A/N) Here we are at an end. The final chapter to Fear of Men and the end of
my little series. I hope it lives up to your expectations!
Thank you to all those that have reviewed. Your comments are really appreciated by me. I am glad that you've chosen to read my stories. I've taken a long time to plan them out and write them, but alas we are now at an end.
However I have another series in progress. For those interested have a look at the end of this story and you'll see information regarding my next story, and a sneak preview. Feel free to tell me what you think!
Without further ado, I present to you, the final chapter of Fear of Men!
Fear of Men
Chapter 9
Accepting
In the days following his waking Aragorn spent time with his mother. Gilraen remained by her son's bedside watching him sleep, and speaking to him when he wished to. Her other son Lathear stayed with Elladan and Elrohir.
It was several days before Aragorn was deemed well enough to rise from bed. Legolas had recovered almost a day later, and released by Lord Elrond from the healing room. Aragorn however was to remain in bed for a week before he could rise. They needed to make sure that the tissue in the stomach would mend. Elrond was still worried that his son might not recover from his injury; that it still had a chance at paralysing him.
Deollyn and Marihel remained in Rivendell staying out of the elves way. Authorities from the county prison had contacted Elrond asking about Deollyn. The elf lord had calmly explained the situation and that the true murderer had been found, and he'd met an end, suitable for his treachery. Deollyn on the other hand was to remain in Rivendell until Elrond decided what to do with him. The county official asked if Deollyn was returning to the prison, but the elf would give him no answer that would say that the man was returning.
Elrond was going to leave the decision to Aragorn. Deollyn had agreed that the man he had hurt twice deserved to dictate his fate, and was ready for any punishment the young Ranger might give. Only Elladan and Elrohir didn't agree with Elrond's decision, yet they could not change his mind.
Almost three weeks after returning to Rivendell, Aragorn was released from the watchful eyes of the Master Healer, but kept under supervision of both Elrond and Legolas. Every now and again his side would hurt, and he'd double over in pain. His body was still healing from the injury it had taken but it was no threat to the Dúnedain's life.
Elrond pressured his son to speak to Deollyn but Aragorn refused to speak to the man stating that if Deollyn had something to say to him then he'd have to find him himself.
So it was on a sunny afternoon that Deollyn searched out the young man and found him sitting quietly, watching the waterfall. Deollyn had alerted Elrond that he was going to speak to Aragorn, and the elf lord had calmly said that he wouldn't allow his sons near them while they talked.
Deollyn stood calmly in the shadows calming himself as he watched Aragorn. The young man was humming an elvish lilt that lifted the elder mans heart. Deollyn smiled sadly. Dilir would have loved to have heard that. His son had been entranced with the elves for years; had always wanted to be one, yet he had been killed by an elf. Looking back on the past was not so hard anymore, knowing that the killer was dead. Memories were haunting, yet Deollyn looked back into the happy times instead of musing on the past of his time in jail.
He stepped forward and said, rather shakily: "Hello Aragorn." He said simply. He saw the other man stiffen, but then Aragorn turned, looking at Deollyn.
"Yes." The other's voice held no emotion.
"I've come to apologise for what I did to you." Deollyn began. "You must understand that I wasn't myself. Being manipulated by one of the first born..." he trailed off.
Aragorn snorted. "You've shown me nothing good of men. You turned my heart against them. You cannot even begin to comprehend with what you've done. Ruined everything for me. Taken my childhood away from me. Yet I thank you for what you've done. Men have always been weak. There is nothing that will change my opinion on that!"
"Please. Hear me out!"
Aragorn had begun to walk off but then he'd caught sight of Elrond standing by the door. There was no chance of Elrond letting him go until Deollyn had said what he needed to say. It was simple. Listen to what the man had to say and then leave.
"Aragorn," Deollyn started, "I'm terribly sorry for what I've done. But don't you see, I'm the weak one, not you. You didn't give in when pressed. You fought and prevailed. You survived an injury that most men would have fallen victim to. You are not weak. Not all men are. I am weak because I allowed myself to be led into harming a small child; led into shattering his spirit. You're right. I cannot comprehend with what I've done. If I could I would turn back time and prevent myself from doing this to you. I only wish for forgiveness on your part. I could not bear the fact that I could lead you to your death. I nearly killed you. I could not live with that guilt. Enough is on my conscience already."
