BURIED
By: Cheryl W
Disclaimer: I don't own The Lord of the Rings or anything in conjunction with the Lord of the Rings nor am I making a profit from this story. No copyright infringement is intended.
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CHAPTER 8
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When Elladan reentered Aragorn's room with his brother, the sight of Legolas tenderly stroking a wet cloth over Aragorn's face made his heart lurch in shame. How could he think the prince was at fault for his brother's wounds?! The elf would die for Aragorn! He knew that without a doubt for he himself had been witness to Legolas's almost suicidal efforts to protect or save Aragorn on more than one occasion. No, the elf prince would never purposefully harm Aragorn ..... and yet... Legolas had known Aragorn was injured.
Legolas tensed as he sensed Elladan and Elrohir re-enter the room. Would they truly let him hold his peace this night? Would they let Elrond's decision be theirs? Looking up from Aragorn's face, Legolas met the gazes of the twins. For once Elrohir's look was more fierce than his elder brother's but Legolas, with pain, saw degrees of distrust in both of their eyes. Always he had considered them friends and he felt betrayed that they would ever think he would bring harm to their brother! For Valar sake, Aragorn was his brother too in all ways but blood!
"I would not harm, Estel. You both know this," he ardently declared, his voice soft and pained as he watched the reaction of the brothers.
Elladan's look saddened. "I know you would not harm him ...on purpose," he carefully said.
Legolas' breath caught at the unspoken accusation but he did not have a chance to protest before Elrohir spoke.
"You did not harm him but neither did you save him!" Elrhoir growled, stepping closer to the seated elf and hissing lower, "Do you have any idea what Estel's been through?! And you could have prevented it!"
Elladan was stunned by his brother's words and saw all color drain from Legolas' face at the accusation. Turning to Elrohir, Elladan placed a restraining hand around his brother's arm, earning him Elrohir's blazing eye contact. "We do not know all the facts, brother," Elladan soothed. "Let us not place blame unwarrantedly."
But Elrohir's eyes darkened. "I know enough...too much," and then he pulled from his brother's grasp, drank in a long look of Aragorn and then quit the room, leaving two very shocked elves in his wake.
"I..I'm sorry, Legolas," Elladan stammered as he faced Legolas, stunned by his brother's uncharacteristic actions. "All our emotions are overwrought. Aragorn's appearance tonight ...his words...and then finding him so wounded," Elladan rambled, running a hand through his hair.
"It's alright, Elladan," Legolas softly reassured, trying to quell the pain Elrohir's accusations had shot through his soul. Turning back to Aragorn, he rewetted the cloth and continued to bath the motionless man's face, chest and neck. In truth, Elrohir had only said aloud what Legolas had known deep down all along. He could have prevented this fate from befalling Aragorn! If he had not traveled with such leisure, he would have been the one to join Aragorn at his camp the previous night instead of the one who had sought to take the ranger's life.
Elladan watched as the prince's face clouded with anguish. "Please do not take Elrohir's words to heart. Tomorrow things will be better, you will see."
But Legolas shook his head minutely, never letting his eyes sway from his injured friend's pale face. "I won't be better until I know Aragorn will be well...until he wakes up and tells me to stop mothering him."
A bittersweet smile turned up Elladan's mouth, "I know. I wait for that too." Fitting actions to his words, he sank into a chair in the room and rested his head back upon the back of the chair. So quietly that Legolas did not hear his words, Elladan said as he looked to his young, frail looking brother, "I need to apologize to him."
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Elrohir stood upon his room's balcony and stared up at his grandfather's star. Drawing in a shaky breath, he closed his eyes and hung his head while his fingers clamped tighter to the railing. He had not been fair to Legolas..laying the blame at his feet. In truth, guilt ate at Elrohir. It was "his" duty to protect his brother! The failure was his...not Legolas's.
And his earlier accusations that he had aimed at Legolas, accusations that Legolas had somehow been guilty of harming his brother...they were totally preposterous when coupled with his knowledge of what had happened to Estel. It had just startled and confused him to see the prince with his brother's sword...a sword he and Elladan had worked many hours in the forge to create for Estel. A sword he knew his brother treasured highly and would not abandon.
"Who did you meet upon the trail, Estel?" he softly demanded of the night before raising his head and opening his eyes to stare at the waterfalls around the Last Homely House. "Who had possession of Ada's letters and bore you such hatred..." his voice choked on the last word, thinking of the evil done to Aragorn. Tomorrow. Answers would come tomorrow. Fearfully, Elrohir wondered if he would be able to bear the truth...if any of them could.
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During the long night, Elladan and Legolas had sat at Aragorn's side, bathing the man's forehead with a damp cloth hoping to ward off a fever. Now, though the room was still cloaked in darkness, Elladan knew dawn would soon be upon them and he could no longer quiet his concerns over Elrohir's behavior. Not only had Elrohir lashed out at Legolas but to Elladan's utter surprise, his brother did not return to sit at Aragorn's bedside. And that worried Elladan more. Quietly he told Legolas that he needed to seek out Elrhoir to which the other elf had simply nodded his head without taking his eyes off of Aragorn. Reluctantly Elladan release his hold on his brother's hand and gently placed it back upon the bed, studied Aragorn's pale face for a moment and then, having been reassured that Aragorn would not worsen in his absence, Elladan walked from his brother's room and down the hallway to Elrohir's room.
The bedroom door was shut, the door that Elrohir never shut, his generous heart never wanting to be unavailable to anyone. Elladan raised his hand to knock lightly on the door but instead he let his palm rest against the wood. Elrohir was shutting him out, literately and figuratively and it hurt. Now he did not know if his presence was welcome in the room, in Elrohir's thoughts. He turned to walk away but found he could not. Elrohir had always been there for him, even when he wanted to be alone but needed company. It was time to repay the favor.
Opening the door slowly, Elladan stepped into the room, noticing that the bed had not been slept in this night. His eyes flickered around the room and he breathed an internal sigh of relief as he saw Elrohir sitting in a chair on his balcony. With quiet steps, Elladan approached his brother but halted behind him, uncertain if he should speak or touch his brother to make his presence known.
But neither action was necessary. Elrohir knew the instant Elladan opened the door, had even sensed his brother at his door, indecision warring within him. With anguish, Elrohir, his eyes still fixed upon the waterfalls, quietly spoke, breaking the silence of the room. "What good is our speed, our strength, our immortality if we can not protect the ones we love."
Elladan's breath caught at his brother's words, the sentiment his soul ached to voice but he had not known how. Stepping forward he put a hand upon his brother's shoulder. "Estel will be alright," but his voice was not as unwaveringly strong as he had intended.
Bitterly Elrohir retorted, "By no fault of ours. We did not even sense his wounds...he stood there, bleeding and "I" did nothing.."I" let him skitter away from my touch," his self recrimination overtaking his words. Surging from his seat he again leaned against the balcony railing overlook his home.
Elladan's own guilt resurfaced in full force. "Sweet Eru! I held him so tightly, Elrohir! I...I felt that if I let him go, if he walked out that door we would never see him again!"
Compassion for his brother's anguish made Elrohir turn for the first time to look at his twin and it hurt him to see the despair in the eyes that matched his own. "Estel would be dead if you had left him leave, Elladan. You did the right thing."
"The right thing!?" Elladan came to stand before his brother, "His was wounded already and I..I"
But Elrohir firmly interrupted, "You did not know of his wounds, none of us did. And your actions saved his life. I know you would not undo that outcome."
Elladan shook his head and stepped to the balcony railing. Soon Elrohir joined him and silently they both watched the nighttime world around them.
