Disclaimer:
I own nothing – apart from the baddie.
Rating:
R – to be safe.
A/N: OMG. I'm sorry for the late update! My deepest thanks to the Reviewers! Your feedback makes my day! Hannon le for your patience!
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Legolas darted sideways, just as the man crashed to his knees, arms flaying blindly toward the elf, all his former stealth and deadliness gone. The prince's eyes narrowed to slits as he stared down at the mortal.
"You killed them!" the man wailed, a sickening cry of mixed grief and madness that caused the elf to flinch at the mere sound.
How had such an insane and deluded individual managed to fool him?
Managed to escape the vigilant eyes of the elves?
But then, as he glanced over his shoulder, he realised they were a little further from the main borders of Rivendell…the elves had had no real cause for such high guard outside of their borders. None usually dared take a chance of crossing the threshold of Rivendell and even this man had never dared pass further.
But still, one would have to have had a sharp mind to have planned such atrocious deeds.
Yet staring down at the man, Legolas found it hard to believe that the human was capable of such a thing. Yet it was known that insane individuals never thought themselves crazy...perhaps insanity did not render him as feeble minded as the elf had believed.
How long had the man planned such a thing?
He took a step back as the mortal blubbered like a baby, his power reduced to nothing but a limp pile of grief and insane murmurings.
The sight was frightening and Legolas battled with his own conflicting emotions. This mortal, a fierce predator, no doubt knowledgeable with the lore of herbs and wise with the wielding of violence; now, suddenly a broken man with a shattered past, seeking vengeance for crimes that the elves were apparently responsible for.
Even so, Legolas reasoned with his pity that it was no incentive to violate and brutally attack any of his kin. Hatred, he should hate the man for what he did, not only to himself, but to Elrohir.
Elrohir...
Legolas clung to the cold, dark numbness of indifference.
"Rise mortal." He spat, staring down at the man with obvious disdain.
The man refused to acknowledge the elf's demand and spat blood to the earth at Legolas' feet, raw, choked laughter catching in his throat.
"More will come in my place." He promised, lifting his eyes to the elf's, "Justice will be served, your judgement shall come and everything you hold dear shall be taken from you!"
…Never.
Legolas felt his control snap and ere he knew it, he had an arrow notched to his bow, aimed directly at the man's head, right between the eyes.
This must end. It shall end now.
No more would suffer and the man would barely feel it. The mortal snickered, uncaring, his eyes wild and unfocused in his dazed insanity. Legolas drew his arm back, eyes locked upon his target, voice low and deadly as he spoke.
"Your path of retribution ends here. You shall haunt my steps no longer."
"If you release that arrow, he shall haunt your steps for the rest of your life."
Legolas snapped his head toward the sound of the voice, his eyes lifting.
Aragorn stared back at him.
Elladan rode alongside Glorfindel, a small unit of the Rivendell sentinel close behind. The elf lord glanced sidelong at the twin, feeling the panic radiating off of Elladan in waves.
Elrohir, and now Estel
…He could do little to comfort Elrond's son and instead, cried a command that caused the sentinel to pick up pace. The horses drove harder through the forest, evening descending upon them far too swiftly.
Elladan stared blankly ahead, trusting his horse to keep pace with Glorfindel's. All he could think of was how he had most probably failed another member of his family
…Estel.
How could he have forgotten?
He prayed that perchance the ranger was already on his way back to Rivendell, hopefully dragging a reluctant Legolas with him.
Legolas
Elladan was uncertain how to react to the thought of the archer. The elf prince seemed to have withdrawn into a cold shell, despite the obvious pain that still lingered deep within his eyes when he had believed the twins and Estel ignorant. Elladan briefly wished he had stopped Legolas from chasing after the man, but he had been so concerned for Elrohir…would he fail Legolas, too?
Valar Estel…be alive. Saes…
Elrond stared down at his sleeping son, head tilted as he studied the rise and fall of the twin's chest. What would he have done had it been naught but a body brought to him? He carefully touched a hand to his son's forehead, ere brushing strands of hair away from his pale face. Elrohir stirred slightly and Elrond's hand froze until the twin settled into slumber once more.
A soft knock caused Elrond to divert his attention as Erestor's head popped around the half-open door. The elf waited for permission to enter, which Elrond granted with a nod.
"How does he fair?"
