Final-fatasy-20- Thank you so much, I love your story too! Even though it will be a while before you see this, I just wanted to thank you so much for reviewing chapter one! Thanks!
Wicked-Fire-Archer- Do you mean that you hope it won't take as long to read, or as long for me to post? I am really sorry that I always take so long to submit a new chapter, can you forgive me? But I like to write long chapters to make up for the delay.
A mary-sue is a story where often, in the case of Lord of the Rings, a girl who from Earth suddenly appears in Middle Earth. It can also be an elf or woman already living in ME. But they are almost always unbelievably pretty and characters like Legolas or Aragorn instantly fall in love with them. Some actually have character development and aren't perfect or beautiful, but a lot are. The stereotype is that a mary-sure is a girl that marries/goes out with a character and usually sounds quite fake. Some writers make up miserable pasts for their mary-sues so that people will pity her, but it rarely works. So, not all are bad, but many people avoid reading them. I hope that answers your question, I'm not much of a teacher.
As for a beta, it's basically just an editor. Often times they are a fellow author on , and you send your finished chapter to them and they make corrections and suggestions for you before you post. It is very helpful, as even the best writers make mistakes. Are you thinking about writing a fanfiction? I'd love to help you if you are. And thanks for the review!
A lurker- Yay, I got a lurker to review! Thank you so much! I used to be a lurker too, but it's so much more fun to write stories. Thanks so much for the compliments! LOL, you actually love my cliffhangers? I think you're the first one! And character death? Wow! Just keep reading…
Dstrbd Child- How can I stop there? Easily, LOL! I'm sorry, but I love writing cliffhangers. I hope you'll enjoy this chapter too! Thanks for reviewing!
A (reallyreallyreally) Big Fan- (Blushblush) I have a fan? Wow, thank you so much! It means a lot to me to know that people enjoy reading my stories. I love to write little Estel and Legolas stories and I can assure you that I will never write slash. Of course I'll keep writing, I adore fanfiction! Especially with great people like you to encourage me! Thanks!
Kathleen LaCorneille- Yes, (is ashamed), I know that it's cruel. I can be very cruel in my stories, and I'm really sorry. And sorry in advance for the evil cliffhanger in this chapter! You'll find out what happened to Estel in this chapter, but the adorable twins…well, I can't give it away now, can I? And no Elrond in this chapter either, sorry. Yes, I agree that my newer chapters are much better than my first ones, but then there is always so much pressure to keep getting better. I hope chapter 23 will be good enough for you! Thank you so much!
HorseLvr719- Hehehe, hyperness is great! And I'm proud of my horrible cliffhangers, LOL! I hope you will like this chapter and thank you so much for the review!
Warrior Elf- Thanks for reviewing, and I'm so sorry! Forgive me? I can't help it, I have an incurable addiction to writing cliffhangers! But hey, you write the twins just as well as me!!! I love your stories! Don't doubt your work, it's brilliant! I can't wait to read more from you! And, um, sorry, but I think you can guess what will be at the end of this chapter. It starts with a C, then an L and an I…
Lady Nierwen- Of course I remember you, mellon nin! Wow, you read all twenty two chapters? I'm flattered! Thank you soooo much! And yes, I love the twins so much! I bought a statue with identical dragons at the art fair yesterday because it reminded me of Elladan and Elrohir, LOL! But sorry that I can't tell you when I'll update, I honestly don't know. Whenever I finish writing it, usually. And if I told you if they will be alright or not, I'd ruin the ending! I look forward to reading the poem by Abhorson, thanks for telling me about it. Thanks again for reviewing!!
galadriel evenstar- Yes, poor Estel, I feel so guilty hurting him. You'll find out what happened to him at the end of this chapter, though. And thanks for not killing me! And thanks so much for reviewing!
Joslin- Yep, my first chapter where I horribly hurt all four of them! Usually it's just one or two of them! And just keep reading to see if they're okay… Thank you so much for the flattering review, and of course I'll continue the story!
Elenlor Edhelen- I'm a creature of pure evil? (bows) Why, thank you! LOL! Who couldn't love the twins? They're the best characters! But of course, that means that we torture them in writing, poor elves. Fix them? Um…for some reason I have a feeling that you'll be upset after reading this chapter…but thanks for reviewing anyway!
