DISCLAIMER: I do not own Lord of the Rings, or any of the characters within Lord of the Rings. They are all the work of the amazing Professor J.R.R. Tolkien!!!! (Heh, and we can't forget Peter Jackson and Newline Cinemas...) I'm not earning anything from this, except maybe amusement. Please read and review if you have time. Onward to the story then....
The Elven boats glided easily across the quickening waters as the two Hobbits paddled the leaf-like oars in a maneuvering fashion down the western arm of the Anduin. Around them could be seen nothing but the browns and greens of the trees and at times, various roots ever reaching toward the cool waters. The two companions had departed with heavy hearts, even more so at the manner of it, but Frodo supposed they could not have chosen a better time. It seemed, as they passed the seemingly e'er joyless cliffs of Tol Brandir, that all obvious signs of battle had vanished, though the trees still whispered amongst themselves. Of the lingering essence the impure creatures wandering the greenness about them had left behind they spoke. The rustling of their leaves was akin to the crinkling of displeased noses.
As Rauros neared, for it was inevitable that sooner or later the river would plunge itself over the falls, the booming noise of the water increased, as did the current. Even with Sam's assistance, passage to the far shore was of some difficulty. Luckily, Anduin was in fairly good spirits that day, and granted them such passage at the price of this strife. For a moment, Frodo wondered if the river was motivated solely because it knew of what evil its passenger carried around his neck and was anxious to rid itself of it.
Upon reaching the shore, the two banked their boat on the southern slope of Amon Lhaw. Sam took each step upon the firm ground with mighty appreciation, for he much hated to be in boats; Gimli and Legolas' fall from their own had done little to vanquish this uneasiness. And, although he regarded the Elves' craftsmanship of the vessels with great respect, had no reserves about hiding them and being rid them. And so it was that Frodo could head onwards, well aware of the shadow he was entering, toward the Emyn Muil and thereby to Mt. Doom and the baleful land of Mordor.
For the remainder of the Fellowship, their travels were less ominous, though no less strenuous. It was with a watchful eye that the Ranger had let their small company continue onward. Had he had his way, they would not have journeyed further, for the sun would soon be setting, but Legolas had been insistent that they not tarry, and Aragorn knew well not to dismiss the Elf's requests. Although, he had a growing suspicion that Legolas' advocations to move onward were merely a devise to divert attention from the Elf's injuries. It was likely that this was the case. In Legolas' mind, his pride had been somewhat dented by Aragorn's forceful actions taken to restrain and tend to injuries. But he was thankful, nonetheless. In any case, tending to Legolas had offered some distraction from the grief that was felt by all because of Boromir's death. Aragorn found that if he kept his hands busy, his mind would be eased mildly, and Legolas had been willing to offer this...although he had been hesitant about the means of doing so. It was one of the reasons the Elf had been able to restrain himself from responding to Aragorn's tackle with a swift punch. Because he had known, it would offer some solace.
But now, they were traveling thenceforth, and their minds were given leeway to wander. In hopes of distracting himself, Legolas sang quietly. Aragorn contented himself with keeping an eye on Legolas, for he knew that he had not healed anywhere near entirely. Gimli did much the same, though on a slightly more deflected manner, for his stout legs gave him trouble in his fray against the strewn roots and debris that littered the forest floor. Indeed, it was much like a battle, and because of the loud steps and occasional curses that the Dwarf expelled, he unknowingly dispelled some of the gravity that hung about the three like a thick fog. Legolas felt the corners of his mouth twinge upwards and he begrudgingly disregarded the burning stares he could feel pressing on his back from both his confidants, knowing, at least, that they meant well, however bothersome it was. Instead, Legolas focused closely on the distinguishable trail left by the Uruk-hai. It would have been an easy task to track most anyone, with the exception of a Ranger or an Elf, in this array of leaves. Footsteps were left everywhere, marring the otherwise serene forest.
The pace at which the Ranger had demanded they travel forth at was gruelingly slow for the Elf, and he could feel Merry and Pippin's presence growing farther by the moment. The Uruk-hai seemed to have an endless supply of vigor, and Legolas wondered at what new devilry this was. The Uruks themselves had been a jarring sight. Generally, a single arrow would have felled an Orc, but it had not been the case. Their hides were thicker and their potencies still stronger. Legolas silently cursed himself for not realizing this sooner; it would have saved them much time that had been wasted on tending his injuries, most of which he had deemed unworthy of more than a passing glance. Chancing a glimpse at his shoulder and side, he reprimanded himself after unexpectedly finding that his hand had unknowingly moved to rest on his torso. He recoiled instantly, as one does from the licks of hot flames.
