Thanks for the review. I'm glad to see that people are still reading this! I hope to get my own computer this week, so I can go back to updating regularly.
Disclaimer: *Sits in padded room wearing a strait jacket* They're all mine. I own them all!!! Yeah, right. The song that Ylana sings is '1,000 Oceans' by Tori Amos.
Some slash in here. Just a brief mention.
The Silent Prince
Chapter 14: To See You Again
Aragorn, Boromir, and Ylana rose with the sun. They took a few minutes for the Ranger to inspect the Elf's wounds which, thanks to Aragorn's remedies and the healing powers of the Elves, was healing rapidly. Then they were once again on their way.
The trail of the Orcs was clear even to Boromir, who had not the training of a Ranger nor the keen eyesight of an Elf. Broken tree branches and churned earth easily marked the passage left by the Uruk-hai who had taken their friend.
Aragorn, finding a path of relatively intact ground, lay down and put his ear to it. He closed his eyes and lay absolutely still for a long moment. Then he opened his eyes and climbed back to his feet. "They have a good two days head start on us," he said grimly.
Ylana closed her eyes and tilted her head to the side. She had not spent hours studying maps with Glorfindel for fun...
A slight frown stole over her face. "Granted that the Uruk-hai don't stop very much, which I doubt they will, they should reach Isengard sometime the day after tomorrow."
"How long before *we* arrive?" Boromir asked anxiously. He and Legolas did not get along well. The Man was still sore about the argument at the Council. Yet they respected each other, warrior to warrior. He may not like him, but Boromir didn't want anything bad to happen to the Elf.
"Probably four or five days," Aragorn answered. "Maybe a little less if we make good timing during the day. But we require rest while the Uruks do not, giving them an advantage."
"Which means Legolas will be there for two or three days," said Ylana, her melodic voice tinged with worry and sadness.
Boromir shuddered. He knew of Elves, knew that they basked in the starlight and delighted in nature. The thought of an Elf---especially a Wood Elf like Legolas---locked within a cold black tower was dark enough without Saruman.
"Come," Aragorn said, turning to face the others. "We do no good by standing here. Let's put less distance between Legolas and ourselves." ~My heart is aching to see him.~
Ylana nodded, opening her eyes. "If we set a good pace we should be able to cover good ground before dark fall. But we *will* stop every once in awhile. I am quite aware of the pride you humans have. You could be about to drop dead from exhaustion and never say a word. We're all going to be rested and in good condition if we're to have any hope of getting into Isengard, finding Legolas and getting out again."
Aragorn nodded. He knew the truth in Ylana's words. If it was up to him, he would run all the way to Legolas without stopping, no matter what the cost to himself. And he would never say a word. 'We shall do as you say, Ylana. Now, let us go! For I wish to hear his voice ringing in my ears yet again."
So the Elf and two Men set out yet again at a very brisk walk, keeping their eyes peeled for any sign of the Orcs. Ylana kept a very tight grip on her bow, more out of nervousness than anything else. They were moving further and further away from the Dark Spot so she would be able to sense anything evil coming from miles away. The bow provided her with a sense of comfort, the weight familiar in her hands.
Boromir kept his eyes on the female Elf. He knew she was strong. All of her kin were. But she just looked so *fragile*! And the guilt over Legolas's capture lay heavy on her shoulders. And he had no trouble identifying the haunted look in her eyes.
Aragorn... Boromir still wasn't certain of the relationship between the Man and Legolas. When he had first met them at the Council he had taken them for lovers. He had found this to be untrue later on. Aragorn was engaged to Arwen, Lord Elrond's daughter.
Yet Boromir was still intrigued by these two. Their relationship seemed to go beyond friendship. Aragorn had spoken of Legolas as his oldest and closest friend, and Boromir supposed he would have to be happy with that. At least for the time being.
The only thought in Aragorn's mind were those of Legolas. The same haunted look that was in Ylana's eyes was also in Aragorn's. He kept replaying the battle over and over in his mind, trying to see what he could've done differently. What he could've done to save his friend.
The Ranger could not bear to think of Legolas being locked indoors for any amount of time. He could remember, back in Rivendell, when his foster brothers had returned from a journey to Gondor. They had been caught in a powerful thunderstorm and had had to spend three days and nights in a cave. Elrohir, the younger twin, had been pale as a ghost and jumpy. Elladan had been listless. It had taken three nights of sleeping outside before he had begun reacting to his surroundings again. And they weren't Wood Elves. They were not as in tune with nature as Legolas was. What would he be like after having been inside the evil tower?
Would he even still be Legolas? Or would Saruman work his dark magic, turning the Elf into yet another horrid Orc?
Aragorn would not think of that. He had to have hope.
It was, after all, his name.
Estel. The name that the Elves had given him after his mother had brought him to Rivendell. In Sindarin, it meant hope. Lord Elrond, his foster father, later told him he had been given that name because that's what he was. He was Isildur's heir. The Hope of Men.
Right now, he was Legolas's only hope for getting free. He had to be strong. Positive. Not just for Legolas, but for the others as well.
Tears sprang to his eyes. he never wanted this to happen. It wasn't *supposed* to happen. They were to go to Mordor, toss the Ring into the fire and go home. Aragorn knew that they would face obstacles on the way. There was no way Sauron or Saruman would let them get all the way to Mordor unhindered. But he never counted on his best friend being taken away and possibly tortured by the evil wizard. He wasn't prepared for it.
He angrily pushed back his tears. They would not help him, only slow down.
