Hi guys, Lady Nierwen, of course, here again to give you an update. Thanks for your reviews, and I apologise for the lateness of the update. I would like to thank Shadowfaxgal7 for putting Death and glory in her author alerts. Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!
Anywho, sorry for any mistakes, I'm trying to write this update with half a Swiss roll in my hand and keeping an eye on the time, while my sausages burn rapidly. It says on the packet well done. They will be well done at this rate!! But oh well, it is just material as the saying goes, if that is even a saying. You know, I think… shut up milady, Oakey dokey will do.
Here are my reviewer responses:
Shadowfaxgal7: Thank you thank you thank you etc for putting me on author alert!!! You're thirteen too? Well I have to say I am glad to know someone who understands. Am I brilliant? Really? You flatter me too much!! I hope you don't get teary, you might short out your keyboard and then you will not be able to write anymore, which will make me teary, which will mean that I will short out my keyboard, and not be able to write anymore and then… wait a minute, I'm confused!! Thanks for reviewing, shadowfaxgal; I will read your work as soon as this gets written!! P.S I have something in the works, thanks for your idea/question, I will think of a way to tie it in.
Alexandra: Thanks for reviewing again, Alex. Faithful reviewers. Wow! Anyway, I think that that was my favourite part of the story so far as well. Thanks again for reviewing.
Neoinean: Wow! That was a long review! Thanks! I will explain more about why Eldarion disliked legolas somewhat before he made up with him last chapter, later in the story. I think it will be good as a flashback or memory. What do you think? My friend is very annoying at times, if you can call her a friend. My mum is not too sure about her either. She likes to write, and her view on writing is that if you like it, do it, but if this really was her view, why is she critical of my stuff? I am probably boring you so stiff right now, that you probably have rigamortis! She, I suppose writes because she knows that J.K Rowling made herself rich and famous because of the work she has done. She wants that too. She is judgemental, a homophobe, and racist, but I stand by her. I don't know why. What hits me especially hard, is that I have recently had some trouble with racism, because of my religion, and she says that the bully was not doing anything, but the reality is, she does not understand. (This is just my moaning, fell free to ignore every word I have written.)
There, try that for size!! P.s I will definitely read some more of your things. You are very talented. Thanks.
Hehe! Thanks for your reviews; you have definitely kept me busy. Thanks to shadowfaxgal for adding me to author alerts, and maybe I should stop warbling and give you the chapter but I don't think so. Anyway, the boring legal bit is coming; you can't miss that now can you?
Disclaimer: Alas, woe is me; I own nothing on paper, but in my dreams, lies a Lord of the rings heaven!!
Warnings: If you don't know by now, where have you been?!
Summary: Same as always.
Rating: G- suitable for all. ( I just felt obligated to say that, not quite sure why)
Glad that's over, phew!!! Anywho, this chapter was hard to write, because…well… because it was, but here it is, chapter 7 of Death and Glory.
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Chapter 7: Symbelmyne
Since receiving Estel the stallion, form Legolas, Aragorn had refused to lie in bed all day, save only for when he was sleeping. The king insisted that he must be allowed to sit outside and see his new beloved horse, but in his heart, there was another reason.
Legolas grew tired. Tired of stone, tired of the castle, tired of closed spaces. He spent long hours with Aragorn staring out of the window or standing on the balcony, just listening to the birds, feeling the wind beneath his hair, and smelling the flowers and the trees that he loved so dearly. It was hard for legolas to remain inside, and Aragorn knew that the stubborn elf would not leave his side, hard as he tried to force Legolas, so decided on a compromise. One where Legolas was all too happy to oblige.
After standing in the stables, the two friends would settle themselves under an oak tree in the gardens. It was a wonder to Aragorn, how legolas reacted to the fresh air, after being cooped up in the palace to long. The elf would sometimes leave the king, though admittedly this was not often and leap through the branches, as gracefully as always. Aragorn would be happy to hear the sound of his friend's voice as the elf sang in the branches, bringing forth more tears form the king.
The king only now had noticed what he took for granted. The outdoors had never seemed so beautiful, than when he spent his outdoors time with Legolas. Legolas had something about him, which made everyone enjoy what they were doing. However, Aragorn had given up trying to work out what it was. Elves were mysterious creatures and Aragorn had learned to accept that from his time in Rivendell as a boy. But Legolas was different somehow.
Many people would have been astounded, had they learned that a ranger was amazed at the outdoor world, but for Aragorn, having lived the experience for many years, knew that rangers who wandered the wilderness, did not see much of the beauty of middle-earth, and it was a great gift to see its beauty when they travelled.
