Anyway, I have not forgotten about Elrohir and I have definitely not forgotten about Elladan (who needs two whiney twins? One is enough!). Please r and r and, as always, please enjoy.
-Romen PSSorry for the slow update. Another one shall cometh!
15. Redemption
Legolas didn't open his eyes. He sat for some time, his hand on the hilt of the knife. The whole world seemed to sit still. He wondered if time was even passing.
His eyelids slowly flickered open. He was staring into the lifeless orbs of Varda. Legolas could feel bile rise in his throat. He pulled the knife out of her chest and started laughing hysterically, even though he didn't think that there was anything mildly funny about the situation. He fell forward and put his hand out to keep himself from falling face first onto Varda's soulless body. Pain shot through his arm.
"So much destruction," he said to himself amidst his laughter and tears. "Because of me." He glanced down at the knife in front of him, lying on the ground, gleaming in the first red glow of dawn. The small raindrops made a light ping as they landed on the blade. The blood began to mix with the puddles around him.
"Of course, I could end it now." He picked up the knife and twirled it around. "I could save...so many."
Legolas stared at it, silent. He once again felt frozen in time.
He had never pondered taking his own life before. Life was a gift granted by the Valar that should not be taken lightly. He had taken it even more seriously after he had met Estel, wondering how the man functioned so normally knowing that someday he would no longer walk this earth. Right now death seemed an even better gift than life. Death meant an end of suffering and consciousness. He took a deep, shuddering breath.
"I cannot do it," he whispered, glancing at Varda. His vision blurred as his eyes filled with tears. "By taking my own life I would not be put through the suffering that I have brought upon myself." He longed for Varda to make some sort of gesture, some sign of protest or agreement. "But you are dead...like Estel."
Estel. Legolas doubled over as he felt tears begin sliding down his face. He probably hated him. They all probably did. He could just see them, staring at his dead body and smirking. He would deserve every foul look or sentiment. He had almost killed Elrohir, and he had probably killed Elladan. Elrohir was the only Elrondion left.
And his father...What would Thranduil think? Had he brought his father even more grief? He had already lost his wife, and now he would lose his only son. "Probably not." After he learned of what Legolas had done, he might be glad that he was no longer among them. He couldn't have such a rogue running around Mirkwood, endangering them all. Legolas would not be missed anywhere.
Legolas felt his head grow heavy. He fell forward, landing on Varda. Little specks of light appeared before his eyes. He groaned, closing his fist around her mane and staying still. He was in so much pain...
"I'm sorry," he whispered, stroking Varda with his finger. "It will not be long."
Estel looked around, frowning. He felt restless, like something was happening. He looked at Elrohir. The youngest twin had his head cocked to the side as if he were listening to something that only he could hear.
"What's wrong?" Estel asked, standing.
Elrohir's eyebrows drew together. "I feel something."
Estel nodded. "I feel it too."
"You do?" Elrohir looked worried.
"Yes." Estel knew that it must be serious if even he, a mortal, could sense the energy. He looked around again, as if expecting some foe to come charging at them. "What should we do?"
Ro hesitated. "I think that...we should return home."
Estel didn't reply, but busied himself with gathering their things, all the while feeling a growing sense of dread.
Klia pulled the hood of her cloak down further, shivering in the cool morning air. She gripped the gelding's reins tighter, glancing around nervously. Every small sound made her jump.
"I have no idea where Estel is," she said to gelding, biting her lip. She looked down at the ground, hoping to see some hint of an old path. There wasn't one. She turned around.
Ever since she had escaped on the gelding, all that she could think about was the wounded elf that she had left behind. The vision of him reaching towards her throat haunted her even now. She felt herself flinch as she remembered the look that he had given her. It had been one of hatred and anger, yet also of relief and thanks. It had made her soul freeze.
Klia sighed, wishing that she could forget about him. She had only known him for a few hours and yet she was already worrying about him.
"Gracious," she muttered, digging her heels into the gelding and turning around. "You've grown too soft, Klia!"
It didn't take Klia too long to find Legolas. She rode around for a while before she caught a glimpse of his tunic. Sliding off of the gelding, she ran over, one arm under his back and one on his face. His eyes were open but they looked glazed, as if he really wasn't taking anything in. She could feel a pulse in his neck and hear him draw in weak breaths, the only clues to the fact that he was alive at all. She swallowed, trying to calm her nerves.
"Legolas are you all right?" she heard herself asking, knowing that it was a stupid question. His eyes rolled over to her, and she could hear him utter a soft moan. "I have to get you somewhere that your wounds can be treated."
Klia pursed her lips, trying to think of somewhere they could go. There weren't any villages nearby, and she didn't know any people who lived in the woods. She cursed her own peoples' isolation at the moment, seeing how it hindered her. Looking back down at Legolas, her mouth dropped open.
