Wow!! I'm almost up to 50 reviews! Who'd a thunk it? I'm just grateful to you all for taking the time to read it, whether you liked it or not. It means a lot that you thought enough of it to leave me a note. Thanks a mill!!!
Disclaimer: As always, they are not mine at all. I do not own them in any shape, form or fashion. I just like to play with them. Legolas's song is 'The Shadow-Lover" by Mercedes Lackey from her Last Herald-Mage Trilogy.
Teensy mention of E/T in here....
Happy Thanksgiving all!! Eat lots of turkey and have fun with the family. Hope yours isn't as insane as mine....
The Silent Prince
Chapter 18: If We're Together
She hated it. It was tall, black and forbidding. Smoke rose up from all around it. Even from this distance, she could smell a terrible stench blowing from it.
She had never seen a more heartwarming sight.
Aragorn had been the first to see the top of Orthanc in the distance. He had let out a cry of delight and raced forward ahead of the others.
Ylana and Boromir hurried after him, afraid that there were Orcs ahead. But, when they had found their friend, he was standing on a boulder, shading his eyes and staring off into the distance with a hopeful look on his face. Ylana and Boromir had followed his gaze curiously, and had seen what had excited Aragorn so.
Ylana suddenly felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She let out a long, shuddering breath and had to blink as she felt the sting of tears in her eyes.
"There it is," Aragorn said breathlessly. "We're almost there."
In truth, they were still a good ways off. There was no way they could get there until tomorrow afternoon---Legolas's third day in the tower, if Ylana and Aragorn's calculations were correct. But it was still a lot closer than it had been.
Aragorn's heart was pounding. He felt as if he could fly the distance between him and Orthanc. Now that he could see it, he couldn't bear the thought of not running strait there and freeing Legolas.
Luckily, Boromir was staying grounded. "Come on," he said, taking both Ylana and Aragorn by a sleeve and tugging them forward. 'We can't afford to stop now, else we'll lose time."
*That* got their attention. Aragorn dropped his hand and nodded. "You speak the truth," he said, turning his eyes to the other Man. Boromir was startled at the jumble of emotions that were hidden in that gaze. "You're the most familiar with this place, Boromir. Which is the best way to approach the tower? Should we stay on our course, or turn?"
Boromir shrugged and frowned, looking back at the tower to avoid meeting the Ranger's intense gaze. "I truly do not know, Aragorn. It has been so long since I was here. It do know that a wall surrounds it, and that there is only one road into it. But I am sure Saruman has it heavily guarded. How can we hope to get into the tower undected?"
Aragorn shrugged, a determined look on his face. "That is something we will have to decide once we get there."
Boromir turned a concerned look to Ylana, realizing that the girl hadn't spoken once during the whole exchange. But she was staring off into the distance and didn't even seem to be aware of her companions. "Aragorn, I think we need to decide *now*. We need to have a plan before we get there. Otherwise, we'll be too busy saving ourselves to worry about Legolas."
The Ranger leapt down off the boulder. "You don't understand," he said softly. ~How could you? You don't know what I feel for him. No one does.~ "My best friend---my *soulmate*---has been locked in that tower for days at the mercy of an evil wizard. Now that we're this close... I can't think about strategy and plans. All I can think about is finding Legolas and getting him out of there."
Boromir sighed and raked a hand through his hair. ~We're wasting time here!~ "Aragorn, I know what you're going through---"
"How could you possibly know?" the Ranger suddenly snarled, whirling on Boromir with raised fists and flashing eyes, causing the other human to take a step back, nearly bumping into Ylana. "You don't even *like* Legolas. You're only nice to him because the two of you have to be around each other. You're still angry at him because of what happened at the Council. If it were up to you, you'd just leave him in there to rot. So go ahead. Stay here and stall, pretending to make plans to rescue him. *I'm* going to get him out of there." He turned his back on the very stunned and bewildered warrior. "Come on, Ylana."
Boromir turned to the Elf, expecting her to say something sensible, to try and calm Aragorn down. But she meekly followed the Ranger, not even glancing in Boromir's direction.
The Gondorian stared after the retreating figures, blinking stupidly in confusion as his brain worked furiously to try and figure out what had just happened. Then, with a shake of his head, he quickly hurried after them. ~Something tells me they're going to need me before this is over with...~
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Aragorn hadn't meant to be so harsh on Boromir. The other human had only been trying to be sensible, to help them. But the Ranger was far beyond sensibility. His patience was at an end, and his nerves were stretched to the point of breaking. Boromir dashing his renewed hope had been more than enough to make him snap.
He could feel Ylana walking along behind him. He turned a glance in her direction and frowned at her blank expression and faraway look. Now that he thought about it, she hadn't played her usual role of peacemaker when he and Boromir had argued.
He stopped and reached out to touch her shoulder. "Ylana?" he called softly. ~Please don't fall apart on me. You're all that stands between me and insanity...~
The Elf blinked and took a deep, shuddering breath. "I'm---I'm sorry, Estel," she said weakly, putting a hand to her head. "Please forgive me---"
"Ylana, what's wrong?"
She shook her head. "Nothing. I'm fine. Really."
Aragorn peered deeply into her eyes, not noticing Boromir as he rejoined them. He wouldn't have cared if he had. "Ylana," he said softly. "I've known you my whole life. You can't lie to me. There's something bothering you. What is it?"
She blinked at him, then lowered her gaze in shame. "I'm afraid," she said in a tiny voice. "This whole time, I've held out hope that Legolas will be fine. Now that we're almost there, reality is setting in. He's going to be different. And there are waves of evil just radiating from that tower. I'm terrified! But... Estel, I'm a warrior. I'm not *supossed* to be afraid."