In the fading light and growing looming shadows cast about the thinning trees, Aragorn had seen all. Though the Elf's form had been silhouetted somewhat against the darkening sky and his body outlined with an orangish tinge, it had been easy to see where his hand lie. Even easier to see had been the way the hand had lingered there before quickly withdrawing. It was obvious that Legolas wished not to make his weakness known, though it was already apparent enough even for unskilled eyes. After all, was it not Gimli who initially brought Legolas' struggles to attention? The Dwarf was not well famed for his perceptiveness, and even he had been aware.
Yet when Aragorn would pause, it was always Legolas who was exhorting him onwards, when perchance these places should have been reversed. But, after the Elf continuously replied to Aragorn's incessant pries concerning the Elf's health in the positive, the Ranger reluctantly allowed them to continue further. All of which being much to Gimli's displeasure.
Legolas promised he would keep his condition in mind and not over exert himself. And so they traveled yet into the West and into the Emyn Muil. The sun painted the clouds forrader with beautiful pastels of orange, purple and pinkish wisps border lining the deep blue and black that night had begun to diffuse across the darkening sky. And this was a hopeful sight when little hope was to be found. Already the stars and moon had peered through the withering of day and had begun to show their own true brightness, faint though it was at the moment. So for a time, the grey bleakness of the western Emyn Muil that lied ahead was masked by an array of beauty. For this all were thankful.
The trees were presently becoming sparser, to Legolas' slight dismay, as they encroached upon the ragged and hilly landscape, though it was still set some ways in the distance. His long, slender legs carried him swiftly, but as soon as the trek became more inclined, unusual weariness set in and he was soon forced to drop back to travel behind Aragorn. Elf's thigh, luckily, had been quick to right itself somewhat. It had not healed, of course, but it was better off than it had been, and did not pain him to such a degree as other injuries did. And the wound was closed with no bleeding. Other wounds, though, were less quick to right themselves. The new difficulty of running for the Elf became increasingly perceptible to his companions. Legolas' long strides became progressively shorter to the extent that he very nearly ambled along behind the Ranger, with Gimli ever at his back. Every part of the Elf's body seemed to cry for rest, save his mouth for he voiced no complaint. His eyes, however, still shone with determination.
And this was why Aragorn allowed them to continue, though only a while longer. He knew Legolas would not permit rest while strength was still in them. Aragorn's existing goal was to follow the Uruk-hai tracks for as long as possible, while still keeping a vigilant eye on the Elf. Hopefully, the trail would lead to a valley of some sort, and they could cease their arduous climb. Not for his own sake, certainly, but for his companion's. Soon after, these hopes were met, although the fading of the Uruk trail was disheartening, but a valley spread itself below, with steep slopes around it which would do well to block any wind. He knew this was the place to stop, for the climb to this particular crest had been steep and difficult, and likely wearying. Aragorn turned abruptly to see an unusual sight, though more familiar of late. He came near face to face with the down turned brow of his Elf comrade.
"It is high time we stopped," announced Aragorn firmly. He had come to a halt as soon as they had come abreast the spread of the valley.
"Anor is not yet set entirely...there is still light by which we can travel. The stars and moon will grant us their light in the sun's absence. Stopping is unnecessary. You know this," replied Legolas, forced to an unexpected hitch at Aragorn's heels.
"Mayhap this is true...but whether the sun, or moon or stars, shone for us I would still bid us stop,"
"But..."
"There is nothing to it, princeling. If Aragorn says we're stopping, then we're stopping. And I, for one, rule in his favor. I know not what you think, but I value my rest," interrupted Gimli in a huffed and uneven voice as he blundered down the crest hindermost to the other considerably taller companions. The Dwarf rested his hands on his knees in an attempt to catch his breath. "We are stopping, right, Aragorn?" He continued, looking to the Ranger with hopeful eyes.
"We most certainly are." His tone was decided, and once Aragorn, son of Arathorn, was decided upon something, it was not oft that he went back on his words.
"But there is no need!" Said Legolas, watching anxiously as the sun set still deeper behind the grey hills of the Emyn Muil.