And that was not something they could afford.
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Legolas was weak, a feeling he was not used to experiencing. His body cried out at all the harsh treatment it had received and demanded medication. His shoulder wound burned with infection, causing his fair face to be flushed with fever. His leg throbbed with every beat of his heart, sending pain racing all the way up and down his side.
But the Elf had other, more important things to worry about than his current well-being.
He had never in his life felt such a profound sense of absolute terror as he had when he was taken into Orthanc. The look of absolute glee on Saruman's face caused the young Elf's heart to pound against his chest. But the worst came when he was thrown rather painfully into a dungeon cell.
There were no windows. No way he could look outside and see his beloved stars. No way he could hear the song of the birds or the wind.
It was in this moment that Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of Mirkwood, realized that it was quite possible he was about to die.
Ignoring the cries of protest from his pain-wracked body, Legolas managed to drag himself over to a corner of his cell. There he curled up, closed his eyes and slipped into a deep, healing sleep. He only hoped that it would be awhile before Saruman decided to come and 'play' with him...
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He found himself once again in Mirkwood. But it was not the Mirkwood he had dreamed of earlier. It was bright and sunny, birds were chirping and people were milling about the palace.
Curiosity got the better of Legolas. Was this what was happening right now? When he had fallen asleep had he somehow been transported back to his home? Would the people here be able to see him?
A commotion from his left drew his attention. Turning, he saw a young Elf come flying from the forest. His blue eyes sparkled and his blond hair, braided in places to mark him as royalty, streamed out behind him. A broad smile was upon his face.
Legolas gasped as he recognized the child Elf.
~That---that's *me*!~
Completely intrigued, Legolas began running behind his younger self, wondering where he was going. He was sure none of the other Elves could see him. Though there were plenty of 'Prince Greenleaf, slow down!' and 'Are you racing the wind, Prince Greenleaf?' laughingly called out, they were directed to the child in front of him who waved back in acknowledgment.
Young Legolas practically skipped up the stairs to the palace. The other had no problem keeping up. He had done this too many times to count.
It soon became obvious that the child was heading for the throne room. He quickly burst into the room, startling everyone in there, then skidded to a halt in front of his father who sat upon his throne. The older Legolas hung back, watching.
"Father!" the child cried excitedly, not even out of breath from his wild run. "Father, I have wonderful news!"
King Thranduil looked down at his younger son in exasperation. He had begged and begged him to knock before coming in in case the king was in an important meeting. But one look at the child's excited face banished nay thoughts Thranduil had of reprimanding him.
He smiled. ~Now I know why my people have named him the golden prince.~ "What is it, my son? What is your news?"
"It is Lord Elrond, Father. He is coming to visit. I saw him enter the forest." Here his eyes twinkled and his smile widened, if that was possible. "And he has brought Elladan and Elrohir with him."
Thranduil did not know wheather to laugh or to cry. The twin sons of Lord Elrond were only slightly older than his own Legolas, and the three were great friends. The only problem was that the Rivendell Elves were notorious pranksters and, when they came to Mirkwood, Legolas usually joined in on the mischief. It was usually three or four days after they left before the young prince would calm down.
The kind rose and affectionately tousled his son's hair. "I will go and welcome them. Run along and find your brother. I'm sure he will wish to see them as well."
Legolas nodded and rushed back out of the throne room, the older Legolas not far behind.
The child scurried through the palace, humming. His excitement radiated off him in waves as he made his way down a corridor that lead to the library and other studies.
Legolas followed his younger self through the familiar twists and turns of his home. His curiosity now outweighed any fear he might have felt. His father was alive, and his brother didn't seem to be in control. In fact, something about all this seemed strangely familiar...
The child prince stopped in front of a heavy oak door and barged in without knocking, the older prince right behind him. "Annolir!"
Legolas caught his breath as he saw another blond Elf, slightly older than his child self sitting in the room.
Bright emerald eyes looked up to meet sparkling sapphire. "Legolas, what have we told you about knocking?"
The younger prince lowered his eyes in shame. He idolized his older brother and anything that displeased him was a mortal sin in Legolas's eyes. "I'm sorry, gwanur." (1)
Then Legolas remembered why he had come to his brother and his head came back up. "Guess what, Annolir? Lord Elrond is here! And he's brought the twins!"
"Tell them I said hello," the older prince said vaguely, turning his eyes back to the book that lay in front of him.
Legolas was confused. "Father told me to come and tell you. He thought you'd want to greet them yourself. Won't you?"
Annolir was on his feet in a flash, green eyes flashing and hands clinched at his sides. "I'm *busy*, Legolas! I'm going to be king someday. I don't have time to play games and be as carefree as you. Now, get out! Go have your fun and leave me alone." With that he sat back down.
Legolas just stared at him for a long moment, the bitterness of his brother's words stinging him deeply. Without warning, he ran out of the room, trying to get away so that his brother wouldn't see the tears that had pooled in his eyes.
The older Legolas let out the breath he had unconsciously been holding, realizing that his body was trembling. With one last look at the blond Elf hunched over his book, he left the room.
Legolas did not go after his younger self. He needed to think and, since it was obvious no one could see him, he wanted to wander through his home as he did so.
He could remember that day well. He had been a little over nine hundred years old, a mere child in the eyes of Elves. He had managed to push his tears away in time to greet the Rivendell Elves. After a few moments of being around Elladan and Elrohir, he had forgotten about his argument with his brother.
