THE SPACE BETWEEN
Author's note:
Hello again! So so sorry for the excessively long wait! And thank you so much for your incredibly wonderful support! It makes me feel so happy and honoured to know that you folks like my story! Really it warms my heart to hear (well in this case read) such kind words from all of you!
And I know my last chapter was well PREDICTABLE! You know what? That was the idea, I mean c'mon ! I'm sure you all new who the mysterious heir was since well, chapter one from Sleepy Willow. I didn't go through any great efforts to hide it, I didn't want to make it 200 obvious but my goal wasn't to surprise the readers. I felt it was more important to note how the characters reacted to such devastating news, and now how they are to cope with it.
So that's that, but first I have a few nice people to thank so here goes:
Hey Treehugger! I knew you knew about Wil! It was quite shocking for her though, she didn't have the privilege to read all the other chapters, Legolas too! Yeah and the angst is no were near its end. It's going to get turned up pretty high as the chapters go on. You'll know what I mean at the end of this one… I fear it will be going from bad to worse. Poor little Willow, she hasn't seen the first of it yet, Legolas too when I think of it. Hey you know what? With all the black squirrel talk from Bells of Silver, we've been having some pretty cheeky ones coming up on our backyard steps… They want nuts… crazy little rascals!
Hi Mija! No don't worry, yes she tried to kill herself, but sometimes things happen that we can't understand... They are in Fangorn you know… So sorry for being so slow! But don't worry Chapter eleven is under way! I'm hoping you won't have to wait too long for it!
A-mon Andne, well yes she was in Mirkwood when she first met Legolas, but ya see… (I gave this a good thought, Sleepy Willow was so long ago!) Wil was only on the very edge of Mirkwood, close to Dul Goldur (Why that didn't affect her I don't know, I guess I didn't think of that) and well she wasn't completely overtaken by the Shadow as she is now and she wasn't in the heart of Northern Mirkwood. I think that makes sense, if it doesn't, don't hesitate to let me know. I hate having loose ends…
Wow! Such praise! Thank you so much Elistar Alleyne! Wow, 12 out of 10! That's too much! I would have given it a 2 or something, yeah I have no self-esteem! Well I just got your review before posting so I can truly say that I didn't make you wait! Hurray!
Well thank you all! I hope you like what you read, please point out any stupidities you might notice and if you can, enjoy! By the way I hope you like the song quote, I wrote the ending of Chapter 9 especially for it! Oh and another little thing before I let you read on… I've made some minor changes to chatper 3 (I think) it was done a while ago, it was when Legolas and Willow meet up for the first time in 1000 years, remember that? Well I gave it less of a 'Sleeping Beaty' type scenario, I didn't like it anymore… ok that's all I'll shut up know. :)
Chapter Ten
Thy Own Worst Enemy
"Willow! Willow NO!" Yelled Legolas as he helplessly watched as Willow's small body was plunged from the treetop. Without thinking, he reached for her destination in the hopes to vainly attempt to break her fall. He closed his eyes expecting to hear a dull thud, but it never came.
For some reason that would not be explained for a certain amount of time, the tree from which the Elf jumped sensed her turmoil and attempt to end her life. It stretched out its branches and caught the Elf in a blanket of lush foliage, mere seconds before hitting the ground. Astonished Willow sat amidst the leaves and glanced around nervously, disappointment registering in her violet eyes.
For a brief moment Legolas lay still, unable to move. He ran towards the Elf to help her off the tree.
Willow pushed the Elf Prince aside and stumbled away from him. Legolas attempted to approach the Elf only to be rejected.
"Get away from me!" She shouted delirious.
Not letting her statement get in his way, Legolas rushed forward and gripped Willow by the shoulders. "Willow! Have you lost your mind? Why in the Valar did you try to end your own life?" He shouting, shaking her shoulders furiously.
"Why did that tree get in the way?" She sobbed back. "Legolas, how can you stand to touch me, yet alone look at me?" She brushed his arms away and back away.
"What do you mean?" He asked incredulous.