Hp-Azn- You have orcs in your basement? Whoa, awesome, I want some! Hehehe. But please don't let them loose on me yet, or you'll never get the last two chapters! Thanks for reviewing and I, um…hope you are too angry about this upcoming cliffhanger…
ringmarciel- OMG, you are one of my favorite authors! Thank you so much for reviewing! I agree totally that my newer chapters are better than the older ones, I'm learning a lot by writing fanfiction every single day! And I guess the character's chances at lasting to the end of the story are pretty slim, huh? I hope you keep reading and I'm eager to see what you think of future chapters. Once again, thank you so much!
Arayelle Lynn- Yep yep, (nods profusely), blame Leri! I swear, it's all his fault! Yeah, I'm a bad liar aren't I? And that's a very good point that someone else should have been sent to protect the four. Since it's too late into the plot to change it, let's just assume that Elrond either forgot in his hurry or wanted all the soldiers present to fight the orcs. But thanks for pointing that out! I hate making careless mistakes but I appreciate knowing when I have done them, LOL! Thanks for the review! Oh no, run Leri! I need you for this chapter, you can't be caught!
Kelly Kragen- Actually, I can kill Elladan, but you'll just have to keep reading if you want to know if I actually do. And Elrohir's not doing so well either. Same with Estel, just keep reading. You'll find out in this chapter why he got off his horse. And I'm so glad that you understand Lerienion's self conflict, that he's only doing it for his brother. You will find out very soon what will happen to him! You're dying or suspense? Well, I sure hope you can last two more chapters! Thanks so much for the review!
Gozilla- Thank you, thank you, thank you! I don't know if two weeks is 'soon', but it was the best I could do. Hope you like it!
DeepBlueSomething- Yay, another person who likes the twins the best! Thanks so much for reviewing, I totally understand how it is to be reading a story but never getting around to submitting a review. I really appreciate the encouragement! I hope you like this chapter and thanks again for taking the time to review!
Freddy'sGirl01- (waves frantically) Hi mellon nin! I went to Ashley's house, and was naughty…I had some Mountain Dew! Hehehe, so much for cutting down on caffeine! Oh, oh, and I bought this wicked awesome statue of twin dragons that you have to come over and see! But it's so sad that we will not talk to each other for two whole weeks! Though, there is the day that I come back from camp that you're still home, and I can still drop off my School of Rock DVD at your house for you to take on your vacation. Also, it's the same day as the Village comes out, do you want to see it with me? And short reviews are fine, I'm just glad you like reading my story! You need some tips on angst? I'd love to help you, just call or IM me sometime so I don't take up any more room in this response, LOL. You just really want to get into the character's feelings and portray what they're going through. So, not 'he was sad,' but 'he felt like all the joy in his life had been sucked from his soul and he'd never be complete again. Living life was nothing but a horrible nightmare…' and blah blah blah. I could write angst for hours, but I'm really not a depressed kinda person, am I? So, I'll TTYL! Thanks again for reviewing! Keep up your awesome story!
Arienis- Maybe they'll die, maybe they won't… Just keep reading to see what will happen to them. I hope you like this chapter! Thanks so much for the review!
Lirenel- They probably should, but will they? Sorry that this is kinda late, but I hope you like it anyway. Thanks for reviewing!
Beling- Yay, I'm so glad you liked it! I love when people say what lines they enjoyed! I love writing the twins, and love that you like it too! You're a twin? Oh, and believe me mellon nin, I am writing as fast as I can. I need to be at camp in three hours!! But thanks for reviewing!
FMHB- Thank you so much for the great review! I am so glad that you think it doesn't get boring, I really strive to keep up the excitement! I hope you like this chapter too!
Zammy- Thank you so much for being so kind and polite in saying 'please' instead of death threats, LOL. I am sorry that this isn't exactly soon, but I really hope you like it anyway. Thanks for the review!
