Disclaimer:
Do not own any characters from LOTR
Rating:
R – to be safe
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN The archer stepped inside of the room, back straight, eyes fierce. He kept his gaze riveted on Elrond, as if his stare would burn the very suggestion from the elf lord's mind. Glorfindel glanced between the two elves, feeling a strange sense of foreboding linger in the chamber.
The young prince did not even spare the Balrog Slayer a glance and as Elrond closed the door, he maintained his probing stare.
"I believe you heard all that was said." Elrond said quietly, gesturing toward a chair.
Legolas refused the offer to sit and as Elrond rounded the desk he took a step forward, his whole body wrought with tension as he fought to maintain his posture.
"Mankoi?" the young elf asked with steel in his voice.
Glorfindel glanced across at Elrond, carefully moving over to the window so he could lean against the ledge and keep an eye on the conversation as well as an ear.
"He is your father." Elrond replied calmly.
"Ha nâ ú lin dôr." The young prince replied firmly, his tone growing fiercer by the moment.
Elrond's eyes narrowed a scant inch, yet other than that, he showed no reaction. Despite Legolas' apparent strength and anger, the elf lord's stare bore into him with a fire he could not hope to rival. Yielding, Legolas blinked, lowering his gaze briefly. Elrond could clearly see the struggle in the young prince and he briefly met Glorfindel's eyes ere he glanced back at Thranduil's son.
"Innas le treneri lin adar?" Elrond asked slowly, carefully.
Legolas tensed at the words, though he lifted his head and a resolve burned in the depths of cold eyes.
"There is nothing to tell."
Glorfindel shifted slightly, casting a sidelong glance at Elrond. The Eldar noted with concealed interest how Elrond did not appear fazed by these words and instead stared steadily at Legolas. his composure unbreakable.
"You need not bear this alone, Legolas."
The elf lifted his chin, ignoring the statement, "Ha nâ ú lin dôr." He repeated.
"Havo dad, Legolas." Elrond commanded, eyebrows arching.
The young elf battled with his pride and slowly sank down into the chair, unable to deny the request as those eyes sliced at his defences.
Glorfindel seemed impressed by this and he quietly watched as Elrond rounded the desk to stand in front of Legolas. Leaning back, he folded his hands. Unable to find even the slightest inclination to relax, Legolas gripped the arms of the chair and stared at the ground, his brow pulled into a frown once again.
"Legolas, look at me." Elrond asked calmly.
The young elf closed his eyes in misery. He did not wish to hear these words; he did not wish to have his control taken from him once again. His father…Valar his father…He would be angry yes…but also incredibly disappointed. He could not bare to see the shame in his father's eyes…that would break him if anything else.
"Legolas."
The archer's eyes opened slowly as the sound of Elrond's voice drew him back from his increasingly morbid thoughts.
"Saes." He murmured, shaking his head.
The sound was miserable even to his own ears. Yet Elrond refused to be disuaded or acknowledge Glorfindel's sorrowful gaze. He stared at the young elf in the chair, gripping it as though it were his only support and anchorage to the world.
"Legolas?" Elrond asked again, tilting his head, "Your father-"
"Would not understand." The young elf interjected, his frown deepening.
"Give someone a chance to help you, Legolas. To understand."
The archer closed his eyes and shook his head once again. How could anyone understand what he did not understand himself?
"You would tell him, against my wishes?" the prince asked somewhat distantly, his eyes pained as he lifted them to Elrond.
"He is your father." The same four words.
"He is not my keeper." Legolas almost spat the words as he rose to his feet. "My affairs are my own."
So impersonal. So detached. As if the young one were referring to some insignificant event. He could see Legolas' desire to escape, the same desire he had seen in his wife's eyes...Elrond barely managed to keep the pain at bay, yet he managed, somehow. Inclining his head, he was undaunted by the aggressive sway in the young Prince. He understood it.
"Some burdens are best if they are not carried alone."
"And some are best if they are left buried." Legolas murmured, as if talking to himself. "I have served my purpose here in Imladris, my Lord."
Elrond frowned and straightened away from the desk, about to move forward, yet he paused when Legolas flinched at the sudden gesture to offer comfort. Elrond drew back and let eyes search the face of the young elf. Behind those seemingly angry eyes he sensed the pain that lingered there. The confusion. The unbearable grief brought on by such an act, which affected the Elves far more severely than mortals.