Willow laughed. "What do I mean? Legolas! I am my own worse enemy! I am your worst enemy! In fact I am everyone's foe! How can I stand to live with myself, knowing what I am? I am the impersonation of Evil itself! I cannot be allowed to live! I will destroy us all!"
Legolas shook his head sadly. "You do not understand. Did Gandalf not speak to you?"
"Of course he did!"
"Did you not listen to his words?" He asked, his voice softening, he was beginning to understand vaguely why Willow was delirious. She didn't understand what Gandalf had told her.
She rolled her eyes at the question, answering impatiently. "Yes I did!"
Legolas advanced towards her again. "Then you did not understand! You are not evil! You are not an endangerment to us, that is unless the Shadow takes over you mind."
"Legolas!" Shouted Willow frustrated. "I am the Shadow! You must kill me Legolas! Please end this! End this now! Take me away from all this death!"
Gandalf, Gimli and Aragorn arrived shortly after the commotion had begun. The Istar stepped forward and spoke firmly. "Willow! You are not the Shadow! You are not Sauron's child, nor his reincarnation. You are his Heir. He has bestowed his strength and his power upon you. Did you not listen to my words? Have I not told you of your parents' sacrifice to assure you did not fall into Shadow?"
Gandalf's stern words helped in setting Willow straight. "Still, I am still to be cursed forever as Aryon o Huine. How could anyone ever stand to have me live?" She sounded exasperated as she turned to glance at the company before her. "How can any of you look at me? And you! How can you still love me after knowing what I am?" She said pointing a finger at the Elf.
Legolas came closer. He seized her shoulders and shook her. "Willow! Willow listen to me! Listen." He snapped. He was angry for everything that had happened. He silently cursed Sauron one hundred thousand times for all the hurt he bestowed upon his love; all these thoughts nourished his wrath. The suddenness of his actions helped Willow out of her state of delirium. Realizing he got the Elf's attention, Legolas' voice softened.
"Willow, you know I love you, I always have, it matters not to me. You are not going to destroy anything; you are not Sauron's ally. It is the opposite, with your parents' sacrifice you are not his Heir but his destroyer. You are the one who, with the help of Isildur's heir, destroy the Darkness."
She looked at Aragorn, who nodded in agreement. "Is that so?" She asked in her tiny voice.
"Yes." Replied the King.
"It will take you more than that to understand and accept this difficult situation, my dear Willow, but for now we must make haste. To Edoras we must ride." Said Gandalf.
Willow nodded quietly. "Of course, there is no sense is delaying this quest any longer. For all we know that may be the Dark Lord's desire." She shuddered at the thought of him. "But would I not be a danger to the quest. If I am to be Aryon O Huine, will Sauron not know of my whereabouts?"
"No, for that we are most grateful." Answered the wizard. Not long after the horses that were believed lost returned with a new friend, a graceful magnificent white steed. Legolas greeted his horse, Arod. He spoke gentle words to the beast before returning to his beloved.
"Come Willow, I would like for you to meet my new friend Arod." He said smiling and stroking the animal's mane. Arod neighed and butted his head against the She-Elf's shoulder.
"He likes you." Laughed Legolas.
Willow smiled. "Well it is good to know, if beasts do not fear the evil within me, than maybe there is still hope after all."
Legolas leaped atop the horse and offered his hand. "Of course, I have known that all along, somehow. Do not worry my Beloved, all will be well. You shall see."
Willow accepted his hand and mounted behind him, her arms locked tightly around his waist. Legolas squeezed her hands in his.
"To be honest, I do not care what or who you are. I still love you, and always will love you, no matter what happens. You will always be my Willow." He kissed her forehead. "You know what is the strangest?" He asked her, brushing her soft hands.
"No? What could possibly make all this any stranger?" She replied, letting her tired headrest against his shoulder.
"I feel as though, somehow I already knew what you are, I always knew. It was a truth hidden somewhere in my heart, I simply never realized it."
Willow kissed the Elf and held him tighter. "Thank you for everything." Legolas sighed deeply.
"And everything is what I would do for you, there is nothing, nothing I would not do for you."
