Chapter 2: Hell
Note: Depending on what religion you are, this chapter may go against your religious beliefs (example, last I heard, Jews don't believe in hell so anything that is offensive to your religion, sorry in advance). You have been warned. Oh, and again, I do not own any of Tolkien's stuff and now I think I can add John Milton's stuff to the long list of things I do not own. I use the maps in the back of Tolkien's books a lot too. Oh, one more thing, the kind of demon (the one that will be seen throughout almost the entire chapter, I'd give you a name but that'd spoil it. I'm sure you guys are smart enough to figure it out) I'm talking about is supposed like a Yoko (but with wings and a few other differences). If you don't know what I'm talking about, go to www.google.com and on image search type in 'Kurama' and 'Yoko'. Sooner or later, you should get a decent picture of a Yoko.
"A Dungeon horrible, on all sides round
As on great Furnace flam'd, yet from those flames
No light, but rather darkness visible
Serv'd only to discover the sites of woe,
Regions of sorrow, doleful shades, where peace
And rest can never dwell, hope never comes
That comes all; but torture without end
Still urges, and a fiery Deluge, fed
With ever-burning Sulfur unconsum'd:
Such place Eternal Justice had prepar'd
For those rebellious, here thir portion set
As far remov'd from God and light of Heav'n
As from the center thrice to th' utmost Pole."
John Milton describing Hell in his book, Paradise Lost
Such as my friend John Milton described to you above was what awaited our Legolas who was now very much out of place for he did not deserve to be there. Yet in hell he was and as he looked up for the first time into the horrid abyss where light, hope and love had no place, he felt his heart cry out. He knew he was dead yet why did everything hurt? Why was every portion of his body screaming in agony from the non-luminous flame? This was not the Halls of Mandos where the good souls of brave elven warriors went to when they escaped the world of the living. It was with terror he realized this was hell. "This is not right! I do not belong here!" he cried out in panic.
"Oh no. of course not young elf. No one ever belongs here" came a dreaded and loathing voice that caused Legolas even more pain than if the sound waves were also flame. "Why am I here? What did I do to deserve this?" shout Legolas, doing his best not to cry out in pain. "Don't bother holding back the screams elf. You're going to spend an eternity here whether you did anything to deserve this place or not. They all scream sooner or later..." Legolas then realized that even his personal thoughts were not secret here. There is no word or words in any tongue pronounceable to describe the pain, fear and dismay Legolas felt then.
"Come." Came the horrid voice again. Legolas finally looked up to see Satan himself. The fallen angle who rebelled against God. "Do not fret young elf for this is not your particular fate. We have a job for you to do." Legolas didn't know what this "job" was but he was sure that he would not be fond of it. Satan laughed mercilessly, "You are thinking to try and run? There is no where to run to! There is nothing here yet this is where all the pain, hatred, and sorrow in the universe comes from." Legolas was liking this less and less (of course, this was hell. I cannot imagine that you would be happy in a place of eternal sorrow and pain!) He grabbed Legolas' arm like a disobedient child that refused to follow its parents except it was worse than a hot iron wrapping around his arm but it left no mark. Satan was not pleased with having to touch a creature of pure light yet he was going to change that light soon. The fact that the elf still did not cry out was promising that he would indeed be a strong demon.
"Here is where you will stay while we. make the proper changes to your outlook on life." Legolas stared up defiantly earning himself a hard smack across the face. Had Legolas been alive, the pain alone would have killed him. Legolas still managed to stifle the cry yet he could not stop the tears of pain and fear that were now streaming down his ashen face although his tears burned too. Legolas curled up forlorn in his dark chamber. "Well," he began hoarsely for his mouth was worse than dry from the heat, "I've really gone and done it. But no, I would have done it again if I had the chance. I would never have let this happen to Aragorn." For Legolas knew now that it was the curse that must have placed him in this eternal darkness, not his deeds in life.
"Ahahahahahah!" came a hideous laugh, "You will not be thinking that for long, demon!" Legolas glared at the source (one of Satan's henchmen). "I am no demon." "Ha, ha, ha! Maybe not now, but we will soon change that!" Legolas' eye shot open in horror as he realized, that was the "job" that was in store for him. "NEVER!!!" he shouted. "I will never do your will!" "Ha, you just keeping dreaming that demon! But you will soon learn as all the others have, here there is no hope. Here, your only choice is to do his will." After that, no words I can write can even begin to describe the pain and torture Legolas went through then for they are beyond a living being's comprehension.
Legolas could not stand the pain as he laid there on the floor. How could any place be this horrible? How could he be alive after what they did to him? Of course, he was already dead so that would explain the fact he did not die (again). Every day that past in the world of the living was 100 years in Hell and he had been dead for three days (you do the math). He looked woefully at his new claws and demonic wings. He knew more had changed but he could no longer bear to look at himself. No longer was he the fair elven prince he died as. As far as he was concerned, he was a monster (although in my opinion, and in my drawings which may or may not be available for you to see, he still wasn't all that bad a looker).
Even though there was an inferno about him, he felt cold. He slammed his fist on the floor with startling results. From the spot where his hand (or claw, whatever you prefer) connected with the ground a sheet of ice spread rapidly until there was a large sheet of ice on the floor. It was melted quickly but not as quickly as normal ice. Of course, that would make much sense as he was now an ice demon. His eyes bulged out when he saw that he had made a fairly big hole in the ground. Whatever he was now, it was a lot stronger than he was before. "Maybe this will help.' he thought. He had to get out of there before they did more to him. He looked up at the guards who were lax and busy torturing other souls. Next he searched the realm of evil for a weak spot, anything for him to at least start with. Then, he saw it. The gates of Hell. It was his best chance. He checked again to make sure none were watching and then, he bolted for the door like a bat out of hell (or a demon out of hell in this case) he prepared for impact with the gate. The guards cried out but they were too late.
