Hey guys! Once again, I say thanks for all the wonderful reviews. You guys
really are the best. And I know the last chapter was pretty crappy, so I
hope I can make it up in this one.
Okay, here's the deal. While I was writing this, the writing fairy decided that I should turn it into a series. So this is the first segment in the Fate's Choice series. I only like a few more chapters on this, and then I hope to begin posting the next one. I hope you will all continue to enjoy it!
Disclaimer: If I owned Legolas, do you really think I'd be sitting here writing this right now? Didn't think so....
The Silent Prince
Chapter 24: A Question of Worth
*"What?!"*
To say that Annolir Lightbringer was upset was a serious understatement. The Crown Prince of Mirkwood was positively livid, staring at the calm wizard with shock, and at the smug Aislyn with smoldering hatred. "Why is it that she gets to lead the attack on the human city? I have been trained in the art of battle. I should be the one to go!"
"We have already been over this," Saruman reminded him. "You are needed elsewhere. Besides, we do not need a general. She simply has to get in to collapse the mountain passes. The Orcs are going simply as a distraction."
"And what if she accidentally kills my brother? Then this whole thing would have been in vain."
The girl coolly lifted an eyebrow. "I believe that I am less likely to kill Legolas than you. I plan on simply going there and doing my job. I have no intentions of seeking him out and rubbing it in his face as I am sure you do."
The Elf snarled at her, eyes flashing. "I have just as much stake in this as you do, witch. I'm not going to jeopardize everything I've worked for just to laugh in his face. Besides, he'll be dead soon enough."
Aislyn didn't answer, but Annolir had to turn away before he list control and knocked that condescending smile from her face.
Saruman closed his eyes and let out a silent, weary sigh. ~Why can't they get along? It would make things so much easier.~ "Aislyn shall be leaving in three days. By that time, you need to have already left for Mirkwood, Annolir. That way, you shall have plenty of time to make your plans for when your father leaves."
Annolir gave him a short, crisp bow. "Of course. I shall be gone before sunset tomorrow." With one last sneer in Aislyn's direction, the Elf turned and left the room. ~I'll show her. Give me time, and I'll show Saruman that I'm much more valuable than she'll ever be.~
Inside the audience chamber, Aislyn waited until Annolir was gone before allowing the smile to spread all the way across her face. "I am very glad to be rid of him for awhile," she said, turning her burnished gold eyes to Saruman.
"I must confess that I am as well," the wizard replied. "He's much too hot- headed for my tastes. I prefer someone who can stay calm no matter what."
The girl stood a little taller.
"Then again, I also need someone with tact, who doesn't do everything she can to get a rise from the people she's working with."
This caused Aislyn's shoulders to slump, and a faint pink tinge appeared on her cheeks. "Apologies, my Lord," she murmured, casting her eyes downwards.
He waved his hand in dismissal. "Think nothing of it. He will be gone for awhile, so you won't have to worry about taunting him. There are other things to see to now. You and I have much work to do..."
------------
Sunlight was streaming through the room's single window when Aragorn next awoke. He lay there for a long moment as he waited for his mind to become more aware. His eyelids felt heavy and his tongue thick and dry. ~I wonder how long I've been out?~
The Ranger wasn't even sure where he was. He remembered Gandalf taking Legolas from him... he'd told the wizard about the Elf's voice... And that was it. The rest were simply visions he'd seen dancing in his dreams.
~I wonder how Legolas is doing? Did the Healer know hoe to help him? Was Gandalf able to do anything about his voice? And what of the others? I did not see Gimli nor the hobbits. Surely they are not dead!~
Aragorn's mind was screaming for him to get up, to go and check on his friends. But his body refused. He had been abusing it lately, and it wasn't going to move until it had gotten its well-deserved rest.
He lay there, eyes closed and breathing regular, but completely aware. If he strained his ears, he could hear the faint murmur of voices in the hall, or the chirping of the birds coming from outside. Everything was...peaceful. He was among friends and, for the moment, safe.
The sunlight continued to pour into the room, warming him. Now that
Legolas was once again safe, he could concentrate on the Quest once more. They were at the mountain passes, and would soon be through them and even closer to Mordor.
A slight frown tugged on his lips as he tried to remember where they would be once they had made it through the mountains. ~I will have to ask Ylana. I have not studied maps as much as she. She will know where we shall be and how long it will take us to reach Mordor.~
He attempted to move again, and was successful in lifting his arm. He was just going to have to wait another few minutes before he would be able to roll out of bed.
~God, this feels nice. A real mattress, a pillow, a blanket... Wonder when we'll get to have this again? Not for awhile, I'm afraid. Unless we make a stop in Lothlorien. Ylana would *love* that...~
The Ranger's eyes fluttered open, and he had to blink in the sunlight. ~I think I might be able to get up now.~ With a groan, he pushed himself up into a sitting position.
Immediately he wished he hadn't. By the Valar, he hurt! There was no sharp pain coming from one area, but a dull ache that was spread all over his body.
