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.
Chapter 10 ))))))))))
Legolas did as Elrond ordered and gently turned Aragorn and once again began to aid the man to his room. Renen trailed behind them but made no move to again offer his assistance to Strider. Trying for lightness, Legolas questioned Aragorn, "So how did you slip by the healer assigned to make you swallow your favorite tea and keep you tied to your bed?"
A shadow of Aragorn's usual smirk appeared on the man's face but before he could answer the said healer stepped out of one of the spare bedrooms, carrying five pillows. His look when he saw Aragorn being helped back to his room ranged from shock to worry to fury.
Legolas chuckled and aimed a reprimanding look to his friend, "You used the old "I need more pillows to get comfortable" line didn't you? You should feel ashamed of yourself."
Aragorn smirked, "I should," but the twinkle in his eyes told Legolas that the man didn't feel one ounce of regret for his actions.
"You are incorrigible, mellon nin. But I will not fall for such trickery," Legolas warned his friend.
Aragorn's mirth slipped away and he met Legolas' eyes with unflinching determination. "I am going after Barion, Legolas. Do not try and stand in my way."
Anger and frustration assaulted Legolas but he said nothing as he maneuvered himself and Aragorn into the man's room and sat Aragorn down on his bed. Repositioning the pillow and the covers before turning to Aragorn, Legolas grasped his friend's shoulders and started to push the man down on the bed.
Aragorn's hand shot out and ensnared Legolas' wrist and their eyes clashed. Without pulling his look from his best friend, Aragorn ordered, "Renen can you give us a moment alone."
When Legolas sensed Renen had departed the room, he voiced his argument against Aragorn's earlier words, "Aragorn, you can not even stand up! If you want the rangers to mete out the punishment to Barion, then let them but you must know 'you' are too weak to go after Barion," his eyes imploring his friend to see reason, to accept his limitations.
But Aragorn shook his head, "No. I need to be the one to face Barion."
Understanding his friend's feelings, Legolas softly began, "After what he did to you, I do not refute your right to .."
"Not right, I "need" to finish this for myself," Aragorn countered, hoping that Legolas would side with him in this. "He bested me, Legolas, in all the ways that matter and now he is insinuating his way into the rangers, befriending my men. This is personal for me." Legolas opened his mouth to protest but Aragorn firmly avowed, "And I know that if I run from him, if I do not dare to face him again, I will carry that defeat and shame with me forever."
Legolas tightened his grip on Aragorn's shoulders and held his friend's eyes. "You bare no shame, Aragorn! And his victory held no honor! You were hurt and confused by the letters Barion showed you, your mind was not focused solely upon the battle Barion waged against you. In a fair battle..."
"No, Legolas. You were not there! I know every man must taste defeat and the Valar knows I have tasted my fair share but this was different! His skill out weighted my own! My life was in his hands, Legolas," he tried to make his friend understand what he felt. "I knelt there, waiting for the sword stroke that would take my life."
Aragorn's words brought back Legolas' memories of the battle he had tracked around Aragorn's camp and he understood his friend's descriptions of the battle better than he wanted to. "I know," he acknowledged lowly, "I saw the signs of your battle. But he did not land the killing stroke."
Aragorn could read the question in his friend's eyes but he was not ready to talk about that part of Barion's assault not even to his best friend. Instead he began to lie down upon the bed, immediately Legolas aided the man's descent then picked up Aragorn's legs and settled them onto the bed before pulling the cover over his friend.
"Your father will want to see if you have pulled out any stitches," Legolas softly warned, not catching himself from calling Elrond Aragorn's father.
"I am well," came Aragorn's stilted reply. This earned him a snort from Legolas and his eyes flew to his friend's bemused face.
"Your time with the rangers has diminished your skill at lying, mellon nin," Legolas said, humor sparking in his eyes.
With a falsely grumpy tone, Aragorn returned, "Rangers have no need for lies. Even when we tell the truth none believe us so there is no need for us to engage in deception."
"Oh, so you only attempt deception around me! Is this supposed to make me feel better?" Legolas taunted with a smirk, glad for the moment of levity with his friend, a moment that, only a day prior, he thought he would never have again with Aragorn.
"Honored I think is the word," Aragorn sallied back as Legolas wiped his brow with a damp cloth that the elf had picked up from the nightstand.
"Right," Legolas sarcastically replied. "Should I let your ranger come back into the room?"
Suddenly Aragorn remembered his task and tried to rise from the bed as he said, "The letter.." but Legolas quickly put his hand upon Aragorn's chest and pressed the man back to the bed. "I need to write the letter to Halbarad!"
"Fine. You compose it and I'll write it," Legolas stated matter of factly. Aragorn shook his head in denial but Legolas leaned over him and sternly set out the rules, "That is the way of it, Aragorn. Accept my aid or send your ranger off without a letter."
"Halbarad will recognize that the handwriting is not mine!" Aragorn protested.
"Renen will hear you compose it as proof that the words are your own and you may sign the letter," Legolas calmly offered.
"I may sign my own letter. How gracious of you?" Aragorn sardonically replied but Legolas knew it for what it was: Acceptance.
"Stay," Legolas ordered, giving his friend's chest another firm shove of pressure before he stood up and crossed to the door and called the young ranger into the room.
It took only a few minutes for the letter to be written and Legolas, to his credit tried valiantly to not offer any suggestions or comments on the letter's content, but he could not help raising one eyebrow in objection over Aragorn's tame recount of what Barion had done to him though he did not voice his displeasure. But when Aragorn promised Halbarad that he would arrive at the rangers' camp the following day, Legolas protested before Aragorn's full sentence was uttered.
"No, Aragorn," Legolas refused, putting down the quill and glaring at his best friend. "Tomorrow will find you right here," pointing to the bed emphatically he clarified, "in that bed."
Aragorn didn't bother disputing the matter with Legolas but instead looked to Renen and firmly stated, "Tell Halbarad I will be in camp tomorrow."
"It will be a lie you speak, Renen," Legolas countered his eyes focused on Aragorn. "Tell Halbarad Strider requires time to mend from his wounds and will join them when he is fit."
Aragorn lanced a steely glare into Legolas. "You are my friend, Legolas, not my master. I will do as I wish and you can agree or disagree with my choices but you can not stop me."
"Can I not?" Legolas challenged, his voice a hard edge usually reserved for dwarfs.
"Not if you wish to remain my friend," the ranger lowly threatened.