The pain Legolas felt as he crashed through the door was too awful for words yet it lasted only a second. The next thing he knew, he was lying on green grass and staring up at a blue sky and a few tall trees. His first breath in a long time came in as a gasp but began to steady out as his body adapted to the lack of pain. No words could express the joy he felt of breathing the free air again although fear there was also. The fear that they would find him and bring him back. But he felt his heart racing from fear. His heart. He was breathing! He was alive and even hell cannot take the living! Then he saw a creek running over a small waterfall into a little pool. He had never been so happy to see a stream in his life.
He ran over and drank deeply. Then he checked himself over to see what else had changed. He soon noticed that he also had fox-like ears and tail. He also found a whip made entirely of an ice (yes it can flex even though it's ice. It's a magical weapon) that would never melt in any heat. He found also a brownish, dark greenish cloak. He sighed as he thought he would need it often to go near anyone. He bathed, relishing the feel of the cool water brushed against his body. After he put his clothes back on, he also put on his cloak, not wishing any questions to be raised.
"Now. Where to go?" he mused. He had not thought about where to go after escaping hell. He had hoped home but he was completely unrecognizable (in his opinion and, very likely, in other elves' too). The more he thought about it, the more he realized that he could not go anywhere without someone trying to kill him. And that he was fairly sure would lead him back to hell which was an experience he was not going to repeat if he could help it. He sighed, "Yet I would give so much to at least see the trees of my home again and perhaps even glimpse the outside of my father's palace." He decided to start there. Maybe then he could figure out who could help him.
He did not know how to travel but he was sure of one thing, he did not want to attract attention right now. So, he supposed his first job was to find out where in Middle Earth he was. He looked around. He quickly recognized the trees as Fangorn Forest and the stream was the Limlight. He was on the northern most reach for Fangorn. "Well," he began to say to himself, "I'm not too far from home."
After a while, he ended up making more use of his wings then he originally thought. He knew he would make better time flying so he listened first to see if anyone was around for his new ears improved his already excellent hearing so he could hear up to miles away if he wished it. He followed along the Anduin River. For those of you who do not know, the Anduin is the river that the Fellowship was on after Lothlorien. After a three day journey, Legolas came upon the southern most reaches of Mirkwood. Even though the southern part of Mirkwood was still filled with evil from when Sauron occupied Dol Guldur, it still did Legolas much good to see familiar trees and hear familiar birds. He now had to get on the east side of the forest. By nightfall, Legolas had reached East Bight.
"I suppose it will be alright if I stop here for the night." His stomach growled and with a laugh he said, "I suppose it has been too long since I have eaten anything! I must hunt!" So, he put together a new bow and made himself some arrows. In a few hours, he had a deer over a fire. "Pity I have naught to drink but water." He longingly thought of his home where there was plenty to eat and drink (if you have read The Hobbit, you know that Mirkwood elves, along with all other wood elves, are very fond of wine). After his meal, he realized that while he was stronger in many ways in his demon form, it required more sleep. 'Perfect!' he thought. 'Just perfect! I cannot sleep now! I must be on my guard!' What he didn't think about was who was going to mess with a demon? I imagine you all know how people fear balrogs, correct?
Well the kid of ice demon he was is much more powerful but then again, I suppose I am not there to tell him that. He fought sleep with little success but as some of his elven side was not completely altered, it was the daydream like trance he was familiar to. The next morning, he decided that once he reached the Celduin, or the River Running, he would make the rest of the way on foot for that area was commonly traveled. He was uneasy, for his trip had been very uneventful minus a few small scrimmages with bands of orcs that numbered to about five each. Basically, everything was too perfect and too quiet.
Meanwhile, at the very place Legolas was traveling to (the Wood Elves ken), news of Legolas' death had arrived and it almost killed his parents as the messenger of Gondor handed over to the king, the bow, quiver, and knives of Thranduil's fallen son although the messenger said that for some unknown reason, the body had vanished. Legolas' mother (We'll call her Verne') broke down just as if a giant had stepped on her. Thranduil himself was showing an unusual amount of emotion for he was known to be composed but then again, I don't suppose one could blame him. After that, Verne' became seriously ill over grief of the loss of their only child.
Legolas began his long trek on foot to the place where he grew up and began to look over his latest spoils that he grabbed off of some orcs and put into his own pack (it was made of dragon's hide and he grabbed before he escaped hell). There were several jars fill with unknown substances (so far). At first he thought they would be orcish poisons but on closer inspection, neither the bottles nor the solutions were made by orcs. He checked them out and found them to be very powerful medicines. They would come in handy later.
At last he saw Lake Town on the horizon and decided to try and stay at one of the inns there. He took some linen and wrapped up part of his head to hide his ears but he made sure that most of his face was visible otherwise he would draw suspicion to himself. He folded up his wings and used his belt to make sure his tail would not stick out and then made sure that his cloak was fastened tightly about himself. He still had his money that he had when he died so he had more than enough money to stay for the night for this (while deformed) was indeed his own body. Indeed, he had more than enough to stay for half a year.
