Disclaimer: I still own nothing. But I know what you did last summer…hehe…boy that was lame.
***********Chapter 31***********
AN: It just hit me how long this story is probably gonna end up…I think now it will run for maybe 60 plus chapters…wow…ok back to the story.
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"Legolas?" Eressa asked after she had processed his words. "I don't understand."
"Nor do I." The elf began to walk to the other side of the small room, and Eressa let go of his arm. She watched as the elf sat down on the bed, holding his head in his hands.
"Valar…what is happening to me?" He murmured. Eressa blinked and then moved and sat on the floor directly in front of him, forcing him to look at her.
"Do you want to tell me about it?" She asked. She was reminded of a few nights before when she had been the one to have terrifying dreams, and Legolas would comfort her. Now it was the other way around.
Wait…my dreams…she realized. I had none last night…is it possible that Sauron has left me be and is now tormenting Legolas?
"Was is Sauron?" She asked eagerly. "Legolas, was Sauron tomenting you?"
The elf paused and then shook his head. "No. This was different, not brought upon me by the Dark Lord."
Could it be that I bring this upon myself? Am I so fearful as to produce such images in my slumber? The elf wondered. He couldn't be sure.
"Would you like to talk about it?" Eressa asked again, quieter this time.
Legolas looked at her gratefully. He nodded slowly and opened his mouth.
"What I saw…"
Suddenly there was a bang that made both the girl and the elf jump.
"Alright, let's get a move on!" It was the guards.
Legolas turned his head to the window. Sure enough, the day was beginning. How could he have not noticed?
Before he knew, Eressa was hurried out of the cell, without so much as a goodbye glance, and the other guard was quickly placing shackles round the elf's wrists.
"Damn them…I hate it when they show up for surprise visits…" The guard mumbled carelessly. Legolas frowned. What surprise visit?"
"Come on." The guard ordered, and he led Legolas hastily out of his cell, and down the corridors. To the elf's surprise, he did not end up at the new arena today, but the old one.
His mind beginning to dread something terrible, Legolas searched for Eredor as soon as his guard left him. He found him leaning against the stone wall, yawning.
"Eredor!" The elf greeted, not at all cheery. "What's going on?"
Eredor yawned again and blinked. "Oh, hello, Legolas." The young man cleared his throat.
"What's happening?" Repeated the elf, desperate for answers.
Eredor shrugged. "One of Curdolin's friends has come around, and we, as always will be providing entertainment."
Eredor's voice was cold and sharp when he spoke the last word. He frowned as he looked up at his friend.
"Are we to be fighting new warriors?" Inquired the elf. "Or animals or beasts?"
"I do not know yet, Legolas." Eredor said, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Don't worry."
"I cannot not worry." Countered the nervous elf.
"I can't either." Answered Eredor. "But stay calm. I don't think this will be just a routine fight."
Without another word, Eredor began to walk to where the rest of the slaves were lining up. Legolas followed, and they got into their proper place in line. Once again, Legolas was last.
It was not long before Curdolin and his friends showed up. But to Legolas's surprise, before anything else appeared at all, two young boys appeared. Their eyes lit up when they saw the line of warriors. Their parents were not far behind them, followed by Curdolin, and a richly dressed Angarod.
"Kalnor…Rowlen…please be on your best behavior." A women said as she and her husband walked arm in arm into the sunlight.
"Yes, mum!" Replied the older of the two boys. As their parents and Curdolin began to talk, Angarod showed the boys through the line of slaves. Legolas was surprised when he noticed that the children didn't seem fearsome of Angarod's grizzly appearance at all. Their parents were obviously the friends of Curdolin, so perhaps they were familiar with him.
"We want the best fighter, Lord Angarod!" Ordered the older boy. "We want to see him win!"
"Best one!" Echoed the younger to the two, who was no more than a toddler.
Angarod raised his eyebrows as the elf watched them. "The best one, eh? Well, that will be a tough decision, but perhaps we can narrow it down."
Standing tall, Angarod's loud rough voice boomed through the areana. "Balgor! Sethen! Eredor! Amandor!" He called. His voice gained a hint of amusement as he bellowed the last word: "Elf! Step forward!"
Legolas and the rest of the so called "best fighters" stepped forward, separating themselves from the rest of the slaves.
"Well, there you have it, boys!" Angarod announced gladly. "The five best fighters we have here. Take your pick."
The older boy was quick to begin inspection of the prisoners, and his younger brother followed, toddling on his tiny feet. Angarod stayed where he was, a smile upon his frightful face.
Legolas tensed when he saw the older boy stop next to Eredor and observe him. His friends gaze was averted and his expression gone. Thankfully the boy shook his head and moved on…until he came to Legolas himself.
The boy seemed to notice something different about this particular slave. "Lord Angarod, what was this one's name again?" He asked.
Angarod stayed where he was but grinned. "Ah, that one. He has no name. So we just call him 'elf.'"