Aragorn sighed. "Oh, Ylana." Placing two fingers under her chin, he lifted her head till her eyes met his. "It's all right to be afraid. I've been afraid ever since we started this Quest. Terrified when those Orcs took Legolas. Now, now I'm petrified. Even warriors know fear. But we can't let it stand in our way. We've got to push it down and keep going."
"It's so hard," she answered. "I can't do it alone."
Aragorn opened his mouth to answer, but Boromir beat him to it.
"You're not alone," the warrior said softly, staying a respectful distance away. "None of us are ever alone. That's why Lord Elrond sent Companions with the Ringbearer. So that he would always have someone to encourage him, to help him. We're in this together, Ylana. It's the only way to do it."
"Boromir is right," Aragorn said, commanding their attention once again. "None of us can save Legolas on our own. I doubt even Gandalf could do it by himself. It's going to take all of us working together to get him back."
Ylana blinked for a moment, then smiled. "You're right. It's just, I'm so used to doing things on my own. Thanks, you two. I really needed that."
"My pleasure," Aragorn said, draping an arm across her shoulders. "Besides, after all of the times you've pulled me out of despair these past few days, I thought it was time I return the favor."
She smiled. "Well, if we're all through, then I suggest you two take a moment to work things out between yourselves. I may have been catatonic, but I heard your argument." She lifted an eyebrow. "Should I give you boys some time alone?"
Aragorn shot her an annoyed look---~this isn't the time to be funny~---but Boromir, looking thoughtful, nodded. "Aye. If you don't mind, fair Lady."
"Of course not." She bowed to the human warrior and gave Aragorn a simple nod. "I shall patrol ahead. Call me when you are ready to continue." With that, she turned and melted into the trees.
Aragorn watched her go before turning back to Boromir. ~What is he thinking? I know I shouldn't have gotten angry with him, but there's no way in on Arda I'm going to apologize. Not until---~
"Aragorn, I'm sorry for what happened back there."
The Ranger blinked, wondering if he'd heard correctly. "Excuse me?"
"I said I was sorry for what happened back there." Boromir was looking strait at Aragorn, but his expression told how uncomfortable he was. "I *don't* know what you're going through. That isn't my best friend locked in the tower with Saruman. I apologize for saying so.
"As for Legolas... You are correct in that I do not care for him as you and the others do. We have been at odds with each other since the Council." Here his face hardened. "But you are wrong in the belief that I would leave him there. I respect him. He is a skilled warrior, and I enjoy learning from him. While I don't know what you are going through, I *do* know that you are not thinking clearly. I was not trying to stall by suggesting that you stop and think of a way to get inside the tower. I was only trying to help."
Aragorn stared at him, eyes searching his face as if looking for a trap. Apparently seeing nothing, he gave the other human a nod and turned to walk forward, calling Ylana's name as he went.
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He was floating in a sea of darkness of the edge of consciousness, not quite aware, but not quite ignorant to what was happening, either.
Saruman had blocked his mind again, giving him nowhere to escape to. The wizard then gleefully commenced with the torture he had begun the day before. Vaguely, Legolas was aware of whips and other instruments added to the magic.
~I wonder what Annolir will do when he realizes I'm dead?~ A whip slashed across his back, but the battered Elf barely registered the sharp stinging that it caused. It didn't matter much. He couldn't scream if he wanted to. ~Will he try to attack Saruman? No, he's not stupid enough to attack a wizard. Well, he doesn't have to be stupid. Just crazy. And he definitely fits *that* shoe...~
As it often had in the past few days, Legolas felt his mind drift off to his friends. ~Aragorn... There's so much I want to tell you! Now it's too late. Even if, by some miracle, I do get out of here, I still won't be able to talk to him.~
~And Ylana. She's done so much for me, and I've come to really care for her. What will she think when she sees me? Will she see me as a liability? Or will she treat me the same as always? And how will we communicate? I can't talk, dammit!~
Legolas could count on one hand the number of times he had felt utter and complete despair. Right now was one of those times.
A song came to his mind then, a song he'd heard a long time ago but had never left him. A song about death.
He obviously couldn't sing it, but the words and music flowed through his head as loud and clear as if he *was* singing.
Shadow-Lover, never seen by day,
Only deep in dreams do you appear.
Wisdom tells me I should turn away,
Love of mist and shadows, all unclear---
Nothing can I hold of you but thought
Shadow-Lover, mist and twilight wrought.
Shadow-Lover, comfort me in pain.
Love, although I never see your face,
All who'd have me fear you speak in vain---
Never would I shrink from your embrace.
Shadow-Lover, gentle is your hand
Never could another understand.
Shadow-Lover, soothe me when I mourn
Mourn for all who left me here alone,
When my grief is too much to be borne,
When my burdens crushing-great have grown,
Shadow-Lover, I cannot forget---
Help me bear the burdens I have yet.
Shadow-Lover, you alone can know
How I long to reach a point of peace
How I fade with weariness and woe
How I long for you to bring release
Shadow-Lover, court me in my dreams
Bring the peace that suffering redeems.
Shadow-Lover, from the Shadows made,
Lead me into Shadows once again.
Where you lead I cannot be afraid,
For with you I shall come home again---
In your arms I shall not fear the night
Shadow-Lover, lead me into light.
The song was old. That much Legolas knew. It had supposedly be written before the fall of Numenor. The first time he had heard it, he had been very young. He had thought it an intriguing song, nothing more. But when he had heard his father singing it days after his mother's death----nearly a hundred years later---he had asked about it.
Thranduil had smiled sadly at his youngest child, tears sparkling in his eyes. The Shadow-Lover, he had explained, was Death. This had terrified young Legolas, and his father had quickly explained that he had no desire to court the Shadow-Lover, to die. It was just that the song fit his mood.
