Lost Soul
Disclaimer: I didn't get the copyright for Christmas, so, nope, not mine.
Warning: Pretty graphic violence (by my writing standards) up ahead.
Chapter 19: Breaking
Estel winced slightly as he felt red-hot pricks dancing across his eyelids. He cracked open one eye gingerly, then sat up as he stared at the sight that greeted him.
He was… in a desert?
"Welcome, mortal."
Estel whirled to see a tall Elf standing behind him. He had silver-blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. A sword was strapped to his waist while a bow and a quiver full of arrows lay by his feet.
"Not quite what you expected to see?" Danin chuckled drily.
Estel scowled.
A familiar figure emerged from behind the painter. "Estel!" Legolas exclaimed as he hurried forward, towards the Human…
"Not so fast." Danin seized the slighter Elf by his arm, twisting it until the Prince cried out in pain.
"Let him go." Estel was feeling ridiculously calm, considering that his blood was boiling and his hands itched to cause the smirking Elf grievous bodily harm for daring to lay a hand on his Legolas.
"I believe that we have a slight problem here," Danin continued as he pulled the struggling Prince towards him, wrapping an arm around his waist possessively, "It seems that we have both laid claim to you, and that there is something between both of you - " he narrowed his eyes at the Human " – that is preventing me from taking you away.
"Now, we can do this the hard way, or, you can make your decision to come with me, and everything is resolved. What do you choose, my dear Legolas?"
"I will," Legolas gasped out as his arm was wrung at an unnatural angle, "Never. Go with. You."
"Is that your final decision?" Danin nibbled at his captive's ear.
"Monster."
His eyes flashed with rage, then hardened. "Very well, you shall watch your lover die then." He flung the Prince aside like a rag-doll, snapping out a spell that left Legolas in a paralyzed heap on the hot sand.
He advanced on the Human, drawing his sword as he spoke, "As for you, you shall learn what it means to interfere with me."
Estel drew his sword and started to circle his opponent warily, knowing that this was a dance…
To the death.
Danin lunged forward, striking out like a snake. Estel only had enough time to deflect the blow and slip to the side. This Elf was fast, faster than his brothers, and he hardly managed to beat them when it came to sparring.
Danin's strokes were swift and precise, driving the Human backwards, not giving him a chance to retaliate.
And there was also to fact that they were fighting on sand. Soft sand, to be precise.
Estel's feet slipped as Danin delivered a particularly vicious blow, making his sword ring and sending the tremors up his arm even as he fell on his back. He deftly rolled out of the way as the deadly steel plunged downward, landing in the spot where his neck had been just a moment ago.
Danin snarled in disappointment as he missed his prey, then narrowed his eyes as flames circled his sword and shot out at the Human, burning a hole in his clothes and leaving a wound on his back.
Estel cried out in agony. It was right between his shoulder blades, and it would definitely hinder his movements. He staggered backwards, glaring at the Mage, and hissed, "You are not fit to be called an Elf. You fight with no honour at all."
"I do whatever it takes to get what I want. Honour plays no part in this fight." The Elf gave a predatory grin as he raised his sword once more, uttering the command that made more flames lick around the blade. "I am not finished with you yet."
X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X
Legolas watched in horror as he saw Estel slip, then heaved a sigh of relief as the Human rolled out of the way. He shut his eyes in pain when the Human was burnt, the faint smell of charred flesh reaching him as he lay, frozen on the ground.
He tried to flex his fingers, but failed. His frustration was building, as was his anxiety. It needed no expert to tell that Estel was fighting a losing battle.
When he was pulled into the void, the first thing he saw was Danin's smirking face. He had tried to run, but Danin had cast some sort of spell over him that immobilized him.
The very same spell that held him in place now.
I have to fight this… otherwise, Estel will…
He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth as he willed himself to move.
He had to…
Make himself…
Move…
His hand twitched.
There! He felt a brief sense of victory sweep over him as his attention was drawn back towards the fight. He saw that Estel was covered with blood and his clothes were looking decidedly charred.
His gaze fell on the bow and quiver that Danin had left on the ground near him, confident that the Prince would not be able to escape.
If only I could just… then I can…
He closed his eyes once more as he began the slow task of making his body respond to his efforts.
Hold on, Estel. Just, a little while more…
X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X
The burning sword swished by his head again, the dry heat making his eyes water as Estel ducked out of the way. He brought his sword up to meet Danin's, managing to block the attack.
"Give it up, Human," Danin hissed, "And I will make your death fast."
"No." Estel rasped out as he struggled to keep his hands on the hilt of his sword. The flames were making it unbearably hot to hold. "It is you who should give up Danin."
Danin laughed as he flicked his wrist and the Human went sprawling, laying another gash to his already wounded and burnt back. "Give up? Why should I give up?"
Estel grimaced as he spun round, sword ready to parry Danin's next stroke. "You have caused enough damage, Danin. Let go. It's already been a thousand years since you caused him so much misery. And it's been a century since you killed yourself."