"I have to take you to Rivendell." Her voice was full of reluctance. It was the last place that she wanted to go at the time. It's not exactly wise to go charging into the land of your enemy. Taking in Legolas once again, though, settled her decision. She had to go to Rivendell. It was the only place close enough. She had already wasted enough time.
Klia gently pulled him up. He leaned against her, his body dead weight. Even though he was very light, Klia was a small woman, and she felt herself lurch to the left. She quickly regained her footing before she fell. All she needed right now was a sprained ankle. She got Legolas onto the gelding and sat behind him, flicking the reins and setting off for the elf kingdom.
Legolas was fighting to stay conscience. When Klia had come to get him, he had longed to somehow tell her to leave him there but did not posses the strength. He knew that he would soon no longer be in this world. It didn't matter what Klia did: her efforts were to no avail.
These were his last thoughts as everything went dark.
Arwen paced back and forth, feeling tense. She kept looking towards the gates as if expecting to see someone. She couldn't imagine what was making her feel this way. Once again she found herself worrying for her brothers. She stopped, standing still and staring out at the horizon. She could see the tiny figure of a horse bearing two riders.
Turning around, Arwen ran towards her father's quarters, shoving past people and muttering apologies.
"Excuse me, sorry, please..."
"Lady Arwen." Erestor cocked one eyebrow higher than the other. "Where are you going to in such haste?"
Arwen paused, taking a deep breath. "Someone is heading for the gates. They were too far away for me to make them out but one is adan and the other an Elf."
Erestor nodded. "I'll alert the sentinels while you-"
Arwen didn't wait for him to finish. She was already running again, heading for her father with even more determination. She burst through the doors and felt her jaw drop.
Elrond was speaking with Thranduil! They turned around to stare at her. Arwen flushed.
"Uh...Forgive me, I did not know of your arrival, Lord Thranduil," she apologized hastily, curtsying slightly. She turned to Elrond. "Adar, two riders are heading for Imladris. I just thought that you should know."
Elrond nodded. "Hannon le, Arwen."
Arwen smiled and shut the door behind her, feeling embarrassed. She resumed her pace and ran down to the gates just as the riders passed through.
"Elrohir!" she cried, running towards them. He slid off of the horse, embracing her. "What are you doing here, tithen gwador?"
Elrohir cleared his throat. "Well...I was delivering the message of Estel's death, but..."
"WHAT!" Arwen and Erestor cried. Arwen felt her head spinning. This couldn't be happening...
"BUT," Elrohir continued, "he's fine. I was bringing him back to Imladris for he is slightly wounded."
"I'm slightly wounded?" A man walked over and leaned on Elrohir. "Why don't you tell them the story about your arm?"
"That is not an issue." Elrohir frowned, looking around. "Is Elladan here?"
Arwen and Erestor both shook their heads. "No," Arwen said. "We thought that he was with you."
Estel grimaced. "Is Legolas here?"
Once again, Arwen shook her head, feeling quite odd. "Why...Why did everyone think that you were dead?"
Elrohir yawned. "That is quite an interesting story, but right now we are both tired and would like some food and rest."
"Ha! You're tired, but I am perfectly fine." Estel smiled smugly.
Elrohir rolled his eyes, shocking them all at being so submissive. "You are right. I am the only one who is tired, but I must have rest if I am to tell you about our young friend."
Arwen glanced at Estel and then back at her brother. "Who do you mean?"
Estel frowned. "It's about Legolas."
TBC...
Deana: Sorry for the slow update! Yes, it was very sad. I was listening to a really sad CD while I wrote it. I almost cried myself.
IwishChan: Yes, it is now too late for Varda. She's gone, bless her soul. Perhaps Legolas has realized the wrongs of his actions. We can only hope! Crosses her fingers and wishes on a star
Ridicully L: Well, that's Klia for ya. She's kinda strange. Besides, she knows that elves are good people (usually), and she could tell that something was going with Legolas. I mean, he acted kind of nuts, didn't he?
Freak Goddess of the Crypt: Hey, I'm innocent! I tried to keep Varda alive myself, but Legolas was on a roll. He couldn't be stopped, so I was forced to extremely drastic measures. Pulls down black veil If you would excuse me, I must mourn. Oh yeah, and don't worry; more angst is a must!
Moonyasha: I hope that this was soon enough. Yes, Legolas has gone a bit...over the edge, has he not? Anyway I hope that you enjoy this chapter as well!
cherryfaerie: Hands over a tissue I hope this helps. It was really hard to kill of Varda; I had grown very fond of her. We can only hope that Legolas has returned! I hope that you enjoyed this chapter. )
CapriceAnn Hedican-Kocur: All right enough about everyone's favorite March Warden lol. I hope that you enjoyed this chapter. It took me so long to update! Unfortunately, the real world sometimes interrupts my writing sighs
Please keep the reviews coming, I love to read them.