Reviewer responses to Chapter 18:
Queen Shadow (Chapter 15 review): Yeah, 'white guy'. I thought it was hilarious when I wrote it...I wanted Lowgala to seem a bit funny. I mean, wandering alone for so many years, talking to oneself; could make you a bit loony.
Deana: Thanks...here is more!
Kelsey: Wow! That is a LOT of REALLYs! LOL. Thanks so much! Glad you liked it. I don't know if you have said in-so-many-words that you love this fic, but heck...I'm thrilled to hear it! I too like Fellowship fics, I just had to insert them, and they are wonderful characters. Yeh, Galadriel must have gotten around in her...uh...youth. She knew him, but I won't go so far as to say that she was VERY close to him. She was friendly enough to learn Etrain from him though...and to be saddened by his murder. The final battle...not TOO long now. (Ah what am I saying...there is a bit more to come still!)
Zammy: gaspsYOU said more then please update soon! grinsI love that you review without fail...thanks for that. I'm sorry I couldn't get this up sooner, but my beta and I have to be able to work over these before posting them!
Pirate Gyrl: LOL... 'School-boy-crush'? WELL, Arwen was supposedly the fairest of her people, right? Who WOULDN'T want to marry her!? No, Graelath wasn't as handsome as any of the guys you mentioned. He was...perhaps...good-looking! BUT he wasn't some shriveled up old wizard with a nasal voice or anything! Glad you enjoyed that last post.
Mornflower: Hey there! Glad you liked the chapter...I'm awed you didn't have anything to say! Maybe I can look forward to a little Morn/Legolas/Aragorn banter in the next review???
Alatariel Narmolanya: Hey...welcome to the world of reviewing my story! Glad you did and I am glad you like it! What's gonna happen next? Well, read on...
Karone Evertree: Yeh, poor everybody but Graelath. Though, I guess you can feel sorry for him losing his whole family so tragically...but not really.
Mooyasha: This is the ONLY LotR fic you've read!? Wow...I'm honored! LOL. There are a lot of good ones out there, but I hope you continue to read this one. I like to hurt Legolas, as you shall see in later chapters, but I won't damage him beyond repair. As for Gimli...I don't rightly remember if I hurt him in later chapters. Hmmm...we shall see. Thanks for reading!
InsanePirate624: Yeh, he is evil and sick. Thinking that Arwen will EVER marry him or submit to him in ANY way. Not gonna happen! He will pay... I mean, c'mon...you have Aragorn, Legolas, the twins and Elrond there with bones to pick!!!
Chapter Nineteen: Friends Divided
Hobbiton...
Aragorn had finally come in from under the willow tree, but everyone except Legolas was tactfully avoiding him for fear of upsetting the man. It seemed as though he hadn't noticed, but the Elf prince knew better, the silence was eating away at Aragorn.
"I don't know why they are all looking at me like that," Aragorn finally said, stooping over Gimli to check the leg wound, ignoring the wide eyes the dwarf was staring at him with. "I'm not going to get agitated if someone speaks to me! I can control my emotions!" He jumped when Gimli smacked his hand.
The dwarf's eyes were like daggers. "Please, Aragorn, if you plan to tend my wound be certain it is the first and foremost thing on your mind." He gestured down at the man's hands. "You were about to put the bloody bandage back on, instead of putting on the new one."
Lower, so that no one else but Legolas and Aragorn could hear him, the dwarf continued. "I think the others, myself included, are frightened to speak to you because we do not wish to intrude on your grief." He sighed. "Nor do we know what to say."
Aragorn nodded, then looked again at the wound and grasped the clean bandage, apologizing profusely for his lack of attention, inwardly chiding himself for the blunder. Legolas laughed suddenly.
"And what do you think is so funny, Master Elf?" Gimli grunted, trying to hold in any sign of pain.
The prince looked about to refuse to answer, but he sighed. "Nothing really, I just felt the need to laugh. I know it is completely inappropriate given the circumstances, but it felt really good to do it."
He looked at the weird glances his friends were casting him and shrugged. "Hey, perhaps all the injuries I've received recently have gotten to my head."