He hand the twins had started that mischief almost immediatly. They had gone into the kitchens and had hidden all the frying pans. Then they had released all the horses in the stables and had laughed from the safety of a tree as guards had run all over the place, trying to retrieve all the horses.
But all three of them had received the biggest shock of all later that night. They had just come from the throne room, where they had magicked all the candles to explode when lit, and were passing by King Thranduil's chambers when the sound of two familiar voices caught their attention. Opening the door just a crack so that they could peek in, Legolas and the twins watched in shock as their fathers kissed.
Elladan, always trying to prove that he was smarter than the others, swore that he had known for years of the relationship between Elrond and Thranduil. But that hadn't kept him from staying up all night with Legolas and his brother as they talked about their new discovery.
That was not what weighed so heavily on Legolas's mind now as dreamed of home. No, it was something else entirely.
~Is this where it all started? Is that why Annolir hates me so much? Because I was free to do whatever I wanted while he was at the mercy of his sealed fate?~
Annolir had come to Legolas the next day and apologized for yelling at him. The younger prince had been so happy to have his brother back that he had basically forgotten what had happened, innocently ignorant of his brother's plight and hidden anger towards himself.
~And still am~, he thought bitterly. ~Going along, never realizing how much Annolir resented me until it was too late. I was too innocent, to naive to see. I could've done something. Something to save myself. To save him. But now it's too late. We're both too far gone...~
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Ylana had not felt such a heartache since the deaths of her mother and brother so many years before. To her, it seemed as if a big gaping hole had been left where her heart was supposed to be.
~This must be what my kin feel like before they die of grief.~
She was sitting up in a tree branch as Aragorn and Boromir sat on the ground below, finishing up their midday meal. The sun felt good, warming her skin. But inside she was cold, and she knew that they only way she would ever be warm again was to find her lost friend.
~It is clear why Elves choose to be aloof and unemotional,~ she thought bitterly. ~To feel this kind o pain every time someone you love is hurt or lost... Better to keep your distance. To pretend you don't care.~
But that was impossible. At least for Ylana Fairylight. Lord Elrond had always joked that the reason she and Arwen were such close friends was that they were the two most emotional Elves he knew.
Ylana's heart had been broken more than once, but she had always managed to go on.
Somehow.
She could, if she closed her eyes, still remember the feel of Gallas's hand as it clutched hers tightly. The look of pain and sadness in his deep blue eyes.
//"Ylana." His voice was strained though he barely spoke above a whisper. "Ylana, you must promise me something."
"Anything," she whispered, her tears running down her face and splashing onto the bed. She didn't want to cry. She wanted to be strong for her brother. But how could she when her heart was being torn in two? "I'll do anything you ask."
"Promise me that when I fade---and I will, if only to be released from this pain. When I fade, promise me that you will not follow. That you will find some way to live on."
Ylana closed her eyes, tears coming faster as a thousand thoughts raced through her head.
~How can I go on? You are my life, Gallas. Without you, I have no one. My heart is already torn. When you pass, it will be gone completely. Who do I now have to rely on? To trust? Who will care for me and love me?~
But all that came out was a whispered "I promise." She paused, then spoke in a stronger voice. "And I promise that I will not let this happen again. I will do whatever I can to protect those I love from the Darkness."
Gallas smiled and sank back onto the bed as if a great weight had been lifted from him. "You are strong, muin gwathel," he whispered, weakly squeezing her hand. (2) "You will be fine without me. And goodbye is not such a long time. I will always be in your heart."
She managed a brave smile. "I know."
There was a pause. Ylana, thinking her brother had fallen asleep, began to get up and make room for Elrond and his healers. But she was stopped by another soft whisper.
"Ylana? Will you sing for me? Please?"
The smile still on her face, she reached out to stroke her hair. "Of course," she whispered. Then she opened her mouth to sing, letting her feelings and emotions shape the words and tune of her song.//
Now, as Ylana sat in a tree thinking of another friend---lost, but hopefully not gone---she couldn't help but start to sing that song once more.
"Hin nirnaeth im garo nallon, im garo nallon mene aearon." (3)
Down on the ground, leaning against the tree that Ylana was currently occupying, Aragorn heard the soft song. He bowed his head and closed his eyes. ~I remember that song only too well...~
Boromir had his eyes shaded as he gazed up into the tree, listening to the haunting melody that floated down.
After awhile, he dropped his hand and turned to face the Ranger. "Aragorn," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper so as not to bother the Elven girl's song. "I don't mean to pry, but can you tell me what she is singing of? I know very little Elvish, and I am very intrigued by her song. It sounds of a lament, yet I hear hope in her voice."
Aragorn opened his eyes but continued to stare at the ground, refusing to meet Boromir's gaze. "She sings of a promise," he said softly. "A promise she made once long ago that I had hoped she would never have to make again."
"Ar ae ha thio im lhodaren vi en mornie mae" (4)
Boromir looked back up, frowning. "What is it that she promises? And to who?"
"It is to Legolas. She is promising him that, if he fades, she will grieve and move on. That he won't have to worry about her."
An expression of sadness crossed Boromir's face. "That is promise I hope I never have to make. And you say she's already made it once?"
Aragorn nodded. "Aye. She sang it to her brother as he lay dying after an Orc attack on Rivendell."
"To lose a brother..." Boromir shook his head. His respect for the female Elf increased greatly.
Both of them sat in silence for a moment, listening to the haunting song that spoke of great sadness and strength. Then another thought occurred to Boromir, and he once more took up the conversation.
