Sorry about the last chapter. I know it kinda stunk. Hopefully I can make
up for it.
Disclaimer: Not mine. As much as I wish I could say I owned Legolas, I don't.
The Silent Prince
Chapter 6: Somewhere I Belong
Legolas awoke with the dawn next morning, and, after a hearty breakfast, the Fellowship was once again on its way.
Even the hobbits, naive and full of innocence, could sense that something had passed between the two Elves, something unpleasant. Ylana stayed close to Aragorn's side. Legolas never said a word. The few times that Ylana *did* speak to him, she only addressed him by title, never by name.
This saddened Frodo. He knew that the two had grown quite fond of each other in the days that Ylana had been with them. To see these two beautiful beings being cold and ignoring each other was disheartening indeed.
Ylana, at least, was doing her best to keep in good spirits. "Come, Frodo," she said, flashing him a smile. "Why the sad face? It is a beautiful day, there is not an Orc in sight, and we are drawing ever closer to safety."
Frodo blinked up at her. She reminds me of Sam, he thought with a smile. Always optimistic. Always looking on the bright side of things.
She laughed in delight. "That's much better," she said with a wink, then turned as Aragorn whispered something into her ear.
Legolas stayed in the very back of the group, watching his friends with misery. Just a reminder of why I am here, he told himself sternly. I am here to defend the hobbit. To put my deadly skills to good use. I am not to be heard. I am the Silent Prince.
I only wish it did not hurt so.
Aragorn, who had just whispered something to Ylana, turned and allowed Legolas to reach his side. He didn't say a word to the Elf, just matched his stride so that they were walking side by side.
Legolas kept his gaze forward, head held high. He and Aragorn were best friends, but the Man and Ylana were obviously closer. It caused a twinge of jealousy in his heart, a feeling that he was unused to. But he didn't want to show it, to make the others think he was weak. Elves rarely showed their emotions. One look at Aragorn, though, and he had no doubt that the walls he had worked so hard to build would crumble.
After a few moments, a hand landed on the Elf's shoulder. "Legolas, lasta enni," Aragorn murmured. (1) "Met baur ped." (2)
"Na man?" he asked calmly, eyes still forward. (3) "Im nautha i a Ylana innas garo nad na ped od." (4)
Aragorn sighed and shook his head. "Legolas, don't be angry with her. She meant no harm. And she is worried about you. We all are."
Legolas laughed. It was not his usual, musical laugh, but a cold, heartless one. "Worried, is she? If she's so worried then why has she been treating me as if I'm an Orc all morning?"
"She is trying to give you room," the Man answered. "After yesterday, she thought it would be better if you stayed away from her for awhile. That's all."
"So she alienates me?" The Elf's tone was mocking.
"You have alienated yourself!" Aragorn was growing angry. *Damn* the Elf and his stubbornness! "You practically fold in on yourself every morning. You'd hardly spoken a word before Ylana came. No one knows how to deal with you. Even I don't, and your my best friend. You won't let any of us close enough to find out how."
That struck a nerve. "And why should I?" Legolas shouted, not caring if the others heard. "If you had gone through what I did, you wouldn't want to let anyone close to you, either."
Aragorn sighed, all anger in his face leaving to be replaced by concern. By now, both had come to a complete standstill, facing each other. Gandalf had lead the others deeper into the forest, out of earshot. "What happened to you, Legolas?" he asked softly. "You were aggressive at the Council, which is unusual in itself. Now you barely speak at all. You've changed so much."
His companion snorted. "You'd be surprised at how little I've changed..."
"Then tell me!" Aragorn pleaded. "Let me help you."
Silence.
"Do you remember what we were talking about the other day? About how you didn't want to burden us? Know this. Before you can take on any of our burdens, you must be rid of your own. Why won't you?"
Legolas stepped forward till their faces were only inches apart and stared into Aragorn's eyes, piercing blue locked with steel gray. "Because," he said softly, "this is a burden that only I can bear. No one else. Not even you."