"You of all people should be asking to stop, lad," retorted Gimli with more than a fringe of agitation in his tone, his voice as gruff as ever. With that he gave Legolas a pat to the small of his back. "You need to rest, whether you'll admit it or not." The Elf shot his stout friend a glare that would send a Warg scrambling away with fear for its life.
"I will not have Merry and Pippin suffer at the hands of those disgusting creatures on my part." Legolas was becoming more and more irritated and wanted desperately to continue onward. The thought of the two young Hobbits, who had always acted with innocence and mirth, offering naught but friendly company for all those around them, being held captive by the filth of Isengard sickened him.
"Nor would I, Legolas, nor would I. But you are injured! You must realize this and you must take rest!"
"I realize it well enough! Aragorn, they are enduring enough because I tarried!" At this, both Aragorn and Gimli realized more fully the reasons behind the Elf's travail to this point. "If I had not been so foolish to become aggrieved in a mere fray mayhap I could have reached them in time! I will not see another death!"
"Legolas..." Aragorn had not known Boromir's death had so affected the Elf. At last, the true pain Legolas was feeling dawned on him. For me, though I grieve his death horribly...I am mortal...I will be haunted with his passing only until the ending of my days...but for an Elf it is not so. He will live forever...forever to ponder his grief...
"They are innocents...mere fledglings who should never have been brought into this!" Legolas' knuckles were white with tension from the taut grip he held around his bow.
"Legolas, you must come to reason! For their sakes if not your own! We may miss a sign left by them in the dark hours of night. The trail is already enshrouded."
"Aragorn is right. We will continue our search with the coming of the morn. All will come to right, Legolas, calm yourself. What now of the fabled composure of Elves? " Said Gimli, in an attempt to jest the Elf out of this uncharacteristic state of anger. Though Legolas did becalm himself somewhat, his ire simmered just beneath. Forsooth, he was ashamed of his outburst, but knew more than anything that what was spoken by his companions was truth. More so, he knew they spoke wisely. The sun had nearly disappeared; only a barely noticeable gleam of purple near the horizon left evidence of that day. It would aid them not in a search for signs that would go unnoticed by most even in full daylight. The stars offered little avail for the skies were overcast, the moon hardly showing its own face from beneath a veil of cloud. And the moon offered only minimal illumination, only enough to give the scarce grass an even scantier gleam.
"So be it," was the Elf's heated reply before he turned away. "I will take first watch," he mumbled with his back turned to his companions and eyes penetrating the cloud cover to gaze upon the stars.
"Nay, my friend, you need not..." began Aragorn, for he had no doubt in his mind that the Elf needed rest, one not burdened by any task, big or small. Upon hearing this, Legolas whirled to face Aragorn in a flourish of golden hair and pierced him deeply with cold eyes, gleaming eerily in the few shafts of moonlight that escaped the clouds. Anger glowed from deep within, though its source was more the Elf's own frustration than true wrath towards his friends.
"I will do what I will." With that, the Elf stormed up the crest from whence they had come and nearly vanished into the darkness. He was nigh indiscernible, standing alone atop the incline, save for the glistering outline of his long form against the moonshine.
Aragorn would have followed after him were it not for Gimli, who bade him let the Elf be. And so, though he wished not to, he did just that. Instead, since the air had grown cold quickly, sneaking up on the three companions, Aragorn readied a fire from what supplies he had. Luckily, there was kindling to be found, and to a much lesser extent, there was wood...or at least substance that would make do. Once the fire was burning passably brightly, in comparison to the darkness that surrounded them, the Dwarf spread out his bedroll. Gimli, though he was concerned unfathomably for Legolas, seemed to find sleep easily no matter what the situation and so was snoring in good time. The Ranger too set out his bedroll, but sleep did not find him.
Settling near the fire's edge in a cross-legged fashion Aragorn took to thought, gazing profoundly into the dancing flames. For a time he merely sat, his chin cupped in a hand, and contented himself with listening to the loud snores at his side. When sleep still came not, he took out his pipe and sat yet longer, occasionally chancing a glance in the Elf's direction. It appeared that Legolas sat in much the same way the Ranger did, though his eyes were fixed on the sky.
For Legolas, the night was not cold, but merely a bit chilling, and this he did not mind. In fact, the temperature was moderately soothing. The stars, though hardly visible, were offering some consolation. He took a deep breath of the wintry-like night air before foundering back against the ground, watching as he exhaled, the air plume into a white wisp and fade slowly away. Both hands came to rest absently upon his side.
