Disclaimer-I think we all know that NONE of these characters, places or
things in general belong to me. But if ANYONE out there wants to give me
the rights (including the actors) to LOTR, please do feel free.
I know it may have seemed I'd abandoned this story but this chapter's been written for ages just never had the chance to get online, so thank you to everyone who's come back to read!
A/N- I've gotten all adventurous with the elvish in this one- it's probably, well no it's most definitely, all wrong but I'm trying!!! Oh and I'm really crap at summaries, it's just something I cannot do well- cant write headlines for my news articles either- so if anybody reading this story can summarise it well and doesn't mind me plagiarising said summary, well please let me know- it'd be great! Now on with chapter five...
"Well here's one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily- I have the eyes of a hawk, and the ears of a fox. Oh!" Gimli's rant was cut rudely short by several arrow tips that now threatened to pierce his face.
"The Dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark!" Haldir stepped forward, a small smirk played lightly on his lips when he saw Aragorn. A smile that faded quickly when he met with the eyes of his Northern kindred, even as Legolas lowered his bow. Aragorn looked quickly from elf to elf, Haldir shifted his position uncomfortably, and Legolas's eyes spoke only sadness and shame, though none other saw it. The man stepped forward to speak quietly with the Guard of Lorien.
"Haldir ó Lorien, ten edraith tululye. Lye boẻ varallie." [Haldir of Lorien, we come for help. We need your protection.]
"Aragorn, these woods are perilous, we should go back!"
"You have entered the Realm of the Lady of The Wood, you cannot go back. Come, she is waiting." His blue eyes seemed to pierce Frodo to his very core, and the Hobbit had the distinct feeling that this elf knew exactly what it was he carried about his neck. Aragorn walked beside Haldir now, and the two were deep in conversation. Frodo and Sam were behind them, followed by Gimli. Merry and Pippin wandered slowly after, marvelling at the tall blonde elves that flanked them on both sides. Legolas and Boromir held up the rear. The elf looked only at the ground, and spoke not, until Boromir broke the silence. "Gandalf was a great friend to you was he not?"
Legolas was startled by the sudden question; he looked into the man's eyes, his own blue orbs filled with sadness. "Aye, he was often a guest at my home, I have known him many lifetimes of men, and he has been my friend and guide. This world does not yet know of the severity of its loss." Boromir nodded absently, and bowed his head again. It was many hundred feet before he spoke again.
"I confess I did not befriend him as I now wish I had, though he travelled often to my city. My father holds no love of Mithrandir, although he has long had the friendship of my younger brother, Faramir." The man smiled at the mention of that name, his gaze widening as though he was remembering some meeting past. Legolas smiled at this, the first such smile in many days.
"What do you find so amusing master elf?"
"It is naught- you do not say so but I believe you hold great affection for your brother. I believe you to be protective of him- though he needs it not!" Boromir laughed, drawing strange looks from the fellowship, apart from Merry and Pippin, who had heard the whole exchange.
"I get the feeling, Legolas, that you are the victim of an older brother! Aye I confess that I am all too concerned for the safety of Faramir, perhaps it is a remnant of our childhood exertions together, and we were well known throughout the city for our mischief. I am glad to say that we are now well known for our skills in battle, though I would wish to use them much less than I do. Much blood has been spilt in my land- too much. Every day there is some new foe to defeat, and every day more of our men fall- good men, those who trained me, and those with me." The man's eyes filled with sadness. Legolas looked at him curiously, it was clear to the elf that this man had seen too much hurt in such short years as he had lived. Boromir, who now noticed that he was under observation, turned to meet the stare of Legolas, and smiled briefly. "I have not yet thanked you!" He saw the puzzled look on the elf's face, and continued, "You saved me from a deep plunge back in the mines, and more, without your bow we would surely have be slain on the stairs- you have great skill. Forgive me also, my words at the council were rude and uncalled for."
