THE SPACE BETWEEN
Author's note:
Ok, so this chapter took much longer than was necessary. I have an explanation (don't I always?) Well, I wanted it to be longer; there was a scene I wanted to include in here that I am not quite ready to write considering the recent tragedy that my family has suffered. I have these two adorable cousins who are very sick with this incredibly rare genetic disease (they are only 250 in the entire world). The little boy was very very sick and suffered through two bone marrow transplants and chemo. He's four, but his sister had the disease but wasn't sick, that is until she caught a virus and died three weeks later. She was six years old. I'm telling you, seeing such a small child in a casket was the most horrible experience I've ever lived through. Seeing her parents' grief was even worse, I mean they seem so young! So now I found it rather difficult to write about a parent/child relationship for the moment so I am postponing it until the next chapter. I think you might know what I mean by the time you're done reading. However I did put some of it in there, but I found that well the way it ended isn't so bad, although I'm sure you'll disagree! Sorry about that, I guess I just had to talk about it.
Well now I'd like to thank you all for your kind reviews! They are very much appreciated! Thank you so much!
Wind Elf, hey thanks for the vote of confidence! I'm glad you like it! I hope you'll like this chapter!
A-mon Andúne, I'm glad you like the way things are turning out, it is getting darker I'm afraid though. It's true! As much as the two towers part was closer to the book, the ROTK part is going to be from more and more of my imagination. Hey when are you going to update your story? I like it so far!
TreeHugger, thank you for not thinking Wil's a Mary Sue. I never thought of her as one, but you never know. Of course she does have a bit of me in her, but I mean so do Legolas, Haldir and all the other characters I wrote about in here, even Makowyl, I think. A writer can't help but inject a bit of himself into his characters, right? Exactly, Sauron feels very foul but he is sort of fair, in a grotesque evil dark lord kind of way. I think I imagined him as a combination of Darren Hayes (Savage Garden's lead signer, the black hair, the white face and the red lips mostly), Draculat from Bram Stoker's for his creepiness and I don't remember who else. Oh well! Legolas is in despair, yep. I don't know why but I'm constantly giving him people to love and cherish then I take them away from him. I'm so mean, no wonder he keeps running away from me! Magnificent Tragedy? Wow, did I really make you cry? Sorry. Well I think there might be some more coming your way. I hope you like it and thank you so much for you nice words!
Ooh one last time, you guys remember the line from the last chapter "I have loved only one, yet it is twice that I lose her"? Remember that one? Well that isn't really mine; it's an exquisite line from the truly amazing tragedy 'Cyrano De Bergerac'. In French it is: "Je n'ai aimé qu'un seul et je le pers deux fois" Very very sad play, and so very good! Read it! I'm sure you can get it in English, most likely.
Thank you all for your constant support and feel free to drop me a line! Thanks :) Oh and this here means a flash back, okay? Thanks!
Chapter Fourteen
Starlight Fading Out
The stars shined brightly in the evening sky. It was looking out to be a magical night in Edoras. One could easily fall in love under such beautiful stars or fall deeply into the depths of despair. Legolas sat on the windowsill contemplating the stars. His gaze fixed on Elebereth, he hoped he would find the answers his heart was seeking.
"I know she'll come back, someday," he said looking up at the stars, "Please, Elebereth don't let her light burn out, don't let her soul fade away," he prayed to the mythical star in the hopes that somehow she could help him in his time of defeat.
"I fear she is falling out of reach away from me. How many times did we sit under the stars and watched you shine so beautifully in the sky? I know not, but I do know, never before have I asked for such a request, please Lady Elebereth keep watch over Willow. Please? Oh, I beg of you Elebereth I could not live if I did not have her!"
As tears of pearls sparkled down his face, he hoped against hope and wished against wish that Elebereth would carry his message to his beloved.
A soft knock at the door alerted the Elf of someone nearby. Quickly wiping away his tears with the back of his hand, he spoke quietly. "Come in."