Elrohir's words were almost a whisper, "I am afraid, Elladan, afraid that this breaking of our family will not be able to be mended. Ada...he did not deny Estel's words, and you saw the look upon his face when Legolas handed him those letters. I feel like all I have known has become a lie...was always a lie."
"I know," Elladan somberly agreed. "And we are on the outskirts of this maelstrom. I can not endure to think how deeply this has pained Estel."
"He will leave, Elladan. He will not stay where he feels all have betrayed him." Elrohir turned to face Elladan and said with a conviction that put a shiver down Elladan's spine, "But he needs us, needs our support, our love...now more than ever after what he has endured. We can not fail him...not again."
Putting a hand upon Elrohir's shoulder, Elladan reassured, "We won't fail him again, I promise you that," and he pulled his little brother into a hug.
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It was not long after Elladan's departure when Legolas, having the ability to pierce the darkness with his elven eyesight, saw Aragorn's head begin to toss with the throes of a nightmare. Leaning forward from the chair he had long occupied, the prince put his hand upon his friend's forehead. Some heat could be felt under his palm but he knew the slight fever was not the culprit of the images that seemingly haunted the man's sleep. Grimly Legolas knew what ravaged the man's mind, even in sleep. For the heinous occurrences Aragorn had been forced to endure were fodder enough for ten thousand nightmares.
Thinking to comfort his friend, Legolas brushed the back of his hand across the wounded man's cheek but without warning, Aragorn jerked away from Legolas' touch and with a cry of "No!" sat up.
Aragorn's waking eyes met with an all too familiar and terrifying darkness. His escape had been a dream...the tomb's darkness still surrounded him! When a hand wrapped around his arm, all reason deserted him. Like an animal caught in a trap, he frantically struggled to pull his arm free from the unholy touch of the dead while with his right hand, he desperately tried to pry the fingers away from his skin. Fingers, that had he been of his right mind, he would have realized consisted of flesh and blood and not merely bone.
Unprepared for Aragorn's panicked reaction, Legolas instantly released his hold on his friend as if he had been burned by a flame. But as soon as his hand left the man's skin, Legolas watched in apprehension as Aragorn skittered backwards toward the edge of the bed. Fearing his friend would topple onto the floor, Legolas reached again for Aragorn but even his elven speed did not match Aragorn's fear driven instincts. The man easily eluded the elf's grasp and promptly fell from the bed.
Agony overloaded Aragorn's senses as his back slammed harshly into the floor and for a moment he could not draw in a breath. Then he thought he heard someone call "Aragorn" as if from a great distance and sensed movement in the room. With energy born of terror, he sat up and crawled backward away from the presence that loomed in the dark and knew his name. Many a foul creature called him by one of his adopted names...but it was only Sauron's minions that gave voice to his true name.
In horror, Legolas watched as Aragorn fell from the bed. "Aragorn!" he cried in alarm and worry as he scrambled across the bed to get to his friend. Before Legolas could kneel at Aragorn's side, the man had scampered backwards as if Sauron himself pursued him. When the ranger's back came up against the wall, blocking any further retreat, Legolas saw Aragorn's eyes dart around the room, seeking to pierce the darkness, his breath labored and loud in the room.
Something twisted painfully in Legolas at seeing his friend so fearful. "Aragorn, it's Legolas," he gently soothed, allowing his natural glow to illuminate him as he slowly approached the shaken man.
Recognition sparked in Aragorn's eyes. In relief, he hung his head, letting his chin come to rest on his chest, a tremble coursing through him. He was not in the tomb...though real his dream had seemed. Legolas was with him...and he knew the room that Legolas' light illuminated, a room that once had been a haven to him against the world.
With care, Legolas drew closer to his best friend. Coming to kneel before Aragorn, he lightly put his hand at the nape of the man's bowed neck. "You are free. The darkness no longer holds you in it's grasp," he reassured, his own words breaking with emotion.
Aragorn's head jerked up at Legolas' words and their eyes met amid the small glow Legolas generated. Reading the anguish in his friend's eyes, Aragorn realized with shock, 'He knows. Somehow Legolas knows about the tomb.. the tomb that was very nearly mine.' Suddenly shame overshadowed his fear and he could not hold his best friend's eyes.
It tortured Legolas to see humiliation in his best friend's eyes. But when Aragorn dropped his gaze, Legolas could bear it no more. Putting his fingers under Aragorn's chin, he gently tilted the man's chin up so their eyes connected once again. "You bear no shame, Estel. Your survival proclaims your great fortitude. "
Legolas' words bled away most of Aragorn's sense of shame and with the reassuring presence of his best friend, Aragorn's terror also faded, leaving him acutely aware of the agony in his body. With a moan of pain, he wrapped his arms around his waist to brace his wounds and started to pitch forward.
Instantly closing the distance between he and Aragorn, Legolas wrapped his arm around Aragorn's back, low enough to ensure he did not touch any of his friend's wounds, and rested his other hand upon the nape of the man's neck and drew his friend against his chest. Legolas could almost feel the agony radiating off the trembling body of his friend and it felt as if the pain were his own. "Your father will give you something to ease the pain," he reassured quietly.
"No!" Aragorn protested, the word coming out as a plea instead of the yell it would have been had he the strength. He wanted nothing from his "father", from Elrond. The elven lord's duty had long been fulfilled, his burden lifted. Aragorn would no longer seek solace where it ceased to exist, where it had only existed for the sake of duty.
Raising his head from Legolas's shoulder and pulling slightly away from the elf, Aragorn eyes met Legolas's. "No, do not call him," the plea intermingled with a command.
With Aragorn's words and the haunted look in his eyes, Legolas knew Elrond's letters had torn Aragorn's heart to shreds. He wanted to offer a balm to the man's pain but he did not know how. Though he did not doubt Elrond's love for Aragorn, Legolas did not know how to defend Elrond's actions...not when he could not find it in himself to forgive the elf those same actions. Instead Legolas agreed with his friend's plea, "As you wish, I will not call for your..." Legolas saw Aragorn's mouth tightened grimly and he hastily amended his words, "for Elrond. But we must get you back into bed."
Aragorn did not want to be returned to his bed, did not want to remain here, not among the ones who had betrayed him. But he had been a healer for far too many years, he knew the human body's limitation. And he had met his...long ago. Resigned to the fact that he was too unwell to remove himself from the care the elves offered, Aragorn steeled himself against the agony he knew would come when Legolas aided him to his feet. But Legolas interceded without a word.
Slipping his arm under Aragorn's legs and repositioned his other arm to better brace the man's back, Legolas gathered his friend into his arms and stood up.
Aragorn opened his mouth intending to demand to be put down but his protest morphed into a cry of pain as the wounds to his stomach rebelled against the albeit exorbitantly gentle actions of the elf. Clenching his jaw shut against any more cries, Aragorn leaned his head against Legolas' chest, closed his eyes and tried to manage the agony.
Guilt swamped Legolas at Aragorn's cry of agony. He should have been more careful, he should have warned the man of his actions! Looking down at the man he held, noticing Aragorn's clenched jaw, the almost translucent skin of the man's face, and the man's hand that gripped his tunic in a vise to channel away some of his pain, Legolas was overwhelmed by a need to protect Aragorn, to do all he could to lessen his friend's pain.. no matter the source.
With measured actions, Legolas carried Aragorn back to his bed and laid him back upon the mattress as if he were made of delicate glass. But even with that care, Aragorn groaned as Legolas slipped his arms from under him. Legolas gripped Aragorn's hand that still crushed the fabric of his tunic in it's grasp and sat on the bed beside Aragorn. "I am sorry, Estel. I..I did not mean to cause you pain."