Presently, Aragorn sat thinking under the tree, whilst Legolas sat in it's branches, singing quietly to himself. The king however had not noticed the voice that so often captured the old king's heart. In his wrinkled and withered hands, he held a single flower. One of the simbelmyne of Rohan. Aragorn had received many simblemyne seeds as a gift from the late king Eomer of Rohan, who had passed on many years ago. Aragorn sighed at the memory. Eomer had been a good man, as had his uncle, king Théoden, who died in battle in the battle of the Pelennor fields. He died as a warrior, and Aragorn was grateful for his sacrifices.
The elf friend twirled his simbelmyne flower absently between the fingers, letting the petals gently stroke his hand. The touch reminded him of Arwen. His heart ached for Arwen. True, she had not gone anywhere, nor permanently left his side, but the king wanted to see the Arwen he had fallen in love with all those years ago. Admittedly, she had not changed much, but her spirit lacked something now. It lacked warmth and happiness. It was empty and hollow.
Sighing deeply, Aragorn looked up through the branches and saw a leg clad in green, draping form the nearest one.
"Legolas, come down." Called the king.
He came. Swooping elegantly from one branch to another and landing smartly on his feet. Aragorn marvelled at the skill the elf possessed, but knew that for his friend, it was no great feat.
Walking to the king quickly, a look of concern twisted the young elf's features.
He knelt down next to the king's side and hurriedly looked him over. Aragorn could see the elf was tense and cursed himself for worrying the elf so.
"Aragorn, what is it, are you well? Do you need…"
"Peace, Legolas" cried the human quickly, waving the elf down. The elf withdrew slowly. He did not look concerned anymore, but he was still tense.
"Relax Legolas" soothed the king quietly, and the elf visibly relaxed.
"What is it, Aragorn?" asked the elf softly, looking at the king carefully.
"I wished only to speak with you, though I have undoubtedly caused you concern. I am sorry" said the king quickly, wanting to get it over with. He was apologising to the elf, only because he still seemed somewhat startled, usually, he would have laughed, but he was not in a jesting mood this morning.
"Worry not, mellon-nin, I am well" said the elf, laughter was evident in his voice.
Aragorn regarded the elf for a moment, before directing his gaze downwards to the flower in his hand. The simblemyne was beautiful. It's white petals fluttered in the breeze and the pure whiteness of the petals reflected the colour of the moon. It was a flower that anyone could easily sit and gaze at for a time.
Slowly, he brought it to his face, and smelled the scent of the flower, inhaling the beauty of the precious form. He closed his eyes and allowed the scent to engulf him before turning back to Legolas at his side.
"The beauty of the symbelmyne never fades" stated the king simply, gazing at his friend, who turned his attention to the flower in Aragorn's hand.
"Nay, it does not. It is so pure, the purest of all flowers. Pure beauty" replied the prince, who was enthralled in the pretty form of the flower.
"Yes" replied the king. There was something else. Legolas noticed it, but did not press his friend to tell him, because he knew he would in time.
"Ah! They are enthralling are they not?" asked the king. After receiving a nod from the elf, he continued.
"They remind me of Arwen. Her beauty will never fade. Sometimes I wonder, where I would be if she had not been there. She means too much to me. The thought of losing her, is unbearable."
Legolas was grieved by his friend's words. He had not realised, or paid any notice to the way that Arwen's grief affected the king. Now he knew that as long as Arwen was unhappy, so the king would be in his heart.
"I will loose her though, will I not? When I pass, she will also. I have killed her Legolas" said the king. It astonished Legolas to hear so much grief in hs friend's voice, and see it in the eyes of the king. Legolas reached forwards, and brushed away the tears that spilled down the king's old cheek as he cried softly.
"This was her choice. You have not killed Arwen, Aragorn. She loves you, and even when she is gone from your sight in this world, you will meet again in death. You will be happy together. Do not grieve for her, my friend, she does not go from you, do you not see? She follows you." Whispered the elf reassuringly.
"I do not want to see her follow me. I do not want her to taste the cruel, bitter taste of mortality. I do not want to see her in death. I cannot carry on, knowing what will happen to her. I cannot." Whispered the king as he began to weep in front of the elf. It struck Legolas's heart as a physical blow would, to see his friend weep.
"Estel, she cannot and will not change her mind. Your grief will turn to joy when she returns to your sight. She will follow you, and she will be happy. Arwen does not deserve to live with her grief when you pass on. She does not deserve to taste that bitterness. That is why following you will bring her happiness. And you in time." Whispered the elf, pulling the mortal into his embrace and holding him tight as the king wept on his shoulder.
"Hannon Le" whispered the king into Legolas' shoulder as they held each other, Legolas would not let his friend go, nor let him fall.
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Well, that is chappie seven. Did ya like?
Reviews: Need I ask?
Spelling/grammar mistakes: Please. Especially here, because I have an inkling, that Simbelmyne may be spelt wrong.
Ideas: Yes please.
Flamers: If you must. I do not relish insults however, and any that come, shall be ignored. Constructive criticism is better.
I will leave you all here; I hope you enjoyed this chapter, as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Namarie,
Lady Nierwen
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