Aragorn winced as several bones popped. ~Probably from all those nights of sleeping on the hard ground. I *need* to get up. Lying here's just going to make it worse.~
He quickly threw back the covers, and was relieved to discover that someone had taken the time to dress him in sleeping wear. He was even happier to find his clothes folded neatly at the end of the bed. Moving as quickly as his creaking joints would allow, the Ranger got dressed. He quietly left his room and headed down the corridor in search of his friends.
-------
"All right, now. I want you to walk across the room. If anything starts to hurt, let me know immediately. I mean it." The Healer fixed Legolas with a stern look. "Swallow your pride, if you must. You won't get better by simply ignoring your injuries."
Legolas made a face at Ylana, who was leaning against the wall next to the door with her arms folded, causing her to smile. ~He's so much like Aragorn...~
Legolas had awoken the morning before, and the Healer had been poking and prodding him ever since. Oh, he was never alone. Gandalf had stayed with him for awhile after he had woken up, sending Ylana off to get some real rest. The hobbits shyly came in every now and then to talk to him and make sure he was doing okay. Aragorn, he'd been told, was still fast asleep.
The Elf was glad to hear that his friend was getting some well-deserved rest. From what Ylana had told him, the Ranger had not gotten much sleep since they had set out to rescue him.
"I told him that I knew how stubborn he could be, and that I was going to make him stop every now and then, even if he didn't rest." Ylana had shaken her head as she sat by Legolas's side as the Healer removed the bandages to check the progress of the Elf's healing wounds. "By the Valar, but humans are stubborn!"
Legolas had laughingly agreed. Yes, that was Aragorn. Brave and noble, but a stubborn fool as well.
Now, as he stood in his room, he felt a slight, growing fear in the pit of his stomach. How many days had it been since he had walked on his own? Four? Five? Sure, he was standing on his own at the moment, but he wasn't putting all of his weight on his injured leg. What if he began to walk and faltered? What if he could no longer walk unaided?
No. He had to think positive thoughts. He *had* to be able to walk! He would not be seen as a weakness.
So Legolas took a deep breath, held out his arms, and took a step forward.
He could feel Ylana's eyes steady on him as he slowly put all his weight on his injured leg. A silent prayer sprang to his lips as he moved forward, hoping against all hope that he would not fall...
He began to wobble, and panic seized him. Legolas quickly righted himself before he could fall, and blew out a long, shaky breath. He hoped that the others didn't notice that he was trembling.
Still moving carefully, Legolas took another step forward, then another. His heart quickened. He was doing it!
He managed to make it all the way across the room without falling and only very few stumbles. Once he'd stopped, he turned to the others, a wide grin on his face.
Ylana was smiling as well, happy to see that her friend was doing so well. The Healer looked thoughtful and relieved.
"Your wound is healing well, Master Elf. I believe there will be no permanent damage. All that's left for you to do is work on your leg muscles. They have not been used for a while, so they are weak. Other than that, I'd say that you're nearly as good as new."
"Good as new?" came a deep, familiar voice that sent thrills of happiness through Legolas. "If he's ever been anything less, then I'd hate to be around him when he's in peak condition."
As the male Elf watched, Aragorn stepped through the doorway to stand beside Ylana. While the Man looked a little ragged, Legolas was just happy to see him at all.
"We'll start tomorrow," the Healer told him as he moved to straiten up the bed. "Just come and see me whenever you have time. We'll start out with some basic exercises and see how that goes."
Legolas turned to the young man and bowed formally, placing a hand on his heart before extending it out to him.
The Healer waved his hand in a dismissive gesture, but they could all see the blush that arose on his cheeks. "Please, no thanks. I didn't really do all that much. Besides, you gave me a chance to treat an Elf. That experience alone is thanks enough for me."
Legolas offered him a nod, and then walked over to where his friends waited.
Aragorn briefly touched his heart, and then placed his hand on Legolas's shoulder. "It is good to see you, my friend," he said softly.
Legolas copied the gesture, gripping the Ranger's shoulder tightly. ~And you as well.~
As the two stared at each other, an unspoken thought passed between them, causing Ylana to avert her eyes. She had already had her reunion with Legolas. Now it was Aragorn's turn.
Finally, after a few more minutes, they dropped their hands and Ylana felt it was safe enough to face them once more. "Come," she said softly. "Gandalf is in Prince Liothiel's viewing chamber, awaiting us."
Both nodded and turned to follow their friend down the hallway.
-----------------------------
The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife.
Boromir sat tapping his foot, Liothiel his fingernails. Gimli toyed with one of his throwing axe while the hobbits whispered anxiously among themselves. Only Gandalf appeared calm, sitting back in his seat and smoking his pipe.
Finally, the young prince could stand the silence no more. "What is this about, Gandalf? Why have you called us all here?"
The wizard held up a hand. "Patience, my friend. The Elves should be here soon. When they arrive, I shall tell you everything you want to know. At least, as long as it's in my power to answer."
Across the table, Gimli muttered something about good-for-nothing Elves, but none of the others paid him any attention. Each was lost in his own thoughts, wondering why Gandalf had called a meeting. Liothiel prayed that it wasn't because the wizard thought Saruman would attack the town. He had a sizable army, and they were well-trained. But he did not know if they would be able to stand up against these monsters that the others had spoken of.
Before he could voice any concerns, however, the door to the chamber opened.