Aragorn chuckled, "Now that is funny, an Elf admitting that he is crazy. I never thought I'd see the day." Gimli also snorted at that, always happy to laugh at anything that lowered the pedestal Elves stood on.
Gimli couldn't resist the temptation. "So...Legolas? What was it like being stuck in a spider web in a rain storm?"
The Elf's eyes widened. Aragorn looked between the two in awe. "Spider web? Rain storm? What in the world are you talking about Gimli?"
Thranduil laughed from just behind the king. "That would be my doing, Aragorn. I told Gimli of a time in Legolas' youth when my son managed to get himself stuck fast in an abandoned spider's web in the middle of a fierce rainstorm."
Aragorn looked back at Legolas and Gimli, seeing the scathing look in the Elf's eyes and the amusement and barely contained mirth in the eyes of the Dwarf. "Great, you gave Gimli another thing to lord over Legolas with!"
"Another thing?" Legolas cried, rather loudly.
"Yes," Gimli said happily. "Whether you chose to remember or not, it was I who killed more Orcs with my axe at the Battle of Helm's Deep." Grinning from ear to ear, he added. "Or have you shut that from your mind?"
Tightlipped, Legolas didn't answer for a moment. "It had slipped my mind, Gimli, for I have beaten you so many times since that it is lost in my sea of victories."
It was Gimli's turn to grumble as everyone laughed at Legolas' words. But even though Aragorn laughed, he was still somewhat depressed.
"Sorry to interrupt, Sirs, but Lord Elrond, Lady Galadriel and Gandalf wish to speak with you," Sam had snuck up on the four and was blushing ear to ear at having overheard the tail-end of the conversation.
Aragorn nodded and sent Sam off as he finished tending the wound. "Well, Gimli, that should hold for a while. Do you feel up to coming with us?" The King knew the dwarf would not abide being left behind and was not surprised when he began forcing himself up.
Legolas lent a hand, gently pulling Gimli to his feet and steadying the shaking dwarf. "Easy, mellon nin, I don't think you ought to be falling now."
The four slowly made their way to the large table that had been set in a far corner of the tavern-turned-hospital. Before sitting down, Aragorn locked eyes with Elrond who nodded and smiled lightly at him.
Relief flooded the king. Elrond didn't blame him for Arwen's kidnapping. I don't know how I could even have worried that he might, the man thought to himself; Adar is wise and he would never blame me for such an event. Though he knew that the thought would never cross his foster father's mind, he was glad for the small bit of reassurance just the same.
"We have been discussing our next course of action," Gandalf said, beginning the meeting. "Obviously the rescue of the Queen is of utmost importance, as are the continuing safety of the Shire and the protection of both Gondor and Rohan. We have a lot on our plate gentlemen...and Lady." The wizard smiled lightly at Galadriel who dipped her head in acknowledgement of the gesture.
She spoke now. "I have foreseen aide from Lothlorien, though I do not know when or where it will appear," she said, looking at no one in particular. "Any aide will be welcome, as I do not see how we are to protect all realms and seek out Graelath all at once." She gestured for Lowgala. "Please, friend, explain where we might find the wizard."
All eyes turned to the small, stunted creature seated between Elrohir and Elladan. He shrank from the stares of those around him, for the first time in a long time, he was speechless. Elladan frowned and bent down to him.
"Do not fear anyone here, Lowgala, we are all friends."
The creature nodded, his eyes locked on Legolas. He did not speak. Elrohir spoke now. "You have no reason to fear Legolas, Lowgala," the dark-haired elf said, seeing the trepidation in the creature's eyes. "He has been a friend for many, many long years and we trust him with our lives."
At those words Lowgala began to relax. "Well, the mountains were long and perilous, yes they were..."
It took a while but they were finally able to extract viable directions from Lowgala, deciphering his quirky descriptions into known landmarks.
Elrond frowned when they were finished with the discussion. "I can not believe how close Graelath has been to Rivendell all these years," the Elf Lord muttered, lightly shaking his head. "How we did not discover nor sense his presence I do not know, but I feel guilty for it nonetheless."
Galadriel shook her head. "No need to feel guilt, mellon nin, we all were oblivious to his presence. What matters now is that we decide who will go where."
