Sorry about the delay! I had horrible writers block!
Big thanks and bigger hugs to Tina for beta-ing! I know how busy you are mellon nin and I appreciate it so much!
Disclaimer - Don't own it. Though if Legolas and Elrohir are ever up for sale, I'm buying!
For those of you who have been wanting to know more about 'IT' read on...
Ever After - Chapter 8
"Legolas?"
The word stopped the ghost in his tracks. With agonizingly slow movements he turned, moving to face the ancient elf. He couldn't believe what he'd just heard. He had not thought it was possible to detect his presence. He stood where he was, not know what to do or say.
"Please." He thought. "Let him hear me. Let me talk to him."
Glorfindel's head was spinning. Was it possible? Had he really sensed the presence of the dead Prince? With slow deliberation, he looked all around him before speaking again.
"Legolas? Is that you? If it is, please make yourself known to me."
Legolas grinned. Glorfindel had sensed him! "Glorfindel can you hear me?" He asked urgently. He knew this could be the most important thing that had happened since his return, being able to communicate with one of the living could be invaluable in his fight against this strange new enemy.
Glorfindel however, did not react to his words. Worried, the Prince tried again. Still, there was no response. Legolas felt slightly panicked. If he didn't do something soon, Glorfindel would leave!
The Balrog-Slayer sighed. His question had yielded no reply. Perhaps he had been mistaken. There had been a lot happening lately, it had probably awakened the painful memories of the Princes' death. With a sad sigh he went to leave.
"No!" Legolas cried out as he saw Glorfindel move away. Glancing around him, he searched for ideas. Only one came to mind. Knowing he was probably going to regret it, he stepped in front of the elf and waited as he stepped forward, once more placing Legolas' spirit inside of him. As soon as the contact occurred, Legolas shouted as loud as he could inside the Balrog-Slayer's mind.
"GLORFINDEL! CAN YOU HEAR ME?"
Glorfindel reeled back and almost fell. He certainly hadn't imagined that!
"Legolas! Yes, I can hear you!" Legolas sighed in relief.
"Thank the Valar! I thought I had lost my chance!" Glorfindel was, to say the least, stunned. Despite the events of his own life, death and rebirth, he still found having a conversation with a dead elf who was shouting inside his mind slightly odd.
"Legolas how are you here? Shouldn't you be in Mandos' halls?" A wry laugh echoed in his mind and he winced. "Could you keep it down please?" He asked. I can hear you perfectly, you don't need to shout!" Another laugh; quieter this time and Legolas' voice decreased in volume.
"I am sorry my friend, I was not sure how much contact was necessary." He was elated; he had made contact with another! The contact needed was not that much either, he was now standing slightly away from Glorfindel, with only his hands resting on the other's shoulders. "As to the question of my presence here - it is a long story." The Balrog-Slayer grinned and sat down under a tree. "I have all day."
..........
~It smiled. All the suffering was really quite delicious. The She-Elf's torture had gone far better than planned, resulting in deep emotional pain for many. How it loved that pain and the power that it gained from it.~
It had always been in the world. It was as old as evil itself, but had never gained the power to act on it's wicked desires. It had watched as Melkor, Sauron and other dark beings raised armies and attacked the peoples of Middle-Earth. It had grown bitter and jealous as they wreaked death and destruction all over the lands, while it remained weak and powerless in it's dark void.
Then, a few hundred years ago, it had stumbled upon the answer. Every several thousand years, a portal opened, allowing it passage into Middle-Earth. For several days it could walk in those lands, instead of just watching them. Previous trips had been uneventful and had for some reason, always occurred in times of peace. But this time had been different.
It had come upon a war being fought between men of different kingdoms. Fascinated, It had walked among them, watching in delight as men suffered and died all around. The pain created an intoxicating feeling of power that it had never experienced before. It had enjoyed the feeling greatly and had been angered when the portal had opened again and pulled It back to the void.
However, back in the void, it had received a great surprise. It had not only felt power coming from the suffering, it had actually gained it! Although it was very little, the difference was obvious. For the first time, it had some control over the dark void. Over the next few thousand years, it had waited patiently for the portal to re-open. Every time it did, it went through and actively searched for places of suffering to fuel its power. As time went on, its power grew and it's control over the void increased. Over time, it had learned how to open a small portal of it's own, not big enough for it to pass through, but big enough to allow it to 'feed' directly.
The big breakthrough had come when the elf had been killed. So dearly beloved was he that many hundreds of people had suffered and grieved at his passing. It had created a wave of power that had fed it almost constantly for twelve years. In that short space of time it had gained incredible power over the void, so that it could now enter the world at will, albeit for limited periods of time. It had even managed to manipulate portals to open where it desired, which was how it had got the she-elf into the orcs den. That had required a lot of power, but the resulting grief that had come from it had returned the power tenfold. Now it needed just a tiny bit more before it could finally take full control of the void and claim dominion over the world.
