Thanks to all those who reviewed! Makes me feel all special. I'm now up to twenty! *Does happy dance* They like me! They really, really like me!
I have now seen 'Pirates of the Caribbean' a grand total of five times. Orlando just gets better looking each time. Yummy.... Wonderful, wonderful movie.
Disclaimer: I hope by now that you've figured out that I don't own these guys. You're all a bunch of smart people. I'm just borrowing them for fun.
The Silent Prince
Chapter 11: The Parting Ways
Howls of gleeful Uruk-hai filled the forest, shaking the tops of the trees. But they were all drowned out by the cry of one human Ranger. He knew what those howls meant.
They had Legolas.
As the Orcs began to peel away and disappear back into the forest, one stopped to leer at Aragorn. "You've *failed*, human," it sneered. "Now Saruman has the tree-hugger."
With another strangled cry, Aragorn made a wild swing. The Orc ducked and, laughing wildly, followed the others.
Boromir slung his shield over his shoulder and went running off in the direction that Legolas and Ylana had disappeared in. He had no doubt that they had failed to protect the prince, but his mind was on the she-Elf. He had to find her.
Back at the clearing, Aragorn had sunk to his knees, burying his head in his hands as tears burned his eyes. ~I've failed. Saruman has Legolas, and Ylana is most likely dead. I promised to protect them! How will I tell Arwen? Legolas... I wanted you to---~
"Aragorn! Come quick!"
The Ranger leapt to his feet at the shout, angrily fighting back tears. ~It's Boromir. There must be more Uruk-hai around. Or he's found something.~
He began stumbling towards the sound of Boromir's voice, the rest of the Fellowship following him. ~Got to get to him. Find Ylana. Help Boromir. Find Ylana.~
The tears leaked from the corners of his eyes no matter how hard he tried to fight them. His best friend in the whole world was gone, taken by an evil wizard who planned to do only Iluvatar-knew-what to him. Another of his closest friends was probably lying only a few feet away, dead.
He was so lost in his thoughts that he nearly tripped over Boromir, who was sitting on the ground. After blinking once or twice, Aragorn realized that the other human had someone's head in his lap. A head that was attached to a body clad in a green riding dress.
Aragorn fell to the ground across from Boromir, feeling as if he were about to be violently sick. ~No...~
Boromir's voice was gentle, but urgent. "Aragorn, she's *alive*. They didn't kill her."
The Ranger stared at his unconscious friend for a long moment as the words slowly sank in. "She's...alive? But *how*? Why didn't they kill her when they had a chance? They hate Elves. They would never willingly leave one alive. Unless..."
"Unless Saruman told them to leave everyone alive," Gandalf said grimly, coming to stand behind Boromir.
"I don't care why," Aragorn said firmly, tears leaving streaks on his face. "She's alive, and that's all the matters." He reached out and took her hand. "Come back, muin gwathel." (1)
Something glittered in the rising sun, catching Aragorn's eye. Turning his head to the left, he could just make out both of Legolas's white-handled knives lying on the ground. A quiver of arrows lay a short distance away, kept company by a broken bow.
His tears fell faster. ~Oh, Legolas...~
"Saruman must mean to keep Legolas alive," Gandalf muttered thoughtfully, causing Aragorn to turn his eyes to the old wizard. "Otherwise, he would've ordered the Uruk-hai to kill us on the spot. I don't know what sort of horrors the wizard will visit upon him, but there's still a chance."
Everyone was silent, but Aragorn felt his heart lift slightly at the Istari's last words. "Still a chance," he whispered to himself. "Still a chance..."
"'Tis what we get for traveling with Elves," Gimli muttered. "They're nothing but trouble."
Gandalf favored the Dwarf with a fond smile. "We're worried too, Gimli."
Gimli sputtered for a moment before muttering something under his breath, but Aragorn swore he saw color rise in the Dwarf's cheeks.
The hobbits hung back, looking shaken and worried. Now that the battle was over and the adrenaline gone, fear and realization of what they had just done began to settle in.
A soft groan drew everyone's attention back to the still figure lying in Boromir's lap. Ylana's eyes began to flutter as she slightly stirred.
Still holding her hand tightly, Aragorn reached out with his other hand gently brush a lock of hair from her face, whispering soothingly in Elvish.
As the others crowded in anxiously, Ylana slowly opened her eyes, blinking in the pale light of dawn. "Aragorn?" she said groggily. "Boromir? Where am I? Am I dead?"