"What do you understand?!" Danin roared suddenly, the flames around his sword growing wilder and hotter. "To be bound by the knowledge of something you can never have! To be exiled, and forced to live in misery until Death is the only pleasant option left! To be denied entrance to Valinor because of the tainted blood flowing through my veins! The blood of the accursed mages!"
He deflected Estel's sword easily and back-handed the Human, sending him crashing to the sand. The Elf stalked over to the gasping Human and planted a foot squarely on his chest, grinding his raw back relentlessly into the coarse sand.
"You will suffer, mortal, just as I suffered, only worse. You will see the Elf you love spend the rest of eternity with me."
He raised his sword, the dancing fire lighting his crazed expression up with an angry sea of red.
X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X
Almost…
He could feel the smooth wood of the bow under his fingertips now. His legs refused to respond still, but his upper body was starting to react sluggishly to his desperate attempts at wriggling over to the bow and quiver.
Legolas clawed frantically at the weapon, drawing it closer to him. The spell was too strong for him to break fully, but he had to sit up to shoot properly…
He saw Estel go down from the corner of his eye as his mind screamed at him.
Faster! Faster! Before it's too late!
He drew an arrow out, notching it with one hand as he pushed himself shakily up on the other.
Have to… sit up…
He needed both hands free…
Danin was raising his sword.
There was no time.
He lifted the bow and arrow the split second that he remained upright and let fly. Then he crashed back onto the sand, limbs no longer obeying him.
X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X
There was a whistle and a thump.
Danin paused in his downward plunge to stab the Human's heart, his eyes drawn to the arrowhead protruding through his thigh. His own arrow. But, how?
The second of distraction was all Estel needed. He ran his sword through Danin's other leg, then slid out from the foot that held him in place, ignoring his back's protests.
The Elf fell to his knees, both legs useless.
"It's over, Danin." Estel said as he drove the final blow home, straight into the Elf's heart, pulling his sword back at as the crimson liquid ran down onto the sand and vapourized.
The artist stared up at him in shock, even as the flames born of his hatred consumed him, leaving nothing behind.
Estel dropped his sword and supported himself with his hands on his knees, gasping for breath. He could not believe that he had won the fight! Actually won! With Legolas' help of course, but –
Legolas, where was he?
He staggered upright and looked around, spying the blonde Elf lying motionless next to the fallen bow.
"Legolas!" Panic welled up in his throat. What if the bind did not worked? What if he had actually killed Legolas when he killed Danin? What if? What if?
He scrambled over to the prone form, dropping down beside the Elf and cradling him, calling him, telling him to wake up, not to leave…
Around them, the Hell Danin had created for himself began to crumble. Pieces of light falling away into darkness, leaving the two figures, until even they were swallowed.
X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X
"He's waking up."
Estel opened his eyes and blinked groggily as the faces of his concerned family swam into view. His arm had cramped in a strange position, and his back hurt, like it was on fire.
Fire…
"Estel? Are you alright?" Elrond asked as he took note of the Human's unfocused look.
"Legolas… Danin, in the desert… Valar, Legolas!" The Human shot upright as the past events swam back in his memory. He was holding the Elf, he was so light, it was as though he could be blown away by a gust of wind. Legolas, he had to find Legolas…
A weight on his arm drew his gaze downwards, where he saw the bandage wound tightly around their forearms. Legolas was next to him, and he didn't look like he was breathing.
"Legolas!"
Before anyone could stop the frantic Human, he had gathered up the blonde Elf in an awkward position, rocking him and sobbing, "Don't die, don't die! You promised! Don't die! I'm so sorry, I should have tried harder. Please, come back, 'Las!"
He heard a faint cough as the frail body he held shook with laughter. He pulled back in shock, to find brilliant blue eyes looking back at him.
"Whoever said I was dead?"
Estel gaped at the Elf, not believing what he saw. The Sun had risen and he was holding Legolas, and he could feel his warmth as well.
"Legolas woke up just before you did," Mithrandir informed the stunned Human as Elrond slit the bandage around their arms, allowing them to move freely.
"You're alive… 'Las, you're really alive!" Estel hugged the Elf tightly before kissing him soundly.
The room was filled with laughter and tears as the Elves and the Istar rejoiced over the return of their Prince.
Outside, the birds sang merrily. Spring had come back to Greenwood the Great.
X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X
TBC
Author's notes:
Whee! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! ((showers love and sparkles)) Yup, the story is finished!!! Or… is it? ((points at TBC)) Just one more little epilogue to go, and it'll be done for real. XD See? Happy ending, just like I promised… you guys really didn't think I'd kill Leggy off for fun, did you?
