Deana -- All right. So it's not "technically" today anymore. Yesterday. You know what I mean. Hey, it's only thirty-five minutes past midnight, and I haven't gone to sleep yet, so it still totally counts as "today." It is "today" until I put my contacts in my eyeballs, brush my hair, take off my Evenstar, and crawl under my leopard comforter. So yeah, this counts as keeping my promise. So there! Ahem...right...
Sorry it took me so long to get out this chapter; I tried to do it earlier today, right after I posted Shadows Creeping, but the internet went wonky, then I had to go to class, then I had to brave the insanity that is the school store at the start of the semester to buy my art supplies and…well, anyway, here it is!
Chapter Fourteen: Echoes and Memories
Gimli's ears were filled with the sound of his heavy breathing and heavier footsteps as he raced through the black tunnels. He had lost count of the number of tumbles he had taken, for he ran at a reckless pace too fast for even a dwarf to manage in unfamiliar caves without sight. But he could neither stop nor slow. His friends were waiting for him. The lad Eldarion might well be hurt grievously, and needed free of those rocks. And Legolas—
Gimli did not want to think of what his Elven friend must be enduring in the enclosing darkness he had left him in. Why had he ever made that foolish deal about Fangorn and Aglarond in the first place? He knew that Elves were not meant for caves, Wood Elves least of all. He had come to determine over the course of their friendship that Legolas was a claustrophobic in denial, but he had never before known that it was as powerful a fear as it really was. And now…
Now he had left the Elf in the darkness. He had failed his friend. He should never have dragged him into that first cave, let alone the numerous caverns after that.
And then to bring the boy! What had he been thinking? Taking an elvish-blooded child into caves? He must have lost his mind at last! And now the lad—the precious child that Aragorn and Arwen had trusted to their care—was trapped under crushing rock and stone in a lightless pocket of rubble. He was a fool; he should never have brought them here in the first place. If either of them were scared from this experience…
The echoes of his footsteps were loud in Gimli's ears, reproachments thundering behind him, inescapable no matter how fast he ran…
……………….
"Uncle?"
"Yes, Eldarion?"
"Do you think Uncle Gimli will be long?"
Legolas swallowed hard in the darkness. Using every ounce of control he possessed, he forced his voice to be light and cheerful. "Nay, I am sure that he will run with all haste—likely too must haste," he grumbled under his breath, frowning at the thought of that fool dwarf injuring himself. "Well," he amended with forced levity, "with as much haste as a dwarf can manage, that is. They are, after all, slow and clumsy creatures, and not made for anything requiring either speed or grace." The child giggled and Legolas almost smiled. "Why?" he asked then, half-smile chased away by fear. Was Eldarion in pain, or…?
"Well," the boy shifted slightly in the elf's lap, "I…" He was probably chewing on his lip. The child did that whenever he had to confess anything he did not want to, and from the tone of his voice, that was what he was steeling himself to do. Legolas waited patiently, lightly stroking the small, sweaty forehead. Eldarion sighed heavily, then continued. "I'm bored," he admitted reluctantly.
Legolas chuckled. It was a weak, tremulous laugh, but a laugh nonetheless. Only Eldarion's strange, childish mix of unquenchable optimism and pragmatism could make him find humor in such a bleak situation. Well, he thought, there is always Gimli, but our jests in battle are more of a black humor attempting to keep spirits up forcibly, not accidentally. Really, counting the number of beings one killed and attempting to slaughter more than your friend? Even if they were orcs, that is a tad sadistic…
"I am most grieved to hear it, young prince," he answered Eldarion seriously. "I am sure that, were Gimli aware of your ennui, he would hasten his steps even more, rest assured. In the meantime, I promise that I shall do my best to keep you occupied."
Eldarion squirmed with excitement, then winced as his legs shifted uncomfortably against the rock. Legolas tightened his grip comfortingly on the boy's shoulder and smoothed damp hair from grey eyes. The child relaxed, then looked up at the uncle he could not see in the blackness. "Will you tell me a story?" he asked eagerly. "About one of you and Uncle Gimli's adventures?"
Legolas pretended to think hard. "Hmm," he said slowly, "I suppose I could try to remember one or two… There aren't that many to choose from, what with how much Gimli detests anything remotely daring, you know," he teased the child. "I think you have already heard all of the exciting ones, but I may be able to dredge up some vague memories of something faintly interesting…"
Eldarion laughed happily and settled into the elf's safe embrace. Then he perked up again. "Uncle Legolas, could you tell me one with ada in it?"
