CHAPTER 2- In Still of Darkness
A silence as potent as the rain fell around them. Arwen could sense reluctance in her brother. Being his sister for so many years, his mental deliberations were practically being broadcast to her. She was not prepared for him to turn and walk the other way.
"You would leave me at that?" she cried, for sure enough he had abandoned their original path and was stealing back towards the main hall. He stopped at the end of the corridor,
"Arwen, know this. Memories are the most vital part of Legolas left in this world. All else is only a shadow of what it once was- and do not doubt my determination in this matter.
"I have sat with him many long hours trying to discover the source of the shadow which lies upon him. Do not be so eager to alter that which you have. There is nothing you can do for him. Forget this moment, and ask no more of me."
He did not wait for a reply and continued around the corner. She felt her cheeks go red and had half a mind to drag him back and demand he show her to Legolas immediately. It came as a surprise to her however, that she sensed within herself a great reluctance to make any more progress towards seeing the Prince of Mirkwood again.
'After all,' she thought bitterly, 'what can I do?' For a moment she lingered where she stood. Then numbly, Arwen turned and headed towards her room.
********************************
She slept fitfully, and her dreams were plagued by the guilt of her heart. He visited her once. She had awoken, and there he was, standing at the foot of her bed, outlined in the pale rays of the moon. His form was familiar, an Elfling with a blackened eye- a memory.
"Legolas?" she softly pushed his name out and into the stillness of night. He shook his head,
"Your words and thoughts come to naught, for I am dead to you." At this he took a step back and vanished.
He was with her the rest of the night.
********************************
By the time sunlight had replaced moonlight in a slow traverse across her windowpane, Arwen's mind was made up. She dressed quickly, and dismissing her maid descended to the great hall.
She ate breakfast, trying to be as sociable as possible, but Glorfindel immediately sensed a change in her manner.
"Something wrong, my lady?" he inquired with more curiosity then actual concern.
Arwen almost automatically replied that everything was fine, but she caught herself and decided to say the truth. There was no use in lying to Glorfindel anyway. He would know the real answer no matter what she said.
"Yes Glorfindel, something is wrong." She answered, "But worry not, for before the day is out all shall be put to right."
He narrowed his eyes and gazed at her unflinchingly for a moment as if deciding carefully what to say next. Unfortunately, when he finally did open his mouth to speak, he was cut off by the appearance of Elrond in a flurry of fine red robes.
The lord extended his usual sincere apologies, but Elven nobles are quick to catch on to patterns and in his lateness he was right on time. Elrohir came soon after, muttering a much less articulate apology as he sank into his own place.
Arwen participated in all the necessary banter, but was gone before the final course was even served, pleading lethargy from a sleepless night.
She immediately made her way to the garden, and successively the hallway where Elrohir had left her. In her distress, Arwen had not noticed that it was part of the healing wing. It was in this part of the house, and in his study, where Elrond had effectively barricaded himself from the outside world since the death of her mother.
She herself had seldom walked these halls, as her family received any necessary medical attention in their own private quarters, and whenever possible, from Elrond himself.
She stopped a passing matron.
"Pray tell me where I may find my father." She requested.
"He had planned to make an appearance at breakfast, Lady Arwen." The other replied.
"I have just come from that meal, he was not present. He must have been delayed, where can I find him?" Arwen felt a faint prick of embarrassment at having to lie, but it was absolutely necessary that she see Legolas alone, and if the matron suspected she might be visiting him without the permission of the lord, as she no doubt would, she would be sure to inform Elrond immediately.
The matron gave her instructions to reach the place where Legolas was presumably staying, and hurried off on her way. As soon as she disappeared behind a corner, Arwen hurried off.
********************************
Coming at last to the right place, Arwen lingered in the corridor. It seemed so much safer with the door and the memories between them. Suddenly a conversation they'd once had came to mind. 'You're my best friend,' he had told her.
It was strange that a friendship that had lasted only the span of a few days- a few hours really could weigh so heavily on her mind. Still, they say Elves seldom forget, and Arwen held those memories very dear to her.
The fact that there were so very few just made them seem all the more precious.
She resolved herself finally, and knocked stiffly on the door. The knock echoed loudly within. She waited for the door to swing open, for any noise from within, but her ears would have caught even the faintest rustle, and they heard nothing.
She willed herself to knock again, this time more forcefully, but again no answer. Suddenly a thought occurred to her. Could he be so seriously wounded that he was bed-ridden? But why then wouldn't he call out? He couldn't have slept through the knocking, it had been loud enough to rouse a sleeping dwarf, and should have been plenty to awaken an elf.
At this point Arwen was at a loss. Barging in would no doubt be considered unprecedented rudeness, yet she had a feeling that her acquisition of courage would be fleeting.
She reached for the handle of the door and turned it slowly. Expecting resistance, she was surprised to find it gave no opposition-it was unlocked.