She had brought up the subject they were all dreading. No one wanted to miss the rescue of Arwen; they all wished to see her safe from the wizard. But someone had to protect the Hobbits in case there was another attack.
"Well, Legolas is a given in rescuing Arwen, as is Adar and Daernaneth {Grandmother}," Elladan said, looking to his brother for confirmation. Gandalf nodded.
"Yes, that is correct, Elladan." He looked to Legolas who refused to look anyone in the eye. The elf was lost in thought, but no one wished to call him on it. "I will also go to her aide, as will you and your brother no doubt."
All eyes fell on Aragorn. The King shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "My heart wills me to go to my wife; my mind tells me I might do well to go to Gondor. But I must follow my heart; I must put faith in Faramir. Besides, without Gweluthand I am just as vulnerable as the other men. Destroying Graelath and rescuing Arwen is our only hope." He looked up now, determination in his eyes. "I will go to her rescue as well."
"As will we." All eyes turned to face Merry, Pippin, Frodo and Sam. Gimli nodded. "And I." He looked at the Hobbits and continued. "The Fellowship will not let three of its number go on such a perilous mission alone. We wish to stand by Gandalf, Aragorn and Legolas as we did against Sauron."
"Then it is decided," Gandalf said. "Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and the Hobbits, along with myself, Lady Galadriel, Lord Elrond and the twins. Lowgala need not accompany us if he does not wish to."
But he did wish to. Lowgala jumped from his seat so fast, everyone thought he would topple over. "I don't want to leave Mr. Elladan and Mr. Elrohir. They are my great friends and I wish to help them."
Erestor broke in too, leaning in toward the group from where he had perched himself against a wall. "I will not be forgotten, nor left behind. My wounds have healed greatly. I have known Arwen since she was born and I wish to be part of her rescue."
The advisor locked eyes with his Lord, hoping for his blessings. "Though I doubt you are healed, I can not deny you this request, Erestor," Elrond said, a faint smile on his face.
Up until this point, Thranduil had been silent. "What about me?" he said, his eyes shining with emotion. "I lost my only daughter to a brutal death because of this wizard. Do I not have a claim in his downfall; in his defeat? I want to go too."
Elrond shook his head. "I cannot allow it, Thranduil. You tore those stitches just by throwing a knife. I do not think it wise for you go with us as there will be much fighting. Please heed my counsel."
Shaking his own head, Thranduil argued, "No, someone must avenge the death of Maranwe, someone who was close to her!"
"What about me, Adar?" Legolas' voice piped up from the other side of the table, a bit of contempt in the tone. "Do you not think I am worthy enough to represent Eryn Lasgalen and to get revenge for Maranwe's death? She was my sister and very dear to me."
The King of Eryn Lasgalen cast his eyes downward, mentally kicking himself for his lack of thought. By the Valar, I have insulted him now. Can I do nothing right today? First I make fun of him, than I insult him...
Looking up, he smiled weakly. "You are right, Legolas. You have represented not only Eryn Lasgalen, but our entire race, in far greater battles than this. I am sorry, I let my emotions get the best of me, I did not mean to insult you, ion nin. However, I still want to come, even if I do not fight. I want to stand alongside you, my son, and I want to see that wizard get the punishment that he deserves."
Legolas, to his credit, returned the smile. "If Lord Elrond has no objections, that is well with me, for I would like to stand alongside you in battle as well, Ada." He spoke with fire and determination.
Elrond sighed. "I do not agree with this course of action, but there is nothing that I can do to stop you, Thranduil. I pray that you will at least act with caution and allow us to help you, so that you do not further injure yourself."
Thranduil nodded. "I can agree to that."
"Then that only leaves the matter of who remains here to protect the Hobbits," Galadriel turned to Aragorn. "Estel, do you have anyone in mind who might command the Gondorian soldiers and the Rohirrim contingent in your absence? I have faith in Thranduil as a commander, but he is in no condition to command troops in battle."
The King shook his head, "A few, but I hate to leave a Captain in charge."
The Lady was about to continue when a young, sandy-haired Hobbit burst into the tavern and breathlessly ran toward the assembled Elves and company. "My...Lord...King Elessar," he panted, clutching his chest. "There is an Elf here...with many more Elves, most all blonde ones."