Glorfindel let out a long breath. He was deeply concerned about what he'd just been told. Gondor was in more danger than anyone realised. Anyone except Legolas that is. Glorfindel realised how frustrating it must have been for the prince, not being able to communicate. Glorfindel had a sneaking suspicion that Legolas had only been able to communicate with him because of his past. He'd known death, spent time in Mandos' Halls. For the first time, he felt glad of those events. His death may have helped save lives thousands of years later. That is, if they could find and stop this thing in time.
"Have you any idea as to what this being is?" Glorfindel asked Legolas. He heard the prince sigh.
"No." He replied. "I only know that its presence is strongest in the palace. I fear for Estel and the others. I can watch over them - but I can take no action." Glorfindel smiled.
"Fear not." He said. "Now that I know, I can guard them. I suggest you concentrate on trying to find out more about this evil and hopefully a way to defeat it."
"I agree." Legolas replied. "I will leave now and return when I know more. Thank you Glorfindel. It eases my heart greatly to know that another is watching over them." Glorfindel smiled.
"You are welcome Legolas. I hope you are successful."
"Thank you." Legolas replied. He went to leave, then stopped suddenly. "Glorfindel?"
"Yes?" The Balrog-slayer responded. Legolas was silent for a moment before continuing.
"I think it would be best if you refrain from telling anyone about my presence. It is most likely they would not believe you and think you ill, I would not add to their burdens."
Glorfindel sighed, but he knew that Legolas spoke the truth. It was up to them, at least for now. "Very well. I will head back to the palace immediately." Then he turned and left, leaving Legolas to ponder his next course of action.
"Well well." It mused. "This is most interesting. What could sustain such a frail form in that world? I must find out. It could be a great source of power to me. But what would be the best way to go about it? Ahh yes, I know..."
Aragorn lay on the bed, curled up next to Arwen. She had finally convinced him that he would not hurt her with his presence. In truth, his nearness brought her great comfort. Now that her sight was lost to her, she craved touch, using it to anchor herself to the world.
Glorfindel quietly opened the door and slipped into the room. His heart almost broke at the sight. Estel looked so fragile, worse in some ways than Arwen. He blamed himself for her pain and the guilt was eating away at his soul.
"Ai, Legolas." Thought Glorfindel. "I hope you find a way to end this needless suffering. I fear Estel's heart can not take much more pain."
He moved forward and pulled a blanket over the sleeping King. He was reminded suddenly of all the times he, Elrond or one of the twins had done the same thing when Estel was but a child. How much had changed since those happy times. Stepping back he suddenly froze as an icy chill ran through his body, paralysing him. He gasped and tried to breathe, but found he could not. Panicking now, he tried to fight against the darkness that began to encroach upon his vision long enough to call for help, but he found that he no longer had any control over his body. A wave of fear washed over him as consciousness fled and he crumpled to the floor.
Legolas glided swiftly to where he had seen Gimli engulfed by the dark being. Perhaps there was some sort of clue to be found there, some way to trace this evil to its lair.
The moment he arrived at the spot, he felt an instant increase in the aura of evil that surrounded the entire city. Even if he had not witnessed the events that had occurred here, he would have known that something was amiss. The whole area screamed of darkness much worse than the mere absence of light.
~It almost laughed. The ghost had done exactly as he'd predicted and incapacitating the other had been easy. Now it would find out what kept the elf-spirit tethered to this world.~
Legolas tried to relax and open his mind. He reached out with his thoughts, blocking out the physical elements around him. He let the world fade from around him, much like he had done for inner clam when he had been alive. Now though, he sought answers from the other spirits that inhabited the world, the spirits and souls of trees, plants, insects and animals. So many beings, one of them must know something. Yet as his mind travelled, all he found was fear and pain. He tried to push past it, but it seemed only to grow in strength. It came from everywhere and seemed to be deeply engrained into all that he could feel. Then a surge of fear hit him like a physical blow. Mentally reeling, he pulled his mind back to the world, trying to focus on where he was. However, he was horrified when he found that he could not see the hallway in which he was standing. He could not see anything but a dark cloud. Too late he realised that he'd been trapped, the evil being he'd been seeking had found him first and had ensnared him in it's evil net. Now there was no way out.
End Chapter 8
What has 'IT' done to Glorfindel? Will Legolas escape the evil net? Join me in chapter 9 for elf-lord angst and ghostly terror! COMING SOON!