Legolas-Aragorn-r-hot- Aw,Chelsea sad?Chelsea talks in third person, too! But Shadowfaxgal is still Chelsea's friend and really appreciates all the times she reviewed. Shadowfaxgal cannot, however, promise that she won't kill anyone. Chelsea knows how much Shadowfaxgal likes to write angst. Shadowfaxgal hopes Chelsea doesn't kill her at camp after reading this chapter…
Shauna- Oh, that's fine! I never go on vacation, you're so lucky! My genius mind? (blushblushblushblush) Wow, thank you so much! I hope you like this chapter too when you get around to reading it and sorry for the short response, I have to get to camp! And thanks a lot for the review!
jacquelinestel- Yay, a review from one of my favorite authors! Thanks so much! And lots more pain for the characters coming up…I hope you like it!
kurafoxgirl- Thank you soo much for reviewing! I totally understand reading a story but not reviewing, I do the same thing with my busy life. But I so appreciate you taking the time to comment! Though no, the orcs aren't really connected to the assassin. I know it's pretty confusing and I apologize, I often times I have something that doesn't make sense until the end of the story. It will make more sense in this chapter though. I hope you like it! And thanks again for reviewing!
melcrazybabe- Sorry for the suspense, but I thrive on writing cliffhangers. You'll find out what happens next in this chapter…but with another cliffhanger. Sorry! But thanks so much for reviewing and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Mornflower- I am so sorry! You have no idea how much I wanted to post in time for you! But honestly, this wasn't even written until yesterday. I'm not a person who writes a whole story and then posts one chapter at a time. I'm a person who gets an idea and posts it, and then is stressed out to write more quickly! But I hope you have fun at camp, I'm going to one my first time today, and thanks so much for reviewing!
Rae132- Well, gees, when you make a list like that it just makes me look mean, doesn't it? LOL! Sorry, I just love cliffhangers. And you'll find out what happened to Legolas in his past in this chapter. I hope you like it and thanks so much for reviewing!
butterfly-elf- I'm sorry! Can you forgive me, I never meant to make you cry! But thanks so much for reviewing and I hope you also like this chapter!
ThePastIsPrologue- THANK YOU! I do that too, read a story but never get around to reviewing. But thank you sooo much for taking your time to leave a review, it means so much to me. And I'm so glad that you liked the line about Estel's thoughts. I love Aragorn and Legolas friendship so much! I hope so much that you will also like this chapter! And thanks again for reviewing!
Linuvial Greenleaf- Thank you so much, mellon nin, for reviewing! I always love to hear what you think of my stories! But I sure hope my cliffies don't kill you, I need to read more of your work! You can't die! But in your review, it said nothing about that you cared about what happened to the twins. (winkgrinwink) So look what I did…
Chapter 23: A Horrible Mistake
Elladan watched nervously as his brother ran for the dense trees and, hopefully, safety. He knew how hard it was for Elrohir to leave him to the advancing foes, they always stayed together.
Weakly, his head still pounding painfully and his back stinging, he drew the elven sword from the sheath at his waist. He held it defensively, arms bent and eyes narrowed, his breaths quickening in fear. He was a warrior, he couldn't count how many orcs he had slain in his life, but there was always a chance.
A chance that you could make a wrong move or miss your attacker by a few inches. One mistake could cost you your life.
He whispered a silent prayer to the Valar before racing forward and slashing, his sword connecting with a sickening crunch into a beast's head.
He stepped back and swung the blade violently to the side, hitting two more oncoming attackers. As he pivoted quickly, his sword slicing anyone who came within the small circle, dizziness washed over him and his vision clouded. His head felt as if it had been hit again with a club, though it hadn't.
The elder twin stumbled and stopped spinning, holding his blade low and panting weakly. Just as he thought he had the pain under control, he fell to his knees involuntarily.
He cried out weakly as his heart felt like it had been jerked forward sharply. He could feel rivulets of blood running down his back as the wound was reopened and his weapon fell from listless fingers.
An orc took quick advantage of the situation and leapt forward, no blade drawn, just its claws and teeth bared. Almost as a reflex Elladan moved over feebly and drew his dagger, stabbing it upwards and letting go. The beast shouted but stayed on its feet and continued running, into the woods.
Elladan looked down in surprise to see his hands trembling horribly. They stung as if being burned. But something hurt worse, something not physical. A terrible, sinking feeling filled his soul.
"'Ro…" he whispered, not audibly enough for the remaining three orcs to hear.
He couldn't move, only stare up through desperate grey eyes at the creatures. He couldn't bring himself to pick up his weapons and fight. His body felt frozen in time.
The orcs looked down at him with cruel smiles, licking their lips. It was obvious that they weren't planning on killing him quickly. They had him surrounded…they wanted to eat him alive.
Something wet rolled down the side of his face and he realized that his head was bleeding again. But there was no pain or throbbing, only the horrible feeling through his bond with his twin.
