoulder…
Legolas suddenly remembered. The gaze. The unusual sensation overwhelming him. The coldness abruptly encircling his mind. And then the void.
He knew. He knew what had just befallen him. It was the creature, moving from the Orc's body to his own, that had caused his dizziness. And now it was in him.
Was it all that it took? The slightest physical and eye contact, and the creature was able to switch from a body to another? So easy… So dangerously, wickedly easy…
Once again his gaze laid on the Noreans with disgust. No, it was not his feelings, but its, the creature's. Not his, he repeated. The pure hatred he experienced was not his, he tried to convince himself. It was all so confusing, his own feelings mixing with the creature's ones…
Legolas allowed himself to walk to Aragorn and Gimli but yet, there was not much he could do anyway. He could see them, hear them, but there was naught he could do on his own. As he began to feel incredibly powerless, a wave of rage and offended self-pride built up in his heart. He was an Elf Lord, and none shall pretend to control him.
He tried to talk to them, to warn them, he really tried, with all the will he could muster, but none of the words that came out of his mouth were his. "It seems everything is over now."
Aragorn slightly shook his head. "While I am quite sure that if the creature was still alive it was amongst those Orcs, I am afraid there is no way to know for sure whether it has been defeated."
"Unless it starts killing again," Gimli added. "If it does, we will know it has not been defeated."
Aragorn sighed. "That is true, but for the moment it is all we can do."
"What shall we do now, then?" the Dwarf asked.
"We are quite close to Mirkwood," the Elf began. "The men are exhausted, we should give them some rest, and I am sure my people will welcome us with pleasure."
Legolas gasped. It knew who he was. Had they not said it was power that this creature might be seeking? Which meant it most probably knew it could get it through him, an Elf Prince.
This shall not be. He would not allow this creature to reach his father's kingdom. But to his greatest despair, Aragorn nodded.
"They do indeed deserve some rest before going back to Minas Tirith. We will do that, then," the King of Gondor stated before moving towards his men to tell them about their new destination.
Why could they not see that it was not him who was talking? Could they not notice a difference in his behavior? He had to do something, *anything* to let them know. Gathering all his willpower, he made his best to regain the control over his body, fighting the dark and cold presence that had until then pushed him into the background of his mind.
For the shortest moment he felt like he had managed to slightly move his hand – like *he* had actually moved it. The movement itself was certainly imperceptible and it had drained an incredible amount of strength from him, but it was a beginning. If he could do that, he could certainly do more. He just had to find the right way, but for the time being he was quite incapable of going any further.
He suddenly became aware that Gimli was staring at him. A wave of relief rushed through him. Gimli. Gimli would notice the change in him.
The Dwarf slightly tilted his head. "Are you all right, Legolas?"
"I am fine," he heard himself answer dryly. No, he certainly was not fine, not with this parasite controlling his every move. There had to be a way to get rid of it…
It was such a delectation. Feeling the panic and fear invading its host's mind as he realized how defenseless he was against it… Oh, sure, he had tried to fight back, and it had to admit he had been the most challenging of all its hosts. But it was useless. It was already too late for him.
Bringing along such a great company had been very wise of the Noreans, it thought with irony. Three heroes of a great war, as it discovered while searching through the memories of its host… And amongst them, a King and a Prince, no less… Very wise indeed…
It was not much interested in the Dwarf, and even less in the few soldiers that accompanied them all. During the battle it had instinctively decided on the Elf, but now it knew it could also have chosen a King it almost regretted its choice.
But it did not matter. It was all for the better…
Its gaze found the Noreans again. Maybe it could finish the work… After all, putting an end to their pathetic lives would be doing them a favor. Its gaze rested on the female. It could still remember some moments she had spent with its former host. And now the latter was gone she seemed so pitifully devastated.
It smirked. She would be the first one. But it would have to act cautiously and make sure its new host would not be suspected, otherwise it would ruin its ambitions…
The company continued its way northward, following the river for another day then crossing it went it began to turn towards northwest. Soon would they reach the South of Mirkwood, and another week would be more than enough to get to Thranduil's kingdom in the north of the forest.
It was no longer required for the two remaining Noreans to keep watch every night, and they welcomed the rest they were given with gladness. They had barely spoken any word since the death of Qeladon, even between the two of them.
As they were all settling and preparing themselves to spend yet another night in the wilderness after crossing the Anduin, Legolas offered to keep watch that night, which did not surprise anyone. After all, the Elf was the one among them that needed the least sleep, and it was obvious that despite all the watches he had already kept he did not seem remotely exhausted.
Soon they all fell asleep, Men, Noreans and Dwarf alike, completely oblivious to the inner battle that had been going on in the Elf's mind all along the last day.
Despite all his efforts, Legolas could not find a way to escape the creature's control. It was as if it had managed to hinder his will and to relegate him to a mere observer. But he would not give up. Never. He had a strong spirit, and he had not used his capacities to their full extent. He would find a way. He had to.
