Not much to say. Just that I'm REALLY moody cos my great gran died Friday night. Sad family relatives all round.
Thanks for all my reviews, and replies are below as always. ^_^
~Lainfaer~
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The Nameless Elf – Yeah, probably something in the Nimrodel steam! I don't like romances where they just jump on each other the first moment they meet. Things have to be taken slowly I think, don't you? They're nicer that way.
Enough begging already! I'll think about it! You want more of Gimli? I'm workin' on it…
Gees, some people would have the world if you could give it to them…
Thanks for reviewing. ^_^
Elerrina – Yeah, short chapters are cool. Hope you got the pics I sent you! Thanks for reviewing. ^_^
Haldir's and Heart and Soul – Yep, he's dealing with things in his own special way. And Aragorn will always be there for him. I think their friendship is so sweet! (I'm a tad hyper today.)
Good idea to just use your imagination. That's kind of what I was hoping for everyone to do! You like that word don't you? Kudos. Thanks for reviewing. ^_^
SEP – Happy is good, happy is nice, I like being happy, your happiness will suffice!
Wow, I made that up on the spot! As long as you're happy, I'm happy. (Too many happy's I think…)
Happiness and hyperness go well together. Good mixture. Thanks for reviewing. ^_^
MoroTheWolfGod – Quick enough? Hope so. Thanks for reviewing. ^_^
Starlit Hope – Yeah, I guess I would be! Thanks for reviewing. ^_^
seeing - spots – Powerful and beautiful? I like those words! Thanks for reviewing. ^_^
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Chapter 5: Confessions of beautiful minds.
A new dawn, a new day. And a new mind. Legolas woke feeling refreshed and free of the pain. He knew it would return soon enough, but for now, he was content. He washed his face free of sleep, and made his way down to the main hall where he knew Aragorn would be waiting. If he and that Dwarf were even awake yet.
The hall was deserted save for a couple of maids readying themselves for the upcoming day. He headed outside, deciding to watch the Sun rise higher over the distant mountains.
He made his way down the steps of the palace, the guards acknowledging him as he passed. He walked on down through the City, and eventually came to a small, empty hilltop, right on the outskirts. He ran easily up it, and sat cross-legged on the grass.
Here, he had an excellent view of the far-off mountains. The Sun was just peeking above the smallest one, the red rays spilling over the peak like blood.
He sighed and relaxed his tense shoulders. He had slept well, but the previous nights' events still haunted him. He couldn't believe he had been that open to Aragorn. How could he have let all those secrets slip so easily? He had vowed to himself to never tell anyone else of those times, and he had just blurted it all out to Aragorn in one go.
He sat there for a long time, just watching the Sun creep higher and higher. He wondered what Haldir was doing, back in Lothlórien. Was he watching the Sun too? He could be. Was he missing Legolas as much as Legolas was missing him?
//I love you.//
Legolas sighed again. Every day, he had whispered it to himself, picturing Haldir in front of him. He knew it must be so stupid, especially if someone saw, but he no longer cared. He couldn't wait to return back to Lothlórien, after the War was over. He could quite easily leave now, and go straight back there, but he knew he couldn't. He had been through all this before. He could not leave Aragorn and Gimli now, not after all they had been through together. And without a doubt, he had to stay now Gandalf had returned to them. He heard footsteps coming up the hill, and turned his head to see who it was.
Éowyn came and joined him. "I saw you leave earlier," she said softly. "You look as if something troubles you. Does it my Lord?"
"Nay Lady, I am fine," he replied, smiling gently up at her. He looked back to the steadily rising Sun. "It is beautiful here."
"I know," she answered, sitting down beside him and tucking her dress around her feet. "When I was younger, I used to come here to think. If I ever felt lonely, I would come here and watch the Sun. She always seemed to give me some kind of comfort."
"I know what you mean," he agreed. He looked back at her. "You felt lonely often?"
She nodded. "I had my brother, but once he was old enough, he was always out with the Rohirrim. I had my uncle of course, but he was being taken over by Saruman." She spat out the last word as if it tasted dirty in her mouth. "And Wormtongue was always creeping around. I hated him. He was like a snake." She shuddered at the memories.
"I saw that myself. At home, I would sit on my balcony and watch the Sun rise over the treetops. It would make Mirkwood look so much more beautiful, after the darkness of night. The butterflies would always stir at the same time, just as the Sun touched the tips of their wings. Once Her warmth touched them, they would flutter slightly, then all take off at the same time. Like a great cloud, dancing away towards the Sun."