"You've got a destiny to fulfil."
Aragorn looked up sharply at Deollyn's words. How did he know?
"I was told by Lord Elrond. I cannot live if I know I've destroyed the hope of men. You are. I do not wish to make you see right or wrong, but I want you to understand that..."
"All men are not weak." Aragorn said, finishing the man's sentence. "I know, Deollyn. It will just take time. As for forgiveness: I cannot say yet. Let me think things through before I decide." A brief smile crossed the human's lips. "I'll speak to you tomorrow."
Aragorn left, leaving Deollyn alone on the balcony.
*****
Leaving Deollyn alone Aragorn secluded himself in his room, lying on his bed, staring up at the beautiful crafted ceiling and thinking through what Deollyn had said.
// Being manipulated by one of the first born//
// But don't you see, I'm the weak one, not you//
// You are not weak. Not all men are. I am weak because I allowed myself to be led into harming a small child; led into shattering his spirit. You're right. I cannot comprehend with what I've done. If I could I would turn back time and prevent myself from doing this to you. I only wish for forgiveness on your part. I could not bear the fact that I could lead you to your death. I nearly killed you. I could not live with that guilt. Enough is on my conscience already//
Deollyn had done terrible things to him, but it had been Sîrfalas behind it. How could Aragorn condemn men for something an elf caused him to do? Surely, he should be condemning elves miss-ability to understand human actions? But then he'd grown up with elves and understand them more then he did men. He hadn't spent time with men for a long period of time. Yes, Marihel and Doyni had regretted their actions before the end, and had atoned for their mistakes. In fact they showed that they had the strength of will to know when something was wrong and to do something about it. They had helped him when things had turned bad.
A slight tear ran down the young man's face. He had misjudged men. Not all were bad. Deollyn certainly wasn't, just misled.
He had spent his childhood hating men. When he should've forgotten all. He had to forget his hatred. He had to move on. He needed to learn about men. And that was to forget the past, and go out into the world.
His father had always impressed upon him the nature of the Rangers and their deeds to help all from the evil that roamed the world. Yes, that is what he would do, join the Rangers and hope that their guidance would lead him on the right path.
*****
The following day Aragorn made amends with Deollyn, and the man was pleased that the younger had managed to see past all what had happened and forgive him. Aragorn explained he was going away for a while, and didn't know when he would return. Deollyn had made up his mind to remain in Rivendell for a while and take lessons from Elrond in the history of the elves. Since being in the elven refugee, Deollyn had become interested in the ancient texts and languages and was eager to learn more.
Even Legolas agreed to take the man to his home so he could look into the history of the wood-elves if he so wished.
It was a few weeks later that Legolas announced he was leaving to return home. With him Aragorn was going part of the way. The young man was meeting Gandalf near the passes and the wizard was taking the liberty of introducing Aragorn to the Dúnedain.
The sun was shining brightly on the day of departure, and all was ready, save for Aragorn and Elrond who had yet to appear in the courtyard. The twins suspected it was 'the talk' that Elrond always did when either of his sons went away.
Ten minutes later Aragorn emerged with Elrond following, a happy smile brimming his face. His wound had healed and he was going off once more into a world unknown to him.
Elladan nudged the human. "So did he do the 'talk'?"
"No," Aragorn answered, "Ada asked me how I feel. I told him the truth. If you want to know ask him, not me."
"Are you ready?" Legolas asked, who sat upon a white stallion. The horse's mane glinted in the sunlight.
"I am, mellon-nin." Aragorn replied. He hugged the twins and whispered a fond farewell. Deollyn had come to say farewell and Aragorn, surprising all, hugged him to.
Last came Elrond. Aragorn allowed the elf lord to hug him and kiss him upon the forehead.
"Be safe Estel."
"I will Ada. Do not fear for me." Aragorn said.
Elrond nodded his head in mock bow. He watched sadly as his foster son rode off with Legolas into the distant, and so passed out from the Valley of Rivendell.
"He accepted." Elrond murmured to the twins.
Both twins looked at their father questionably.
Elrond smiled. "Estel is healed. After so many years he no longer carries the burning hatred. He still fears however he has returned at last to us. Estel is happy."