With his eyes still shut, Aragorn slowly released his grip on Legolas' tunic but found Legolas' hand was soon in it's place, squeezing his hand reassuringly. Lowly, Aragorn replied to his friend's apology, "Life is pain."
The ranger's sentiment struck a blow to Legolas. Aragorn meant the words. To him life was full of pain of all types and strengths. Sorrow for his friend once again seized the elf's heart. Pain was one thing Aragorn did not deserve, had never deserved...just as he did not deserve the "gift" of mortality, the "gift" Legolas had believed Aragorn had been bestowed yesterday.
Hearing a sharp breath, Aragorn forced his eyes open and was startled to see the grief stricken look upon Legolas's face. Thinking his friend had misinterpreted his reply as blame, he clarified, "I lay no blame upon you Legolas. It is my body that betrays me," but at the word "betrays" he stammered to a stop. More than his body had dealt him a betrayal.
But Legolas shook his head, the man did not understand the emotions that threatened to overtake him. Legolas began to stand up and release Aragorn's hand. He needed to get some air, to marshal his emotions, quickly before they erupted from him.
At Legolas' attempt to withdrawal from him, Aragorn gripped the elf's hand before it could slip from his grasp. "Legolas, mellon nin, what's wrong?"
Legolas could not meet Aragorn's look, not if he wanted to remain in control of his emotions.
The emotional withdrawal of his best friend was like another blow to Aragorn's heart. Numbly he released Legolas' hand. He would not force the elf to stay by his side if he did not wish it. It suddenly seemed as if he were alone again, like he had been in the tomb. Alone with no one to count upon to save him...or care if he were lost to the Halls. He looked away and clenched his jaw shut against the plea he wanted to make to Legolas. A plea to not abandon him, not now, not like everyone else.
Having been released by Aragorn, Legolas stood up, never giving a look to Aragorn, not when he knew the man would have read his grief so easily. He crossed over to the night stand and lit a lamp. He almost did not hear the words of his friend.
Aragorn could not keep the plea locked away, not after all he had been through, after all he had learned. "Please, don't go. You need not talk to me or tend to me..but stay at my side, mellon nin. Forgive me for any wrong I have done to you."
Stunned by Aragorn's words, Legolas spun around and stammered, "Wrong? Sweet Eru, you have done no wrong, Estel!"
"Then why do you run from me?" Aragorn quietly asked, trying to read the elf's face in the flickering candle light.
"I...I do not run from you...I run from me, from my emotions. I would spare you them," Legolas answered, wavering between going to his friend's side and bolting for the door.
"I do not understand. Can you not let me know your heart...as you have done in the past? Or have things changed between us...has nothing in my life been left untainted," Aragorn implored, desperately needing a life line to grasp, a life line that seemed bent on fraying away to a thread.
"I thought you were dead, Aragorn," Legolas softly, brokenly confessed, his eyes holding Aragorn's as a tear slipped down his cheek. "I found your camp...your sword...the blood." Legolas's voice cracked and he shook his head and swallowed hard. "I...I could not bear the thought of never seeing you again...of never hearing you taunt me...or bicker with me over the true telling of one of our adventures."
Then Legolas came again to Aragorn's side and claimed a seat on the bed. "That grief...I still feel, here," and he put his hand upon his heart. In the next instant, Legolas leaned over and embraced Aragorn, trying to be mindful of the man's injuries but having to fight his need to clutch desperately to his best friend to ensure that the man was really alive.
Aragorn wrapped his arms around the elf, knowing it was he who was giving the support now. When Legolas pulled back he lightly rested his hand upon Aragorn's cheek. "Thank you. Thank you for not giving up, for being the stubborn fool I know you to be."
A small smile turned up Aragorn's lips, "See, now you appreciate my stubbornness."
"I'm starting to but I shall always appreciate your life and your friendship more." Then he lifted the man's shirt as he said, "Now let's make sure you have done yourself no serious harm."
But Aragorn hand shot out and gripped Legolas' and their eye met once again. "I owe you thanks as well, for being here, for staying with me."
Legolas smiled and playfully ruffled the man's hair, "As if I would be anywhere else and miss the opportunity to "mother" you as you say. Now relax and let me see if you pulled out any stitches."
Tension eased from Aragorn and he found himself slowly drifting off to sleep. He was not alone anymore, he had an ally against the darkness. But what he refused to voice was whether even Legolas's friendship would offer him enough strength to overcome the obstacles that littered his decimated life.
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TBC
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OK, now don't go lynching me but I'm going on vacation next week so the earliest I'll be posting is Monday, August 2nd! But hey, I had a heart and I didn't let you with a big cliffie!
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Replies to Reviews: I should make these short since I should be packing for vacation this instant. (Since when do I do what I should?!?!?)
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Marbienl: You sure know how to compliment a girl!! I'm so gladyou think I'm one of the best writers you know and I am SUPER GLAD you prodded me into posting this story...even when I didn't have it finished!!!! You're right, Legolas wouldn't harm Aragorn and the twins should know this but then again, Legolas can be kinda a push over when he's trying to stay on his best friend's good side like he did in Mire. As you saw in this chapter,the twins are starting to cool down and realize Legolas is not the bad guy. I too still hold a pretty good grudge against Elrond and his reaction to Aragorn and Arwen's romance but there's always that twisted occurrence in life that you can't see coming and when it does come, you want to do the right thing...but you just can't. And Elrond will get his chance to explain...but not for awhile. Like you pointed out, Legolas seems destined to be the mediator between father and son...I think that's rather a cool thing for a friend to do. And Legolas was still trying to get over the shock even in this chapter...I can't imagine thinking someone's dead only to find out they're not! Fantastic news but still shocking! Glad you liked Elrond's reactions to the letters and that he didn't quite remember what words he used. (Selective memory maybe!) And you have me so pegged!!!! You KNEW I couldn't pass up the opportunity to heap a nightmare onto Aragorn's already miserable existence!! Hope you liked this chapter! Thanks so much for reviewing!
Nietta: Ah, so you like poor Legolas deep in "hatred, shame and angst"? Me too! Thanks so much for your compliments! I really was worried that I had overdone the emotions especially Elrond's. Glad you "loved it" and that is "blew" you away!!! Yes, Aragorn is awake and yes, there's angst enough to last this whole story. Thanks for reviewing!
Aebbook: My bad for making you wait so long for this chapter!!! Thanks for your compliments and that conversation between father and son...sorry but that's a little ways in the future but I'll make sure you aren't bored in the meantime! And there's nothing wrong with your spelling! Thanks for reviewing!
Et-Spiritus-Sancti: So glad you liked the Elrond scenes in last chapter! They came from my heart and I was feeling very vulnerable about putting it out there. Thanks for being so supportive!!! I know, I didn't give you a lot of Aragorn reaction this chapter but at least he's not unconscious any more! And I'm glad you're not upset that Arwen won't be in this story...I don't think even I could handle another character's emotion in this story! I'm touched that you even like my review responses! I feel that's the very least I can do for someone who's words make me so happy! Thanks for reviewing!
Luinthien: I wasn't sure if I could get away with the stalling tactic but I remembered Legolas in FOTR saying "I have not the heart to tell you for my grief is still too near" or something like that. So if he got choked up about Gandalf's dying how much more must Aragorn's supposed death effect him! (Seems logical right?) I'm relieved and pleased that you want more chapters! Some people seem to want the story to hurry and wrap up but I tend to be long winded (just look at these review responses and this is me being "short")! Thanks for reviewing!
