- -
Chapter Five
- -
Going Home
- -
I'll get along somehow
After the tears I'll be alright
But that doesn't matter anymore
I have no hope in sight
Part of me is fighting back
Part of me knows I can't win
Part of me longs for your touch
I only want
Your love again.
- -
Ten years later... (a.k.a., end of flashbacks... for now....;-)
- -
When Legolas opened his eyes, night had fallen, and nothing was to be seen below. Startled, Legolas sprang up from where he must have fallen asleep against the tree and dropped to the ground.
He took off at a run through the forest, easily brushing the branches out of his way as they snagged at his hair and clothing. He knew every tree and branch, and made his way to his camp as silent as a shadow, flitting noiselessly through the woods, shrouded by the dead blackness of the night around him.
Legolas moved with a quiet familiarity and grace as he entered the small glade where he had made camp two nights ago. He should never have stayed this long, for he had spent two nights already in the tree where he had met the human. Both elf and animal were his enemy's now- he had no safe haven, no place of rest, and he always moved camp nightly now for safety's sake.
The elf shouldered his pack and bedroll and brushed out any tracks he might have made before slipping away, thankful his camp had not been discovered. Many times in the last ten years he had come close to discovery, but never because of his own carelessness.
He had remained unknown in Mirkwood all this time, and discovery would mean only certain death, no matter what he had been doing in the woods in that time. Legolas could not understand how fate could be like this. He had spent his time protecting Mirkwood from her enemies, but that was of little concern. He was dead to the elves of Mirkwood. And always would be.
- -
Three days before
- -
Legolas bent his bow slowly until the string was taut against his cheek. He narrowed his right eye slightly, and released.
Pulling the hood of his long cloak closer over his eyes, Legolas ran forward, unsheathing his knives as he joined his fellow elves in combat. He fought and they accepted him as one of them, although deep down inside he knew he never would be.
The elf beside him was young and obviously inexperienced, as he weakly tried to fend off an orcish blow. Just as the orc smashed his fist into the elf's face and raised a blackened scimitar to finish him, Legolas leapt forward and threw the orc down, slashing his blade across his neck and rolling him aside.
He quickly pulled the younger elf up, now shaking violently as he stared up at Legolas in amazement. He clapped him reassuringly on the shoulder and placed the elf's own knife back in his hands as the orcs swept forward. Legolas plunged into the midst of the fray, spinning and slashing confidently.
As the fighting lulled and then died, and the grey mists of dawn began to creep onto the horizon, Legolas slipped away, back into the protective shelter of the forest.
- -
End Flashback
- -
Arathorn paused at the edge of the shallow forest pool, dropping to take a long drink of the cool, refreshing water. He sighed and sat back, enjoying the momentary peace of the bubbling water and whispering greenery. He was not far from where he had met the mysterious elf only an hour ago, and part of him half-hoped he'd find him again.
There was something about the tall elf and the look that had crossed his face, however brief, when the elves had approached that had sparked the young ranger's curiosity.
The human felt sure that whatever the deep blue eyes had hidden, it was not evil or malicious, but perhaps something sad and painful, something that had happened to him or something he was running from.
Arathorn was determined to find out what it was, and had been searching the forest he was crossing for some sign of habitation where he could leave a message for Teveldin.
He crouched forward as he saw an instant's flash of gold in the water below him, on the other side of the pool where the water gushed out of the rocks. The disturbance of the water made it difficult to see, and had he not looked up at that moment he would have missed the brief glimpse altogether.
He edged his way along the pool, dropping onto his stomach. Unless he was mistaken, a long arrow lay upon the rocks at the bottom. He hesitantly reached his arm into the water, stretching until his fingers caught on the fletching.
He drew it up, and found it was indeed, a long elven arrow. It was not damaged by the water, and Arathorn guessed it could not have been there longer than two or three days.
Arathorn knew the arrow could belong to any elf, but something told him it was the one sought who had fletched this one. Arathorn pulled a rolled piece of parchment from his tunic and wrapped it tightly around the shaft of the arrow, and standing, embedded the arrow in a tree that stood directly next to the source of the spring.
He could only hope the elf would find it, even if it was only to clear his own conscience of the debt he owed Teveldin. He bit his lip in hesitation before he pulled a leather cord from around his neck and hooked it onto the arrow. Satisfied, he turned and slipped away.
- -
Legolas was glad of the darkness. It gave him a chance to rest, even if not in sleep. He loved the stars and moon that looked down on the forest from far above, out of reach of the troubles of Middle Earth.