"That must be an incredible sight."
"It is. It's strange though, because every single butterfly is completely black."
"Black?"
"Yes. But I think it adds a mysterious touch to them."
She laughed lightly. "I have never seen black butterflies before." She sighed and frowned, tucking her dress further under her feet, which, Legolas noted, were bare. "My Lord, do you have any siblings?"
"Yes, I do. Why?"
"How many?"
"Three. An older sister, a younger brother, and a younger sister."
"You're lucky. You have so many to keep you company. I love Éomer dearly of course, but he is always away. And now that he has been banished…I feel so alone. Have you ever had that feeling my Lord?"
"Of course my Lady. We all have. I was apart from my brother and sisters for over a century, and it hurt a lot. I couldn't wait to go back to them and my father."
"Why were you apart so long, if you don't mind me asking?"
"It's a long story. One I am sure you will not find interesting."
"Oh, ok. What are they called?"
"Why do you wish to know?"
"I know it seems like I am being nosy, but…oh, I don't know." She shrugged and looked at him helplessly. "I was just wondering. I've never met an Elf before. Its all so…exciting!" She smiled nervously, praying she hadn't just made a huge prat of herself.
He laughed. "I have heard that many times. Very well ,my eldest sister is called Neldor, my brother is Thoron, and my little sister is called Filigon."
"They are lovely names. They have meanings?"
"Yes. Neldor means beech tree, Thoron means eagle, and Filigon means small bird." He fingered the silver charm bracelet around his wrist, placing the bird in the palm of his hand.
"That's beautiful," Éowyn whispered, looking at it. "I love the tiny bird. It looks so delicate."
"Filigon gave it to me," he told her, still holding it. "Just before I left. She said it was to keep me safe. See this." He showed her the arrow. "She had it added on just for me. I still don't know why she gave it to me. Our mother gave it to her…" He drifted off, not wishing to go any further.
Éowyn immediately sensed that Legolas' mother was not a good subject to get on to. "I think its lovely," she said again.
"If I lose it, she'll kill me. Slowly and painfully. She said so herself." They laughed together, and Legolas slid it back under his sleeve. "I had better be getting back. Aragorn will be wanting to talk to me." He rose gracefully to his feet, and held out a hand to help Éowyn stand.
She smiled and took it, noting how soft his hands were. "Lord Aragorn," she started as they made their way back down the hill. "I know this sounds stupid but…who is he exactly?"
He smiled. "Many people have asked that. You are not the first, and will most certainly not be the last. He is a Ranger from the North. That much I can tell you. What else I can say, I am not sure. You will have to ask him yourself. I do not wish to say anything he does not want others to know. Sorry."
"That's alright," she shrugged. "I was just wondering. He's such a mysterious man, as you both are. You both seem to have so many memories hidden away. I can see you would have many stories to tell. Am I right?"
"Aye my Lady, you are." They reached the stony path again and Legolas stopped. "Lady Éowyn, did you come all the way down here in bare feet?"
She smiled slightly. "Yes, why?"
"Didn't it hurt?"
"Not really. I have done it many times." She stepped delicately onto the stones. "See?"
He laughed. "You are mad my Lady." He followed her. "Not meaning that as an insult of course."
"Of course not my Lord."
He watched with slight amusement as she tiptoed up the path. She turned back to look at him. "Well, what are you waiting for? I thought you said Lord Aragorn would be waiting to talk to you?"
"Yes, but how can I concentrate properly on getting back there if I have to watch you try to make your way up this path? It is quite amusing from where I'm standing you must understand." He caught up with her. "Your feet will get filthy."
"So?"
He raised an elegant eyebrow. Éowyn had noticed he had a tendency for doing that. "Would you like a lift my Lady?"
She laughed. "If you don't mind my Lord."
He grinned and swept her up into his arms. "I've never been carried by an Elf before," she told him as he walked carefully up.
"Well, seeing as you have never met an Elf before, that does not surprise me."
"Aren't I heavy?"
"No. You are very light actually."
"Or are you just trying to show off how strong you are?"
"Of course not Lady Éowyn." She laughed and leant her head against his shoulder. "What does Lord Aragorn think of me?"
"He likes you."
"Does he?"
"Yes, as do I."
"Does he have anyone waiting for him?"
"Aye, he does." He stopped and looked down at her. "My Lady, I would advise you. If you do have feelings for him, do not show them too much. I cannot tell you about the lady that awaits his return; I am not the right person. But he sees you as a dear friend, nothing more."
"I know."
