Chapter 21
"Lord Erestor is coming! Lord Erestor is coming! Harken! The army is returning!" The herald cried, running frantically through the halls. "They are approaching!"
Lizule snapped her head up at the herald's voice. Excitement built up inside of her and she stood, knocking her chair over in the process. Paying it no heed, she bolted out of her room and into the dreary rain. She put up her hood and squinted, standing on tiptoes to see over the tall heads of some of the male Elves. Through the gloomy fog she saw Erestor leading the army out of the trees. Her heart fell at the sight of them. They looked so dispirited, especially Erestor. She scanned the legion for sign of Elladan and Legolas, hoping that they had survived.
She saw Elrohir riding on his horse with his head bowed, but she looked beyond him. She spotted Orion's brown-flecked coat through the mass of white and gray. He was walking very slowly, and his normally erected head was down, with his mane flopping from side to side. Elladan was clutching to something that was in front of the saddle. It was brown and was covered in red. As they grew closer, she realized with horror that it was a body. Her veins started to pulse and her heart began to beat wildly. She took a deep breath, but when she saw Elrond ride to the front on Gabriel's horse, she knew something was drastically wrong and her breathing accelerated.
She broke from the crowd and sprinted towards Elladan, her long cloak soaking up grass and mud along the way. She ignored the baffled faces on the riders and went up to the Elf Prince. She was about to ask him what was going on when she recognized the face on the body. It was Legolas.
She took a step back and gasped. Elladan reached for her, but she sidestepped his grasp. She looked around, praying that this wasn't happening, that the husband of her best friend wasn't draped over a horse, dried blood coated on his face, his blue eyes extinguished. But when Glorfindel passed, leading a melancholy looking Arodas behind Asfaloth, she knew that Legolas was dead. She couldn't escape the inevitable truth.
"Lizule, I'm so sorry. I wish this never happened." Lizule glanced up at him and saw that his normally kind eyes were lined with tears. All the love and joy that he usually with held was gone. Pain and grief had replaced it.
Pity for herself and him filled her. She took his hand and kissed it in a vain attempt to make them both feel better. To her dismay, it didn't work. He smiled weakly and stroked her hair.
He offered her his hand and she swung up behind him, resting her head on his back. He urged his battle-worn horse on, through the mud and into the heart of Rivendell. Elves called out with voices of concern, but she did not acknowledge them. They did not know that one more member of The Fellowship of the Ring had died and was never coming back. His immortality did not save him. It abandoned him when he needed it most, just when he was going to start a family. She tightened her hold on Elladan's cloak, trying to rid herself of the excruciating distress.
As Lizule rode the exhausted stallion to the stables, she cried silently, saving her sobs for the dark of night when no one else would hear her.
****
"Out of the 2,500 Elves we sent to battle, only a rough estimate of 900 have returned unscathed. 250 are recovering from their wounds, and the rest are dead."
Elrond sighed, his face hidden behind his hands so Erestor could not see his expression. He was so tired, yet there was so much that had to be done, so much grieving that had to be exorcised. It was all too much, even for such a mighty Elf-lord.
"We return tonight for the dead. They shall all receive a proper burial. The families can go with you if they so choose."
Erestor nodded and bowed, his sword hitting the floor. "I will report the message."
The Master of Rivendell watched the younger Elf leave through the part in his hands. When Erestor was gone, he stood up and went outside, relishing in the pleasure of raindrops washing over his sullied face. So many Elves had lost their lives. Had it been worth going to such extreme measures to exterminate evil forever? Even with his extensive wisdom Elrond was not sure.
He thought of what might have been Legolas's fate if Gimli had not died. He reminisced back to about eighty years ago, when Legolas was considering sailing to the Undying Lands. At that time, the Elf Prince and some Woodland Elves were living in Ithilien, part of Gondor's massive cities. Legolas had built a gray boat for himself and the Dwarf, but just when he had finished, Gimli had been killed in a mining accident in the Glittering Caves. Since Aragorn had passed away only two years before, Legolas had been beyond consolation and returned to his birthplace immediately.