He sat perched in the topmost branches of a tall forest pine, climbing being a skill he had had many chances to improve upon lately. Why he found himself spending hours upon hours doing nothing but sit and stare upwards, often times from that very tree, he could not tell.
Perhaps it was that he could look beyond the forest from here, catching blurred glimpses of other, forbidden lands far beyond. Or perhaps it was only that he could instantly sight any movement in the forest for miles around long before it ever reached him. Or, perhaps it was because if he stood and shaded his eyes he could see, glimmering like a beacon far off in the heart of the forest, the towers and halls of the palace of the King of Greenwood the Great, the home he still loved so much.
It burned his deepest pride away every time he thought back to that day when the gates of the place of Mirkwood had clanged shut behind him forever. He never, ever, showed that much emotion. He had cried. Yes, he had cried, as much as he hated to admit it. But only for the first day or so. After that, he had come to the cold realization that tears did him no good.
He had to face his life in exile head-on, day-by-day, or it would overcome him, crush him until he wasted away under the heavy burden of his own sorrow and pain. That was years ago, and time had seemed to pass like the wind, both agonizingly slow and breath-takingly quick.
He had given up all hope of ever being prince, or even citizen of Mirkwood again. He was content now only to be part of it, to help make it as a tree or a branch make the forest. Yes, he would always love Mirkwood, his home. More than anything in the world.
- -
That glimpse of the palace burned into Legolas' mind like fire for many days after. A burning, painful longing awoke within his heart to see his home once more. Finally, he could take it no longer. And he did something he had only ever thought about doing. He went home....
- -
I know, I know! Another short chapter! What is wrong with me? lol But
this is the last short one, I promise you! Thanks for being patient
everyone and thanks for the reviews!
Farflung: lol, ur welcome fore a bloody chapter! Glad you liked it! And as for your questions, I guess you'll just have to wait and see! ;-) Three computers? I only have four, including the laptop! Lol, my dad's into that
kind of stuff thank heavens and he usually has things fixed real fast!
Gozilla: Thanks!
Aura Carina: Thanks a ton! Wow, I'm glad you like it so much! Lol,
awesome-blossom? That is a new one! I'll get to PMing you soon, and I
will most definitely be waiting for your stories!
Ancalimawen: thanks, and you have no idea how close you are! ;-) lol but I've already vowed to even let on what's going to happen in the rest of the story, even though Aura Carina already knows everything! She had a great
idea for a sequel too!
Forever-mortal: Thanks, and yeah, I've always wanted to start a series,
of which this is the first probably, of how Arathorn and Legolas are
friends before Aragorn and Legolas are friends. :-P
Legolas-gurl88: Thanks a bunch for the review! How was Troy? My parents aren't going to let me see it in theaters- scenes you know, but that's
okay cause then we'll rent it and probably have ice-cream and pizza or
something, which'll be about twice as fun and half as expensive, lol I
like both Legolas and Orlando, but I don't have a crush- never have on anyone, never will! :P Convicted tomboy here! Lol I loved Pirates of the Carribean though, I still can't figure out if he acted better in that or LotR- probably PotC, although I feel like a traitor for saying it, but just
because he was the star and interacted more! Yikes, that whole marching
band thing sounds like a pain! It does get really hot down here,
especially with no pool! Lol Sure I'll read your story! I have no idea when I'll get around too it, but I will as soon as I can! Scheesh, this is
the longest response I've ever written! Thanx a ton and keep up the
reviews! ;-)
Sly-fan: Thanks, and I'm glad the flashback helped, I will probably end up putting more in later on when things start getting foggy! ;-)
Laswen: Thanks a ton! And Oh my Gosh! I read your bio, and we actually have a lot in common! Especially, believe it or not, STALKING! I know exactly what you mean by that too- I stalk my friends and brother and sister around the house/yard, all the time, and I've actually become quite good at it! Lol I also LOVE horseback riding, English-style! I've been in a couple of schooling shows at the ranch where I ride! What kind of horses do you like? I'm into thoroughbreds and Mustangs- weird combo, I know! Lol I also love the outdoors and hiking and rock-climbing! That is weird! I'm not Jewish though, but Christian! Close enough, lol thanks for reviewing!
Whew, lotsa replies! You guys are great, thanks SO much for all your reviews! If I forgot anyone- um, well, protest or something, and I'll get to you! Lol The next chapter will be up soon, really! And then things start getting interesting!