Elrohir smiled. "And we can be content that his happiness will last until his dying day."
Elrond nodded. Yes, Aragorn was healed. It was sad to see him leave, but he knew in his heart that the young man had to find his own path. And he was. His path was man. And Aragorn had started that road at last.
THE END!
Here follows information regarding my next story.
Series: Years in Gondor
Title: Of Melkor and Telcontar (Of Morgoth and Strider)
Summary: Set after ROTK. Sixteen-year-old Eldarion is given an immense task, to destroy Morgoth, who has returned from the void because of the coming of an ancient prophecy made by Morgoth and Sauron during the wars they made on Middle-Earth. When Aragorn is abducted by Morgoth's Great Knights, Eldarion finds his task far more complicated then he imagined, and it means he will have to face the prospect of killing his own father in order to destroy Morgoth!
Why: The idea of this story is inspired by the various prophecies throughout the LOTR. I thought of 'what if Morgoth had created a prophecy meaning that he could come back from the Void after all his servants had been destroyed?' And I had a plot, which has been forming for quite a while now. So I've decided to give it a try. This contains a lot of Aragorn torture, angst, but also hobbit angst, Legolas angst, possibly a little torture, for those who want it. Bare in mind this story is still being planned out. I'm still working on it. So whether there is going to be any elf-torture, we'll have to see.
Characters: Aragorn, Arwen, Eldarion, Gandalf, Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Legolas, Gimli, Morgoth, Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir, Luthien, Cirdan, Faramir, Éowyn and a few OCs.
Please do not ask me questions on how I intend on getting Gandalf, Frodo, Elrond and Luthien into the story. I have it worked out, however you cannot know.
I now present to you the PROLOGUE to 'Of Melkor and Telcontar'
~Prologue~
~The Prophecy~
The world's future was set the moment Morgoth spoke these words at the beginning of time: 'For any reason I am stripped of my power, it will be said that I will return with full strength when the last of my servants fail to take this world as their own, and if they succeed, I will be released, and serve them until my power is found.'
Unrecorded by any save Morgoth's most loyal servant, Sauron, this was lost out of all knowledge, and yet it came to pass that Sauron was defeated in the last battle of the Third Age by the Halfling Frodo Baggins. But unknown to all Sauron had added to the prophecy made by Morgoth.
For when Morgoth was imprisoned in the Void, his powers were taken from him, but passed onto the Numenorean's giving them long life and possessing skills of the elves enabling them to be at par with the immortal race. Each Numenorean possessed this power, but now it has dwindled in Middle-Earth and only one now holds it.
And so Sauron spoke after finding this knowledge, binding his words with that of Morgoth's: 'And he that holds the Numenorean power will be instrumental in the fall of Middle-Earth. But the fate of the true one is to be death, for when the power is to be restored to its rightful bearer, the Numenorean's will wane, wither and die. And the true power in this world will be known. Everything will come to darkness, and all will bow before us.'
It has begun.
The tide in which all will be washed away. Yet in this darkness is a bright light shining through. The star of Ëarendil. As before there is someone with the power to defeat Morgoth. All they need is the strength and courage to do so.
Even from the shores of Numenor, Morgoth will come to an end, such as has been seen by the elves on Valinor. Yet it will be the choices of a boy that will see this task through.
It has begun.
The prophecy has been set in motion. Morgoth has been freed from the Void. With what small power he has, he has risen Numenor from the depths of the ocean, and using one of the lost seeing stones, stolen from Valinor itself, has located the bearer of his power – the power of the Numenoreans.
Now he has created the Great Knights – six men bonded to him. Tall men with imaginable powers capable of tricking the minds of mortals and making them see things that are not really there. Terrible foes they are. No one can defeat them. Only Morgoth has the power to destroy them.
Orcs marshal to him on the island. He is now ready to make his war on Valinor.
All he needs now is the bearer.
The Great Knights have been sent forth to retrieve the bearer. And when he is brought before Morgoth, the dark lord will have the final piece to make him invincible.
Nothing will stop him.
Unless the 'one' can sum up his courage and take the life of one he loves....
Well did you like it? Does it seem interesting? You can review and tell me if you wish, or e-mail me. My email address in on my profile page. This story will not be put up for at least two weeks. I want to get to Chapter 5 before I begin posting. I am on Chapter 2 now.