"Ha, I have heard much worse mellon nin! Fear not, I do not hold your words to heart. But you understand now why we must take this journey, for we have seen how evil is drawn to the Ringbearer- the watcher in the lake, and then the troll. Aye this thing brings great peril." Legolas barely spoke the final words, wishing none of the Lorien elves to hear. They had now walked at least one mile into the depths of the forest, following no path that was visible to the untrained eye. At last Haldir gave the order for the company to turn and when they came to the top of a nearby hillock they saw it- Caras Galadhrim-dwelling of the Lord and Lady of the Wood. Up into the trees they went, climbing steadily until they reached the treetops, and were called to halt upon a high flet. Haldir then stood to the side, as Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel made their way slowly down the steps. The Hobbits and Boromir stood in awe of the great beauty before them, the lady was dressed all in white, and a great light shrouded both her and the man at her side. They both had hair of long gold, and a wisdom in their eyes that their faces did not show. The elf queen now held each member of the Fellowship in her gaze, long did she look into the eyes of Aragorn, and then to Legolas.
"Eight there are here, yet nine there were set out from Rivendell- tell me where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak with him?"
The Lady Galadriel looked still into the eyes of the Prince of Mirkwood, "He has fallen into shadow."
Aragorn lay against the soft bark of the mallorn tree, enjoying once again the feel of delicate grass and mossy ferns beneath his feet. Pipe smoke filled the air around him with a cloudy swirl of numerous shapes, each one disappearing too quickly into the night air. His eyes too were clouded, a mist had engulfed his whole body as he reflected on the words he had heard spoken inside his head, and of the images he had seen there. She spoke of the return to power of the King of Men, and he saw a host of men march from the gates of Minas Tirith, holding high in the air the banners of the King. He saw then the city burning, and the white tree being hacked and hewn by foul creatures of Sauron. And he saw a man clad all in white, bringing a crown down upon the head of another who knelt before him. And he saw Legolas, tall and proud, smiling at him, and then engaged in a great fight, and when that image faded another formed in his eyes- the elf lay upon a bed of silk and velvet, his eyes were closed, and he was as white as Caradhras itself. When his beloved elf opened his eyes they were filled with pain and sorrow, and there was no light left in them now. He sighed, not knowing what to make of the visions he had had, but those of his love troubled him deeply. He worried for his dear Legolas, though they had seen many battles together, Aragorn's heart felt stabbed with a blade when he thought of his elf in this war. He longed for one of those smiles he had seen in his head, wished he could gather Legolas to him, and find solace in those strong archer's arms, as he had once done. 'I will not give up so easily.' With that he was gone, following some faint prints deeper into the surrounding trees. He knew the elf probably sat high up in one of the golden trees, and he knew also that Legolas may not welcome the sight of this Ranger.
It was not long until he heard raised voices, or rather one raised voice. And he knew instantly whose harsh words those he heard belonged to. Haldir. He spied the Warden in a clearing some ten yards ahead of him, he was gesturing wildly with his arms, and his normal soft tones were replaced with malice and anger. He was furious. Aragorn pitied the soul who had incurred this wrath, and wondered what had befallen his friend, that would cause so foul a mood.
"...do you care nothing for the feelings of others? I thought you a friend! And how I have been rewarded for my foolishness! I have always known you to be proud and headstrong, but I never thought you would betray those who have long respected and loved you. Do you not see what damage you are causing- why must you tear so many lives apart for your own gain? When we last met, you spoke only words of joy and happiness at my union, and now you would be the one to destroy whatever love I may have. I cannot speak for your feelings towards me, but care you nothing for those of my- YOUR lady? And what of Estel, have you cast him aside also?"
Aragorn was horrified. He knew now exactly whom it was that Haldir so unashamedly rebuked. His love. His elf. Legolas. He would not listen to another word of this tirade. He sprang quickly from his place among the bushes, and stepped between the two elves. Legolas for his part had said nothing, but looked at Haldir with sadness in his eyes, and turned to leave once Aragorn had arrived.
"Enough Meldanya (Friend)! You do not know of what you speak! Let it be." Aragorn placed his hand on Haldir's shoulder. "Please mellon nin, do not direct your anger where it should not lay."
Haldir looked at him as if he had lost his mind. "Estel...how can you let this happen- he has used you most cruelly, and would now move on to ensnare his next victim. I will not let him take my love from me!"