Things had gotten better after that. Elrond had come to Mirkwood, along with his sons to offer comfort to the royal family. It wasn't until many years later that Legolas discovered just how much 'comfort' Elrond had given his father.
Legolas hadn't thought about that song in years, but, as he lay helpless and alone, it brought unmeasurable comfort to him.
Replaying the song over in his head, Legolas let himself be carried away deeper into darkness.
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Aragorn seemed to have calmed down, much to Ylana's relief. She felt terrible about not stepping in when Boromir needed her to get things under control, but she was glad that the two of them had been able to work things out on their own.
Now she only wished they could stand walking by each other. With one Man on either side of her, she felt life a thief being led to prison.
~I guess I can't blame them,~ she thought, carefully picking her way through the dense underbrush. ~Aragorn's nerves are on end, and Boromir's lack of understanding isn't helping matters much. Then I had to go off and freeze up like some little girl. I only hope that this is over soon.~
They had marched strait through the day, and the sun was beginning to sink towards the horizon. They could now see more of the tower, and Ylana could feel the evil growing stronger. The smell of smoke was thick enough to make her cough.
The march had been a silent one. The only words had been spoken by Aragorn, who had said they would stop a little before nightfall and make a plan to get into Isengard.
Ylana hadn't missed the look of relief on Boromir's face. She didn't blame him. A huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders, knowing they weren't going in there blindly.
She closed her eyes and gave herself a mental shake. ~Quit behaving like a child,~ she told herself sternly. ~You can't count on other people doing things for you. You are a warrior. Act like one.~
When the silver eyes opened again, they were no longer those of a frightened girl.
They were those of a hunter.
~Boromir said that there are dungeons in the tower. If it was built like other towers and castles, then the dungeons should be on the haunted floors. He also says there is only one way into Isengard. I doubt there will be anything under which we can hide. Not if that smoke's any indication.~
"I wonder if the back of the tower is guarded as well as the front?" she said suddenly, startling both of her companions. But she ignored them both, ideas flashing through her head and fleeing just as quickly when they were found to be useless. "If we could stay close to the wall until we got to the back..."
A hand went to massage the bridge of her nose. ~Great. A headache. Dear Eru, I do not need this right now!~
On her left, Boromir wore a thoughtful frown. "I remember... I remember that there were a lot of trees around the tower. Old and strong. Perhaps we could use them as cover."
Aragorn felt his spirits lift a little at this, though his expression remained the same. ~Trees. There are trees surrounding Orthanc. Surrounding Legolas. Perhaps they will give him the strength he needs to survive.~
But that hope was shattered only seconds later by the weary sigh that passed from the female Elf's lips. "I only wished that we could dare to hope, Boromir," she said softly, briefly closing her eyes. "The air is thick with the smell of smoke, and these trees sing of mourning."
This caused Aragorn's head to snap up, and his face reflected the panic that was welling up within him. "Mourning?" he asked, anguish coloring his voice. "Mourning for what?" ~Legolas loves the trees. They give him his strength. They would feel it if he died. But so would I. I know I would!
Realizing what the Ranger was thinking, Ylana quickly reached out and took him by the wrist. "Do not despair," she said in a soothing voice. ~This is proving to be a huge strain on me. I can't even begin to imagine what he's going through.~ "It is not for Legolas that they mourn, though they fear for him. Not, it is for their own kind that they mourn. The White Wizard has gone against everything he stood for using the trees to create his foul creatures."
Aragorn nodded as he let out a shaky breath. The panic quickly flowed away from him, leaving him weak and trembling. ~This is all too much...~
A shaking hand was raised to his forehead. "I think---I think I need to sit down."
And sit down he did. He simply plopped to the ground, his legs refusing to support him any longer.
Ylana was crouched by his side in an instant, concern written clearly on her face. "Estel? Estel, what's wrong? Are you all right?"
"I'm fine," he said faintly, burying his face in his hands. "Can we just stop here for the night? You and Boromir can continue to work on a plan to get in there. I just need to think."
The Elf nodded and climbed back to her feet. "Of course," she said softly. "Call us if you need us." Motioning for Boromir to follow her, she continued deeper into the forest, leaving the Ranger to his thoughts.
Boromir trotted after her obediently, but kept shooting confused looks over his shoulder. "Milady? Where are we going? Shouldn't we stay with Aragorn?"
"He'll be fine," she assured him. "He needs some time alone. This has been very hard on him, you know." She stopped in a relatively clear area. Looking back, she could just make out Aragorn, still sitting on the ground. "This will do. Let's get a fire going, then we can work out a plan of how to get in there."
Without waiting to see if the human had anything to say, Ylana moved off to begin gathering firewood. She heard nothing from her companion, but thought nothing of it. At least, not until a hand was placed on her shoulder.
"Ylana, I'm sorry." Boromir's voice was soft, almost sad.
The Elf turned to face him, her arms full of sticks and twigs. This time, it was she who was confused. "Sorry? For what?"
He shrugged, letting go of her shoulder and taking a step back. "Everything. We've all been so focused on how this is affecting Aragorn that we've neglected you. This has been difficult for you as well." He shifted his weight from one foot to another, looking uneasy. "If---if you would like to talk, I could---"
Ylana's laughter---which reminded him sharply of the tiny, tinkling bells they had at Candlemas---cut him off. "I thank you for your concern, dear Boromir," she said, her eyes twinkling as she gazed fondly at the human. "And your concern touches me deeply. But I assure you that I am fine."
Boromir nodded, trying not to look too relieved. He'd never been very good at being a sympathetic listener. "Here. Let me help you with that firewood."
She raised an eyebrow in amusement, but allowed him to take the twigs, sticks and branches away from her. "Very well, then. If you will start a fire with this, I shall scout around for more wood to use as fuel."