Elrond leaned against the railings of his balcony as his all-seeing, all- knowing eyes took in the agonizing plight Rivendell was in. The rain never stopped coming down, it was constant, steadfast. It would never relent.
Just like Elbereth would never relent. She had succeeded. Totholain had been unable to stop her. He had failed to protect the young lovers. And Elrond had failed too. She would get Laurelin's life as planned and then would continue about her usual business. Even if Elrond tried to stop her, he had neither the time nor the energy. His power was almost gone, too. Soon he would be just another Elf who happened to bear Gil-galad's ring. It was all so final and absolute. He hated it.
Elrond was so involved in his thoughts he did not hear Glorfindel come up behind him. When Glorfindel laid a hand on his shoulder, he jumped and spun around, his green eyes flashing.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. I just thought you might want this." Glorfindel placed the Evenstar in Elrond's palm and closed his hand. "I retrieved it from Legolas's chambers. It is no use to him anymore."
"Thank you."
Glorfindel smiled sadly. "The horses have all been bedded down in their stalls so they can rest. I am going to ask Lizule permission to ride Gloried, for Asfaloth is extremely tired and I don't think he could even carry me. Are you coming with us to bring back the bodies, my Lord?" Glorfindel asked cautiously. "I mean, I understand if you say no. But I'd be in charge then, and to tell you the honest truth, I don't trust myself for such an important duty. I'd be much relieved if you came."
Elrond shook his head and placed his hand on Glorfindel's shoulder. "I trust you. Take as many healthy Elves and horses as possible to assist you and bring back the dead Elves. You can abandon the deceased horses, for I fear that it would be too much work to haul their bodies back to Imladris also."
The golden-haired Elf looked shocked. "But what about YOUR horse? Even him? Even Apollo?"
Elrond swallowed hard and glanced out over the dew-stained houses. When he spoke, his voice was barely a whisper. "Even Apollo."
**** "Lizule, I was wondering if you would come out into the gardens and with me. It is such a pretty night," Elladan asked while leaning on the Elf Maiden's chair. " I think we both could use a little bit of fresh air."
Lizule shook her head and buried herself deeper into her pillow. "I fear the dark," she choked out. "I'd much rather stay in here, where it is safe."
Elladan furrowed his brow. "Your safe in Rivendell all the time, no matter where you are. You'll be fine."
"I DON'T WANT."
"Excuse me, but Lizule, I was wondering if I could ask you a favor."
The distressed Elf raised her head at the voice. Glorfindel was standing in her doorway holding his sword. His stance showed that he was exhausted. She picked her words carefully.
"What's the favor?"
Glorfindel shifted uncomfortably and then said, "Well, Asfaloth is fatigued and deeply depressed. I do not want to make him go out on the battlefield again to retrieve the dead, so I was hoping that you could lend me Gloried, I mean, if he is in fine health and everything," he added quickly.
When he saw her expression, he winced. "I'd understand if you don't give him to me, but I'm not asking the favor on behalf of myself. I'm asking it for all the families who lost someone they loved in the battle. Please don't think of it as a sacrifice but more as a blessing for those Elves who will never see their loved ones again."
The Elf-maiden sighed and brushed back her hair. Should she let him take Gloried? After he had refused to heal the magnificent creature? But then again, this wasn't for him. It was for the grieving Elves of Rivendell. She could not be selfish.
She glanced over at Elladan and read the answer he would give in his eyes.
"Yes, you may take him. Just be careful." She prayed that this was a good decision.
Glorfindel smiled and shot her a look of gratitude. "Thank you, my Lady." He closed the door slowly behind him.
Elladan and Lizule sat in silence for a moment, forgetting about their previous argument. She then remembered Isitur and Gabriel and how she had not seen them coming from the battlefield. It took all her courage to ask the Elf Prince, for she was afraid of the response he might give her.
"Are Gabriel and Isitur okay? I mean, did they survive?"
Elladan sighed and shook his head. "Isitur sustained a sword wound in his side. He is alive, but it will take time for him to recuperate. Lots of time. And as for Gabriel." Elladan's tone changed into an angry whisper. "As for Gabriel, he died, but not before killing Legolas in the process."