After pausing for a breath she steeled herself, pulled it open with a forceful jerk and stepped inside.
The first thing Arwen saw was nothing, but as her eyes adjusted to the dim light in the room she began to discern shadows and outlines. Darkness, eerie and foreign to such an hour, lay over the room like a heavy curtain. It seemed to constrict around her, and Arwen felt herself shrink back towards the hall.
The small beam of light around her began to recede, and the shadows approached as the door began to swing shut.
Click
The room fell into darkness.
A.N. Hmmm, that was a rather nasty ending wasn't it. I'm very sorry but due to time restraints (midterms) I really have to post this as is. Anyway, thanks to all you people who reviewed and who reviewed the last chapter of FFU, my last fic. If you don't know, your reviews will now be responded to by me- J.P.
()- There you are, a new chapter! Thanks for the review.
Lady Scribe- I am so glad you are enjoying it immensely, and I hope you continue to do so. Luck o' the Irish to ye as well, or as the Japanese say, lets both do our best!
Karone Evertree- ::hugs:: You are the best, thanks so much for sticking with my stories! It is so nice that you'd keep taking your time to review, and I always like seeing a familiar face. Anyway, bet you thought I'd let you know what's wrong with Leggy in this chapter didn't you? (: Anyway, thanks also for your review of FFU.
Itarildë Vardamir – You've been doing lots of reading. Your English teacher would be proud...actually they'd probably tell you to go find something good to read. I know mine did! Thank you.
Caroline Jordan- Another person I know! Thanks for the review, and I hope to hear from you again.
GiGi- Aren't they always cliffies with me? Thanks for the welcome back (:
Wolfie07821- You're not gonna like me one bit for this chapter...
Just-Some-Girl1- Please don't die! I guess I'll have to update quick to make up for another cliffhanger.
Gionareth: What is wrong with Legolas? Stay tuned to find out!!!!
Amy- I shall, many thanks.
Little- lost- one- Here's some more, thanks for your review.
Farflung- Thanks for the comments, and for taking time to review. It means a lot to me and I hope to do better for it.
Iirima- Woot! That is such a cool word. Anyway, I'm so happy you enjoyed it. Here's the next chapter, and I thank you for your patience. As to your review of FFU, yes, that's it for that. Anyway, I have similar sentiments for Aragorn and this particular pairing.
Pishymishy- Yes, we is tricksy isn't we. I'm glad you felt FFU, and I hope you enjoy this baby too. Many thanks to you my loyal friend, your messages mean so much to me!
A silence as potent as the rain fell around them. Arwen could sense reluctance in her brother. Being his sister for so many years, his mental deliberations were practically being broadcast to her. She was not prepared for him to turn and walk the other way.
"You would leave me at that?" she cried, for sure enough he had abandoned their original path and was stealing back towards the main hall. He stopped at the end of the corridor,
"Arwen, know this. Memories are the most vital part of Legolas left in this world. All else is only a shadow of what it once was- and do not doubt my determination in this matter.
"I have sat with him many long hours trying to discover the source of the shadow which lies upon him. Do not be so eager to alter that which you have. There is nothing you can do for him. Forget this moment, and ask no more of me."
He did not wait for a reply and continued around the corner. She felt her cheeks go red and had half a mind to drag him back and demand he show her to Legolas immediately. It came as a surprise to her however, that she sensed within herself a great reluctance to make any more progress towards seeing the Prince of Mirkwood again.
'After all,' she thought bitterly, 'what can I do?' For a moment she lingered where she stood. Then numbly, Arwen turned and headed towards her room.
********************************
She slept fitfully, and her dreams were plagued by the guilt of her heart. He visited her once. She had awoken, and there he was, standing at the foot of her bed, outlined in the pale rays of the moon. His form was familiar, an Elfling with a blackened eye- a memory.
"Legolas?" she softly pushed his name out and into the stillness of night. He shook his head,
"Your words and thoughts come to naught, for I am dead to you." At this he took a step back and vanished.
He was with her the rest of the night.
********************************
By the time sunlight had replaced moonlight in a slow traverse across her windowpane, Arwen's mind was made up. She dressed quickly, and dismissing her maid descended to the great hall.
She ate breakfast, trying to be as sociable as possible, but Glorfindel immediately sensed a change in her manner.
"Something wrong, my lady?" he inquired with more curiosity then actual concern.
Arwen almost automatically replied that everything was fine, but she caught herself and decided to say the truth. There was no use in lying to Glorfindel anyway. He would know the real answer no matter what she said.
"Yes Glorfindel, something is wrong." She answered, "But worry not, for before the day is out all shall be put to right."
He narrowed his eyes and gazed at her unflinchingly for a moment as if deciding carefully what to say next. Unfortunately, when he finally did open his mouth to speak, he was cut off by the appearance of Elrond in a flurry of fine red robes.