Tailspin: I'm touched that my story brightens your days!!!!! I have to say, I'm kinda attached to the scenes that showcase the deep friendship that Aragorn and Legolas share so I try really hard to make these scenes carry a lot of emotion. Glad you approve! And I wasn't sure if Legolas would hand over the letters but I think he cares so much for Aragorn that he would try anything to make sure Aragorn can find happiness with his family again...even give Elrond a break he probably doesn't deserve at the moment. So how did I do in the ranger comforting department this chapter?! Thanks for reviewing!
MoonFire1: The twins reaction to Legolas having Aragorn's sword...that just seemed natural for their protective natures and besides, Legolas was kinda caught red handed with the "evidence" but I can't believe that they truly would think Legolas would harm Aragorn..as evidenced in this chapter. I'm really pleased that you thought Elrond's guilt and shame were "tangible"!!!! I was shocked at how powerfully that section came across as I wrote it! I like what you said about Elrond's failure not going away and that "he will learn the bitterness immortality will bring." Nicely said. Thanks for reviewing!
Joey: I'm very pleased that last chapter tore at your heart!!!! That's a beautiful compliment to me! And yes, no one is spared pain in this tale...poor elves and ranger! And the longer you live the more mistakes in life you make, the more things you wish you had not done or done differently...imaging how many screw ups you'd do if you lived a couple thousand years!! Guess we should give Elrond a break....but boy did he screw up royally! And I'm sorry I didn't email you yet but I will! Thanks for reviewing!
Tychen: I will NOT forget you ever again!! Thanks for your understanding about my foul up last chapter! That I made "you" feel sorry for Elrond...not that's an accomplishment! (Truth is, I made myself feel sorry for him...no small feat either) And like you said, Elrond will have to "endure the present and try and find hope to face the future." (Now I just have to write that part of this story!!) I couldn't miss an opportunity to have Legolas fade...if just a tiny bit. I mean he thought he lost his best friend..that had to have effected him strongly..right? And I think you're right about why Legolas did not really lay into Elrond. Hope you liked this newest chapter! Thanks for reviewing!
Someone Reading: That was a great compliment you gave me by thinking my characters' turmoil is true to life!! And yes, Legolas had a rough emotional day but I think he'd feel much better after an encounter with Barion. I hated to have the twins second guess Legolas but he was looking kinda guilty! Glad I got you to pity Elrond (I didn't want to be the only one going soft on him!) Nice interruption of why Elrond might have written the letters!! And I loved your line "words hurt but worse than anything else, they haunt'!! Thanks so much for reviewing!
No Big Deal: Thanks so much for your compliments!!! To think you think my writing is "outstanding" and my storyline is "wickedly engaging" ...I'm Loving that!!! Sorry you had to wait so long for this update! So how'd you like the twins in this chapter? Thanks for your review!
Eternal Rose: I LOVED that you broke tradition for last chapter because I put my heart and soul into chapter 7 and I really needed to know it didn't stink!!! And I am blushing over your compliments not to mention running around quoting you "by far the best fic...in terms of torturing Aragorn and his family"!!!! And that fact that you think my take on Elrond makes sense...I really appreciate you saying that! Hope you liked Aragorn and Legolas' interaction this chapter! Thanks for reviewing!
Nerfenherder: "Dripping with angst" now that got a huge smile out of me! Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me what you liked about the past chapters! Glad you're intrigued by Barion, I always hope my bad guys are too one dimensional! And I just couldn't let him take Barahir without a tiny struggle. As for Aragorn's tomb experience, I'm glad if came off with "realism and horror" cause that was what I was shooting for. And as in true life, words wound deeper than all other hurts and Barion is a master at that kind of assault. I'm pleased that you liked the emotions soaking chapters 5-7. I just put myself into each of the character's positions and pretended I was 100% more emotionally strong than I am, and whammy, that's what I came up with. And I can't miss an opportunity to have a good old verbal fight and Elrond and Aragorn had this one brewing for years...Aragorn just didn't know it. About Aragorn's hair, now I have to figure out how and when they/Aragorn washes it. How does one wash one's hair when one is lying flat out on one's back...without soaking one's bed? (I'm sure Aragorn would take you up on your battery powered blow dryer offer.) Hope you liked Aragorn's return to consciousness! Thanks for your review!
Grumpy: Tying Aragorn to "your" bed...what sacrifices you're willing to make to see him well, emotions and physically! But sorry, you gotta stand in line behind ME on that request! After all, I hurt him so it's only right I "heal" him (wink wink). So glad you're "loving" the story and the angst! After Mire I wasn't sure I had it in me to do another angst filled story...seems like I mighta been wrong. And yes, Elrond will have to pay for writing the letters, letters that he wrote because....oh, that's in a later chapter. (grins wickedly). Thanks so much for reviewing!
Elvingirl3737: I laughed out loud when you said "you" felt guilty after reading Elrond's feelings! I was so glad you liked how I expressed Elrond's reaction to the letters. I felt I had hit the emotions pretty straight on and I hoped that I was able to write them down in a way that everyone felt sorry for Elrond. And see there was some comfort in this chapter as you requested. Thanks for reviewing!
Spades: You gave me quite a compliment and I'm sorry I took so long to get this chapter written and posted. But I've come to discover writing angst is kinda tricky...you have to be in the right mood. Luckily that mood kicked in Wednesday night (like around 11:30pm) and I could finish this chapter! Thanks for reviewing!
Nefhiriel: Yes, you certainly have me pegged! Pain for Estel and angst for everyone else! And I notice that there a lot of stories out there with Legolas as the primary person...ah elf getting injured and I like Legolas but I'm in love with Aragorn. Now why that means I love to hurt him...only a therapist could truly explain that one to me! So happy that you think I'm keeping everyone in character and glad you like reading about Elladan's emotions. Your mom isn't the only one who would freak in that tomb, I know I would too...probably more over the dark than anything. I'm flattered that you're adding my story to your alerts! Thanks for reviewing!
Joslin: I LOVE you for saying I should try to write a novel...that you have faith that I could get in published! That's been my dream since I realized what fun writing was! Maybe someday, I'll step out on that limb and give it a shot! Thank you so much for your compliment!
Beling: You know, I'm really glad you're a die hard Elrond fan! Though I have issues with him (like you didn't notice that in my stories) I am still very attached to him and think he's a great father to Aragorn (excluding his actions regarding Arwen and Aragorn's romance). And I have to admit, I felt kinda teary eyed writing his reaction to the letters. Loved what you wrote about Aragorn's feelings and your belief he will eventually realize that Elrond loves him...a belief he will come to accept for you. How could the man turn you down and not do as you ask?! Thanks for your review!
MagickalStar135: I really appreciate that you took the time to tell me what you liked in the past chapters!!! I sure be scared that I "captured the feelings of a sick demented loony" but I was instead very flattered by those words! And you apparently have less of a fear than I do about tombs if you can describe Aragorn's experience as "morbidly cool". If I ever need someone to retrieve something from a tomb, I'm calling you. So glad that I didn't disappoint you with Aragorn's homecoming. Ah, so Chapter 6 tugged at your emotions...I'm loving that! And you should indeed give Legolas some advice about not ticking off all three lords at the same time but he just let his emotions lead him..isn't that what we like about him. Thanks so much for reviewing!
Elven Kitten: Ok so I have to admit "torture" is the correct word. Elrond should feel very blessed to get a hug from you! Especially since it means you had to release Aragorn from your embrace for a second or two!!! Thanks for your review!
Thanks for reading and reviewing!!! See you all next post!!
Cheryl W.