Lizule gasped. "What do you mean?" She was horrorstruck. "Did what Glorfindel say come true?"
"In a way. Gabriel took Legolas's sword in an effort to protect his own hide, with no consideration for the affect it could have on Legolas. It turned out the traitor died just minutes after Legolas."
Lizule clapped a hand to her mouth. Her whole body was becoming numb. "That's horrible!"
"Yes, but it is what my father told me, and I will never go against his word. Erestor backed him up, and as you know, Erestor can't lie."
"It's so hard to believe. Gabriel was such a kind Elf, and he loved us all. I wonder what changed him?"
Elladan got up and sat down on her bed. He took her hand in his warm palm and said,
"Jealousy and fear."
****
Lizule was packing her belongings when Elrond came in. He wore a silver headdress upon his brow and his ring gleamed in the light. She smiled faintly at the Elf King and bowed while she folded a dress.
"May I help you, my Lord?" She was careful to keep the conversation formal, for she was still in awe of him and he did deserve an esteemed title.
"I came here to ask you something, but first I must inquire why you are putting all of your clothes and possessions into that chest? Surely you are not going somewhere, with Legolas's knighting and all."
The Elf maiden froze and turned slowly to Elrond. Had she heard correct? She thought that Elrond had just said Legolas was going to be knighted, or in other words, proclaimed an Elf Lord. But they couldn't do that to an Elf who was already dead.
"I beg your pardon?"
Elrond beamed and sat down in one of the many chairs that flanked her chambers. "Legolas is going to receive and Elf Lord's funeral and burial rites. But we are taking his body back to Mirkwood to perform the ceremony. I think he would have preferred to be buried there, anyway."
"And I have something to tell Laurelin, by Legolas's wishes," Elrond murmured inaudibly under his breath.
Lizule shook her head, she was not sure she understood. "What did he do to obtain an Elf Lord's rites?"
The Elf King continued to smile at her ignorance. "He died thinking about everyone but himself. That selflessness is only seen in the best of Elves. He was unselfish his entire life, willing to give anything and everything for the people he loved. He is an Elf worth remembering." Lizule nodded. "He most surely was."
There was an awkward silence for about half a minute until Lizule cleared her throat.
"So what did you want to ask me, my Lord?" Thinking about Legolas was painful. She wanted to change the subject.
"Ah, yes. I wanted to know if you still loved my son, Elladan."
"Of course I do." Why was he asking her this? Did he question her loyalty?
"Good. Then you of course would not object to marriage." The Elf King's bluntness surprised her.
"But- But my Lord, I am going back to live in Mirkwood with the other Silvans. I am not of the Noldor. I do not think I will be able to marry your son, as much as I wish it." She hung her head in shame. "I do not think that I am worthy."
Elrond chuckled and cupped his hand under her jaw. He raised her head and looked her in the eye.
"I, Lord Elrond, King of the Eldar, bearer of the ring Vilya, disagree with that statement."
Lizule did not argue back. She was too scared to rebuke him. His tone was frightening.
"If it can be arranged, will you marry Elladan and remain here in Rivendell?" It was more of a demand that a question, but she took her time in answering it. She thought of how grieved Laurelin would be to learn of Legolas's death, and how she would need a good friend. But Retkia was there, and so was Thranduil.
So Laurelin would be okay. But Lizule could recall Gabriel's anger when he was told of her love for Glorfindel. What if Gabriel was alive right now? What would he say?
But Gabriel was not alive. He had succumbed to greed and had burned in his own misery. His opinion should not matter to her. He was dead.
The Elf maiden smiled, her face relaxed and at ease. She had made her decision. "I would love to."
****
Laurelin gripped the edge of her bed and tried to stand up on her feet. She fell yet again to the ground, her face hidden behind two long locks of blonde hair. She gritted her teeth and tried again, pouring all her energy and effort into standing. She finally succeeded and stood, her legs shaking uncontrollably.