"I do not wish to sound hopeless, my friend, but there is a question I must ask of you." He paused for a moment, trying to think of how best to word his thoughts. "Do you---do you honestly believe that we have a chance of getting the prince back? Gandalf expresses hope that Legolas will be kept alive, but he also said that the white wizard shows no mercy. Is there any chance that we will find him alive and...unchanged?" Boromir winced at this. He did not want to say it, but avoiding it wasn't going to keep it from happening.
Aragorn sighed quietly, still not looking up. He had been thinking the same things, but had not wished to voice them. "Aye, I believe we will find him alive. But I do not hold much hope of him being the same. Saruman will not be that unmerciful."
Another silence. Ylana's voice grew stronger as she continued her song. She seemed unaware of the two humans that sat directly beneath her.
This time it was Aragorn who broke the silence. "There is something I must warn you of, Boromir. I pray to Iluvatar---to Eru---that this will not happen, but I want you to be prepared for the fact that we---we may have to kill Legolas." How he hated having to say those words!
Boromir could only blink at him in shock. "*What?* Only seconds ago you spoke of finding him alive, now you speak of killing him! What sort of madness is this?"
Aragorn raked a hand through his hair. "Do you know much of Orcs, Boromir? Of how they came into being?"
The warrior frowned. "I know a few things that I found in the archives of my city. I know that Morgoth took ordinary people and, using the Dark Power, tortured and mutilated them until they became Orcs."
"They weren't just any people," Aragorn said softly, lifting his head to look up at the sky. "They were Elves."
"Oh." Boromir blinked, then his eyes went wide with understanding. "*Oh!* And you think Saruman will, will *do* that to Legolas?"
"I can't help but think it," The Ranger said grimly. "You said it yourself. The white wizard is not merciful. He will probably change Legolas just for the fun of it." His eyes began to mist over. "The one comfort I have is, should Legolas be changed, then I will be the one to drive my sword through his heart."
Boromir saw the pain etched on his companion's face and felt his heart go out to him. "Aragorn...You don't have to torture yourself. I could do it for you. I am not as close to Legolas as you are."
"No." Aragorn shook his head. "He's my best friend. No one else can do it but me. I have to be the one who relieves him of his torment."
Boromir nodded. "I understand," he said softly. He opened his mouth to say something else, then realized that something was wrong.
It was silent. Ylana was no longer singing.
Aragorn noticed it too, for he leaned back and looked up into the tree, concern replacing the sadness on his face. "Ylana?"
"I'm fine, Estel," came the soft, musical voice. "And you and Boromir? Have you finished your meal?"
"Aye." The Ranger climbed to his feet. "We should be going. We need not delay any longer than necessary."
There was a slight rustling in the tree, then Ylana was on the ground at Aragorn's side. They took a moment to gather up their belongings, then were once again on their way.
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The first thing he became aware of was the feel of cold stone pressed into his back. This was alarming, for he knew that he had fallen asleep on his side.
Then he realized that he was no longer lying down but was standing up.
This was confusing. He was standing up...but not falling over? He had no control over his body what so ever. There was no way he could stand on his own.
That question was answered a moment later when, after becoming more alert, he tried to move his arms only to find that they were pressed to the same cold stone as his back and would not move. Something bit into the skin of his wrists, chafing them every time he tried to move.
~Restrained. I must be tied to a wall. Or a table that's been lifted up. This cannot bode well.~
Then his heart skipped and his breath caught in his throat. ~No, this is not good at all...~
He was not alone.
Legolas lay---or stood---perfectly still, keeping his eyes closed and regulating his breathing so that it was slow and steady. Perhaps whoever it was would think he was still asleep and go away...
"Welcome back, Prince Greenleaf," came a male's deep voice. "I trust you slept well?"
Legolas slowly opened his eyes. An old man dressed all in white---the same old man that had been waiting for him on the steps of Orthanc---sat in a chair to the front a slightly to the left of the prince. "Saruman," he said in a calm voice, though his heart was pounding in fear.
The wizard's smile was mocking. "The one and the same. I take it you've heard of me. From my friend Gandalf, no doubt."
Legolas wasn't about to let the wizard see how frightened he was. "Why have you brought me hear?" he asked, still speaking calmly. "What do you want with me?"
Saruman shook his head. "Legolas, Legolas. Is this any way to start our relationship? I have not had the privilege of making your acqutaince before now. I was hoping that we could get to know each other a bit before we started asking these other questions."
Legolas watched him coolly, no expression crossing his face. "I already know everything I want or need to know about you."
"Do you, now?" Saruman raised an eyebrow. "That's a pity, young prince. For there is much more I'd like to know about you. But that can wait. For now, I need to remember my manners. You have questions."
He stood. "First of all, it was not I who chose to bring you here. I had no desire to bother your Fellowship. At least, not yet. No. Someone else came to me about you. Asked if I could help them with something. I, of course, agreed."
The Elf's eyes narrowed. "And who, may I ask, is this someone else?"
"Why Legolas, I'm surprised," came a new voice from somewhere to his right. "You always were a smart one. I though you would've figured it out by now."
Legolas felt all the color drain from his face. He *knew* that voice.
He slowly turned his head to the right, praying to Iluvatar that he was wrong.
When he saw the owner of the voice leaning casually against the wall with a smile on his face, Legolas blanched.
It was Annolir.