They needed no more prompting. Galadriel was the first out the door, her usual calm and unmoving demeanor gone in a heartbeat. Gimli heard her whisper "Celeborn" and he knew right away why she was in such a hurry.
He smiled, happy for the Elf, trying to keep up with the others as they hurried out of the building, eyes roving the road for the Elves in question. They soon appeared over the rise in the road.
There were many of them; all blonde and clad in shiny armor carrying long, carved bows as they filed down the road. In the lead was a tall Elf, dressed in splendid armor with a beautiful bow and skillfully wrought sword. His step faltered when he saw the welcoming committee.
"Galadriel," he whispered, hurrying forward. Much to the surprise of the onlookers, especially those who knew the pair, Galadriel and Celeborn embraced each other tenderly.
In a low tone, one that no one but themselves could hear, the Elves greeted each other, but quickly broke apart and assumed more formal roles. The others hurried over as well. "It is wonderful to see you alive, Lord Celeborn," Legolas was the first to find his voice.
"Good to see you as well, Legolas, Thranduilion, I had feared that all in Eryn Lasgalen had been lost." He turned to Thranduil next, then Elrond and the twins, greeting everyone in turn. "My Elves are tired from the journey, could you direct us to somewhere they can rest and recover?"
Merry and Pippin took it upon themselves to do this; Celeborn accompanied the remaining Fellowship and their friends into the tavern, cringing at the sight of the wounded Hobbits. "I am glad to see that few were wounded. It is a blessing that many of the Elves of Lothlorien have already sailed to Valinor; otherwise I fear we might have lost more."
Galadriel laid a hand on his arm. "Please, Celeborn, what of Lothlorien?"
The Lord looked down and his eyes betrayed his sorrow, despite his attempt to remain distant. "What I can make of it, a shadow overtook us all. We were unaware of the threat until it was upon us. Even I was affected, though the moment I suffered a flesh wound it was shaken. When we realized something was wrong, we destroyed the ladders to the platforms, but some Orcs and Uruks had made it up before then. Those with me are all who survived."
A moment of silence followed the revelation, each lost to his or her own thoughts. "A great tragedy this is, Celeborn. It pains me to hear of it. But we must not dwell on this news; we have much work to do. I believe our problem of who will remain is solved." Galadriel looked at Aragorn, who completed the thought.
"We will leave a contingent of Lothlorien warriors to help guard the Hobbits. Surely the combined strength of them and the men will be enough. But who to lead them?"
A voice sounded from the doorway. "I will remain and lead them, though it greatly pains me to not go to Arwen's rescue." All eyes fell on the tall, blonde Elf in the doorway. Elladan and Elrohir were the first to speak, surging up from their seats to greet the newcomer.
"Glorfindel! You are alive! It is wonderful to see you my friend!" The twins spoke over one another, completing each others' sentences in the unique way that twins seem to be able to do.
Directly behind him was someone none of them expected to see. An old, stooped over Hobbit, leaning on a scraggly stick.
Frodo jumped up, a huge grin on his face. "Oh, Bilbo! Is it really you? You are all right!" He hurried to the old Hobbit who looked up, squinting in the waning light.
"Frodo? Frodo, my lad, you are alive! How wonderful!" He would have patted the younger Hobbit on the shoulder, but found he had to keep a firm grip on his walking stick to remain standing. "Could you help an old Hobbit to a seat, perhaps?"
This was quickly done and banter ensued now that plans were laid for the morning. Galadriel and Celeborn, however, chose to take their leave of their companions. "We have much to discuss," was their only explanation.
"Discuss..." Gimli grunted. "I daresay they will not be discussing anything! Least not anything serious..."
Legolas and Thranduil sent him looks of pure awe. The dwarf simply shrugged and took a long swig of ale, avoiding any further explanation.
Settling back on his blanket in the crisp night air, Legolas stared up at the stars and quickly sank into deep Elvish dreams. Aragorn watched him, concerned that his friend had not partaken more in the conversation about Arwen's rescue. The King was certain something was bothering Legolas, but he didn't want to wake his friend. The Elf was in desperate need of sleep.