Nevertheless, Legolas felt greatly disappointed that none of two of his closest friends had noticed what had befallen him. He had to admit the creature was a clever pretender, putting on a rather convincing act. But they should have noticed, especially Gimli.
Its annoyance every time the Dwarf approached him to slip some witty remark was evident to Legolas, but it probably did not appear on his face as Gimli kept on insisting. Yet the repartee with which the creature responded was way below the Elf's usual level, and Legolas was all the more convinced Gimli should have noticed. He had seen a few frowns form on the Dwarf's forehead at some of his answers – answers Legolas knew he would not have chosen or phrased that way – but it did not seem to be enough. And every time, he could feel the creature's irritation growing more and more.
That was probably one of the worst part of Legolas' situation. He knew what the creature was preparing. He could almost read its thoughts, all of them mixing with his own. And everything in the creature's mind dealt with domination, killing and death. Its obsession with getting rid of the Noreans was so strong and fanatical…
Maybe if the creature killed again, it would give away its presence… But it would mean he would have to witness the murder of one of them, to see his own hands take the life of one his traveling companions…
No, he would not let that happen.
The brighter part, Legolas observed bitterly, was that he no longer suffered from his sea longing, too preoccupied he was to give it more than a single thought…
Through the darkness of the night, the creature observed the sleeping forms around the campfire. Now would be the perfect moment to achieve some of its goals… Silently, it drew near the slumbering female Norean, seeming at peace. It could end it right then, right now. It would be so easy, all the others being fast asleep…
It walked nearer, but stopped midway. When everyone would wake up and discover the body, they would know its host's role in this, as he was the only one keeping watch… It would give away not only its presence among the company but also the identity of its host.
Another thought suddenly crossed its mind. It could kill them all, one by one, during their sleep. A smirk lit Legolas' face. Yes, it would do that… And then it would continue its way to Mirkwood alone, pretending the others had all died after an attack of Orcs…
It pushed its host one more step forward, but froze when it felt a hand being laid on his shoulder. As it turned to see who had dared interrupt him, it was welcomed with a warm smile from the King of Gondor. The latter did not seem to know what it had been about to perpetrate, hence it forced its host to smile back.
"I thought you were asleep," it asked almost bitterly.
"I was, but…" Aragorn sighed and shook his head. "No, actually I did not manage to find sleep."
With a tilt of his head, Aragorn invited the Elf to follow him farther from the campfire to a place where they would be able to talk more freely with no risk to wake their companions up. The creature cast a last glance at the sleeping form of the Norean and refrained a sigh of frustration before following the King.
They both moved away from the campfire and settled next to each other. They remained there silent for a few seconds. Actually the creature was rather content with it. It did not wish to speak. It did not wish to have to keep up a conversation. But Aragorn eventually spoke.
"I believe you are glad to go back to Mirkwood."
"Aye, I am," Legolas simply answered, his face expressionless. But an expressionless Elf was not much unusual, at least not unusual enough for Aragorn to notice there was anything wrong.
Oh, yes, it certainly was glad to go to Mirkwood, even if the word "back" did not really apply, the creature thought while preparing its plans. It would probably not be hard to arrange a private conversation between the Elf Prince and the King his father, would it? Then all it would have to do would be to –
"Especially after all those years. You have not been there since the Council of Elrond, have you?"
Legolas just shook his head. Keep the conversation to the bare minimum, the creature thought. It would be the best way to shorten it and keep its presence a secret.
"I have to admit I greatly envy you at the moment."
The Elf cocked an eyebrow at his friend. Anyone able to read Legolas' mind would certainly have found the situation and Aragorn's statement highly ironical.
"Knowing that one is going home can be such a great feeling…" The King of Gondor let go a long sigh. "I have travelled a lot over Middle-earth during my life, but few places have I been able to call home. Not so long ago I would have thought of Rivendell first as such."
Aragorn paused, and Legolas remained silent. If only it could have him go back to sleep…
"No matter how far we get from there, my mind still wanders back to Minas Tirith." He turned to face the Elf at his side. "I miss them so much, Legolas," he eventually said, his eyes full of sorrow. "I miss them so much that it aches. Well I guess that if I still wondered whether my heart and my duties laid in the same place, I have my answer…"
The archer nodded. "Is that what kept you awake?"
"Aye. Partially, at least." Aragorn hesitated. He did not wish to impose his personal concerns on the Elf. Yet… He was an Elf. He would understand. And he knew his friend would soon enquire about what it was all about – actually he would not, or more accurately *it* would not, but Aragorn had no way to know that. Hence he decided to go on. "You know what Arwen did for me when she married me, or more precisely what she gave up for me… I praise her courage, for I know it was no easy choice, and I am proud to have a woman as strong as her as my wife. But sometimes… Sometimes I wonder if I deserved such a sacrifice…"
The creature wondered if it should kill him right then. Obviously it would catch him off guards. It also benefited from its host's memories – the latter knew the King well. It knew his strengths – and his weaknesses…
"I know Arwen does not consider what she did as a sacrifice … Do not misunderstand me, I love her, with all my heart, and I know she loves me as well… Yet… I fear a day will come, a day when the weight of mortality becomes so crushing she might regret her choice, and blame it on me."