An orc reached down and wiped its disfigured, gangly finger along with wound, causing Elladan to shudder. It laughed and licked the blood off with a cruel grin.
Another, behind him, kicked his back hard, sending him to the ground with a uselessly stifled cry.
Elladan shook himself out of his trance. No matter how hurt Elrohir was, he couldn't be helped until all the orcs were killed.
Before the orcs could act, his arm shot out and he grabbed the sword off the ground, thrusting it into the nearest beast.
The brute fell to the ground immediately and the others swore in surprise and anger, drawing their weapons. Their thoughts of eating before killing, deeming their victim weak, were gone.
His mind screaming in pain, he forced himself to his feet. The orcs were on either side of him, slashing horizontally.
The older twin nimbly jumped as the two blades headed for his waist, just missing his feet. He landed painfully, stumbling somewhat, a few feet backwards. He then stabbed his sword forward into the left orc's heart and pulled it out, heading for the remaining one.
But he was too late. With a sharp grunt and burst of energy, the creature knocked the elf's blade to the ground with its own.
Elladan turned to retrieve it, and stumbled with a cry as the orc sword sliced his back. He shakily picked up the elven blade and turned around, but it was knocked away again from his weak arms.
Before he could make another move, the crude scimitar sliced his side.
It was too much. The head wound, the arrow wound and slash, the pain through his link with his brother…he couldn't hold it back any longer. He collapsed.
The orc laughed and kicked the elf with its steel boot in the head. The immortal whimpered softly but didn't move.
It raised its sword, licked its lips and plunged it downwards.
An arrow suddenly flew past the orc's head and it froze in surprise, looking around.
Growling and muttering curses under its breath, the beast turned to find this new attacker. The elf on the ground was obviously no danger anymore, or at least that's what it thought.
Elladan, barely conscious, heard footsteps as the orc left him.
It was heading for Elrohir!
Groaning, he tried to open his eyes. The lids barely lifted and his vision spun, he couldn't see.
With all the strength he could muster, the older twin pulled himself to his knees, grabbed his sword, and hurled it forward…
Sending the blade straight through the orc's head.
Brain matter poured over the ground as the creature fell with a thud.
"'Ro…" Elladan whispered brokenly. He couldn't see anything, but held his trembling arms out and feebly crawled forward.
His breath came in shallow gasps as he staggered towards the woods blindly, staying conscious by pure will.
He felt sticks scrape his hands and knees as he got closer. He could feel that his younger brother was nearby, even if he couldn't see him.
Finally, his fingers brushed against cold skin.
Shaking in panic, Elladan laid his hands against his brother's chest, feeling for breath.
Nothing.
The poison had done its task.
But the older twin wasn't about to give up hope.
He gripped Elrohir's hands tightly and held them close, concentrating. He took deep breaths, waiting in silence and fear. Then it enveloped him, abruptly and with horrid force. Pain. Terrible agony rushing through his body. He bit his tongue to keep from screaming and trembled in determination not to break the link. He had to hold on.
His vision was totally dark but it felt like there was a bright light it front of him, blinding him. There was no sound in the forest but his ears felt like someone was wailing in them. He could feel his heart pounding wildly, his mind screaming inwardly.
Suddenly, it felt like a knife had been plunged into his hands. He could feel and hear the flesh ripping and the sound of the blood pouring onto the ground. Bones cracked and fiery anguish shot up his arm.
His eyes flew open and he let go, falling to the ground heavily. He let out a choked sob and trembled, arching his back in pain. Looking down in horror, he saw the condition of his hands. He could see his fingers, shaking in agony, but his palms seemed to only be blood and bones. You could see the muscle through the gaping wounds, and the greenish purple tint that was the toxin racing through his body. The crimson poured out, a large puddle of blood forming on the underbrush.
Through tear-filled, half open eyes, he managed to look at his brother. The younger twin was lying as still as ever, his bandaged hands covered in both his and his brother's blood. He made no movement or sound, no evidence of life in him.
Elladan gasped for air and strained to crawl back next to his twin. He could feel it inside him…he had done what he had tried to. He had taken some of the pain, some of the poison, from his brother. It seemed physically impossible, but it had been done.
But it didn't seem to be enough, it didn't look like it had saved Elrohir.
The older twin shook violently, his body racked with tremors. He could hardly breathe, his throat tight and parched.
