Hi!
It´s been far too long - sorry to keep you "hanging" like that, but in two more weeks I´ll have time for regular updates again.
Thank you for your wonderful feedback - it´s so much appreciated!! Responses below, as usual.
A great big "Thank you!" to Sandra for her editing - and as always, thanks, Mor.
This chapter is focused on Aragorn and Legolas, but don´t worry, the rest of the gang will get plenty of action soon.
But now - enjoy and don´t forget to review ;-)
Alina
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Not mine
Obligations
A gentle breeze carried the aroma of wet leaves mixed with the austere smell of burning logs and the fresh scent of an early morning. Legolas felt at peace even though his eyes were firmly closed, reminding him that he had been severely injured. He allowed his other senses to paint the room around him and smiled at the light snores that told him Aragorn was sleeping close by. None of the elves the young prince had ever known produced this sort of sound when they were sleeping, yet he did not feel disturbed. On the contrary, the sound added to the atmosphere of security that had wrapped itself around him like an additional blanket, warming him more than even the softest bedding would.
Very slowly, Legolas opened his eyes. As he had expected, the day was only just beginning to stretch its grey wings, the first weak rays of light falling through the open windows to his left and down the room. Listening more intently, he made out the unmistakable munching of a horse enjoying an early snack. His smile widened when he realized that Faun had not left his vigil. He felt his heart lift at the knowledge that he was surrounded by friends who would go to their limits and beyond to keep him safe, and he knew that as long as their presence guarded him even the evil memories that still clouded his soul could not defeat him.
Unable to resist the urge to let Faun know that he was awake, Legolas whistled as softly as he could manage, and immediately the munching stopped. The elf could picture the grey head lifting, the sharp ears turning towards the sound and was rewarded by an equally soft neigh in greeting. There was unveiled excitement shining through the neigh, and Legolas vowed he would see his horse before the day was over, no matter how skilfully Aragorn would try to hold him back.
Remembering the second friend who had refused to leave his side, Legolas suddenly realized that he could not see Estel. The big chair that the young human usually occupied, when he felt the urge to hover, was empty. Frowning at the fact that he had missed this detail before, Legolas easily located Aragorn by the sound of his snores. Moving very carefully, the elf tried to roll onto his right side to glance next to the bed. However slight the change of position had been, it sent a sudden bolt of pain through his injured leg and he could not stifle a gasp of distress. His hands dug into the sheets as a wave of dizziness hit him.
As if on cue, a tousled dark head shot up from the floor next to the bed, not quite missing Legolas´ own that was bent over the side. With a surprised yelp the elf withdrew sharply, causing another spasm of torment to shoot through his body. He fell back onto his pillow and tried his best to control his ragged breathing.
"Oh by the Valar, Legolas, what do you think you are doing?" Aragorn exclaimed. There was a hint of drowsiness still mingled in the concern, taking the edge off of the words. Despite of the discomfort that abated with agonising slowness, Legolas pried his eyes open and tried to give his friend a reassuring smile. When he trusted his voice again, he explained sheepishly: "I was simply trying to see who was in the process of cutting down a forest in a woodelf´s sleeping chamber. I should have known it was you."
The jest fulfilled its purpose to bring a smile to the rangers lips, but Legolas detected a lingering sadness. "Do not worry so, Estel, I shall be fine. I have just vowed to myself that I will visit Faun today, and even though I know you will try to stop me, you may rest assured that I will reach my aim."
Aragorn chuckled. "It seems that your stubbornness has fully recovered already, my friend, and I am sure it will pull the rest of you along with it in no time." The ranger gazed down on his friend fondly, a protectiveness radiating from him that Legolas knew he would fight soon but that he chose to bathe in at the moment. He could detect the change in his friend´s eyes when they turned from a ranger´s to a healer´s and a cool hand was gently placed on his forehead, lingering shortly before tenderly passing the spot where their heads had collided. "Have I caused you any more pain, my friend? I should have been more careful." The young man did not even seem to realize that his other hand was still rubbing the red spot below his own hairline.
Legolas snorted in amusement. "I do not need you around to cause myself pain, a truth that I can hardly deny at the moment. Thank the Valar that they have gifted both of us with thick skulls." His face turned serious, and only true friends would still have detected the mirth that twinkled in the corners of his eyes. "Then again, if they had not, they would have been cruel indeed to ever let me meet you. Our friendship has caused my head more beatings then all the battles with orcs I had been involved in before."
Aragorn´s eyebrow shot up. "Are you telling me I am worse than an orc? Your head must be truly paining you, then. Let me explain your head troubles to you, mellon-nin. They are caused by the furious thinking my presence has forced you into. Only I have made you leave the well-trodden paths of elven thoughts, and I guess trying to keep up with my nimble human mind has caused your fragile soul quite some distress. I sincerely apologize."
