Disclaimer: I do not own LotR.
Warnings: Angst, angst, and more angst. n.n
Sorry 'bout all grammar and/or spelling mistakes.
Told ya I would update during the weekend. n.n It almost isn't, but… that doesn't matter. n.n;;;
This is the last chapter, and I hope that everyone enjoys this. n.n
In Memory of Thy Honor
Chapter Three: Fading
As Elrond tried to revive Legolas Aragorn grabbed the elf's hand, squeezing it. Please, you have to get through this, the human pleaded. Legolas couldn't die. He coudn't.
It felt like an eternity since Elrond had begun and he was about to stop, thinking it was in vain. Then Legolas miraculously gasped loudly, finally drawing in air.
"Thank the Valar," Aragorn whispered, beyond grateful. However, the blonde elf still wasn't out of the woods. He wasn't over his father's death, after all, and still had the chance of fading, unfortunately. He would do all within his power to prevent that from happening. He just hoped it would be enough.
Everyone was extremely relieved when they saw Legolas take in air. That had been way too close.
Shortly after the frightening incident, Legolas had fallen asleep. It was hours after that and they were all gravely concerned about the elf. They wished that he would wake up and talk to them. They just wanted to see his eyes open again, no matter how dull or pain-filled they were at this point. All of them were sure that the archer would feel even worse when he woke, though. Because of this, they were actually glad he was sleeping; only because of this, however. Seeing him awake would be much more of a comfort for them all, not to mention better for the elf's health.
Aragorn had claimed his spot next to Legolas, while Elrond was on the other side of him. The twins and Eitheldol were nearby, also sitting in chairs.
The human looked at the blonde's face when he saw him twist in the bed, a moan escaping his mouth. His face held an expression of utter despair.
"…Ada," Legolas whispered.
Is he having another nightmare? the ranger questioned himself. He wondered when this would all end--when Legolas would return to his usual cheerful self. He desperately wished it would come soon, though he seriously doubted it would, unfortunately.
"Ada!" the blonde screamed for his father. Obviously something had happened to Thranduil in his nightmare. Legolas' tone told him that alone. Most likely it involved his father dying, from what happened; possibly involving the orcs as well.
Aragorn had immediately stood up and tried to wake the elf, as did Elrond. However, it seemed that they were unable to wake him. He had calmed down, but would not wake.
Aragorn began to fear Legolas had decided to stay within the darkness that he felt so relaxed in. With every passing minute everyone feared that the prince was fading. The human being the most concerned, of course, because of what the elf had told him about it.
"Ada, is there nothing you can do?" Aragorn asked the elf-lord in a pleading tone.
Elrond shook his head sadly. "Nay, not till he wakes." He had decided that once the blonde elf woke, which hopefully would be soon, he would give him the herbs he spoke of before.
"But we need to do something--anything." The human could feel tears once more threatening to spill. "He told me himself how at ease he was in the darkness. It sounded like he preferred it." He said the last part in a whisper.
"What?" Elrond stated more than asked. This news was disturbing, for it showed that Legolas was farther along than he even thought. "When did he tell you this?"
Aragorn looked at Legolas, seeing the sad and pale face. He sighed deeply. "When we were left alone. You four were talking outside the door."
Elrond mentally slapped himself for asking such a stupid question. That was the only time the elf could have told Aragorn that without everyone else knowing. His mind was just too preoccupied with Legolas' ever-deteriorating condition.
The elf-lord looked back down at the archer. He was dismayed to see that, during his sleep, Legolas had brought his hand back onto his chest, weakly clutching it as if it greatly pained him; Elrond was sure it did, too.
"Come back to use, mellon-nin. We need you," the human pleaded quietly with his friend, desperately hoping he wasn't too far gone. He cannot be. It is not possible; do not think such things. He will be fine. He will, Aragorn thought, trying to convince himself.
An hour later, the elves, and human, heard another moan, this time, however, it wasn't one of distress butof disorientation.
Aragorn jumped up from his seat when he realized that Legolas was finally waking. "That's it, Legolas. Keep trying." He could tell that the elf was having problems returning to them. The darkness probably had a very tight grip on him. Thankfully, the archer was able to break free and slowly started to open his eyes.