Boromir almost said no---she didn't need to wonder alone---but stopped himself. He kept having to remind himself that his companion was no fragile girl, but a very well-trained warrior.
It felt so strange for the human to be fighting alongside a female. In Gondor, any young man who trained to fight had to swear to follow an honor code. The first rule of that code was that the warrior must protect any women and children that were with them. This was something that Boromir had once heard a stranger call chilvary.
Boromir had never expected to have a girl look after *him*!
He piled the wood up on the ground and reached for his tinderbox. ~How are we going to get into Orthanc? I'm beginning to wonder if Aragorn will be of much use. And Saruman is a wizard. Won't he be able to detect us coming?~
The human shuddered as he thought about how strong Saruman must be, what power he must have. Gondorians, as a rule, were suspicious of magick. They tolerated mages and wizards, but only barely. Boromir was no exception to the rule, and the thought of someone evil having that much power terrified him.
Ylana was suddenly crouching at his side, armload of kindling tumbling to the ground not far from the blaze that he had managed to coax from the wood. "This should last us through the night," she said, rocking back on her heels. "If not, I will go and collect more." She studied him for a moment, head tilted to the side like a bird. "Is something troubling you Boromir?"
He gave a quick laugh. "Where would you like me to begin, my Lady? Many things trouble me, least of which is our current situation."
With a sigh, she sat on the ground. Her dress was already ripped and covered in blood. A little dirt and grass wouldn't hurt. "I'm afraid we all have nothing but worries on our minds." She took a stick and began drawing in the dirt. "But I do not intend to bore you with mine. Tell me, how exactly is Isengard laid out?"
Boromir moved closer to her and saw that she had drawn a large square which he represented Orthanc.
"There's a ring around it, with only one opening." He took the stick from her and began sketching the Isengard of his memory. "Here, let me show you..."
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From where he sat on the ground, Aragorn could just hear Ylana and Boromir from up ahead. But he didn't pay them the slightest bit of attention. His mind was a jumbled chaos of memories and thoughts, all of the blond haired Elf who had been his best friend since he could remember...
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//"Legolas!"
The blond Elf looked up at the sound of the voice, blue eyes sparkling as he watched the young human hurry towards him. "Well met, Estel!" he said, smiling fondly as the child stopped in front of him, slightly out of breath from his run. "My, you're so grown!"
The foster son of Elrond puffed his chest out proudly. "I'm ten now. I got a bow for my birthday! Ada says that you're the best archer there is, and maybe you'll teach me while we're here together.(1) Then I can go hunting with Elladan and Elrohir."
Legolas laughed as he reached forward to ruffle the boy's hair affectionately. "Then we shall have to get started right away, won't we?"//
//"Legolas!"
Aragorn had seen his friend go down under a pile of Orcs, and was now desperately fighting his way to the Elf.
He heard a snarl come from the center of the fell creatures and felt relieved. No Orc could produce that much emotion. Legolas was still fighting.
The twenty-two-year-old human quickly relieved another Orc of its head and suddenly found himself standing outside the ring of Orcs that surrounded his friend. "Hang on, Legolas!" he shouted, hoping that the Elf could hear him. "I'm coming."
He sliced through another Orc, and found himself in the middle of the ring. Legolas stood there, covered in blood and obviously in pain. But he was standing. And the grin he gave the human was nothing short of wicked.
"Greetings, brother," the Elf said, raising one of his knives in salute. "I wondered if you were ever going to show up."
Aragorn quickly moved to his friend's side, blade at the ready. "I couldn't let you fight them all alone. I could only imagine what the twins would have to say about that. We'll fight them together..."//
//"Legolas!"
Aragorn felt his heart lift at the sight of his best friend. His father had expected someone from Mirkwood, but never thought it would be Legolas. Of course, Aragorn knew his father was secretly hoping it would be Thranduil. It had been too long since the lord of Rivendell had seen his lover. As long as it wasn't Annolir. Aragorn had never really liked the older prince.
The Elf smiled, and the Ranger was struck by how sad his friend looked. "Well met, brother. Hanna maer na kenna i." (2)
"And you as well." Then Aragorn gathered Legolas into his embrace, holding him tight.
Legolas laughed as he hugged his friend back, the sadness disappearing from his eyes for that brief moment. "What's this I hear of you journeying with hobbits? I did not know that Rangers were welcomed in the Shire."
"We are not," Aragorn answered, releasing the Elf. "But it was a task that had to be done." He tilted his head to the side, looking thoughtful. "Father is holding a Council on the morrow. The hobbits will be there, as well as Gandalf. Are you to attend?"
Legolas nodded. "Aye, for I bring news vital to Gandalf's plans."
"Then we'll save tomorrow for gloomy tidings." Aragorn linked his arm through his friend's and led him down the hall towards his chambers. "Now, we have a lot of catching up to do."
Legolas laughed. "Yes. Tell me about all of the adventures you've been having without me."
Aragorn pouted. "We're together now, aren't we?"
The Elf smiled fondly at his companion. "Yes, we are. And that's all that matters."//
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~We're together...~
The Ranger blinked, pulling himself out of his memories and back into reality. With a start, he realized that his face was wet with tears.
~How do I do this?~ he thought miserably. ~I've never done anything without Legolas at my side. All my life, I've always counted on him for backup. Now that he's not there...~
~Stop that!~ he told himself firmly, wiping away his tears. ~You speak as though Legolas were already lost. He's not! He's in that tower, waiting for you to come rescue him. You can be together again, but not by sitting on the ground.~
Feeling a new determination course through him, Aragorn got to his feet, brushed himself off, and strode forward to join his friends.