"He an elf?" Inquired the youngest boy, staring wide-eyed at Legolas. Angarod grinned and nodded.
The older boy, who must have been at least 8 or 9, looked upon Legolas with a frown. Legolas didn't avert his gaze as the others did, so when the child's gaze met his face, he caught him in a blank stare.
The child seemed unimpressed. "What is your name?" He asked directly. "Surely you must have one."
Legolas furrowed his brow, but then smiled at the boy. "Nay," He answered musically. "Nay, I have not a name, Curious One."
The boys seemed surprised at the elf's words. "He can talk!" Cried the oldest to his parents, who weren't listening.
"Aye," Angarod said, swaggering up to them. "Most elves do, eh?" He asked Legolas. "Why don't you tell the boys your name?"
Legolas said nothing to Angarod. Instead he countered the man's gaze and held it, a hateful glance that could make someone's blood run cold.
But not Angarod. He simply smiled, and then leaned down towards the boys again.
"So is this the one you want?" He asked softly to the youngest one.
The boy sucked on his thumb of a moment, but then his face broke out in a childish grin. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" He squealed, and began to jump up and down, before his brother hushed him.
"Alright!" The eldest of the two accepted. "We pick the elf."
Legolas frowned as Angarod smiled. Suddenly he wished that he wasn't an elf, as it always seemed to work to his disadvantage in this situation.
"Alright, boys." Angarod said. "You got him. Anyone else? You know you have to pick two if they are to fight."
Legolas tensed. What? Two? That meant there was a chance he and Eredor had to fight one another!
Valar, please let it not be him…the elf prayed.
**flashback**
"Eredor, where are we?" Legolas asked.
"Does it matter?" Came the calm reply. "Look at this place. Is it not beautiful?"
Legolas surveyed his surroundings and then turned back to his friend. "Looks can be deceiving."
Eredor laughed. "Yes, they can." He finally turned to Legolas, and the elf got a front view of his torso. Legolas realized that the red color of his dress wasn't the color of the outfit at all—it was blood.
"You should go now." He said, speaking calmly, knowing that Legolas had seen his wounds. "There is nothing you can do for me."
"Eredor, your injured!" Legolas exclaimed. "Your blood, it's…"
"Everywhere?" Eredor suggested. "Wrong. My blood is nowhere. Nowhere, save for you own hands."
Legolas looked down at his friend's wounds and then at his own hands. Partially dried blood covered them. With a cry of terror, the elf leapt up off the bench and thrust his hands in the brook, desperately trying to rid his hands of the evidence of his unknown crime.
**end flashback**
No…Legolas thought, his mind freezing in terror. My dream…it was a message…I'm going to kill him!
Legolas shook his head without knowing it, earning himself a strange look from the young boys. He didn't notice. He pressed his panic to the back of his mind and watched as the boys observed the rest of the fighters, including Eredor.
"Which one is the best after the elf?" Asked the elder boy.
Angarod pondered for a moment…his eyes wandered from Legolas to the other fighters to Eredor to the boys…Legolas knew he was thinking of something.
"Well, actually, boys," Angarod replied finally in a tone as close to innocent as he could muster. "It seems that I was mistaken. Get back in line, all except for the elf." He ordered the slaves.
Legolas was intrigued. What was Angarod up to? He got his answer soon enough.
Angarod moved across the line of slaves, past Legolas, all the way to the very end of it. There stood a boy, younger than Eredor but not by much. When he saw Angarod approach him his eyes went wide with fear and dropped to the ground.
Legolas watched them closely out of the corner of his eye. He didn't remember ever seeing this boy before. Perhaps he was a new purchase of Curdolin's. That's when Legolas realized.
Angarod was plotting the boy against him! Intentionally! There was no chance that the boy could measure up to his superior fighting skills, Legolas thought proudly. Angarod, in doing this, was insuring that none of the best fighters would be hurt or killed.
But it also meant Legolas would have to kill a creature completely at his mercy.
Valar help me…the elf prince thought despairingly. How will I forgive myself if this ever ends? How will I forgive myself for murdering helpless victims? How…
Legolas's thoughts broke up like water on rocks as he heard Angarod and the boys discussing the young man's fighting ability.
"He doesn't look strong." Stated the oldest. "How can he pose a threat to the elf?"
"Ah, he may not look strong, but he's fast." Angarod hissed. "Aren't you, boy?"
The boy finally mustered up enough strength to look his trainer in the eye. "Yes…yes, sir."
Angarod gave the boy a somewhat affectionate punch in the chest and then moved away with the young boys. The boy was unprepared for the blow, and had to step back to regain his balance. Legolas suspected that he wouldn't have fared much better had he been prepared. He was as skinny as a saplying, and if he was new, he was most likely inexperienced.
He will not be hard to kill…Legolas thought. At least I can get this done and over with.
He added with sadness: At least he won't have to suffer as long…
**********Personal thing**********
AN: I know I promised you guys that there would be some action (fighting) in this chapter, but sorry, if I did that, it would be super, super long! Next chapter, though, for sure!!