Desperately, he reached his arm out. It fell short, but he slowly inched it closer until it reached his twin. Stifling a scream of pain, he grabbed Elrohir's hand.
Then everything went dark.
Legolas screamed brokenly as Lerienion's sword went through his right side, slamming into ribs. He fell to his knees and shivered in determination not to lose awareness.
He looked up at his attacker.
"You are Roneinen's brother…" he whispered.
The blonde elf stared down at him silently and nodded, his sapphire eyes shining with grief. "You killed him."
The prince racked his mind until his finally remembered his battle with the deranged elf and how he had stabbed him. He groaned softly under his breath.
"I did not want to," he apologized softly. "I swear, it was not my intention."
"Then why did you do it?" Lerienion demanded angrily, gripping his sword as if he was about to use it again.
Legolas closed his eyes momentarily, trying to block out the pain from his body. "I was trying to rescue Estel…"
"The human?"
"Aye, the human. The human child. One who has no control of what race he is and isn't even old enough to understand the crimes of edain. How could you hold such bitterness against someone so innocent?" Legolas looked over where the boy still lay lifelessly against the tree. "How could you do that to him?!" he demanded.
Lerienion glanced at the body and frowned. "I did nothing to him." He replied quietly.
"What?" The prince asked incredulously.
"I did not harm him. I followed you here, he was already in that condition."
Still trying to figure out what had befallen Estel, Legolas demanded, "Why did you kill the orc attacking me?"
Lerienion shrugged slightly. An odd expression passed over his face...regret?
"I want to say that it was because I wanted to be the one that killed you…" he began.
Legolas' eyes narrowed.
"But to be honest…I don't think that's really why I did it. I think…I think that I just didn't want to see you die. I don't…" his blade fell heavily to the ground. "I don't like seeing people die."
"You killed four elves!" the prince exclaimed.
Lerienion cringed. "It was a quick thing. I released the arrow, and that was that. I barely thought about what I was doing, and Valar I regret it."
"But why did you do it?"
He sighed softly and tears shone in his eyes. "I did it for my little brother. He wanted me to kill Estel because of his hatred of humans. I didn't want to…but I needed to honor my word. I needed to honor him. I know that I will be sentenced to death for this, but life just isn't worth living anymore. I want to be with Roneinen again."
Legolas stared incredulously. "I can't just forgive you for everything you did! My best friends might die because you shot Elladan!"
"I am not asking you to forgive me. I did horrible, heartless things, and I deserve to pay in any way you deem necessary. I don't know what I was thinking, but it is too late to change what is done. I can't kill you for trying to protect your friend, or Estel for being born a human."
The prince locked eyes with him, still forcing away the pain that shot through his side with every breath. How could he trust him?
"You know about revenge, don't you, Legolas?" Lerienion said softly.
"What?" Legolas questioned suspiciously.
"Your life is not a secret, prince," Lerienion told him. "I know what happened to your mother."
"Don't you even-" The prince began, but was cut off.
"No, I beg you, listen to what I have to say." Lerienion said. "I know that when you were a small elfling, your mother took you into the forest for a peaceful walk. Don't look at me like that, everyone in Mirkwood knows this. It was one of the first signs of the spoiling of Greenwood. A small group of orcs attacked and you were forced to watch from a tree your mother's horrific death."
"I am warning you…"
"You were traumatized, you wouldn't speak for months. Then Lord Elrond of Imladris brought the Peredhil twins here. And eventually you softened and became best friends with them. But then…the Lady of Imladris was taken and tortured by orcs, and sailed into the West. Renewed with a thirst for revenge, you three would hunt orcs for years on end. But every time you killed one, you never felt any better, it never brought your mothers back. You would continue though, continue with blind revenge. This is what I did. Less than a day after my brother died in my arms…do you expect me to have been rational? All I knew was that you killed him, and I wanted you to pay. I am sorry."
There was no lie in Lerienion's words. He was not just faking sincerity.
"What did you say your name was?" Legolas asked softly.
"Lerienion," the elf replied.
He didn't know why, and he didn't understand it…but the prince understood his former enemy. And…
And he couldn't help but feel sorry for him.
"I do not hate you for what you did." Legolas finally told him. "I…I forgive you."
A smile touched Lerienion's lips, and brightened his blue eyes also. "Thank you, prince Legolas." He whispered.