"Come Gimli, you shall ride with me." Said Gandalf. " Time presses, so with your leave, my friends, we will ride. We beg you to use all the speed that you can." And so Gimli rode Shadowfax with Gandalf, Aragorn his same steed, Hasufel and the Arod, the elven lovers. Soon after the company left for the capital of Rohan.
For two days, they rode, stopping only on a two occasions to regain strength for all were weary. Finally they arrived in Meduseld, the hall of the King of Rohan, Théoden. They received a cold and unfriendly welcome, unlike the one Gandalf was expecting. Legolas and Willow walked about Edoras, hand in hand, never out of arm's reach. They held each other closely, both sensing the hostility towards them. Curious glances were sent in the Elves' direction, very few were seen in Rohan.
They were presented before the King, Théoden. Old, weary and suspicious did he seem. A thin grey man slithered his way to greet the unwanted guests. At the first sight of him a sickening feeling grew in Willow's mind. This man was hiding something, he smelt of evil. The man was introduced as Gríma Wormtongue.
"I do not trust him." Whispered Willow, in the grey tongue, to Legolas' ear.
"I know, neither do I." Answered Legolas in the same fashion.
"His hands are stained, there is evil about him, what it is I cannot tell."
"Perhaps you should speak to Mithrandir." He whispered back.
Willow answered with a quick nod.
The moment he saw the She-Elf, Wormtongue knew there was something unnatural about her. Perhaps she was the one his master had told him of. He knew Saruman was searching for some She-Elf who apparently held some importance to his plan to take the Ring. Maybe she was the one. His step nearly faltered as he was seated on the dais, not far from his King. He had seen beautiful women before, he did have his heart set on the King's niece, Éowyn, but nothing had prepared him for the Elf that walked into his sire's court. She was beautiful beyond anyone he had ever seen before. Maybe all She-Elves were this beautiful? However, in his heart a burning hatred was inflamed for her and the Elf at her side. The two walked huddled so closely, it seemed as though he was trying to protect her. Despite her mystical appeal, a deep disdainful feeling was forged against the She-Elf. He didn't understand why, normally he would have been enamoured of such a beautiful creature, but he hated her more than he could stand it.
After a long discussion, Willow never had the need to speak to Mithrandir. He had known beforehand of Wormtongue's treachery and exposed him before the King's court. As the pale man left the room, his eyes set last on Willow. In them, she could see his burning hatred.
"We shall meet again." He said to her, right after that he fled from the room and from the King's Halls.
Théoden offered his guests refreshments; with them were Éomer and his sister Éowyn. A lengthy discussion followed suit. Théoden spoke mostly with Gandalf. Once the talks ended, the King addressed his niece. "Éowyn, sister-daughter! Why not take Lady Willow and show her round."
Éowyn inclined her head respectfully and motioned for Willow to follow. Legolas Aragorn left to be arrayed with shining mail and proper armour.
The King's niece turned to face the Elf and whispered. "I don't know about you, but I grow tired of being treated as though I am made of glass."
Willow smirked. "Yes, I understand completely. You want to prove your worth but your are always held back or pushed aside."
"That is exactly what I mean! Men, they don't see us as anything useful, we are naught but fragile little things meant to be protected."
The Elf laughed. "True indeed! Do you know that Legolas had refused to let me leave Lothlórien? He did not want to hear any of it!"
"Oh, then what did you do?" Asked Éowyn, intrigued, this Elf was more interesting than she appeared to be.
Willow smirked. "Well, I followed them later, after they had left" Éowyn laughed. "Yes and I did prove my worth indeed! I saved Legolas' life."
"Oh" Replied the woman.
"Twice."
"Well then, Legolas must have been pleased to see you."
Willow laughed. "No, of course not! In fact he was furious to see me! Ungrateful Elf! And the worst is, I know that even though I saved his life, he will refuse me to go with them."
Éowyn glanced at her curiously. "Then what will you do?"
The Elf shrugged. "Follow them without his consent, of course! What else?"
Éowyn burst into laughter. "You are amazing! I have a feeling you and I shall get along quite well."