Legolas carried on walking, and they did not talk about it again. He made his way nimbly up the steps, and placed her gently down on the floor at the top.
"Thank you very much my Lord," she said gratefully as they entered.
"It was my pleasure Lady." He inclined his head to her, and walked over to where he could see Aragorn and Gimli talking.
She smiled at his retreating back. She had never really been that open and honest to another person, and realised she had let her feelings and emotions become known quite a bit more than she had meant to. But she knew she could trust the Elf. He seemed the trusting type. She made her way back to her chambers to wash her feet.
"Where've you been?" Gimli asked as Legolas reached him and Aragorn.
"Just out and about," he replied, glancing at Aragorn.
"Sleep well Legolas?" the Man asked, looking up from the map he was pouring over.
"Yes thank you, yourself?"
"Aye, fine."
"Good."
Once again, Gimli sensed that air of anxiety around his two friends. "Are you two ok?" he asked.
"Fine," they answered in unison.
"Hmm." Gimli just puffed on his pipe and said no more.
"So, what are you looking for?" Legolas asked Aragorn, standing beside him.
"The best way to get through the Mountains. Have a look, see what you think."
Gimli watched as they studied the map together. He knew something was wrong, just like it had been before. He wanted to know what, but he felt he shouldn't butt in. It was their problem; they had to sort it out themselves.
****
"But I want to fight!"
"Lady Éowyn please, you must go into the caves with the woman and children."
"But…"
"My Lady." Legolas coolly intercepted her and Aragorns' rather heated argument. "A word?" He held out his hand for her, and she took it, looking defiantly at Aragorn one last time.
Legolas pulled her over to the side of the packed hallway. "Please, my Lady, do as he says. Go into the caves; there you will be safe."
"But I wish to fight alongside my people."
"And get yourself hurt? No, I will not let you. I cannot let you submit yourself to harm. Please, go into the caves."
Éowyn sighed and her shoulders slumped. "But what use will I be in there?" she asked, looking at him with tired eyes. "Comforting others whose loved ones are out here fighting to save us all? I cannot just stand by and watch my people get wounded this way. Don't you understand?"
"Of course I do, and if I was you, I would do as much as I could to fight alongside the men. But this battle is not for you. Your time will come, but it is not today. One day, you will show your strength in battle, I know it."
She looked back at the floor. "Alright," she mumbled. "I will go. But," she added, looking sharply back up at him. "If any of you get hurt, you being yourself, Lord Aragorn, or the Dwarf, then I will be allowed to sneer as much as I can, agreed?"
He laughed. "Very well. Now, I suggest you go and apologise to Aragorn. You don't want to be brewing over this in there." He inclined his head towards the rapidly filling caves.
"True." She wrinkled her nose. "I hate owning up to being wrong though."
"Who said you were wrong?" He smiled slyly.
She laughed softly. "Stop being so smart, it doesn't suit you." She smiled once more, then hurried off back to Aragorn to apologise.
Once they had seen her into the caves, they went to fetch their armour and weapons. Aragorn went about inspecting the swords. He made a face as he threw one down.
"Farmers, farriers, stable boys. These are no soldiers," said Aragorn, disgustingly.
"Most have seen too many winters," agreed Gimli.
"Or too few," Legolas added, looking round at the very young boys that were to fight. "Look at them. They're frightened. I can see it in their eyes." The whole room went silent. "Boe a hyn: neled herain dan caer menig! (And they should be. 300 against 10,000!)"
"Si beriathar hýn ammaeg nâ ned Edoras. (They have a better chance defending themselves here than in Edoras.)"
"Aragorn, nedin dagor hen ú-'erir otheri. Natha daged dhaer! (Aragorn, they cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!)"
"Then I shall die as one of them!" shouted Aragorn, and stormed out. Legolas went to follow him, but Gimli held him back. "Let him go lad. Let him be." Legolas stormed off in the opposite direction, very aware of everyone watching him. Gimli left him alone to cool off.
//Men…//
//No, correction…//
//HUMANS!//
Legolas was fuming. He stormed along the corridors, people making way for him. An Elf in a bad mood was not a good thing.
He strode along, and eventually came outside onto the wall. Some men were already in place, waiting for darkness to fall and the Uruk-Hai to arrive. He leant heavily against the parapet, and took a few deep breaths.