The Elf Maiden was not aware that shock and trauma had settled into her legs and was beginning to paralyze her. All she knew was that she had to tell someone before the knowledge of Legolas's death devoured her from the inside. She groped for the end of the bed covers, her vision slightly blurred because of the tears that would never stop coming. When she reached the end of the bed, she got down on her hands and knees and crawled towards the chamber door. She opened it with a grunt and slid her body down the never-ending hallway to the stairs.
She closed her eyes and let herself fall, hitting the stone ledges several times until she came in contact with the ground floor of the dining room. She remained still to recover her strength, the pain was horrible but she felt like she deserved it, and she welcomed it. Blood oozed out from under a deep gash in her back, but she didn't notice that her gown was sopping it up. She staggered out of the dining room and into the King's study where she had been just several hours before. Thranduil was staring open mouthed at her, his quill frozen in midair, a horrified expression on his face.
He seemed to fumble for words, but nothing came. Laurelin scooted herself next to him and was able to whimper "Legolas is gone," before she stood straight up and raced out of the room. Thranduil called after her, his chair scraping the floor, but she knew he was coming, and she didn't care. She would beat him.
She scrambled up the stairs, they were rather slippery, for they were coated in some strange red liquid. She stumbled back to her bedroom and out to the balcony. The night was cold, and it chilled her down to the bones.
Laurelin stood up on the railing and looked out over the treetops. The moon was staring to rise and it lit the trees beautifully. The roses beneath her bloomed to the greatest extent possible, their roots refreshed by the rain. She imagined Legolas's face in the rising of the moon, his long, golden hair and striking blue eyes, and how she would never see him again. How she had killed him. She closed her eyes and jumped, never knowing that Thranduil had been just inches away from pulling her off the balcony, but he wouldn't have been able to save her.
She was dead before she ever hit the ground. She had bled to death standing on the railing of the balcony. Her body landed in the flowers, and they cradled her in a comforting embrace. The moon kept on shining.
Author's Note: Don't worry this is not the end! I will definitely have an epilogue and maybe even a few more chapters. Please be patient and I will have the end of this story up in record time!
"Lord Erestor is coming! Lord Erestor is coming! Harken! The army is returning!" The herald cried, running frantically through the halls. "They are approaching!"
Lizule snapped her head up at the herald's voice. Excitement built up inside of her and she stood, knocking her chair over in the process. Paying it no heed, she bolted out of her room and into the dreary rain. She put up her hood and squinted, standing on tiptoes to see over the tall heads of some of the male Elves. Through the gloomy fog she saw Erestor leading the army out of the trees. Her heart fell at the sight of them. They looked so dispirited, especially Erestor. She scanned the legion for sign of Elladan and Legolas, hoping that they had survived.
She saw Elrohir riding on his horse with his head bowed, but she looked beyond him. She spotted Orion's brown-flecked coat through the mass of white and gray. He was walking very slowly, and his normally erected head was down, with his mane flopping from side to side. Elladan was clutching to something that was in front of the saddle. It was brown and was covered in red. As they grew closer, she realized with horror that it was a body. Her veins started to pulse and her heart began to beat wildly. She took a deep breath, but when she saw Elrond ride to the front on Gabriel's horse, she knew something was drastically wrong and her breathing accelerated.
She broke from the crowd and sprinted towards Elladan, her long cloak soaking up grass and mud along the way. She ignored the baffled faces on the riders and went up to the Elf Prince. She was about to ask him what was going on when she recognized the face on the body. It was Legolas.
She took a step back and gasped. Elladan reached for her, but she sidestepped his grasp. She looked around, praying that this wasn't happening, that the husband of her best friend wasn't draped over a horse, dried blood coated on his face, his blue eyes extinguished. But when Glorfindel passed, leading a melancholy looking Arodas behind Asfaloth, she knew that Legolas was dead. She couldn't escape the inevitable truth.
"Lizule, I'm so sorry. I wish this never happened." Lizule glanced up at him and saw that his normally kind eyes were lined with tears. All the love and joy that he usually with held was gone. Pain and grief had replaced it.