"I have tarried here too long." The Mirkwood prince stated as he lifted his eyes, "My father will have noted by prolonged absence."
Glorfindel looked to Elrond, expecting the Lord of Rivendell to undo the stubborn knots that Legolas had tied around his grief…expecting Elrond's commanding voice to shake sense into the young elf. But instead, Elrond motioned toward the door with his hand.
"You are no prisoner here. You may leave when you wish."
Glorfindel's eyes widened in surprise. Even Legolas appeared shocked by this, and he frowned slightly. Perchance he had also expected an entirely different reaction…yet the Lord was granting him leave…was granting him the chance to maintain his pride.
The frown vanished and Legolas searched Elrond's eyes for any trace of deception ere he dipped his head, touched a hand to his heart and departed the chamber.
Glorfindel however, was frowning when Elrond heard the door close and turning to meet those confused eyes he said nothing. The warrior elf shook his head.
"I do not understand."
Elrond rounded his desk, sinking into the chair. In his eyes was the same weariness that seemed to settle upon his shoulders. But emotion was discarded once again. Glorfindel stepped forward, turning to face his friend.
"Why? His stubborn pride will further harm him and yet he has been allowed to-"
"His stubborn pride," Elrond interjected fiercely, eyes intensely bold as he glanced up at Glorfindel from under dark brows ere his voice and face softened sorrowfully, "Is all that he has left."
Aragorn stared down at the sleeping form of Elrohir. The elf's chest rose and fell in peaceful slumber, eyelashes fluttering now and then. Reaching across, he gripped his brother's hand lightly and sighed, bowing his head in weak defeat. Immediately the grip on his hand tightened and he lifted his gaze to stare into a pair of wide pale eyes.
"Elrohir?"
"Estel."
The ranger's eyes lit with hope, "You can see me?" he asked hastily.
"Somewhat..." the young twin pulled his hand away, "I know your smell. Foul human." he teased.
Aragorn clenched his jaw and instantly wished he could retract his words. Instead he reached across to grip the hand that had so swiftly been pulled away. Elrohir tensed and the ranger prayed that he would not be pushed away. He could not take that from his brother…it was painful enough from his best friend.
"How do you feel?"
Elrohir withheld a bitter laugh and managed a weak smile for his brother, "Frustrated." He replied honestly, turning wide eyes back toward the blurred shape that was Aragorn, "How do you fair?"
"I have worried for you." Estel replied, "I am sorry."
"Sorry?" Elrohir frowned, "Twas' no fault of yours, Estel."
Aragorn smiled feebly, though he supposed it did not matter, as Elrohir would not have seen the pain that flashed in his gaze. The young twin closed his eyes and drew a shaky breath.
"Where is Elladan?"
Aragorn was unable to suppress the immediate guilt that plagued him and he sighed.
"I am uncertain, perhaps with father. Do you wish for me to get him?" The ranger made to rise, only to have Elrohir's grip on his hand tighten.
"Nay, he will come soon."
Aragorn smiled, the affection between the twins never ceased to amaze him and leaning across he rested his head on the pillow next to Elrohir, tucking an arm beneath his cheek. The young elf almost sensed the man's fatigue and pulled his head back on the pillow to gaze at the strange shadowy splash of colour that was Aragorn's head.
"Where is Legolas?"
"I do not know." Aragorn replied, closing his eyes.
"Have you spoken with him?" there was evident concern in the elf's voice.
"He wishes to be left alone."
Elrohir frowned, yet he said no more of the matter, "You are a good friend, Aragorn."
"Hummn?" the ranger blinked sleepily and lifted his head, looking down at his brother, "Why do you say that?"
Elrohir smiled slightly, eyes drooping as sleep enfolded him once again, leaving Aragorn to ponder the words, ere he too slipped into dreams.
Legolas tilted his head, studying the picture laid before his eyes. Aragorn sat beside Elrohir's bed, bent over the mattress, his head laid next to his brothers. His hand was limply resting beside Elrohir's, ready to offer comfort and support.
Legolas steeled his heart against the onslaught of emotion and with detached sensation he took a step into the room, carefully, quietly.
Neither of the sleeping souls stirred and for that he was grateful, as he sat himself down across the room, leaning back into the chair. For what seemed a long while he just sat and watched the two brothers until the candlelight died and dawn broke, causing the room to lighten.
