Legolas fell back behind the others when a shrill scream pierced the air. He shuddered and took off alone towards the scream. The scream rang through his head like an explosion, and what he saw in the clearing made him sick.
On the ground at the foot of Saruman was Valin, torn and his body was barely recognizable. Saruman smirked at the look of utter horror and terror on Legolas's face.
" Legolas... I... I'm... Sorry... I..." Valin choked out in a whisper as Saruman kicked him hard though he didn't physically touch him. The once strong and fearless elf cried out again.
As much as he wanted to Legolas couldn't tare his eyes off the scene before him. Legolas couldn't respond to his brother for no words came to him.
Saruman smirked. " Yes see what you did? He suffers because of what you did last time. You let him die just as you let Gandalf. You could have saved both of them and you let them down. Your father finally sees you for the pathetic being you are. You are a murderer and your father finally sees the truth."
" Le..." Valin started to say, but was cut off by another sharp blow. Blood tricked from his mouth like a small stream.
Blue eyes clouded in unshed tears as Saruman's magical voice brought fresh sorrow, grief, and guilt onto the young prince.
Valin's breathing was harsh and just barely there as he struggled to stay alive. His body finally was giving in after many years of torture and his repentance. His blue eyes stared into Legolas's and found the forgiveness that he so desperately wanted.
" Responsible for the death of another family member. How long must this go on until you see no one truly wants you? Until you see that you are a poison causing those close to you to slowly and painfully fade and die? All ready I see into your mind as you try to battle against such words, but yet another part of you sees the truth."
Legolas fell to his knees as mental and emotional blow after blow was taken, and the weight sunk him down. Old doubts started to flicker once more and soon another brick was added to the pile as the guilt of his Mother's death returned. Legolas felt his hand get grasped by something cold, and looked down and saw his brother. In that final connection between the two brothers Legolas felt the spark of life leave his brother as his soul left.
Before Valin's final journey began he whispered into the wind. " stay strong brother do not let grief claim you liked it claimed me. Only too late I realized my mistake and for that no amount of me saying sorry will make what I did to you right, but with my heart and soul, my very being, I am sorry. I love you Legolas, and I blame you for nothing." With that final confession and prayer Valin's soul was set free and set off to Mandos.
Legolas heard the wind whisper the words of his brother, but they did little to ease his torment. Years later Legolas still couldn't recall how he dragged himself away from that area, or how he managed to catch up with the fellowship just when they entered the woods of Lorien. He followed the others as the archers of Lorien led them towards the lady of the woods.
All noted the change in the prince of Mirkwood when he strayed away alone leaving the meeting with the Lord and Lady early. None was more worried or concerned then Aragorn.
Night fell and Legolas still didn't return to the camp. The elf leaned against a tree on the board of Lorien. He took of his tunic and tore off the white bandages covering his stomach. The dagger wound was just only beginning to heal, but he ran a finger over the thin scab and pressed his finger deep into the wound and reopened it. The waterfall of crimson seeped from the wound and made its way down his body. He pulled his finger back sticky with his own blood as he sank down to the earth. He rested his back against the tree and let himself bleed.
The damage had been done, and orcs not far away smelled the sweet blood of the elf. The small band of orcs moved forwards towards the elf. The wretched beings felt the fair beings sorrow and grief. " This is the elf." Grysc, the leader of the band said in a gruff voice.
If Legolas heard the voice of the orc that stood a few feet away he made no response towards the foul sound. Indeed this elf felt or saw nothing as he fell back into the darkness of his mind. Still no response was made even as the orcs bound him and dragged his limp body away. When he next became aware of his surroundings once more he found himself in the darkness of the dungeons, but when he tried to move he found he was bound to a table. White-hot pain lashed through his torso and he bit his lip hard against a scream as he stopped moving.
The following morning of the day the fellowship would set off from Lorien Aragorn walked alone through the forest in the early morning hours. A feeling of unease rose in the pit of his stomach as not a whisper of the wind rose across the silent forest, and that unnerved the ranger even more as he walked. " Legolas? It's time to leave."
No response was made towards Aragorn's frantic calls, but it was then that he noticed the crimson blood spilled on the ground. " Legolas..." He knelt down and studied the ground intently and noticed the orcs trampled footsteps as well as the elf's tunic. " No!" Aragorn shouted.
TBC....
Deana: Here's chap three!
leggylover: I'm glad you are enjoying the story so far here is chapter 3.