Aragorn stepped inside the Elf's lodging. He had been standing outside the door for a few moments before knocking; he heard Legolas' prayer and wanted to leave him some privacy before disturbing him.
Before coming to see his friend, Aragorn had been intercepted by the Lady Éowyn who gazed up at him, her eyes filled with admiration and sadness. She, along with the entire returning host to Edoras had witnessed the Elf's agonizing distress.
"How fares your friend?" she asked him, her eyes filled with concern.
Aragorn's face turned sullen. "I fear for him, my lady. He is in great despair."
"Why? What happened at Helm's Deep?"
"Not Helm's Deep," he sighed for it pained him greatly to have to deliver this news. He was surprised she did not know. "Willow, his dearest love, is gone, taken by Uruk-Hai to Isengard, then to Mordor."
Éowyn raised a hand to her mouth and gasped. "Mordor?" she barely knew the Elf, but she knew there could have been a great friendship waiting ahead.
The Ranger nodded. "Yes. I fear for her and what is to come of this. It is a dark time. I only hope Legolas will not let himself be taken by his grief."
"This is ill indeed. I know not what words of comfort I could offer you."
Aragorn sighed again. "Nor do I, my Lady. I must go to him now," he started to make his way to where the Elf was lodged.
"He has a great friend. I hope he knows it," said Éowyn just after the ranger turned to leave. He stopped in his tracks and turned to face her.
He nodded courteously. "Thank you. I am also blessed with a great friendship, I would do all I can not to lose it," with that he left the lady behind.
The ranger waited a few moments for the Elf to acknowledge his presence. Legolas simply ignored his friend and stared at the stars. Aragorn shifted his weight uncomfortably; the silence was unbearably loud. He was very much worried, Legolas had isolated himself and refused to come out, nor did he accept any refreshments. Gimli also had expressed worry for the Elf but understood very little of his grief.
"How do you fare Legolas?" he asked at last, breaking the eerie silence.
Slowly Legolas' sorrowful face turned to meet Aragorn's. "As though my heart has been torn out of my chest and a regiment of Uruk-Hai trampled on it mercilessly, all of it's life squeezed out as I fear there is an elven light fading away into darkness, hopelessness and despair."
A deep silence was forged anew as he returned his sorrowful gaze towards the stars. With a heavy heart, Aragorn came closer to the window. He followed his friend's regard as it set upon Elebereth.
"Elebereth shines brightly tonight, doesn't she?" said the man, trying his best to chase the impending silence away.
"She mocks me," replied Legolas bitterly, still not taking his eyes away from the stars. He sighed deeply and faced his friend. "I have failed, Aragorn," his whisper startled the man, sending shivers down his spine.
"That is not so," he tried to comfort the Elf. He came closer to him so that he could hear better, since Legolas was speaking in a very low voice and could barely be heard.
"It is so, I am a failure. Twice I was incapable of preventing Willow from being taken away. The first was caused by my own foolish recklessness and left a deep wound in my heart that to this day is still burning. Just as it began to heal, and Willow and I begin to find joy in life, she is ripped away from me again. And again I am to blame. My lack of intelligence and caution has caused Willow a thousand years of pain and now I make another feebleminded mistake, which brings yet again more suffering. Only this time, it is not only our lives and our love that is at stake. The consequences are so much more crucial; all of Middle Earth is at stake. I forced her to stay behind, alone without any protection! How could I be so careless?"
Aragorn regarded the Elf with sad eyes. "It was not your fault, Mellon Nin. I am also to blame for I helped you."
Legolas shook his head furtively. "Nay Aragorn, I should have known better. They would have come after her, I should have known they would seek her so. And I let Willow slip through my fingers once again. At least if I would have listened to her, she could have come with us and I could have kept her safe myself within the glittering caves or allow her to go with the Lady Éowyn. Oh how much of a fool I am!"
