I know, I know. An actual update! I apologize for taking so long with this one, but here's the next chapter. (I know it's short, and I apologize for that as well) I roughly planned out the rest, and there's about three chapters left, and I promise to get those up faster than this one came.
Chapter 6 – Fangorn Forest
The rest of the day passed uneventfully as Legolas and Gimli rode north. They stopped briefly for rest that night, but Legolas still did not trust himself enough to sleep. It was not until the next morning that they finally saw the distant trees of Fangorn Forest. The dark ruins of Isengard lay directly in their path. Legolas smiled grimly and drove Shadowflame to go faster.
It did not take long before they finally rode up to the edge of the Isengard ruins. Legolas scanned the area, and smiled as he saw that Treebeard was still there. He quickly urged Shadowflame over toward Treebeard.
Treebeard looked up as they approached. "Greetings, master Elf and Dwarf!"
Legolas nodded. "Greetings, Treebeard!" he called back. "I am afraid that I have little time to talk. My friend is in trouble, and I need to find a cure for him quickly!"
"I would help if I can," Treebeard replied, "but you first need to slow down."
"I know, I cannot be too hasty," Legolas said. "But Aragorn is dying. No one knows what is wrong, and I must find a cure for him!"
"I see. Haroom! I wish I could help you, but I cannot. You are welcome to search among the trees, but I cannot promise that you will find anything."
"Thank you, I will be sure to look," Legolas replied. He turned Shadowflame, and they soon left the remains of Isengard.
It was not long before they had entered the forest. Legolas looked around at the ancient trees with interest, but was surprised to discover that he could not hear their voices as clearly as the last time he had been there. He rode in silence for a while, then finally stopped and dismounted. He walked over to the nearest tree and closed his eyes. He whispered something in Elvish, then fell silent and listened.
At first, he heard nothing. Then he began to hear a faint voice. Legolas strained his mortal ears, but could only catch a few words. Still, he kept listening, hoping for the voice to become clearer.
"Ah, what is the purpose of this?" Gimli finally asked impatiently.
Legolas glared at him, and motioned for silence. But he could hear nothing else. The tree had either stopped, or had grown too quiet for Legolas to hear. He let out a deep breath and headed back to Shadowflame. "There could have been much purpose," he said darkly, "but they have grown too quiet."
Gimli bowed his head in sympathy. "I'm sorry," he said.
Legolas pulled himself up in front of Gimli. "I should have known," he replied. "Nothing is the same anymore." He urged Shadowflame into a run, and rode silently. He had become mortal to help Aragorn, but reality was proving his choice to be no more than a hindrance. It brought cold, shortness of sight, dullness of hearing, deep sleep, and now it had taken his ability to hear the trees. Would nothing be left to him?
Late that night, Legolas brought Shadowflame to another stop just outside of the forest. He tied up Shadowflame and started a small fire, then settled down next to Gimli with a piece of Lembas. He took a bite and gazed thoughtfully into the flames. "Gimli?" he said at last.
Gimli looked up from what was left of his Lembas. "Aye?"
Legolas let out a breath. "Nothing." He kept his eyes fixed on the fire. It was burning low. It would need more wood soon. Gimli finished off his Lembas. "Well, no, it is something," Legolas said eventually.
Gimli looked up. "What is it, then?"
Legolas let out another breath. "I was angry with you in Minas Tirith. It was wrong of me."
"Nay, I should not have made assumptions," Gimli said. "You did nothing I would not have done."
"No," Legolas insisted. "I have had much on my mind, and I allowed it to affect my behavior. So… I ask for your forgiveness."
Gimli put his heavy hand on Legolas' shoulder. "And I gladly give it to you, my friend," he said.
Legolas smiled and returned the gesture. "Thank you, mellon nin my friend."