Gandalf's face brightened. "Ah, Legolas and Ylana. And Aragorn as well! Good, good. We are all here."
As the trio took their seats around the large, stone table, Gandalf finished his pipe and put it away. He leaned forward, his blue eyes serious. "I have called you all here because I fear Saruman has something else in store for us."
Liothiel groaned and buried his face in his hands. ~I knew it...~
"You think he will attack Terin?" That was Aragorn, his voice grim.
"I am not sure," the wizard replied. He turned and fixed his steely gaze on the human prince. "But know this. If he does, we will stay to aid the fighting. Legolas and Ylana can lead the archers while Aragorn and Boromir lead the swordsmen. Gimli, the hobbits and I will go wherever you need us."
Liothiel looked up and gave a weak smile. "Thank you, Gandalf." He paused. "How long are you to be with us?"
"A few more days at least," the wizard replied. "We need time to decide what to do next, and I do not wish to move Legolas just yet."
The Elf's eyes widened in protest, and Gandalf was quick to give him a reassuring smile. "Don't be alarmed, Prince Greenleaf. It is not for our sake that I want to stay, but for yours. You have been through much, even for an Elf. I want you to stay close to a trained Healer for the next few days in case something happens. You are very dear to us, Legolas. I do not doubt your abilities in the least. I just want to make sure you are all right."
The male Elf relaxed and hoped that his cheeks weren't too red. Why had he been so jumpy lately? He took everything as an insult, and was constantly questioning his worth.
~Because you are not yourself,~ came the voice of his sensible side. ~You have never been this weak, this vulnerable. You are used to leading people. Never before has anyone had to be this worried for you.~
He felt like sinking under the table.
"We will need to inform the army of what's going on, prepare them just in case." Boromir's voice pulled Legolas out of his drowning thoughts and back to the matter at hand. "If they are to fight, the least we can do is give them a chance."
Liothiel nodded. Legolas noticed that his color was returning, and he didn't look quite so frightened. "Once Gandalf has dismissed us, I shall summon the captain of the guard and explain everything. Then we can begin to make preparations."
"Liothiel, I am truly sorry about this." Gandalf's eyes were full of worry and apology. "If there is anything we can do---"
The prince waved a hand in dismissal. "Don't even think about it. You have always been a friend to both Terin and my father, and he would roll over in his grave if he knew that I had turned you away in your hour of need." Here his face hardened. "And I will gladly take a chance to prove to the Forces of Darkness that the World of Men will not simply fall to its knees. That it will take much to bowl us over." He offered a fierce grin. "And with a group of friends as strong as this, he will have a hard time of it indeed."
The others smiled at this, their morale boosted and spirits lifted.
Everyone, that is, except Legolas. As the others continued speaking, he had let himself listen to his thoughts again. They were telling him that Liothiel was wrong, that the group of friends was *not* that strong.
Because he was in it.
Though Legolas's face remained impassive, Aragorn had known the Elf long enough to be able to read his eyes. And the Ranger could clearly see the troubled and haunted look that was trapped in those crystal blue orbs.
Aragorn silently cursed Saruman, himself, Gandalf, and everyone else he felt was playing a part in this. All he'd wanted to do was spend some quiet time alone with Legolas, reassure his friend that they thought no less of him. That, no matter what happened, he was still the same Legolas that had been Aragorn's lifelong best friend.
But that was not to be the case. Now they had to prepare for battle against Saruman. And all because Gandalf *thought* the White Wizard might attack.
~Speaking of Gandalf...~ Aragorn quickly moved to the wizard's side as the others left on various tasks. Liothiel had left in search of the captain of the guard, while the Elves were off to get Legolas a new bow. Ylana had told him that she had kept his old one just in case. He had smiled in thanks, but shook his head. So Liothiel had pointed them in the direction of the bow maker, and off they went.
So much better for Aragorn, because it was the male Elf that he wished to discuss.
"Gandalf?" he said quietly, laying a hand on the Istari's arm. "May I have a moment?"
"Of course," the wizard answered, waving his companion to the chair at his side, which had been vacated by Boromir. "What is it you wish to speak of?"
Aragorn sighed as he dropped into the empty seat. "It is about Legolas's voice. Ylana told me that you had looked at him, but would say nothing else."
"Ah. I am glad you brought this up. I wanted to speak with you about this as well." Gandalf let out a sigh as he leaned back in his own chair. "Legolas's voice is still there, but it is blocked by a powerful spell."
The Ranger brightened at this. "So Legolas hasn't been silence permanently," he breathed. "Thank the Valar! Can you do anything about it?"
"No. As I said, it is a powerful spell. A *very* powerful spell, too powerful even for me."
Aragorn's shoulders slumped, all the hope fleeing from him as quickly as it had arrived. "So...There's nothing we can do?"
Gandalf raised a hand. "I didn't say that. It *can* be broken...But only by him. The spell is for him, and him alone."
"How can *he* break it?"
"I don't know." Gandalf fixed him with a stare. "But you might."
Aragorn blinked, startled. "Me? But I know nothing of spells and magick."