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(1) Ada-----------------father
(2) Hanna maer na kenna i------------------------It is good to see you
Disclaimer: As always, they are not mine at all. I do not own them in any shape, form or fashion. I just like to play with them. Legolas's song is 'The Shadow-Lover" by Mercedes Lackey from her Last Herald-Mage Trilogy.
Teensy mention of E/T in here....
Happy Thanksgiving all!! Eat lots of turkey and have fun with the family. Hope yours isn't as insane as mine....
The Silent Prince
Chapter 18: If We're Together
She hated it. It was tall, black and forbidding. Smoke rose up from all around it. Even from this distance, she could smell a terrible stench blowing from it.
She had never seen a more heartwarming sight.
Aragorn had been the first to see the top of Orthanc in the distance. He had let out a cry of delight and raced forward ahead of the others.
Ylana and Boromir hurried after him, afraid that there were Orcs ahead. But, when they had found their friend, he was standing on a boulder, shading his eyes and staring off into the distance with a hopeful look on his face. Ylana and Boromir had followed his gaze curiously, and had seen what had excited Aragorn so.
Ylana suddenly felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She let out a long, shuddering breath and had to blink as she felt the sting of tears in her eyes.
"There it is," Aragorn said breathlessly. "We're almost there."
In truth, they were still a good ways off. There was no way they could get there until tomorrow afternoon---Legolas's third day in the tower, if Ylana and Aragorn's calculations were correct. But it was still a lot closer than it had been.
Aragorn's heart was pounding. He felt as if he could fly the distance between him and Orthanc. Now that he could see it, he couldn't bear the thought of not running strait there and freeing Legolas.
Luckily, Boromir was staying grounded. "Come on," he said, taking both Ylana and Aragorn by a sleeve and tugging them forward. 'We can't afford to stop now, else we'll lose time."
*That* got their attention. Aragorn dropped his hand and nodded. "You speak the truth," he said, turning his eyes to the other Man. Boromir was startled at the jumble of emotions that were hidden in that gaze. "You're the most familiar with this place, Boromir. Which is the best way to approach the tower? Should we stay on our course, or turn?"
Boromir shrugged and frowned, looking back at the tower to avoid meeting the Ranger's intense gaze. "I truly do not know, Aragorn. It has been so long since I was here. It do know that a wall surrounds it, and that there is only one road into it. But I am sure Saruman has it heavily guarded. How can we hope to get into the tower undected?"
Aragorn shrugged, a determined look on his face. "That is something we will have to decide once we get there."
Boromir turned a concerned look to Ylana, realizing that the girl hadn't spoken once during the whole exchange. But she was staring off into the distance and didn't even seem to be aware of her companions. "Aragorn, I think we need to decide *now*. We need to have a plan before we get there. Otherwise, we'll be too busy saving ourselves to worry about Legolas."
The Ranger leapt down off the boulder. "You don't understand," he said softly. ~How could you? You don't know what I feel for him. No one does.~ "My best friend---my *soulmate*---has been locked in that tower for days at the mercy of an evil wizard. Now that we're this close... I can't think about strategy and plans. All I can think about is finding Legolas and getting him out of there."
Boromir sighed and raked a hand through his hair. ~We're wasting time here!~ "Aragorn, I know what you're going through---"
"How could you possibly know?" the Ranger suddenly snarled, whirling on Boromir with raised fists and flashing eyes, causing the other human to take a step back, nearly bumping into Ylana. "You don't even *like* Legolas. You're only nice to him because the two of you have to be around each other. You're still angry at him because of what happened at the Council. If it were up to you, you'd just leave him in there to rot. So go ahead. Stay here and stall, pretending to make plans to rescue him. *I'm* going to get him out of there." He turned his back on the very stunned and bewildered warrior. "Come on, Ylana."
Boromir turned to the Elf, expecting her to say something sensible, to try and calm Aragorn down. But she meekly followed the Ranger, not even glancing in Boromir's direction.
The Gondorian stared after the retreating figures, blinking stupidly in confusion as his brain worked furiously to try and figure out what had just happened. Then, with a shake of his head, he quickly hurried after them. ~Something tells me they're going to need me before this is over with...~
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Aragorn hadn't meant to be so harsh on Boromir. The other human had only been trying to be sensible, to help them. But the Ranger was far beyond sensibility. His patience was at an end, and his nerves were stretched to the point of breaking. Boromir dashing his renewed hope had been more than enough to make him snap.
He could feel Ylana walking along behind him. He turned a glance in her direction and frowned at her blank expression and faraway look. Now that he thought about it, she hadn't played her usual role of peacemaker when he and Boromir had argued.
He stopped and reached out to touch her shoulder. "Ylana?" he called softly. ~Please don't fall apart on me. You're all that stands between me and insanity...~
The Elf blinked and took a deep, shuddering breath. "I'm---I'm sorry, Estel," she said weakly, putting a hand to her head. "Please forgive me---"
"Ylana, what's wrong?"
She shook her head. "Nothing. I'm fine. Really."
Aragorn peered deeply into her eyes, not noticing Boromir as he rejoined them. He wouldn't have cared if he had. "Ylana," he said softly. "I've known you my whole life. You can't lie to me. There's something bothering you. What is it?"
She blinked at him, then lowered her gaze in shame. "I'm afraid," she said in a tiny voice. "This whole time, I've held out hope that Legolas will be fine. Now that we're almost there, reality is setting in. He's going to be different. And there are waves of evil just radiating from that tower. I'm terrified! But... Estel, I'm a warrior. I'm not *supossed* to be afraid."
Aragorn sighed. "Oh, Ylana." Placing two fingers under her chin, he lifted her head till her eyes met his. "It's all right to be afraid. I've been afraid ever since we started this Quest. Terrified when those Orcs took Legolas. Now, now I'm petrified. Even warriors know fear. But we can't let it stand in our way. We've got to push it down and keep going."