"The poison wanes, though from what I can tell, his eyesight remains the same." Elrond replied, his powerful voice strangely soft in the room.
Erestor did not question his Lord further and quietly lit candles about the room, coming to a pause beside Elrond. He asked if there was anything he could do ere Elrond dismissed him appreciatively.
Only after Erestor was gone, did Elrond raise a hand to his head, pressing his fingers against his pounding temples. His heart now bled its concern for Estel and he sent a silent prayer for the safe return of his young son.
Do not take another from me....
Lowering his hand he rose smoothly from the seat at his son's bedside and stepped over toward the window, staring out at the darkening skies. He stared expectantly at the Heavens, as if waiting for the stars, though none greeted him. He drew a breath ere he turned his head back toward Elrohir, watching the elf's gentle, sleeping face.
He stared quietly at his son for a long while, private thoughts and emotions flickering in his eyes ere he moved back toward the twin's side. With a frown darkening his eyes, he pulled the sheets down his son's body and stared at the foul word carved crudely into the elf's pale stomach.
His noble face, an impassive mask save for traces of a frown, belied the concern and disconcertion that stirred inside of him. He would forever remember that word; carved into the stomach of his child, no matter how small the letters, no matter that the scars would fade with Elven healing and time…he would always remember the word…
Judgement
Legolas's gaze shifted from one mortal to the other. He had not expected Aragorn to have arisen and found him so swiftly. The ranger seemed to sense Legolas' surprise and for his part, he touched a hand to the back of his head, wincing.
The elf refused to show any traces of remorse for his previous actions and glared down the shaft of the arrow at the man he was intent on killing. Aragorn immediately dropped his hand and froze.
"Legolas, lower your bow."
"Law. This does not concern you. Leave." Legolas replied in a strange monotone.
"Law."
The elf's wide, angry eyes flicked to the ranger, "Do not interfere in this."
"Or you shall pin me to a tree with an arrow and knock me senseless again?" he retorted with a lilt of anger to his sarcasm.
"This does not concern you." he repeated.
Aragorn's mouth nearly fell agape and he strode forward with purpose, "Are you really that blind?" he growled, ignoring the mortal who was kneeling at their feet.
"Are you?" Legolas replied, arrow still notched, bow string taut, "How dare you presume it is acceptable for you to interfere!"
"Do not do this."
"Why?" Legolas demanded, his fierce eyes boring into Aragorn, "He hurt Elrohir."
What?
The ranger's eyes grew wide with horror. Aragorn felt his heart skip a beat and wild panic stole his breath for a moment.
…Elbereth no…Elrohir…
Reason, he fought for reason.
Surely Elrohir was alive, with Elladan, safe. Legolas would not have left him alone.
With incredible difficultly, Aragorn struggled to hold true to his purpose, to what both he and the twins had set out to do.
"So did you." He replied quietly.
The barest hint of hesitation flickered in the elf's eyes, but he only gripped the bow tighter as he stared down at the mortal, "His vile retribution must end."
"And yours shall begin with his death." Aragorn replied, mild frustration mingled with sadness in his tone, "You are no murderer Legolas, let Elrond deal with this man's crimes."
"I shall save him the trouble, his life is forfeit for the pain he has caused. He hurt Elrohir, he would hurt more."
Part of Aragorn wished to see Legolas imbed that arrow in the man's skull. Part of him wanted to do it himself, or slice the mortal's throat or perhaps prolong his death by numerous other means. He wanted his own revenge for the malicious violation of his friend. Perhaps in the name of true justice. There were many slow torments he himself would have the mortal suffer…but this was not the way. Legolas would lose himself completely.
"Do you wish for his blood upon your hands?"
"He hurt Elrohir."
"He hurt you." Aragorn murmured, "That is what this is truly about."
Legolas frowned, eyes fierce in their confusion and anger as he stared at the ranger, his concentration wavering. The object of their quandary, however, seemed to have no intention of going anywhere and rocked back and forth, murmuring apologies to his dead family and kinsmen.
Aragorn, gauging Legolas' reaction, continued.
"It does not surprise me that you sought answers for what befell you, nor does it surprise me that you would now seek to slay this man for means of a greater good. All the while telling yourself it was not for the reason that he hurt you, but in the name of others, of victims yet to come."
"He is a murderer!" Legolas alleged, eyes fixed upon the mortal below him.
"You are not." Aragorn whispered, taking a step forward.