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(1) gwanur----brother
(2)muin gwathel----my sister
(3)hin nirnaeth im garo nallon, im garo nallon mene aearon------these tears I've cried, I've cried a thousand oceans
(4)ar ae ha thio im lhodaren vi en mornie mae-------and if it seems I'm floating in the darkness well
Disclaimer: *Sits in padded room wearing a strait jacket* They're all mine. I own them all!!! Yeah, right. The song that Ylana sings is '1,000 Oceans' by Tori Amos.
Some slash in here. Just a brief mention.
The Silent Prince
Chapter 14: To See You Again
Aragorn, Boromir, and Ylana rose with the sun. They took a few minutes for the Ranger to inspect the Elf's wounds which, thanks to Aragorn's remedies and the healing powers of the Elves, was healing rapidly. Then they were once again on their way.
The trail of the Orcs was clear even to Boromir, who had not the training of a Ranger nor the keen eyesight of an Elf. Broken tree branches and churned earth easily marked the passage left by the Uruk-hai who had taken their friend.
Aragorn, finding a path of relatively intact ground, lay down and put his ear to it. He closed his eyes and lay absolutely still for a long moment. Then he opened his eyes and climbed back to his feet. "They have a good two days head start on us," he said grimly.
Ylana closed her eyes and tilted her head to the side. She had not spent hours studying maps with Glorfindel for fun...
A slight frown stole over her face. "Granted that the Uruk-hai don't stop very much, which I doubt they will, they should reach Isengard sometime the day after tomorrow."
"How long before *we* arrive?" Boromir asked anxiously. He and Legolas did not get along well. The Man was still sore about the argument at the Council. Yet they respected each other, warrior to warrior. He may not like him, but Boromir didn't want anything bad to happen to the Elf.
"Probably four or five days," Aragorn answered. "Maybe a little less if we make good timing during the day. But we require rest while the Uruks do not, giving them an advantage."
"Which means Legolas will be there for two or three days," said Ylana, her melodic voice tinged with worry and sadness.
Boromir shuddered. He knew of Elves, knew that they basked in the starlight and delighted in nature. The thought of an Elf---especially a Wood Elf like Legolas---locked within a cold black tower was dark enough without Saruman.
"Come," Aragorn said, turning to face the others. "We do no good by standing here. Let's put less distance between Legolas and ourselves." ~My heart is aching to see him.~
Ylana nodded, opening her eyes. "If we set a good pace we should be able to cover good ground before dark fall. But we *will* stop every once in awhile. I am quite aware of the pride you humans have. You could be about to drop dead from exhaustion and never say a word. We're all going to be rested and in good condition if we're to have any hope of getting into Isengard, finding Legolas and getting out again."
Aragorn nodded. He knew the truth in Ylana's words. If it was up to him, he would run all the way to Legolas without stopping, no matter what the cost to himself. And he would never say a word. 'We shall do as you say, Ylana. Now, let us go! For I wish to hear his voice ringing in my ears yet again."
So the Elf and two Men set out yet again at a very brisk walk, keeping their eyes peeled for any sign of the Orcs. Ylana kept a very tight grip on her bow, more out of nervousness than anything else. They were moving further and further away from the Dark Spot so she would be able to sense anything evil coming from miles away. The bow provided her with a sense of comfort, the weight familiar in her hands.
Boromir kept his eyes on the female Elf. He knew she was strong. All of her kin were. But she just looked so *fragile*! And the guilt over Legolas's capture lay heavy on her shoulders. And he had no trouble identifying the haunted look in her eyes.
Aragorn... Boromir still wasn't certain of the relationship between the Man and Legolas. When he had first met them at the Council he had taken them for lovers. He had found this to be untrue later on. Aragorn was engaged to Arwen, Lord Elrond's daughter.
Yet Boromir was still intrigued by these two. Their relationship seemed to go beyond friendship. Aragorn had spoken of Legolas as his oldest and closest friend, and Boromir supposed he would have to be happy with that. At least for the time being.
The only thought in Aragorn's mind were those of Legolas. The same haunted look that was in Ylana's eyes was also in Aragorn's. He kept replaying the battle over and over in his mind, trying to see what he could've done differently. What he could've done to save his friend.
The Ranger could not bear to think of Legolas being locked indoors for any amount of time. He could remember, back in Rivendell, when his foster brothers had returned from a journey to Gondor. They had been caught in a powerful thunderstorm and had had to spend three days and nights in a cave. Elrohir, the younger twin, had been pale as a ghost and jumpy. Elladan had been listless. It had taken three nights of sleeping outside before he had begun reacting to his surroundings again. And they weren't Wood Elves. They were not as in tune with nature as Legolas was. What would he be like after having been inside the evil tower?
Would he even still be Legolas? Or would Saruman work his dark magic, turning the Elf into yet another horrid Orc?
Aragorn would not think of that. He had to have hope.
It was, after all, his name.
Estel. The name that the Elves had given him after his mother had brought him to Rivendell. In Sindarin, it meant hope. Lord Elrond, his foster father, later told him he had been given that name because that's what he was. He was Isildur's heir. The Hope of Men.
Right now, he was Legolas's only hope for getting free. He had to be strong. Positive. Not just for Legolas, but for the others as well.
Tears sprang to his eyes. he never wanted this to happen. It wasn't *supposed* to happen. They were to go to Mordor, toss the Ring into the fire and go home. Aragorn knew that they would face obstacles on the way. There was no way Sauron or Saruman would let them get all the way to Mordor unhindered. But he never counted on his best friend being taken away and possibly tortured by the evil wizard. He wasn't prepared for it.
He angrily pushed back his tears. They would not help him, only slow down.
And that was not something they could afford.