Aragorn was not the only one who could go from being royalty to an ordinary wanderer in a flash. Legolas had much more practice with it too for the wood elves and the rangers were not strangers to each other. He immediately took on the air of those around him thus he did not seem much different than the others around him. He found a tavern that he knew had a good reputation and went in. As soon as he opened the door, the smells of beer, ale, sweaty men and food hit him like a brick wall. It was also very, very loud. Legolas was glad that his ears were tied down because the cloth acted like earmuffs, yet even so, it was still pretty loud. Legolas went over to the bartender. "Begging your pardon, but do you have a room for the night?" The innkeeper looked him over, "Sure we do the best in Lake Town and I can get one right away for ya mister. uh.?"
Legolas realized that as he was supposed to be dead, his own name would not do so he quickly said the first name that came to mind. "Gamgee. My name is Samwise Gamgee." Legolas silently cursed himself for using Sam's name to get around and prayed to the heavens that no one would ever learn of it. "Alright Mr. Gamgee, I'll have a room set up for ya, in the mean time, would you like a drink?" Legolas really wanted some wine but usually only elves ever ordered that and since he did not give and elvish name it would raise unwanted questions. "A pint of the house brew will be fine." After getting his drink, he went down into a corner seat and kept an ear open for any interesting news. Sure enough, a man burst through the door and shout, "Prince Legolas from Mirkwood is dead!" Everyone stopped talking. The bartender, whose name was Berlin, said, "Now that's not right scaring the wits outta everyone 'ere! That elf is a nice lad; I'll get you good Tad if ya don't stop coming up with these lies!" Tad shook his head, "No, it's true! I just came back from having business in Mirkwood. The whole place is in mourning for 'im!"
Everyone looked at the man in shock and horror. Many of them knew Legolas fairly well and he was kind to them for the most part unless they gave him a reason not to be. Some of them were even friends with the elf. Legolas smirked; he had gotten there before news of his own death did. It was a bit of an odd feeling to hear someone pronounce you 'dead.' But he was troubled as well for he knew it would be hard for his parents. Not that Legolas thought that in his current form he could comfort them at all yet he did not want to know that much about it. Tad was offered a few rounds as people tried to pull more of the tale from him. Legolas had no heart for it and went upstairs to his room. Legolas checked out his room for the night. It was comfortable, in fairly good condition, minus a crack in the ceiling. He flopped down onto his bed and sleep over took him.
When he woke up, in was very early in the morning, the sky was overcast and Legolas could smell rain on the air. "I best get going." After he paid for his stay and the food he ate, Legolas began to follow the Forest River to his home. It was about a fifty mile journey so he flew into the trees and began to jump from branch to branch. He made his way like lightening. He made it to the ken well before nightfall. He sighed as he watched a group of young elves played a game of tag in the grass and around the bases of the large trees. But then, his ears picked up his father's voice, near one of the balconies.
"It will be ok melamin. We'll make it, somehow." "How can you say that Thranduil!?!? He was our only child! Your only child!" shouted his mother. Legolas heard his father sigh, "I know it hurts Verne'. But what can we do? I have the power to do many things but to bring back someone from the dead is not one of them!" Verne' was now sobbing, "But you read that letter from Gandalf too! You know what has been done to our boy! How can you rest knowing your son is in hell!" Thranduil was doing his best not to cry, "I hate it too but what is it that you want me to do? Believe me, Verne', if I had the power to get Legolas out of there, I would! Even if it meant I took his place, but I can't. What do you want me to do?"
Verne' sighed, "I know, I'm sorry, but I can't believe he is gone. He was so young and full of spirit. I can't imagine him in." her voice broke before she could finish the sentence. It pained Legolas to hear his parents in such a state but the worst was yet to come. "Melamin, that is no reason to let go of your life! Legolas would not want you to waste your life away over him." Legolas realized with horror that his mother was dying. 'But, it cannot be from my own death! There must be something else.' So he listened for more. "Thranduil, no one knows what illness it is that plagues me but perhaps if I can do enough wrong, I can join our son!"
It sounded as though she tried to get out of a bed but someone (probably Thranduil) held her down. "Don't even think life that Verne'! You will live through this! You must! I cannot lose Legolas and you! I just can't!" "Thranduil, you were always bad at letting things go. I remember you after your father died in the Last Alliance. You were crushed. Just leave, go to the Havens, maybe we will see each other again someday." Thranduil couldn't believe it. "You must be jesting! You actually think that I would leave you now! No, if we do not go to the Havens together, than neither of us will go. I swear this to you."
Legolas had enough. He looked at the bottle in his bag. One of them had to be the cure for his mother. They each seemed to be a panacea for a different type of disease (poison, heart problems, colds, etc.). He dropped lightly to the floor and began to walk up the path to the front door. "Aaye! *Hail*" One of the guards looked through a window that served to see those on the front doorstep. "Mae govannen! Mani naa essa en lle *Well met. What is your name?*" Legolas decided it was best to stick with Sam's name.
He normally would have been worried because Sam was now famous but Gamgee was a common name. "Amin essa Gamgee! Samwise Gamgee! *My name is Gamgee!* (ok, some of this stuff I could not find the elven translation from on I shall put elven phrases in these things *) *May I enter? I wish to give the lady some assistance for I hear she is not well.*" The guard was dumbfounded, "*How do you know of this? We told no one of her illness!*" Legolas barked back, "*Certainly that was foolish for how do you expect for her to become well again if you do not allow aid*?" This only aroused suspicion from the guard who Legolas actually knew quite well.