Legolas was actually laughing now, his face finally gaining some color. Aragorn watched him with relief. The happiness, was, however, underlined by another, less uplifting emotion. It tried to break its way onto his features but failed. With a look at the still chuckling elf and a sigh the ranger rose from the bed. He stretched, moaning under his breath at the sore muscles in his back and noting the amused glances that his behaviour earned him.
"You could have slept in a bed", Legolas noted, "I would not have died from your comfort." Aragorn grinned back and waved his hand good-naturedly. "I was merely trying to serve as a pillow should you fall out of bed, and as our waking encounter shows it was a precaution all too necessary." Before the elf had the chance to counter the comment, Aragorn quickly continued. "And since I am forever concerned for your well-being, let me sneak down to the kitchens and get you some breakfast. Just try not to practise any battle moves while I am gone."
"I promise" Legolas vowed soberly and leaned back with a content sigh when the door clicked shut behind the human. He felt the warmth of laughter still spread through him. His body and soul were soaking up his happiness with an eager need that was almost frightening. Frowning, the elf wondered at his state of mind. He could remember the horrors of the past days vividly, yet their brutal force was cushioned by an equally strong sense of security. He briefly considered the possibility that he was merely suppressing his discomfort, but he could not feel himself doing so.
Deciding to take the blessings as they came, the prince acknowledged the returning need for rest and closed his eyes. Absent-mindedly he took in the sounds of the awakening household around him. There were swift footsteps travelling the halls, and horses neighing impatiently in the stables. He slightly startled at the sound, not sure why it troubled him, but before he could ponder this problem his mind took him down a different road.
He remembered Aragorn´s playful words, and their accuracy was only now beginning to dawn on him. Even though the human had said them in jest, they had touched upon the soul of their friendship. It had truly forced Legolas to abandon some long-held opinions and adapt himself to accompany a life that was far more dictated by time than his own. He could still remember the shock he had felt at the rate young Estel had grown. The fear he had felt at the thought of age.
The nightmares he had endured of an Estel that grew old and withered before his very eyes, the seasons changing rapidly around the two friends, even though the whirlwind of time had affected the human alone. Then the dreadful moment had come when the wind of change had gripped Aragorn, trying to pull him away from his elven friend. Legolas had held on as if his own existence had depended upon it, but he had lost the battle each and every time. Helplessly, he had been forced to watch as his friend had been swept away together with dry leaves and frail animal corpses, sucked into a malstroem of death that refused the immortal entry.
"Why the tears?" The gentle voice startled Legolas out of his thoughts. He felt dizzy and concluded that he must have fallen asleep for a short moment. Tears had left wet trails on his cheeks. Aragorn had placed a tray with food upon the small table beside the bed and now sat beside his friend, a concerned look on his face. "I left you smiling. What has caused this change of mood? Are you in pain?"
Legolas shook his head and was tempted to simply wave away the old concerns, but something in the ranger´s look made him reconsider. He could not say what it was, but he felt an urge to say the truth. "I simply pondered your words to me", the elf replied, " and even though I resent your comments on the stiff elven mind, I realized that there was a grain of truth to your exaggeration. Our friendship has indeed forced me to tread new paths, and not all of them have been easy to follow."
The human held his friend´s gaze for a heartbeat, then nodded with a smile. "Aye, I know what you mean. I heave felt it likewise, rest assured. It was rewarding, though." "It still is", Legolas corrected and was dismayed at the way Aragorn tensed. The easy happiness they had shared was cracking like a lake´s icy blanket melting in spring, and the elf felt dread rise within him at the thought of what might linger in the cold depths. He pushed himself up with Aragorn´s help and took the bowl of light soup he was handed without complaint.
The ranger helped himself to some fruit and they ate in silence. In the yard beneath the window, the sounds grew louder. The twins could be heard inquiring whether everything was ready. Their words sent a chill through Legolas´ heart and he set down the bowl still half-full. His arms had begun to quiver from the simple task of eating, but this was a small matter now. The ice that he had been standing on, feigning security, was groaning and creaking beneath him when he looked at the ranger. Aragorn was keeping his gaze down. He was wearing his travel clothes. Valar, how could he have missed that?! How could he have failed to see the implications?
He felt cold. As if icy water was beginning to pool around his feet.
Legolas dreaded the questions he was about to ask. He was terrified of the answers he would get, but there was no alternative. "Where, Aragorn?" He kept his eyes locked on his friend´s face, forcing him to look up. He could see his own fears mirrored in the much darker, much rougher features. A deep sigh tore itself from the depths of the ranger, but then he straightened and finally met the elf´s steady gaze.