Aragorn allowed Legolas to finish his quiet sobbing before speaking. "Legolas, Mellon Nin, they would have found a way no matter what we tried. The Dark Lord searched for her vividly; there was no way to escape this. This is the Dark Lord Sauron we speak of, do not forget that Legolas. He used Saruman to bring her to him, if she would have been at the Hornburg with us, who is to know what kind of destruction would have come out of it. Perhaps you could have been killed." Aragorn attempted to reason with Legolas, he hoped he would reach his friend and make him understand it was not his fault.
"It would be better to be dead than to live through such horrors," wailed the Elf.
"Legolas, I know you are pained. I am terribly sorry I wish there were something I could do! I wish I could bring her back to you this instant, but I cannot!"
Legolas's face lit up at these last words. "I must go, I must leave now! I need to find Willow, to Mordor I must go!" he hastily hopped off the windowsill and made his way towards the door that is until Aragorn held him back.
"Legolas, you cannot leave now! Please Mellon Nin, you need to rest. We leave at dawn, come with us. We shall need you, I need you, and Willow needs you to be strong. What good will come if you run out like a mad elf, tired, worn out and without rest? Come with us until our roads diverge, besides, you may need a friend," smiled Aragorn.
Legolas though for a moment, weighing in the ranger's words, they did make sense more that his own thoughts these past few days. "Very well," he sighed deeply, "thank you Aragorn. I am so weak, it angers me so!" he shouted, slamming his fist against the wall.
"Legolas, you are going through a very difficult time, you heart grieves. You cannot expect to have clear thoughts."
"I suppose, still I hate feeling so helpless. I have been sitting here for a whole day wallowing in my own misery all the while Willow is living through a nightmare."
"Come, do not allow yourself to remain alone. Isolation will only harm you. Do not deny yourself friendship when it is most needed. Together we shall share your grief and find a way to bring Willow home."
Legolas attempted a small smile. "That sounds wonderful. In the morrow I shall follow you until our journey begins to diverge. I will go to Mordor while you continue on your way. I only wish there was another way!"
"We must send our hope to Elebereth, perhaps she may lend us some of her grace," said Aragorn as he put his arm around Legolas and headed into the corridor.
AI already have, mellon nin," replied Legolas as he cast once last glance at the stars, AI only hope she will hear us."
"I thought as much," smiled Aragorn.
Willow leaned her forearms against the small windowsill in the dark depressing room Sauron had provided for her. She strained her eyes as she tried to find the stars. In the land of Mordor, the shadows cover all, there is no sky and a thick carpet of reddish mist hides the stars.
"I wish I could see Elebereth, I am sure she shines brightly this night," she though as she sighed in defeat again.
The Elf had tried to find comfort in sleep but she found none, her dreams were haunted by horrific images of Legolas and the other walkers being tormented. Shrill cries of agony and brutality was all she could see. And so Willow had spent half the night trying to pierce the thick mist and break through to the stars. It would not work. However, even though she could not see them, Willow spoke to the stars and hoped they would guide Legolas to safety.
"O Sweet Elebereth Gilthoniel, I seek you so in this never-ending darkness, I wish for your help. I cannot see you but I know you shine brightly. Please help us," she pleaded, her voice filled with desperation, "I know he is out there looking out for me. Please look out for him, help him and do not let his soul fade away. Please, O Elebereth Gilthoniel, stay with the Prince of Mirkwood, stay with Legolas."
She close her eyes and a single tear slipped for her lid and down her face. She tried to find comfort in dreams again, only to be met with sheer horrific nightmares. This time not only Legolas was being tormented but others as well. They would only get worse. Willow ignored the fact that these dreams were brought upon by Sauron himself. He wanted to bring the Elf to darkness by any and all means possible. Destroying the solace the Elf sought in elvish dreams was only the beginning. The Dark Lord had many more ways of swaying his Heir back to darkness. It would be a long and painful road but in the end, Sauron knew he would have what he wanted.