Legolas felt ripples of shock surge through him at Aragorn's threat, a threat he knew the man did not make lightly. "It is "because" I am your friend that I will do all in my power to see you do not kill yourself," Legolas said, his voice soft but with a desperation that Aragorn did not hear often from his friend. "Will you punish me so unforgivably harsh for my loyalty?"
"Show your loyalty by aiding me to do what I must," Aragorn pleaded and he watched indecision war within the elf. "The rangers are my responsibility...like Mirkwood is yours. Would you stay here, no matter how injured you were, if Mirkwood was under attack and had need of you?"
Legolas's jaw clenched, "You do not fight fair, human," he growled.
But Aragorn smiled, "A mere human could not best an elf by fighting fair...that's what you always tell me."
A smile fought to emerge on Legolas' face and finally it escaped the elf's tight reign. "Stop twisting my words around, Aragorn!" he chuckled.
"Now will you write what I told you to write," Aragorn pressed, pointing meaningfully at the letter.
Legolas sighed in defeat before picking up the quill and once again taking the man's dictation. When he had finished, true to his promise, he handed Aragorn the quill to sign his name.
Aragorn began to read the letter but Legolas scoffed as he pointed to the place where Aragorn's signature belonged, "What? You do not trust me, Aragorn?"
Shooting his friend a glare, Aragorn made to sit up but he found Legolas' hand firmly on his chest, pinning him to the bed.
"You can sign without getting up or you shall not sign at all," Legolas provided Aragorn his choices.
With unveiled frustration, Aragorn remained prone and struggled to sign his name on the sheet that rested on his chest. "It barely looks like my signature," he complained as Legolas took the quill and paper from him.
Legolas gave the signature an assessing look before offering Aragorn a teasing smile, "Actually it looks neater than your usual scratching of ink."
Aragorn gave his best friend a look that could maim before turning to Renen who had stepped forward to take the proffered letter from the elf. Aragorn beckoned the boy closer and Legolas gave up his position at his friend's side and leaned against the wall.
Meeting the young ranger's eyes, Aragorn saw the youth's emotions clearly. "You were very brave to carry news of my death to my fam...to Lord Elrond. Now I need to rely upon your bravery again, to take this letter to Halbarad and assure him that it bears my wishes."
Renen bowed his head, "I will, Strider." He looked up as Aragorn's hand came to rest on his shoulder.
"You are a fine ranger, Renen. Your father would have been very proud of you." Renen seemed to blush with the compliments but then he hesitated. "What is it?" Aragorn prompted."
Meeting his chieftains' eyes, Renen quietly said, "None of us wanted to believe you were gone, especially Halbarad and Thangril...but Barion, he had your ring, he said your...your body was too ruined to do more than bury." Renen dropped his eyes as bitterness hued his next words, "What fools we were to believe him!"
Aragorn put his hand under the sixteen year old's chin and gently raised the youth's face until their eyes met. "I lay no guilt upon you or any of the others. Barion lies with much skill, I know this better than anyone."
"He will pay dearly," Renen promised, a gleam of hatred in his eyes.
Aragorn opened his mouth but it was Legolas who gave the deadly reply, "Yes, he will."
Both young and elder ranger shot looks to the blonde elf, neither offering a challenge to his oath. Then Renen turned once again to his chieftain. "I will do my duty and all the rangers will do their duty as you asked of them."
"Go with the grace of the Valar," Aragorn bid. The boy gave another nod and then ran from the room.
Legolas casually made his way to his friend's side and sat down on the bed but looked at the door instead of his friend. "I did not intend to argue with you in front of one of your rangers but you provoked me, Estel."
"Are you apologizing?" Aragorn taunted, earning him Legolas' outraged look.
"I'm saying that it's your fault if that boy leaves here thinking we're two arguing boys still in the school room," Legolas railed back, but a laugh was lurking in his tone.
"School room?! That's quite a stretch for you isn't it, ancient one?" Aragorn sallied back but Legolas could hear the weariness in the ranger's voice.
"Yes, child, it is. Now it's time for you to listen to your elder and get some sleep," he gently reproved as he picked up a still full teacup.
"The tea is cold by now, ancient one," Aragorn smugly said but was unpleasantly surprised when Legolas merely smiled.
Slipping his hand behind Aragorn's neck, Legolas gently raised the man's head from the bed and put the tea cup to the man's lips. "It's your fault the tea is cold. Not mine. Drink up," and he started to tilt the cup's contents into the man's mouth.
Before Aragorn could draw in a breath to voice a protest, the cold bitter tea splashed onto his tongue. Instinctively he swallowed the horrid brew until no more filled his mouth.
Having coaxed the entire cup's contents down Aragorn's throat, Legolas settled Aragorn's head once again upon the pillow and tried hard to ignore the man's ranting and ravings.
"You could have choked me with that wretched stuff! A healer would have reheated the tea and not killed his patient by cutting off their breath with the liquid!" Aragorn ranted and raved, though there truly was no malice in his words.
Dousing a cloth in the water basin, Legolas gently stoked the cloth over Aragorn's face and forehead. "The healers are too soft on you. You require a firm hand. Now be quiet or you're going to fall dead asleep with your mouth gaping open like that time in the forests outside Laketown."
"I had a cold, Legolas! If I shut my mouth I would have died!" Aragorn explained with longsuffering, secretly glad to be back to resuming his usual arguments with the elf.
"So you say, human, so you say," Legolas softly retorted as he watched Aragorn's eyes begin to struggle to stay open. "Sleep, mellon nin. Give your body a chance to heal."
Aragorn's eyes slid shut but then they flew open in alarm, "My brothers..."
"Have no idea where your camp is," Legolas reassured.
"They could follow Renen."
"But they won't," Legolas firmly stated and seeing Aragorn's surprised look he explained, "You ordered them to not go after Barion and they will obey you, only because they fear the consequences if they do not." At the confusion on the ranger's face, Legolas continued, "Your brothers will do nothing to further jeopardize their relationship with you, Aragorn. They want their brother's love again."
Legolas watched as Aragorn's face clouded with anguish and the man closed his eyes. "You can not doubt their love for you, Estel!"
"I doubt everything," came Aragorn's quiet, anguished reply and he clamped his eyes shut tighter. "Everything has been tainted by a lie, his lie."
Legolas wanted to ease Aragorn's pain but in truth he did not know how and that broke his heart. "Our friendship has not been tainted, " he declared softly, "and together we will see our way through to the truth."
Aragorn forced his eyes open and focused on Legolas, "Thank you, Legolas," and he raised his hand and the elf firmly took it into his grasp.