Tev
Chapter Five
- -
Going Home
- -
I'll get along somehow
After the tears I'll be alright
But that doesn't matter anymore
I have no hope in sight
Part of me is fighting back
Part of me knows I can't win
Part of me longs for your touch
I only want
Your love again.
- -
Ten years later... (a.k.a., end of flashbacks... for now....;-)
- -
When Legolas opened his eyes, night had fallen, and nothing was to be seen below. Startled, Legolas sprang up from where he must have fallen asleep against the tree and dropped to the ground.
He took off at a run through the forest, easily brushing the branches out of his way as they snagged at his hair and clothing. He knew every tree and branch, and made his way to his camp as silent as a shadow, flitting noiselessly through the woods, shrouded by the dead blackness of the night around him.
Legolas moved with a quiet familiarity and grace as he entered the small glade where he had made camp two nights ago. He should never have stayed this long, for he had spent two nights already in the tree where he had met the human. Both elf and animal were his enemy's now- he had no safe haven, no place of rest, and he always moved camp nightly now for safety's sake.
The elf shouldered his pack and bedroll and brushed out any tracks he might have made before slipping away, thankful his camp had not been discovered. Many times in the last ten years he had come close to discovery, but never because of his own carelessness.
He had remained unknown in Mirkwood all this time, and discovery would mean only certain death, no matter what he had been doing in the woods in that time. Legolas could not understand how fate could be like this. He had spent his time protecting Mirkwood from her enemies, but that was of little concern. He was dead to the elves of Mirkwood. And always would be.
- -
Three days before
- -
Legolas bent his bow slowly until the string was taut against his cheek. He narrowed his right eye slightly, and released.
Pulling the hood of his long cloak closer over his eyes, Legolas ran forward, unsheathing his knives as he joined his fellow elves in combat. He fought and they accepted him as one of them, although deep down inside he knew he never would be.
The elf beside him was young and obviously inexperienced, as he weakly tried to fend off an orcish blow. Just as the orc smashed his fist into the elf's face and raised a blackened scimitar to finish him, Legolas leapt forward and threw the orc down, slashing his blade across his neck and rolling him aside.
He quickly pulled the younger elf up, now shaking violently as he stared up at Legolas in amazement. He clapped him reassuringly on the shoulder and placed the elf's own knife back in his hands as the orcs swept forward. Legolas plunged into the midst of the fray, spinning and slashing confidently.
As the fighting lulled and then died, and the grey mists of dawn began to creep onto the horizon, Legolas slipped away, back into the protective shelter of the forest.
- -
End Flashback
- -
Arathorn paused at the edge of the shallow forest pool, dropping to take a long drink of the cool, refreshing water. He sighed and sat back, enjoying the momentary peace of the bubbling water and whispering greenery. He was not far from where he had met the mysterious elf only an hour ago, and part of him half-hoped he'd find him again.
There was something about the tall elf and the look that had crossed his face, however brief, when the elves had approached that had sparked the young ranger's curiosity.
The human felt sure that whatever the deep blue eyes had hidden, it was not evil or malicious, but perhaps something sad and painful, something that had happened to him or something he was running from.
Arathorn was determined to find out what it was, and had been searching the forest he was crossing for some sign of habitation where he could leave a message for Teveldin.
He crouched forward as he saw an instant's flash of gold in the water below him, on the other side of the pool where the water gushed out of the rocks. The disturbance of the water made it difficult to see, and had he not looked up at that moment he would have missed the brief glimpse altogether.
He edged his way along the pool, dropping onto his stomach. Unless he was mistaken, a long arrow lay upon the rocks at the bottom. He hesitantly reached his arm into the water, stretching until his fingers caught on the fletching.
He drew it up, and found it was indeed, a long elven arrow. It was not damaged by the water, and Arathorn guessed it could not have been there longer than two or three days.
Arathorn knew the arrow could belong to any elf, but something told him it was the one sought who had fletched this one. Arathorn pulled a rolled piece of parchment from his tunic and wrapped it tightly around the shaft of the arrow, and standing, embedded the arrow in a tree that stood directly next to the source of the spring.
He could only hope the elf would find it, even if it was only to clear his own conscience of the debt he owed Teveldin. He bit his lip in hesitation before he pulled a leather cord from around his neck and hooked it onto the arrow. Satisfied, he turned and slipped away.
- -
Legolas was glad of the darkness. It gave him a chance to rest, even if not in sleep. He loved the stars and moon that looked down on the forest from far above, out of reach of the troubles of Middle Earth.