Heh heh - a cliffie - go me!
Big thanks and bigger hugs to Tina for beta-ing! I know how busy you are mellon nin and I appreciate it so much!
Disclaimer - Don't own it. Though if Legolas and Elrohir are ever up for sale, I'm buying!
For those of you who have been wanting to know more about 'IT' read on...
Ever After - Chapter 8
"Legolas?"
The word stopped the ghost in his tracks. With agonizingly slow movements he turned, moving to face the ancient elf. He couldn't believe what he'd just heard. He had not thought it was possible to detect his presence. He stood where he was, not know what to do or say.
"Please." He thought. "Let him hear me. Let me talk to him."
Glorfindel's head was spinning. Was it possible? Had he really sensed the presence of the dead Prince? With slow deliberation, he looked all around him before speaking again.
"Legolas? Is that you? If it is, please make yourself known to me."
Legolas grinned. Glorfindel had sensed him! "Glorfindel can you hear me?" He asked urgently. He knew this could be the most important thing that had happened since his return, being able to communicate with one of the living could be invaluable in his fight against this strange new enemy.
Glorfindel however, did not react to his words. Worried, the Prince tried again. Still, there was no response. Legolas felt slightly panicked. If he didn't do something soon, Glorfindel would leave!
The Balrog-Slayer sighed. His question had yielded no reply. Perhaps he had been mistaken. There had been a lot happening lately, it had probably awakened the painful memories of the Princes' death. With a sad sigh he went to leave.
"No!" Legolas cried out as he saw Glorfindel move away. Glancing around him, he searched for ideas. Only one came to mind. Knowing he was probably going to regret it, he stepped in front of the elf and waited as he stepped forward, once more placing Legolas' spirit inside of him. As soon as the contact occurred, Legolas shouted as loud as he could inside the Balrog-Slayer's mind.
"GLORFINDEL! CAN YOU HEAR ME?"
Glorfindel reeled back and almost fell. He certainly hadn't imagined that!
"Legolas! Yes, I can hear you!" Legolas sighed in relief.
"Thank the Valar! I thought I had lost my chance!" Glorfindel was, to say the least, stunned. Despite the events of his own life, death and rebirth, he still found having a conversation with a dead elf who was shouting inside his mind slightly odd.
"Legolas how are you here? Shouldn't you be in Mandos' halls?" A wry laugh echoed in his mind and he winced. "Could you keep it down please?" He asked. I can hear you perfectly, you don't need to shout!" Another laugh; quieter this time and Legolas' voice decreased in volume.
"I am sorry my friend, I was not sure how much contact was necessary." He was elated; he had made contact with another! The contact needed was not that much either, he was now standing slightly away from Glorfindel, with only his hands resting on the other's shoulders. "As to the question of my presence here - it is a long story." The Balrog-Slayer grinned and sat down under a tree. "I have all day."
..........
~It smiled. All the suffering was really quite delicious. The She-Elf's torture had gone far better than planned, resulting in deep emotional pain for many. How it loved that pain and the power that it gained from it.~
It had always been in the world. It was as old as evil itself, but had never gained the power to act on it's wicked desires. It had watched as Melkor, Sauron and other dark beings raised armies and attacked the peoples of Middle-Earth. It had grown bitter and jealous as they wreaked death and destruction all over the lands, while it remained weak and powerless in it's dark void.
Then, a few hundred years ago, it had stumbled upon the answer. Every several thousand years, a portal opened, allowing it passage into Middle-Earth. For several days it could walk in those lands, instead of just watching them. Previous trips had been uneventful and had for some reason, always occurred in times of peace. But this time had been different.
It had come upon a war being fought between men of different kingdoms. Fascinated, It had walked among them, watching in delight as men suffered and died all around. The pain created an intoxicating feeling of power that it had never experienced before. It had enjoyed the feeling greatly and had been angered when the portal had opened again and pulled It back to the void.
However, back in the void, it had received a great surprise. It had not only felt power coming from the suffering, it had actually gained it! Although it was very little, the difference was obvious. For the first time, it had some control over the dark void. Over the next few thousand years, it had waited patiently for the portal to re-open. Every time it did, it went through and actively searched for places of suffering to fuel its power. As time went on, its power grew and it's control over the void increased. Over time, it had learned how to open a small portal of it's own, not big enough for it to pass through, but big enough to allow it to 'feed' directly.
The big breakthrough had come when the elf had been killed. So dearly beloved was he that many hundreds of people had suffered and grieved at his passing. It had created a wave of power that had fed it almost constantly for twelve years. In that short space of time it had gained incredible power over the void, so that it could now enter the world at will, albeit for limited periods of time. It had even managed to manipulate portals to open where it desired, which was how it had got the she-elf into the orcs den. That had required a lot of power, but the resulting grief that had come from it had returned the power tenfold. Now it needed just a tiny bit more before it could finally take full control of the void and claim dominion over the world.