With that, he stepped back and bowed to Aragorn while touching his heart respectfully, then extended his hand outward. Without another word, he turned and walked off, following the path the rest of the Company had taken deeper into the forest.
As Gandalf led them further away from the Man and Elf, Ylana felt her despair grow.
I have lost Legolas's friendship, and now I fear he will shun Aragorn as well. Perhaps I should leave, before I cause any more damage. Yes, that is what I will do. I shall see them safely to Terin, spend a day with Estel, then quietly slip away. Legolas shall see me no more, and perhaps everything will be better.
Her keen senses picked out the sounds of approaching footsteps, and her hand gripped the hilt of Dolinril. She released it, though, when it was Legolas that rejoined the Company.
"My liege," she said, dipping her head. "Where is Aragorn?"
"I assume he will be along shortly," the male Elf answered crisply. His eyes, usually bright with the light of the sun, were dull and blank. "He has much to ponder."
Ylana felt her heart sink. "I see," she said her voice steady. They have shared harsh words... "Perhaps we should use this opportunity to have our midday meal," she said, turning to Gandalf. "For Arien is now halfway through her journey, and the Sun hangs at its zenith."
"I agree," the wizard said, exchanging a look with the female Elf that said he understood her real reason for wanting to stop as the hobbits sank to the ground with happy sighs. "I will stay here and make sure that there is no trouble."
"I will scout ahead," Ylana answered. "For, unless my memory and direction fail me, we are entering a part of the forest that is dangerous for all creatures that walk in the Light of Good."
Boromir looked at her in concern. "I do not doubt your direction or memory, fair Lady. Would you like for me to accompany you? Gandalf and Legolas shall be more than adequate protection for the hobbits. And I'm sure Aragorn will be returning soon."
She smiled and shook her head. "Nay, dear Boromir. I shall be fine, and not gone long. But your offer touches me." She bowed, touching her heart and extending her hand towards him. Then she turned and disappeared into the trees.
Aragorn still stood where Legolas had left him, lost in thought. He knew he should return to the others, but they were as safe as possible for the moment. He needed some time alone, time to gather his thoughts.
Something terrible had happened to Legolas. Aragorn had no doubt of that. Nothing else, he knew, would make his friend behave the way he had.
The Ranger had first noticed that something was amiss back at the Council of Elrond. Never in all his years had he seen Legolas be so assertive. He could be persuasive when need be, yes, but he very rarely raised his voice, preferring to use reason and common sense to lure people to his side rather than violence. Aragorn had been deeply touched by the Elf's defense of him at the Council, but had been surprised when Legolas kept hounding Boromir, backing down only when Aragorn asked him to.
Then, as the Company began its journey, Aragorn watched as Legolas retreated into himself, perhaps speaking one or two whole sentences a day. Though Elves were withdrawn by nature, Legolas had always been the one with a cheerful song or kind word. The Man found his friend's silence disturbing.
Then came this business with Ylana. Legolas had begun to open up around her, much to Aragorn's delight. Then, once she had begun to get too close, he had shut down again. Now he was cold, hateful. And that hurt Aragorn more than anything.
I wish I knew what had happened to him, Aragorn thought. Then I could help him. I can't stand to see him like this. So tormented, so alone...
He shook his head. But how? He won't let anyone close to him. Ylana proved that. The second she started to get personal, he folded in on himself worse than before. He kicked the ground angrily. By the Valar, he's my best friend. I only want to help him! Some king *I'd* make...
With a sigh, he turned and walked in the direction that Legolas had taken. Might as well head back. I'm not going to do any good standing here.
Legolas took his food and sat apart from the rest of the group. He needed to think, and he had no desire to be close to anyone. Not now.
Look at what you've managed to do, he told himself angrily. Now, not only is Ylana treating you like some kind of evil creature, but Aragorn, your closest friend, doesn't know how to act around you. You've driven everyone off.
I don't care. I told myself when Elrond appointed me to go on this Quest that I would let no one get close to me. That I would remain silent so as not to again be betrayed. I fear that, if that happens, I will not be able to take it. When I thought that Ylana had read my memories...