Pity for herself and him filled her. She took his hand and kissed it in a vain attempt to make them both feel better. To her dismay, it didn't work. He smiled weakly and stroked her hair.
He offered her his hand and she swung up behind him, resting her head on his back. He urged his battle-worn horse on, through the mud and into the heart of Rivendell. Elves called out with voices of concern, but she did not acknowledge them. They did not know that one more member of The Fellowship of the Ring had died and was never coming back. His immortality did not save him. It abandoned him when he needed it most, just when he was going to start a family. She tightened her hold on Elladan's cloak, trying to rid herself of the excruciating distress.
As Lizule rode the exhausted stallion to the stables, she cried silently, saving her sobs for the dark of night when no one else would hear her.
****
"Out of the 2,500 Elves we sent to battle, only a rough estimate of 900 have returned unscathed. 250 are recovering from their wounds, and the rest are dead."
Elrond sighed, his face hidden behind his hands so Erestor could not see his expression. He was so tired, yet there was so much that had to be done, so much grieving that had to be exorcised. It was all too much, even for such a mighty Elf-lord.
"We return tonight for the dead. They shall all receive a proper burial. The families can go with you if they so choose."
Erestor nodded and bowed, his sword hitting the floor. "I will report the message."
The Master of Rivendell watched the younger Elf leave through the part in his hands. When Erestor was gone, he stood up and went outside, relishing in the pleasure of raindrops washing over his sullied face. So many Elves had lost their lives. Had it been worth going to such extreme measures to exterminate evil forever? Even with his extensive wisdom Elrond was not sure.
He thought of what might have been Legolas's fate if Gimli had not died. He reminisced back to about eighty years ago, when Legolas was considering sailing to the Undying Lands. At that time, the Elf Prince and some Woodland Elves were living in Ithilien, part of Gondor's massive cities. Legolas had built a gray boat for himself and the Dwarf, but just when he had finished, Gimli had been killed in a mining accident in the Glittering Caves. Since Aragorn had passed away only two years before, Legolas had been beyond consolation and returned to his birthplace immediately.
Elrond leaned against the railings of his balcony as his all-seeing, all- knowing eyes took in the agonizing plight Rivendell was in. The rain never stopped coming down, it was constant, steadfast. It would never relent.
Just like Elbereth would never relent. She had succeeded. Totholain had been unable to stop her. He had failed to protect the young lovers. And Elrond had failed too. She would get Laurelin's life as planned and then would continue about her usual business. Even if Elrond tried to stop her, he had neither the time nor the energy. His power was almost gone, too. Soon he would be just another Elf who happened to bear Gil-galad's ring. It was all so final and absolute. He hated it.
Elrond was so involved in his thoughts he did not hear Glorfindel come up behind him. When Glorfindel laid a hand on his shoulder, he jumped and spun around, his green eyes flashing.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. I just thought you might want this." Glorfindel placed the Evenstar in Elrond's palm and closed his hand. "I retrieved it from Legolas's chambers. It is no use to him anymore."
"Thank you."
Glorfindel smiled sadly. "The horses have all been bedded down in their stalls so they can rest. I am going to ask Lizule permission to ride Gloried, for Asfaloth is extremely tired and I don't think he could even carry me. Are you coming with us to bring back the bodies, my Lord?" Glorfindel asked cautiously. "I mean, I understand if you say no. But I'd be in charge then, and to tell you the honest truth, I don't trust myself for such an important duty. I'd be much relieved if you came."
Elrond shook his head and placed his hand on Glorfindel's shoulder. "I trust you. Take as many healthy Elves and horses as possible to assist you and bring back the dead Elves. You can abandon the deceased horses, for I fear that it would be too much work to haul their bodies back to Imladris also."
The golden-haired Elf looked shocked. "But what about YOUR horse? Even him? Even Apollo?"
Elrond swallowed hard and glanced out over the dew-stained houses. When he spoke, his voice was barely a whisper. "Even Apollo."
**** "Lizule, I was wondering if you would come out into the gardens and with me. It is such a pretty night," Elladan asked while leaning on the Elf Maiden's chair. " I think we both could use a little bit of fresh air."