Legolas smiled slightly.
Lerienion's smile faltered as he saw the blood on the prince's side. "Oh, Valar, I am so sorry…I…"
"There is nothing to forgive." Legolas insisted.
Lerienion nodded reluctantly but walked up to him and gently eased him to his knees. "Let me look at that wound, my friend, I will see what I can do for it."
"You are hurt yourself." Legolas pointed out, noting the blood stained cloth around his arm. Not doubt from Glorfindel's arrow.
"It is not that bad." Lerienion told him. "You deserve to be rid of pain more than I."
A throbbing and aching feeling filled his limbs as Estel slowly awoke. Keeping his eyes closed, his racked his mind to figure out what had happened to him.
He remembered Legolas telling him to stay on the horse as orcs attacked. He had clung tightly to the steed's mane as it raced on.
Then an orc had appeared from a tree in front of him.
The child groaned under his breath as he tried to recall what had happened next…
The orc bore something unmistakable. Estel knew immediately what it was.
He remembered months ago, the orc attack. He remembered watching in horror as a club was brought down on Legolas' back.
This orc had the same club.
He had halted the horse in disbelief.
This was the orc. The beast. The murderer. The creature that had caused him so much pain.
The orcs that had attacked his father and Erestor were the same ones that had been so close to Imladris.
And this was their chieftain, the only known orc with that kind of club.
The club with the poison needed in order to save his brothers' and Legolas' life.
He knew that he could easily outrun the beast on the swift elven horse, but he didn't.
While elves rode bareback, there was still a pack on this one. Fumbling quickly through it, he found two hunting knives.
The orc saw him and raced forward, club raised, for the horse.
Forcing down panic, Estel had hurled the dagger forward.
And it hit the beast in the shoulder, but it didn't kill him. It kept running, and before the boy could react, it swung the club brutally at the horse's leg. There was a sickening crunch and the horse cried out loudly in agony.
His eyes closed tighter as recalled the sound of the wounded steed.
The animal had begun to thrash and flail to get away from the orc, and Estel had been forced to dismount.
The horse had kept running, for home…leaving one child and a small blade against a large, bloodthirsty orc.
With a dark snarl, the creature raced forward for the human.
Estel had ducked and instinctively held his weapon upwards as he closed his eyes and prepared for the worse.
There was a stomach-turning noise of flesh ripping as the orc ran full-tilt into the hunting knife, slicing a deep and long gash from the middle of its waist to its neck, killing it instantly.
Estel cringed as blood spurted wildly out of the wound, covering him almost completely in scarlet.
He had tried to pick up the club, but it was terribly heavy. No matter how hard he tried, he could barely lift it.
So he ran as fast as he could to find someone. Legolas, his father, anyone.
But he didn't get very far before his breath could only come in short gasps and his legs felt completely weak.
He fell uselessly to his knees and swore, not caring that he had been taught not to.
It was the herbs Roneinen had given him. Even now, they still sapped his energy from him. He had overexerted himself, and now could barely move.
"I need to get to Ada…" he whispered weakly and crawled forward, leaning against a tree and catching his breath.
But before he could do or say anything else, his mind slipped away into unconsciousness.
And now he lay against that same tree, slowly waking up. He forced his eyes open and waited a moment for his vision to clear.
When it did, he saw a familiar elf not far away. Legolas. And he was hurt!
There was another Firstborn bending over the kneeling prince…
Roneinen.
Memories washed over the child. The cold, lonely darkness of the cellar. The horrible pain of the poison he had inhaled.
This was his chance to get revenge. To show that he wasn't just a weak mortal child who needed everyone else to always come and save him.
The knife he had used on the orc was still in his hand...
Neither elf saw him, focused only on each other. They didn't see the child wake up, let alone stand.
With a deep, shaky breath, Estel focused on all his anger of the pain he'd been caused and raced forward, plunging the dagger in Roneinen's back with all the strength he could muster.
The elf screamed and the boy let go in horror. He had just stabbed an elf, a Firstborn, an immortal.
But that elf deserved to die, didn't he?
Suddenly, Legolas heard a snap of twigs. Someone was behind Lerienion!
But before he could do anything, his new friend's eyes widened in horror and he cried out, crumpling to his knees.
There was an elven dagger in his back…
And a small, blood covered boy stood behind the body.