Laying back himself, he wasn't surprised that sleep did not come to him; he was far too preoccupied thinking of Arwen and the impending rescue operation. After several long moments, he surged to a sitting position when a cry of despair and terror split the calm air.
"No! Please don't be dead!" The cry had come from Legolas. Aragorn immediately noticed his friend was not fully awake, rather he was dreaming and screaming in his sleep. Scrambling to his feet, he restrained the Elf's struggling limbs, careful not to hurt his friend. Soon, the thrashing stopped and Legolas' eyes refocused.
He looked up at Aragorn, confused. "What is going on? Why are you holding me down, Estel?"
The king let go of his friend and explained himself. "You were thrashing rather violently from your dream. Will you tell me what it was that prompted such a reaction? Who died in your dream?"
Shaking his head, Legolas dismissed the question. "Do not worry, Aragorn. I have...had this dream before. It is nothing more then a nightmare, I was dreaming of Maranwe's death again."
That said, the Elf rolled over and appeared to go back to sleep. Knowing argument was futile; Aragorn did likewise, losing himself in his own thoughts.
Legolas did not go to sleep.
Instead he ran through his dream over and over again. This cannot be allowed to happen! If he dies, all is lost he is far too important to be killed by Graelath! I have to do something about this! Legolas glanced over at Aragorn and frowned. It is I who must fight this wizard, not them. I should go alone, but I am certain they will not agree. They all love Arwen dearly and would not be idle when she is in peril. He sighed. I will have to break from the group during our journey. If I get to the tower first I might be able to destroy Graelath before they arrive. There will be fewer casualties this way.
The Elf cringed, reliving his dream, knowing this was the only way to avoid the outcome that he had seen. Rarely was he gifted with foresight, as his powers were more latent than his mother's and sister's had been, but this was the second time during this ordeal he had visions during his sleep, the first being about the attack on the Shire. He could not afford to ignore this one.
The Orcs and Uruk-hai were easy to defeat, the combined strength of all those present was too much for their feeble attempts to stop the onslaught of their attackers. While Celeborn held off Graelath's legions, the others hurried into the tower on Legolas' heels, anxious to get to Arwen.
"Hurry, I think it's this way!" The elf prince called, running quickly through the corridors, knowing somehow that Graelath was high in his tower, if not on the topmost level.
The others needed no urging. Suddenly, they spilled out into a large chamber, torches flickering on the walls and odd, twisted furniture neatly arranged around the room, throwing spidery shadows on the walls. There were no windows and the room made Legolas uneasy.
"Ah, so my plan to lure you all here worked then!" A voice echoed across the dark chamber, the source not visible to the newcomers. "I have something here you all want and many of you have things I want."
From a far entrance, a tall, red-haired man emerged. He was dressed from head to toe in black, his eyes dead and lifeless. His gaze fell on Legolas.
To his credit, Legolas did not move or acknowledge the stare. "Where is Queen Arwen? We demand you return her to us immediately!"
Graelath laughed. "Or you'll what? Kill me? Surely not, I have your precious Elf Queen, don't worry, but first I want to be certain that the Ringbearers have the Rings I want and that the King is here as well."
Seething with anger, Aragorn nodded. "We are all here, now where is my wife!?" Aragorn called out, his voice edged with anger.
"All in good time, King Elessar," the man said. Approaching now, he was obviously happy to be toying with those in his company. "Show me the Rings."
Fearing for Arwen's safety, the three Ringbearers did as they were asked. Graelath glanced between them, his gaze flicking to land on the simple, yet elegant pieces of jewelry. A smile broke out on Graelath's face. "Good, good. Give them to me." He reached out his hand half-heartedly, knowing they wouldn't give him the Rings so easily.
"First give us Arwen," Legolas said, seething with anger as he took a step toward the man responsible for causing such pain...the man who had killed many of his people, his friends, his sister. "We will do nothing until we know she is safe and unharmed."
Graelath's smile disappeared and his eyes grew darker if that was even possible. "I will bring her out then." He snapped his fingers and an Uruk-hai, thick and strong, entered the room dragging the Queen behind him.