"Haldir...meldanya, do you even hear what it is you speak? You know what you say is not the truth, please old friend, you must see that this is not of Legolas's doing. I can assure you that he loves our lady dearly, but only as I do, as a brother would. Do not think him to blame Haldir- he is lost to me also. This is forced upon him, though I know not why. The Lords of the elves would have their houses united; I fear they have lost all reason."
"If that is indeed the case, then why did he not speak the truth to me? And why does he recoil from you, if you still have his love?"
"I cannot see his mind any longer, he has closed himself to me, and he has reason- I do not wish to repeat it, for it brings me great shame. But believe me when I say this to you- he grieves for the loss of your love, we have long know of your affection for Arwen, and of your promise to each other. He carries blame where it does not rest, Haldir let him not lose your friendship and love-he has already been robbed of mine."
The Lorien elf looked at Aragorn with saddened eyes, understanding all that had been said, and some of what had not. He bowed his head and shook it gently, his blonde hair catching stray beams of moonlight, mirroring them and letting them dance off its surface again. "Ai Estel I am a fool. I have done much hurt I fear, forgive me, I could not see for my own anger. It is clear that there is something amiss with our dear Thranduilion, I have failed in my duties as a friend to him this night. I must seek him out, and request his forgiveness."
"No wait, I would speak with him first- do not fear meldanya, you have long held our friendship, and so shall it remain. Speak with him in the morn; I will go to him now." With one last squeeze of the elf's shoulder, Aragorn left, following the path Legolas had taken, until he found the prince perched dangerously on a low branch of a mallorn. "Legolas? Melamin..."
"Pedo ú tanya!" (Don't say that)
Aragorn sighed loudly, "Why did you allow Haldir to say such things to you, why did you not tell him the truth?"
"It would be of little comfort, why should he not have someone to blame, Arwen will soon be lost to him forever-to me."
"But it is not of your doing, the blame lies not with you, why are you acting this way?"
Legolas looked at him incredulously, how could he not know, how could someone so close to him, who claimed still to love him not see the hurt he had done with his own words. He felt his anger and sorrow bubble inside him, threatening his sombre face into betraying emotions. He made to stalk away but was grabbed unkindly by the arm.
Aragorn loosened his grip when he saw the elf wince, he knew Legolas wished to run, but couldn't let the prince slip away yet again. "And what of me? Have you cast me aside? There are few who would curse you for it had they heard all I have said to you since... Legolas, I cannot force you to forgive me, and I would not have it so. I wish you only to know this- mela en Coiamin na lle, irmoamin na lle, lin ind nin, ilyamenie- díhenamin." (You are the love of my life, you are my desire, my heart is yours, always- forgive me) He fled the scene before the elf could respond; the salt from his eyes burning the small nicks and cuts on his face.
Legolas rested on a low branch of a mallorn contemplating all that had come to pass that evening- Haldir's rude outburst; Aragorn's own revelations, in fact he was so caught up in his thoughts that he did not heed the approach of a light footed being until the swish of soft fabric alerted his ears that The Lady of the Golden Wood stood below him.
"Mae Govannen Legolas Thranduilion!"
Legolas bowed his head gently and sprang lightly from his position among the leaves. His face was filled with only reverence for the Elf Queen, though the mask was easily swept away by the lady's warm stare. For the first time in all his long years, Legolas could not withstand the gaze of Galadriel.
"I have watched you closely young leaf, I know of your heart's troubles." Her voice was almost song-like in its melodious tones. Her azure eyes met with his own crystal blue ones, and suddenly his head was filled with images.
Of his home in the north, of the Fellowship-Frodo & Sam floating high above a rocky wasteland, Merry & Pippin lost among a sea of trees, Boromir and Gimli calling out in the dark, Gandalf riding swiftly through a plain of green-snow white robes billowing behind him, and Aragorn fighting, and Aragorn smiling, and Aragorn King of Gondor. He saw images of the White City of Minas Tirith, of black ships and white gulls and out of the swirling clouds of all these he saw himself and gasped.
"The future has already been laid down young Prince of Greenwood; yours will determine the future of all on this earth. Remember this only, long have you been blessed by the Valar, it was foreseen ere the joyous occasion of your birth-and you do not know all ends. You must fulfil this quest which has been laid upon you, only then can your fate be realised."