A relieved laugh passed through the group. Ylana was going to be okay.
Aragorn smiled as he shook his head. "Nay, dear Ylana. You're still quite alive, thank the Valar. Though you do look as though you could use some patching up."
"Oh." She paused, and everyone caught their breath, knowing what was coming next. "Legolas is gone, isn't he? We---we tried to fight them off. But there were too many of them. I let my anger take me, and they hit." Her eyes quickly became silver pools. "I have failed him."
"Do not say such things," Boromir told her sternly. "We all fought to the best of our ability. We did everything we could to fight them off. Nobody failed anyone. When we find Legolas again, you will see that."
The Elf smiled fondly up at the human warrior. "Thank you, Boromir." Then she sighed and began to sit up. "We must move on. We must get through the Dark Spot before nightfall."
Aragorn gently pushed her back down. 'We are not going anywhere until I've had a chance to tend to your wounds. And anyone else's as well."
Ylana sighed, but did not struggle. "Just be quick. Terin's only a few days journey if we set a good pace."
Frodo stared at the injured Elf as Aragorn climbed to his feet. "What about Legolas?" the hobbit wanted to know. "What are we going to do about him?"
Ylana closed her eyes. "There's nothing we *can* do."
Frodo blinked at her. "What do you mean? There must be *something* we can do! Gandalf said that there is a good chance Legolas is still alive. Are we just going to leave him at the mercy of Saruman? I thought you cared about him!"
Ylana's eyes snapped open, and she turned to glare at the hobbit. She tried to get up, but Boromir held her down. "Of *course* I care for him," she snarled. "I've come to care about him more than my own life. But what would you have me to do? We can't just go waltzing up to Isengard, delivering the Ring to the White Wizard's front door. That's exactly what Saruman wants! Don't you see?"
Frodo was silent. ~We can't just abandon him!~
A heavy hand landed on his shoulder. Looking up, his eyes met those of a weary Ranger. "Come, Frodo. I left all my things back at the camp. I would be honored if you would accompany me."
The hobbit nodded and turned to follow him.
"Don't think too harshly of Ylana," Aragorn said softly. "She does truly care for him deeply. But she is a warrior. Her personal feelings cannot get in the way. She must do what's best for the entire group. Which means we must continue to Terin, even though her hear is screaming for her to go to Isengard. I know, because I feel the same way."
"Well, I'm the Ringbearer," Frodo replied stubbornly. "This is all my fault. I say we go to Isengard and rescue our friend."
Aragorn smiled, but shook his head. "Your bravery is commendable, my dear Frodo. And Legolas will be deeply touched to hear how concerned you were for him. But I'm afraid that I must agree with Ylana on this. Saruman's just waiting for us to come, to bring the Ring. That's the whole reason we changed courses, remember? We wanted to avoid coming too close to Isengard. Legolas would kill us all if we practically gave the Ring to Saruman because of him."
Frodo fell silent, but Aragorn knew that he was still upset at the decision that had been made. The Ranger couldn't blame him. His own heart was breaking at the idea.
"Look, Frodo. I'm as unhappy with this as you are. I want nothing more than to go chasing after those Orcs. Legolas has been my best friend all my life, and I want him back safe and sound. And, if it was only my life that was at risk, I would. But the lives of you and the rest of the Company are at stake. And so will be the lives of everyone in Middle-Earth should Saruman or Sauron get their hands on the Ring. So I will continue forward, and hope and pray that Legolas has the strength to withstand the evils of Saruman long enough for us to come to his rescue."
Aragorn was right, as much as Frodo hated to admit it. He didn't want to give Saruman the Ring, either. But leaving Legolas there to face whatever horrors the wizard could come up with alone went against every moral he'd ever been taught.
They stepped into the little grove that had been their campsite the night before. Bodies of dead Orcs lay strewn about like children's discarded dolls. Bill the Pony, who was tethered to a nearby tree, was trembling in fear. He began to whinny and roll his eyes wildly when Aragorn came near him. Only after a few minute of soothing words did he allow the Ranger to get close. "Help me repack everything, Frodo. Luckily, we didn't use very many things last night."
Frodo nodded and began gathering up the few utensils that Merry and Pippin had used the night before to make sandwiches.
Once they had everything back together, Aragorn took hold of Bill's bridle and the three began to slowly make their way back to the others, being sure to lead their faithful pony around the still-warm bodies.