Crystal Snowflakes: Yep! Poor Legolas! I'm so mean to him. Seriously, I would LOVE to have everything go well and have everything happy and never have to hurt him again but then people would be screaming "MARY SUE!!". Soo…thanks! Bai!
*huggles from Will, Jack, Legolas and Haldir…and of course, me!!*
Elerrina Rose: I like your name! So pretty! Thanks a lot!! I'm glad you like my characters and the pacing. Don't worry, I'll hit you again soon! Bye! Thanks!
Nirobie: FREEDOM!!! I love it! It's great when my parents aren't home. I love it! Thanks! I bet you wish there is something you could do for Legolas…*waggles eyebrows* Tell your cuz thanks!! Oh, and it's ok about your spelling. I don't mind at all! See ya!
breeNbloom: My school is pretty good, actually! I'm pretty sure I'll make a 3.5 GPA this year! Last year I was like 3.471!! It made me so made cuz I was soo…clooose!! Anyway, I have an A in math, psychology, Spanish, and of course choir so I think my GPA is gonna be pretty good! We won't be getting our report cards for another week, but I hope when yours comes it's good!! Thanks! Bye!
The Noble Platypus: Yeah, you were wrong. Sorry for it to be so short!! Wait until chap 31, It's really short! You guys are gonna be mad at me cuz I leave a terrible cliffy!
SECKSHOOWAL TENSHUN!!!!! Methinks I love that!!
Yep. He's dying. Oh, the horror!!! NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
I will use the ideas well…thanks!!
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! LEATHER ROCKS!!! OH, THIS IS GONNA BE SO FORKIN' FUN!!! But….what….are…the….pink….fuzzzzzy….handcuffs….for???
Rose: (looks hungrily at Will-yum)
Will: Meep! (hides behind Platy)
Innuendo machine: (blows up for the third time)
I hope you update soon!! You are sure to get your 'updatey' feelings for my story again soon!!!
Don't worry, feelings will come out soon. They have to, or else this story will go on forever!!!
Thanks!!! Bye!
Whitecoyote: Thanks! Eredor is bleeding…but I can't tell you why….I bet you got a huge scare cuz of this chapter!! I'll update soon, don't worry! You'll find out what happens to Leggy!
Me: Heeelllooo….crazy and insane mean the same thing, Pippen!
Pippen: Oh, give me a break! It's not like I'm a person of intelligence.
Will: Let me the fork out of here!! (pounds on door)
You: NEVER!!!
Legolas: (walks in calmly) What's going on?
Me and You: Lego…las? (drool)
Legolas: (looking strangely at our hungry looks) Uh…I think I took a wrong turn…seeya!! (turns and runs)
Me: (grabs him by the collar) Oh, no you don't! Your gonna join William in the bedroom! (opens door)
Will: FREEDOM!! (makes mad rush towards door)
Me: (shoves Legolas in, making him knock into Will)
Will and Legolas: OOF!! (fall)
LOL. Your turn!!
itarilde-elenastar: Yay! You got the house!! That is so great!! Huzzah!! I bet you can't wait until you move in…get new furniture and stuff…is your room big? I bet it is!! Thanks for the compliments! You compliment me on EVERYTHING!! Thanks a lot!! Bye!
Nikki: Oh…yes he can!! But I won't make him…at least not now….(suspense rox). Thanks, and thanks especially for supporting my short chapters!! That makes me feel un-guilty now! Thanks! *huggles* Yeah, that would scare the crap out of me if I dreamt of screaming faces!! Thanks again! Bye now!
XxDarkgoddessxX: That's ok, Jenni! I know that you were sick. Poor girl. Are you all better yet? Thanks, I'm glad you still think my chappies are awesome!! I'll update soon, promise!!
And you have a good day!!
I'll check my e-mail later too! Seeya!! Bye! And Thanks again!
LegyLuva: Hi again! You are a very good reviewer. I'm proud of you. You get a cookie. *gives cookie to you.*
Oh…woe is Legolas…isn't that how it always is in my fic? I'm so mean to him!! When will I learn to just write happy things? Never!! MWAHAHAHAA!!
Sure, you can give him a hug! (yells) Leeegooolaaaasss!!!
Legolas: (pops out from living room) What?
Me: Come in here and give LegyLuva a hug!
Legolas: (pouts) But SpongeBob Squarepants is on!!
Me: I don't care, she wants to hug you!
Legolas: (pleadingly) Next commercial?
Me: Now!!!!
Legolas: Oh…alright then. (hugs you)
You: (swoon)
There you go. Leggy hugged ya. Yeah, Legolas needs to become hopeful. Or else he will FADE!! (dun dun dun.) I won't let that happen though, so don't worry. If he died, there would be no story!!
Oh, ok! Good, I'm glad you don't mind the sexual references. They shouldn't get to bad anyways…
Thanks a lot!! And thank you times twenty million for adding me to your favorites!!