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Legolas was weak, a feeling he was not used to experiencing. His body cried out at all the harsh treatment it had received and demanded medication. His shoulder wound burned with infection, causing his fair face to be flushed with fever. His leg throbbed with every beat of his heart, sending pain racing all the way up and down his side.
But the Elf had other, more important things to worry about than his current well-being.
He had never in his life felt such a profound sense of absolute terror as he had when he was taken into Orthanc. The look of absolute glee on Saruman's face caused the young Elf's heart to pound against his chest. But the worst came when he was thrown rather painfully into a dungeon cell.
There were no windows. No way he could look outside and see his beloved stars. No way he could hear the song of the birds or the wind.
It was in this moment that Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of Mirkwood, realized that it was quite possible he was about to die.
Ignoring the cries of protest from his pain-wracked body, Legolas managed to drag himself over to a corner of his cell. There he curled up, closed his eyes and slipped into a deep, healing sleep. He only hoped that it would be awhile before Saruman decided to come and 'play' with him...
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He found himself once again in Mirkwood. But it was not the Mirkwood he had dreamed of earlier. It was bright and sunny, birds were chirping and people were milling about the palace.
Curiosity got the better of Legolas. Was this what was happening right now? When he had fallen asleep had he somehow been transported back to his home? Would the people here be able to see him?
A commotion from his left drew his attention. Turning, he saw a young Elf come flying from the forest. His blue eyes sparkled and his blond hair, braided in places to mark him as royalty, streamed out behind him. A broad smile was upon his face.
Legolas gasped as he recognized the child Elf.
~That---that's *me*!~
Completely intrigued, Legolas began running behind his younger self, wondering where he was going. He was sure none of the other Elves could see him. Though there were plenty of 'Prince Greenleaf, slow down!' and 'Are you racing the wind, Prince Greenleaf?' laughingly called out, they were directed to the child in front of him who waved back in acknowledgment.
Young Legolas practically skipped up the stairs to the palace. The other had no problem keeping up. He had done this too many times to count.
It soon became obvious that the child was heading for the throne room. He quickly burst into the room, startling everyone in there, then skidded to a halt in front of his father who sat upon his throne. The older Legolas hung back, watching.
"Father!" the child cried excitedly, not even out of breath from his wild run. "Father, I have wonderful news!"
King Thranduil looked down at his younger son in exasperation. He had begged and begged him to knock before coming in in case the king was in an important meeting. But one look at the child's excited face banished nay thoughts Thranduil had of reprimanding him.
He smiled. ~Now I know why my people have named him the golden prince.~ "What is it, my son? What is your news?"
"It is Lord Elrond, Father. He is coming to visit. I saw him enter the forest." Here his eyes twinkled and his smile widened, if that was possible. "And he has brought Elladan and Elrohir with him."
Thranduil did not know wheather to laugh or to cry. The twin sons of Lord Elrond were only slightly older than his own Legolas, and the three were great friends. The only problem was that the Rivendell Elves were notorious pranksters and, when they came to Mirkwood, Legolas usually joined in on the mischief. It was usually three or four days after they left before the young prince would calm down.
The kind rose and affectionately tousled his son's hair. "I will go and welcome them. Run along and find your brother. I'm sure he will wish to see them as well."
Legolas nodded and rushed back out of the throne room, the older Legolas not far behind.
The child scurried through the palace, humming. His excitement radiated off him in waves as he made his way down a corridor that lead to the library and other studies.
Legolas followed his younger self through the familiar twists and turns of his home. His curiosity now outweighed any fear he might have felt. His father was alive, and his brother didn't seem to be in control. In fact, something about all this seemed strangely familiar...
The child prince stopped in front of a heavy oak door and barged in without knocking, the older prince right behind him. "Annolir!"
Legolas caught his breath as he saw another blond Elf, slightly older than his child self sitting in the room.
Bright emerald eyes looked up to meet sparkling sapphire. "Legolas, what have we told you about knocking?"
The younger prince lowered his eyes in shame. He idolized his older brother and anything that displeased him was a mortal sin in Legolas's eyes. "I'm sorry, gwanur." (1)
Then Legolas remembered why he had come to his brother and his head came back up. "Guess what, Annolir? Lord Elrond is here! And he's brought the twins!"
"Tell them I said hello," the older prince said vaguely, turning his eyes back to the book that lay in front of him.
Legolas was confused. "Father told me to come and tell you. He thought you'd want to greet them yourself. Won't you?"
Annolir was on his feet in a flash, green eyes flashing and hands clinched at his sides. "I'm *busy*, Legolas! I'm going to be king someday. I don't have time to play games and be as carefree as you. Now, get out! Go have your fun and leave me alone." With that he sat back down.
Legolas just stared at him for a long moment, the bitterness of his brother's words stinging him deeply. Without warning, he ran out of the room, trying to get away so that his brother wouldn't see the tears that had pooled in his eyes.
The older Legolas let out the breath he had unconsciously been holding, realizing that his body was trembling. With one last look at the blond Elf hunched over his book, he left the room.
Legolas did not go after his younger self. He needed to think and, since it was obvious no one could see him, he wanted to wander through his home as he did so.
He could remember that day well. He had been a little over nine hundred years old, a mere child in the eyes of Elves. He had managed to push his tears away in time to greet the Rivendell Elves. After a few moments of being around Elladan and Elrohir, he had forgotten about his argument with his brother.
He hand the twins had started that mischief almost immediatly. They had gone into the kitchens and had hidden all the frying pans. Then they had released all the horses in the stables and had laughed from the safety of a tree as guards had run all over the place, trying to retrieve all the horses.