"I am overjoyed at your recovery, mellon-nin, yet the evil that has harmed you still lurks just beyond the gates of Imladris. We cannot leave it unchallenged. I will join my family and ride out to face it at the lake." Aragorn held up a hand at the protests that threatened to spill from the elf´s lips. "Please, my friend, understand. I hate to leave you behind, but haste is called for now. The faster we meet our foe, the greater are our chances of defeating him. Father has sent Vilya´s power out to clear our path. If the Valar are merciful we shall soon meet again."
The ice water was rising. Legolas felt frozen, almost paralized by its deadly grip. He stared at Aragorn in disbelief. "You do not know what you are facing! You have not felt it twist your mind and rip out your soul. Please, Estel, do not go..." The thought of his friend being subjected to the pull of the song filled him with despair. As strong as the ranger was, he was human still and would never be able to last. Unbidden, the dream image of Aragorn being pulled away into the abyss of death shattered the boundaries of sleep and entered the waking world.
A battle between sadness and defiance raged in Aragorn´s stormy eyes, and it was defiance that won. He stood, leaning down to take Legolas´ face into his hands and touching their foreheads in a gesture of friendship and farewell. Legolas thought he could feel the hands that lingered on his skin grow cold, the breath that brushed his cheek grow still and he gripped Estel´s wrists, keeping him close.
"Altrevedo, nifred-nin o faer-nin deg nin." Don´t go, the fear for your soul is killing me.Legolas sensed a slight shudder run though Aragorn when he heard these words, as if the icy flood that was devouring the elf was taking hold of the human too, now. "Iston" I knowcame the whispered answer, "gwaeth-nin bauglo nin trevedi." My obligation makes me go.The man straightened, pulling away from his friend. "Gweston garo angoll. Gwesto sina ." I swear to act wisely. Promise me the same.
Their eyes locked, Legolas nodded slowly. Aragorn smiled, albeit tensely. "Then we shall meet again." With these words he left. Legolas hardly recognized Calen as he entered the room, for he was somewhere else. He was still struggling in the icy waters of fear, but Aragorn´s words had provided him with a plan. With an obligation of his own. He knew his path and he would need to find the strength to travel it. He would act wisely by following his heart.
In the yard, farewells were exchanged. Legolas noticed his name being said, but he was still beyond any ability to react. Numbly, he listened to Lord Elrond´s voice, no doubt giving final instructions. Then there was the sound of the heavy gate being pulled open, dragging slightly across the flat stones of the yard. Horses neighed, and Faun answered in distress. Then hoofbeats thundered away, seeming to fade even before the gate closed again, as if doom was already swallowing the riders. Five riders. Legolas felt his room grow even colder as those he considered family left him behind.
"No, Legolas, please reconsider!" Calen was still being stern, but there was a touch of a plea in his voice. This was a cause of wonder to the elves who passed the door to Legolas´ room and witnessed the scene. "You will have to drug me to stop me", the wounded elf replied stoically, "and something tells me that Lord Elrond has instructed you not to do so." He stared at the blond healer with a strength of will that stood in stark contrast to the obvious frailty of his body. The stress of the argument was beginning to show. He could feel sweat trickling down his back, and his wounded leg ached at the mere thought of what he planned to do. Yet he would not back down.
Calen threw up his hands in a mixture of anger and despair. He could see how Legolas was wearing himself out with this pointless quarrel. "You are quite right that I would not be happy to drug you, or else I would have done so long ago. Legolas, you are still too weak to move to the yard. Please see reason. I know that you long to see Faun but I swear to you your stallion has no intention of leaving you. He will be there, and if you quiet down now you may be strong enough to see him tomorrow."
Even while he was speaking, Calen realized how poorly disguised this last scheme of his was. It would not have worked on most elflings, and it certainly did not on the Prince of Mirkwood. Legolas snorted as if insulted by the healer´s simple move. "I will see him today, Calen. I have said so before and I will not reconsider. I have to see him. I have to feel his fur to make sure it is really him. He is the only one left." A shadow of sadness passed Calen´s face at the last remark, but he recovered quickly. "Moving downstairs would cause you more harm than drugging you, young prince! I would be most displeased to have to use this means to protect you from your own eagerness, but I will do what I must."
The two blond elves faced each other in tense silence, neither willing to back down. As if sensing the situation, Faun began to neigh and prance in the yard. "He is demanding to see me", Legolas noted. "Or warning you against your madness", Calen countered smoothly, "even though he has certainly shown his own wish to see you..."