The night stretched to day and the day into night again, yet still Willow found no release into the realm of peaceful dreams. Seldom an Orc of unusual appearance, who would bring food and water, visited her. At first the Elf had categorically refused not trusting anything that came from the Dark Lord, but there was something in this strange Orc that held her attention. He was unlike any other she had ever laid eyes on, as opposed to every other Orc in Middle-Earth; he did not sneer or try to kill her. Then it looked more like a tormented ruined Elf than the gruesome terrifying creatures of darkness. Orcs were supposed to be hideous, a mockery of the elves. It was obvious this one this was not an Orc but he appeared to be more of a haunted shadow of his former self. He came twice during the day to notice the Elf had neither ate nor drank.
It was on second visit that Willow noticed the strange gleam in his eyes when they lingered on the Elf. His gaze startled her, but she too peered deeply into his dark eyes which were once blue, she could tell, she gasped by the intensity of the stare and the strange feeling she got from it. It was almost affectionate. Willow broke the eye contact when that word entered her mind. Her eyes watered as she looked away. Affection yes clearly there was a deep affection set in those nearly coal coloured eyes.
"Who are you?" she asked him moments before he left. The Orc didn't answer, he blinked his eyes and left.
Carefully Willow eyed the tray set on the small table by the bed. Somehow she got the feeling it was safe to drink the water at least. She brought the cold goblet to her lips and drank. "Wonderful," she thought, "the Orcs already see me as family."
Once again Willow attempted to find solace in elven dreams as a wave of fatigue overcame her. She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Later that night, or was it morning, there was no way to tell in this forsaken land, Willow was awoken suddenly by a strange sound coming from outside her room. She sat up straight in her bed, her ears poised for any movement. A peculiar green light was filtered through her door. Before she could think any more of it, a green mist floated from underneath her door and snaked its way around her. Willow could hear a voice coming from all around her, its icy tone brought prickled of fear in her heart.
Follow me, nin muin Aryon O Huine. Follow me," it soothed. Finding it impossible to resist, Willow had no choice but to comply. Mechanically she got out of bed and went to the door, which was usually always locked. This time it wasn't, she opened it and was lead by the fog to the Dark Lord's throne room.
Willow could not suppress the shudder that went down her spine when she noticed Makowyl was there.
"Ah, so you have come! Come hither," ordered the Dark Lord motioning with his finger he wanted the Elf to come forward. Reluctantly, Willow did as she was bid. She looked up into Sauron's evil face was her heart froze when she saw his dreadful sneer.
"Have you been sleeping well? Do you enjoy the dreams I chose for you?" he asked tauntingly knowing fully the Elf had barely slept. Willow did not answer him. She stood on her ground and kept her cold gaze on the Dark Lord.
"I suppose not," he answered himself, "well it matters not. I see there are many questions in your heart you wish to ask. And I know how stubborn you darn Elves are and so I shall not waste precious time to bid you to ask them. I will answer the one question that has lingered in your heart for as long as you can ever remember existing. Something concerning two Elves named Reuel' and Alleun, am I not correct?" Sauron's smirk reeked of darkness and pure malice.
A soft gasp escaped the Elf's lips. That was all the Dark Lord needed. "That is what I thought. I would imagine you are dying to discover what has befallen them since there farewell in Eryn Lasgalen, or is Mirkwood ever since Thranduil could no longer take proper care of his realm? How pleased I was to learn of its approaching downfall. I look forward to striking it at its most vulnerable point." Sauron quickly gave a nod of his head and two distorted being walked in quietly; grasping each other's hand, a gesture that once was considered affectionate, sorrow permanently etched in their eyes. One of then was the curious Orc that came to Willow; the other resembled it quite a bit only it was obvious it was a female.
Willow gasped a second time; a sob escaped her lips as she saw the two beings standing before her. They both regarded her with curious eyes. Eyes, distant and forever sad, yet somehow warm, familiar and so alien at the same time.