He stopped as his ears picked out the faint sound of crunching leaves. Almost without thinking, he reached back for one of his white-handled knives. His hand dropped, though, when it was Aragorn that entered the camp.
The Ranger nodded to the Elf before sitting at the fire by Gandalf's side. Legolas wanted to be left alone, and he would acknowledge that.
Legolas, seeing that there was no danger, turned again to his thoughts. I wish I had not been chosen for this Quest, he though miserably. But what was I to do? It was either accompany the hobbit on this perilous journey, or return home to Mirkwood. And that I cannot do. Not yet.
The Elf couldn't help but think about his father. I wonder what Annolir has told him? What lies he has spread? If I were to return home, would I be welcomed? Or would everyone shun me? How would Annolir treat me? Would he be truly sorry, beg for my forgiveness, and admit to Father that he had lost control and had been the one who attacked me? Or would he remain cruel, threatening me with more beatings if I told or did anything to displease him?
If it came to it, who would Father believe? Me, or his elder son who will one day become king?
Suddenly, he felt the hairs on the back of neck stand up, aware of something lurking in the forest, something evil and definitely not human. He quickly pushed his food away and rose to his feet, pulling out an arrow and fitting it to his bow as his eyes scanned the woods.
Aragorn, who had been watching his friend out of the corner of his eye, noticed this and also rose. "Legolas?" he called softly. "What is wrong?"
"I am not sure," was the Elf's reply. "There is an evil presence in these woods, though I know not yet what it be."
Aragron cursed as he drew out Anduril. "Gimli, Boromir, fan out. The rest of you, stay close to Gandalf. But keep your swords at ready! Let us pray that Ylana senses the danger as well, for we cannot risk calling out to her."
Legolas felt a strange sort of excitement pass over him. At last, he thought. A battle! I am ready for whatever it is that comes.
Aragorn appeared at his side. "Do you know yet what horror is upon us?" he asked quietly, sword held at the ready.
Legolas started to shake his head, but stopped as his Elvish eyes spotted the huge, hairy beasts that were still a good ten leagues off, yet making their way steadily towards the Company's camp.
In one swift movement, the Elf raised his bow and pulled the arrow back to his cheek, ready to let it fly at nay second.
"Wargs!" he hissed.
Ylana had been touched by Boromir's concern, and would have gladly taken up his offer, seeking companionship. But it had come at the wrong time, For now she wanted to be left alone with her thoughts.
Why did you have to go and invade his private sanctuary? she chided herself. Of course you were worried about him, but you could have waited until later to confront him. Now you've not only lost his friendship, but you've cause he and Aragorn to be at odds with one another. You never should have come here!
She shook her head. You know you couldn't stay behind. Not when you knew Aragorn was in trouble and had no way of knowing. Not when you knew you could save someone. Not when you made that promise to your brother. Besides, you've never been able to refuse Arwen anything. In one of the twins had asked, then you might have been able to say no. But not Arwen.
She absently twirled her bow in her hands. Something about these woods didn't seem right, but she couldn't put her finger on it. Not yet.
I wondered what happened to him to cause him to retreat into the back of his mind? It must be terrible indeed, for he has told no one, choosing instead to bear his pain and anger alone. If only I could take some of that pain away...
But she was no Elf-lord like Glorfindel. Nor was she a great healer like Elrond. She was only a simple warrior, who now had no hope of helping Legolas with his burden, thanks to her invasion of his privacy.
She came to a halt, her eyes scanning the forest warily as she reached for an arrow. There is something evil here. I can sense it. Perhaps I should return to the others before----
But she was too late in her thinking. A loud roar followed by shouts arose from the direction of the camp.
Swift as a deer, she turned and ran back the way she had come, arrow notched and ready, praying that she would not be too late in her actions as well.
(1)Legolas, lasta enni----------Legolas, listen to me
(2)Met baur ped----------------We need to speak
(3)Na man?---------------------Of what?
(4)Im nautha i a Ylana innas garo nad na ped od-----I think you and Ylana will have more to speak of.