Namárië for now!
Thank you to all those that have reviewed. Your comments are really appreciated by me. I am glad that you've chosen to read my stories. I've taken a long time to plan them out and write them, but alas we are now at an end.
However I have another series in progress. For those interested have a look at the end of this story and you'll see information regarding my next story, and a sneak preview. Feel free to tell me what you think!
Without further ado, I present to you, the final chapter of Fear of Men!
Fear of Men
Chapter 9
Accepting
In the days following his waking Aragorn spent time with his mother. Gilraen remained by her son's bedside watching him sleep, and speaking to him when he wished to. Her other son Lathear stayed with Elladan and Elrohir.
It was several days before Aragorn was deemed well enough to rise from bed. Legolas had recovered almost a day later, and released by Lord Elrond from the healing room. Aragorn however was to remain in bed for a week before he could rise. They needed to make sure that the tissue in the stomach would mend. Elrond was still worried that his son might not recover from his injury; that it still had a chance at paralysing him.
Deollyn and Marihel remained in Rivendell staying out of the elves way. Authorities from the county prison had contacted Elrond asking about Deollyn. The elf lord had calmly explained the situation and that the true murderer had been found, and he'd met an end, suitable for his treachery. Deollyn on the other hand was to remain in Rivendell until Elrond decided what to do with him. The county official asked if Deollyn was returning to the prison, but the elf would give him no answer that would say that the man was returning.
Elrond was going to leave the decision to Aragorn. Deollyn had agreed that the man he had hurt twice deserved to dictate his fate, and was ready for any punishment the young Ranger might give. Only Elladan and Elrohir didn't agree with Elrond's decision, yet they could not change his mind.
Almost three weeks after returning to Rivendell, Aragorn was released from the watchful eyes of the Master Healer, but kept under supervision of both Elrond and Legolas. Every now and again his side would hurt, and he'd double over in pain. His body was still healing from the injury it had taken but it was no threat to the Dúnedain's life.
Elrond pressured his son to speak to Deollyn but Aragorn refused to speak to the man stating that if Deollyn had something to say to him then he'd have to find him himself.
So it was on a sunny afternoon that Deollyn searched out the young man and found him sitting quietly, watching the waterfall. Deollyn had alerted Elrond that he was going to speak to Aragorn, and the elf lord had calmly said that he wouldn't allow his sons near them while they talked.
Deollyn stood calmly in the shadows calming himself as he watched Aragorn. The young man was humming an elvish lilt that lifted the elder mans heart. Deollyn smiled sadly. Dilir would have loved to have heard that. His son had been entranced with the elves for years; had always wanted to be one, yet he had been killed by an elf. Looking back on the past was not so hard anymore, knowing that the killer was dead. Memories were haunting, yet Deollyn looked back into the happy times instead of musing on the past of his time in jail.
He stepped forward and said, rather shakily: "Hello Aragorn." He said simply. He saw the other man stiffen, but then Aragorn turned, looking at Deollyn.
"Yes." The other's voice held no emotion.
"I've come to apologise for what I did to you." Deollyn began. "You must understand that I wasn't myself. Being manipulated by one of the first born..." he trailed off.
Aragorn snorted. "You've shown me nothing good of men. You turned my heart against them. You cannot even begin to comprehend with what you've done. Ruined everything for me. Taken my childhood away from me. Yet I thank you for what you've done. Men have always been weak. There is nothing that will change my opinion on that!"
"Please. Hear me out!"
Aragorn had begun to walk off but then he'd caught sight of Elrond standing by the door. There was no chance of Elrond letting him go until Deollyn had said what he needed to say. It was simple. Listen to what the man had to say and then leave.
"Aragorn," Deollyn started, "I'm terribly sorry for what I've done. But don't you see, I'm the weak one, not you. You didn't give in when pressed. You fought and prevailed. You survived an injury that most men would have fallen victim to. You are not weak. Not all men are. I am weak because I allowed myself to be led into harming a small child; led into shattering his spirit. You're right. I cannot comprehend with what I've done. If I could I would turn back time and prevent myself from doing this to you. I only wish for forgiveness on your part. I could not bear the fact that I could lead you to your death. I nearly killed you. I could not live with that guilt. Enough is on my conscience already."