But soon the man's eyes slid shut and his breathing evened out into a pattern Legolas knew indicated sleep for the human. Gently, Legolas placed Aragorn's hand under the covers before releasing it. "Sleep well, Estel," he bade before he stood up and walked to the open door. Leaning in it's archway, his ice cold blue eyes seared into Elrond, who stood leaning against the wall just outside Aragorn's room wearing a stricken look upon his face. "How will you make this right?"
Legolas' question burned into Elrond's soul and he numbly shook his head, "I...I do not know but I must."
Legolas opened his mouth to speak but then he saw Elladan and Elrohir exit their respective rooms at the same time, bearing their traveling packs, swords and bows. Legolas stepped into the hallway, blocking their paths. "You can not go after Barion."
"Do not try to stop us," Elladan warned, his look encompassing both the Mirkwood elf and his father.
Legolas put a restraining hand on Elladan's chest. "If you value your relationship with Estel at all, you will heed his wishes."
Anger sparked in Elladan's eyes, "Do not question my love for my brother," he hissed. "I do this for him, to make Barion pay for the pain he has done to Estel."
"I know, but Estel will not forgive you if you do. Barion took something from Estel that he alone must wrestle back from him."
"What?" Elrohir demanded, enraged to think Barion had taken something else beside Barahir from Estel.
"His faith in himself," Legolas quietly announced and watched surprise and pain wash over the other elves' features. "Estel must be allowed to face Barion again, to prove to himself that he is the better man, the better ranger." Seeing the protests, Legolas firmly added, "No words we say will restore Estel's confidence."
"But Estel is too weak to prove anything to anyone right now," Elrohir countered. "If Elladan and I took Barion from the rangers and brought him here then when Estel is well he could see Barion."
It was a sound plan but Legolas knew Aragorn would not accept it. "Aragorn is going to the ranger's camp...tomorrow."
"What?! No, he can not!" Elladan exclaimed.
"He is too weak!" Elrohir declared
Elrond alone remained silent but Legolas could see the protest in the elf lord's eyes. "But he will," Legolas said, "and none of us can stop him unless we wish to sever all our ties with him. He was very earnest in his threat."
Dwarven curses flew from Elladan as he unslung his pack and stalked back to his room, accepting defeat but despising it with every fiber of his being. Elrohir sighed and also turned back to his own room.
Certain that he had prevented the twins from doing anything rash, Legolas turned to Elrond. "You will not be able to convince Estel to stay here," he reinstated as Elrond's eyes seared into his.
"But 'you' could," Elrond replied, that belief blazing in his eyes.
Caught off guard by Elrond's notion, Legolas stammered, "No...I ..I tried. He will not listen to me."
"He will. Out of any of us, he will listen to you," and he seized onto Legolas' shoulder. "You must convince him of the folly of this notion. His brothers can bring Barion to him."
"He will not accept that!" Legolas shot back, shrugging off Elrond's hold and turning to reenter Aragorn's room but Elrond's hand shot out and gripped his arm.
"I know you care for Aragorn. That you know that traveling to the rangers tomorrow could kill him. Will you not do something to prevent that?" Elrond implored, to the younger elf's back.
Swinging around Legolas lowly growled, "He will not heed me, not in this! And if I push him I will forfeit his friendship!"
Quietly Elrond asked, his eyes boring into Legolas', "So you value your friendship with him more than his life?"
Legolas ripped his arm from Elrond's grasp and entered Aragorn's room and firmly shut the door behind him, shutting out Elrond. But coming to lean heavily against the door, Legolas could not shut out Elrond's words and his stomach tightened as he looked to his sleeping friend. 'Always, I believed I would risk everything to save Aragorn's life...but was I wrong? Is there something I will not hazard to lose...even if it should cost me the life of my best friend?'
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TBC
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Alright I was going to be nice and end this chapter after the comforting scene between Aragorn and Legolas but I just could not do it! So once again I end yet another chapter with our poor characters neck deep in angst. (So who's ready to kill me?)
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Replies to Reviews:
Quickbeam1: Thank you so much for your compliment! I hope you like the rest of the chapters I have posted as well. Love to hear from you again!
Marbienl: Legolas and Aragorn "real" blood brothers...I like the thought of that! And I agree with you, Elrond is apparently made of sterner stuff than I am to turn over the letters to his elven sons! I would burn those letters the first opportunity I got! But of course there is a cost for Elrond's bravery...namely the wrath and distrust of all three of his sons. As for the name Barion, sorry to say I just picked it out of the blue. I'm hoping to have Aragorn tell his side of the story in the next chapter or two and for the twins to also reveal what they know of Barion...but seeing as I haven't written that scene yet it's still up in the air on when this piece of dialogue appears in this story. (See..this is what you get when you encourage me and I post a story I haven't finished! But boy am I REALLY glad you prompted me to post a story or I might have just shoved this story in a corner and not shared it with anyone!) And the twins have also grown on me. When I first read about them in fanfic I was feeling a little unwelcome to them stealing some of the spotlight from Aragorn or Legolas but now I think they are great characters to incorporate in a good angsty Aragorn stories. And yes, killing me is a very BAD idea...I mean you want Aragorn to be happy again, right? So I have to be allowed to finish writing this story, right? (I sure hope you're nodding your head right now!) Sorry about the typo in my replied last chapter ...I meant I hoped you DID NOT go through too much withdrawal! Thanks for your always wonderful and very anticipated review!
Someone Reading: Thanks so much for your wonderful review! I agree, Elrond would gladly spend time in a tomb rather than bear the present pain of heart and soul. You have every right to be angry at Legolas and the twins...and Elrond and feel heartbroken for Aragorn...I know I do. So glad the chapter was worth the long wait! Can't wait to hear what you thought of this chapter!
Lenneth: Thank you so much for your complimentary review! Yes I decided to spread the angst about a bit. You know the old say, misery loves company, and I just thought Aragorn shouldn't be alone in his misery. As for who to pity the most....it's a tough call. I tend to rank Aragorn number one in that category and Elrond number two but that tends to change each chapter! Hope to hear from you again!
Koriaena: Thanks for the review! Glad you like angst and about Elrond fighting ...that's yet to be determined. Hope to hear from you again!
Victoria: Thank you for your review! I'm glad you stopped in to read this story. Actually I have to side with you a little bit about being irritated with everyone's reactions. They should have worked this out by simply talking to one another and remember the great memories they all share together. But I am always amazed (and saddened) when I hear about families that argue and then never talk to one another. I guess sometimes talking isn't enough nor are the memories of all the good times they once shared. However, this fic isn't going to end that way, Aragorn and his loved ones will see reason..eventually. Hope you still continue to read the story even if the characters are acting foolishly!