Disclaimer: Not mine. As much as I wish I could say I owned Legolas, I don't.
The Silent Prince
Chapter 6: Somewhere I Belong
Legolas awoke with the dawn next morning, and, after a hearty breakfast, the Fellowship was once again on its way.
Even the hobbits, naive and full of innocence, could sense that something had passed between the two Elves, something unpleasant. Ylana stayed close to Aragorn's side. Legolas never said a word. The few times that Ylana *did* speak to him, she only addressed him by title, never by name.
This saddened Frodo. He knew that the two had grown quite fond of each other in the days that Ylana had been with them. To see these two beautiful beings being cold and ignoring each other was disheartening indeed.
Ylana, at least, was doing her best to keep in good spirits. "Come, Frodo," she said, flashing him a smile. "Why the sad face? It is a beautiful day, there is not an Orc in sight, and we are drawing ever closer to safety."
Frodo blinked up at her. She reminds me of Sam, he thought with a smile. Always optimistic. Always looking on the bright side of things.
She laughed in delight. "That's much better," she said with a wink, then turned as Aragorn whispered something into her ear.
Legolas stayed in the very back of the group, watching his friends with misery. Just a reminder of why I am here, he told himself sternly. I am here to defend the hobbit. To put my deadly skills to good use. I am not to be heard. I am the Silent Prince.
I only wish it did not hurt so.
Aragorn, who had just whispered something to Ylana, turned and allowed Legolas to reach his side. He didn't say a word to the Elf, just matched his stride so that they were walking side by side.
Legolas kept his gaze forward, head held high. He and Aragorn were best friends, but the Man and Ylana were obviously closer. It caused a twinge of jealousy in his heart, a feeling that he was unused to. But he didn't want to show it, to make the others think he was weak. Elves rarely showed their emotions. One look at Aragorn, though, and he had no doubt that the walls he had worked so hard to build would crumble.
After a few moments, a hand landed on the Elf's shoulder. "Legolas, lasta enni," Aragorn murmured. (1) "Met baur ped." (2)
"Na man?" he asked calmly, eyes still forward. (3) "Im nautha i a Ylana innas garo nad na ped od." (4)
Aragorn sighed and shook his head. "Legolas, don't be angry with her. She meant no harm. And she is worried about you. We all are."
Legolas laughed. It was not his usual, musical laugh, but a cold, heartless one. "Worried, is she? If she's so worried then why has she been treating me as if I'm an Orc all morning?"
"She is trying to give you room," the Man answered. "After yesterday, she thought it would be better if you stayed away from her for awhile. That's all."
"So she alienates me?" The Elf's tone was mocking.
"You have alienated yourself!" Aragorn was growing angry. *Damn* the Elf and his stubbornness! "You practically fold in on yourself every morning. You'd hardly spoken a word before Ylana came. No one knows how to deal with you. Even I don't, and your my best friend. You won't let any of us close enough to find out how."
That struck a nerve. "And why should I?" Legolas shouted, not caring if the others heard. "If you had gone through what I did, you wouldn't want to let anyone close to you, either."
Aragorn sighed, all anger in his face leaving to be replaced by concern. By now, both had come to a complete standstill, facing each other. Gandalf had lead the others deeper into the forest, out of earshot. "What happened to you, Legolas?" he asked softly. "You were aggressive at the Council, which is unusual in itself. Now you barely speak at all. You've changed so much."
His companion snorted. "You'd be surprised at how little I've changed..."
"Then tell me!" Aragorn pleaded. "Let me help you."
Silence.
"Do you remember what we were talking about the other day? About how you didn't want to burden us? Know this. Before you can take on any of our burdens, you must be rid of your own. Why won't you?"
Legolas stepped forward till their faces were only inches apart and stared into Aragorn's eyes, piercing blue locked with steel gray. "Because," he said softly, "this is a burden that only I can bear. No one else. Not even you."