"You've got a destiny to fulfil."
Aragorn looked up sharply at Deollyn's words. How did he know?
"I was told by Lord Elrond. I cannot live if I know I've destroyed the hope of men. You are. I do not wish to make you see right or wrong, but I want you to understand that..."
"All men are not weak." Aragorn said, finishing the man's sentence. "I know, Deollyn. It will just take time. As for forgiveness: I cannot say yet. Let me think things through before I decide." A brief smile crossed the human's lips. "I'll speak to you tomorrow."
Aragorn left, leaving Deollyn alone on the balcony.
*****
Leaving Deollyn alone Aragorn secluded himself in his room, lying on his bed, staring up at the beautiful crafted ceiling and thinking through what Deollyn had said.
// Being manipulated by one of the first born//
// But don't you see, I'm the weak one, not you//
// You are not weak. Not all men are. I am weak because I allowed myself to be led into harming a small child; led into shattering his spirit. You're right. I cannot comprehend with what I've done. If I could I would turn back time and prevent myself from doing this to you. I only wish for forgiveness on your part. I could not bear the fact that I could lead you to your death. I nearly killed you. I could not live with that guilt. Enough is on my conscience already//
Deollyn had done terrible things to him, but it had been Sîrfalas behind it. How could Aragorn condemn men for something an elf caused him to do? Surely, he should be condemning elves miss-ability to understand human actions? But then he'd grown up with elves and understand them more then he did men. He hadn't spent time with men for a long period of time. Yes, Marihel and Doyni had regretted their actions before the end, and had atoned for their mistakes. In fact they showed that they had the strength of will to know when something was wrong and to do something about it. They had helped him when things had turned bad.
A slight tear ran down the young man's face. He had misjudged men. Not all were bad. Deollyn certainly wasn't, just misled.
He had spent his childhood hating men. When he should've forgotten all. He had to forget his hatred. He had to move on. He needed to learn about men. And that was to forget the past, and go out into the world.
His father had always impressed upon him the nature of the Rangers and their deeds to help all from the evil that roamed the world. Yes, that is what he would do, join the Rangers and hope that their guidance would lead him on the right path.
*****
The following day Aragorn made amends with Deollyn, and the man was pleased that the younger had managed to see past all what had happened and forgive him. Aragorn explained he was going away for a while, and didn't know when he would return. Deollyn had made up his mind to remain in Rivendell for a while and take lessons from Elrond in the history of the elves. Since being in the elven refugee, Deollyn had become interested in the ancient texts and languages and was eager to learn more.
Even Legolas agreed to take the man to his home so he could look into the history of the wood-elves if he so wished.
It was a few weeks later that Legolas announced he was leaving to return home. With him Aragorn was going part of the way. The young man was meeting Gandalf near the passes and the wizard was taking the liberty of introducing Aragorn to the Dúnedain.
The sun was shining brightly on the day of departure, and all was ready, save for Aragorn and Elrond who had yet to appear in the courtyard. The twins suspected it was 'the talk' that Elrond always did when either of his sons went away.
Ten minutes later Aragorn emerged with Elrond following, a happy smile brimming his face. His wound had healed and he was going off once more into a world unknown to him.
Elladan nudged the human. "So did he do the 'talk'?"
"No," Aragorn answered, "Ada asked me how I feel. I told him the truth. If you want to know ask him, not me."
"Are you ready?" Legolas asked, who sat upon a white stallion. The horse's mane glinted in the sunlight.
"I am, mellon-nin." Aragorn replied. He hugged the twins and whispered a fond farewell. Deollyn had come to say farewell and Aragorn, surprising all, hugged him to.
Last came Elrond. Aragorn allowed the elf lord to hug him and kiss him upon the forehead.
"Be safe Estel."
"I will Ada. Do not fear for me." Aragorn said.
Elrond nodded his head in mock bow. He watched sadly as his foster son rode off with Legolas into the distant, and so passed out from the Valley of Rivendell.
"He accepted." Elrond murmured to the twins.
Both twins looked at their father questionably.
Elrond smiled. "Estel is healed. After so many years he no longer carries the burning hatred. He still fears however he has returned at last to us. Estel is happy."
Elrohir smiled. "And we can be content that his happiness will last until his dying day."