As awareness started to return, he felt like every inch of his body was in agony, especially his chest. He couldn't help but let out a groan. His eyes felt like lead as he fought to open them. He heard Aragorn's plea for him to return to them and he just had to obey. Hearing the pain and fear behind his voice made him want to comfort his friend.
Legolas finally managed to open his eyes, though only about half-way, but it was enough to see the very worried and excited faces of the people surrounding him.
The human smiled widely upon seeing Legolas awake, although it greatly worried him to see that the elf was only able to open his eyes half-way because of how weak he was. All of the emotions from before were only intensified, except the comfort was weaker than it had been. That, however, was the most important of them all.
The elder elf looked at Legolas and saw how weak he was… a lot more than before. Given his present condition the herb would most likely only help the elf. He sighed, as he decided to ready the herb. He got the needed herbs and then went to the counter where the other supplies were. He hadn't wanted to make it before because he wasn't sure when the elf would wake or even what condition he'd be in. The herbs would be useless if they sat too long, so there would have been no point.
Aragorn was rewarded with a small smile, which was definitely enough to cheer him up a little.
"How are you, mellon-nin?" the human asked, knowing it wasn't the best question to ask, but he had to know if Legolas was coherent.
Legolas licked his cracked lips and looked left and then right before bringing his gaze back to Aragorn. It took a while forquestion to process through his mind. When they finally did he tried to answer but the words didn't come out.
Seconds later Eitheldol came over to the two and helped Legolas sit up. He was about to hand the elf some water; however, he noticed the shaking in Legolas' hands and decided it would be better if he continued to hold it.
He brought the water to Legolas' lips and the archer eagerly drank it; wanting seconds; the blonde elf was happy to comply.
"H-hannon le," Legolas said hoarsely.
Eitheldol smiled at the prince, glad that he was finally able to help his friend.
Aragorn was happy to hear the blonde elf talk, since it showed that he was alert enough to know what was going on around him. He was also being polite as usual, which was also a good sign. Now, if only we could rid him of his depression, he thought.When that happened he would stay by the elf's side until he was absolutely sure he was not going to fade. He really wished that he could help Legolas more than what he was--if he was at all, he had to wonder.
"I need you to stay awake, penneth." Elrond's soothing voice brought Aragorn out of his thoughts.
The elder elf was dismayed to find that Legolas had closed his eyes already. It had been only a few minutes since he awoke.
Hearing the concern in Elrond's voice, Legolas reluctantly opened his eyes.
"Here, drink this," the elf-lord commanded, holding another cup in front of Legolas. He had finished preparing the herb and decided it would be best to give them to the grief-stricken elf now.
The twins were very concerned by the decision their father made, as was Eitheldol. This only meant that their friend was too far gone for any other treatment. Elrond had said he would use the herbs as a last resort, after all. This frightened them more than anything. For Legolas to be that weak…
Legolas, however, wasn't thirsty and was far too tired. He shook his head, showing he didn't want any and not thinking any significance of it. His eyes closed again.
"Legolas, stay awake!" Aragorn shouted, scared about how hard it was for the elf to stay with them. "Legolas! You must drink!" he tried again. He knew that the herbs his father had put together would help Legolas immensely, even though he didn't know what his plan was. But, alas! he wasn't even aware enough to drink it!
The world went dark for Legolas as he slipped back into his silent reprieve. Away from all worry, all sadness; all other emotions that were tearing him apart.
There was total darkness surrounding him now and he could no longer hear the words of encouragement from Aragorn, Eitheldol, or anyone else. It was as if everything had all of a sudden disappeared without a trace.
The blonde could tell that he was sitting down, for he felt something underneath him. That was the only sensation he felt. At the moment, he also had no feelings; it was as if he were an empty shell. If you looked into his eyes that would be exactly what you would think by the dullness and the listless expression he wore. It would have made anyone break down immediately, whether they knew him or not. For an elf to have such an expression… well, it was rare indeed, and most definitely never a good thing.
This time, however, Legolas felt a tug, a tug to go… somewhere. Where, though? He wasn't sure.