With that said did she leave as quickly as she had appeared beneath him, and once again he was left to his own thoughts.
I know it may have seemed I'd abandoned this story but this chapter's been written for ages just never had the chance to get online, so thank you to everyone who's come back to read!
A/N- I've gotten all adventurous with the elvish in this one- it's probably, well no it's most definitely, all wrong but I'm trying!!! Oh and I'm really crap at summaries, it's just something I cannot do well- cant write headlines for my news articles either- so if anybody reading this story can summarise it well and doesn't mind me plagiarising said summary, well please let me know- it'd be great! Now on with chapter five...
"Well here's one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily- I have the eyes of a hawk, and the ears of a fox. Oh!" Gimli's rant was cut rudely short by several arrow tips that now threatened to pierce his face.
"The Dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark!" Haldir stepped forward, a small smirk played lightly on his lips when he saw Aragorn. A smile that faded quickly when he met with the eyes of his Northern kindred, even as Legolas lowered his bow. Aragorn looked quickly from elf to elf, Haldir shifted his position uncomfortably, and Legolas's eyes spoke only sadness and shame, though none other saw it. The man stepped forward to speak quietly with the Guard of Lorien.
"Haldir ó Lorien, ten edraith tululye. Lye boẻ varallie." [Haldir of Lorien, we come for help. We need your protection.]
"Aragorn, these woods are perilous, we should go back!"
"You have entered the Realm of the Lady of The Wood, you cannot go back. Come, she is waiting." His blue eyes seemed to pierce Frodo to his very core, and the Hobbit had the distinct feeling that this elf knew exactly what it was he carried about his neck. Aragorn walked beside Haldir now, and the two were deep in conversation. Frodo and Sam were behind them, followed by Gimli. Merry and Pippin wandered slowly after, marvelling at the tall blonde elves that flanked them on both sides. Legolas and Boromir held up the rear. The elf looked only at the ground, and spoke not, until Boromir broke the silence. "Gandalf was a great friend to you was he not?"
Legolas was startled by the sudden question; he looked into the man's eyes, his own blue orbs filled with sadness. "Aye, he was often a guest at my home, I have known him many lifetimes of men, and he has been my friend and guide. This world does not yet know of the severity of its loss." Boromir nodded absently, and bowed his head again. It was many hundred feet before he spoke again.
"I confess I did not befriend him as I now wish I had, though he travelled often to my city. My father holds no love of Mithrandir, although he has long had the friendship of my younger brother, Faramir." The man smiled at the mention of that name, his gaze widening as though he was remembering some meeting past. Legolas smiled at this, the first such smile in many days.
"What do you find so amusing master elf?"
"It is naught- you do not say so but I believe you hold great affection for your brother. I believe you to be protective of him- though he needs it not!" Boromir laughed, drawing strange looks from the fellowship, apart from Merry and Pippin, who had heard the whole exchange.
"I get the feeling, Legolas, that you are the victim of an older brother! Aye I confess that I am all too concerned for the safety of Faramir, perhaps it is a remnant of our childhood exertions together, and we were well known throughout the city for our mischief. I am glad to say that we are now well known for our skills in battle, though I would wish to use them much less than I do. Much blood has been spilt in my land- too much. Every day there is some new foe to defeat, and every day more of our men fall- good men, those who trained me, and those with me." The man's eyes filled with sadness. Legolas looked at him curiously, it was clear to the elf that this man had seen too much hurt in such short years as he had lived. Boromir, who now noticed that he was under observation, turned to meet the stare of Legolas, and smiled briefly. "I have not yet thanked you!" He saw the puzzled look on the elf's face, and continued, "You saved me from a deep plunge back in the mines, and more, without your bow we would surely have be slain on the stairs- you have great skill. Forgive me also, my words at the council were rude and uncalled for."