No, it would be best to keep them all alive. They might prove to be useful later on. The creature refrained a wince while preparing a suitable answer. It hated all this sentimentalism, but it had no other choice. Soon enough this would all be over…
Legolas wanted to yell. To tell the world he was there. Despair began to build up in him as he realized how hopeless his situation was.
His anger had renewed when Aragorn began to confide in him freely, the creature barely listening to his words while planning to kill its interlocutor – or the King of Mirkwood. It had brought mental images that Legolas had rather not have – ever. He had pictured himself murdering a close friend or his own father, and the fantasy itself could have been enough to drive him crazy. If it ever was to happen for real, he knew he would not be able to stand it.
But what angered him most at the moment was that Aragorn was confiding in him completely, ignoring that the Elf was not the only one listening and above all not the one answering, and it made Legolas wish he could torture that cursed creature to death. If he ever managed to get rid of it and was able to confront the real face of this creature… Valar, would he make it pay…
He would have wanted to be there to answer his friend during these moments of doubts. First of all, he would never have allowed Aragorn to talk so poorly of himself. And as an Elf himself he had quite an idea what a hard choice deciding to give up one's immortality was. He did not think he himself would ever have the force to do the same, and the very fact that Arwen managed to take that delicate decision meant she would never regret it.
Legolas wished he could tell that to Aragorn. But there would be no way for him to voice his thoughts as long as the creature would be in control…
The next morning came quickly. While everyone was beginning to pack, Legolas immediately remarked the insistent gaze Crireth laid on him. A gaze almost suspicious, so constant it looked like the man was trying to bore into his mind.
It was as if… Could the Norean have noticed what his closest friends had not? When his attention focused on him, Crireth immediately averted his eyes. Aye, he knew. Maybe having been in contact with the creature before allowed him to see what others could not. Or maybe the Norean had just noticed that whenever the Elf looked at him a hatred that was not there before had appeared in his eyes.
But Legolas could feel the creature had noticed this sustained attention as well, and its thoughts began to flow through his own mind. He knew. He had to get rid of him before he could tell anyone…
"King Elessar," the Norean called, "I am going to the river to fill my water skin," he said, indicating the item.
The King nodded, and as Crireth walked away he was followed by Legolas' gaze. It would be the perfect occasion… Alone with the Norean in the woods, far enough from the campfire…
He looked around, making sure no one saw him, and discreetly followed the man.
Legolas knew what the creature was planning to do, and with all his will he fought against it, but once more he lost that battle, and after a few minutes he found himself catching up with Crireth.
The latter eventually turned round with a start when he heard him coming. "Oh. Legolas," he just said.
The Elf smirked, slowly advancing towards him. No, Legolas thought. He could not do that. He could not let that creature make him do that. He concentrated and approached the part of his mind he had lost the access to since that creature began to parasite him, trying to find a flaw, a breach, anything. But he was quickly pushed away to a darker side.
His hand flew to the Norean's neck and he pinned him to the closest tree. Stop. Stop! Legolas found himself ordering to his own body, in vain. He fought again, trying to prevent his fingers' muscles to tighten around Crireth's throat, but it was no use. He could feel the man's pulse quickening under his palm.
An odd combination of fright and resignation was gleaming in the Norean's eyes when he said: "Legolas, I know you can hear me. Tell Cindra I –"
With a twist of his fingers, he snapped the man's neck, and allowed the lifeless body to fall to the floor. "Sorry, your time is over. Besides, I do not take messages."
No. No, no, no… Legolas stared at the corpse on the ground, and was aware of the satisfied smile appearing on his lips. He slowly backed away from consciousness, sinking into the darkest side of his mind and seeking comfort in its silent quietness, pushing away the memories of the odious crime he had just committed…
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End of Chapter Six...
Ah, do I love cliffies... (grins evilly) And I'm sure you love them as well... (grins even more evilly - if that's possible) Remember when I said you wouldn't be bothered by the OCs too long? See? Two down... (new evil grin)
Please let me know what you think about this chapter! (I'm sure you remember where the review button is - didn't move since last time)
Bad news: I'm moving in a new flat, and I probably won't have an internet connection for a little while (though the "little while" will be as little as I can make it). Which means that I won't be able to post a new chapter before the end of that "little while" (oooooooooh...). Anyway the next chapter will be rather delicate to write so I will need some time.
Good news: I might have no TV for the next 5 months. Which means more free time on my hands to work on this story. (aaaaaaaah!)
Anyway, in the meantime, I'd love to hear your opinion about this story - what are your hopes, your fears? What would you like to see happen? (actually I'd love to have a lot to read when the "little while" is over...)
Next chapter: "Of Suspicion, Distrust and Loneliness" (more Elvish psychological torture to come...)(and I know you all love that, you wicked people...)