The healer stopped when a thought crossed his mind. It was not the usual way of things, but neither was it of any harm - in contrast to Legolas´ mindless plan. After the departure of Lord Elrond, his sons and Glorfindel, Legolas had been so quiet Calen had feared that the prince had fallen into shock, but then the young elf had recovered and demanded to be taken to Faun. Naturally, the healer had declined and used anything in his power to distract the prince. Nothing had worked. He was sure Lord Elrond would understand.
"You cannot go down to the yard", Calen repeated, "but Faun´s legs are working fine. I will get him up here. If you try to rise one more time, however, I will drug you instead and face the consequences." Legolas blinked in surprise. This was a possibility he had not foreseen, and it was certainly not what he had wished for, but it was better than nothing. He was too worn out to continue this verbal battle.
Within moments after Calen had left, Legolas heard the clattering of hooves echo through the halls, accompanied by calls of surprise. He could hear Calen threatening Faun with something that involved wolves, but the only reaction that Legolas could make out was a loud clattering as if something fragile had been knocked over. The noise drew closer, the eager hooves picking up speed that closer they got before halting in front of the closed door. Legolas sat up straight, wishing for his gaze to be able to penetrate wood. Or push down handles.
After what seemed hours Calen´s steps approached at a maddeningly measured pace and the healer opened the door. The grey stallion pushed through the second he was allowed to. Knocking over a chair in the process, the stallion made his way to his master´s bed. The huge horse seemed to grow in the unusual environment, and suddenly all plans and plots were forgotten. To his own surprise, Legolas felt tears spring to his eyes.
Faun immediately halted, mere paces from his rider, and eyed him with concern. Very slowly, he lowered his head and gently nuzzled Legolas´ face. And the prince of Mirkwood, who had decided to meet his obligations without faltering, buried his head in the soft mane and cried, well aware of the second betrayal he would soon have to force upon the only true friend left by his side.
TBC
Review responses:
Ertia: Welcome back! Glad you are happy with Glorfy - and the updates will get more frequent again, I promise!!
Cricket: Hi there! Thank you - and I can assure you Legolas is happy to be awake, too. I wonder whether he will continue to do so in the next chapter... LOL
Tychen: Poor you! That´s so bad, I hope everything is fine now. And you are so correct about Legolas - he will do anything but stay put. In fact, he´ll move about quite a bit - poor him...
Beling: Thank you so much!! I´m so happy that you enjoy the way the characters interact - and Faun´s loyalty will be badly needed again soon :)
Alariel: In fact, Glorfindel did not use Vilya, Elrond did. But Glorfindel drew as much energy from it as he could - a smart choice, he´ll need all he has to give. You are quite correct that something has "fed" the demon - and your further guesses are quite good, too ;-) You are an expert-guesser!! Won´t say how close you get, though...
Amy: SmirkWhat a sight, you typing with your elbows... LOL!! Seriously, sorry to keep you waiting like that, but at least I try hard to keep the cliffies to a minimum until I know I can update quickly. And I sort of fell for Faun myself - would be very hard for me to kill him off, I hope I won´t have to. I hope there was enough Legolas in the chapter to make you happy...
White Wolf 1: You know our favourite woodelf quite well. Of course he would not stay put - even though getting out of Imladris will present him with some problems...
Elwen: Wow, thank you for your kind words!! I seriously hope I can meet your expectations with future chapters.
Veritas and Aequitas: Hi!! Rest assured, Elladan will do something useful. He has a real urge to be useful and defend his home - maybe even too much of an urge ;-)
Moralinde: Welcome! Hehehe, don´t worry about the cliffies too much, I won´t have them until the updates are very frequent. I know that they can be annoying - but they are fun, too, aren´t they? I´m happy I have you go back and re-read some stories - even though I tend to "fill in gaps" and also refer to things that are not to be found in Tolkien.
Gozilla: Actually, I don´t mind you chasing me (as long as there are no sharp objects in your hands...). The story itself is chasing me, too, and it has sharp teeth!!
Candidus-lupus-full Moon: I will!! :)
Deana: Thanks! And yes, Legolas is so NOT happy, but at least he has a plan (remember the one he had in your story? Sort of as dangerous as that, but also as noble...)
Someone Reading: Thank you!!! Your review made me smile through a tough day at work!!!
Estel Elven Enchantress: No, no ghostly Faun ;-) But there are still some sacrifices to face - not everybody will be as they were before the tale is done.
Night Shadow 131: Hehehe, Legolas DOES have a plan. And of course that does not include staying in bed. Even though he may soon wish he had stayed safely behind ;-)
THANK YOU ALL!!