Sensing the change of light, Legolas blinked slowly and leaned forward in the chair. He dropped his tired eyes, closing them tightly as he fought some inner battle. He stayed that way for a moment, ere he rose and carefully stepped over to the sleeping forms. He gazed down at Elrohir, anger burning inside of him…burning for the pain the crazed man had caused.
I'm sorry, Elrohir...
Leaning down he touched a hand to Elrohir's shoulder lightly. The elf did not stir. Then he turned to Aragorn. His gut twisted and a weight settled in his heart. Aragorn's words came back to him, the desperate, pained question he had refused to answer.
Did I betray you?
Aragorn's hair was a messy mop about his head. He was unkempt, as was his usual unruly appearance. But now, utterly lost to his dreams, there was a peace about him that Legolas had not seen for a long time; a peace he had stolen and denied.
It was better this way. Legolas crouched down beside the chair, cocking his head to gaze up at the man.
"Navaer, mellon-nin." He murmured weakly.
Leaning forward, his palm touched Aragorn's lightly, as if a feather had brushed the limp hand. He spared the man one final glance, an affection lingering in the depths of his sad, tired eyes. Walking toward the door, he shut it without a backward glance and blinked in surprise when he came face to face with Elladan.
The elder twin met Legolas' gaze and his lips parted, yet no words escaped him. The archer dropped his eyes; he knew what it was he now had to do. It could not stand for matters to be even more complicated, even more painful. He nodded briefly to the elder twin and made to step away.
Elladan's hand snapped out of its own accord and gripped the blonde's shoulder, causing him to pause.
"Legolas…saes." He pleaded.
The young prince closed his eyes, as if in great pain. He stood still for a brief moment, his back to Elladan…The touch lingered on his shoulder all the while, gripping him tightly, wishing to draw him back.
He could not prolong such a torment.
Legolas shrugged the hand away and continued to walk, never once looking back, not even when he passed Glorfindel in the hallway. The Eldar noticed the distress in Elladan's eyes and stepped alongside the young elf. The twin did not even turn his head.
Glorfindel touched his hand to Elladan's shoulder in an offer of comfort, but Elrond's son merely dropped his eyes, showing no sign of cheer. He offered Glorfindel a glance ere he walked into the chamber, leaving it open for the Eldar to follow, if he so desired.
The blond stood in the doorway for a moment, watching as Elladan bent down to check if Estel was asleep, ere he sat on the end of his twin's bed, watching over both his brothers. A sworn protector. A silent sentinel.
The elf lord left them in peace.
At the sound of the door closing, Aragorn stirred groggily and lifted his head, a weak moan escaping him as he returned from dreams. Elladan smiled at this and met the tired eyes of his young human brother.
"You do look rather pitiful, Estel." He teased.
Aragorn grunted in affront and straightened as he gained a sense of awareness.
"Thank you." He replied, humour lacing his tone.
"Take rest," Elladan advised, "it is early yet."
Aragorn stifled a yawn and sat back in the chair, rubbing a hand over his eyes before running his hands back through his hair.
"Where have you been?" he asked Elladan.
The elf sighed, "With Erestor."
Aragorn stretched the muscles in his neck, glancing over at his brother, "Erestor?"
"Aye, Erestor." He leaned across to touch a hand to the back of Estel's head.
The ranger flinched and drew back, "What are you-"
"Does it still hurt?" Elladan asked.
Aragorn frowned, and then realisation dawned as he touched a hand gingerly to the back of his head. A healthy bump had formed.
"Now that you draw my attention to it." Aragorn scowled, "Yet, I had forgotten." He murmured.
Elladan smiled, "You are thick skulled…it goes to explain much." The elf tittered.
Aragorn blinked at the tease and smirked, "Lucky for you I am tired and most probably misheard you, I might be inclined to take offence."
"Yet you did not." The elf pointed out, "You have held no anger toward Legolas for it."
Aragorn averted his gaze, "His actions, however unreasonable at the time, are forgivable."
"No doubt." Elladan replied.
Aragorn scowled, "What are you saying? That I should be angry with him?"
"I am not saying that at all." The elf reasoned, "There is no need to be so defensive."
"Then do not give me reason to be."
"It is not I who have given you reason to be defensive, Estel." Elladan smiled sadly, "Please, let us forget this."
"Is that what everyone wishes to do? Forget all that has happened?"
Elladan let his eyes drift shut. He was too tired for this.
"Of course not, Estel."
"Then why-"
"Aragorn." Elladan warned, "Lest you damaged more than your head, I am sure you heard me just perfectly."