He sat perched in the topmost branches of a tall forest pine, climbing being a skill he had had many chances to improve upon lately. Why he found himself spending hours upon hours doing nothing but sit and stare upwards, often times from that very tree, he could not tell.
Perhaps it was that he could look beyond the forest from here, catching blurred glimpses of other, forbidden lands far beyond. Or perhaps it was only that he could instantly sight any movement in the forest for miles around long before it ever reached him. Or, perhaps it was because if he stood and shaded his eyes he could see, glimmering like a beacon far off in the heart of the forest, the towers and halls of the palace of the King of Greenwood the Great, the home he still loved so much.
It burned his deepest pride away every time he thought back to that day when the gates of the place of Mirkwood had clanged shut behind him forever. He never, ever, showed that much emotion. He had cried. Yes, he had cried, as much as he hated to admit it. But only for the first day or so. After that, he had come to the cold realization that tears did him no good.
He had to face his life in exile head-on, day-by-day, or it would overcome him, crush him until he wasted away under the heavy burden of his own sorrow and pain. That was years ago, and time had seemed to pass like the wind, both agonizingly slow and breath-takingly quick.
He had given up all hope of ever being prince, or even citizen of Mirkwood again. He was content now only to be part of it, to help make it as a tree or a branch make the forest. Yes, he would always love Mirkwood, his home. More than anything in the world.
- -
That glimpse of the palace burned into Legolas' mind like fire for many days after. A burning, painful longing awoke within his heart to see his home once more. Finally, he could take it no longer. And he did something he had only ever thought about doing. He went home....
- -
I know, I know! Another short chapter! What is wrong with me? lol But
this is the last short one, I promise you! Thanks for being patient
everyone and thanks for the reviews!
Farflung: lol, ur welcome fore a bloody chapter! Glad you liked it! And as for your questions, I guess you'll just have to wait and see! ;-) Three computers? I only have four, including the laptop! Lol, my dad's into that
kind of stuff thank heavens and he usually has things fixed real fast!
Gozilla: Thanks!
Aura Carina: Thanks a ton! Wow, I'm glad you like it so much! Lol,
awesome-blossom? That is a new one! I'll get to PMing you soon, and I
will most definitely be waiting for your stories!
Ancalimawen: thanks, and you have no idea how close you are! ;-) lol but I've already vowed to even let on what's going to happen in the rest of the story, even though Aura Carina already knows everything! She had a great
idea for a sequel too!
Forever-mortal: Thanks, and yeah, I've always wanted to start a series,
of which this is the first probably, of how Arathorn and Legolas are
friends before Aragorn and Legolas are friends. :-P
Legolas-gurl88: Thanks a bunch for the review! How was Troy? My parents aren't going to let me see it in theaters- scenes you know, but that's
okay cause then we'll rent it and probably have ice-cream and pizza or
something, which'll be about twice as fun and half as expensive, lol I
like both Legolas and Orlando, but I don't have a crush- never have on anyone, never will! :P Convicted tomboy here! Lol I loved Pirates of the Carribean though, I still can't figure out if he acted better in that or LotR- probably PotC, although I feel like a traitor for saying it, but just
because he was the star and interacted more! Yikes, that whole marching
band thing sounds like a pain! It does get really hot down here,
especially with no pool! Lol Sure I'll read your story! I have no idea when I'll get around too it, but I will as soon as I can! Scheesh, this is
the longest response I've ever written! Thanx a ton and keep up the
reviews! ;-)
Sly-fan: Thanks, and I'm glad the flashback helped, I will probably end up putting more in later on when things start getting foggy! ;-)
Laswen: Thanks a ton! And Oh my Gosh! I read your bio, and we actually have a lot in common! Especially, believe it or not, STALKING! I know exactly what you mean by that too- I stalk my friends and brother and sister around the house/yard, all the time, and I've actually become quite good at it! Lol I also LOVE horseback riding, English-style! I've been in a couple of schooling shows at the ranch where I ride! What kind of horses do you like? I'm into thoroughbreds and Mustangs- weird combo, I know! Lol I also love the outdoors and hiking and rock-climbing! That is weird! I'm not Jewish though, but Christian! Close enough, lol thanks for reviewing!
Whew, lotsa replies! You guys are great, thanks SO much for all your reviews! If I forgot anyone- um, well, protest or something, and I'll get to you! Lol The next chapter will be up soon, really! And then things start getting interesting!
Tev