"I want to know how Saruman was able to find us," Aragorn muttered, viscously kicking a helm emblazoned with a white hand. "People never come to the Dark Spot. They always go around it, though it takes them miles out of their way. And Ylana blocked Legolas's mind from him."
Frodo frowned. "Why is it the Dark Spot? Why is it so many dark and foul creatures gather in this one place?"
The Ranger shook his head. "No one really knows, Frodo. Some say this is where Melkor came before he left for the Void, and his evilness left a mark. Others say this is where Sauron came to plan his evil deeds when he tricked the Elves into making the Rings of Power. I doubt the true reason will ever be known."
"Is it really as bad as Ylana and Gandalf make it out to be? If so, then why don't we go around it like everyone else?"
"We haven't time to go around it," Aragorn answered. 'We must take the shortest path available, even if it is the most dangerous. The more we tarry, the closer Sauron is to victory. I do not wish to go this way, but know this. There is another, much more dangerous Road that we could take. And we have a wizard and Ylana's keen senses to aid us. I've no doubt that we can make it through unscathed."
Frodo managed a smile. "That's encouraging."
They found the others almost as they had left them. Ylana was still lying on the ground, conversing quietly with Boromir. Gimli and the other three hobbits were leaning against tree trunks, smoking. Gandalf sat off from everyone else, also smoking, a thoughtful look on his face. Aragorn had no doubt that the wizard was coming up with some sort of plan.
Sam was rejoiced to see his beloved pony. Merry and Pippin rejoiced at the thought of food. All three hobbits scrambled towards Bill, but Aragorn held them back long enough for him to get his herbs and everything else he'd thought he might need. Then he moved to Ylana's side.
The Elf turned her eyes to her friend, and Aragorn was happy to see a smile on her face. "Ah, Estel. Boromir has been telling me the most wondrous stories of Gondor and the White City."
"I still can't believe you've never been there," the human warrior said with a fond smile. "When this is all over, I'd be honored to take you there."
"And I'd be honored to go. I would like to see if these stories of yours are true."
"I'm sure they are," Aragorn said, moving to inspect Ylana's arm wound. "Minas Tirith is a city of wonders. Now, hold still and let me help you."
She rolled her eyes, but said nothing as Aragorn got to work. "You have already seen my fair city. It's waterfalls, statues, structures... It is only fair that I see yours as well."
"And I hope that it will not disappoint you. While we humans cannot even began to hope to match the beauty of you Elves, I believe Minas Tirith is a shinning example of the beauty of my people."
"Do not doubt the worth of your race," Ylana told him sternly. "You're beginning to sound like Aragorn in that respect."
Boromir raised an eyebrow at his human companion, but the Ranger ducked as a blush spread across his cheeks. He knew exactly what Ylana was referring to...
//"They're all going to look to me to make things right. My ancestors have already proven that we are weak. What could I do, Ylana? I fear that, by becoming their leader, I'd do more harm than good."//
Aragorn couldn't help it. It had been his forefather, Isildur, who had refused to destroy the Ring. He was the one who had allowed evil to continue in the world. And his blood ran through Aragorn's veins. Would he make the same mistakes? Or would he be able to redeem his bloodline? It was too scary to think about.
Ylana winced slightly as Aragorn applied his herbs. "Most Elves don't think too much of Men. They see them as weak, cowardly. *They* were not the chosen of Iluvatar, and that makes them inferior."
Aragorn chuckled. "She speaks the truth. It took me many a long year to earn the respect of most of the Rivendell Elves, even if I was the foster-son of their lord. Even then, only a few treated me as an equal."
Boromir lifted an eyebrow at the Elf. "I take it you do not share this outlook with your kin?"
Ylana shook her head, earning her an exasperated sigh and warning look from Aragorn. "I've always been fascinated by humans. While it's true your lives are much shorter than that of Elves, the things you manage to do in that time... Every time a human came to Rivendell---which was seldom---I would beg Lord Elrond to let me speak with them. I wanted to *learn* from them." She grinned. "That is one of the reasons I latched on to Aragorn so quickly."
The Ranger pouted as he finished tying a bandage around her head. "Is that it? I thought it was my charming personality. Oh, well. You can get up now."