Aragorn, finally unable to bear the utter silence a moment longer, abandoned his pipe and the fire and trekked up the slope of the hill. The Elf heard his footsteps long before he reached the top, but disregarded them. The Ranger stopped, planting both feet firmly just above the place where Legolas lay.
"Forgive me," whispered the Elf before Aragorn could speak. Another silence followed, and continued to the point where Aragorn almost could endure it no more, but just before he spoke, Legolas beat him to words. "I should not have acted so," Legolas pried his eyes from the sky and gazed instead up at the Ranger.
"You are forgiven...although you have done nothing to require my forgiveness, mellon nin. What plagues you so?" Legolas did not speak, but the silence spoke for him and gave words to his thoughts. "Blame not yourself...aught could have been done to prevent what has betided. You led Frodo safely to the banks of Anduin and set him on his way...You did well." Muteness commenced, and the Elf seemed to be pondering these words. Though he did not agree with them entirely, he knew ruing was no solution. No one could see all ends, and so, in turn, no one can prevent all ends. At length, Legolas resolved that the best resolution would be to shoulder his burthens and carry on. With a sigh, Legolas sat up, though slightly stiffly. Sitting up had put a sudden strain upon his torso that drained the strength he had amassed. Aragorn shivered where he stood, the cold air seeping into his bones.
"Your words bring little comfort..." the Elf heaved another sigh, "but what has happened, has happened...no avail will come from regretting past actions when I cannot alter yore. "
Getting to his feet, Legolas scanned the area once more before heading down the hill and leaving his lonely perch behind, Aragorn followed him closely, wrapping his cloak closely about him. There seemed to be no danger about, although his Elven senses were constantly on alert. He knew that the Uruk-hai had not stopped for things so delaying as rest and had used the night to their vantage. Shadow gave them concealment from eyes that would otherwise have discovered them.
"How fare you? Does your side still beset you? And what of your shoulder," whispered the Ranger, not wishing for his voice to wake the sleeping Dwarf. This night was empty, and all noise was given generous resound. The Elf groaned.
"You beset me more than anything, nagging me as a mother would her child, just as I have said before," was the Elf's evasive reply.
"You have avoided my question, just as a guilty child would." Aragorn dubiously placed a hand lightly on Legolas' afflicted side. The Elf hissed through clenched teeth. "It would be far simpler would you merely answer my questions."
"Nay, you are relentless," grumbled Legolas as they came well-nigh the fire and the slumbering Dwarf. Gimli's snores reverberated throughout the silent night, giving the mighty footsteps of the Mûmak of Harad a fair gainsay as far as loudness went, though not so much size. Before Legolas could take a seat, he felt a swift hand brush past his shoulder and grab hold of his ear, jerking him to a halt. "Aragorn, release me, ere I result to force."
"Aye, I shall, when you tell me how your injuries ail thee. Accuse me of being a mother and I will act likewise."
"I assure you I am fine." Aragorn's constant attentiveness was beginning to wear thin the Elf's patience, much as a growing river erodes away the river rock.
"Your display earlier is not testament to this," the Ranger pressed. He knew what Legolas spoke was not so; Legolas could not be fine. For him to show outward signs of weakness was quite unheard of, and it had alarmed Aragorn to catch a glimpse of the unsteadiness with which the Elf had run. It was true, their path now lead them through rough terrain, but little worse than Caradhras, and here, at least, there was no harsh cold. Legolas had walked atop the snowy pass with little cares; indeed, throughout that brief passage he had been the most lighthearted of all. Were Legolas in complete health, Aragorn knew he would be bounding from rock to rock.
"If you are seeking praise for your healing, you will receive little of it. I am grateful yes, but there is no need for interrogation, a forceful one much less. Think not that your lidless watch has gone unnoticed," replied Legolas, subduing his irritation and brushing away the Ranger's hand. He sat down completely, just out of range of the fire light, though not entirely untouchable by the flickering shadows it cast.
"You have been watched because I do not trust your well being onto yourself. You would have yourself collapsing from exhaustion before you opted to rest. We fear for you, Gimli and I, and
would not lose more of our company. So I ask you again, how fare you?"
"Very well... if it will content you and cease your invasive inquiries... the flesh wounds I received initially...from the Uruk-hai I encountered foremost, have already begun to heal. My shoulder is bothersome at times, but nothing of importance..."
"And what of your side? Broken bones are not to be trifled with, particularly those in such vital places." For a time, no one spoke, and the only sound the world offered was the crackling of fire and the sounds of breaths being drawn.