His name was Calenrunya *Green Flame* or Cal, for short. "*How can I be certain you can or will help her?*" Now Legolas would make a mistake, "*How will you ever know Cal if you do not let me in*?" It took three seconds for Legolas to realize his mistake. Cal was shocked. "*Only one elf ever called me that! Who are you?*" Legolas knew it would be best to stick to his story, "*I am who I say I am. I knew the Prince Legolas very well and he told me that you often guard the gates at this time.*"
(This was true in that Legolas did say that Cal guarded the gates at this time but it was to Aragorn) "*Will you not let me enter? What does the lady have to lose?*" Finally, Cal relented and opened the gates. They switched to the common tongue. "I do not know who you really are, Mr. Gamgee, but if the lady becomes worse, you will not set foot from this place alive." Legolas smiled, "I assure you, I do not want my m- Verne' to die anymore than you do." Cal was about to ask the 'stranger' what it was that he almost said but thought better of it. "Follow me, Mr. Gamgee."
Legolas thought it almost funny as his friend led him through the corridors of his own home like a stranger yet he kept a straight face and the cloak about him. "Mr. Gamgee, will you not remove your cloak? It is a tad warm in here." Indeed it was warm but Legolas did not want to even think about the chaos that would erupt if his tail and wings were discovered. "Really? I am actually a bit cold. I think I shall keep my cloak on yet." Cal knew this was a lie but if this person really could cure the lady Verne', he could wear a dress for all he cared. "Here we are." Cal knocked on the door, "My lord? There is a man here who says that he can cure the Lady Verne'."
Thranduil opened the door like a shot. Legolas was saddened to see how ashen his father's face had become, almost as if he were a corpse, propped up. "Begging your pardon my lord, but you do not look well either." Legolas chanced. Thranduil was in no joking mood, "Enough of that. Can you really help her?" Legolas nodded, "I think and hope so." Legolas went to and kneeled down by his mother' side. Legolas began to check her over. It was a rare disease that only elves could get. Luckily, Legolas had just what would help her from one of those bottles that he had grabbed off the orcs.
"I think I can help her. Drink this atara *mother*." This last sentence he said so only Verne' could hear him. Verne' recognized that voice. But, it couldn't be. She was too delirious to argue or say anything. She drank it even though it tasted like orc spit. Having done his ministrations, Legolas stood up. "She should be fine now, I must go." He turned to leave but Verne' grabbed his arm weakly. "No, Legolas please do not go! Don't leave again!" Legolas was horrified, how could he be so foolish as to get his cover blown in under 15 minutes?
"No my dear, this isn't Legolas. He is gone." Thranduil was grieved to see his wife like this. "I am sorry. You see, we just lost our boy and, she has not yet gotten over it." Legolas breathed a sigh of relief. "No, it is fine my lord. No harm done." Thranduil wanted to change the subject. "Well, what do I owe you?" Legolas shook his head, "Nothing my lord." He began to make for the door before turning around and saying, "I almost lost my mother to that disease. Ta nae amin saesa. *It was my pleasure.*" Thranduil could not believe it.
But he had no time to worry about that, he went to his love's side. "Verne'? Are you well?" Verne' opened her eyes. They sparkled blue, just like Legolas'. "Yes but, why did you let him leave?" Thranduil was puzzled, "He wished to go. Why would I keep him here?" Verne' would have smack Thranduil upside the head if she could move. "It was Legolas. I can feel it. And he said." Thranduil was now curious, "What did he say?" Verne' looked up, "He called me 'mother'. It was him Thranduil!"
Thranduil shook his head. "No my dear, it was not. Our boy is dead. You must learn to accept that." "Don't be such a blocked headed fool Thranduil. Are you an elf or not? You can sense it too if you try." Thranduil did try and he inhaled deeply through his nostrils. Then, he smelled it. The man who left smelled just like him. The more here thought about it, the more he realized, he sounded, like him too. Verne; startled him out of it. "You sense it now too. Go get him. I'll be fine. Don't scare him off. There must be a reason that he hid himself from us." Thranduil nodded and moved quickly to catch up to his son.
Legolas was nearly out of the palace when Thranduil caught up with him. "I am sorry. I forgot to thank you." Legolas smiled, "I told you, it was my pleasure to help her." "Why?" Legolas searched his mind, "Because I care not to watch an immortal die." "I looked at the drug you gave her. It is not cheap. The least I can do is give you its worth." "No, it is fine. You owe me nothing." "I think not. You have given much back today, my son." Legolas almost missed those last two words but when he realized wha Thranduil just said, he whirled around to see his father looking at him with warm and loving eyes. "I'm sorry, but you are mistaken." Thranduil would not let him finish. He grabbed his son and held him close. "I missed you Legolas. I thought you were dead. We all did." Legolas did not know nor did he want to admit how much he had needed that embrace, "Father. You do not understand, I am dead." Legolas looked up into his father's eyes. Thranduil was half laughing, half crying. "You're mother want a word with you." And so, together, they went back to the room alone. Legolas had a long story for them.
Ok, I know this chapter was a little (or very) corny. But still, PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, and one more thing, I know I kind of rushed this one but that's because I'm going away for about 11 days and I didn't want you guys to have too much of a cliffhanger. Oh, one more thing, I was told that with my last chapter, some of you guys got headaches because of paragraphing. I hope I have fixed that. Chow! See you in eleven days and please, do make suggestions to the plot, otherwise, I may be forced to turn to my best friends and believe me, the story would get really scary then (and I mean disturbing scary, not the good scary).