Ylana slowly climbed to her feet, wincing as two invisible hammers smashed into the sides of her head. As the others watched, she strode over to where Legolas's discarded weapons lay and knelt. ~Forgive me, Gallas,~ she thought as she reached out for the twin knives. ~I have failed you and broken my promise. But I swear, right here and now, that I will do everything in my power to return these to Legolas.~
With that, she stood and jammed Legolas's knives into her belt. Then she scooped up his quiver and broken bow. These she added to the luggage already strapped on to Bill's back. This done, she turned to Aragorn and nodded. "Let's go."
Aragorn nodded in return. "Right then. Gimli, on your feet. And keep your ax ready. Who know what we're about to come against."
"Wait."
Everyone stopped and turned in surprise to the wizard, who was now standing and surveying the Company.
"Wait?" Aragorn questioned. "Gandalf, we must move on. You are the one who will not let us pass through the Dark Spot at night. If we do not hurry, we may end up doing just that."
Gandalf raised a hand, and the Ranger immediatly fell silent. "I understand your eagerness to be off, Aragorn, but I have a proposition that you should hear." His eyes twinkled. "I believe you will find it...acceptable."
The wizard paused and glanced off in the direction of the Dark Spot. "Terin is only a two day journey from here, just as Ylana said earlier. I believe that Gimli and I should be enough protection for the hobbits in the Dark Spot. I'm hoping that we can make it through unnoticed."
Aragorn blinked. "You and Gimli? What about the rest of us? Surely you don't mean for us to part ways!"
Gandalf nodded. "That's exactly what I *do* mean. You, Boromir, and Ylana are the best suited for the journey to Isengard."
Ylana came to stand by Aragorn. "Isenagrd," she said softly. "Are you sure?" Her face was impassive, but Aragorn could see the hope in her eyes. He didn't need a mirror to know that the same look was in his eyes as well.
Gandalf nodded, a smile stretching across his face. "Quite sure, my dear Elf. We should be able to make it to Terin without much difficulty. And I, too, would like to see friend Legolas back among us, safe. The sound of his voice does a heart good."
Ylana bowed deeply. "Thank you, Mithrandir," she whispered. Then she turned to Aragorn, a smile stretched across her face.
The Ranger smiled in response, feeling his heart pound in excitement and hope.
They were going to get Legolas back
----------------------------------
(1)Muin gwathel--------my sister
I have now seen 'Pirates of the Caribbean' a grand total of five times. Orlando just gets better looking each time. Yummy.... Wonderful, wonderful movie.
Disclaimer: I hope by now that you've figured out that I don't own these guys. You're all a bunch of smart people. I'm just borrowing them for fun.
The Silent Prince
Chapter 11: The Parting Ways
Howls of gleeful Uruk-hai filled the forest, shaking the tops of the trees. But they were all drowned out by the cry of one human Ranger. He knew what those howls meant.
They had Legolas.
As the Orcs began to peel away and disappear back into the forest, one stopped to leer at Aragorn. "You've *failed*, human," it sneered. "Now Saruman has the tree-hugger."
With another strangled cry, Aragorn made a wild swing. The Orc ducked and, laughing wildly, followed the others.
Boromir slung his shield over his shoulder and went running off in the direction that Legolas and Ylana had disappeared in. He had no doubt that they had failed to protect the prince, but his mind was on the she-Elf. He had to find her.
Back at the clearing, Aragorn had sunk to his knees, burying his head in his hands as tears burned his eyes. ~I've failed. Saruman has Legolas, and Ylana is most likely dead. I promised to protect them! How will I tell Arwen? Legolas... I wanted you to---~
"Aragorn! Come quick!"
The Ranger leapt to his feet at the shout, angrily fighting back tears. ~It's Boromir. There must be more Uruk-hai around. Or he's found something.~
He began stumbling towards the sound of Boromir's voice, the rest of the Fellowship following him. ~Got to get to him. Find Ylana. Help Boromir. Find Ylana.~
The tears leaked from the corners of his eyes no matter how hard he tried to fight them. His best friend in the whole world was gone, taken by an evil wizard who planned to do only Iluvatar-knew-what to him. Another of his closest friends was probably lying only a few feet away, dead.
He was so lost in his thoughts that he nearly tripped over Boromir, who was sitting on the ground. After blinking once or twice, Aragorn realized that the other human had someone's head in his lap. A head that was attached to a body clad in a green riding dress.