With that, he stepped back and bowed to Aragorn while touching his heart respectfully, then extended his hand outward. Without another word, he turned and walked off, following the path the rest of the Company had taken deeper into the forest.
As Gandalf led them further away from the Man and Elf, Ylana felt her despair grow.
I have lost Legolas's friendship, and now I fear he will shun Aragorn as well. Perhaps I should leave, before I cause any more damage. Yes, that is what I will do. I shall see them safely to Terin, spend a day with Estel, then quietly slip away. Legolas shall see me no more, and perhaps everything will be better.
Her keen senses picked out the sounds of approaching footsteps, and her hand gripped the hilt of Dolinril. She released it, though, when it was Legolas that rejoined the Company.
"My liege," she said, dipping her head. "Where is Aragorn?"
"I assume he will be along shortly," the male Elf answered crisply. His eyes, usually bright with the light of the sun, were dull and blank. "He has much to ponder."
Ylana felt her heart sink. "I see," she said her voice steady. They have shared harsh words... "Perhaps we should use this opportunity to have our midday meal," she said, turning to Gandalf. "For Arien is now halfway through her journey, and the Sun hangs at its zenith."
"I agree," the wizard said, exchanging a look with the female Elf that said he understood her real reason for wanting to stop as the hobbits sank to the ground with happy sighs. "I will stay here and make sure that there is no trouble."
"I will scout ahead," Ylana answered. "For, unless my memory and direction fail me, we are entering a part of the forest that is dangerous for all creatures that walk in the Light of Good."
Boromir looked at her in concern. "I do not doubt your direction or memory, fair Lady. Would you like for me to accompany you? Gandalf and Legolas shall be more than adequate protection for the hobbits. And I'm sure Aragorn will be returning soon."
She smiled and shook her head. "Nay, dear Boromir. I shall be fine, and not gone long. But your offer touches me." She bowed, touching her heart and extending her hand towards him. Then she turned and disappeared into the trees.
Aragorn still stood where Legolas had left him, lost in thought. He knew he should return to the others, but they were as safe as possible for the moment. He needed some time alone, time to gather his thoughts.
Something terrible had happened to Legolas. Aragorn had no doubt of that. Nothing else, he knew, would make his friend behave the way he had.
The Ranger had first noticed that something was amiss back at the Council of Elrond. Never in all his years had he seen Legolas be so assertive. He could be persuasive when need be, yes, but he very rarely raised his voice, preferring to use reason and common sense to lure people to his side rather than violence. Aragorn had been deeply touched by the Elf's defense of him at the Council, but had been surprised when Legolas kept hounding Boromir, backing down only when Aragorn asked him to.
Then, as the Company began its journey, Aragorn watched as Legolas retreated into himself, perhaps speaking one or two whole sentences a day. Though Elves were withdrawn by nature, Legolas had always been the one with a cheerful song or kind word. The Man found his friend's silence disturbing.
Then came this business with Ylana. Legolas had begun to open up around her, much to Aragorn's delight. Then, once she had begun to get too close, he had shut down again. Now he was cold, hateful. And that hurt Aragorn more than anything.
I wish I knew what had happened to him, Aragorn thought. Then I could help him. I can't stand to see him like this. So tormented, so alone...
He shook his head. But how? He won't let anyone close to him. Ylana proved that. The second she started to get personal, he folded in on himself worse than before. He kicked the ground angrily. By the Valar, he's my best friend. I only want to help him! Some king *I'd* make...
With a sigh, he turned and walked in the direction that Legolas had taken. Might as well head back. I'm not going to do any good standing here.
Legolas took his food and sat apart from the rest of the group. He needed to think, and he had no desire to be close to anyone. Not now.
Look at what you've managed to do, he told himself angrily. Now, not only is Ylana treating you like some kind of evil creature, but Aragorn, your closest friend, doesn't know how to act around you. You've driven everyone off.
I don't care. I told myself when Elrond appointed me to go on this Quest that I would let no one get close to me. That I would remain silent so as not to again be betrayed. I fear that, if that happens, I will not be able to take it. When I thought that Ylana had read my memories...