Note: Depending on what religion you are, this chapter may go against your religious beliefs (example, last I heard, Jews don't believe in hell so anything that is offensive to your religion, sorry in advance). You have been warned. Oh, and again, I do not own any of Tolkien's stuff and now I think I can add John Milton's stuff to the long list of things I do not own. I use the maps in the back of Tolkien's books a lot too. Oh, one more thing, the kind of demon (the one that will be seen throughout almost the entire chapter, I'd give you a name but that'd spoil it. I'm sure you guys are smart enough to figure it out) I'm talking about is supposed like a Yoko (but with wings and a few other differences). If you don't know what I'm talking about, go to www.google.com and on image search type in 'Kurama' and 'Yoko'. Sooner or later, you should get a decent picture of a Yoko.
"A Dungeon horrible, on all sides round
As on great Furnace flam'd, yet from those flames
No light, but rather darkness visible
Serv'd only to discover the sites of woe,
Regions of sorrow, doleful shades, where peace
And rest can never dwell, hope never comes
That comes all; but torture without end
Still urges, and a fiery Deluge, fed
With ever-burning Sulfur unconsum'd:
Such place Eternal Justice had prepar'd
For those rebellious, here thir portion set
As far remov'd from God and light of Heav'n
As from the center thrice to th' utmost Pole."
John Milton describing Hell in his book, Paradise Lost
Such as my friend John Milton described to you above was what awaited our Legolas who was now very much out of place for he did not deserve to be there. Yet in hell he was and as he looked up for the first time into the horrid abyss where light, hope and love had no place, he felt his heart cry out. He knew he was dead yet why did everything hurt? Why was every portion of his body screaming in agony from the non-luminous flame? This was not the Halls of Mandos where the good souls of brave elven warriors went to when they escaped the world of the living. It was with terror he realized this was hell. "This is not right! I do not belong here!" he cried out in panic.
"Oh no. of course not young elf. No one ever belongs here" came a dreaded and loathing voice that caused Legolas even more pain than if the sound waves were also flame. "Why am I here? What did I do to deserve this?" shout Legolas, doing his best not to cry out in pain. "Don't bother holding back the screams elf. You're going to spend an eternity here whether you did anything to deserve this place or not. They all scream sooner or later..." Legolas then realized that even his personal thoughts were not secret here. There is no word or words in any tongue pronounceable to describe the pain, fear and dismay Legolas felt then.
"Come." Came the horrid voice again. Legolas finally looked up to see Satan himself. The fallen angle who rebelled against God. "Do not fret young elf for this is not your particular fate. We have a job for you to do." Legolas didn't know what this "job" was but he was sure that he would not be fond of it. Satan laughed mercilessly, "You are thinking to try and run? There is no where to run to! There is nothing here yet this is where all the pain, hatred, and sorrow in the universe comes from." Legolas was liking this less and less (of course, this was hell. I cannot imagine that you would be happy in a place of eternal sorrow and pain!) He grabbed Legolas' arm like a disobedient child that refused to follow its parents except it was worse than a hot iron wrapping around his arm but it left no mark. Satan was not pleased with having to touch a creature of pure light yet he was going to change that light soon. The fact that the elf still did not cry out was promising that he would indeed be a strong demon.
"Here is where you will stay while we. make the proper changes to your outlook on life." Legolas stared up defiantly earning himself a hard smack across the face. Had Legolas been alive, the pain alone would have killed him. Legolas still managed to stifle the cry yet he could not stop the tears of pain and fear that were now streaming down his ashen face although his tears burned too. Legolas curled up forlorn in his dark chamber. "Well," he began hoarsely for his mouth was worse than dry from the heat, "I've really gone and done it. But no, I would have done it again if I had the chance. I would never have let this happen to Aragorn." For Legolas knew now that it was the curse that must have placed him in this eternal darkness, not his deeds in life.
"Ahahahahahah!" came a hideous laugh, "You will not be thinking that for long, demon!" Legolas glared at the source (one of Satan's henchmen). "I am no demon." "Ha, ha, ha! Maybe not now, but we will soon change that!" Legolas' eye shot open in horror as he realized, that was the "job" that was in store for him. "NEVER!!!" he shouted. "I will never do your will!" "Ha, you just keeping dreaming that demon! But you will soon learn as all the others have, here there is no hope. Here, your only choice is to do his will." After that, no words I can write can even begin to describe the pain and torture Legolas went through then for they are beyond a living being's comprehension.
Legolas could not stand the pain as he laid there on the floor. How could any place be this horrible? How could he be alive after what they did to him? Of course, he was already dead so that would explain the fact he did not die (again). Every day that past in the world of the living was 100 years in Hell and he had been dead for three days (you do the math). He looked woefully at his new claws and demonic wings. He knew more had changed but he could no longer bear to look at himself. No longer was he the fair elven prince he died as. As far as he was concerned, he was a monster (although in my opinion, and in my drawings which may or may not be available for you to see, he still wasn't all that bad a looker).
Even though there was an inferno about him, he felt cold. He slammed his fist on the floor with startling results. From the spot where his hand (or claw, whatever you prefer) connected with the ground a sheet of ice spread rapidly until there was a large sheet of ice on the floor. It was melted quickly but not as quickly as normal ice. Of course, that would make much sense as he was now an ice demon. His eyes bulged out when he saw that he had made a fairly big hole in the ground. Whatever he was now, it was a lot stronger than he was before. "Maybe this will help.' he thought. He had to get out of there before they did more to him. He looked up at the guards who were lax and busy torturing other souls. Next he searched the realm of evil for a weak spot, anything for him to at least start with. Then, he saw it. The gates of Hell. It was his best chance. He checked again to make sure none were watching and then, he bolted for the door like a bat out of hell (or a demon out of hell in this case) he prepared for impact with the gate. The guards cried out but they were too late.