It´s been far too long - sorry to keep you "hanging" like that, but in two more weeks I´ll have time for regular updates again.
Thank you for your wonderful feedback - it´s so much appreciated!! Responses below, as usual.
A great big "Thank you!" to Sandra for her editing - and as always, thanks, Mor.
This chapter is focused on Aragorn and Legolas, but don´t worry, the rest of the gang will get plenty of action soon.
But now - enjoy and don´t forget to review ;-)
Alina
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Not mine
Obligations
A gentle breeze carried the aroma of wet leaves mixed with the austere smell of burning logs and the fresh scent of an early morning. Legolas felt at peace even though his eyes were firmly closed, reminding him that he had been severely injured. He allowed his other senses to paint the room around him and smiled at the light snores that told him Aragorn was sleeping close by. None of the elves the young prince had ever known produced this sort of sound when they were sleeping, yet he did not feel disturbed. On the contrary, the sound added to the atmosphere of security that had wrapped itself around him like an additional blanket, warming him more than even the softest bedding would.
Very slowly, Legolas opened his eyes. As he had expected, the day was only just beginning to stretch its grey wings, the first weak rays of light falling through the open windows to his left and down the room. Listening more intently, he made out the unmistakable munching of a horse enjoying an early snack. His smile widened when he realized that Faun had not left his vigil. He felt his heart lift at the knowledge that he was surrounded by friends who would go to their limits and beyond to keep him safe, and he knew that as long as their presence guarded him even the evil memories that still clouded his soul could not defeat him.
Unable to resist the urge to let Faun know that he was awake, Legolas whistled as softly as he could manage, and immediately the munching stopped. The elf could picture the grey head lifting, the sharp ears turning towards the sound and was rewarded by an equally soft neigh in greeting. There was unveiled excitement shining through the neigh, and Legolas vowed he would see his horse before the day was over, no matter how skilfully Aragorn would try to hold him back.
Remembering the second friend who had refused to leave his side, Legolas suddenly realized that he could not see Estel. The big chair that the young human usually occupied, when he felt the urge to hover, was empty. Frowning at the fact that he had missed this detail before, Legolas easily located Aragorn by the sound of his snores. Moving very carefully, the elf tried to roll onto his right side to glance next to the bed. However slight the change of position had been, it sent a sudden bolt of pain through his injured leg and he could not stifle a gasp of distress. His hands dug into the sheets as a wave of dizziness hit him.
As if on cue, a tousled dark head shot up from the floor next to the bed, not quite missing Legolas´ own that was bent over the side. With a surprised yelp the elf withdrew sharply, causing another spasm of torment to shoot through his body. He fell back onto his pillow and tried his best to control his ragged breathing.
"Oh by the Valar, Legolas, what do you think you are doing?" Aragorn exclaimed. There was a hint of drowsiness still mingled in the concern, taking the edge off of the words. Despite of the discomfort that abated with agonising slowness, Legolas pried his eyes open and tried to give his friend a reassuring smile. When he trusted his voice again, he explained sheepishly: "I was simply trying to see who was in the process of cutting down a forest in a woodelf´s sleeping chamber. I should have known it was you."
The jest fulfilled its purpose to bring a smile to the rangers lips, but Legolas detected a lingering sadness. "Do not worry so, Estel, I shall be fine. I have just vowed to myself that I will visit Faun today, and even though I know you will try to stop me, you may rest assured that I will reach my aim."
Aragorn chuckled. "It seems that your stubbornness has fully recovered already, my friend, and I am sure it will pull the rest of you along with it in no time." The ranger gazed down on his friend fondly, a protectiveness radiating from him that Legolas knew he would fight soon but that he chose to bathe in at the moment. He could detect the change in his friend´s eyes when they turned from a ranger´s to a healer´s and a cool hand was gently placed on his forehead, lingering shortly before tenderly passing the spot where their heads had collided. "Have I caused you any more pain, my friend? I should have been more careful." The young man did not even seem to realize that his other hand was still rubbing the red spot below his own hairline.
Legolas snorted in amusement. "I do not need you around to cause myself pain, a truth that I can hardly deny at the moment. Thank the Valar that they have gifted both of us with thick skulls." His face turned serious, and only true friends would still have detected the mirth that twinkled in the corners of his eyes. "Then again, if they had not, they would have been cruel indeed to ever let me meet you. Our friendship has caused my head more beatings then all the battles with orcs I had been involved in before."
Aragorn´s eyebrow shot up. "Are you telling me I am worse than an orc? Your head must be truly paining you, then. Let me explain your head troubles to you, mellon-nin. They are caused by the furious thinking my presence has forced you into. Only I have made you leave the well-trodden paths of elven thoughts, and I guess trying to keep up with my nimble human mind has caused your fragile soul quite some distress. I sincerely apologize."