By: Cheryl W
Disclaimer: I don't own The Lord of the Rings or anything in conjunction with the Lord of the Rings nor am I making a profit from this story. No copyright infringement is intended.
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CHAPTER 8
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When Elladan reentered Aragorn's room with his brother, the sight of Legolas tenderly stroking a wet cloth over Aragorn's face made his heart lurch in shame. How could he think the prince was at fault for his brother's wounds?! The elf would die for Aragorn! He knew that without a doubt for he himself had been witness to Legolas's almost suicidal efforts to protect or save Aragorn on more than one occasion. No, the elf prince would never purposefully harm Aragorn ..... and yet... Legolas had known Aragorn was injured.
Legolas tensed as he sensed Elladan and Elrohir re-enter the room. Would they truly let him hold his peace this night? Would they let Elrond's decision be theirs? Looking up from Aragorn's face, Legolas met the gazes of the twins. For once Elrohir's look was more fierce than his elder brother's but Legolas, with pain, saw degrees of distrust in both of their eyes. Always he had considered them friends and he felt betrayed that they would ever think he would bring harm to their brother! For Valar sake, Aragorn was his brother too in all ways but blood!
"I would not harm, Estel. You both know this," he ardently declared, his voice soft and pained as he watched the reaction of the brothers.
Elladan's look saddened. "I know you would not harm him ...on purpose," he carefully said.
Legolas' breath caught at the unspoken accusation but he did not have a chance to protest before Elrohir spoke.
"You did not harm him but neither did you save him!" Elrhoir growled, stepping closer to the seated elf and hissing lower, "Do you have any idea what Estel's been through?! And you could have prevented it!"
Elladan was stunned by his brother's words and saw all color drain from Legolas' face at the accusation. Turning to Elrohir, Elladan placed a restraining hand around his brother's arm, earning him Elrohir's blazing eye contact. "We do not know all the facts, brother," Elladan soothed. "Let us not place blame unwarrantedly."
But Elrohir's eyes darkened. "I know enough...too much," and then he pulled from his brother's grasp, drank in a long look of Aragorn and then quit the room, leaving two very shocked elves in his wake.
"I..I'm sorry, Legolas," Elladan stammered as he faced Legolas, stunned by his brother's uncharacteristic actions. "All our emotions are overwrought. Aragorn's appearance tonight ...his words...and then finding him so wounded," Elladan rambled, running a hand through his hair.
"It's alright, Elladan," Legolas softly reassured, trying to quell the pain Elrohir's accusations had shot through his soul. Turning back to Aragorn, he rewetted the cloth and continued to bath the motionless man's face, chest and neck. In truth, Elrohir had only said aloud what Legolas had known deep down all along. He could have prevented this fate from befalling Aragorn! If he had not traveled with such leisure, he would have been the one to join Aragorn at his camp the previous night instead of the one who had sought to take the ranger's life.
Elladan watched as the prince's face clouded with anguish. "Please do not take Elrohir's words to heart. Tomorrow things will be better, you will see."
But Legolas shook his head minutely, never letting his eyes sway from his injured friend's pale face. "I won't be better until I know Aragorn will be well...until he wakes up and tells me to stop mothering him."
A bittersweet smile turned up Elladan's mouth, "I know. I wait for that too." Fitting actions to his words, he sank into a chair in the room and rested his head back upon the back of the chair. So quietly that Legolas did not hear his words, Elladan said as he looked to his young, frail looking brother, "I need to apologize to him."
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Elrohir stood upon his room's balcony and stared up at his grandfather's star. Drawing in a shaky breath, he closed his eyes and hung his head while his fingers clamped tighter to the railing. He had not been fair to Legolas..laying the blame at his feet. In truth, guilt ate at Elrohir. It was "his" duty to protect his brother! The failure was his...not Legolas's.
And his earlier accusations that he had aimed at Legolas, accusations that Legolas had somehow been guilty of harming his brother...they were totally preposterous when coupled with his knowledge of what had happened to Estel. It had just startled and confused him to see the prince with his brother's sword...a sword he and Elladan had worked many hours in the forge to create for Estel. A sword he knew his brother treasured highly and would not abandon.
"Who did you meet upon the trail, Estel?" he softly demanded of the night before raising his head and opening his eyes to stare at the waterfalls around the Last Homely House. "Who had possession of Ada's letters and bore you such hatred..." his voice choked on the last word, thinking of the evil done to Aragorn. Tomorrow. Answers would come tomorrow. Fearfully, Elrohir wondered if he would be able to bear the truth...if any of them could.
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During the long night, Elladan and Legolas had sat at Aragorn's side, bathing the man's forehead with a damp cloth hoping to ward off a fever. Now, though the room was still cloaked in darkness, Elladan knew dawn would soon be upon them and he could no longer quiet his concerns over Elrohir's behavior. Not only had Elrohir lashed out at Legolas but to Elladan's utter surprise, his brother did not return to sit at Aragorn's bedside. And that worried Elladan more. Quietly he told Legolas that he needed to seek out Elrhoir to which the other elf had simply nodded his head without taking his eyes off of Aragorn. Reluctantly Elladan release his hold on his brother's hand and gently placed it back upon the bed, studied Aragorn's pale face for a moment and then, having been reassured that Aragorn would not worsen in his absence, Elladan walked from his brother's room and down the hallway to Elrohir's room.
The bedroom door was shut, the door that Elrohir never shut, his generous heart never wanting to be unavailable to anyone. Elladan raised his hand to knock lightly on the door but instead he let his palm rest against the wood. Elrohir was shutting him out, literately and figuratively and it hurt. Now he did not know if his presence was welcome in the room, in Elrohir's thoughts. He turned to walk away but found he could not. Elrohir had always been there for him, even when he wanted to be alone but needed company. It was time to repay the favor.
Opening the door slowly, Elladan stepped into the room, noticing that the bed had not been slept in this night. His eyes flickered around the room and he breathed an internal sigh of relief as he saw Elrohir sitting in a chair on his balcony. With quiet steps, Elladan approached his brother but halted behind him, uncertain if he should speak or touch his brother to make his presence known.
But neither action was necessary. Elrohir knew the instant Elladan opened the door, had even sensed his brother at his door, indecision warring within him. With anguish, Elrohir, his eyes still fixed upon the waterfalls, quietly spoke, breaking the silence of the room. "What good is our speed, our strength, our immortality if we can not protect the ones we love."
Elladan's breath caught at his brother's words, the sentiment his soul ached to voice but he had not known how. Stepping forward he put a hand upon his brother's shoulder. "Estel will be alright," but his voice was not as unwaveringly strong as he had intended.
Bitterly Elrohir retorted, "By no fault of ours. We did not even sense his wounds...he stood there, bleeding and "I" did nothing.."I" let him skitter away from my touch," his self recrimination overtaking his words. Surging from his seat he again leaned against the balcony railing overlook his home.
Elladan's own guilt resurfaced in full force. "Sweet Eru! I held him so tightly, Elrohir! I...I felt that if I let him go, if he walked out that door we would never see him again!"
Compassion for his brother's anguish made Elrohir turn for the first time to look at his twin and it hurt him to see the despair in the eyes that matched his own. "Estel would be dead if you had left him leave, Elladan. You did the right thing."
"The right thing!?" Elladan came to stand before his brother, "His was wounded already and I..I"
But Elrohir firmly interrupted, "You did not know of his wounds, none of us did. And your actions saved his life. I know you would not undo that outcome."
Elladan shook his head and stepped to the balcony railing. Soon Elrohir joined him and silently they both watched the nighttime world around them.