"As did I." Elrohir murmured as his eyes fluttered open, "Unfortunately." He added with a tired sigh.
Immediately the protector within Elladan stirred along with the need to smooth the troubles from their family. He clasped his twin's hand tightly.
"Aragorn woke you?" Elladan asked, smiling down at his brother, "I apologise on his behalf."
The ranger gaped at his brother, yet a smile lit his eyes. He was grateful for the breaking of the tension and the closure to the beginning of another argument.
"I am in your debt." Aragorn drawled as he glanced across at Elladan.
The elder twin spared him a grateful smile, ere he gazed down at his twin, searching the depths of those large, unfocused eyes.
Elrohir sighed and closed his eyes, unable to face staring at another blur that taunted him. As he did so, pain seemed to erupt behind his eyes and he winced. Elladan immediately leaned forward, as did Aragorn.
"Elrohir?"
The young elf groaned, "I do not feel so well." He admitted weakly.
Concern etched into every contour of Elladan's face as he touched his hands to either side of Elrohir's head. He could almost feel the pain of his twin. He hated the helplness….
"Just rest, I shall get father."
"Nay," Elrohir protested, "It shall pass."
"Elrohir."
"I should like to walk again, I am not crippled…and to my present knowledge it is only my vision that is damaged, not my legs."
Aragorn and Elladan exchanged concerned glances.
"That is true, brother." Elladan smiled, "I shall speak to father of it."
"Liar." Elrohir croaked.
Aragorn laughed and leant back in the chair, "We shall ask father, do not fear."
"Fear?" Elrohir scoffed, "I shall do it myself, if I must."
Elladan stared down at his brother, swallowing the knot in his throat. He had always marvelled at the determination in his twin and he gently gripped Elrohir's hand once again. Elrohir shook his head, wise enough to know he was being mollified and refusing to fall victim to it, he attempted to rise. Elladan touched a firm hand to his shoulder.
"Peace, Elrohir, we shall ask him now if it pleases you."
The twin nodded and Aragorn got to his feet without question, turning toward the door.
"I shall return, though I make no promises. I shall not put it past father to chain you to the bed if you attempt anything foolish."
Elrohir turned his head in Aragorn's general direction, squinting, though he managed a smile.
Aragorn shook his head with a smile as he walked down the large hallways, though soon it vanished from his face as he paused outside of Legolas' chamber.
He stared at the door for a long while and lifting his hand, he was about to knock but decided against it. He could not deal with another harsh rejection so soon and without a second thought, he turned away, deciding it a wise idea to collect pillows from his chamber. He would stay with Elrohir when night fell, to keep his brother company, though he had no doubt that Elladan would be by his side.
Opening the door to his room, he let his gaze slide across to the bed. The promise of sleep appeared far too appealing for him. He sighed wearily and trudged over, grabbing two pillows; one he stuffed under his arm.
Just as he turned toward the door, a flash of white caught his attention and he paused, turning toward the desk opposite the window. Stepping over, he frowned as he glared down at a folded sheet of paper.
Aragorn
His name written clearly on the front…he knew that handwriting….it was Legolas'.
Immediately, as if acting on impulse, he glanced around the chamber, expecting to see the archer. Of course, he was not surprised when all that hid in the dark corners were shadows. Hesitantly he stared at the sheet, ere he placed the pillow aside, reached out and gripped the paper, unfolding it.
What he read, caused his breath to catch.
You have never betrayed me, Estel.
The answer…the merciful answer to his question…
Legolas had granted him this. Yet...
Valar…this meant only one thing.
Aragorn dropped the sheet. Dropped the pillow….and ran for the door.
Sindarin Elvish Translations
Ha nâ ú lín dôr – It is not your place.
Innas le trenerilín adar? – Will you tell your father?
Havo dad Legolas – Sit down, Legolas
Navaer, mellon-nin – Farewell, my friend.
Saes – Please
Reviewers!: Again! Sorry for not giving much time for reviews to be left for last chapter!
IMTrinity - [grins] Hannon le, meldir! You and I both need to stop this strange desire for angst! [winks and polishes halo] As always, your review makes me smile and makes my day! Hannon le!!!
Wadeva - Thanks Wadeva! Glad to know you're enjoying the chapters as they come along! Hope you enjoyed this one!
Deana - LOL! Here is chapter 17 for you! Thanks so much for reviewing, Deana! Hope you're well!