He stopped as his ears picked out the faint sound of crunching leaves. Almost without thinking, he reached back for one of his white-handled knives. His hand dropped, though, when it was Aragorn that entered the camp.
The Ranger nodded to the Elf before sitting at the fire by Gandalf's side. Legolas wanted to be left alone, and he would acknowledge that.
Legolas, seeing that there was no danger, turned again to his thoughts. I wish I had not been chosen for this Quest, he though miserably. But what was I to do? It was either accompany the hobbit on this perilous journey, or return home to Mirkwood. And that I cannot do. Not yet.
The Elf couldn't help but think about his father. I wonder what Annolir has told him? What lies he has spread? If I were to return home, would I be welcomed? Or would everyone shun me? How would Annolir treat me? Would he be truly sorry, beg for my forgiveness, and admit to Father that he had lost control and had been the one who attacked me? Or would he remain cruel, threatening me with more beatings if I told or did anything to displease him?
If it came to it, who would Father believe? Me, or his elder son who will one day become king?
Suddenly, he felt the hairs on the back of neck stand up, aware of something lurking in the forest, something evil and definitely not human. He quickly pushed his food away and rose to his feet, pulling out an arrow and fitting it to his bow as his eyes scanned the woods.
Aragorn, who had been watching his friend out of the corner of his eye, noticed this and also rose. "Legolas?" he called softly. "What is wrong?"
"I am not sure," was the Elf's reply. "There is an evil presence in these woods, though I know not yet what it be."
Aragron cursed as he drew out Anduril. "Gimli, Boromir, fan out. The rest of you, stay close to Gandalf. But keep your swords at ready! Let us pray that Ylana senses the danger as well, for we cannot risk calling out to her."
Legolas felt a strange sort of excitement pass over him. At last, he thought. A battle! I am ready for whatever it is that comes.
Aragorn appeared at his side. "Do you know yet what horror is upon us?" he asked quietly, sword held at the ready.
Legolas started to shake his head, but stopped as his Elvish eyes spotted the huge, hairy beasts that were still a good ten leagues off, yet making their way steadily towards the Company's camp.
In one swift movement, the Elf raised his bow and pulled the arrow back to his cheek, ready to let it fly at nay second.
"Wargs!" he hissed.
Ylana had been touched by Boromir's concern, and would have gladly taken up his offer, seeking companionship. But it had come at the wrong time, For now she wanted to be left alone with her thoughts.
Why did you have to go and invade his private sanctuary? she chided herself. Of course you were worried about him, but you could have waited until later to confront him. Now you've not only lost his friendship, but you've cause he and Aragorn to be at odds with one another. You never should have come here!
She shook her head. You know you couldn't stay behind. Not when you knew Aragorn was in trouble and had no way of knowing. Not when you knew you could save someone. Not when you made that promise to your brother. Besides, you've never been able to refuse Arwen anything. In one of the twins had asked, then you might have been able to say no. But not Arwen.
She absently twirled her bow in her hands. Something about these woods didn't seem right, but she couldn't put her finger on it. Not yet.
I wondered what happened to him to cause him to retreat into the back of his mind? It must be terrible indeed, for he has told no one, choosing instead to bear his pain and anger alone. If only I could take some of that pain away...
But she was no Elf-lord like Glorfindel. Nor was she a great healer like Elrond. She was only a simple warrior, who now had no hope of helping Legolas with his burden, thanks to her invasion of his privacy.
She came to a halt, her eyes scanning the forest warily as she reached for an arrow. There is something evil here. I can sense it. Perhaps I should return to the others before----
But she was too late in her thinking. A loud roar followed by shouts arose from the direction of the camp.
Swift as a deer, she turned and ran back the way she had come, arrow notched and ready, praying that she would not be too late in her actions as well.
(1)Legolas, lasta enni----------Legolas, listen to me
(2)Met baur ped----------------We need to speak
(3)Na man?---------------------Of what?
(4)Im nautha i a Ylana innas garo nad na ped od-----I think you and Ylana will have more to speak of.