Elrohir's words were almost a whisper, "I am afraid, Elladan, afraid that this breaking of our family will not be able to be mended. Ada...he did not deny Estel's words, and you saw the look upon his face when Legolas handed him those letters. I feel like all I have known has become a lie...was always a lie."
"I know," Elladan somberly agreed. "And we are on the outskirts of this maelstrom. I can not endure to think how deeply this has pained Estel."
"He will leave, Elladan. He will not stay where he feels all have betrayed him." Elrohir turned to face Elladan and said with a conviction that put a shiver down Elladan's spine, "But he needs us, needs our support, our love...now more than ever after what he has endured. We can not fail him...not again."
Putting a hand upon Elrohir's shoulder, Elladan reassured, "We won't fail him again, I promise you that," and he pulled his little brother into a hug.
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It was not long after Elladan's departure when Legolas, having the ability to pierce the darkness with his elven eyesight, saw Aragorn's head begin to toss with the throes of a nightmare. Leaning forward from the chair he had long occupied, the prince put his hand upon his friend's forehead. Some heat could be felt under his palm but he knew the slight fever was not the culprit of the images that seemingly haunted the man's sleep. Grimly Legolas knew what ravaged the man's mind, even in sleep. For the heinous occurrences Aragorn had been forced to endure were fodder enough for ten thousand nightmares.
Thinking to comfort his friend, Legolas brushed the back of his hand across the wounded man's cheek but without warning, Aragorn jerked away from Legolas' touch and with a cry of "No!" sat up.
Aragorn's waking eyes met with an all too familiar and terrifying darkness. His escape had been a dream...the tomb's darkness still surrounded him! When a hand wrapped around his arm, all reason deserted him. Like an animal caught in a trap, he frantically struggled to pull his arm free from the unholy touch of the dead while with his right hand, he desperately tried to pry the fingers away from his skin. Fingers, that had he been of his right mind, he would have realized consisted of flesh and blood and not merely bone.
Unprepared for Aragorn's panicked reaction, Legolas instantly released his hold on his friend as if he had been burned by a flame. But as soon as his hand left the man's skin, Legolas watched in apprehension as Aragorn skittered backwards toward the edge of the bed. Fearing his friend would topple onto the floor, Legolas reached again for Aragorn but even his elven speed did not match Aragorn's fear driven instincts. The man easily eluded the elf's grasp and promptly fell from the bed.
Agony overloaded Aragorn's senses as his back slammed harshly into the floor and for a moment he could not draw in a breath. Then he thought he heard someone call "Aragorn" as if from a great distance and sensed movement in the room. With energy born of terror, he sat up and crawled backward away from the presence that loomed in the dark and knew his name. Many a foul creature called him by one of his adopted names...but it was only Sauron's minions that gave voice to his true name.
In horror, Legolas watched as Aragorn fell from the bed. "Aragorn!" he cried in alarm and worry as he scrambled across the bed to get to his friend. Before Legolas could kneel at Aragorn's side, the man had scampered backwards as if Sauron himself pursued him. When the ranger's back came up against the wall, blocking any further retreat, Legolas saw Aragorn's eyes dart around the room, seeking to pierce the darkness, his breath labored and loud in the room.
Something twisted painfully in Legolas at seeing his friend so fearful. "Aragorn, it's Legolas," he gently soothed, allowing his natural glow to illuminate him as he slowly approached the shaken man.
Recognition sparked in Aragorn's eyes. In relief, he hung his head, letting his chin come to rest on his chest, a tremble coursing through him. He was not in the tomb...though real his dream had seemed. Legolas was with him...and he knew the room that Legolas' light illuminated, a room that once had been a haven to him against the world.
With care, Legolas drew closer to his best friend. Coming to kneel before Aragorn, he lightly put his hand at the nape of the man's bowed neck. "You are free. The darkness no longer holds you in it's grasp," he reassured, his own words breaking with emotion.
Aragorn's head jerked up at Legolas' words and their eyes met amid the small glow Legolas generated. Reading the anguish in his friend's eyes, Aragorn realized with shock, 'He knows. Somehow Legolas knows about the tomb.. the tomb that was very nearly mine.' Suddenly shame overshadowed his fear and he could not hold his best friend's eyes.
It tortured Legolas to see humiliation in his best friend's eyes. But when Aragorn dropped his gaze, Legolas could bear it no more. Putting his fingers under Aragorn's chin, he gently tilted the man's chin up so their eyes connected once again. "You bear no shame, Estel. Your survival proclaims your great fortitude. "
Legolas' words bled away most of Aragorn's sense of shame and with the reassuring presence of his best friend, Aragorn's terror also faded, leaving him acutely aware of the agony in his body. With a moan of pain, he wrapped his arms around his waist to brace his wounds and started to pitch forward.
Instantly closing the distance between he and Aragorn, Legolas wrapped his arm around Aragorn's back, low enough to ensure he did not touch any of his friend's wounds, and rested his other hand upon the nape of the man's neck and drew his friend against his chest. Legolas could almost feel the agony radiating off the trembling body of his friend and it felt as if the pain were his own. "Your father will give you something to ease the pain," he reassured quietly.
"No!" Aragorn protested, the word coming out as a plea instead of the yell it would have been had he the strength. He wanted nothing from his "father", from Elrond. The elven lord's duty had long been fulfilled, his burden lifted. Aragorn would no longer seek solace where it ceased to exist, where it had only existed for the sake of duty.
Raising his head from Legolas's shoulder and pulling slightly away from the elf, Aragorn eyes met Legolas's. "No, do not call him," the plea intermingled with a command.
With Aragorn's words and the haunted look in his eyes, Legolas knew Elrond's letters had torn Aragorn's heart to shreds. He wanted to offer a balm to the man's pain but he did not know how. Though he did not doubt Elrond's love for Aragorn, Legolas did not know how to defend Elrond's actions...not when he could not find it in himself to forgive the elf those same actions. Instead Legolas agreed with his friend's plea, "As you wish, I will not call for your..." Legolas saw Aragorn's mouth tightened grimly and he hastily amended his words, "for Elrond. But we must get you back into bed."
Aragorn did not want to be returned to his bed, did not want to remain here, not among the ones who had betrayed him. But he had been a healer for far too many years, he knew the human body's limitation. And he had met his...long ago. Resigned to the fact that he was too unwell to remove himself from the care the elves offered, Aragorn steeled himself against the agony he knew would come when Legolas aided him to his feet. But Legolas interceded without a word.
Slipping his arm under Aragorn's legs and repositioned his other arm to better brace the man's back, Legolas gathered his friend into his arms and stood up.
Aragorn opened his mouth intending to demand to be put down but his protest morphed into a cry of pain as the wounds to his stomach rebelled against the albeit exorbitantly gentle actions of the elf. Clenching his jaw shut against any more cries, Aragorn leaned his head against Legolas' chest, closed his eyes and tried to manage the agony.
Guilt swamped Legolas at Aragorn's cry of agony. He should have been more careful, he should have warned the man of his actions! Looking down at the man he held, noticing Aragorn's clenched jaw, the almost translucent skin of the man's face, and the man's hand that gripped his tunic in a vise to channel away some of his pain, Legolas was overwhelmed by a need to protect Aragorn, to do all he could to lessen his friend's pain.. no matter the source.
With measured actions, Legolas carried Aragorn back to his bed and laid him back upon the mattress as if he were made of delicate glass. But even with that care, Aragorn groaned as Legolas slipped his arms from under him. Legolas gripped Aragorn's hand that still crushed the fabric of his tunic in it's grasp and sat on the bed beside Aragorn. "I am sorry, Estel. I..I did not mean to cause you pain."