Athelassa: I don't mind at all that you didn't review for awhile! That simply means you actually have a life, unlike myself. I was so flattered that you "enjoy every line" of my story!!!! That is so nice of you to say!! Elrond would be glad you are on his side, he certainly needs someone who understands him and forgives him his error in judgment. I'm "almost" on his side, "almost". As for the ending...you know I'm a sap and love happy endings. Glad you liked Renen because OC are always risky to incorporate into a story. Yippee!!! I've done it! I've done it! I've made "You" "hate" Barion!!! (I was honestly starting to wonder if that was possible.) Thank you so much for your ego-stroking because it gives me the strength to post chapter after chapter even though I'm always nervous when I do and wait in trepidation for the reviews. Hope real life allows time for you to read this chapter and tell me what you think!
Joslin: You think last chapter was the best chapter! That's awesome!!! I was worried you would think it was boring with all the dialogue. Glad you liked the young ranger's part in this tale. Hope to hear from you real soon!
Tailspin: I so glad you think that I'm showing Aragorn's "emotional and physical frailty while still allowing his core strength to shine through"! I'm always worried that in showing someone's emotions I'll go overboard and ruin the true depth of strength of a character. Glad I haven't done that. About your relief that Aragorn has Legolas to lean upon...ah...your relief may have come too soon because that support seems to slightly be in jeopardy at the end of this chapter. As for your reviews, I love them and they are worded beautifully! Hope to hear from you soon!
Tychen: I did have a great vacation! Thank you! And I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that they are dealing with "the grief and confusion of loss of hope, security and personal memories". Those are horrible thinks to be robbed of and getting them back isn't an easy task. But like you said the emotions "will have to run their course" and the good memories will outweigh the bad. And yes, Barion's death will certainly help the healing process. Thanks so much for reviewing and I'm anxiously awaiting your next review!
Aebbook: Thank you so much for thinking last chapter was "great"! I worked hard on it while I was on vacation so I'm glad it wasn't wasted time! Glad you're still enjoying "mire"! Hope to hear from you soon!
Elvengirl13737: Thank you for your wonderful review! I'm so relieved that you liked the Elrond and twin scenes because I was worried that they wouldn't come across well! Can't wait for your next review!
Nietta: Let me reassure you, I use my thesaurus heavily too! My writing would be pretty sad if I didn't. Yes, poor Legolas had to be the bearer of bad news while Aragorn rested in PAIN, I might add. I just couldn't resist putting in that part about Aragorn protecting Renen, glad you appreciated it! And yes, these characters certainly aren't pulling any emotional punches lately...but that leads to angst and you like angst right? I agree, Estel is not going to sit idly by and let his father deal with Barion...as you saw in this chapter. As for the length of this story...I have no idea! I'm writing chapter by chapter but I know the key things I want to happen and the ending and it seems like it's going to take a while to accomplish everything. Sorry I can't even give you an estimate! Hopefully in the next chapter or two we will learn about Barion's past with E, E and E. Thanks so much for your review and waiting impatiently for your next review!
No Big Deal: So glad you "loved" the Elrond/Twins tension! I too enjoyed their arguments but then again, I love writing/reading dialogue! Thank you for enjoying my version of the twins! They are so much fun to write and explore. The history part will arrive either next chapter or the following chapter. I wanted to fit it in earlier but then Renen decided to show up and then Aragorn crawled out of bed and then...well, I think you see my point. Hope to hear whether you liked this chapter!
Elven Kitten: Elladan is still smarting from where you whacked him with the frying pan! He promises to repent and apologize to Aragorn ...eventually. Thanks for your review and I wonder who needs the hug from you at the end of this chapter. Hmmm?
Sielge: So glad you appreciated yet another chapter to this tale..even if you had to wait awhile for it. Thanks for your review and hope to hear from you soon!
Et-spiritus-Sancti: I'm very pleased that you liked my Elrond, Leggy, Elrohir and Elladan scene! I was afraid it would come off boring. I can't take full credit or even half credit for Elladan and Elrohir's character traits because I've been heavily influenced by Cassia's portrayal of them but I try to put my own depth to them. That was a wonderful compliment you gave me when you felt the characters had "jumped out of my LOTR book and told you how to write their dialogue", because I love writing dialogue! Thanks so much for your review and I hope to hear from you soon!
BM Originally: Thank you so much for breaking tradition and giving me another wonderful review!! I am so pleased that you like how I'm portraying the characters and that they feel alive to you!!! That's a beautiful compliment! I especially love that you think I give Elrond more depth and facets than you've seen before! Thank you! I also have become quite attached to the twins, as you probably guessed, glad you don't find their presence a nuisance. As for Elrond in a fight...we'll see what my muse comes up with. Thanks again for taking the time to review!
Moonfire1: You made me lol with your statement about feeling pity for Elrond until you watch ROTK. You know it! Boy he makes me mad in the movies. I guess this is my own personal therapy to set things right between he and his adopted son. I'm hoping the extended versions of the movies have more Elrond and Aragorn scenes. A girl can hope! Elrond did "overcome the ghosts of his past and fully welcomed Estel into his heart" but now the trick is to make Estel believe that, stubborn human that he is. I agree, Renen is probably suffering from some guilt on that issue. And here I thought at least one character was spared angst in this story. Guess not. I was pleased that you got goosebumps with Legolas' tale especially since you knew everything he knew. (I was afraid you would find it boring having to rehash everything.) Thanks so much for your review and you are one of those types of friends we've been talking about!
Beling: Thanks for the happy dance for my return! You caught me again sliding in more Elrond angst into this story! I think his love, his loyalty will win Aragorn's heart again...it just might take some time. Yes, the warrior does still rage in Elrond and Barion should run for the hills if he knows what is good for him. I loved that quote you put in your review! And you can "wax poetic" any time you want. Your words were beautiful! Can't wait to read your next review because they are always a pleasure!
Eternal Rose: You are such a GREAT person!!!! Thank you so much for understanding my weaknesses! And your advice is great and I did try to take it so keep it coming. I need all the help I can get! I promise I won't get mad again! So you're a total angst lover like me! I can't seem to get enough of it...well, as long as everything ends well...which it will because I'm too sappy to write sad endings. Glad you liked Renen and that he wasn't obnoxious, and sure, after this story you can have him. And I agree, Elladan's words will have consequences. (grins wickedly). Thanks again for being such an understanding person! You've just crossed into the friendship zone with me!
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Thanks for everyone who read this chapter and a special thanks to all who review! Now I've got to head back to work before my lunch is up!!!
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.