"Laiella Tatharwen, I would introduce you to Reuel' and Alleun of Mirkwood." he said, presenting them to the Elf. Willow barely heard the Dark Lord's voice. She had know of their identity the instant they were brought in. They were once Elves, elves that had given up so much so long ago. Unsure what do, the former Elves stared at one another with tear filled eyes.
Tears spilling down her face, Willow came close enough to touch them. With a grievously trembling voice she finally spoke the words she waited all her life to say.
"Mother?"
As Legolas and Aragorn stepped out of the room, it was obvious the Elf was resolute and his confidence was renewed for he relentlessly pestered the man with questions. He sighed and took a close look at his friend.
Aragorn seemed weary and his face was grim, Legolas could see that now. "And so what news? Please tell me what has occurred since our last parting. I fear as though I have missed something of great importance."
Aragorn stopped. "Very well, but be at ease my friend, not all happenings are ill." Legolas relaxed a bit, yet he feared his for friend, he seemed greatly burdened.
"In the early morning after you departed, Mithrandir left-"
"Mithrandir is gone?" interrupted the Elf.
"Yes, he and Pippin are heading for Minas Tirith as we speak. Nonetheless, we were met by my kinsman, the Dunedain With them were my brothers." Aragorn paused as he saw the joyous gleam in Legolas's eyes.
"Elladan and Elrohir have come? This greatly rejoices my heart! What brings them here?"
"They have come with pressing news from my father. He reminds me of my duties as Heir of Isildur, the twins bring me the shards of Narsil and word that I must follow the Path of the Dead."
Legolas took a step back and glared at his friend, confused. "What? What is this Path of the Dead?" Aragorn patiently explained his latest duty. Legolas listened to ever detail with wide-eyed wonder. Once the ranger finished, there was a long pause until at length, Legolas voiced his thoughts.
"This is dark indeed. I see how your duties weigh heavily upon you. I will accompany you on this," he stated decidedly.
"Legolas, I would not ask that of you," started Aragorn.
The Elf stopped him. "Aragorn, this is a difficult time for you. You shall need all the friends you can spare. I do not fear the dead, do not count me out. I will see you through the path."
Aragorn clasped his hand on the Elf's shoulder in gratitude. "Hannon le, Mellon Nin. I greatly value you friendship."
"As do I," smiled Legolas. Aragorn returned the gesture and a strange glimmer shined in his eyes as he glanced to the side.
"There is something I completely forgot to mention, I don't know why I did."
"What is it?" asked Legolas, distress showing in his face.
"Elladan and Elrohir brought someone with them. Help has been sent for you to aid you on your dangerous road." Legolas frowned as Aragorn's smile widened and he motioned with his head that the Elf should look behind him. Legolas did has he was bid and joy and surprise shone in his eyes and a blond head was smiling back at him.
"Haldir!" exclaimed the Prince merrily, embracing his friend, "Mae govannen, mellon nin. What brings you here?"
The guardian of Lórien bowed slightly and smiled. "Long ago, Lord Celeborn made a great decision to care for a certain orphaned Elf child. He and I travelled to Mirkwood to bring her to the Golden Wood. Today I come to you to help you bring that same Elf home again."
Legolas's eyes were filled with gratitude and mirth. "You needed to practice those words before you came here didn't you?"
Haldir chuckled. "I always loved how you mind works, Tithen Laeglass." Aragorn and Legolas laughed as well.
"Haldir, do not take me wrong, my heart sings with joy knowing you are here. For the longest time it felt nothing but despair, now there is a ray of hope and to that hope I will hold on to as long as I can."
"It is the same for me. I always knew this time would come and just as my Lord and Lady, the mere thought of it filled me with dread. To hope we must hold and so I come in this great time of need to help a friend in need. I believe that Tithen Tasar will need it."
Legolas's face sunk. "Yes she will. Thank you for coming."
Haldir smiled sympathetically and chastely placed his arm around Legolas's shoulder. AI understand, mellon nin, you also are in need of help. Together we shall strengthen our chances and diminish the risk to fall into darkness and shadow. Come, I know Elrond's twins are eager to see you."