Legolas was actually laughing now, his face finally gaining some color. Aragorn watched him with relief. The happiness, was, however, underlined by another, less uplifting emotion. It tried to break its way onto his features but failed. With a look at the still chuckling elf and a sigh the ranger rose from the bed. He stretched, moaning under his breath at the sore muscles in his back and noting the amused glances that his behaviour earned him.
"You could have slept in a bed", Legolas noted, "I would not have died from your comfort." Aragorn grinned back and waved his hand good-naturedly. "I was merely trying to serve as a pillow should you fall out of bed, and as our waking encounter shows it was a precaution all too necessary." Before the elf had the chance to counter the comment, Aragorn quickly continued. "And since I am forever concerned for your well-being, let me sneak down to the kitchens and get you some breakfast. Just try not to practise any battle moves while I am gone."
"I promise" Legolas vowed soberly and leaned back with a content sigh when the door clicked shut behind the human. He felt the warmth of laughter still spread through him. His body and soul were soaking up his happiness with an eager need that was almost frightening. Frowning, the elf wondered at his state of mind. He could remember the horrors of the past days vividly, yet their brutal force was cushioned by an equally strong sense of security. He briefly considered the possibility that he was merely suppressing his discomfort, but he could not feel himself doing so.
Deciding to take the blessings as they came, the prince acknowledged the returning need for rest and closed his eyes. Absent-mindedly he took in the sounds of the awakening household around him. There were swift footsteps travelling the halls, and horses neighing impatiently in the stables. He slightly startled at the sound, not sure why it troubled him, but before he could ponder this problem his mind took him down a different road.
He remembered Aragorn´s playful words, and their accuracy was only now beginning to dawn on him. Even though the human had said them in jest, they had touched upon the soul of their friendship. It had truly forced Legolas to abandon some long-held opinions and adapt himself to accompany a life that was far more dictated by time than his own. He could still remember the shock he had felt at the rate young Estel had grown. The fear he had felt at the thought of age.
The nightmares he had endured of an Estel that grew old and withered before his very eyes, the seasons changing rapidly around the two friends, even though the whirlwind of time had affected the human alone. Then the dreadful moment had come when the wind of change had gripped Aragorn, trying to pull him away from his elven friend. Legolas had held on as if his own existence had depended upon it, but he had lost the battle each and every time. Helplessly, he had been forced to watch as his friend had been swept away together with dry leaves and frail animal corpses, sucked into a malstroem of death that refused the immortal entry.
"Why the tears?" The gentle voice startled Legolas out of his thoughts. He felt dizzy and concluded that he must have fallen asleep for a short moment. Tears had left wet trails on his cheeks. Aragorn had placed a tray with food upon the small table beside the bed and now sat beside his friend, a concerned look on his face. "I left you smiling. What has caused this change of mood? Are you in pain?"
Legolas shook his head and was tempted to simply wave away the old concerns, but something in the ranger´s look made him reconsider. He could not say what it was, but he felt an urge to say the truth. "I simply pondered your words to me", the elf replied, " and even though I resent your comments on the stiff elven mind, I realized that there was a grain of truth to your exaggeration. Our friendship has indeed forced me to tread new paths, and not all of them have been easy to follow."
The human held his friend´s gaze for a heartbeat, then nodded with a smile. "Aye, I know what you mean. I heave felt it likewise, rest assured. It was rewarding, though." "It still is", Legolas corrected and was dismayed at the way Aragorn tensed. The easy happiness they had shared was cracking like a lake´s icy blanket melting in spring, and the elf felt dread rise within him at the thought of what might linger in the cold depths. He pushed himself up with Aragorn´s help and took the bowl of light soup he was handed without complaint.
The ranger helped himself to some fruit and they ate in silence. In the yard beneath the window, the sounds grew louder. The twins could be heard inquiring whether everything was ready. Their words sent a chill through Legolas´ heart and he set down the bowl still half-full. His arms had begun to quiver from the simple task of eating, but this was a small matter now. The ice that he had been standing on, feigning security, was groaning and creaking beneath him when he looked at the ranger. Aragorn was keeping his gaze down. He was wearing his travel clothes. Valar, how could he have missed that?! How could he have failed to see the implications?
He felt cold. As if icy water was beginning to pool around his feet.
Legolas dreaded the questions he was about to ask. He was terrified of the answers he would get, but there was no alternative. "Where, Aragorn?" He kept his eyes locked on his friend´s face, forcing him to look up. He could see his own fears mirrored in the much darker, much rougher features. A deep sigh tore itself from the depths of the ranger, but then he straightened and finally met the elf´s steady gaze.