"No, perhaps not. But you know Legolas. You know his strengths and weaknesses. His hopes and fears. His dreams. *That's* going to be what saves him. Not magick." This time, it was Gandalf who placed a hand on Aragorn's arm. "It's up to you two, now."
Aragorn was silent for a moment, thinking. Then he nodded, a determined look on his face. "I'll do what I can."
Gandalf smiled. "That's all any of us can do. And I'm sure it will be enough." He paused as Liothiel reentered the room, followed by a square- jawed man in a clean, neatly pressed uniform. "Ah. That must be the captain of the guard. Good. We can get the planning under way."
Aragorn nodded as he swiftly stood and went to join Boromir in speaking with the prince's right hand man. He would worry about Legolas later, when there was time. Right now, they had to worry about protecting the city.
--------------------------------
An hour later, Legolas was ready to take one of his knives and stab himself or go and jump from the roof of the tallest building in Terin. Anything to get rid of this frustration that had him nearly in tears.
They had found the bow maker without a problem. Ylana had explained what they wanted, and the Man had moved to take Legolas's measurements. When he asked for specifics such as wood type, the Elf began making gestures.
The man looked at him like he was crazy.
Seeing that wasn't going to work, Legolas took a quill and a piece of paper from the bow maker's desk and began to sketch what he wanted.
The man gave him a blank look.
Legolas had to resist the urge to run him through. Or at least to slap him.
Ylana, seeing that they were getting nowhere fast, quickly stepped in as peacemaker. Speaking in a calm voice, she explained what happened while Legolas looked away, fists clenched so tight his fingernails were digging into his skin. ~She shouldn't have to make excuses for me.~
Once Ylana had finished explaining, the bow maker turned to Legolas, pity in his eyes as he profusely apologized. This made the Elf even angrier, but at least the man was more patient as he sketched out what he wanted. He asked Legolas questions, making sure that he had everything right. Finally sure that he understood, he disappeared into the back room, promising Legolas that his new bow would be ready by day's end.
Once he was gone, Legolas turned to Ylana and mimed tearing his hair out. Tiny rivulets of blood ran from his palms, where his fingernails had broken skin.
His female companion gave him a sympathetic smile. "Some people just don't understand," she said softly. "They can't accept someone for who they are if they're different. You just have to be patient with them. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done."
Legolas nodded emphatically. He'd expected people to treat him a little differently, but this... This was ridiculous!
Ylana sighed and passed a weary hand over her eyes. "Come on. We'd better get back and find out what's going on."
-------------------------------
Aislyn stood before Saruman, her cloak managing to hide her finely-meshed armor and sword that hung from her hip. Her hood was pulled back, allowing her white hair to spill over her shoulders and her yellow eyes to dance with firelight.
She gave him a sweeping bow. "My lord, your army is ready. We await your command."
He offered her a smile. "Good, good. I want you to leave with tomorrow's first light. You should be able to make it there in four days time. Collapse those passes and you shall have your revenge."
The Angmar sorceress gave another bow before leaving the room.
Saruman waited until the door had closed behind her before throwing his head back and laughing. "Enjoy what time you have left, Gandalf," he cackled gleefully. "Because that time is almost *up*."
------------------------------------
The moon was shinning brightly on Terin as Aragorn left the others and stepped out onto one of the palace's many balconies. His eyes swept around until they settled on what he had come looking for.
The figure stood at the corner of the balcony, face turned upward. The moon caused the hair to shine like spun gold, and the stars were reflected in the blue eyes.
Aragorn's breath caught in his throat. ~He's so...~ He quickly shook his head, chasing the thought away. ~Now's not the time.~
Not bothering to mask his footsteps, for he knew that it wouldn't matter, Aragorn walked to Legolas's side. They gave each other welcoming smiles before turning back to the stars. Aragorn only wished that they held all of his answers.
"I saw your new bow," he said softly after awhile. "It's beautiful. And it shall be very useful should Saruman attack. You're one of the best archers in all Middle-Earth. You always have been."
Legolas didn't move, didn't blink, didn't show any sign of having heard the Man. He simply continued to stare up into the sky.
Aragorn sighed as he leaned against the railway. How was he supposed to help Legolas if he didn't know what was going through the Elf's head?
Suddenly, Gandalf's earlier words came back to him. ~"You know his hopes and fears."~
Having a pretty good idea of what was bothering his friend, Aragorn turned to face him. "You know, I don't think I got the chance to tell you how well you fought against the goblins. You were amazing! It almost seemed as though you were dancing." He had to grin. "I think you gave Boromir quite a fright, which means the Orcs will probably turn tail and run all the way back to Orthanc."
Legolas turned to him, the hope clearly in his eyes. Aragorn knew that he had said the right thing.
He reached out to place a hand on the Elf's shoulder. "Im estel mi le, Legolas," he whispered, his grey eyes looking deep into Legolas's blue.(1) "I always have."
Legolas looked into the eyes of his best friend and realized that, in Aragorn, he'd found something he was afraid had been lost.
Hope for himself. Hope that all would come out right.
Without warning, Legolas threw his arms around Aragorn, thanking the Man the only was he could.
His self-pity flew away. His doubts about himself were forgotten. Aragorn believed in him. Aragorn knew that he could fight, no matter what.
And, to Legolas, that was all that mattered.