"Ha, I have heard much worse mellon nin! Fear not, I do not hold your words to heart. But you understand now why we must take this journey, for we have seen how evil is drawn to the Ringbearer- the watcher in the lake, and then the troll. Aye this thing brings great peril." Legolas barely spoke the final words, wishing none of the Lorien elves to hear. They had now walked at least one mile into the depths of the forest, following no path that was visible to the untrained eye. At last Haldir gave the order for the company to turn and when they came to the top of a nearby hillock they saw it- Caras Galadhrim-dwelling of the Lord and Lady of the Wood. Up into the trees they went, climbing steadily until they reached the treetops, and were called to halt upon a high flet. Haldir then stood to the side, as Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel made their way slowly down the steps. The Hobbits and Boromir stood in awe of the great beauty before them, the lady was dressed all in white, and a great light shrouded both her and the man at her side. They both had hair of long gold, and a wisdom in their eyes that their faces did not show. The elf queen now held each member of the Fellowship in her gaze, long did she look into the eyes of Aragorn, and then to Legolas.
"Eight there are here, yet nine there were set out from Rivendell- tell me where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak with him?"
The Lady Galadriel looked still into the eyes of the Prince of Mirkwood, "He has fallen into shadow."
Aragorn lay against the soft bark of the mallorn tree, enjoying once again the feel of delicate grass and mossy ferns beneath his feet. Pipe smoke filled the air around him with a cloudy swirl of numerous shapes, each one disappearing too quickly into the night air. His eyes too were clouded, a mist had engulfed his whole body as he reflected on the words he had heard spoken inside his head, and of the images he had seen there. She spoke of the return to power of the King of Men, and he saw a host of men march from the gates of Minas Tirith, holding high in the air the banners of the King. He saw then the city burning, and the white tree being hacked and hewn by foul creatures of Sauron. And he saw a man clad all in white, bringing a crown down upon the head of another who knelt before him. And he saw Legolas, tall and proud, smiling at him, and then engaged in a great fight, and when that image faded another formed in his eyes- the elf lay upon a bed of silk and velvet, his eyes were closed, and he was as white as Caradhras itself. When his beloved elf opened his eyes they were filled with pain and sorrow, and there was no light left in them now. He sighed, not knowing what to make of the visions he had had, but those of his love troubled him deeply. He worried for his dear Legolas, though they had seen many battles together, Aragorn's heart felt stabbed with a blade when he thought of his elf in this war. He longed for one of those smiles he had seen in his head, wished he could gather Legolas to him, and find solace in those strong archer's arms, as he had once done. 'I will not give up so easily.' With that he was gone, following some faint prints deeper into the surrounding trees. He knew the elf probably sat high up in one of the golden trees, and he knew also that Legolas may not welcome the sight of this Ranger.
It was not long until he heard raised voices, or rather one raised voice. And he knew instantly whose harsh words those he heard belonged to. Haldir. He spied the Warden in a clearing some ten yards ahead of him, he was gesturing wildly with his arms, and his normal soft tones were replaced with malice and anger. He was furious. Aragorn pitied the soul who had incurred this wrath, and wondered what had befallen his friend, that would cause so foul a mood.
"...do you care nothing for the feelings of others? I thought you a friend! And how I have been rewarded for my foolishness! I have always known you to be proud and headstrong, but I never thought you would betray those who have long respected and loved you. Do you not see what damage you are causing- why must you tear so many lives apart for your own gain? When we last met, you spoke only words of joy and happiness at my union, and now you would be the one to destroy whatever love I may have. I cannot speak for your feelings towards me, but care you nothing for those of my- YOUR lady? And what of Estel, have you cast him aside also?"
Aragorn was horrified. He knew now exactly whom it was that Haldir so unashamedly rebuked. His love. His elf. Legolas. He would not listen to another word of this tirade. He sprang quickly from his place among the bushes, and stepped between the two elves. Legolas for his part had said nothing, but looked at Haldir with sadness in his eyes, and turned to leave once Aragorn had arrived.
"Enough Meldanya (Friend)! You do not know of what you speak! Let it be." Aragorn placed his hand on Haldir's shoulder. "Please mellon nin, do not direct your anger where it should not lay."
Haldir looked at him as if he had lost his mind. "Estel...how can you let this happen- he has used you most cruelly, and would now move on to ensnare his next victim. I will not let him take my love from me!"
"Haldir...meldanya, do you even hear what it is you speak? You know what you say is not the truth, please old friend, you must see that this is not of Legolas's doing. I can assure you that he loves our lady dearly, but only as I do, as a brother would. Do not think him to blame Haldir- he is lost to me also. This is forced upon him, though I know not why. The Lords of the elves would have their houses united; I fear they have lost all reason."