But all three of them had received the biggest shock of all later that night. They had just come from the throne room, where they had magicked all the candles to explode when lit, and were passing by King Thranduil's chambers when the sound of two familiar voices caught their attention. Opening the door just a crack so that they could peek in, Legolas and the twins watched in shock as their fathers kissed.
Elladan, always trying to prove that he was smarter than the others, swore that he had known for years of the relationship between Elrond and Thranduil. But that hadn't kept him from staying up all night with Legolas and his brother as they talked about their new discovery.
That was not what weighed so heavily on Legolas's mind now as dreamed of home. No, it was something else entirely.
~Is this where it all started? Is that why Annolir hates me so much? Because I was free to do whatever I wanted while he was at the mercy of his sealed fate?~
Annolir had come to Legolas the next day and apologized for yelling at him. The younger prince had been so happy to have his brother back that he had basically forgotten what had happened, innocently ignorant of his brother's plight and hidden anger towards himself.
~And still am~, he thought bitterly. ~Going along, never realizing how much Annolir resented me until it was too late. I was too innocent, to naive to see. I could've done something. Something to save myself. To save him. But now it's too late. We're both too far gone...~
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Ylana had not felt such a heartache since the deaths of her mother and brother so many years before. To her, it seemed as if a big gaping hole had been left where her heart was supposed to be.
~This must be what my kin feel like before they die of grief.~
She was sitting up in a tree branch as Aragorn and Boromir sat on the ground below, finishing up their midday meal. The sun felt good, warming her skin. But inside she was cold, and she knew that they only way she would ever be warm again was to find her lost friend.
~It is clear why Elves choose to be aloof and unemotional,~ she thought bitterly. ~To feel this kind o pain every time someone you love is hurt or lost... Better to keep your distance. To pretend you don't care.~
But that was impossible. At least for Ylana Fairylight. Lord Elrond had always joked that the reason she and Arwen were such close friends was that they were the two most emotional Elves he knew.
Ylana's heart had been broken more than once, but she had always managed to go on.
Somehow.
She could, if she closed her eyes, still remember the feel of Gallas's hand as it clutched hers tightly. The look of pain and sadness in his deep blue eyes.
//"Ylana." His voice was strained though he barely spoke above a whisper. "Ylana, you must promise me something."
"Anything," she whispered, her tears running down her face and splashing onto the bed. She didn't want to cry. She wanted to be strong for her brother. But how could she when her heart was being torn in two? "I'll do anything you ask."
"Promise me that when I fade---and I will, if only to be released from this pain. When I fade, promise me that you will not follow. That you will find some way to live on."
Ylana closed her eyes, tears coming faster as a thousand thoughts raced through her head.
~How can I go on? You are my life, Gallas. Without you, I have no one. My heart is already torn. When you pass, it will be gone completely. Who do I now have to rely on? To trust? Who will care for me and love me?~
But all that came out was a whispered "I promise." She paused, then spoke in a stronger voice. "And I promise that I will not let this happen again. I will do whatever I can to protect those I love from the Darkness."
Gallas smiled and sank back onto the bed as if a great weight had been lifted from him. "You are strong, muin gwathel," he whispered, weakly squeezing her hand. (2) "You will be fine without me. And goodbye is not such a long time. I will always be in your heart."
She managed a brave smile. "I know."
There was a pause. Ylana, thinking her brother had fallen asleep, began to get up and make room for Elrond and his healers. But she was stopped by another soft whisper.
"Ylana? Will you sing for me? Please?"
The smile still on her face, she reached out to stroke her hair. "Of course," she whispered. Then she opened her mouth to sing, letting her feelings and emotions shape the words and tune of her song.//
Now, as Ylana sat in a tree thinking of another friend---lost, but hopefully not gone---she couldn't help but start to sing that song once more.
"Hin nirnaeth im garo nallon, im garo nallon mene aearon." (3)
Down on the ground, leaning against the tree that Ylana was currently occupying, Aragorn heard the soft song. He bowed his head and closed his eyes. ~I remember that song only too well...~
Boromir had his eyes shaded as he gazed up into the tree, listening to the haunting melody that floated down.
After awhile, he dropped his hand and turned to face the Ranger. "Aragorn," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper so as not to bother the Elven girl's song. "I don't mean to pry, but can you tell me what she is singing of? I know very little Elvish, and I am very intrigued by her song. It sounds of a lament, yet I hear hope in her voice."
Aragorn opened his eyes but continued to stare at the ground, refusing to meet Boromir's gaze. "She sings of a promise," he said softly. "A promise she made once long ago that I had hoped she would never have to make again."
"Ar ae ha thio im lhodaren vi en mornie mae" (4)
Boromir looked back up, frowning. "What is it that she promises? And to who?"
"It is to Legolas. She is promising him that, if he fades, she will grieve and move on. That he won't have to worry about her."
An expression of sadness crossed Boromir's face. "That is promise I hope I never have to make. And you say she's already made it once?"
Aragorn nodded. "Aye. She sang it to her brother as he lay dying after an Orc attack on Rivendell."
"To lose a brother..." Boromir shook his head. His respect for the female Elf increased greatly.
Both of them sat in silence for a moment, listening to the haunting song that spoke of great sadness and strength. Then another thought occurred to Boromir, and he once more took up the conversation.