(1) Im estel mi le, Legolas----------------------I trust in you, Legolas
Okay, here's the deal. While I was writing this, the writing fairy decided that I should turn it into a series. So this is the first segment in the Fate's Choice series. I only like a few more chapters on this, and then I hope to begin posting the next one. I hope you will all continue to enjoy it!
Disclaimer: If I owned Legolas, do you really think I'd be sitting here writing this right now? Didn't think so....
The Silent Prince
Chapter 24: A Question of Worth
*"What?!"*
To say that Annolir Lightbringer was upset was a serious understatement. The Crown Prince of Mirkwood was positively livid, staring at the calm wizard with shock, and at the smug Aislyn with smoldering hatred. "Why is it that she gets to lead the attack on the human city? I have been trained in the art of battle. I should be the one to go!"
"We have already been over this," Saruman reminded him. "You are needed elsewhere. Besides, we do not need a general. She simply has to get in to collapse the mountain passes. The Orcs are going simply as a distraction."
"And what if she accidentally kills my brother? Then this whole thing would have been in vain."
The girl coolly lifted an eyebrow. "I believe that I am less likely to kill Legolas than you. I plan on simply going there and doing my job. I have no intentions of seeking him out and rubbing it in his face as I am sure you do."
The Elf snarled at her, eyes flashing. "I have just as much stake in this as you do, witch. I'm not going to jeopardize everything I've worked for just to laugh in his face. Besides, he'll be dead soon enough."
Aislyn didn't answer, but Annolir had to turn away before he list control and knocked that condescending smile from her face.
Saruman closed his eyes and let out a silent, weary sigh. ~Why can't they get along? It would make things so much easier.~ "Aislyn shall be leaving in three days. By that time, you need to have already left for Mirkwood, Annolir. That way, you shall have plenty of time to make your plans for when your father leaves."
Annolir gave him a short, crisp bow. "Of course. I shall be gone before sunset tomorrow." With one last sneer in Aislyn's direction, the Elf turned and left the room. ~I'll show her. Give me time, and I'll show Saruman that I'm much more valuable than she'll ever be.~
Inside the audience chamber, Aislyn waited until Annolir was gone before allowing the smile to spread all the way across her face. "I am very glad to be rid of him for awhile," she said, turning her burnished gold eyes to Saruman.
"I must confess that I am as well," the wizard replied. "He's much too hot- headed for my tastes. I prefer someone who can stay calm no matter what."
The girl stood a little taller.
"Then again, I also need someone with tact, who doesn't do everything she can to get a rise from the people she's working with."
This caused Aislyn's shoulders to slump, and a faint pink tinge appeared on her cheeks. "Apologies, my Lord," she murmured, casting her eyes downwards.
He waved his hand in dismissal. "Think nothing of it. He will be gone for awhile, so you won't have to worry about taunting him. There are other things to see to now. You and I have much work to do..."
------------
Sunlight was streaming through the room's single window when Aragorn next awoke. He lay there for a long moment as he waited for his mind to become more aware. His eyelids felt heavy and his tongue thick and dry. ~I wonder how long I've been out?~
The Ranger wasn't even sure where he was. He remembered Gandalf taking Legolas from him... he'd told the wizard about the Elf's voice... And that was it. The rest were simply visions he'd seen dancing in his dreams.
~I wonder how Legolas is doing? Did the Healer know hoe to help him? Was Gandalf able to do anything about his voice? And what of the others? I did not see Gimli nor the hobbits. Surely they are not dead!~
Aragorn's mind was screaming for him to get up, to go and check on his friends. But his body refused. He had been abusing it lately, and it wasn't going to move until it had gotten its well-deserved rest.
He lay there, eyes closed and breathing regular, but completely aware. If he strained his ears, he could hear the faint murmur of voices in the hall, or the chirping of the birds coming from outside. Everything was...peaceful. He was among friends and, for the moment, safe.
The sunlight continued to pour into the room, warming him. Now that
Legolas was once again safe, he could concentrate on the Quest once more. They were at the mountain passes, and would soon be through them and even closer to Mordor.
A slight frown tugged on his lips as he tried to remember where they would be once they had made it through the mountains. ~I will have to ask Ylana. I have not studied maps as much as she. She will know where we shall be and how long it will take us to reach Mordor.~
He attempted to move again, and was successful in lifting his arm. He was just going to have to wait another few minutes before he would be able to roll out of bed.
~God, this feels nice. A real mattress, a pillow, a blanket... Wonder when we'll get to have this again? Not for awhile, I'm afraid. Unless we make a stop in Lothlorien. Ylana would *love* that...~
The Ranger's eyes fluttered open, and he had to blink in the sunlight. ~I think I might be able to get up now.~ With a groan, he pushed himself up into a sitting position.
Immediately he wished he hadn't. By the Valar, he hurt! There was no sharp pain coming from one area, but a dull ache that was spread all over his body.
Aragorn winced as several bones popped. ~Probably from all those nights of sleeping on the hard ground. I *need* to get up. Lying here's just going to make it worse.~
He quickly threw back the covers, and was relieved to discover that someone had taken the time to dress him in sleeping wear. He was even happier to find his clothes folded neatly at the end of the bed. Moving as quickly as his creaking joints would allow, the Ranger got dressed. He quietly left his room and headed down the corridor in search of his friends.