The lord extended his usual sincere apologies, but Elven nobles are quick to catch on to patterns and in his lateness he was right on time. Elrohir came soon after, muttering a much less articulate apology as he sank into his own place.
Arwen participated in all the necessary banter, but was gone before the final course was even served, pleading lethargy from a sleepless night.
She immediately made her way to the garden, and successively the hallway where Elrohir had left her. In her distress, Arwen had not noticed that it was part of the healing wing. It was in this part of the house, and in his study, where Elrond had effectively barricaded himself from the outside world since the death of her mother.
She herself had seldom walked these halls, as her family received any necessary medical attention in their own private quarters, and whenever possible, from Elrond himself.
She stopped a passing matron.
"Pray tell me where I may find my father." She requested.
"He had planned to make an appearance at breakfast, Lady Arwen." The other replied.
"I have just come from that meal, he was not present. He must have been delayed, where can I find him?" Arwen felt a faint prick of embarrassment at having to lie, but it was absolutely necessary that she see Legolas alone, and if the matron suspected she might be visiting him without the permission of the lord, as she no doubt would, she would be sure to inform Elrond immediately.
The matron gave her instructions to reach the place where Legolas was presumably staying, and hurried off on her way. As soon as she disappeared behind a corner, Arwen hurried off.
********************************
Coming at last to the right place, Arwen lingered in the corridor. It seemed so much safer with the door and the memories between them. Suddenly a conversation they'd once had came to mind. 'You're my best friend,' he had told her.
It was strange that a friendship that had lasted only the span of a few days- a few hours really could weigh so heavily on her mind. Still, they say Elves seldom forget, and Arwen held those memories very dear to her.
The fact that there were so very few just made them seem all the more precious.
She resolved herself finally, and knocked stiffly on the door. The knock echoed loudly within. She waited for the door to swing open, for any noise from within, but her ears would have caught even the faintest rustle, and they heard nothing.
She willed herself to knock again, this time more forcefully, but again no answer. Suddenly a thought occurred to her. Could he be so seriously wounded that he was bed-ridden? But why then wouldn't he call out? He couldn't have slept through the knocking, it had been loud enough to rouse a sleeping dwarf, and should have been plenty to awaken an elf.
At this point Arwen was at a loss. Barging in would no doubt be considered unprecedented rudeness, yet she had a feeling that her acquisition of courage would be fleeting.
She reached for the handle of the door and turned it slowly. Expecting resistance, she was surprised to find it gave no opposition-it was unlocked.
After pausing for a breath she steeled herself, pulled it open with a forceful jerk and stepped inside.
The first thing Arwen saw was nothing, but as her eyes adjusted to the dim light in the room she began to discern shadows and outlines. Darkness, eerie and foreign to such an hour, lay over the room like a heavy curtain. It seemed to constrict around her, and Arwen felt herself shrink back towards the hall.
The small beam of light around her began to recede, and the shadows approached as the door began to swing shut.
Click
The room fell into darkness.
A.N. Hmmm, that was a rather nasty ending wasn't it. I'm very sorry but due to time restraints (midterms) I really have to post this as is. Anyway, thanks to all you people who reviewed and who reviewed the last chapter of FFU, my last fic. If you don't know, your reviews will now be responded to by me- J.P.
()- There you are, a new chapter! Thanks for the review.
Lady Scribe- I am so glad you are enjoying it immensely, and I hope you continue to do so. Luck o' the Irish to ye as well, or as the Japanese say, lets both do our best!
Karone Evertree- ::hugs:: You are the best, thanks so much for sticking with my stories! It is so nice that you'd keep taking your time to review, and I always like seeing a familiar face. Anyway, bet you thought I'd let you know what's wrong with Leggy in this chapter didn't you? (: Anyway, thanks also for your review of FFU.
Itarildë Vardamir – You've been doing lots of reading. Your English teacher would be proud...actually they'd probably tell you to go find something good to read. I know mine did! Thank you.
Caroline Jordan- Another person I know! Thanks for the review, and I hope to hear from you again.
GiGi- Aren't they always cliffies with me? Thanks for the welcome back (:
Wolfie07821- You're not gonna like me one bit for this chapter...
Just-Some-Girl1- Please don't die! I guess I'll have to update quick to make up for another cliffhanger.
Gionareth: What is wrong with Legolas? Stay tuned to find out!!!!
Amy- I shall, many thanks.
Little- lost- one- Here's some more, thanks for your review.
Farflung- Thanks for the comments, and for taking time to review. It means a lot to me and I hope to do better for it.
Iirima- Woot! That is such a cool word. Anyway, I'm so happy you enjoyed it. Here's the next chapter, and I thank you for your patience. As to your review of FFU, yes, that's it for that. Anyway, I have similar sentiments for Aragorn and this particular pairing.
Pishymishy- Yes, we is tricksy isn't we. I'm glad you felt FFU, and I hope you enjoy this baby too. Many thanks to you my loyal friend, your messages mean so much to me!