//Calm down you stupid Elf. It's just the stress of waiting for a battle to begin. It's not Aragorns' fault.//
After a few minutes of self-contemplation, he felt relaxed enough to go and find the Ranger. But first, he had better get some armour. He made his way to the armoury, and there was plenty that would fit his slender frame. But all he took was eight leather pauldrons strapped across his arms and chest. He needed room to manoeuvre in close combat with his knives, and so this was the only armour he could really wear. They were riveted together, and so allowed him sufficient enough movement.
Once he was fitted up, he made his way to find Aragorn. After asking a few people of his whereabouts, he ended up at a small room filled with spare armour and weapons. Aragorn had his back to him as he strapped his own armour on. Legolas entered silently, and picked up the sword his friend would be using. He held it out as Aragorn went to fetch it.
"We have trusted you this far and you have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair."
"U-moe edhored Legolas, (There is nothing to forgive Legolas.)" replied Aragorn, taking his sword. Legolas smiled at him, then Gimli walked in. He was struggling to put on his armour. He finally got it on, then looked down hopelessly. It was dragging on the floor. "If we had time, I'd get this adjusted. It's a little tight across the chest!"
The other two grinned, then there was the sound of a fair horn from outside. Legolas' eyes lit up. "That is no Orc horn!" He ran quickly towards the sound, Aragorn following Gimli was left stranded to sort himself out.
They rounded the final corner, and found the King talking to a fair faced Elf, clad in gold armour with a deep red cloak to symbolise his position in the Elven army. He smiled at them as they appeared. "We come to honour that allegiance."
"Mae govannen Haldir! (Welcome Haldir!)" said Aragorn, embracing his friend. "You are most welcome!" Haldir returned the embrace, then Aragorn stepped aside for Legolas. He smiled warmly at Haldir, with one hand on his shoulder. Haldir did the same.
//Melamin…//
Legolas felt Aragorn watching him, and so stood beside Haldir instead.
"We are proud to fight alongside men once more."
****
"Not only men," Legolas said softly to Haldir as they walked through the hallways of the Hornburg.
Haldir smiled at him. "No, not only men." His voice was quiet, hushed with a tone of fondness to it.
Legolas smiled back. "Why are you here Haldir?"
"To fight alongside you."
"Is that the only reason?"
"One of a few."
Legolas walked on in silence, looking at his bow held loosely in his left hand. A door drew up nearer to them, and as they reached it, Legolas grabbed Haldirs' hand, and with movements as slick and silent as a cats', pulled him inside and locked it behind him.
"Legolas, we do not have time…"
"There is always time," Legolas replied, placing his weapons on the ground and capturing Haldirs' mouth with his own.
The Marchwarden responded, as was natural, but soon pulled away. "Legolas, the battle…"
"Forget it," Legolas insisted, his hand travelling down Haldirs' face, along his cheekbone, onto his neck. "Just for the moment, think only of me. Me and you, all alone in this tiny little room. There is no battle, there will be no fighting. Not until we decide there will be."
Haldir scowled in the darkness. "Very well. If you say so." He took possession of the Princes' mouth, switching their bodies round so Legolas was against the wall. They had both removed their quivers, and this left plenty of room for them both.
Haldir used all his body weight to hold Legolas in place, his hands drifting all over the slim body trapped beneath him. They did not have much time, and so were using it to their advantage.
"Haldir…" Legolas breathed as they parted for a moment. They looked deep into each other's eyes. "I wish you could take me, right here, right now."
"I wish so too, but it is not possible. If only we had just a little more time together…"
"Goodness knows what mischief we'd get up to," Legolas finished. They laughed, still holding onto each other. "Oh Haldir," Legolas whispered, resting his head against Haldirs' chest. "I love you so much. Why must there be a War when we are finally together?"
"If there hadn't have been a War, and the Fellowship hadn't have been formed, we still wouldn't be," Haldir reminded him.
Legolas murmured a reply, his eyes shutting for a moment in blissful silence. Haldir stroked his fingers through his golden hair, wishing not for the first time in his life that there was more time available to them.
But there wasn't. Aragorn and the others would be wondering where they were, and if two and two were put together…
Haldir did not know if Aragorn knew about his and Legolas' relationship. If he didn't, he would rather he still wouldn't after the battle. He looked down at the Elf in his arms. Legolas had been through so much, and come out alive. If he hadn't have had such good friends, and Haldir himself of course, the Marchwarden doubted if he would still be with them today.
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Helms Deep at last. And so far, it's going by the movie…
Uh oh….
You know what THAT means…
Shall I be mean and kill Hally?
I'll think about it…
~Lainfaer~
This chapter is dedicated to the memory of Dorothy 'Dolly' Maud Cook, 1914 – 2004.
Rest in peace Gran.