The pain Legolas felt as he crashed through the door was too awful for words yet it lasted only a second. The next thing he knew, he was lying on green grass and staring up at a blue sky and a few tall trees. His first breath in a long time came in as a gasp but began to steady out as his body adapted to the lack of pain. No words could express the joy he felt of breathing the free air again although fear there was also. The fear that they would find him and bring him back. But he felt his heart racing from fear. His heart. He was breathing! He was alive and even hell cannot take the living! Then he saw a creek running over a small waterfall into a little pool. He had never been so happy to see a stream in his life.
He ran over and drank deeply. Then he checked himself over to see what else had changed. He soon noticed that he also had fox-like ears and tail. He also found a whip made entirely of an ice (yes it can flex even though it's ice. It's a magical weapon) that would never melt in any heat. He found also a brownish, dark greenish cloak. He sighed as he thought he would need it often to go near anyone. He bathed, relishing the feel of the cool water brushed against his body. After he put his clothes back on, he also put on his cloak, not wishing any questions to be raised.
"Now. Where to go?" he mused. He had not thought about where to go after escaping hell. He had hoped home but he was completely unrecognizable (in his opinion and, very likely, in other elves' too). The more he thought about it, the more he realized that he could not go anywhere without someone trying to kill him. And that he was fairly sure would lead him back to hell which was an experience he was not going to repeat if he could help it. He sighed, "Yet I would give so much to at least see the trees of my home again and perhaps even glimpse the outside of my father's palace." He decided to start there. Maybe then he could figure out who could help him.
He did not know how to travel but he was sure of one thing, he did not want to attract attention right now. So, he supposed his first job was to find out where in Middle Earth he was. He looked around. He quickly recognized the trees as Fangorn Forest and the stream was the Limlight. He was on the northern most reach for Fangorn. "Well," he began to say to himself, "I'm not too far from home."
After a while, he ended up making more use of his wings then he originally thought. He knew he would make better time flying so he listened first to see if anyone was around for his new ears improved his already excellent hearing so he could hear up to miles away if he wished it. He followed along the Anduin River. For those of you who do not know, the Anduin is the river that the Fellowship was on after Lothlorien. After a three day journey, Legolas came upon the southern most reaches of Mirkwood. Even though the southern part of Mirkwood was still filled with evil from when Sauron occupied Dol Guldur, it still did Legolas much good to see familiar trees and hear familiar birds. He now had to get on the east side of the forest. By nightfall, Legolas had reached East Bight.
"I suppose it will be alright if I stop here for the night." His stomach growled and with a laugh he said, "I suppose it has been too long since I have eaten anything! I must hunt!" So, he put together a new bow and made himself some arrows. In a few hours, he had a deer over a fire. "Pity I have naught to drink but water." He longingly thought of his home where there was plenty to eat and drink (if you have read The Hobbit, you know that Mirkwood elves, along with all other wood elves, are very fond of wine). After his meal, he realized that while he was stronger in many ways in his demon form, it required more sleep. 'Perfect!' he thought. 'Just perfect! I cannot sleep now! I must be on my guard!' What he didn't think about was who was going to mess with a demon? I imagine you all know how people fear balrogs, correct?
Well the kid of ice demon he was is much more powerful but then again, I suppose I am not there to tell him that. He fought sleep with little success but as some of his elven side was not completely altered, it was the daydream like trance he was familiar to. The next morning, he decided that once he reached the Celduin, or the River Running, he would make the rest of the way on foot for that area was commonly traveled. He was uneasy, for his trip had been very uneventful minus a few small scrimmages with bands of orcs that numbered to about five each. Basically, everything was too perfect and too quiet.
Meanwhile, at the very place Legolas was traveling to (the Wood Elves ken), news of Legolas' death had arrived and it almost killed his parents as the messenger of Gondor handed over to the king, the bow, quiver, and knives of Thranduil's fallen son although the messenger said that for some unknown reason, the body had vanished. Legolas' mother (We'll call her Verne') broke down just as if a giant had stepped on her. Thranduil himself was showing an unusual amount of emotion for he was known to be composed but then again, I don't suppose one could blame him. After that, Verne' became seriously ill over grief of the loss of their only child.
Legolas began his long trek on foot to the place where he grew up and began to look over his latest spoils that he grabbed off of some orcs and put into his own pack (it was made of dragon's hide and he grabbed before he escaped hell). There were several jars fill with unknown substances (so far). At first he thought they would be orcish poisons but on closer inspection, neither the bottles nor the solutions were made by orcs. He checked them out and found them to be very powerful medicines. They would come in handy later.
At last he saw Lake Town on the horizon and decided to try and stay at one of the inns there. He took some linen and wrapped up part of his head to hide his ears but he made sure that most of his face was visible otherwise he would draw suspicion to himself. He folded up his wings and used his belt to make sure his tail would not stick out and then made sure that his cloak was fastened tightly about himself. He still had his money that he had when he died so he had more than enough money to stay for the night for this (while deformed) was indeed his own body. Indeed, he had more than enough to stay for half a year.