Both ladies wandered about the house, laughing at the antics of Men and Elves.
Legolas and Aragorn had just finished arming themselves when Willow joined them. The Elf's eyes set upon his beloved. How much did he wish he could remain by her side and not go to war. At the moment there was nothing he wanted more than to be close to her.
As Willow met up with Man and Elf, she instantly noticed their new attire. She walked up to Legolas; her elegant fingers dancing up the length of his mail shirt.
"We leave for war?" She asked innocently.
Legolas took her hand within his and held them tight. "Yes"
"Where?" She asked her eyes fixed on the mail.
"Helm's Deep." Answered the Elf swiftly. "Willow, we go to war. You are to remain here with the Lady Éowyn."
"Why? Am I not worthy of accompanying you? Did I not prove my worth to you before the Forest of Fangorn?"
Legolas nodded. "Yes you did. And never again do I wish to witness such a terrifying moment. Do you not recall how you nearly lost your life? I cannot see you harmed. My love for you is too strong, it forbids to allow you to come close to any harm."
Willows looked up to him with sad eyes. "Legolas, Melamin, are we not as one? Where you go, I go."
"Not this time Willow. The armies of Saruman are much too dangerous."
"Armies of Saruman? Yrch you speak of? They do not worry me. I can defeat them as I once did."
"No Willow, you do not understand! These are Uruk-Hai, much stronger than Orcs. Besides they are faithful to Saruman, not Sauron. You have no control over them."
"But Legolas-"
Legolas cut her off sternly. "No! Not this time." All too late he realized how rough his voice sounded; it hurt his heart to speak so. He did not want to offend his beloved, just make her understand the importance of her being away from harm. He kissed her hands and smiled.
"Willow, right now, there is nothing I want more than to stay behind with you, but I have no choice. I am needed, but I promise you, I will return shortly for you, Little One. Worry not, I think of you always." He brushed his fingers along her jaw line, then lifting her chin; he kissed her soft lips.
With a heavy heart, he turned around swiftly and joined Aragorn, leaving Willow standing alone in the hallways contemplating his last words, the tingle of his kiss still fresh on her lips.
The Ranger glanced at his friend. "You know Legolas, judging from recent events, she will not heed your words. She is far too stubborn, like her kin. It is a matter of time before she follows us."
Legolas stopped in mid track. "Nin Mellon, you are right!" Then as fast as lightning he returned to where Willow was still standing. Before she could open her mouth to speak, Legolas picked her up and hurled her over his shoulder.
"Legolas! Legolas, what are you doing?" Surprised and shocked by this sudden assault, Willow struggled in his grasp. She did not understand this sudden change in her beloved. "Legolas! You are mad! Put me down! Let go of me!" She shrieked, alarmed.
Aragorn was on the Elf's heels. The sight that greeted him forced him to stifle his laughter for the She-Elf was truly infuriated. Legolas held her, the best he could for she was now kicking and screaming most heinous elven curses. The Ranger could no longer help himself as he burst into laughter. An unexpected booted foot landing on the side of his face rewarded this. His mirth was instantly quiet.
"Over here." He directed to the Elf. He led them to a flight of stairs leading to a small room. Legolas did his best not to throw Willow off his shoulder. He realized he failed as he heard a crash on the ground. This gave he and Aragorn the time to flee the room before the Elf regained her senses. Not a moment sooner the door shut as Willow hurled her self towards the door, banging on it with both her fists.
"Legolas! Get me out of here at once! Legolas!" She continued screaming as Man and Elf descended the steps and back towards the hallways. The friends glanced at each other and burst into laughter. They could still hear elvish curses floating down the stairs and all the way to the Halls where awaited Gimli a very quizzical look upon his face.
"What was that?" He asked, surprise not hidden in his voice.
"Legolas told Willow she could not follow us to war." That was all Aragorn said before the company joined the King, his armies and Mithrandir outside the Castle Halls.
Legolas turned his eyes towards the stairway where his Beloved had taken involuntary residence, his heart aching. "I shall return to you Melamin. Hold on. I shall come back for you." The Company road towards Helm's Deep where a gruesome open war awaited them.