The prince of Mirkwood just sat where he was, enjoying the blissful darkness; trying his best to ignore the tug.
What he saw next certainly made him feeling something: shock. It was his father! Somehow the light had chased away the darkness, not in his soul, however.
Something seemed different about him. It seemed as if something horrible had happened recently. There was a terribly depressing aura around him, much like his own. And he was shocked to see that the elf king was actually crying.
Emotions were swarming through his once relaxing darkness. The main ones were sadness and confusion. Why was his father crying?
Then he saw someone lying in front of his father. It looked like… his mother! This was the time when Thranduil found out that his wife had been killed by the filthy orcs.
Why would he be shown this now? It only sent more agony though his broken heart. It reminded of the terrible time he and his father had gone through. He also remembered how his father barely made it. It had been a close call for the both of them.
That was why he was seeing this! It was a last resort to keep him from fading. The memory showed him how his father had recovered from his grief that once held him so tightly. And how he had also gotten over his wife's death… for the most part. It also reminded him how horrible both of them felt during this period.
Legolas' father suddenly turned to face him. He had an expression of understanding, but of even more sadness. The blonde would have taken a step back in surprise if he could; as it were he was stuck where he was.
"You must go on, ion-nin." There was no sound, but somehow he could understand the words as if he had spoken them.
Legolas looked on in amazement. What was going on?
"Listen carefully, Legolas." Thranduil then turned his attention back to his wife, mourning her death.
Listen? To what? the confused elf thought. He could hear nothing, not even the words from his father.
The archer did as he was told, though, and still heard nothing. He concentrated harder. There was obviously a reason his father told him to listen.
After a while he faintly heard something. No. It was someone. As it got stronger he realized who it was: Aragorn! "Please return to us, mellon-nin. We need you," Aragorn said; it sounded as if he were crying.
"Estel!" he tried to say, but nothing came out. The silence was now starting to make him angry. He just wanted to tell the human that everything was alright!
"Estel! Estel!" he shouted over and over again, trying to get some sound to come forth. However, it was to no avail. The once blissful darkness had now turned into a prison, a nightmare, a place he no longer wished to stay.
His father's encouraging words resounded in his head, repeating themselves. He kept hearing Aragorn as well, the tearful words trying to call him back.
His father would not wish this, he would want him to live on and be his successor; take care of his kingdom. Not leave it to doom.
And Estel. This whole ordeal would hurt his friend terribly. He had been too blinded by his own grief to realize this before.
For his father's honor and pride and for Estel--for his friends--he would return. Or was it now too late? Could he no longer return?
No! I shall not give up! Legolas thought with new resolve.
The blonde elf concentrated solely on Estel's now loud voice. His voice sounded so forlorn. He had to return.
Legolas tried for what felt like an eternity, still unable to get back to his friends--his family. He felt despair well-up inside him again; this time at the prospect of not seeing everyone again.
The archer closed his eyes tightly; tears now falling freely. "Estel," he whispered.
"Legolas, please wake up," Aragorn pleaded with his friend desperately.
Still receiving no response, the human collapsed onto the elf's chest, sobbing. He felt the slight rise and fall of Legolas' chest, but also felt it getting slower and slower.
Eitheldol was also in much the same condition as the ranger. He had his face buried in his hands, his elbows on the bed where Legolas was and had tears falling silently down his face.
The twins were in tears as well; even Elrond felt a few tears slide down his check. It wasn't that he was heartless or didn't care, it was just that Legolas was still alive, although there wasn't much hope, he would still hold onto the sliver of hope that was left. The rise and fall of his chest was all there was, however. And as the minutes wore on it became less and less hopeful.
"Please return to us, mellon-nin. We need you," Aragorn tried again, not yet willing to give up. Not until Legolas drew his last breath, which he prayed to the Valar that it would not come to that.
Seeing no reaction from the elf didn't help matters.
"Estel." They heard a desperate whisper minutes after the human had tried again.
Aragorn snapped his head up, as did Eitheldol; both looked at the prince, hope renewed.
"That's right, mellon-nin, I'm here. Come back to all of us," both the human and Eitheldol said the last part, excitedly.
The twins and Elrond looked over at Legolas after hearing the elf's plea for his friend and were very glad to hear something from him. It was progress at least, right?