Chapter 10 ))))))))))
Legolas did as Elrond ordered and gently turned Aragorn and once again began to aid the man to his room. Renen trailed behind them but made no move to again offer his assistance to Strider. Trying for lightness, Legolas questioned Aragorn, "So how did you slip by the healer assigned to make you swallow your favorite tea and keep you tied to your bed?"
A shadow of Aragorn's usual smirk appeared on the man's face but before he could answer the said healer stepped out of one of the spare bedrooms, carrying five pillows. His look when he saw Aragorn being helped back to his room ranged from shock to worry to fury.
Legolas chuckled and aimed a reprimanding look to his friend, "You used the old "I need more pillows to get comfortable" line didn't you? You should feel ashamed of yourself."
Aragorn smirked, "I should," but the twinkle in his eyes told Legolas that the man didn't feel one ounce of regret for his actions.
"You are incorrigible, mellon nin. But I will not fall for such trickery," Legolas warned his friend.
Aragorn's mirth slipped away and he met Legolas' eyes with unflinching determination. "I am going after Barion, Legolas. Do not try and stand in my way."
Anger and frustration assaulted Legolas but he said nothing as he maneuvered himself and Aragorn into the man's room and sat Aragorn down on his bed. Repositioning the pillow and the covers before turning to Aragorn, Legolas grasped his friend's shoulders and started to push the man down on the bed.
Aragorn's hand shot out and ensnared Legolas' wrist and their eyes clashed. Without pulling his look from his best friend, Aragorn ordered, "Renen can you give us a moment alone."
When Legolas sensed Renen had departed the room, he voiced his argument against Aragorn's earlier words, "Aragorn, you can not even stand up! If you want the rangers to mete out the punishment to Barion, then let them but you must know 'you' are too weak to go after Barion," his eyes imploring his friend to see reason, to accept his limitations.
But Aragorn shook his head, "No. I need to be the one to face Barion."
Understanding his friend's feelings, Legolas softly began, "After what he did to you, I do not refute your right to .."
"Not right, I "need" to finish this for myself," Aragorn countered, hoping that Legolas would side with him in this. "He bested me, Legolas, in all the ways that matter and now he is insinuating his way into the rangers, befriending my men. This is personal for me." Legolas opened his mouth to protest but Aragorn firmly avowed, "And I know that if I run from him, if I do not dare to face him again, I will carry that defeat and shame with me forever."
Legolas tightened his grip on Aragorn's shoulders and held his friend's eyes. "You bare no shame, Aragorn! And his victory held no honor! You were hurt and confused by the letters Barion showed you, your mind was not focused solely upon the battle Barion waged against you. In a fair battle..."
"No, Legolas. You were not there! I know every man must taste defeat and the Valar knows I have tasted my fair share but this was different! His skill out weighted my own! My life was in his hands, Legolas," he tried to make his friend understand what he felt. "I knelt there, waiting for the sword stroke that would take my life."
Aragorn's words brought back Legolas' memories of the battle he had tracked around Aragorn's camp and he understood his friend's descriptions of the battle better than he wanted to. "I know," he acknowledged lowly, "I saw the signs of your battle. But he did not land the killing stroke."
Aragorn could read the question in his friend's eyes but he was not ready to talk about that part of Barion's assault not even to his best friend. Instead he began to lie down upon the bed, immediately Legolas aided the man's descent then picked up Aragorn's legs and settled them onto the bed before pulling the cover over his friend.
"Your father will want to see if you have pulled out any stitches," Legolas softly warned, not catching himself from calling Elrond Aragorn's father.
"I am well," came Aragorn's stilted reply. This earned him a snort from Legolas and his eyes flew to his friend's bemused face.
"Your time with the rangers has diminished your skill at lying, mellon nin," Legolas said, humor sparking in his eyes.
With a falsely grumpy tone, Aragorn returned, "Rangers have no need for lies. Even when we tell the truth none believe us so there is no need for us to engage in deception."
"Oh, so you only attempt deception around me! Is this supposed to make me feel better?" Legolas taunted with a smirk, glad for the moment of levity with his friend, a moment that, only a day prior, he thought he would never have again with Aragorn.
"Honored I think is the word," Aragorn sallied back as Legolas wiped his brow with a damp cloth that the elf had picked up from the nightstand.
"Right," Legolas sarcastically replied. "Should I let your ranger come back into the room?"
Suddenly Aragorn remembered his task and tried to rise from the bed as he said, "The letter.." but Legolas quickly put his hand upon Aragorn's chest and pressed the man back to the bed. "I need to write the letter to Halbarad!"
"Fine. You compose it and I'll write it," Legolas stated matter of factly. Aragorn shook his head in denial but Legolas leaned over him and sternly set out the rules, "That is the way of it, Aragorn. Accept my aid or send your ranger off without a letter."
"Halbarad will recognize that the handwriting is not mine!" Aragorn protested.
"Renen will hear you compose it as proof that the words are your own and you may sign the letter," Legolas calmly offered.
"I may sign my own letter. How gracious of you?" Aragorn sardonically replied but Legolas knew it for what it was: Acceptance.
"Stay," Legolas ordered, giving his friend's chest another firm shove of pressure before he stood up and crossed to the door and called the young ranger into the room.
It took only a few minutes for the letter to be written and Legolas, to his credit tried valiantly to not offer any suggestions or comments on the letter's content, but he could not help raising one eyebrow in objection over Aragorn's tame recount of what Barion had done to him though he did not voice his displeasure. But when Aragorn promised Halbarad that he would arrive at the rangers' camp the following day, Legolas protested before Aragorn's full sentence was uttered.
"No, Aragorn," Legolas refused, putting down the quill and glaring at his best friend. "Tomorrow will find you right here," pointing to the bed emphatically he clarified, "in that bed."
Aragorn didn't bother disputing the matter with Legolas but instead looked to Renen and firmly stated, "Tell Halbarad I will be in camp tomorrow."
"It will be a lie you speak, Renen," Legolas countered his eyes focused on Aragorn. "Tell Halbarad Strider requires time to mend from his wounds and will join them when he is fit."
Aragorn lanced a steely glare into Legolas. "You are my friend, Legolas, not my master. I will do as I wish and you can agree or disagree with my choices but you can not stop me."
"Can I not?" Legolas challenged, his voice a hard edge usually reserved for dwarfs.
"Not if you wish to remain my friend," the ranger lowly threatened.
Legolas felt ripples of shock surge through him at Aragorn's threat, a threat he knew the man did not make lightly. "It is "because" I am your friend that I will do all in my power to see you do not kill yourself," Legolas said, his voice soft but with a desperation that Aragorn did not hear often from his friend. "Will you punish me so unforgivably harsh for my loyalty?"