With his eyes still shut, Aragorn slowly released his grip on Legolas' tunic but found Legolas' hand was soon in it's place, squeezing his hand reassuringly. Lowly, Aragorn replied to his friend's apology, "Life is pain."
The ranger's sentiment struck a blow to Legolas. Aragorn meant the words. To him life was full of pain of all types and strengths. Sorrow for his friend once again seized the elf's heart. Pain was one thing Aragorn did not deserve, had never deserved...just as he did not deserve the "gift" of mortality, the "gift" Legolas had believed Aragorn had been bestowed yesterday.
Hearing a sharp breath, Aragorn forced his eyes open and was startled to see the grief stricken look upon Legolas's face. Thinking his friend had misinterpreted his reply as blame, he clarified, "I lay no blame upon you Legolas. It is my body that betrays me," but at the word "betrays" he stammered to a stop. More than his body had dealt him a betrayal.
But Legolas shook his head, the man did not understand the emotions that threatened to overtake him. Legolas began to stand up and release Aragorn's hand. He needed to get some air, to marshal his emotions, quickly before they erupted from him.
At Legolas' attempt to withdrawal from him, Aragorn gripped the elf's hand before it could slip from his grasp. "Legolas, mellon nin, what's wrong?"
Legolas could not meet Aragorn's look, not if he wanted to remain in control of his emotions.
The emotional withdrawal of his best friend was like another blow to Aragorn's heart. Numbly he released Legolas' hand. He would not force the elf to stay by his side if he did not wish it. It suddenly seemed as if he were alone again, like he had been in the tomb. Alone with no one to count upon to save him...or care if he were lost to the Halls. He looked away and clenched his jaw shut against the plea he wanted to make to Legolas. A plea to not abandon him, not now, not like everyone else.
Having been released by Aragorn, Legolas stood up, never giving a look to Aragorn, not when he knew the man would have read his grief so easily. He crossed over to the night stand and lit a lamp. He almost did not hear the words of his friend.
Aragorn could not keep the plea locked away, not after all he had been through, after all he had learned. "Please, don't go. You need not talk to me or tend to me..but stay at my side, mellon nin. Forgive me for any wrong I have done to you."
Stunned by Aragorn's words, Legolas spun around and stammered, "Wrong? Sweet Eru, you have done no wrong, Estel!"
"Then why do you run from me?" Aragorn quietly asked, trying to read the elf's face in the flickering candle light.
"I...I do not run from you...I run from me, from my emotions. I would spare you them," Legolas answered, wavering between going to his friend's side and bolting for the door.
"I do not understand. Can you not let me know your heart...as you have done in the past? Or have things changed between us...has nothing in my life been left untainted," Aragorn implored, desperately needing a life line to grasp, a life line that seemed bent on fraying away to a thread.
"I thought you were dead, Aragorn," Legolas softly, brokenly confessed, his eyes holding Aragorn's as a tear slipped down his cheek. "I found your camp...your sword...the blood." Legolas's voice cracked and he shook his head and swallowed hard. "I...I could not bear the thought of never seeing you again...of never hearing you taunt me...or bicker with me over the true telling of one of our adventures."
Then Legolas came again to Aragorn's side and claimed a seat on the bed. "That grief...I still feel, here," and he put his hand upon his heart. In the next instant, Legolas leaned over and embraced Aragorn, trying to be mindful of the man's injuries but having to fight his need to clutch desperately to his best friend to ensure that the man was really alive.
Aragorn wrapped his arms around the elf, knowing it was he who was giving the support now. When Legolas pulled back he lightly rested his hand upon Aragorn's cheek. "Thank you. Thank you for not giving up, for being the stubborn fool I know you to be."
A small smile turned up Aragorn's lips, "See, now you appreciate my stubbornness."
"I'm starting to but I shall always appreciate your life and your friendship more." Then he lifted the man's shirt as he said, "Now let's make sure you have done yourself no serious harm."
But Aragorn hand shot out and gripped Legolas' and their eye met once again. "I owe you thanks as well, for being here, for staying with me."
Legolas smiled and playfully ruffled the man's hair, "As if I would be anywhere else and miss the opportunity to "mother" you as you say. Now relax and let me see if you pulled out any stitches."
Tension eased from Aragorn and he found himself slowly drifting off to sleep. He was not alone anymore, he had an ally against the darkness. But what he refused to voice was whether even Legolas's friendship would offer him enough strength to overcome the obstacles that littered his decimated life.
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TBC
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OK, now don't go lynching me but I'm going on vacation next week so the earliest I'll be posting is Monday, August 2nd! But hey, I had a heart and I didn't let you with a big cliffie!
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Replies to Reviews: I should make these short since I should be packing for vacation this instant. (Since when do I do what I should?!?!?)
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Marbienl: You sure know how to compliment a girl!! I'm so gladyou think I'm one of the best writers you know and I am SUPER GLAD you prodded me into posting this story...even when I didn't have it finished!!!! You're right, Legolas wouldn't harm Aragorn and the twins should know this but then again, Legolas can be kinda a push over when he's trying to stay on his best friend's good side like he did in Mire. As you saw in this chapter,the twins are starting to cool down and realize Legolas is not the bad guy. I too still hold a pretty good grudge against Elrond and his reaction to Aragorn and Arwen's romance but there's always that twisted occurrence in life that you can't see coming and when it does come, you want to do the right thing...but you just can't. And Elrond will get his chance to explain...but not for awhile. Like you pointed out, Legolas seems destined to be the mediator between father and son...I think that's rather a cool thing for a friend to do. And Legolas was still trying to get over the shock even in this chapter...I can't imagine thinking someone's dead only to find out they're not! Fantastic news but still shocking! Glad you liked Elrond's reactions to the letters and that he didn't quite remember what words he used. (Selective memory maybe!) And you have me so pegged!!!! You KNEW I couldn't pass up the opportunity to heap a nightmare onto Aragorn's already miserable existence!! Hope you liked this chapter! Thanks so much for reviewing!
Nietta: Ah, so you like poor Legolas deep in "hatred, shame and angst"? Me too! Thanks so much for your compliments! I really was worried that I had overdone the emotions especially Elrond's. Glad you "loved it" and that is "blew" you away!!! Yes, Aragorn is awake and yes, there's angst enough to last this whole story. Thanks for reviewing!
Aebbook: My bad for making you wait so long for this chapter!!! Thanks for your compliments and that conversation between father and son...sorry but that's a little ways in the future but I'll make sure you aren't bored in the meantime! And there's nothing wrong with your spelling! Thanks for reviewing!
Et-Spiritus-Sancti: So glad you liked the Elrond scenes in last chapter! They came from my heart and I was feeling very vulnerable about putting it out there. Thanks for being so supportive!!! I know, I didn't give you a lot of Aragorn reaction this chapter but at least he's not unconscious any more! And I'm glad you're not upset that Arwen won't be in this story...I don't think even I could handle another character's emotion in this story! I'm touched that you even like my review responses! I feel that's the very least I can do for someone who's words make me so happy! Thanks for reviewing!
Luinthien: I wasn't sure if I could get away with the stalling tactic but I remembered Legolas in FOTR saying "I have not the heart to tell you for my grief is still too near" or something like that. So if he got choked up about Gandalf's dying how much more must Aragorn's supposed death effect him! (Seems logical right?) I'm relieved and pleased that you want more chapters! Some people seem to want the story to hurry and wrap up but I tend to be long winded (just look at these review responses and this is me being "short")! Thanks for reviewing!