Aragorn was not the only one who could go from being royalty to an ordinary wanderer in a flash. Legolas had much more practice with it too for the wood elves and the rangers were not strangers to each other. He immediately took on the air of those around him thus he did not seem much different than the others around him. He found a tavern that he knew had a good reputation and went in. As soon as he opened the door, the smells of beer, ale, sweaty men and food hit him like a brick wall. It was also very, very loud. Legolas was glad that his ears were tied down because the cloth acted like earmuffs, yet even so, it was still pretty loud. Legolas went over to the bartender. "Begging your pardon, but do you have a room for the night?" The innkeeper looked him over, "Sure we do the best in Lake Town and I can get one right away for ya mister. uh.?"
Legolas realized that as he was supposed to be dead, his own name would not do so he quickly said the first name that came to mind. "Gamgee. My name is Samwise Gamgee." Legolas silently cursed himself for using Sam's name to get around and prayed to the heavens that no one would ever learn of it. "Alright Mr. Gamgee, I'll have a room set up for ya, in the mean time, would you like a drink?" Legolas really wanted some wine but usually only elves ever ordered that and since he did not give and elvish name it would raise unwanted questions. "A pint of the house brew will be fine." After getting his drink, he went down into a corner seat and kept an ear open for any interesting news. Sure enough, a man burst through the door and shout, "Prince Legolas from Mirkwood is dead!" Everyone stopped talking. The bartender, whose name was Berlin, said, "Now that's not right scaring the wits outta everyone 'ere! That elf is a nice lad; I'll get you good Tad if ya don't stop coming up with these lies!" Tad shook his head, "No, it's true! I just came back from having business in Mirkwood. The whole place is in mourning for 'im!"
Everyone looked at the man in shock and horror. Many of them knew Legolas fairly well and he was kind to them for the most part unless they gave him a reason not to be. Some of them were even friends with the elf. Legolas smirked; he had gotten there before news of his own death did. It was a bit of an odd feeling to hear someone pronounce you 'dead.' But he was troubled as well for he knew it would be hard for his parents. Not that Legolas thought that in his current form he could comfort them at all yet he did not want to know that much about it. Tad was offered a few rounds as people tried to pull more of the tale from him. Legolas had no heart for it and went upstairs to his room. Legolas checked out his room for the night. It was comfortable, in fairly good condition, minus a crack in the ceiling. He flopped down onto his bed and sleep over took him.
When he woke up, in was very early in the morning, the sky was overcast and Legolas could smell rain on the air. "I best get going." After he paid for his stay and the food he ate, Legolas began to follow the Forest River to his home. It was about a fifty mile journey so he flew into the trees and began to jump from branch to branch. He made his way like lightening. He made it to the ken well before nightfall. He sighed as he watched a group of young elves played a game of tag in the grass and around the bases of the large trees. But then, his ears picked up his father's voice, near one of the balconies.
"It will be ok melamin. We'll make it, somehow." "How can you say that Thranduil!?!? He was our only child! Your only child!" shouted his mother. Legolas heard his father sigh, "I know it hurts Verne'. But what can we do? I have the power to do many things but to bring back someone from the dead is not one of them!" Verne' was now sobbing, "But you read that letter from Gandalf too! You know what has been done to our boy! How can you rest knowing your son is in hell!" Thranduil was doing his best not to cry, "I hate it too but what is it that you want me to do? Believe me, Verne', if I had the power to get Legolas out of there, I would! Even if it meant I took his place, but I can't. What do you want me to do?"
Verne' sighed, "I know, I'm sorry, but I can't believe he is gone. He was so young and full of spirit. I can't imagine him in." her voice broke before she could finish the sentence. It pained Legolas to hear his parents in such a state but the worst was yet to come. "Melamin, that is no reason to let go of your life! Legolas would not want you to waste your life away over him." Legolas realized with horror that his mother was dying. 'But, it cannot be from my own death! There must be something else.' So he listened for more. "Thranduil, no one knows what illness it is that plagues me but perhaps if I can do enough wrong, I can join our son!"
It sounded as though she tried to get out of a bed but someone (probably Thranduil) held her down. "Don't even think life that Verne'! You will live through this! You must! I cannot lose Legolas and you! I just can't!" "Thranduil, you were always bad at letting things go. I remember you after your father died in the Last Alliance. You were crushed. Just leave, go to the Havens, maybe we will see each other again someday." Thranduil couldn't believe it. "You must be jesting! You actually think that I would leave you now! No, if we do not go to the Havens together, than neither of us will go. I swear this to you."
Legolas had enough. He looked at the bottle in his bag. One of them had to be the cure for his mother. They each seemed to be a panacea for a different type of disease (poison, heart problems, colds, etc.). He dropped lightly to the floor and began to walk up the path to the front door. "Aaye! *Hail*" One of the guards looked through a window that served to see those on the front doorstep. "Mae govannen! Mani naa essa en lle *Well met. What is your name?*" Legolas decided it was best to stick with Sam's name.
He normally would have been worried because Sam was now famous but Gamgee was a common name. "Amin essa Gamgee! Samwise Gamgee! *My name is Gamgee!* (ok, some of this stuff I could not find the elven translation from on I shall put elven phrases in these things *) *May I enter? I wish to give the lady some assistance for I hear she is not well.*" The guard was dumbfounded, "*How do you know of this? We told no one of her illness!*" Legolas barked back, "*Certainly that was foolish for how do you expect for her to become well again if you do not allow aid*?" This only aroused suspicion from the guard who Legolas actually knew quite well.