"Show your loyalty by aiding me to do what I must," Aragorn pleaded and he watched indecision war within the elf. "The rangers are my responsibility...like Mirkwood is yours. Would you stay here, no matter how injured you were, if Mirkwood was under attack and had need of you?"
Legolas's jaw clenched, "You do not fight fair, human," he growled.
But Aragorn smiled, "A mere human could not best an elf by fighting fair...that's what you always tell me."
A smile fought to emerge on Legolas' face and finally it escaped the elf's tight reign. "Stop twisting my words around, Aragorn!" he chuckled.
"Now will you write what I told you to write," Aragorn pressed, pointing meaningfully at the letter.
Legolas sighed in defeat before picking up the quill and once again taking the man's dictation. When he had finished, true to his promise, he handed Aragorn the quill to sign his name.
Aragorn began to read the letter but Legolas scoffed as he pointed to the place where Aragorn's signature belonged, "What? You do not trust me, Aragorn?"
Shooting his friend a glare, Aragorn made to sit up but he found Legolas' hand firmly on his chest, pinning him to the bed.
"You can sign without getting up or you shall not sign at all," Legolas provided Aragorn his choices.
With unveiled frustration, Aragorn remained prone and struggled to sign his name on the sheet that rested on his chest. "It barely looks like my signature," he complained as Legolas took the quill and paper from him.
Legolas gave the signature an assessing look before offering Aragorn a teasing smile, "Actually it looks neater than your usual scratching of ink."
Aragorn gave his best friend a look that could maim before turning to Renen who had stepped forward to take the proffered letter from the elf. Aragorn beckoned the boy closer and Legolas gave up his position at his friend's side and leaned against the wall.
Meeting the young ranger's eyes, Aragorn saw the youth's emotions clearly. "You were very brave to carry news of my death to my fam...to Lord Elrond. Now I need to rely upon your bravery again, to take this letter to Halbarad and assure him that it bears my wishes."
Renen bowed his head, "I will, Strider." He looked up as Aragorn's hand came to rest on his shoulder.
"You are a fine ranger, Renen. Your father would have been very proud of you." Renen seemed to blush with the compliments but then he hesitated. "What is it?" Aragorn prompted."
Meeting his chieftains' eyes, Renen quietly said, "None of us wanted to believe you were gone, especially Halbarad and Thangril...but Barion, he had your ring, he said your...your body was too ruined to do more than bury." Renen dropped his eyes as bitterness hued his next words, "What fools we were to believe him!"
Aragorn put his hand under the sixteen year old's chin and gently raised the youth's face until their eyes met. "I lay no guilt upon you or any of the others. Barion lies with much skill, I know this better than anyone."
"He will pay dearly," Renen promised, a gleam of hatred in his eyes.
Aragorn opened his mouth but it was Legolas who gave the deadly reply, "Yes, he will."
Both young and elder ranger shot looks to the blonde elf, neither offering a challenge to his oath. Then Renen turned once again to his chieftain. "I will do my duty and all the rangers will do their duty as you asked of them."
"Go with the grace of the Valar," Aragorn bid. The boy gave another nod and then ran from the room.
Legolas casually made his way to his friend's side and sat down on the bed but looked at the door instead of his friend. "I did not intend to argue with you in front of one of your rangers but you provoked me, Estel."
"Are you apologizing?" Aragorn taunted, earning him Legolas' outraged look.
"I'm saying that it's your fault if that boy leaves here thinking we're two arguing boys still in the school room," Legolas railed back, but a laugh was lurking in his tone.
"School room?! That's quite a stretch for you isn't it, ancient one?" Aragorn sallied back but Legolas could hear the weariness in the ranger's voice.
"Yes, child, it is. Now it's time for you to listen to your elder and get some sleep," he gently reproved as he picked up a still full teacup.
"The tea is cold by now, ancient one," Aragorn smugly said but was unpleasantly surprised when Legolas merely smiled.
Slipping his hand behind Aragorn's neck, Legolas gently raised the man's head from the bed and put the tea cup to the man's lips. "It's your fault the tea is cold. Not mine. Drink up," and he started to tilt the cup's contents into the man's mouth.
Before Aragorn could draw in a breath to voice a protest, the cold bitter tea splashed onto his tongue. Instinctively he swallowed the horrid brew until no more filled his mouth.
Having coaxed the entire cup's contents down Aragorn's throat, Legolas settled Aragorn's head once again upon the pillow and tried hard to ignore the man's ranting and ravings.
"You could have choked me with that wretched stuff! A healer would have reheated the tea and not killed his patient by cutting off their breath with the liquid!" Aragorn ranted and raved, though there truly was no malice in his words.
Dousing a cloth in the water basin, Legolas gently stoked the cloth over Aragorn's face and forehead. "The healers are too soft on you. You require a firm hand. Now be quiet or you're going to fall dead asleep with your mouth gaping open like that time in the forests outside Laketown."
"I had a cold, Legolas! If I shut my mouth I would have died!" Aragorn explained with longsuffering, secretly glad to be back to resuming his usual arguments with the elf.
"So you say, human, so you say," Legolas softly retorted as he watched Aragorn's eyes begin to struggle to stay open. "Sleep, mellon nin. Give your body a chance to heal."
Aragorn's eyes slid shut but then they flew open in alarm, "My brothers..."
"Have no idea where your camp is," Legolas reassured.
"They could follow Renen."
"But they won't," Legolas firmly stated and seeing Aragorn's surprised look he explained, "You ordered them to not go after Barion and they will obey you, only because they fear the consequences if they do not." At the confusion on the ranger's face, Legolas continued, "Your brothers will do nothing to further jeopardize their relationship with you, Aragorn. They want their brother's love again."
Legolas watched as Aragorn's face clouded with anguish and the man closed his eyes. "You can not doubt their love for you, Estel!"
"I doubt everything," came Aragorn's quiet, anguished reply and he clamped his eyes shut tighter. "Everything has been tainted by a lie, his lie."
Legolas wanted to ease Aragorn's pain but in truth he did not know how and that broke his heart. "Our friendship has not been tainted, " he declared softly, "and together we will see our way through to the truth."
Aragorn forced his eyes open and focused on Legolas, "Thank you, Legolas," and he raised his hand and the elf firmly took it into his grasp.