"Estel…?" he whispered in disbelief. "I thought you were…" But then it registered. The child had just stabbed Lerienion.
"What have you done?!" he cried, dropping beside the stricken elf.
That was the last thing Estel expected to hear. He didn't understand. Why did it sound like Legolas was upset with him? He had just saved his life, hadn't he?
"Legolas, I…" he began, but the prince wasn't paying attention to him.
He gently rolled the blonde elf over to look at his back. The knife had hit his spine and practically gone all the way through his body. There was no way to save him.
"Lerienion?" he whispered softly, brushing the shoulder-length golden hair out of the pained face.
Estel stared incredulously. This wasn't Roneinen?
'What have I done?!'
"Oh, Valar, I am so sorry…" he whispered tearfully.
"Lerienion, can you hear me?" Legolas asked nervously.
The blonde elf nodded weakly.
"I…I don't know how to heal this…" the prince admitted anxiously.
"It is…alright…" Lerienion whispered softly.
A small child knelt beside him, tears rolling freely down his face. "I'm so sorry!" the mortal sobbed. "I thought you were…"
"You're Estel…" the dying immortal managed, to which the boy nodded. "I…I'm sorry, for what my brother caused you, little one…I know, that you'll never understand his reasons, but he…he…I'm…sorry for what happened to you…"
"I forgive him," Estel choked out, surprising himself that he'd said that. "I understand."
Lerienion shivered and his eyelids drooped, his blue eyes clouded and his breaths becoming shallower.
Legolas blinked back tears of regret as he watched the elf fade.
"I'm so sorry…" Estel repeated.
"Really," Lerienion assured. "I am alright…This is what I wanted…I knew that this would happen…I deserve it…"
"For what?" Estel sniffled.
There was a silence. "I shot your brother."
The recollection filled the human's mind, he had watched in fear and horror as Elladan fell off the horse.
"I am sorry…" Lerienion managed. "I am so-"
"I don't blame you." Estel interrupted. He didn't really understand any of what was happening, but he could tell that Lerienion wasn't really a bad person.
The blonde elf smiled weakly and stared at the boy. "Are you alright?" he asked softly.
Estel nodded slightly. "It's just orc blood." He glanced up at Legolas, and felt horrible when the prince glared at him with unforgiving eyes.
"I am happy." Lerienion said finally, his words barely audible. "I will see Roneinen again, and that's all I ever wanted. I will be with my little brother…I…" he let out a shuddering breath. "I am…happy."
His eyelids closed slowly and he sighed and whispered,
"Thank you,"
He did not move again.
Estel forced his eyes to lock with Legolas'.
"Mellon nin…"
"Leave!" the prince snapped.
Estel recoiled in shock. "But…"
"Leave! Look what you've done!"
The boy choked back a sob. "But he said he was happy! He wanted this!"
"He didn't have to die yet! You killed him!" the prince shouted.
Estel looked at Legolas for a moment, his grey eyes wide with confusion and sadness.
"But I'm sorry…" he whimpered before turning and racing away.
Legolas watched without concern as the boy disappeared from sight, maybe even into orc territory. He deserved it. He had killed Lerienion.
'Lerienion, who had killed four other elves and shot Elladan!'
'But he was only doing it for his brother…'
'And Estel only thought he was Roneinen! He had been through so much in that cellar, of course he'd be upset to see his tormenter again!'
The prince tried desperately to shake the contradicting thoughts from his mind.
'I shouldn't have said that to him, he's only a child!'
'But he deserved it!'
'Did he?'
A violent tremor racked his body and he gasped as his legs gave way and he fell painfully to the dirt beside Lerienion.
'The poison!'
'It's causing me to act this way!'
'…'
'It is, isn't it?'
'…Yes.'
"Oh no…" he groaned.
His side burned from the stab wound and his back stung like it was burning.
'The poison is taking control…completely…'
But that meant that…
Elrohir would be losing his fight against the poison too!
Panic seized him. He had wrongly sent Estel away, and the twins were probably fading at that very moment. He didn't even get to ask Estel why he had gotten off the horse.
A horrible feeling overcame him and he buckled over, retching painfully.
'This is it… I'm going to die here. All alone. And I deserve it, for everything I've done. Valar, I am so sorry…'
'This is it…'
He closed his eyes and let his mind slip away.
'I'm so sorry.'
TBC!