Aragorn fell to the ground across from Boromir, feeling as if he were about to be violently sick. ~No...~
Boromir's voice was gentle, but urgent. "Aragorn, she's *alive*. They didn't kill her."
The Ranger stared at his unconscious friend for a long moment as the words slowly sank in. "She's...alive? But *how*? Why didn't they kill her when they had a chance? They hate Elves. They would never willingly leave one alive. Unless..."
"Unless Saruman told them to leave everyone alive," Gandalf said grimly, coming to stand behind Boromir.
"I don't care why," Aragorn said firmly, tears leaving streaks on his face. "She's alive, and that's all the matters." He reached out and took her hand. "Come back, muin gwathel." (1)
Something glittered in the rising sun, catching Aragorn's eye. Turning his head to the left, he could just make out both of Legolas's white-handled knives lying on the ground. A quiver of arrows lay a short distance away, kept company by a broken bow.
His tears fell faster. ~Oh, Legolas...~
"Saruman must mean to keep Legolas alive," Gandalf muttered thoughtfully, causing Aragorn to turn his eyes to the old wizard. "Otherwise, he would've ordered the Uruk-hai to kill us on the spot. I don't know what sort of horrors the wizard will visit upon him, but there's still a chance."
Everyone was silent, but Aragorn felt his heart lift slightly at the Istari's last words. "Still a chance," he whispered to himself. "Still a chance..."
"'Tis what we get for traveling with Elves," Gimli muttered. "They're nothing but trouble."
Gandalf favored the Dwarf with a fond smile. "We're worried too, Gimli."
Gimli sputtered for a moment before muttering something under his breath, but Aragorn swore he saw color rise in the Dwarf's cheeks.
The hobbits hung back, looking shaken and worried. Now that the battle was over and the adrenaline gone, fear and realization of what they had just done began to settle in.
A soft groan drew everyone's attention back to the still figure lying in Boromir's lap. Ylana's eyes began to flutter as she slightly stirred.
Still holding her hand tightly, Aragorn reached out with his other hand gently brush a lock of hair from her face, whispering soothingly in Elvish.
As the others crowded in anxiously, Ylana slowly opened her eyes, blinking in the pale light of dawn. "Aragorn?" she said groggily. "Boromir? Where am I? Am I dead?"
A relieved laugh passed through the group. Ylana was going to be okay.
Aragorn smiled as he shook his head. "Nay, dear Ylana. You're still quite alive, thank the Valar. Though you do look as though you could use some patching up."
"Oh." She paused, and everyone caught their breath, knowing what was coming next. "Legolas is gone, isn't he? We---we tried to fight them off. But there were too many of them. I let my anger take me, and they hit." Her eyes quickly became silver pools. "I have failed him."
"Do not say such things," Boromir told her sternly. "We all fought to the best of our ability. We did everything we could to fight them off. Nobody failed anyone. When we find Legolas again, you will see that."
The Elf smiled fondly up at the human warrior. "Thank you, Boromir." Then she sighed and began to sit up. "We must move on. We must get through the Dark Spot before nightfall."
Aragorn gently pushed her back down. 'We are not going anywhere until I've had a chance to tend to your wounds. And anyone else's as well."
Ylana sighed, but did not struggle. "Just be quick. Terin's only a few days journey if we set a good pace."
Frodo stared at the injured Elf as Aragorn climbed to his feet. "What about Legolas?" the hobbit wanted to know. "What are we going to do about him?"
Ylana closed her eyes. "There's nothing we *can* do."
Frodo blinked at her. "What do you mean? There must be *something* we can do! Gandalf said that there is a good chance Legolas is still alive. Are we just going to leave him at the mercy of Saruman? I thought you cared about him!"
Ylana's eyes snapped open, and she turned to glare at the hobbit. She tried to get up, but Boromir held her down. "Of *course* I care for him," she snarled. "I've come to care about him more than my own life. But what would you have me to do? We can't just go waltzing up to Isengard, delivering the Ring to the White Wizard's front door. That's exactly what Saruman wants! Don't you see?"
Frodo was silent. ~We can't just abandon him!~
A heavy hand landed on his shoulder. Looking up, his eyes met those of a weary Ranger. "Come, Frodo. I left all my things back at the camp. I would be honored if you would accompany me."
The hobbit nodded and turned to follow him.