"This is not murder." Legolas snapped.
"Then what is it?"
"Justice."
"Justice?" The mortal beneath them tittered mockingly, "Shoot me then, elf. Your kin have already killed many, I'm sure my death would cause you no remorse."
Aragorn dropped his eyes to man, willing his hand not to slide to the hilt of his sword.
"Your death would spare the world your twisted hatred." Legolas spat.
"And would undoubtedly nurture yours." The man snickered, "You are no different to the Mirkwood murderers who chased the orcs into our village…which is why you deserved to know the pain of my Diera, of my children!"
Legolas' eyes narrowed as he fought to keep his pain and confusion at bay. This man was driven by hatred, yes, but also by grief. He had wished to protect his family and had failed. He had desired to channel his rage…execute his vengeance…
Did the elves truly drive the orcs into his village? If so, no matter how inexcusable the vile act upon Elrohir, the horse…and himself…Could he slay this man?
A man who perhaps once, had been a caring, loving father? A devoted husband? He did not know what to do. It was as if this mortal both deserved death and at the same time deserved…forgiveness?
No.
Legolas shook his head sharply, as if it would shake the cobwebs of disarray from his mind.
"Legolas."
"Dina!" the elf barked, licking his lips and shaking his head once more, trying to focus.
Aragorn flinched and closing his eyes he tried again, "Avo, Legolas. Saes."
"He deserves death." The words were hollow, laced with doubt and…sadness?
"Maybe he does," Aragorn's voice was nearly a plea as he spoke, "perchance he deserves much harsher punishment for what he has done, but do not bathe in the blood of vengeance Legolas, it is a short-lived pleasure."
"Pleasure?" the elf seethed, glaring at Aragorn, "You truly know nothing."
"Do I not?" Anger sparked inside of Aragorn, "I know you refuse to accept what has happened to you and to kill this man cannot change that, Legolas! To kill him will not erase what he did to you!"
Legolas froze at those words, his body rigid, eyes wide and unblinking, staring down at the man who had hunted him, yet staring past him…through him…
Aragorn glanced between the two of them ere he continued, taking a step closer, then another.
"To erase him from this world, would erase far more for you than his hatred and threat of violence to others, am I right?"
Legolas' confused eyes shifted and he turned his head slightly, lips parting as he searched for a response, for a feeling. Aragorn took another step closer.
"It would erase the chance that he had existed at all...that what happened to you was not-"
"Don't...." the elf whispered, a strange broken sound.
He turned his gaze toward Aragorn and in the depths of those bright, moistening eyes the ranger saw a pain kept at bay…He saw Legolas. The bow lowered, arrow held limply between lax fingers as the string slackened. Legolas dropped his eyes and they darted wildly as if still searching for answers.
Aragorn felt the briefest, and perhaps saddest, of smiles touch his lips as he reached out a hand toward Legolas' shoulder.
"Release this, Legolas…you need not-"
Legolas registered the movement beneath them a split second before Aragorn, though the man reacted just as fast as the attacker rose to his feet with a wild cry. Weilding his jagged dagger in his hand, he swung wildly, almost blindly, towards Legolas.
The elf made to draw his bow, but Aragorn shouldered him roughly to the side, snatching the arrow from the prince's fingers. Dancing back from the blow, Aragorn brought his hand down towards the man's face.
"Baw!"
Legolas' cry went unheeded. It was too late.
Aragorn slammed the arrowhead of the shaft between the man's eyes. The mortal's mouth fell agape and he dropped to his knees, an expression of shock on his face, ere he toppled onto his side. Dead. His glazed eyes staring lifelessly up at Legolas.
The archer stood rooted to the spot in shock, staring down into the dead eyes of the man as blood trickled from the paling lips. His retribution stolen. Death at his feet.
He raised his glare to Aragorn, who stood opposite the body, chest heaving as he too, lifted his gaze to meet Legolas' stare.
Though their eyes met, a strange understanding, yet at the same time, distance, drifted between them and neither looked away from the other. Not even when the sentinel of Rivendell burst into the clearing, Elladan's shout echoing loudly, followed by a sharp order from Glorfindel that brought the group to an abrupt halt.
And all the while, the two friends stared at each other.
Legolas' brow creased in what would have appeared to have been confusion and Aragorn's face seeming to radiate a silent plea to the elf. The ranger felt a lump lodge in the back of his throat as his friend's eyes seemed to glaze with detachment, ere the archer took a step back from Aragorn and turned on his heel.