"My side pains me still," said Legolas in a whisper, but Aragorn did not fail to hear.
"Then we must proceed with caution."
"So long as your eyes are kept to the Uruk tracks and not me, I will not contend." As Legolas finished his sentence, Gimli gave a loud grunt, seeming almost that he knew the Elf was too stubborn for such. Both Legolas and Aragorn turned sharply at the sudden noise, their conversation abruptly ending. Legolas could feel his lips curling upwards and though he tried to stifle it, he could not hold back a musical laugh that filled the night air.
"I am glad to see our Dwarf friend has no reserves when it comes to sleeping, even in such troubling times as these."
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Well, there you are...the eleventh chapter. I hope you liked it. Everyone so far has been so nice! Thank you for all of the reviews, and thank you to any silent readers out there, for that matter.
Deana: 2:30?? Eep. My parents always scold me for being on the computer late at night...well, technically early in the morning. Lol. The other night I was shooed away from the computer and simply contented myself with watching FotR Extended Edition at five in the morning. And by the way, I absolutely love your stories and writing.
Orliey: I'm really glad you're enjoying. I'm also really glad you liked Legolas' point of view concerning Boromir's death. I hope I did that right. Ah, poor Legolas is right. But I'm sure he'll get a break sooner or later.
Gemini969: Really glad you like it. I'm really trying to improve my writing as I go...I hope it's working. Thanks so much.
DJ: Thank you!!!! I can't believe it! Chile! Venezuela! And Brazil! That's amazing. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'll try and work on lengthening the chapters...especially before I go off to camp.
Boromir: Yup...they're still grieving for you. I'm so happy you're liking the story.
Kelsey: Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm quite literally blushing right now. Lol, Legolas is always doing things to anger his nurse. I do want to add more to the plot, but of course, I always want to stay within Tolkien's boundaries. I hope I'm doing that.
Gismo: I'm so glad you reviewed! I love to hear peoples' reactions...especially when they're so kind as yours was! I'm usually a bit scared to review work, too, so don't worry, you're not alone. The Netherlands!!! Wow! You've really made my day...thanks so much.
Celebrean: That's okay...Three days till school is out?? Well, it's out now, is it not? Congratulations! Lol. And you got a party! It sounds like fun! The power went out where you live!? Odd. It only went out once here, luckily...ah, cord phones. Thanks a bunch.
Ithildiel: Thank you for the review! Lol. I always mentally slap myself when I reread my work after it has been posted. But...alas, these are the consequences of editing when you're sleep deprived. I would get myself a beta...but I've never had one before...and it might be a hassle? We'll see, lol. Thanks for the 'bore' thing...I'll be sure to watch for that. Oooh...and I got your email! Thank you even more! Lol. My muse is well trained indeed. And I can't wait for you to update!! What is going to happen to Erethien? My pen name translates (in Quenya) to Swiftly Sing the Bows of Elves. But technically...the Quenya word for bow is cú, while lúva is bow, as in the curve in Tengwar letters (which looks remarkably resembling of a bow). But personally, I found the word lúvasi (si being used for plurals) more appealing than cúsi. So you'll have to excuse my somewhat 'improper' Elvish. I wanted it to flow smoothly, and established that it sounded better with lúvasi. English lessons in Minnesota? Well...I'd imagine they're much the same to what others have. Actually...I already miss my English teacher...Lol. I'm moving on to highschool next year, so I'll have a different teacher. Sniffle. I'm blushing now even deeper than I was before after what you said! Thank you!
Tears of Eternal Darkness: Glad you like! I hope my updates are quick enough.
eryn lasgalen elf: I wouldn't mind having a spider, myself. Particularly one from Mirkwood. Lol. Well...I just explained my pen name above. I have an absolutely horrid memory, myself. Half the time I can't remember what I was saying moments before when talking to friends.
Lotr-chan: Aha! I know you! Everyone, I would like to introduce you to my sister, Maddie...who has been the source of any (well, most) delayed updates. Anyways...thanks a bunch for the review. It's no use trying to hide behind a pen name, I know it's you. Ah, yes...our computer. I'll throw a shoe at it, just for you.
Signed ( ) : Well, I'm going to take a quick guess at who this is. Sydney? Lol. Will do. Thanks a bunch.
Well, I've got to go start chapter twelve...and watch the extras of FotR extended edition once more. Till next time!
-Jamie (Lintu...)