But soon the man's eyes slid shut and his breathing evened out into a pattern Legolas knew indicated sleep for the human. Gently, Legolas placed Aragorn's hand under the covers before releasing it. "Sleep well, Estel," he bade before he stood up and walked to the open door. Leaning in it's archway, his ice cold blue eyes seared into Elrond, who stood leaning against the wall just outside Aragorn's room wearing a stricken look upon his face. "How will you make this right?"
Legolas' question burned into Elrond's soul and he numbly shook his head, "I...I do not know but I must."
Legolas opened his mouth to speak but then he saw Elladan and Elrohir exit their respective rooms at the same time, bearing their traveling packs, swords and bows. Legolas stepped into the hallway, blocking their paths. "You can not go after Barion."
"Do not try to stop us," Elladan warned, his look encompassing both the Mirkwood elf and his father.
Legolas put a restraining hand on Elladan's chest. "If you value your relationship with Estel at all, you will heed his wishes."
Anger sparked in Elladan's eyes, "Do not question my love for my brother," he hissed. "I do this for him, to make Barion pay for the pain he has done to Estel."
"I know, but Estel will not forgive you if you do. Barion took something from Estel that he alone must wrestle back from him."
"What?" Elrohir demanded, enraged to think Barion had taken something else beside Barahir from Estel.
"His faith in himself," Legolas quietly announced and watched surprise and pain wash over the other elves' features. "Estel must be allowed to face Barion again, to prove to himself that he is the better man, the better ranger." Seeing the protests, Legolas firmly added, "No words we say will restore Estel's confidence."
"But Estel is too weak to prove anything to anyone right now," Elrohir countered. "If Elladan and I took Barion from the rangers and brought him here then when Estel is well he could see Barion."
It was a sound plan but Legolas knew Aragorn would not accept it. "Aragorn is going to the ranger's camp...tomorrow."
"What?! No, he can not!" Elladan exclaimed.
"He is too weak!" Elrohir declared
Elrond alone remained silent but Legolas could see the protest in the elf lord's eyes. "But he will," Legolas said, "and none of us can stop him unless we wish to sever all our ties with him. He was very earnest in his threat."
Dwarven curses flew from Elladan as he unslung his pack and stalked back to his room, accepting defeat but despising it with every fiber of his being. Elrohir sighed and also turned back to his own room.
Certain that he had prevented the twins from doing anything rash, Legolas turned to Elrond. "You will not be able to convince Estel to stay here," he reinstated as Elrond's eyes seared into his.
"But 'you' could," Elrond replied, that belief blazing in his eyes.
Caught off guard by Elrond's notion, Legolas stammered, "No...I ..I tried. He will not listen to me."
"He will. Out of any of us, he will listen to you," and he seized onto Legolas' shoulder. "You must convince him of the folly of this notion. His brothers can bring Barion to him."
"He will not accept that!" Legolas shot back, shrugging off Elrond's hold and turning to reenter Aragorn's room but Elrond's hand shot out and gripped his arm.
"I know you care for Aragorn. That you know that traveling to the rangers tomorrow could kill him. Will you not do something to prevent that?" Elrond implored, to the younger elf's back.
Swinging around Legolas lowly growled, "He will not heed me, not in this! And if I push him I will forfeit his friendship!"
Quietly Elrond asked, his eyes boring into Legolas', "So you value your friendship with him more than his life?"
Legolas ripped his arm from Elrond's grasp and entered Aragorn's room and firmly shut the door behind him, shutting out Elrond. But coming to lean heavily against the door, Legolas could not shut out Elrond's words and his stomach tightened as he looked to his sleeping friend. 'Always, I believed I would risk everything to save Aragorn's life...but was I wrong? Is there something I will not hazard to lose...even if it should cost me the life of my best friend?'
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TBC
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Alright I was going to be nice and end this chapter after the comforting scene between Aragorn and Legolas but I just could not do it! So once again I end yet another chapter with our poor characters neck deep in angst. (So who's ready to kill me?)
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Replies to Reviews:
Quickbeam1: Thank you so much for your compliment! I hope you like the rest of the chapters I have posted as well. Love to hear from you again!
Marbienl: Legolas and Aragorn "real" blood brothers...I like the thought of that! And I agree with you, Elrond is apparently made of sterner stuff than I am to turn over the letters to his elven sons! I would burn those letters the first opportunity I got! But of course there is a cost for Elrond's bravery...namely the wrath and distrust of all three of his sons. As for the name Barion, sorry to say I just picked it out of the blue. I'm hoping to have Aragorn tell his side of the story in the next chapter or two and for the twins to also reveal what they know of Barion...but seeing as I haven't written that scene yet it's still up in the air on when this piece of dialogue appears in this story. (See..this is what you get when you encourage me and I post a story I haven't finished! But boy am I REALLY glad you prompted me to post a story or I might have just shoved this story in a corner and not shared it with anyone!) And the twins have also grown on me. When I first read about them in fanfic I was feeling a little unwelcome to them stealing some of the spotlight from Aragorn or Legolas but now I think they are great characters to incorporate in a good angsty Aragorn stories. And yes, killing me is a very BAD idea...I mean you want Aragorn to be happy again, right? So I have to be allowed to finish writing this story, right? (I sure hope you're nodding your head right now!) Sorry about the typo in my replied last chapter ...I meant I hoped you DID NOT go through too much withdrawal! Thanks for your always wonderful and very anticipated review!
Someone Reading: Thanks so much for your wonderful review! I agree, Elrond would gladly spend time in a tomb rather than bear the present pain of heart and soul. You have every right to be angry at Legolas and the twins...and Elrond and feel heartbroken for Aragorn...I know I do. So glad the chapter was worth the long wait! Can't wait to hear what you thought of this chapter!
Lenneth: Thank you so much for your complimentary review! Yes I decided to spread the angst about a bit. You know the old say, misery loves company, and I just thought Aragorn shouldn't be alone in his misery. As for who to pity the most....it's a tough call. I tend to rank Aragorn number one in that category and Elrond number two but that tends to change each chapter! Hope to hear from you again!
Koriaena: Thanks for the review! Glad you like angst and about Elrond fighting ...that's yet to be determined. Hope to hear from you again!
Victoria: Thank you for your review! I'm glad you stopped in to read this story. Actually I have to side with you a little bit about being irritated with everyone's reactions. They should have worked this out by simply talking to one another and remember the great memories they all share together. But I am always amazed (and saddened) when I hear about families that argue and then never talk to one another. I guess sometimes talking isn't enough nor are the memories of all the good times they once shared. However, this fic isn't going to end that way, Aragorn and his loved ones will see reason..eventually. Hope you still continue to read the story even if the characters are acting foolishly!