"I do not wish to sound hopeless, my friend, but there is a question I must ask of you." He paused for a moment, trying to think of how best to word his thoughts. "Do you---do you honestly believe that we have a chance of getting the prince back? Gandalf expresses hope that Legolas will be kept alive, but he also said that the white wizard shows no mercy. Is there any chance that we will find him alive and...unchanged?" Boromir winced at this. He did not want to say it, but avoiding it wasn't going to keep it from happening.
Aragorn sighed quietly, still not looking up. He had been thinking the same things, but had not wished to voice them. "Aye, I believe we will find him alive. But I do not hold much hope of him being the same. Saruman will not be that unmerciful."
Another silence. Ylana's voice grew stronger as she continued her song. She seemed unaware of the two humans that sat directly beneath her.
This time it was Aragorn who broke the silence. "There is something I must warn you of, Boromir. I pray to Iluvatar---to Eru---that this will not happen, but I want you to be prepared for the fact that we---we may have to kill Legolas." How he hated having to say those words!
Boromir could only blink at him in shock. "*What?* Only seconds ago you spoke of finding him alive, now you speak of killing him! What sort of madness is this?"
Aragorn raked a hand through his hair. "Do you know much of Orcs, Boromir? Of how they came into being?"
The warrior frowned. "I know a few things that I found in the archives of my city. I know that Morgoth took ordinary people and, using the Dark Power, tortured and mutilated them until they became Orcs."
"They weren't just any people," Aragorn said softly, lifting his head to look up at the sky. "They were Elves."
"Oh." Boromir blinked, then his eyes went wide with understanding. "*Oh!* And you think Saruman will, will *do* that to Legolas?"
"I can't help but think it," The Ranger said grimly. "You said it yourself. The white wizard is not merciful. He will probably change Legolas just for the fun of it." His eyes began to mist over. "The one comfort I have is, should Legolas be changed, then I will be the one to drive my sword through his heart."
Boromir saw the pain etched on his companion's face and felt his heart go out to him. "Aragorn...You don't have to torture yourself. I could do it for you. I am not as close to Legolas as you are."
"No." Aragorn shook his head. "He's my best friend. No one else can do it but me. I have to be the one who relieves him of his torment."
Boromir nodded. "I understand," he said softly. He opened his mouth to say something else, then realized that something was wrong.
It was silent. Ylana was no longer singing.
Aragorn noticed it too, for he leaned back and looked up into the tree, concern replacing the sadness on his face. "Ylana?"
"I'm fine, Estel," came the soft, musical voice. "And you and Boromir? Have you finished your meal?"
"Aye." The Ranger climbed to his feet. "We should be going. We need not delay any longer than necessary."
There was a slight rustling in the tree, then Ylana was on the ground at Aragorn's side. They took a moment to gather up their belongings, then were once again on their way.
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The first thing he became aware of was the feel of cold stone pressed into his back. This was alarming, for he knew that he had fallen asleep on his side.
Then he realized that he was no longer lying down but was standing up.
This was confusing. He was standing up...but not falling over? He had no control over his body what so ever. There was no way he could stand on his own.
That question was answered a moment later when, after becoming more alert, he tried to move his arms only to find that they were pressed to the same cold stone as his back and would not move. Something bit into the skin of his wrists, chafing them every time he tried to move.
~Restrained. I must be tied to a wall. Or a table that's been lifted up. This cannot bode well.~
Then his heart skipped and his breath caught in his throat. ~No, this is not good at all...~
He was not alone.
Legolas lay---or stood---perfectly still, keeping his eyes closed and regulating his breathing so that it was slow and steady. Perhaps whoever it was would think he was still asleep and go away...
"Welcome back, Prince Greenleaf," came a male's deep voice. "I trust you slept well?"
Legolas slowly opened his eyes. An old man dressed all in white---the same old man that had been waiting for him on the steps of Orthanc---sat in a chair to the front a slightly to the left of the prince. "Saruman," he said in a calm voice, though his heart was pounding in fear.
The wizard's smile was mocking. "The one and the same. I take it you've heard of me. From my friend Gandalf, no doubt."
Legolas wasn't about to let the wizard see how frightened he was. "Why have you brought me hear?" he asked, still speaking calmly. "What do you want with me?"
Saruman shook his head. "Legolas, Legolas. Is this any way to start our relationship? I have not had the privilege of making your acqutaince before now. I was hoping that we could get to know each other a bit before we started asking these other questions."
Legolas watched him coolly, no expression crossing his face. "I already know everything I want or need to know about you."
"Do you, now?" Saruman raised an eyebrow. "That's a pity, young prince. For there is much more I'd like to know about you. But that can wait. For now, I need to remember my manners. You have questions."
He stood. "First of all, it was not I who chose to bring you here. I had no desire to bother your Fellowship. At least, not yet. No. Someone else came to me about you. Asked if I could help them with something. I, of course, agreed."
The Elf's eyes narrowed. "And who, may I ask, is this someone else?"
"Why Legolas, I'm surprised," came a new voice from somewhere to his right. "You always were a smart one. I though you would've figured it out by now."
Legolas felt all the color drain from his face. He *knew* that voice.
He slowly turned his head to the right, praying to Iluvatar that he was wrong.
When he saw the owner of the voice leaning casually against the wall with a smile on his face, Legolas blanched.
It was Annolir.
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(1) gwanur----brother
(2)muin gwathel----my sister
(3)hin nirnaeth im garo nallon, im garo nallon mene aearon------these tears I've cried, I've cried a thousand oceans
(4)ar ae ha thio im lhodaren vi en mornie mae-------and if it seems I'm floating in the darkness well