Tailspin: I'm touched that my story brightens your days!!!!! I have to say, I'm kinda attached to the scenes that showcase the deep friendship that Aragorn and Legolas share so I try really hard to make these scenes carry a lot of emotion. Glad you approve! And I wasn't sure if Legolas would hand over the letters but I think he cares so much for Aragorn that he would try anything to make sure Aragorn can find happiness with his family again...even give Elrond a break he probably doesn't deserve at the moment. So how did I do in the ranger comforting department this chapter?! Thanks for reviewing!
MoonFire1: The twins reaction to Legolas having Aragorn's sword...that just seemed natural for their protective natures and besides, Legolas was kinda caught red handed with the "evidence" but I can't believe that they truly would think Legolas would harm Aragorn..as evidenced in this chapter. I'm really pleased that you thought Elrond's guilt and shame were "tangible"!!!! I was shocked at how powerfully that section came across as I wrote it! I like what you said about Elrond's failure not going away and that "he will learn the bitterness immortality will bring." Nicely said. Thanks for reviewing!
Joey: I'm very pleased that last chapter tore at your heart!!!! That's a beautiful compliment to me! And yes, no one is spared pain in this tale...poor elves and ranger! And the longer you live the more mistakes in life you make, the more things you wish you had not done or done differently...imaging how many screw ups you'd do if you lived a couple thousand years!! Guess we should give Elrond a break....but boy did he screw up royally! And I'm sorry I didn't email you yet but I will! Thanks for reviewing!
Tychen: I will NOT forget you ever again!! Thanks for your understanding about my foul up last chapter! That I made "you" feel sorry for Elrond...not that's an accomplishment! (Truth is, I made myself feel sorry for him...no small feat either) And like you said, Elrond will have to "endure the present and try and find hope to face the future." (Now I just have to write that part of this story!!) I couldn't miss an opportunity to have Legolas fade...if just a tiny bit. I mean he thought he lost his best friend..that had to have effected him strongly..right? And I think you're right about why Legolas did not really lay into Elrond. Hope you liked this newest chapter! Thanks for reviewing!
Someone Reading: That was a great compliment you gave me by thinking my characters' turmoil is true to life!! And yes, Legolas had a rough emotional day but I think he'd feel much better after an encounter with Barion. I hated to have the twins second guess Legolas but he was looking kinda guilty! Glad I got you to pity Elrond (I didn't want to be the only one going soft on him!) Nice interruption of why Elrond might have written the letters!! And I loved your line "words hurt but worse than anything else, they haunt'!! Thanks so much for reviewing!
No Big Deal: Thanks so much for your compliments!!! To think you think my writing is "outstanding" and my storyline is "wickedly engaging" ...I'm Loving that!!! Sorry you had to wait so long for this update! So how'd you like the twins in this chapter? Thanks for your review!
Eternal Rose: I LOVED that you broke tradition for last chapter because I put my heart and soul into chapter 7 and I really needed to know it didn't stink!!! And I am blushing over your compliments not to mention running around quoting you "by far the best fic...in terms of torturing Aragorn and his family"!!!! And that fact that you think my take on Elrond makes sense...I really appreciate you saying that! Hope you liked Aragorn and Legolas' interaction this chapter! Thanks for reviewing!
Nerfenherder: "Dripping with angst" now that got a huge smile out of me! Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me what you liked about the past chapters! Glad you're intrigued by Barion, I always hope my bad guys are too one dimensional! And I just couldn't let him take Barahir without a tiny struggle. As for Aragorn's tomb experience, I'm glad if came off with "realism and horror" cause that was what I was shooting for. And as in true life, words wound deeper than all other hurts and Barion is a master at that kind of assault. I'm pleased that you liked the emotions soaking chapters 5-7. I just put myself into each of the character's positions and pretended I was 100% more emotionally strong than I am, and whammy, that's what I came up with. And I can't miss an opportunity to have a good old verbal fight and Elrond and Aragorn had this one brewing for years...Aragorn just didn't know it. About Aragorn's hair, now I have to figure out how and when they/Aragorn washes it. How does one wash one's hair when one is lying flat out on one's back...without soaking one's bed? (I'm sure Aragorn would take you up on your battery powered blow dryer offer.) Hope you liked Aragorn's return to consciousness! Thanks for your review!
Grumpy: Tying Aragorn to "your" bed...what sacrifices you're willing to make to see him well, emotions and physically! But sorry, you gotta stand in line behind ME on that request! After all, I hurt him so it's only right I "heal" him (wink wink). So glad you're "loving" the story and the angst! After Mire I wasn't sure I had it in me to do another angst filled story...seems like I mighta been wrong. And yes, Elrond will have to pay for writing the letters, letters that he wrote because....oh, that's in a later chapter. (grins wickedly). Thanks so much for reviewing!
Elvingirl3737: I laughed out loud when you said "you" felt guilty after reading Elrond's feelings! I was so glad you liked how I expressed Elrond's reaction to the letters. I felt I had hit the emotions pretty straight on and I hoped that I was able to write them down in a way that everyone felt sorry for Elrond. And see there was some comfort in this chapter as you requested. Thanks for reviewing!
Spades: You gave me quite a compliment and I'm sorry I took so long to get this chapter written and posted. But I've come to discover writing angst is kinda tricky...you have to be in the right mood. Luckily that mood kicked in Wednesday night (like around 11:30pm) and I could finish this chapter! Thanks for reviewing!
Nefhiriel: Yes, you certainly have me pegged! Pain for Estel and angst for everyone else! And I notice that there a lot of stories out there with Legolas as the primary person...ah elf getting injured and I like Legolas but I'm in love with Aragorn. Now why that means I love to hurt him...only a therapist could truly explain that one to me! So happy that you think I'm keeping everyone in character and glad you like reading about Elladan's emotions. Your mom isn't the only one who would freak in that tomb, I know I would too...probably more over the dark than anything. I'm flattered that you're adding my story to your alerts! Thanks for reviewing!
Joslin: I LOVE you for saying I should try to write a novel...that you have faith that I could get in published! That's been my dream since I realized what fun writing was! Maybe someday, I'll step out on that limb and give it a shot! Thank you so much for your compliment!
Beling: You know, I'm really glad you're a die hard Elrond fan! Though I have issues with him (like you didn't notice that in my stories) I am still very attached to him and think he's a great father to Aragorn (excluding his actions regarding Arwen and Aragorn's romance). And I have to admit, I felt kinda teary eyed writing his reaction to the letters. Loved what you wrote about Aragorn's feelings and your belief he will eventually realize that Elrond loves him...a belief he will come to accept for you. How could the man turn you down and not do as you ask?! Thanks for your review!
MagickalStar135: I really appreciate that you took the time to tell me what you liked in the past chapters!!! I sure be scared that I "captured the feelings of a sick demented loony" but I was instead very flattered by those words! And you apparently have less of a fear than I do about tombs if you can describe Aragorn's experience as "morbidly cool". If I ever need someone to retrieve something from a tomb, I'm calling you. So glad that I didn't disappoint you with Aragorn's homecoming. Ah, so Chapter 6 tugged at your emotions...I'm loving that! And you should indeed give Legolas some advice about not ticking off all three lords at the same time but he just let his emotions lead him..isn't that what we like about him. Thanks so much for reviewing!
Elven Kitten: Ok so I have to admit "torture" is the correct word. Elrond should feel very blessed to get a hug from you! Especially since it means you had to release Aragorn from your embrace for a second or two!!! Thanks for your review!
Thanks for reading and reviewing!!! See you all next post!!
Cheryl W.