"I am overjoyed at your recovery, mellon-nin, yet the evil that has harmed you still lurks just beyond the gates of Imladris. We cannot leave it unchallenged. I will join my family and ride out to face it at the lake." Aragorn held up a hand at the protests that threatened to spill from the elf´s lips. "Please, my friend, understand. I hate to leave you behind, but haste is called for now. The faster we meet our foe, the greater are our chances of defeating him. Father has sent Vilya´s power out to clear our path. If the Valar are merciful we shall soon meet again."
The ice water was rising. Legolas felt frozen, almost paralized by its deadly grip. He stared at Aragorn in disbelief. "You do not know what you are facing! You have not felt it twist your mind and rip out your soul. Please, Estel, do not go..." The thought of his friend being subjected to the pull of the song filled him with despair. As strong as the ranger was, he was human still and would never be able to last. Unbidden, the dream image of Aragorn being pulled away into the abyss of death shattered the boundaries of sleep and entered the waking world.
A battle between sadness and defiance raged in Aragorn´s stormy eyes, and it was defiance that won. He stood, leaning down to take Legolas´ face into his hands and touching their foreheads in a gesture of friendship and farewell. Legolas thought he could feel the hands that lingered on his skin grow cold, the breath that brushed his cheek grow still and he gripped Estel´s wrists, keeping him close.
"Altrevedo, nifred-nin o faer-nin deg nin." Don´t go, the fear for your soul is killing me.Legolas sensed a slight shudder run though Aragorn when he heard these words, as if the icy flood that was devouring the elf was taking hold of the human too, now. "Iston" I knowcame the whispered answer, "gwaeth-nin bauglo nin trevedi." My obligation makes me go.The man straightened, pulling away from his friend. "Gweston garo angoll. Gwesto sina ." I swear to act wisely. Promise me the same.
Their eyes locked, Legolas nodded slowly. Aragorn smiled, albeit tensely. "Then we shall meet again." With these words he left. Legolas hardly recognized Calen as he entered the room, for he was somewhere else. He was still struggling in the icy waters of fear, but Aragorn´s words had provided him with a plan. With an obligation of his own. He knew his path and he would need to find the strength to travel it. He would act wisely by following his heart.
In the yard, farewells were exchanged. Legolas noticed his name being said, but he was still beyond any ability to react. Numbly, he listened to Lord Elrond´s voice, no doubt giving final instructions. Then there was the sound of the heavy gate being pulled open, dragging slightly across the flat stones of the yard. Horses neighed, and Faun answered in distress. Then hoofbeats thundered away, seeming to fade even before the gate closed again, as if doom was already swallowing the riders. Five riders. Legolas felt his room grow even colder as those he considered family left him behind.
"No, Legolas, please reconsider!" Calen was still being stern, but there was a touch of a plea in his voice. This was a cause of wonder to the elves who passed the door to Legolas´ room and witnessed the scene. "You will have to drug me to stop me", the wounded elf replied stoically, "and something tells me that Lord Elrond has instructed you not to do so." He stared at the blond healer with a strength of will that stood in stark contrast to the obvious frailty of his body. The stress of the argument was beginning to show. He could feel sweat trickling down his back, and his wounded leg ached at the mere thought of what he planned to do. Yet he would not back down.
Calen threw up his hands in a mixture of anger and despair. He could see how Legolas was wearing himself out with this pointless quarrel. "You are quite right that I would not be happy to drug you, or else I would have done so long ago. Legolas, you are still too weak to move to the yard. Please see reason. I know that you long to see Faun but I swear to you your stallion has no intention of leaving you. He will be there, and if you quiet down now you may be strong enough to see him tomorrow."
Even while he was speaking, Calen realized how poorly disguised this last scheme of his was. It would not have worked on most elflings, and it certainly did not on the Prince of Mirkwood. Legolas snorted as if insulted by the healer´s simple move. "I will see him today, Calen. I have said so before and I will not reconsider. I have to see him. I have to feel his fur to make sure it is really him. He is the only one left." A shadow of sadness passed Calen´s face at the last remark, but he recovered quickly. "Moving downstairs would cause you more harm than drugging you, young prince! I would be most displeased to have to use this means to protect you from your own eagerness, but I will do what I must."
The two blond elves faced each other in tense silence, neither willing to back down. As if sensing the situation, Faun began to neigh and prance in the yard. "He is demanding to see me", Legolas noted. "Or warning you against your madness", Calen countered smoothly, "even though he has certainly shown his own wish to see you..."