"Don't think too harshly of Ylana," Aragorn said softly. "She does truly care for him deeply. But she is a warrior. Her personal feelings cannot get in the way. She must do what's best for the entire group. Which means we must continue to Terin, even though her hear is screaming for her to go to Isengard. I know, because I feel the same way."
"Well, I'm the Ringbearer," Frodo replied stubbornly. "This is all my fault. I say we go to Isengard and rescue our friend."
Aragorn smiled, but shook his head. "Your bravery is commendable, my dear Frodo. And Legolas will be deeply touched to hear how concerned you were for him. But I'm afraid that I must agree with Ylana on this. Saruman's just waiting for us to come, to bring the Ring. That's the whole reason we changed courses, remember? We wanted to avoid coming too close to Isengard. Legolas would kill us all if we practically gave the Ring to Saruman because of him."
Frodo fell silent, but Aragorn knew that he was still upset at the decision that had been made. The Ranger couldn't blame him. His own heart was breaking at the idea.
"Look, Frodo. I'm as unhappy with this as you are. I want nothing more than to go chasing after those Orcs. Legolas has been my best friend all my life, and I want him back safe and sound. And, if it was only my life that was at risk, I would. But the lives of you and the rest of the Company are at stake. And so will be the lives of everyone in Middle-Earth should Saruman or Sauron get their hands on the Ring. So I will continue forward, and hope and pray that Legolas has the strength to withstand the evils of Saruman long enough for us to come to his rescue."
Aragorn was right, as much as Frodo hated to admit it. He didn't want to give Saruman the Ring, either. But leaving Legolas there to face whatever horrors the wizard could come up with alone went against every moral he'd ever been taught.
They stepped into the little grove that had been their campsite the night before. Bodies of dead Orcs lay strewn about like children's discarded dolls. Bill the Pony, who was tethered to a nearby tree, was trembling in fear. He began to whinny and roll his eyes wildly when Aragorn came near him. Only after a few minute of soothing words did he allow the Ranger to get close. "Help me repack everything, Frodo. Luckily, we didn't use very many things last night."
Frodo nodded and began gathering up the few utensils that Merry and Pippin had used the night before to make sandwiches.
Once they had everything back together, Aragorn took hold of Bill's bridle and the three began to slowly make their way back to the others, being sure to lead their faithful pony around the still-warm bodies.
"I want to know how Saruman was able to find us," Aragorn muttered, viscously kicking a helm emblazoned with a white hand. "People never come to the Dark Spot. They always go around it, though it takes them miles out of their way. And Ylana blocked Legolas's mind from him."
Frodo frowned. "Why is it the Dark Spot? Why is it so many dark and foul creatures gather in this one place?"
The Ranger shook his head. "No one really knows, Frodo. Some say this is where Melkor came before he left for the Void, and his evilness left a mark. Others say this is where Sauron came to plan his evil deeds when he tricked the Elves into making the Rings of Power. I doubt the true reason will ever be known."
"Is it really as bad as Ylana and Gandalf make it out to be? If so, then why don't we go around it like everyone else?"
"We haven't time to go around it," Aragorn answered. 'We must take the shortest path available, even if it is the most dangerous. The more we tarry, the closer Sauron is to victory. I do not wish to go this way, but know this. There is another, much more dangerous Road that we could take. And we have a wizard and Ylana's keen senses to aid us. I've no doubt that we can make it through unscathed."
Frodo managed a smile. "That's encouraging."
They found the others almost as they had left them. Ylana was still lying on the ground, conversing quietly with Boromir. Gimli and the other three hobbits were leaning against tree trunks, smoking. Gandalf sat off from everyone else, also smoking, a thoughtful look on his face. Aragorn had no doubt that the wizard was coming up with some sort of plan.
Sam was rejoiced to see his beloved pony. Merry and Pippin rejoiced at the thought of food. All three hobbits scrambled towards Bill, but Aragorn held them back long enough for him to get his herbs and everything else he'd thought he might need. Then he moved to Ylana's side.
The Elf turned her eyes to her friend, and Aragorn was happy to see a smile on her face. "Ah, Estel. Boromir has been telling me the most wondrous stories of Gondor and the White City."
"I still can't believe you've never been there," the human warrior said with a fond smile. "When this is all over, I'd be honored to take you there."
"And I'd be honored to go. I would like to see if these stories of yours are true."
"I'm sure they are," Aragorn said, moving to inspect Ylana's arm wound. "Minas Tirith is a city of wonders. Now, hold still and let me help you."