His name was Calenrunya *Green Flame* or Cal, for short. "*How can I be certain you can or will help her?*" Now Legolas would make a mistake, "*How will you ever know Cal if you do not let me in*?" It took three seconds for Legolas to realize his mistake. Cal was shocked. "*Only one elf ever called me that! Who are you?*" Legolas knew it would be best to stick to his story, "*I am who I say I am. I knew the Prince Legolas very well and he told me that you often guard the gates at this time.*"
(This was true in that Legolas did say that Cal guarded the gates at this time but it was to Aragorn) "*Will you not let me enter? What does the lady have to lose?*" Finally, Cal relented and opened the gates. They switched to the common tongue. "I do not know who you really are, Mr. Gamgee, but if the lady becomes worse, you will not set foot from this place alive." Legolas smiled, "I assure you, I do not want my m- Verne' to die anymore than you do." Cal was about to ask the 'stranger' what it was that he almost said but thought better of it. "Follow me, Mr. Gamgee."
Legolas thought it almost funny as his friend led him through the corridors of his own home like a stranger yet he kept a straight face and the cloak about him. "Mr. Gamgee, will you not remove your cloak? It is a tad warm in here." Indeed it was warm but Legolas did not want to even think about the chaos that would erupt if his tail and wings were discovered. "Really? I am actually a bit cold. I think I shall keep my cloak on yet." Cal knew this was a lie but if this person really could cure the lady Verne', he could wear a dress for all he cared. "Here we are." Cal knocked on the door, "My lord? There is a man here who says that he can cure the Lady Verne'."
Thranduil opened the door like a shot. Legolas was saddened to see how ashen his father's face had become, almost as if he were a corpse, propped up. "Begging your pardon my lord, but you do not look well either." Legolas chanced. Thranduil was in no joking mood, "Enough of that. Can you really help her?" Legolas nodded, "I think and hope so." Legolas went to and kneeled down by his mother' side. Legolas began to check her over. It was a rare disease that only elves could get. Luckily, Legolas had just what would help her from one of those bottles that he had grabbed off the orcs.
"I think I can help her. Drink this atara *mother*." This last sentence he said so only Verne' could hear him. Verne' recognized that voice. But, it couldn't be. She was too delirious to argue or say anything. She drank it even though it tasted like orc spit. Having done his ministrations, Legolas stood up. "She should be fine now, I must go." He turned to leave but Verne' grabbed his arm weakly. "No, Legolas please do not go! Don't leave again!" Legolas was horrified, how could he be so foolish as to get his cover blown in under 15 minutes?
"No my dear, this isn't Legolas. He is gone." Thranduil was grieved to see his wife like this. "I am sorry. You see, we just lost our boy and, she has not yet gotten over it." Legolas breathed a sigh of relief. "No, it is fine my lord. No harm done." Thranduil wanted to change the subject. "Well, what do I owe you?" Legolas shook his head, "Nothing my lord." He began to make for the door before turning around and saying, "I almost lost my mother to that disease. Ta nae amin saesa. *It was my pleasure.*" Thranduil could not believe it.
But he had no time to worry about that, he went to his love's side. "Verne'? Are you well?" Verne' opened her eyes. They sparkled blue, just like Legolas'. "Yes but, why did you let him leave?" Thranduil was puzzled, "He wished to go. Why would I keep him here?" Verne' would have smack Thranduil upside the head if she could move. "It was Legolas. I can feel it. And he said." Thranduil was now curious, "What did he say?" Verne' looked up, "He called me 'mother'. It was him Thranduil!"
Thranduil shook his head. "No my dear, it was not. Our boy is dead. You must learn to accept that." "Don't be such a blocked headed fool Thranduil. Are you an elf or not? You can sense it too if you try." Thranduil did try and he inhaled deeply through his nostrils. Then, he smelled it. The man who left smelled just like him. The more here thought about it, the more he realized, he sounded, like him too. Verne; startled him out of it. "You sense it now too. Go get him. I'll be fine. Don't scare him off. There must be a reason that he hid himself from us." Thranduil nodded and moved quickly to catch up to his son.
Legolas was nearly out of the palace when Thranduil caught up with him. "I am sorry. I forgot to thank you." Legolas smiled, "I told you, it was my pleasure to help her." "Why?" Legolas searched his mind, "Because I care not to watch an immortal die." "I looked at the drug you gave her. It is not cheap. The least I can do is give you its worth." "No, it is fine. You owe me nothing." "I think not. You have given much back today, my son." Legolas almost missed those last two words but when he realized wha Thranduil just said, he whirled around to see his father looking at him with warm and loving eyes. "I'm sorry, but you are mistaken." Thranduil would not let him finish. He grabbed his son and held him close. "I missed you Legolas. I thought you were dead. We all did." Legolas did not know nor did he want to admit how much he had needed that embrace, "Father. You do not understand, I am dead." Legolas looked up into his father's eyes. Thranduil was half laughing, half crying. "You're mother want a word with you." And so, together, they went back to the room alone. Legolas had a long story for them.
Ok, I know this chapter was a little (or very) corny. But still, PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, and one more thing, I know I kind of rushed this one but that's because I'm going away for about 11 days and I didn't want you guys to have too much of a cliffhanger. Oh, one more thing, I was told that with my last chapter, some of you guys got headaches because of paragraphing. I hope I have fixed that. Chow! See you in eleven days and please, do make suggestions to the plot, otherwise, I may be forced to turn to my best friends and believe me, the story would get really scary then (and I mean disturbing scary, not the good scary).