Arwen didn't look terrible, though she sported numerous cuts and bruises. Considering the circumstances Aragorn felt she looked all right. The King took a step toward her.
"Oh no, you mustn't do that, King Elessar," Graelath said, shaking his head. Aragorn stopped. The Uruk holding Arwen was clenching her arm so tightly, she was grimacing in pain. Aragorn couldn't allow anymore pain to befall her.
Legolas watched in horror as the King continued toward his wife, not heeding the wizard's words. Graelath smiled and before Legolas or anyone else could intervene, Aragorn was blasted back by a bolt of red light.
He landed with a thud on the stone floor, a sickening crack echoed through the hall. Legolas ran to his friend, his companions at his heels. Aragorn was choking, blood spilling from his lips, and confusion etched on his face.
"Don't speak," Legolas said, putting his hands on his friend to ascertain the damage. He was about to try healing the man when he felt something blocking him. Looking up, Legolas stared at Graelath who smirked.
"No, I don't think so Elf."
Legolas' face twisted in rage. He looked down at Aragorn and gasped. The King's eyes were shut, his chest unmoving. Aragorn was dead.
"No! Please don't be dead!" Legolas cried out.
Dawn came quickly and with it the rescue party rose to prepare for their journey. Legolas partook in the preparations, but he was silent and avoided Aragorn. The King wanted to push his friend for more information about the previous night's dream, but he didn't want to attract attention.
Before long, the party was perched atop horses, anxious to get on their way. The journey to the Misty Mountains wasn't terribly long, but they were determined to make haste. "Is everyone prepared? We must waste no more time." Aragorn was fidgeting in his saddle, impatiently watching Gimli being hoisted up behind Legolas on Arod.
"We are ready, Aragorn, be calm." Gandalf nudged his steed Shadowfax up next to the man. "Give Gimli a moment, he is wounded after all."
Aragorn was about to retort that his wife might be gravely wounded and in need of their assistance, but he thought better of it. Gimli was his friend and he wouldn't let his emotions toy with that friendship.
Once the dwarf was firmly situated behind Legolas, the party set out. Elladan and Elrohir bade farewell to Glorfindel, who stood watching the procession. The Elf waved his farewell and spoke parting words. "Good luck to you all; may the grace of the Valar go with you," the Elf Lord said.
Elves, Men and Hobbits watched in silence as the rescuers left the Shire, inwardly hoping that they would be successful in their endeavors. Much of the start of the journey went on in silence, occasionally someone would muster the courage to speak idly.
Even Legolas and Gimli were not partaking in their usual games of competition. For hours, the party rode at a fast clip, not galloping, but quick enough to satisfy Aragorn's determination for speed.
As the sun sank lower in the sky, Aragorn called a halt. "We must rest and eat," the king said as he dismounted Hasufel. "It would not be wise to push ourselves to the point of exhaustion; it would only mean Arwen's safety would be in jeopardy a little longer while we were forced to recover."
There had been no need to explain the reason for the halt, but for some reason Aragorn needed to say it for his own piece of mind. He hated the idea of stopping, but knew the importance of it. By using this excuse, he didn't feel so guilty for resting.
In a matter of moments, Sam and Pippin had a fire going and were frying sausages over the blaze. Merry and Frodo were busying themselves with the vegetables and potatoes. Looking on from a distance, Legolas almost wished the Hobbits would crack a joke. The silence and the tension were beginning to get to him.
Instead of breaking the silence himself, he chose to seek out a quiet corner of the camp to think. He would have to have a full-proof plan for his escape. Finding a tall willow tree, the Elf smiled. Perfect. If I am calm I should be able to think more rationally. Climbing the tree, Legolas settled himself in some of the highest branches he could safely perch on. Leaning back against the strong spine of the tree, he slipped into thought.
Meanwhile, Aragorn also sat alone. Only, he was watching Legolas closely from his seat at the fireside. Why is he seeking solitude? I wish he would talk to me, I know he is still troubled by his dream. Of course...I didn't seek anyone's comfort or guidance when I heard of Arwen's pregnancy...I guess I can't really expect him to want my company.