"It's so hard," she answered. "I can't do it alone."
Aragorn opened his mouth to answer, but Boromir beat him to it.
"You're not alone," the warrior said softly, staying a respectful distance away. "None of us are ever alone. That's why Lord Elrond sent Companions with the Ringbearer. So that he would always have someone to encourage him, to help him. We're in this together, Ylana. It's the only way to do it."
"Boromir is right," Aragorn said, commanding their attention once again. "None of us can save Legolas on our own. I doubt even Gandalf could do it by himself. It's going to take all of us working together to get him back."
Ylana blinked for a moment, then smiled. "You're right. It's just, I'm so used to doing things on my own. Thanks, you two. I really needed that."
"My pleasure," Aragorn said, draping an arm across her shoulders. "Besides, after all of the times you've pulled me out of despair these past few days, I thought it was time I return the favor."
She smiled. "Well, if we're all through, then I suggest you two take a moment to work things out between yourselves. I may have been catatonic, but I heard your argument." She lifted an eyebrow. "Should I give you boys some time alone?"
Aragorn shot her an annoyed look---~this isn't the time to be funny~---but Boromir, looking thoughtful, nodded. "Aye. If you don't mind, fair Lady."
"Of course not." She bowed to the human warrior and gave Aragorn a simple nod. "I shall patrol ahead. Call me when you are ready to continue." With that, she turned and melted into the trees.
Aragorn watched her go before turning back to Boromir. ~What is he thinking? I know I shouldn't have gotten angry with him, but there's no way in on Arda I'm going to apologize. Not until---~
"Aragorn, I'm sorry for what happened back there."
The Ranger blinked, wondering if he'd heard correctly. "Excuse me?"
"I said I was sorry for what happened back there." Boromir was looking strait at Aragorn, but his expression told how uncomfortable he was. "I *don't* know what you're going through. That isn't my best friend locked in the tower with Saruman. I apologize for saying so.
"As for Legolas... You are correct in that I do not care for him as you and the others do. We have been at odds with each other since the Council." Here his face hardened. "But you are wrong in the belief that I would leave him there. I respect him. He is a skilled warrior, and I enjoy learning from him. While I don't know what you are going through, I *do* know that you are not thinking clearly. I was not trying to stall by suggesting that you stop and think of a way to get inside the tower. I was only trying to help."
Aragorn stared at him, eyes searching his face as if looking for a trap. Apparently seeing nothing, he gave the other human a nod and turned to walk forward, calling Ylana's name as he went.
---------------------------------------------
He was floating in a sea of darkness of the edge of consciousness, not quite aware, but not quite ignorant to what was happening, either.
Saruman had blocked his mind again, giving him nowhere to escape to. The wizard then gleefully commenced with the torture he had begun the day before. Vaguely, Legolas was aware of whips and other instruments added to the magic.
~I wonder what Annolir will do when he realizes I'm dead?~ A whip slashed across his back, but the battered Elf barely registered the sharp stinging that it caused. It didn't matter much. He couldn't scream if he wanted to. ~Will he try to attack Saruman? No, he's not stupid enough to attack a wizard. Well, he doesn't have to be stupid. Just crazy. And he definitely fits *that* shoe...~
As it often had in the past few days, Legolas felt his mind drift off to his friends. ~Aragorn... There's so much I want to tell you! Now it's too late. Even if, by some miracle, I do get out of here, I still won't be able to talk to him.~
~And Ylana. She's done so much for me, and I've come to really care for her. What will she think when she sees me? Will she see me as a liability? Or will she treat me the same as always? And how will we communicate? I can't talk, dammit!~
Legolas could count on one hand the number of times he had felt utter and complete despair. Right now was one of those times.
A song came to his mind then, a song he'd heard a long time ago but had never left him. A song about death.
He obviously couldn't sing it, but the words and music flowed through his head as loud and clear as if he *was* singing.
Shadow-Lover, never seen by day,
Only deep in dreams do you appear.
Wisdom tells me I should turn away,
Love of mist and shadows, all unclear---
Nothing can I hold of you but thought
Shadow-Lover, mist and twilight wrought.
Shadow-Lover, comfort me in pain.
Love, although I never see your face,
All who'd have me fear you speak in vain---
Never would I shrink from your embrace.
Shadow-Lover, gentle is your hand
Never could another understand.
Shadow-Lover, soothe me when I mourn
Mourn for all who left me here alone,
When my grief is too much to be borne,
When my burdens crushing-great have grown,
Shadow-Lover, I cannot forget---
Help me bear the burdens I have yet.
Shadow-Lover, you alone can know
How I long to reach a point of peace
How I fade with weariness and woe
How I long for you to bring release
Shadow-Lover, court me in my dreams
Bring the peace that suffering redeems.
Shadow-Lover, from the Shadows made,
Lead me into Shadows once again.
Where you lead I cannot be afraid,
For with you I shall come home again---
In your arms I shall not fear the night
Shadow-Lover, lead me into light.
The song was old. That much Legolas knew. It had supposedly be written before the fall of Numenor. The first time he had heard it, he had been very young. He had thought it an intriguing song, nothing more. But when he had heard his father singing it days after his mother's death----nearly a hundred years later---he had asked about it.
Thranduil had smiled sadly at his youngest child, tears sparkling in his eyes. The Shadow-Lover, he had explained, was Death. This had terrified young Legolas, and his father had quickly explained that he had no desire to court the Shadow-Lover, to die. It was just that the song fit his mood.
Things had gotten better after that. Elrond had come to Mirkwood, along with his sons to offer comfort to the royal family. It wasn't until many years later that Legolas discovered just how much 'comfort' Elrond had given his father.