Lizule shook her head and buried herself deeper into her pillow. "I fear the dark," she choked out. "I'd much rather stay in here, where it is safe."
Elladan furrowed his brow. "Your safe in Rivendell all the time, no matter where you are. You'll be fine."
"I DON'T WANT."
"Excuse me, but Lizule, I was wondering if I could ask you a favor."
The distressed Elf raised her head at the voice. Glorfindel was standing in her doorway holding his sword. His stance showed that he was exhausted. She picked her words carefully.
"What's the favor?"
Glorfindel shifted uncomfortably and then said, "Well, Asfaloth is fatigued and deeply depressed. I do not want to make him go out on the battlefield again to retrieve the dead, so I was hoping that you could lend me Gloried, I mean, if he is in fine health and everything," he added quickly.
When he saw her expression, he winced. "I'd understand if you don't give him to me, but I'm not asking the favor on behalf of myself. I'm asking it for all the families who lost someone they loved in the battle. Please don't think of it as a sacrifice but more as a blessing for those Elves who will never see their loved ones again."
The Elf-maiden sighed and brushed back her hair. Should she let him take Gloried? After he had refused to heal the magnificent creature? But then again, this wasn't for him. It was for the grieving Elves of Rivendell. She could not be selfish.
She glanced over at Elladan and read the answer he would give in his eyes.
"Yes, you may take him. Just be careful." She prayed that this was a good decision.
Glorfindel smiled and shot her a look of gratitude. "Thank you, my Lady." He closed the door slowly behind him.
Elladan and Lizule sat in silence for a moment, forgetting about their previous argument. She then remembered Isitur and Gabriel and how she had not seen them coming from the battlefield. It took all her courage to ask the Elf Prince, for she was afraid of the response he might give her.
"Are Gabriel and Isitur okay? I mean, did they survive?"
Elladan sighed and shook his head. "Isitur sustained a sword wound in his side. He is alive, but it will take time for him to recuperate. Lots of time. And as for Gabriel." Elladan's tone changed into an angry whisper. "As for Gabriel, he died, but not before killing Legolas in the process."
Lizule gasped. "What do you mean?" She was horrorstruck. "Did what Glorfindel say come true?"
"In a way. Gabriel took Legolas's sword in an effort to protect his own hide, with no consideration for the affect it could have on Legolas. It turned out the traitor died just minutes after Legolas."
Lizule clapped a hand to her mouth. Her whole body was becoming numb. "That's horrible!"
"Yes, but it is what my father told me, and I will never go against his word. Erestor backed him up, and as you know, Erestor can't lie."
"It's so hard to believe. Gabriel was such a kind Elf, and he loved us all. I wonder what changed him?"
Elladan got up and sat down on her bed. He took her hand in his warm palm and said,
"Jealousy and fear."
****
Lizule was packing her belongings when Elrond came in. He wore a silver headdress upon his brow and his ring gleamed in the light. She smiled faintly at the Elf King and bowed while she folded a dress.
"May I help you, my Lord?" She was careful to keep the conversation formal, for she was still in awe of him and he did deserve an esteemed title.
"I came here to ask you something, but first I must inquire why you are putting all of your clothes and possessions into that chest? Surely you are not going somewhere, with Legolas's knighting and all."
The Elf maiden froze and turned slowly to Elrond. Had she heard correct? She thought that Elrond had just said Legolas was going to be knighted, or in other words, proclaimed an Elf Lord. But they couldn't do that to an Elf who was already dead.
"I beg your pardon?"
Elrond beamed and sat down in one of the many chairs that flanked her chambers. "Legolas is going to receive and Elf Lord's funeral and burial rites. But we are taking his body back to Mirkwood to perform the ceremony. I think he would have preferred to be buried there, anyway."
"And I have something to tell Laurelin, by Legolas's wishes," Elrond murmured inaudibly under his breath.
Lizule shook her head, she was not sure she understood. "What did he do to obtain an Elf Lord's rites?"