Sighing, Aragorn ate in silence, turning his attention toward the conversation between Gandalf, Elrond, Galadriel and Celeborn. Elladan and Elrohir were regaling Lowgala with tales of the Elves, focusing primarily on their own perilous exploits and Thranduil was laughingly interjecting exploits of far older Elves from the Last Alliance.
From up in his tree, Legolas did not see nor hear the Hobbit approach. "Mr. Legolas? You really should eat you know...I brought you some vegetables."
Startled from his reverie, Legolas peered down through the swaying boughs of the willow. Sam stood holding a steaming bowl of vegetables, looking anxiously up at the Elf as if he would be punished if Legolas refused to eat.
Sighing, the elf prince launched himself from the tree and landed at the Hobbit's side, startling the poor creature. Sam frowned. "I wish you wouldn't scare me so, Mr. Legolas!" He chided, but he was smiling nonetheless. "Here." Handing the bowl to Legolas, Sam beckoned for the Elf to accompany him to the fireside.
Unable to refuse the Hobbit, Legolas went with him, seating himself beside Frodo. He immediately delved into his food, avoiding Aragorn's looks and busying himself with the task of eating.
Finally, Aragorn could take it no longer. "Legolas, please, tell me of your dream. I know you have been having dream visions, this might be of importance to the rescue and it is our right to know of it."
Legolas looked up, glancing around at all the eyes that now stood on him. He frowned. "The dream does not relate to the rescue, I told you I dreamt of my sister's death. You need not act on any vision, for I have not had any since the one about the attack on the Shire."
Aragorn shook his head. "If you think we are going to let you sacrifice yourself, or go on alone, or some other dangerous course of action, you are very wrong." He hadn't meant it to seem so patronizing, but the moment the words were out of his mouth, he regretted them.
Legolas' face clouded over and he stood quickly. "I know what I am doing, Aragorn. I am many years your elder, not some wet-behind-the-ears Elvish princeling." Having made his case, the Elf stalked off into the growing darkness.
Aragorn moved to follow him, but Elrond stopped him. "Leave him be, ion nin, he needs to be alone." Watching the prince leave, the Elf Lord continued. "Sometimes dream visions are hard to deal with. He just needs some time and then perhaps he will confide in someone."
"All right," Aragorn muttered. "I can respect that." But it is I that I want him to confide in, no one else. The King realized then that right about now, Legolas was more likely to confide in Graelath then he was Aragorn. Next time I will remember to hold my tongue lest I completely ruin our friendship.
Sighing, the man sat back down and watched until Legolas' figure had vanished into the forest. Looking to Elladan, Elrond said quietly, "Please, ion nin, follow him discreetly and see to it he doesn't do anything rash. Right now I do not trust that he will not strike off on his own."
Elladan glanced at his brother knowingly, then quickly stood and hurried off into the darkness. Thranduil relaxed slightly at this and refrained from following after his son himself. Elladan is plenty capable of assuring his safety, the King thought.
Galadriel frowned lightly. "We can ill afford our party breaking up now. We will need to work together in order to defeat Graelath. Legolas can not do this alone, though he may very well think he can and must."
The others contemplated her words, each inwardly worrying the same thing. Would Legolas try to leave them?
Helm's Deep...
The orc and Uruk army had reached Helm's Deep two days ago, but it appeared they were waiting for something because they had yet to attack the fortress. Eomer paced his throne room, uncertain about this odd behavior.
"Why do they not attack?" he said, angrily fingering his sword. "It makes no sense to march all this way and not attack. And why hasn't the shadow begun to overtake us?"
At his side, Eowyn was a shade calmer, but still in utter confusion. "I do not know why they haven't attacked!" She countered. "But I can only hope they continue to be idle. The more time we have the better. Are you really that anxious for a fight?"
Eomer, realizing the error of his reaction to the situation, sighed and sank into a chair. "You are right, sister. I should not be anxious for the fighting to begin. But I can not help but think that Graelath is holding his legions back until the rest of his army arrives. Then there will be enough of them to conquer us. Without Legolas, the shadow spell is unstoppable."
Eowyn stood in front of him. "That might be so, but nonetheless, the longer they do not attack, the greater the chance that King Elessar and Prince Legolas will find and destroy Graelath."