"Legolas…" it was barely a whisper.
"ESTEL!" Elladan's somewhat elated cry startled the ranger as the elf twin leapt down from his horse, rushing to the ranger's side.
Aragorn winced in surprise as his brother embraced him, "You are alive."
"I am." Aragorn replied, meeting the pale gaze of the elf, not having the heart to make a jest of it.
Elladan looked his young brother over for any sign of harm before he glanced down at the earth where the mortal lay dead, arrow protruding from his skull. The twin blinked.
"I see Legolas found him." Elladan felt both relief and disappointment…but then, he supposed that each one of them had wanted to kill the man for his crimes.
Aragorn stood motionless for a moment, save for gingerly touching a hand to the back of his head. Elladan noticed this out the corner of his eye.
"You are hurt?"
"Nay, I-"
The twin gripped his brother's hand and yanked it aside, whacking Este lightly up the backside of his head. Aragorn yelped in surprise and batted the hand away with a scowl.
"That was not funny."
"It was not supposed to be, you are hurt. What happened?"
"I fell and hit my head." Aragorn replied as he rolled his eyes at Elladan's arched eyebrows, "Do not jest about it, now is not the time."
"I am well aware of that," Elladan answered with a shake of his head, "Elrohir is with father, he was wounded."
Aragorn paled visibly, "Will he-" he began.
"Let us return to Rivendell," Elladan interjected, "father shall answer your questions better than I."
Aragorn nodded, ere he lifted his eyes from the body to stare at Legolas' retreating form, moving through the trees. Glorfindel was already chasing after the young elf, his own golden mane billowing behind him. Aragorn made to go after them, but Elladan gripped his shoulder.
"Daro," he commanded, kindly, "You have done all you can here."
Legolas stalked through the woodland, uncaring of the voice calling after him.
"Legolas!"
Leave me in peace.
"Legolas! DARO SI!!" the commanding voice echoed loudly in the forest, causing the prince to stop.
He knew that voice. Glorfindel…
He barely withheld his sigh as he turned to face the Eldar. The warrior stared back at him through cool, bright eyes.
"Where are you going?" he asked calmly.
Legolas dropped his eyes; he had never even considered where he was going. It did not matter, did it? The man was dead…he could forget.
"You did not answer me." Glorfindel pressed, taking another step forward, idly brushing leaves from his cloak.
"I have no answers for you." Legolas replied, his brow once again, creased in a frown, "Please leave me alone."
"You have been alone, too long." Glorfindel announced. Now was not the time to play friend to Legolas, he needed to play mentor if he were to return with the young prince.
He continued, "You have been allowed your time alone, now you must return to Rivendell."
"Must I?" Legolas murmured, though the intention to be disrespectful did not hold sway in his tone.
"Yes. You must."
"I wish to be left alone."
"This is not about you at the moment, young prince." Glorfindel snapped, "Your absence is not a responsibly that Lord Elrond needs."
Legolas lifted his stubborn gaze, meeting the slicing stare of Glorfindel. The elf lord appeared to be waiting.
"I am not Lord Elrond's responsibility." Legolas replied calmly.
"You are a guest in Rivendell, therefore at this present moment you are our responsibility." The Eldar cocked his head, "You are also making yourself one by behaving this way."
You never could protect yourself.
"I am not weak!" Legolas barked quite unexpectedly.
The Eldar blinked.
"No one claims that you are," Glorfindel replied, his eyes narrowing, "It is you who seems to believe this; we have done nothing to convince you that we believe it also."
"Please..." Legolas hated the plea in his tone, "Allow me to return to my home."
"Grief is not always something to be carried alone, Legolas. Would you leave without a word to either Estel or the twins? Do you not even wish to see how Elrohir fairs?"
Elrohir…Legolas blinked, realisation dawning upon him. Nay, he would not leave without seeing the young twin. He gripped his bow tightly and lifting his eyes to Glorfindel he slowly walked toward the elf lord, ere brushing past and making his way back toward the clearing.
The Eldar sensed the pain in the young one's steps and he clenched his jaw to keep from speaking. He then turned and followed, eyes automatically scanning the trees.
Aragorn looked up at Elladan, "I will not leave without him."