-------
"All right, now. I want you to walk across the room. If anything starts to hurt, let me know immediately. I mean it." The Healer fixed Legolas with a stern look. "Swallow your pride, if you must. You won't get better by simply ignoring your injuries."
Legolas made a face at Ylana, who was leaning against the wall next to the door with her arms folded, causing her to smile. ~He's so much like Aragorn...~
Legolas had awoken the morning before, and the Healer had been poking and prodding him ever since. Oh, he was never alone. Gandalf had stayed with him for awhile after he had woken up, sending Ylana off to get some real rest. The hobbits shyly came in every now and then to talk to him and make sure he was doing okay. Aragorn, he'd been told, was still fast asleep.
The Elf was glad to hear that his friend was getting some well-deserved rest. From what Ylana had told him, the Ranger had not gotten much sleep since they had set out to rescue him.
"I told him that I knew how stubborn he could be, and that I was going to make him stop every now and then, even if he didn't rest." Ylana had shaken her head as she sat by Legolas's side as the Healer removed the bandages to check the progress of the Elf's healing wounds. "By the Valar, but humans are stubborn!"
Legolas had laughingly agreed. Yes, that was Aragorn. Brave and noble, but a stubborn fool as well.
Now, as he stood in his room, he felt a slight, growing fear in the pit of his stomach. How many days had it been since he had walked on his own? Four? Five? Sure, he was standing on his own at the moment, but he wasn't putting all of his weight on his injured leg. What if he began to walk and faltered? What if he could no longer walk unaided?
No. He had to think positive thoughts. He *had* to be able to walk! He would not be seen as a weakness.
So Legolas took a deep breath, held out his arms, and took a step forward.
He could feel Ylana's eyes steady on him as he slowly put all his weight on his injured leg. A silent prayer sprang to his lips as he moved forward, hoping against all hope that he would not fall...
He began to wobble, and panic seized him. Legolas quickly righted himself before he could fall, and blew out a long, shaky breath. He hoped that the others didn't notice that he was trembling.
Still moving carefully, Legolas took another step forward, then another. His heart quickened. He was doing it!
He managed to make it all the way across the room without falling and only very few stumbles. Once he'd stopped, he turned to the others, a wide grin on his face.
Ylana was smiling as well, happy to see that her friend was doing so well. The Healer looked thoughtful and relieved.
"Your wound is healing well, Master Elf. I believe there will be no permanent damage. All that's left for you to do is work on your leg muscles. They have not been used for a while, so they are weak. Other than that, I'd say that you're nearly as good as new."
"Good as new?" came a deep, familiar voice that sent thrills of happiness through Legolas. "If he's ever been anything less, then I'd hate to be around him when he's in peak condition."
As the male Elf watched, Aragorn stepped through the doorway to stand beside Ylana. While the Man looked a little ragged, Legolas was just happy to see him at all.
"We'll start tomorrow," the Healer told him as he moved to straiten up the bed. "Just come and see me whenever you have time. We'll start out with some basic exercises and see how that goes."
Legolas turned to the young man and bowed formally, placing a hand on his heart before extending it out to him.
The Healer waved his hand in a dismissive gesture, but they could all see the blush that arose on his cheeks. "Please, no thanks. I didn't really do all that much. Besides, you gave me a chance to treat an Elf. That experience alone is thanks enough for me."
Legolas offered him a nod, and then walked over to where his friends waited.
Aragorn briefly touched his heart, and then placed his hand on Legolas's shoulder. "It is good to see you, my friend," he said softly.
Legolas copied the gesture, gripping the Ranger's shoulder tightly. ~And you as well.~
As the two stared at each other, an unspoken thought passed between them, causing Ylana to avert her eyes. She had already had her reunion with Legolas. Now it was Aragorn's turn.
Finally, after a few more minutes, they dropped their hands and Ylana felt it was safe enough to face them once more. "Come," she said softly. "Gandalf is in Prince Liothiel's viewing chamber, awaiting us."
Both nodded and turned to follow their friend down the hallway.
-----------------------------
The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife.
Boromir sat tapping his foot, Liothiel his fingernails. Gimli toyed with one of his throwing axe while the hobbits whispered anxiously among themselves. Only Gandalf appeared calm, sitting back in his seat and smoking his pipe.
Finally, the young prince could stand the silence no more. "What is this about, Gandalf? Why have you called us all here?"
The wizard held up a hand. "Patience, my friend. The Elves should be here soon. When they arrive, I shall tell you everything you want to know. At least, as long as it's in my power to answer."
Across the table, Gimli muttered something about good-for-nothing Elves, but none of the others paid him any attention. Each was lost in his own thoughts, wondering why Gandalf had called a meeting. Liothiel prayed that it wasn't because the wizard thought Saruman would attack the town. He had a sizable army, and they were well-trained. But he did not know if they would be able to stand up against these monsters that the others had spoken of.
Before he could voice any concerns, however, the door to the chamber opened.
Gandalf's face brightened. "Ah, Legolas and Ylana. And Aragorn as well! Good, good. We are all here."