Legolas hadn't thought about that song in years, but, as he lay helpless and alone, it brought unmeasurable comfort to him.
Replaying the song over in his head, Legolas let himself be carried away deeper into darkness.
-------------------------------------
Aragorn seemed to have calmed down, much to Ylana's relief. She felt terrible about not stepping in when Boromir needed her to get things under control, but she was glad that the two of them had been able to work things out on their own.
Now she only wished they could stand walking by each other. With one Man on either side of her, she felt life a thief being led to prison.
~I guess I can't blame them,~ she thought, carefully picking her way through the dense underbrush. ~Aragorn's nerves are on end, and Boromir's lack of understanding isn't helping matters much. Then I had to go off and freeze up like some little girl. I only hope that this is over soon.~
They had marched strait through the day, and the sun was beginning to sink towards the horizon. They could now see more of the tower, and Ylana could feel the evil growing stronger. The smell of smoke was thick enough to make her cough.
The march had been a silent one. The only words had been spoken by Aragorn, who had said they would stop a little before nightfall and make a plan to get into Isengard.
Ylana hadn't missed the look of relief on Boromir's face. She didn't blame him. A huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders, knowing they weren't going in there blindly.
She closed her eyes and gave herself a mental shake. ~Quit behaving like a child,~ she told herself sternly. ~You can't count on other people doing things for you. You are a warrior. Act like one.~
When the silver eyes opened again, they were no longer those of a frightened girl.
They were those of a hunter.
~Boromir said that there are dungeons in the tower. If it was built like other towers and castles, then the dungeons should be on the haunted floors. He also says there is only one way into Isengard. I doubt there will be anything under which we can hide. Not if that smoke's any indication.~
"I wonder if the back of the tower is guarded as well as the front?" she said suddenly, startling both of her companions. But she ignored them both, ideas flashing through her head and fleeing just as quickly when they were found to be useless. "If we could stay close to the wall until we got to the back..."
A hand went to massage the bridge of her nose. ~Great. A headache. Dear Eru, I do not need this right now!~
On her left, Boromir wore a thoughtful frown. "I remember... I remember that there were a lot of trees around the tower. Old and strong. Perhaps we could use them as cover."
Aragorn felt his spirits lift a little at this, though his expression remained the same. ~Trees. There are trees surrounding Orthanc. Surrounding Legolas. Perhaps they will give him the strength he needs to survive.~
But that hope was shattered only seconds later by the weary sigh that passed from the female Elf's lips. "I only wished that we could dare to hope, Boromir," she said softly, briefly closing her eyes. "The air is thick with the smell of smoke, and these trees sing of mourning."
This caused Aragorn's head to snap up, and his face reflected the panic that was welling up within him. "Mourning?" he asked, anguish coloring his voice. "Mourning for what?" ~Legolas loves the trees. They give him his strength. They would feel it if he died. But so would I. I know I would!
Realizing what the Ranger was thinking, Ylana quickly reached out and took him by the wrist. "Do not despair," she said in a soothing voice. ~This is proving to be a huge strain on me. I can't even begin to imagine what he's going through.~ "It is not for Legolas that they mourn, though they fear for him. Not, it is for their own kind that they mourn. The White Wizard has gone against everything he stood for using the trees to create his foul creatures."
Aragorn nodded as he let out a shaky breath. The panic quickly flowed away from him, leaving him weak and trembling. ~This is all too much...~
A shaking hand was raised to his forehead. "I think---I think I need to sit down."
And sit down he did. He simply plopped to the ground, his legs refusing to support him any longer.
Ylana was crouched by his side in an instant, concern written clearly on her face. "Estel? Estel, what's wrong? Are you all right?"
"I'm fine," he said faintly, burying his face in his hands. "Can we just stop here for the night? You and Boromir can continue to work on a plan to get in there. I just need to think."
The Elf nodded and climbed back to her feet. "Of course," she said softly. "Call us if you need us." Motioning for Boromir to follow her, she continued deeper into the forest, leaving the Ranger to his thoughts.
Boromir trotted after her obediently, but kept shooting confused looks over his shoulder. "Milady? Where are we going? Shouldn't we stay with Aragorn?"
"He'll be fine," she assured him. "He needs some time alone. This has been very hard on him, you know." She stopped in a relatively clear area. Looking back, she could just make out Aragorn, still sitting on the ground. "This will do. Let's get a fire going, then we can work out a plan of how to get in there."
Without waiting to see if the human had anything to say, Ylana moved off to begin gathering firewood. She heard nothing from her companion, but thought nothing of it. At least, not until a hand was placed on her shoulder.
"Ylana, I'm sorry." Boromir's voice was soft, almost sad.
The Elf turned to face him, her arms full of sticks and twigs. This time, it was she who was confused. "Sorry? For what?"
He shrugged, letting go of her shoulder and taking a step back. "Everything. We've all been so focused on how this is affecting Aragorn that we've neglected you. This has been difficult for you as well." He shifted his weight from one foot to another, looking uneasy. "If---if you would like to talk, I could---"
Ylana's laughter---which reminded him sharply of the tiny, tinkling bells they had at Candlemas---cut him off. "I thank you for your concern, dear Boromir," she said, her eyes twinkling as she gazed fondly at the human. "And your concern touches me deeply. But I assure you that I am fine."
Boromir nodded, trying not to look too relieved. He'd never been very good at being a sympathetic listener. "Here. Let me help you with that firewood."
She raised an eyebrow in amusement, but allowed him to take the twigs, sticks and branches away from her. "Very well, then. If you will start a fire with this, I shall scout around for more wood to use as fuel."