Elrond nodded. Yes, Aragorn was healed. It was sad to see him leave, but he knew in his heart that the young man had to find his own path. And he was. His path was man. And Aragorn had started that road at last.
THE END!
Here follows information regarding my next story.
Series: Years in Gondor
Title: Of Melkor and Telcontar (Of Morgoth and Strider)
Summary: Set after ROTK. Sixteen-year-old Eldarion is given an immense task, to destroy Morgoth, who has returned from the void because of the coming of an ancient prophecy made by Morgoth and Sauron during the wars they made on Middle-Earth. When Aragorn is abducted by Morgoth's Great Knights, Eldarion finds his task far more complicated then he imagined, and it means he will have to face the prospect of killing his own father in order to destroy Morgoth!
Why: The idea of this story is inspired by the various prophecies throughout the LOTR. I thought of 'what if Morgoth had created a prophecy meaning that he could come back from the Void after all his servants had been destroyed?' And I had a plot, which has been forming for quite a while now. So I've decided to give it a try. This contains a lot of Aragorn torture, angst, but also hobbit angst, Legolas angst, possibly a little torture, for those who want it. Bare in mind this story is still being planned out. I'm still working on it. So whether there is going to be any elf-torture, we'll have to see.
Characters: Aragorn, Arwen, Eldarion, Gandalf, Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Legolas, Gimli, Morgoth, Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir, Luthien, Cirdan, Faramir, Éowyn and a few OCs.
Please do not ask me questions on how I intend on getting Gandalf, Frodo, Elrond and Luthien into the story. I have it worked out, however you cannot know.
I now present to you the PROLOGUE to 'Of Melkor and Telcontar'
~Prologue~
~The Prophecy~
The world's future was set the moment Morgoth spoke these words at the beginning of time: 'For any reason I am stripped of my power, it will be said that I will return with full strength when the last of my servants fail to take this world as their own, and if they succeed, I will be released, and serve them until my power is found.'
Unrecorded by any save Morgoth's most loyal servant, Sauron, this was lost out of all knowledge, and yet it came to pass that Sauron was defeated in the last battle of the Third Age by the Halfling Frodo Baggins. But unknown to all Sauron had added to the prophecy made by Morgoth.
For when Morgoth was imprisoned in the Void, his powers were taken from him, but passed onto the Numenorean's giving them long life and possessing skills of the elves enabling them to be at par with the immortal race. Each Numenorean possessed this power, but now it has dwindled in Middle-Earth and only one now holds it.
And so Sauron spoke after finding this knowledge, binding his words with that of Morgoth's: 'And he that holds the Numenorean power will be instrumental in the fall of Middle-Earth. But the fate of the true one is to be death, for when the power is to be restored to its rightful bearer, the Numenorean's will wane, wither and die. And the true power in this world will be known. Everything will come to darkness, and all will bow before us.'
It has begun.
The tide in which all will be washed away. Yet in this darkness is a bright light shining through. The star of Ëarendil. As before there is someone with the power to defeat Morgoth. All they need is the strength and courage to do so.
Even from the shores of Numenor, Morgoth will come to an end, such as has been seen by the elves on Valinor. Yet it will be the choices of a boy that will see this task through.
It has begun.
The prophecy has been set in motion. Morgoth has been freed from the Void. With what small power he has, he has risen Numenor from the depths of the ocean, and using one of the lost seeing stones, stolen from Valinor itself, has located the bearer of his power – the power of the Numenoreans.
Now he has created the Great Knights – six men bonded to him. Tall men with imaginable powers capable of tricking the minds of mortals and making them see things that are not really there. Terrible foes they are. No one can defeat them. Only Morgoth has the power to destroy them.
Orcs marshal to him on the island. He is now ready to make his war on Valinor.
All he needs now is the bearer.
The Great Knights have been sent forth to retrieve the bearer. And when he is brought before Morgoth, the dark lord will have the final piece to make him invincible.
Nothing will stop him.
Unless the 'one' can sum up his courage and take the life of one he loves....
Well did you like it? Does it seem interesting? You can review and tell me if you wish, or e-mail me. My email address in on my profile page. This story will not be put up for at least two weeks. I want to get to Chapter 5 before I begin posting. I am on Chapter 2 now.
Namárië for now!