Elladan hissed a sigh between his teeth, but soon the frustration vanished from his face and he turned his attention toward the forest.
"You will not have to." He murmured.
Aragorn frowned, following Elladan's gaze. Legolas walked into the clearing, Glorfindel close behind him. Relief lulled Aragorn's senses for a moment and he desperately wished for his friend to meet his eyes, but the archer never once looked up.
Glorfindel shot both brothers a glance, ere coming up behind Legolas and leading him by the elbow toward his horse, who greeted the elf lord with a gentle nicker.
Asfaloth bobbed his head toward the young elf at his master's side. Legolas did not even smile, though he touched his palm to the horse's head ere he mounted behind Glorfindel.
With a tug of the reins, the Eldar turned the horse toward Rivendell, glancing across at Aragorn, who sat himself behind his brother.
The ride back to Imladris was torture.
Legolas and Aragorn were level to each other, as Elladan rode alongside Glorfindel, conversing quietly in elvish with the elf lord. Aragorn tried to focus over his brother's shoulder but could not help but spare glances at the prince.
Legolas's head was bowed and he stared at the ground as it passed beneath them. How Aragorn wanted to reach out toward his friend, to speak, to close the distance drifting between them!
Taking the chance, he cleared his throat to speak, but even ere he could form the words, Legolas lifted his head.Glazed, distant eyes stared back at Aragorn and the elf had only one word for the ranger.
"Avo."
Aragorn clenched his jaw, hurt in his eyes; a plea that was denied as Legolas turned his gaze away, staring at the earth once more. All the while Aragorn blinked his eyes fiercely and forced himself to stare elsewhere.
Even now, nothing has changed.
Sindarin Elvish Translations
Saes – please
Law – no.
Baw! - No!
Dina – be silent! (silence!)
Avo, Legolas – Don't, Legolas.
Daro - Stop
DARO SI! – STOP NOW!
Avo – Don't
Reviewers!!!:
IMTrinity – [laughs] Hannon le, meldir for your encouragement and high praise. I'm so glad that you are enjoying the story again! I'm glad that your nephew, Joshua (lovely name) is well! I apologise for this late update!
Deana – Hello again Deana! Thanks so much for your review! As for Aragorn...poor bloke lol. I'm sorry this chapter came up so late! Thanks again, my dear!
Irish Anor – LOL! As always, your reviews never cease to make me laugh! Damn straight Legolas has some major "thrill issues"…there is something wrong with him. Lol. Ah, Finding Nemo, you gotta love that film. [laughs!] Trust me, meldir, you are not the only one with sadistic and twisted humour, I assure you. I mean, I laughed when Haldir died the second time I saw TTT – I'm sure that now I am going to be hunted down and killed LOL. Also the whole Frodo and Sam thing made me laugh – but lets not go there LOL!! LMAO I see that Boromir still needs to be tamed! As for what to do with him…take him to obedience classes? [winks]. As always, hannon le, mellon nin!
Ghemstone – [gapes at ripped off arm until it is returned] LOL. My, my! I'm sure ripping my arm of is very tame compared to what you would do to Elladan! [winks] [halo around head glows!!] lol [grins] As always, it's a joy to write about Elladan when I know his portrayal is being appreciated by such a wonderful reviewer! I shall make him suffer greatly in "Break To Deliverance", after I finish posting this prequel [evil laughter]. This is however, only so that I can hand him over to you for some more TLC afterward. [grins] You yourself, mellon-nin should write some stories starring this dashing elf! I apologise that this is late! Thanks sooo much again for your review! Hannon le!!
Gemini969 – Hello Gemini! Thanks so much for your review!!! – as you can see, Legolas didn't hurt Aragorn "that" severely – at least not physically! Catch you next post! Sorry this is late!
EyesLikeSilk – [grins] who doesn't love a little bit of angst and suspense now and again? [evil laughter!!] Thank you so very much for your review! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and rest to come!
Snow-Glory – Hannon le, Snow-Glory!! Your review was lovely and deeply appreciated! I'm so glad you are enjoying it, even though you know what happens Thanks so much for taking the time to give me feedback! Hannon le!
Tmelange- Eeeep! Sorry this update was late! Thanks so much for your review, it's great that you're enjoying the story!! I hope you enjoy the rest!
If I have missed anyone out, I'm so very sorry! It was not intentional, so please let me know who you are – As always, I wish to thank "everyone!"