The Elf King continued to smile at her ignorance. "He died thinking about everyone but himself. That selflessness is only seen in the best of Elves. He was unselfish his entire life, willing to give anything and everything for the people he loved. He is an Elf worth remembering." Lizule nodded. "He most surely was."
There was an awkward silence for about half a minute until Lizule cleared her throat.
"So what did you want to ask me, my Lord?" Thinking about Legolas was painful. She wanted to change the subject.
"Ah, yes. I wanted to know if you still loved my son, Elladan."
"Of course I do." Why was he asking her this? Did he question her loyalty?
"Good. Then you of course would not object to marriage." The Elf King's bluntness surprised her.
"But- But my Lord, I am going back to live in Mirkwood with the other Silvans. I am not of the Noldor. I do not think I will be able to marry your son, as much as I wish it." She hung her head in shame. "I do not think that I am worthy."
Elrond chuckled and cupped his hand under her jaw. He raised her head and looked her in the eye.
"I, Lord Elrond, King of the Eldar, bearer of the ring Vilya, disagree with that statement."
Lizule did not argue back. She was too scared to rebuke him. His tone was frightening.
"If it can be arranged, will you marry Elladan and remain here in Rivendell?" It was more of a demand that a question, but she took her time in answering it. She thought of how grieved Laurelin would be to learn of Legolas's death, and how she would need a good friend. But Retkia was there, and so was Thranduil.
So Laurelin would be okay. But Lizule could recall Gabriel's anger when he was told of her love for Glorfindel. What if Gabriel was alive right now? What would he say?
But Gabriel was not alive. He had succumbed to greed and had burned in his own misery. His opinion should not matter to her. He was dead.
The Elf maiden smiled, her face relaxed and at ease. She had made her decision. "I would love to."
****
Laurelin gripped the edge of her bed and tried to stand up on her feet. She fell yet again to the ground, her face hidden behind two long locks of blonde hair. She gritted her teeth and tried again, pouring all her energy and effort into standing. She finally succeeded and stood, her legs shaking uncontrollably.
The Elf Maiden was not aware that shock and trauma had settled into her legs and was beginning to paralyze her. All she knew was that she had to tell someone before the knowledge of Legolas's death devoured her from the inside. She groped for the end of the bed covers, her vision slightly blurred because of the tears that would never stop coming. When she reached the end of the bed, she got down on her hands and knees and crawled towards the chamber door. She opened it with a grunt and slid her body down the never-ending hallway to the stairs.
She closed her eyes and let herself fall, hitting the stone ledges several times until she came in contact with the ground floor of the dining room. She remained still to recover her strength, the pain was horrible but she felt like she deserved it, and she welcomed it. Blood oozed out from under a deep gash in her back, but she didn't notice that her gown was sopping it up. She staggered out of the dining room and into the King's study where she had been just several hours before. Thranduil was staring open mouthed at her, his quill frozen in midair, a horrified expression on his face.
He seemed to fumble for words, but nothing came. Laurelin scooted herself next to him and was able to whimper "Legolas is gone," before she stood straight up and raced out of the room. Thranduil called after her, his chair scraping the floor, but she knew he was coming, and she didn't care. She would beat him.
She scrambled up the stairs, they were rather slippery, for they were coated in some strange red liquid. She stumbled back to her bedroom and out to the balcony. The night was cold, and it chilled her down to the bones.
Laurelin stood up on the railing and looked out over the treetops. The moon was staring to rise and it lit the trees beautifully. The roses beneath her bloomed to the greatest extent possible, their roots refreshed by the rain. She imagined Legolas's face in the rising of the moon, his long, golden hair and striking blue eyes, and how she would never see him again. How she had killed him. She closed her eyes and jumped, never knowing that Thranduil had been just inches away from pulling her off the balcony, but he wouldn't have been able to save her.
She was dead before she ever hit the ground. She had bled to death standing on the railing of the balcony. Her body landed in the flowers, and they cradled her in a comforting embrace. The moon kept on shining.
Author's Note: Don't worry this is not the end! I will definitely have an epilogue and maybe even a few more chapters. Please be patient and I will have the end of this story up in record time!