As the trio took their seats around the large, stone table, Gandalf finished his pipe and put it away. He leaned forward, his blue eyes serious. "I have called you all here because I fear Saruman has something else in store for us."
Liothiel groaned and buried his face in his hands. ~I knew it...~
"You think he will attack Terin?" That was Aragorn, his voice grim.
"I am not sure," the wizard replied. He turned and fixed his steely gaze on the human prince. "But know this. If he does, we will stay to aid the fighting. Legolas and Ylana can lead the archers while Aragorn and Boromir lead the swordsmen. Gimli, the hobbits and I will go wherever you need us."
Liothiel looked up and gave a weak smile. "Thank you, Gandalf." He paused. "How long are you to be with us?"
"A few more days at least," the wizard replied. "We need time to decide what to do next, and I do not wish to move Legolas just yet."
The Elf's eyes widened in protest, and Gandalf was quick to give him a reassuring smile. "Don't be alarmed, Prince Greenleaf. It is not for our sake that I want to stay, but for yours. You have been through much, even for an Elf. I want you to stay close to a trained Healer for the next few days in case something happens. You are very dear to us, Legolas. I do not doubt your abilities in the least. I just want to make sure you are all right."
The male Elf relaxed and hoped that his cheeks weren't too red. Why had he been so jumpy lately? He took everything as an insult, and was constantly questioning his worth.
~Because you are not yourself,~ came the voice of his sensible side. ~You have never been this weak, this vulnerable. You are used to leading people. Never before has anyone had to be this worried for you.~
He felt like sinking under the table.
"We will need to inform the army of what's going on, prepare them just in case." Boromir's voice pulled Legolas out of his drowning thoughts and back to the matter at hand. "If they are to fight, the least we can do is give them a chance."
Liothiel nodded. Legolas noticed that his color was returning, and he didn't look quite so frightened. "Once Gandalf has dismissed us, I shall summon the captain of the guard and explain everything. Then we can begin to make preparations."
"Liothiel, I am truly sorry about this." Gandalf's eyes were full of worry and apology. "If there is anything we can do---"
The prince waved a hand in dismissal. "Don't even think about it. You have always been a friend to both Terin and my father, and he would roll over in his grave if he knew that I had turned you away in your hour of need." Here his face hardened. "And I will gladly take a chance to prove to the Forces of Darkness that the World of Men will not simply fall to its knees. That it will take much to bowl us over." He offered a fierce grin. "And with a group of friends as strong as this, he will have a hard time of it indeed."
The others smiled at this, their morale boosted and spirits lifted.
Everyone, that is, except Legolas. As the others continued speaking, he had let himself listen to his thoughts again. They were telling him that Liothiel was wrong, that the group of friends was *not* that strong.
Because he was in it.
Though Legolas's face remained impassive, Aragorn had known the Elf long enough to be able to read his eyes. And the Ranger could clearly see the troubled and haunted look that was trapped in those crystal blue orbs.
Aragorn silently cursed Saruman, himself, Gandalf, and everyone else he felt was playing a part in this. All he'd wanted to do was spend some quiet time alone with Legolas, reassure his friend that they thought no less of him. That, no matter what happened, he was still the same Legolas that had been Aragorn's lifelong best friend.
But that was not to be the case. Now they had to prepare for battle against Saruman. And all because Gandalf *thought* the White Wizard might attack.
~Speaking of Gandalf...~ Aragorn quickly moved to the wizard's side as the others left on various tasks. Liothiel had left in search of the captain of the guard, while the Elves were off to get Legolas a new bow. Ylana had told him that she had kept his old one just in case. He had smiled in thanks, but shook his head. So Liothiel had pointed them in the direction of the bow maker, and off they went.
So much better for Aragorn, because it was the male Elf that he wished to discuss.
"Gandalf?" he said quietly, laying a hand on the Istari's arm. "May I have a moment?"
"Of course," the wizard answered, waving his companion to the chair at his side, which had been vacated by Boromir. "What is it you wish to speak of?"
Aragorn sighed as he dropped into the empty seat. "It is about Legolas's voice. Ylana told me that you had looked at him, but would say nothing else."
"Ah. I am glad you brought this up. I wanted to speak with you about this as well." Gandalf let out a sigh as he leaned back in his own chair. "Legolas's voice is still there, but it is blocked by a powerful spell."
The Ranger brightened at this. "So Legolas hasn't been silence permanently," he breathed. "Thank the Valar! Can you do anything about it?"
"No. As I said, it is a powerful spell. A *very* powerful spell, too powerful even for me."
Aragorn's shoulders slumped, all the hope fleeing from him as quickly as it had arrived. "So...There's nothing we can do?"
Gandalf raised a hand. "I didn't say that. It *can* be broken...But only by him. The spell is for him, and him alone."
"How can *he* break it?"
"I don't know." Gandalf fixed him with a stare. "But you might."
Aragorn blinked, startled. "Me? But I know nothing of spells and magick."
"No, perhaps not. But you know Legolas. You know his strengths and weaknesses. His hopes and fears. His dreams. *That's* going to be what saves him. Not magick." This time, it was Gandalf who placed a hand on Aragorn's arm. "It's up to you two, now."