Boromir almost said no---she didn't need to wonder alone---but stopped himself. He kept having to remind himself that his companion was no fragile girl, but a very well-trained warrior.
It felt so strange for the human to be fighting alongside a female. In Gondor, any young man who trained to fight had to swear to follow an honor code. The first rule of that code was that the warrior must protect any women and children that were with them. This was something that Boromir had once heard a stranger call chilvary.
Boromir had never expected to have a girl look after *him*!
He piled the wood up on the ground and reached for his tinderbox. ~How are we going to get into Orthanc? I'm beginning to wonder if Aragorn will be of much use. And Saruman is a wizard. Won't he be able to detect us coming?~
The human shuddered as he thought about how strong Saruman must be, what power he must have. Gondorians, as a rule, were suspicious of magick. They tolerated mages and wizards, but only barely. Boromir was no exception to the rule, and the thought of someone evil having that much power terrified him.
Ylana was suddenly crouching at his side, armload of kindling tumbling to the ground not far from the blaze that he had managed to coax from the wood. "This should last us through the night," she said, rocking back on her heels. "If not, I will go and collect more." She studied him for a moment, head tilted to the side like a bird. "Is something troubling you Boromir?"
He gave a quick laugh. "Where would you like me to begin, my Lady? Many things trouble me, least of which is our current situation."
With a sigh, she sat on the ground. Her dress was already ripped and covered in blood. A little dirt and grass wouldn't hurt. "I'm afraid we all have nothing but worries on our minds." She took a stick and began drawing in the dirt. "But I do not intend to bore you with mine. Tell me, how exactly is Isengard laid out?"
Boromir moved closer to her and saw that she had drawn a large square which he represented Orthanc.
"There's a ring around it, with only one opening." He took the stick from her and began sketching the Isengard of his memory. "Here, let me show you..."
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From where he sat on the ground, Aragorn could just hear Ylana and Boromir from up ahead. But he didn't pay them the slightest bit of attention. His mind was a jumbled chaos of memories and thoughts, all of the blond haired Elf who had been his best friend since he could remember...
-------------------------------------
//"Legolas!"
The blond Elf looked up at the sound of the voice, blue eyes sparkling as he watched the young human hurry towards him. "Well met, Estel!" he said, smiling fondly as the child stopped in front of him, slightly out of breath from his run. "My, you're so grown!"
The foster son of Elrond puffed his chest out proudly. "I'm ten now. I got a bow for my birthday! Ada says that you're the best archer there is, and maybe you'll teach me while we're here together.(1) Then I can go hunting with Elladan and Elrohir."
Legolas laughed as he reached forward to ruffle the boy's hair affectionately. "Then we shall have to get started right away, won't we?"//
//"Legolas!"
Aragorn had seen his friend go down under a pile of Orcs, and was now desperately fighting his way to the Elf.
He heard a snarl come from the center of the fell creatures and felt relieved. No Orc could produce that much emotion. Legolas was still fighting.
The twenty-two-year-old human quickly relieved another Orc of its head and suddenly found himself standing outside the ring of Orcs that surrounded his friend. "Hang on, Legolas!" he shouted, hoping that the Elf could hear him. "I'm coming."
He sliced through another Orc, and found himself in the middle of the ring. Legolas stood there, covered in blood and obviously in pain. But he was standing. And the grin he gave the human was nothing short of wicked.
"Greetings, brother," the Elf said, raising one of his knives in salute. "I wondered if you were ever going to show up."
Aragorn quickly moved to his friend's side, blade at the ready. "I couldn't let you fight them all alone. I could only imagine what the twins would have to say about that. We'll fight them together..."//
//"Legolas!"
Aragorn felt his heart lift at the sight of his best friend. His father had expected someone from Mirkwood, but never thought it would be Legolas. Of course, Aragorn knew his father was secretly hoping it would be Thranduil. It had been too long since the lord of Rivendell had seen his lover. As long as it wasn't Annolir. Aragorn had never really liked the older prince.
The Elf smiled, and the Ranger was struck by how sad his friend looked. "Well met, brother. Hanna maer na kenna i." (2)
"And you as well." Then Aragorn gathered Legolas into his embrace, holding him tight.
Legolas laughed as he hugged his friend back, the sadness disappearing from his eyes for that brief moment. "What's this I hear of you journeying with hobbits? I did not know that Rangers were welcomed in the Shire."
"We are not," Aragorn answered, releasing the Elf. "But it was a task that had to be done." He tilted his head to the side, looking thoughtful. "Father is holding a Council on the morrow. The hobbits will be there, as well as Gandalf. Are you to attend?"
Legolas nodded. "Aye, for I bring news vital to Gandalf's plans."
"Then we'll save tomorrow for gloomy tidings." Aragorn linked his arm through his friend's and led him down the hall towards his chambers. "Now, we have a lot of catching up to do."
Legolas laughed. "Yes. Tell me about all of the adventures you've been having without me."
Aragorn pouted. "We're together now, aren't we?"
The Elf smiled fondly at his companion. "Yes, we are. And that's all that matters."//
----------------------------------------
~We're together...~
The Ranger blinked, pulling himself out of his memories and back into reality. With a start, he realized that his face was wet with tears.
~How do I do this?~ he thought miserably. ~I've never done anything without Legolas at my side. All my life, I've always counted on him for backup. Now that he's not there...~
~Stop that!~ he told himself firmly, wiping away his tears. ~You speak as though Legolas were already lost. He's not! He's in that tower, waiting for you to come rescue him. You can be together again, but not by sitting on the ground.~
Feeling a new determination course through him, Aragorn got to his feet, brushed himself off, and strode forward to join his friends.
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(1) Ada-----------------father
(2) Hanna maer na kenna i------------------------It is good to see you