"If that is indeed the case, then why did he not speak the truth to me? And why does he recoil from you, if you still have his love?"
"I cannot see his mind any longer, he has closed himself to me, and he has reason- I do not wish to repeat it, for it brings me great shame. But believe me when I say this to you- he grieves for the loss of your love, we have long know of your affection for Arwen, and of your promise to each other. He carries blame where it does not rest, Haldir let him not lose your friendship and love-he has already been robbed of mine."
The Lorien elf looked at Aragorn with saddened eyes, understanding all that had been said, and some of what had not. He bowed his head and shook it gently, his blonde hair catching stray beams of moonlight, mirroring them and letting them dance off its surface again. "Ai Estel I am a fool. I have done much hurt I fear, forgive me, I could not see for my own anger. It is clear that there is something amiss with our dear Thranduilion, I have failed in my duties as a friend to him this night. I must seek him out, and request his forgiveness."
"No wait, I would speak with him first- do not fear meldanya, you have long held our friendship, and so shall it remain. Speak with him in the morn; I will go to him now." With one last squeeze of the elf's shoulder, Aragorn left, following the path Legolas had taken, until he found the prince perched dangerously on a low branch of a mallorn. "Legolas? Melamin..."
"Pedo ú tanya!" (Don't say that)
Aragorn sighed loudly, "Why did you allow Haldir to say such things to you, why did you not tell him the truth?"
"It would be of little comfort, why should he not have someone to blame, Arwen will soon be lost to him forever-to me."
"But it is not of your doing, the blame lies not with you, why are you acting this way?"
Legolas looked at him incredulously, how could he not know, how could someone so close to him, who claimed still to love him not see the hurt he had done with his own words. He felt his anger and sorrow bubble inside him, threatening his sombre face into betraying emotions. He made to stalk away but was grabbed unkindly by the arm.
Aragorn loosened his grip when he saw the elf wince, he knew Legolas wished to run, but couldn't let the prince slip away yet again. "And what of me? Have you cast me aside? There are few who would curse you for it had they heard all I have said to you since... Legolas, I cannot force you to forgive me, and I would not have it so. I wish you only to know this- mela en Coiamin na lle, irmoamin na lle, lin ind nin, ilyamenie- díhenamin." (You are the love of my life, you are my desire, my heart is yours, always- forgive me) He fled the scene before the elf could respond; the salt from his eyes burning the small nicks and cuts on his face.
Legolas rested on a low branch of a mallorn contemplating all that had come to pass that evening- Haldir's rude outburst; Aragorn's own revelations, in fact he was so caught up in his thoughts that he did not heed the approach of a light footed being until the swish of soft fabric alerted his ears that The Lady of the Golden Wood stood below him.
"Mae Govannen Legolas Thranduilion!"
Legolas bowed his head gently and sprang lightly from his position among the leaves. His face was filled with only reverence for the Elf Queen, though the mask was easily swept away by the lady's warm stare. For the first time in all his long years, Legolas could not withstand the gaze of Galadriel.
"I have watched you closely young leaf, I know of your heart's troubles." Her voice was almost song-like in its melodious tones. Her azure eyes met with his own crystal blue ones, and suddenly his head was filled with images.
Of his home in the north, of the Fellowship-Frodo & Sam floating high above a rocky wasteland, Merry & Pippin lost among a sea of trees, Boromir and Gimli calling out in the dark, Gandalf riding swiftly through a plain of green-snow white robes billowing behind him, and Aragorn fighting, and Aragorn smiling, and Aragorn King of Gondor. He saw images of the White City of Minas Tirith, of black ships and white gulls and out of the swirling clouds of all these he saw himself and gasped.
"The future has already been laid down young Prince of Greenwood; yours will determine the future of all on this earth. Remember this only, long have you been blessed by the Valar, it was foreseen ere the joyous occasion of your birth-and you do not know all ends. You must fulfil this quest which has been laid upon you, only then can your fate be realised."
With that said did she leave as quickly as she had appeared beneath him, and once again he was left to his own thoughts.