She rolled her eyes, but said nothing as Aragorn got to work. "You have already seen my fair city. It's waterfalls, statues, structures... It is only fair that I see yours as well."
"And I hope that it will not disappoint you. While we humans cannot even began to hope to match the beauty of you Elves, I believe Minas Tirith is a shinning example of the beauty of my people."
"Do not doubt the worth of your race," Ylana told him sternly. "You're beginning to sound like Aragorn in that respect."
Boromir raised an eyebrow at his human companion, but the Ranger ducked as a blush spread across his cheeks. He knew exactly what Ylana was referring to...
//"They're all going to look to me to make things right. My ancestors have already proven that we are weak. What could I do, Ylana? I fear that, by becoming their leader, I'd do more harm than good."//
Aragorn couldn't help it. It had been his forefather, Isildur, who had refused to destroy the Ring. He was the one who had allowed evil to continue in the world. And his blood ran through Aragorn's veins. Would he make the same mistakes? Or would he be able to redeem his bloodline? It was too scary to think about.
Ylana winced slightly as Aragorn applied his herbs. "Most Elves don't think too much of Men. They see them as weak, cowardly. *They* were not the chosen of Iluvatar, and that makes them inferior."
Aragorn chuckled. "She speaks the truth. It took me many a long year to earn the respect of most of the Rivendell Elves, even if I was the foster-son of their lord. Even then, only a few treated me as an equal."
Boromir lifted an eyebrow at the Elf. "I take it you do not share this outlook with your kin?"
Ylana shook her head, earning her an exasperated sigh and warning look from Aragorn. "I've always been fascinated by humans. While it's true your lives are much shorter than that of Elves, the things you manage to do in that time... Every time a human came to Rivendell---which was seldom---I would beg Lord Elrond to let me speak with them. I wanted to *learn* from them." She grinned. "That is one of the reasons I latched on to Aragorn so quickly."
The Ranger pouted as he finished tying a bandage around her head. "Is that it? I thought it was my charming personality. Oh, well. You can get up now."
Ylana slowly climbed to her feet, wincing as two invisible hammers smashed into the sides of her head. As the others watched, she strode over to where Legolas's discarded weapons lay and knelt. ~Forgive me, Gallas,~ she thought as she reached out for the twin knives. ~I have failed you and broken my promise. But I swear, right here and now, that I will do everything in my power to return these to Legolas.~
With that, she stood and jammed Legolas's knives into her belt. Then she scooped up his quiver and broken bow. These she added to the luggage already strapped on to Bill's back. This done, she turned to Aragorn and nodded. "Let's go."
Aragorn nodded in return. "Right then. Gimli, on your feet. And keep your ax ready. Who know what we're about to come against."
"Wait."
Everyone stopped and turned in surprise to the wizard, who was now standing and surveying the Company.
"Wait?" Aragorn questioned. "Gandalf, we must move on. You are the one who will not let us pass through the Dark Spot at night. If we do not hurry, we may end up doing just that."
Gandalf raised a hand, and the Ranger immediatly fell silent. "I understand your eagerness to be off, Aragorn, but I have a proposition that you should hear." His eyes twinkled. "I believe you will find it...acceptable."
The wizard paused and glanced off in the direction of the Dark Spot. "Terin is only a two day journey from here, just as Ylana said earlier. I believe that Gimli and I should be enough protection for the hobbits in the Dark Spot. I'm hoping that we can make it through unnoticed."
Aragorn blinked. "You and Gimli? What about the rest of us? Surely you don't mean for us to part ways!"
Gandalf nodded. "That's exactly what I *do* mean. You, Boromir, and Ylana are the best suited for the journey to Isengard."
Ylana came to stand by Aragorn. "Isenagrd," she said softly. "Are you sure?" Her face was impassive, but Aragorn could see the hope in her eyes. He didn't need a mirror to know that the same look was in his eyes as well.
Gandalf nodded, a smile stretching across his face. "Quite sure, my dear Elf. We should be able to make it to Terin without much difficulty. And I, too, would like to see friend Legolas back among us, safe. The sound of his voice does a heart good."
Ylana bowed deeply. "Thank you, Mithrandir," she whispered. Then she turned to Aragorn, a smile stretched across her face.
The Ranger smiled in response, feeling his heart pound in excitement and hope.
They were going to get Legolas back
----------------------------------
(1)Muin gwathel--------my sister