Aragorn watched his friend intently. It seemed as though he were having a major internal struggle. Well, he is returning from a very close call of fading, he reminded himself.
What he saw next took him by surprise. He saw tears starting to make their way down Legolas' face.
"Nay, do not cry, Legolas," the human said, wiping the tears form the elf's face. "There no longer is any need to cry." He comforted him, or tried to, since he was still asleep.
The human saw Legolas' eyes flutter slightly. Then they slowly opened. This time what he saw wasn't despair, or helplessness, but determination. He thought it was most likely due to his need of being with his friends. Friends and family had always been the ruling factor in Legolas' life.
"Legolas!" Aragorn shouted ecstatic. His tears still flowing steadily, but this time it was for joy; not despair. He hugged his friend tightly.
Everyone looked on in wonder at the human's odd behavior. Then saw it for themselves. Legolas had finally opened his eyes, which held their normal brightness!
"Mellon-nin… you are… suffocating me," Legolas gasped out in a hoarse whisper, all that he could manage. His chest still pained him, but not nearly as much as it had before.
"Oh! Sorry," the human said with a grin, and let go. He definitely didn't want to suffocate him after all this!
The others laughed lightly at this display.
Legolas looked around, seeing everyone with tear-stained faces. He lowered his gaze.
Everyone was instantly solemn. "What is it, penneth?" the elf-lord asked, greatly concerned.
"I am so sorry… for causing you all to worry so much," Legolas whispered, feeling guilty.
"Listen carefully, Legolas," Elrond said sternly, "there is nothing to apologize for. Nothing. Just focus on your recovery. Alright?"
The archer stared at the elder elf shocked. Elrond was unaware of this, but he had just said the exact words his father had used: 'listen carefully,' and he would do exactly that.
More tears made their way faster down his face, as he nodded. "It is good to be back."
Everyone smiled, feeling the same. It had been too close of a call. Far too close for their liking.
Legolas was on the mend now, though. It would take weeks to recover fully, but he would! That was all they could ask for.
I shall never let you down again, Ada, Legolas vowed.
And there ya have it. The ending to a one-shot… -.- What's with me and all extra happy endings, though? I've only had one where it wasn't a happy ending. --ponders-- I need to make another non-happy one. --nods--
Well, how did you guys like it? I hope the whole thingie with Thranduil wasn't stupid… or predictable… or somethin'. Let me know what you think. n.n
Review Responses (I lost some people… ;-; )
Zammy – Was that soon? n.n
IWishChan – I sorry! Hope ya didn't cry on this chapter! This is happy chapter… at the end anyway… -.-
Raku Ozzarian princess – Lol… alright. Thanks for the compliments, too. Much appreciated! n.n Kinda curious to know about what yours woulda been like, though… n.n;;;
Lynx Yamato – Lol… well, I didn't kill him, did I? Did I do good? I was thinkin' about killing him off just for you. --grins evilly-- Kidding! Kidding!
galadriel evenstar – Lmao! --patpat-- He didn't die. See? --points-- --Legolas waves from his bed and then collapses dying. Aragorn screams in the background.-- O.O I'm kidding! n.n Heh... don't mind all that…
empath89 – Ahhh... the laziness strikes. n.n Aww… you, too? --sighs-- Oh, well, at least you didn't actually cry! Did ya like what happened to him?
Deana – Yeah, he really was. Not as much anymore, though! Yayness for the Legolas! n.n Btw, thanks so much for you reviews… you're almost always the first one, too. I appreciate it so much. --bows--
Thanks so much for all your wonderful reviews! It's so encouraging! Makes me want to write even more. n.n Btw, there will be more LotR fics… I'll post some non-shounen ai/slash/yaoi ones too, for those of you who do not like it. I aim to please after all. n.n
Ha hah! 15 mins to spare! n.n;;; (It's 11:45pm. -.- ) This took a lot longer than usual. Prob'ly due to the fact that I cannot type today and that this is longer than I usually have my chapters…. -.-
Well, please keep an eye out for more fics, and please don't forget to review. This is the last chapter after all and I'd really appreciate your opinions.
Sayonara