"Yes, as am I."
The three friends went forward with a little more hope than before. Somehow, things would be alright, somehow. Legolas felt a little comfort knowing Haldir was there. He was now resolute in what he knew he had to do. He needed to get to Willow.
"Mother?" the word felt incredibly strange, almost unnatural. Yet there she was the very Elf that had given life to Laiella. "Can this be real?"
More tears spilt over the Elf's cheeks as the former she-Elf brought her hand to touch her child, she held Willow's chin with as much tenderness as her parched hand could produce. Alleun stared at the face of the daughter she never knew, how many times she had imagined what she would look like.
"Long have I dreamed to see your face. Many days and nights did I spend imagining what you would grow up to be, my daughter." Alleun felt some comfort at saying that word; she too longed to say it. Even though they have spent the better part of the last two millennia in darkness and shadow at the mercy of the tortuous hands of Sauron, Reuel' and Alleun never lost their true identity. That was something the Dark Lord could not take away, no matter how much he tried. They were Elves and would always remain so. Of course, forced they were to serve the darkness and they bent to his will, but never would they give him their heart and their soul. Always they kept the hope and the knowledge that Middle Earth still held hope as long as Laiella lived and patiently they awaited the time where she would come and challenge the Dark Lord. That time had now come.
Reuel' could barely breath, slowly he came close to Willow and placed his hand on her shoulder. "You have grown as beautiful as I always knew you would. You have your mother's eyes," he said as he turned to face his wife who despite all these years of torment still held much affection for him, "they were once violet," he referred to the now darkened more indigo colour of Alleun's pained drenched eyes. Many tears have fallen from them.
Willow fell into her mother's embrace and for the first time she truly felt was it was like to be loved by those who had given you life. Of course Celeborn and Galadriel had loved her very much, but it was not the same as the tie that binds one life to another. This was entirely different and without truly realizing it until now, all her life Willow longed for the comforting embrace of a real parent. The small-reunited family held each other and cried tears of relief and joy to have finally found one another, the missing piece had been found at last.
Sauron stared at the three Elves, utterly disgusted. "I must say this is truly a touching moment, but of course the reason for this reunion was not to bring joy into your world little tasar, but bring you further into my grasp." Willow suddenly froze, his voice, the sound of his hideous voice destroyed all the peace and serenity that had been settled in the room, at least were the Elves had been. She turned to face him with horror filled eyes.
"What do you want you evil serpent of hate and destruction! Have you not caused them enough harm?" she referred to her parents who still stared with their sorrowful eyes.
Sauron smirked; it was a smirk that sent shivers of icy fear down the Elf's spine. "Your parents have served me well over the past two millennias, but now their service is no longer needed."
Before anyone could react, the Dark Lord flung a dagger towards the Elves. It struck Reuel' in the stomach. With shock filled eyes, Reuel' stared down at the dagger protruding from his abdomen. Quickly blood began to flow from the wound and he barely heard the horror filled shriek that came from Alleun.
I hope you liked this little cliffhanger! Ok so what was the point of this chapter? Well there were a few 'new' characters introduced, no? Well I've been waiting for a long time to write the meeting between Wil and her parents, I just hope I don't screw it up! Thank you again for reading. You support is of great value to me:)
Here are some elvish translations, I'm sure you know most of them, but just in case… nin muin is my dear. Hannon le, mellon nin that's thank you my friend although I'm sure you all knew that:)
Yeah so I wasn't able to write more on the scene with Wil and her parents, not yet anyway. Sorry, the memory of seeing a parent in terrible suffering is still very fresh in my mind and the reality of it all hasn't sunk in just yet. I still can't believe it! I never imagined going to see a child in a coffin like that. I hope no ever has to live through something like that. Somehow I'm reminded of my fic Ghost of a Memory, strange how that story vaguely reminds me of that.