Athelassa: I don't mind at all that you didn't review for awhile! That simply means you actually have a life, unlike myself. I was so flattered that you "enjoy every line" of my story!!!! That is so nice of you to say!! Elrond would be glad you are on his side, he certainly needs someone who understands him and forgives him his error in judgment. I'm "almost" on his side, "almost". As for the ending...you know I'm a sap and love happy endings. Glad you liked Renen because OC are always risky to incorporate into a story. Yippee!!! I've done it! I've done it! I've made "You" "hate" Barion!!! (I was honestly starting to wonder if that was possible.) Thank you so much for your ego-stroking because it gives me the strength to post chapter after chapter even though I'm always nervous when I do and wait in trepidation for the reviews. Hope real life allows time for you to read this chapter and tell me what you think!
Joslin: You think last chapter was the best chapter! That's awesome!!! I was worried you would think it was boring with all the dialogue. Glad you liked the young ranger's part in this tale. Hope to hear from you real soon!
Tailspin: I so glad you think that I'm showing Aragorn's "emotional and physical frailty while still allowing his core strength to shine through"! I'm always worried that in showing someone's emotions I'll go overboard and ruin the true depth of strength of a character. Glad I haven't done that. About your relief that Aragorn has Legolas to lean upon...ah...your relief may have come too soon because that support seems to slightly be in jeopardy at the end of this chapter. As for your reviews, I love them and they are worded beautifully! Hope to hear from you soon!
Tychen: I did have a great vacation! Thank you! And I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that they are dealing with "the grief and confusion of loss of hope, security and personal memories". Those are horrible thinks to be robbed of and getting them back isn't an easy task. But like you said the emotions "will have to run their course" and the good memories will outweigh the bad. And yes, Barion's death will certainly help the healing process. Thanks so much for reviewing and I'm anxiously awaiting your next review!
Aebbook: Thank you so much for thinking last chapter was "great"! I worked hard on it while I was on vacation so I'm glad it wasn't wasted time! Glad you're still enjoying "mire"! Hope to hear from you soon!
Elvengirl13737: Thank you for your wonderful review! I'm so relieved that you liked the Elrond and twin scenes because I was worried that they wouldn't come across well! Can't wait for your next review!
Nietta: Let me reassure you, I use my thesaurus heavily too! My writing would be pretty sad if I didn't. Yes, poor Legolas had to be the bearer of bad news while Aragorn rested in PAIN, I might add. I just couldn't resist putting in that part about Aragorn protecting Renen, glad you appreciated it! And yes, these characters certainly aren't pulling any emotional punches lately...but that leads to angst and you like angst right? I agree, Estel is not going to sit idly by and let his father deal with Barion...as you saw in this chapter. As for the length of this story...I have no idea! I'm writing chapter by chapter but I know the key things I want to happen and the ending and it seems like it's going to take a while to accomplish everything. Sorry I can't even give you an estimate! Hopefully in the next chapter or two we will learn about Barion's past with E, E and E. Thanks so much for your review and waiting impatiently for your next review!
No Big Deal: So glad you "loved" the Elrond/Twins tension! I too enjoyed their arguments but then again, I love writing/reading dialogue! Thank you for enjoying my version of the twins! They are so much fun to write and explore. The history part will arrive either next chapter or the following chapter. I wanted to fit it in earlier but then Renen decided to show up and then Aragorn crawled out of bed and then...well, I think you see my point. Hope to hear whether you liked this chapter!
Elven Kitten: Elladan is still smarting from where you whacked him with the frying pan! He promises to repent and apologize to Aragorn ...eventually. Thanks for your review and I wonder who needs the hug from you at the end of this chapter. Hmmm?
Sielge: So glad you appreciated yet another chapter to this tale..even if you had to wait awhile for it. Thanks for your review and hope to hear from you soon!
Et-spiritus-Sancti: I'm very pleased that you liked my Elrond, Leggy, Elrohir and Elladan scene! I was afraid it would come off boring. I can't take full credit or even half credit for Elladan and Elrohir's character traits because I've been heavily influenced by Cassia's portrayal of them but I try to put my own depth to them. That was a wonderful compliment you gave me when you felt the characters had "jumped out of my LOTR book and told you how to write their dialogue", because I love writing dialogue! Thanks so much for your review and I hope to hear from you soon!
BM Originally: Thank you so much for breaking tradition and giving me another wonderful review!! I am so pleased that you like how I'm portraying the characters and that they feel alive to you!!! That's a beautiful compliment! I especially love that you think I give Elrond more depth and facets than you've seen before! Thank you! I also have become quite attached to the twins, as you probably guessed, glad you don't find their presence a nuisance. As for Elrond in a fight...we'll see what my muse comes up with. Thanks again for taking the time to review!
Moonfire1: You made me lol with your statement about feeling pity for Elrond until you watch ROTK. You know it! Boy he makes me mad in the movies. I guess this is my own personal therapy to set things right between he and his adopted son. I'm hoping the extended versions of the movies have more Elrond and Aragorn scenes. A girl can hope! Elrond did "overcome the ghosts of his past and fully welcomed Estel into his heart" but now the trick is to make Estel believe that, stubborn human that he is. I agree, Renen is probably suffering from some guilt on that issue. And here I thought at least one character was spared angst in this story. Guess not. I was pleased that you got goosebumps with Legolas' tale especially since you knew everything he knew. (I was afraid you would find it boring having to rehash everything.) Thanks so much for your review and you are one of those types of friends we've been talking about!
Beling: Thanks for the happy dance for my return! You caught me again sliding in more Elrond angst into this story! I think his love, his loyalty will win Aragorn's heart again...it just might take some time. Yes, the warrior does still rage in Elrond and Barion should run for the hills if he knows what is good for him. I loved that quote you put in your review! And you can "wax poetic" any time you want. Your words were beautiful! Can't wait to read your next review because they are always a pleasure!
Eternal Rose: You are such a GREAT person!!!! Thank you so much for understanding my weaknesses! And your advice is great and I did try to take it so keep it coming. I need all the help I can get! I promise I won't get mad again! So you're a total angst lover like me! I can't seem to get enough of it...well, as long as everything ends well...which it will because I'm too sappy to write sad endings. Glad you liked Renen and that he wasn't obnoxious, and sure, after this story you can have him. And I agree, Elladan's words will have consequences. (grins wickedly). Thanks again for being such an understanding person! You've just crossed into the friendship zone with me!
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Thanks for everyone who read this chapter and a special thanks to all who review! Now I've got to head back to work before my lunch is up!!!
Cheryl W.