Glorfindel let out a long breath. He was deeply concerned about what he'd just been told. Gondor was in more danger than anyone realised. Anyone except Legolas that is. Glorfindel realised how frustrating it must have been for the prince, not being able to communicate. Glorfindel had a sneaking suspicion that Legolas had only been able to communicate with him because of his past. He'd known death, spent time in Mandos' Halls. For the first time, he felt glad of those events. His death may have helped save lives thousands of years later. That is, if they could find and stop this thing in time.
"Have you any idea as to what this being is?" Glorfindel asked Legolas. He heard the prince sigh.
"No." He replied. "I only know that its presence is strongest in the palace. I fear for Estel and the others. I can watch over them - but I can take no action." Glorfindel smiled.
"Fear not." He said. "Now that I know, I can guard them. I suggest you concentrate on trying to find out more about this evil and hopefully a way to defeat it."
"I agree." Legolas replied. "I will leave now and return when I know more. Thank you Glorfindel. It eases my heart greatly to know that another is watching over them." Glorfindel smiled.
"You are welcome Legolas. I hope you are successful."
"Thank you." Legolas replied. He went to leave, then stopped suddenly. "Glorfindel?"
"Yes?" The Balrog-slayer responded. Legolas was silent for a moment before continuing.
"I think it would be best if you refrain from telling anyone about my presence. It is most likely they would not believe you and think you ill, I would not add to their burdens."
Glorfindel sighed, but he knew that Legolas spoke the truth. It was up to them, at least for now. "Very well. I will head back to the palace immediately." Then he turned and left, leaving Legolas to ponder his next course of action.
"Well well." It mused. "This is most interesting. What could sustain such a frail form in that world? I must find out. It could be a great source of power to me. But what would be the best way to go about it? Ahh yes, I know..."
Aragorn lay on the bed, curled up next to Arwen. She had finally convinced him that he would not hurt her with his presence. In truth, his nearness brought her great comfort. Now that her sight was lost to her, she craved touch, using it to anchor herself to the world.
Glorfindel quietly opened the door and slipped into the room. His heart almost broke at the sight. Estel looked so fragile, worse in some ways than Arwen. He blamed himself for her pain and the guilt was eating away at his soul.
"Ai, Legolas." Thought Glorfindel. "I hope you find a way to end this needless suffering. I fear Estel's heart can not take much more pain."
He moved forward and pulled a blanket over the sleeping King. He was reminded suddenly of all the times he, Elrond or one of the twins had done the same thing when Estel was but a child. How much had changed since those happy times. Stepping back he suddenly froze as an icy chill ran through his body, paralysing him. He gasped and tried to breathe, but found he could not. Panicking now, he tried to fight against the darkness that began to encroach upon his vision long enough to call for help, but he found that he no longer had any control over his body. A wave of fear washed over him as consciousness fled and he crumpled to the floor.
Legolas glided swiftly to where he had seen Gimli engulfed by the dark being. Perhaps there was some sort of clue to be found there, some way to trace this evil to its lair.
The moment he arrived at the spot, he felt an instant increase in the aura of evil that surrounded the entire city. Even if he had not witnessed the events that had occurred here, he would have known that something was amiss. The whole area screamed of darkness much worse than the mere absence of light.
~It almost laughed. The ghost had done exactly as he'd predicted and incapacitating the other had been easy. Now it would find out what kept the elf-spirit tethered to this world.~
Legolas tried to relax and open his mind. He reached out with his thoughts, blocking out the physical elements around him. He let the world fade from around him, much like he had done for inner clam when he had been alive. Now though, he sought answers from the other spirits that inhabited the world, the spirits and souls of trees, plants, insects and animals. So many beings, one of them must know something. Yet as his mind travelled, all he found was fear and pain. He tried to push past it, but it seemed only to grow in strength. It came from everywhere and seemed to be deeply engrained into all that he could feel. Then a surge of fear hit him like a physical blow. Mentally reeling, he pulled his mind back to the world, trying to focus on where he was. However, he was horrified when he found that he could not see the hallway in which he was standing. He could not see anything but a dark cloud. Too late he realised that he'd been trapped, the evil being he'd been seeking had found him first and had ensnared him in it's evil net. Now there was no way out.
End Chapter 8
What has 'IT' done to Glorfindel? Will Legolas escape the evil net? Join me in chapter 9 for elf-lord angst and ghostly terror! COMING SOON!
Heh heh - a cliffie - go me!