For quite some time Willow kept slamming her fists in the doors, even though she knew Legolas was long gone. It helped melt away her frustration at being left behind. However it was not the fact that Legolas refused to allow her to come, she was angry for his sudden outburst. It made no sense, what did Aragorn tell him? What possessed him to act so hastily?
After a while she ceased her sudden tantrum and curled up on the floor. With all that had happened since leaving Lórien, Willow was exhausted. There had been so many traumatizing events, never before had she experience such harshness. Tracking the three hunters for days, defeating some two hundred and fifty Orcs, then learning of her true identity. All these weighed heavily upon the Elf and although these events had not sunken in, they had been extremely tiring.
The night was met with intense blackness in Helm's Deep. Aragorn walked out on the parapet where he found Legolas deep in thought his brows knit in worry.
"Legolas, Nin Mellon, what worries you? You seem most troubled." The Elf jumped slightly; he was so lost in his world of thoughts he did not hear the uncrowned king approach.
"Many thoughts wander in my wind. I worry." He said, his eyes cast out in the blackness ahead of him.
"What worries you?" Asked his friend.
Legolas sighed. "It is Willow. My heart aches for what I have done. I should not have acted so hastily toward Willow. It was folly. I do not know what took over me. I just acted on impulse, it was most careless of me."
Aragorn pressed his hand on his friend's shoulder. "But, if you would not have done so, Willow would have come with us. Of that you and I are both certain of. Do you regret leaving her behind?"
"No. And yes."
"Why?" The Ranger inquired, puzzled how the Elf could wish his beloved in such a dangerous place.
"I worry for I cannot protect her here. If harm comes to where she is, I shall not be there to keep her safe."
"Legolas, you must trust in Théoden, he entrusted the safety of his people to Éowyn who by now has lead the Rohirrim to the refuge of Dunharrow. I am certain Willow is among them."
Legolas turned to look at his friend. "Still it worries me. What if she was forgotten? True we spoke to Lady Éowyn of Willow's whereabouts, but there is still a doubt in my mind, it is like a splinter that will not cease to bother me."
Aragorn smiled kindly. "I understand my friend, but please, tonight I need, we need you at your best. It shall not be an easy battle."
"Aye so I fear." Replied the Elf, his worried glance returning to the menace coming their way.
When Willow stirred from her restless slumber, all seemed too quiet. Well almost all, there was a sudden unease that began to stir. She did not know how long time has passed since she had fallen into the dream world, but she did not appreciate the feeling forming in her heart. As she started getting up, the eerie silence was replaced by constant thud. Willow could hear it as it was getting louder and louder. Someone was coming, but whom? Was it Legolas? Surely it wasn't for he would not have been so loud. Then there was the smell. Willow sniffed the air and detected there was something ill afoot. She knew that smell and that sound, it sounded almost like, almost like... As she began to search her mind, the door before her suddenly burst open. Cupping her hand over her mouth, Willow shrieked in terror as she saw what had entered the room.
It was a difficult battle. Legolas had spent all his arrows, he began to feel his weariness take over him. Gimli was no where to be found and this worried him greatly. Near him, Aragorn fought, but he too was getting exhausted.
Unleashing his knife, Legolas was filled with renewed strength as he thought of who awaited him in Dunharrow, his most adored Willow. Thinking of her, and how he greatly desired to be with her, gave Legolas the will to continue.
As he slashed his way through hordes of hideous Uruk-Hai a sudden blinding flash enveloped him. It only lasted a slip second but to Legolas it felt like an eternity. In that mere moment, he felt a soaring pain ripe through his entire being. Momentarily paralyzed, he was unable to defend himself when the Orcs rushed towards him. Not feeling the immediate danger surrounding him, Legolas thought of the source of that sudden anguish he felt. "Willow!" He screamed helplessly into the endless darkness of night.
One more author's note : Ok so there are some parts in this chapter that have no point. I don't know why I wrote them but I did. Sorry! But I think I kind of like the end of it, don't ya think? I don't know maybe its just me… Who knows?