"Of course," replied the elf, casting his mind about for a suitable story. Ah, that will do. "Well," Legolas began, "shortly after your adar was crowned, he was feeling a little stifled by his new responsibilities. Gimli, in his infinite wisdom, suggested that al he needed was a short vacation to remind him of his former life as a Ranger. We—or rather I; the dwarf has no concept of stealth or subtlety—aided Aragorn in sneaking away from his guards…"
Legolas immersed himself in the memories, where there was light and air. He was as desperate to distract himself from their plight as he was the boy from his boredom. He clung tightly to the memory of light, a thin thread of life snaking frailly through the suffocating darkness that pressed in upon them from all sides…
Reviewer Responses:
Once more, thanks to everyone who stuck with this story during that long haul of will-there-ever-an-update-ness. You have my greatest appreciation! I'm sorry this chapter was so short, but hopefully there was enough angst and cute-ness to make it worthwhile. If it helps, I'm setting the scene for more tension to come! …aw man, I really didn't want to end this suspensefully at all, but now that I've said that—well, sorry! Anyway, at least that gives you all something to look forward to while I write the rest, get used to my new classes, and read the stories nominated for two of the Flame of Arnor categories over on LotrfanfictionDOTcom that I volunteered to help out with. Check it out! Anyway, don't worry, I'll be writing too! Unless something utterly horrible happens, you should see a new part by the end of the week!
…Cross your fingers…I think I've just tempted the Fates…
Anyway! On to your reviews! :)
permetaform – so glad you liked it! Don't worry, I ought to be increasing the length in the future!
Alma – Demons? What demons? A little darkness never hurt anybody. Heh heh. Just like your lovely little tunnel. Yay for smart, sweet dwarves! I can't wait to see what your next bit is—but don't worry, I'll be patient! Promise! :)
Deana – but of course he was. Whyever would our little Elf lie? Hee hee…well, okay, maybe he wasn't…just a little! ;)
Quiet Infinity – Good old Gimli…what would our two hapless princes do without him? I am definitely glad to be back as well. I missed all you guys! Big hug to everyone! Happy New Year, etc., to you as well, even if it is a little late…hope you had a fun one! But out soon? Well, I suppose "soon" is a relative term…no, don't worry, I won't drag it out too much longer! Dun dun dun…
Malara – many thanks! Sorry this bit took so long!
Aranna – Okay, so the Elf is sweet and brave and stubborn, and I'm nasty, nasty. Do I have this right? Cool, just checking. Anyway, who said anything about nightmares? You honestly think I'm going to let Legolas sleep any time soon? Remember, just because he didn't sleep last night is not going to make an Elf tired enough to fall asleep under these circumstances—so all potential nightmares and well postponed! Ah, but I love being evil… Oh, and I'm sure that if you want to borrow Malara's carrot to whack Legolas over the head with, she won't mind…
Jebb – Yup! Gotta love the old softie! Many many tears to be cried—and denied—no doubt!
Banbie – I know exactly how you feel. …I think. Three cheers for all insane writers! Whoo-hoo!
Dark Lady – …are you Dark Borg Drone? Or am I just wonky? Anyway, cool name! And I'm glad you're happy.
Avalon – Don't worry about it! And thank you so very much. If you do get published, you know you have to tell me, right? Cool. Anyway…well, Legolas was always my favorite character—thank you very much, I am not a "mindless drooling Orli fangirl" I liked him best the first time I read the book years ago! Er, sorry about that; I just always feel the need to clarify when I tell people my favorite character's "Blondie" although I did enjoy him in the movie, too. Basically, anything Elven I'll just adore…but getting back on topic: I'm glad you like my Elf! In spite of yourself and everything. Heh heh. And ah ha, another fan of the half-monkeys! Take that, AU-ism! Ooops, no hunt…well, I'm sure that some little vignette will strike me sometime about Legolas having to teach the little prince hunting…there's sure to be enough amusement-value in that to tickle my Nuzgûl…crap…must…fight off…the Nuzgûl! Anyway…randomness is great! Hmm, maybe I need to write a story with Éomer and Gimli and a wee bit too much ale sometime as well…bugger, Avie, you're killing me with these Nuzgûl-nibbles! Be back to you in a sec, Avie…
Alatariel – Almost out? Almost out? Rhys dissolves in hysterical laughter until Glerfindle helpfully slaps her face a few times so that she resumes breathing. Almost out…riiiiiight…
Avalon – Right, back to you now. Er—well. I take it that you didn't like the whole splitting-up thing, then? Heh heh heh…me, an Elf-torturer? No, whatever would give you that idea? Just because I'm a fan of Cassia? Just because I actually have a "torture" warning posted on Shadows Creeping over on LotrfanfictionDOTcom? Why, yes, my dear, I suppose I am some king of Elf-torturer… I'll blame Thundera Tiger; first great LotR fic I read was her Land of Light and Shadows and I lost count of how many times she knocked Legolas unconcious. She ruined me for life…thanks Thundera! lol What would I do to Glorfy? Hmmmm…evil grin! Maybe later, Avie, maybe later…let me finish the two I'm doing now first… Hee! I am SO GLAD you're loving it! See, now aren't you glad I'm an Elf-torturer? Heh heh heh! Completely forgiven, and Eldarion says thanks for the hugs. Well, actually he says hannon-le, but you know what I mean…I can't wait to see what you think of the rest! Rhys does a quick little ewok jig of antici……….pation!
AncientHistory – Why thank you! Yes, I am indeed GOD…er, I mean Eru…right…um, it's kinda on the late side, so please forgive my crazy-freak-babbling…yeah…g'night…
Okay. It's bedtime for Rhys here. I'll see you all in the morning! Well, actually, I'll be in Draving II (oh, the excitement!) in the morning, but you know what I mean...wow, definately time to put me to bed...