The healer stopped when a thought crossed his mind. It was not the usual way of things, but neither was it of any harm - in contrast to Legolas´ mindless plan. After the departure of Lord Elrond, his sons and Glorfindel, Legolas had been so quiet Calen had feared that the prince had fallen into shock, but then the young elf had recovered and demanded to be taken to Faun. Naturally, the healer had declined and used anything in his power to distract the prince. Nothing had worked. He was sure Lord Elrond would understand.
"You cannot go down to the yard", Calen repeated, "but Faun´s legs are working fine. I will get him up here. If you try to rise one more time, however, I will drug you instead and face the consequences." Legolas blinked in surprise. This was a possibility he had not foreseen, and it was certainly not what he had wished for, but it was better than nothing. He was too worn out to continue this verbal battle.
Within moments after Calen had left, Legolas heard the clattering of hooves echo through the halls, accompanied by calls of surprise. He could hear Calen threatening Faun with something that involved wolves, but the only reaction that Legolas could make out was a loud clattering as if something fragile had been knocked over. The noise drew closer, the eager hooves picking up speed that closer they got before halting in front of the closed door. Legolas sat up straight, wishing for his gaze to be able to penetrate wood. Or push down handles.
After what seemed hours Calen´s steps approached at a maddeningly measured pace and the healer opened the door. The grey stallion pushed through the second he was allowed to. Knocking over a chair in the process, the stallion made his way to his master´s bed. The huge horse seemed to grow in the unusual environment, and suddenly all plans and plots were forgotten. To his own surprise, Legolas felt tears spring to his eyes.
Faun immediately halted, mere paces from his rider, and eyed him with concern. Very slowly, he lowered his head and gently nuzzled Legolas´ face. And the prince of Mirkwood, who had decided to meet his obligations without faltering, buried his head in the soft mane and cried, well aware of the second betrayal he would soon have to force upon the only true friend left by his side.
TBC
Review responses:
Ertia: Welcome back! Glad you are happy with Glorfy - and the updates will get more frequent again, I promise!!
Cricket: Hi there! Thank you - and I can assure you Legolas is happy to be awake, too. I wonder whether he will continue to do so in the next chapter... LOL
Tychen: Poor you! That´s so bad, I hope everything is fine now. And you are so correct about Legolas - he will do anything but stay put. In fact, he´ll move about quite a bit - poor him...
Beling: Thank you so much!! I´m so happy that you enjoy the way the characters interact - and Faun´s loyalty will be badly needed again soon :)
Alariel: In fact, Glorfindel did not use Vilya, Elrond did. But Glorfindel drew as much energy from it as he could - a smart choice, he´ll need all he has to give. You are quite correct that something has "fed" the demon - and your further guesses are quite good, too ;-) You are an expert-guesser!! Won´t say how close you get, though...
Amy: SmirkWhat a sight, you typing with your elbows... LOL!! Seriously, sorry to keep you waiting like that, but at least I try hard to keep the cliffies to a minimum until I know I can update quickly. And I sort of fell for Faun myself - would be very hard for me to kill him off, I hope I won´t have to. I hope there was enough Legolas in the chapter to make you happy...
White Wolf 1: You know our favourite woodelf quite well. Of course he would not stay put - even though getting out of Imladris will present him with some problems...
Elwen: Wow, thank you for your kind words!! I seriously hope I can meet your expectations with future chapters.
Veritas and Aequitas: Hi!! Rest assured, Elladan will do something useful. He has a real urge to be useful and defend his home - maybe even too much of an urge ;-)
Moralinde: Welcome! Hehehe, don´t worry about the cliffies too much, I won´t have them until the updates are very frequent. I know that they can be annoying - but they are fun, too, aren´t they? I´m happy I have you go back and re-read some stories - even though I tend to "fill in gaps" and also refer to things that are not to be found in Tolkien.
Gozilla: Actually, I don´t mind you chasing me (as long as there are no sharp objects in your hands...). The story itself is chasing me, too, and it has sharp teeth!!
Candidus-lupus-full Moon: I will!! :)
Deana: Thanks! And yes, Legolas is so NOT happy, but at least he has a plan (remember the one he had in your story? Sort of as dangerous as that, but also as noble...)
Someone Reading: Thank you!!! Your review made me smile through a tough day at work!!!
Estel Elven Enchantress: No, no ghostly Faun ;-) But there are still some sacrifices to face - not everybody will be as they were before the tale is done.
Night Shadow 131: Hehehe, Legolas DOES have a plan. And of course that does not include staying in bed. Even though he may soon wish he had stayed safely behind ;-)
THANK YOU ALL!!