The conversation might have continued, but Eomer and Eowyn were interrupted by the throne room door clanging into the stone wall behind it and a muttering being stomping into the room. "Lord Eomer, you said you would need our help in an upcoming battle, yet you have not called us to arms. Is something the matter? Did your adversary forget to show up?"
The newcomer looked at the king expectantly. He was stout and bearded, standing about 4 feet tall; a dwarf with a gruff voice and thick, dark red beard. Eomer sighed. "I am truly sorry to have disturbed your everyday routine, Hallin, however our adversary is here. He has just chosen not to attack for the moment, which believe you me is quite nerve-wracking."
Hallin didn't answer for a moment. Then he snorted. "What kind of enemy doesn't attack his opponent? Especially when said opponent is quite outnumbered? Even with the dwarves I have in the caves, you are still not near as strong as that army you said you would be facing."
Eomer stood and gestured to Hallin. "Come, let me show you something." He led the way up a flight of steps and out into the blinding sunlight. As far as the eye could see, was the Orc army. Originally, knowing that the army would be spread between three realms, Eomer had thought they would not be so outnumbered.
They had underestimated the number of Orcs left in Middle-Earth for this was a grand army. Perhaps not as numerous as the army that his uncle, King Théoden, had faced during the War of the Ring, but a formidable opponent nonetheless.
Hallin sucked in a breath as he surveyed the sea of Orcs. "Well, this is quite an invasion force. But with the fortifications my dwarves and I have made to the walls of this fortress, I should like to think it will not be easily assaulted."
King Eomer smiled and patted the dwarf on the shoulder. "I too believe the Deeping Wall and the Hornburg are much better for all the improvements you and your people have made. I only hope that when the attack comes we will together be able to hold off the horde."
Eomer, Eowyn and Hallin stood on the wall overlooking the Orc army, careful not to be seen, waiting for the inevitable.
Aragorn's Company...
Legolas had rejoined the party shortly before they were to leave, almost as if he had known when Aragorn would call for them to rise. He had managed to mount Arod before anyone realized he was back, materializing from the mist of the morning.
Elladan wasn't far behind, having faithfully tracked the young Elf during the night. He was a little tired from the excursion, but knew he would have the opportunity to rest in Elvish dreams as they rode toward the Misty Mountains.
Aragorn glanced at Arod, half-surprised to see the Elf already perched atop the horse and half-relieved. I really will need to speak to him later; this rift can not go on like this. Legolas is one of my closest and dearest friends.
Seeing his Elven companion upon Arod, Gimli hobbled over, grimacing. "Well about time you showed up, Master Elf. I was beginning to think I'd have to ride the beast on my own!"
Legolas, despite his depressed state, managed a wane smile. "We couldn't have that, now could we?" He chided, not really in the mood to get into a friendly spat with the dwarf.
As if sensing the Elf's mood, Gimli refrained from further banter and simply allowed himself to be hoisted up onto the horse behind the Elf. Elladan and Elrohir grunted with the effort and the latter laughed.
"For such a short being Gimli," he said, exaggerating a pant, "you sure weigh a lot."The three laughed, Gimli risking a glance at Legolas and relaxing when he saw the prince's shoulders shake with a held-in chuckle.
For the moment, Aragorn was satisfied that at least his brothers and Gimli might be able to ease the Elf's mind. Once the camp was successfully broken and all were mounted, Aragorn took the lead of the party, frowning when Legolas took up the rear.
Not long after they had begun the ride, Gandalf rode up alongside the King and said quietly, "He doesn't hate you, Aragorn. But the burden Legolas carries now is akin to the burden you once carried much of, the burden of the fate of Middle-Earth."
He said nothing else, but slowed his pace and rejoined Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn, leaving the King of Gondor to ponder his words. Aragorn had to admit, Gandalf had a way of seeing to the heart of the problem.
Little did the man know, his Elven friend had already hatched his plan and time for the healing of their rift grew short.
A/N: Sorry for the long time between posts. BUT, real life is getting in the way, as is finding times when Phoenixqueen and I are online at the SAME time. grins
-Gwenneth