Anyway, the epilogue will be up after New Year's weekend, cos I'll be staying over at a friend's house to usher in the New Year with lots of FANGIRLING!!!! XDXDXD Review replies time, got to keep it short cos I'm in need of sleep…. Must charge my batteries before the 'big night' (I bet we won't sleep at all…) And btw, ((prods reviewers)) 20 more reviews for my count to hit the magic 300, you guys know what to do. ((wink wink)) If there's any part at all in the story that you guys don't understand, need clarification, drop me a line in your review, then I'll address it in my notes after the epilogue okie? ((bounces))
Varda's Servant: Yay! I love being evil… and leaving cliffies all over the place. XDXD I call it my revenge on all the other cliffies other writers have left for me. Hee hee… I don't think I've ever read the original Grimm fairy tales, but I heard somewhere that Snow White/Sleeping Beauty's step mum was sentenced to death by dancing in red hot metal shoes or something… All I can say is 'ouch' and 'eww gross'. ((turns green))
Marbienl: One severely-kicked-Danin-butt coming right up! XD Nah, I doubt the mages would have the ability to make Estel immortal… and I doubt they'd dare too… Kind of like going against what Nature has created? Like how the Orcs were a parody of the Elves created by Morgoth or something like that? ((rofl)) Yup, I remembered to sun the Elf! (I'm getting images of hanging him out by his ears… like a carpet…) Ahem. And I'm sure Estel would be more than happy to help him with his rehab. ((wink wink nudge nudge))
Child of Magick: Aw… no more brain to damage… so sad… and here I was hoping I could corrupt a few more people from other continents… ((evil laughter, thunder clap)) You're welcome to strangle Danin… after all, he's been a bad Elf this Christmas. XD There won't be a sequel to this, firstly cos it'd probably involve MPreg, in order for Gondor's line to continue, I think I'll leave that for someone else to do. And second cos I've no more inspiration at the moment to write such a big project again. So I'm going on a 'writing holiday'. : D
Sielge: Thank you! So happy you like the chapter… but nope, no sequel… ((points up for reasons)) and probably nothing from LotR for some time, unless I get my evil claws, err, I mean, hands on the RotK Extended Edition? ((gazes hopefully at… somewhere)) So expensive… ((cries))
Empath89: Haha, thanks! Hope you got lots of presents? I got lots of sugar! My house is flooded with chocolate, and I'm one happy fangirl. XD I thrive on evil cliffies… Mwahahaha. Fear me all ye normal humans!!!
RMC: Eh… It was angst? I though it was more like torture… ah well, they tend to go hand-in-hand no? ((bounces)) I used to be able to write angst only anyway. Hope the ending lived up to your expectations? The 'second ending' will be in the epilogue, so stay tuned for that!
Gemini969: Ding! Update sha la la! Have fun reading!
Moonyasha: Oh no! ((gives a pure sugar IV)) did that work? And… could I have one of the dogs chasing the mouse? Pwetty pwease? ((puppy dog eyes)) Hahahaha, well, hope you didn't get freaked by any slash content in this chapter… ((eyes chapter)) if there was any… was there? Man! I just proof-read it and I don't remember… sigh…
Blade6: Nah, I'm used to getting over-glomped… my friend's been practicing on me, cos I'm just 1 cm shorter than her latest idol, so she's rehearsing what she would do if she ever met him… ((prances around waving candy canes)) Yay! I got candy canes from Blade6! I hereby dub thee my virtual sugar supplier!! Good luck with your exams/projects/quest/thing… I am… cough, still on holiday, cough. XP
The-Serious-Padfoot: Nah, Tarzan isn't oafish, he's just misguided… George of the Jungle, on the other hand… ((faints)) Oh, you're one sharp reader! Yup, I wanted the 'too late' bit to tie in with his dream. In my original version, I totally forgot about it, so I went back and added it in during an editing spree, just in case I had any readers (like you) who would notice little things like that. ((applause)) May you get inspired to write someday soon!
Crazyrabidfangurl01: Haha, yup, pregnant computer… maybe it'll give birth to one with more memory and an LCD screen? ((is hopeful)) I hate stubbing toes... I've this phobia of breaking my toe nail or something. Hehehe, but I managed to walk into walls/pillars/stuff 9 times in 2 hours before… ((shakes head))
Goldmund: Relax!! ((fans)) Danin IS dead, but he couldn't go to Mandos (if that's where he's supposed to go) because he couldn't let go of Legolas, and also because he's tied to Legolas, so since Legolas is still fighting to live, Danin can't 'die' completely either… Hope that helped! ((chews fingernails))
KyLaaa: Another chapter for the holidays coming right up! And the last one's for just after the hols! To help get rid of back to school blues! XD
Dulcina-and-Fueisu: Hahaha… I've never read Romeo and Juliet, but I've seen the Mercutio 'gaying' around part… I did Julius Ceasar though, and I swear Brutus and Cassius are gay! Ahem. Nice to know you enjoyed the author's note… cos it's usually my hyper outlet after being serious for an entire chapter… no mean feat for me, yanno. XD
Tracey: Thanks for the constructive criticism… Yup, I know there're quite a few character flaws in this story, probably cos the later half was written after a 3.5 month break. I'll take note of it and try my best from having this happen again in a future story!
Losing Grip: Aww… ((pats)) And here you have it! The answer to all your questions! I think. XD Hope you liked it!
Can't believe this will be the second last time I'm doing this, but big thanks to everyone who's reviewed! Next chapter coming out in 2005, look out for that! In the meantime, Happy New Year everyone! Wishing everyone best of luck in the New Year!