Aragorn was silent for a moment, thinking. Then he nodded, a determined look on his face. "I'll do what I can."
Gandalf smiled. "That's all any of us can do. And I'm sure it will be enough." He paused as Liothiel reentered the room, followed by a square- jawed man in a clean, neatly pressed uniform. "Ah. That must be the captain of the guard. Good. We can get the planning under way."
Aragorn nodded as he swiftly stood and went to join Boromir in speaking with the prince's right hand man. He would worry about Legolas later, when there was time. Right now, they had to worry about protecting the city.
--------------------------------
An hour later, Legolas was ready to take one of his knives and stab himself or go and jump from the roof of the tallest building in Terin. Anything to get rid of this frustration that had him nearly in tears.
They had found the bow maker without a problem. Ylana had explained what they wanted, and the Man had moved to take Legolas's measurements. When he asked for specifics such as wood type, the Elf began making gestures.
The man looked at him like he was crazy.
Seeing that wasn't going to work, Legolas took a quill and a piece of paper from the bow maker's desk and began to sketch what he wanted.
The man gave him a blank look.
Legolas had to resist the urge to run him through. Or at least to slap him.
Ylana, seeing that they were getting nowhere fast, quickly stepped in as peacemaker. Speaking in a calm voice, she explained what happened while Legolas looked away, fists clenched so tight his fingernails were digging into his skin. ~She shouldn't have to make excuses for me.~
Once Ylana had finished explaining, the bow maker turned to Legolas, pity in his eyes as he profusely apologized. This made the Elf even angrier, but at least the man was more patient as he sketched out what he wanted. He asked Legolas questions, making sure that he had everything right. Finally sure that he understood, he disappeared into the back room, promising Legolas that his new bow would be ready by day's end.
Once he was gone, Legolas turned to Ylana and mimed tearing his hair out. Tiny rivulets of blood ran from his palms, where his fingernails had broken skin.
His female companion gave him a sympathetic smile. "Some people just don't understand," she said softly. "They can't accept someone for who they are if they're different. You just have to be patient with them. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done."
Legolas nodded emphatically. He'd expected people to treat him a little differently, but this... This was ridiculous!
Ylana sighed and passed a weary hand over her eyes. "Come on. We'd better get back and find out what's going on."
-------------------------------
Aislyn stood before Saruman, her cloak managing to hide her finely-meshed armor and sword that hung from her hip. Her hood was pulled back, allowing her white hair to spill over her shoulders and her yellow eyes to dance with firelight.
She gave him a sweeping bow. "My lord, your army is ready. We await your command."
He offered her a smile. "Good, good. I want you to leave with tomorrow's first light. You should be able to make it there in four days time. Collapse those passes and you shall have your revenge."
The Angmar sorceress gave another bow before leaving the room.
Saruman waited until the door had closed behind her before throwing his head back and laughing. "Enjoy what time you have left, Gandalf," he cackled gleefully. "Because that time is almost *up*."
------------------------------------
The moon was shinning brightly on Terin as Aragorn left the others and stepped out onto one of the palace's many balconies. His eyes swept around until they settled on what he had come looking for.
The figure stood at the corner of the balcony, face turned upward. The moon caused the hair to shine like spun gold, and the stars were reflected in the blue eyes.
Aragorn's breath caught in his throat. ~He's so...~ He quickly shook his head, chasing the thought away. ~Now's not the time.~
Not bothering to mask his footsteps, for he knew that it wouldn't matter, Aragorn walked to Legolas's side. They gave each other welcoming smiles before turning back to the stars. Aragorn only wished that they held all of his answers.
"I saw your new bow," he said softly after awhile. "It's beautiful. And it shall be very useful should Saruman attack. You're one of the best archers in all Middle-Earth. You always have been."
Legolas didn't move, didn't blink, didn't show any sign of having heard the Man. He simply continued to stare up into the sky.
Aragorn sighed as he leaned against the railway. How was he supposed to help Legolas if he didn't know what was going through the Elf's head?
Suddenly, Gandalf's earlier words came back to him. ~"You know his hopes and fears."~
Having a pretty good idea of what was bothering his friend, Aragorn turned to face him. "You know, I don't think I got the chance to tell you how well you fought against the goblins. You were amazing! It almost seemed as though you were dancing." He had to grin. "I think you gave Boromir quite a fright, which means the Orcs will probably turn tail and run all the way back to Orthanc."
Legolas turned to him, the hope clearly in his eyes. Aragorn knew that he had said the right thing.
He reached out to place a hand on the Elf's shoulder. "Im estel mi le, Legolas," he whispered, his grey eyes looking deep into Legolas's blue.(1) "I always have."
Legolas looked into the eyes of his best friend and realized that, in Aragorn, he'd found something he was afraid had been lost.
Hope for himself. Hope that all would come out right.
Without warning, Legolas threw his arms around Aragorn, thanking the Man the only was he could.
His self-pity flew away. His doubts about himself were forgotten. Aragorn believed in him. Aragorn knew that he could fight, no matter what.
And, to Legolas, that was all that mattered.
(1) Im estel mi le, Legolas----------------------I trust in you, Legolas