A/N: Yay for another chapter! Soooooooooooooooooo busy with Senior Project stuff, and stupid busy work from even dumber classes…rar. And just to go and make life busier, I've got work now too…nuth. X-P Right. So on I go to try and…..ummm…..save the world? No…wait….write! YES! WOOHOO!
Made a final outline…story is going to end at chapter 30! ;; so from here, only 11 chapters to go!
BTW: This is just a teaser, the complete chapter will be posted once my PC is fixed. :D
Chapter 18 (Continued)
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His own blood was flowing this time. The stinging as it hit his eyes, draining from the nick just above his temple, caused him to flinch, and drop his guard for a moment to wipe it away. He heard the glass breaking behind him as the men atop their warhorses threw their torches into the wood constructed homes and tree dwellings of their city. He felt the flames growing, the heat pouring as the city crackled into living flames all around him. He rushed out of the building, fighting his way across the square trying desperately to get to the higher ground, where he would have the advantage.
He raced through a deserted hallway out into the center entrance to the city, which was practically empty, save a single man battling with a few unlucky elves from atop his mount. The man whirled his mount around, cutting another warrior down as he did. He felt his heart drop out at the sight of the man in front of him, he cried out in incredulity, in hurt, and in utter betrayal. The man didn't even flinch as they turned to stare down at him, the cold grey eyes of strange familiarity holding nothing but hatred behind them…such a similarity to…
He stared in disbelief and stumbled back…
"NO!" Legolas cried as he sat bolt upright, covered in a cold sweat and breathing harder than if he had just run for a week on end without stopping. That person…he didn't know who he was, or why he bore such a resemblance to his beloved, but it was enough to send him over the edge into another dizzying spin that left him falling through a multi colored swirl of swiftly darkening colors, down into the darkness…only to find himself being caught up by familiar arms that held him close while a voice whispered comforting words to him.
His vision began to clear after a moment, and he looked up to see Aragorn looking at him intently, his concern evident. He wanted to say something to him with the deepest part of his heart, but knew it would be better for him to stay quiet for a few moments, until he was sure he had regained his consciousness.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you." He said shakily after a few moments. "I just had a bad dream, that is all."
"No my love, do not be sorry." Said Aragorn with a smile, and leaned in to kiss him ever so lightly. He frowned as he pulled back, the concerned look in his eyes deepening. "You're burning up."
"I'll be fine Aragorn. I always am. Just give me some time to rest, and I'll be fine."
"I wish that were true," said Aragorn, "but you know as well as I do that it's not." He kissed his forehead again and lowered him slowly back down onto the bed. "There are things we need to speak of…things…you need to know." He said haltingly, his concern turning to a slight smile at the almost childishly confused look in his eyes. "Can you tell me what you are dreaming about?"
It pained Legolas to think of it. But he found himself speaking despite his fears. "It is always of the city falling…burning to the ground. My capture, being dragged away as I watch the city burn in the distance." He sat up slightly, ignoring the dizzying affects it had on him. "And there was a man, a man that is a stranger to me, but yet I know him. And when I saw him I felt as if I was deceived by him, but he is just another man…another invader in the city." He looked up into Aragorn's concerned silver blue eyes and recalled how familiar the eyes of the man had been…
"What?" asked Aragorn softly, gripping his slender hand tightly. "What do you mean just like his?"
Legolas paled at the thought that he had accidentally let slip his musings, but answered the question nonetheless. He felt Aragorn deserved that much at least. "Your eyes. They are just like his…like the man from the dream…I'm sorry, I'm just being irrational now…"
"No. No, unfortunately you're not being irrational. Because you have every right to think I would hurt you. You have every reason in the world to not trust me."
"What do you mean?" he asked confusedly, sitting up further despite his body's protests.
Aragorn sighed. "I do not think I am at liberty to tell you why…The Valar decided that you should not recall why. But I can tell you that I will not let history repeat itself."
Legolas stared at him for a moment, trying desperately to discern what he could mean by 'the Valar decided'. But all that came to the surface of his mind was a light feeling on his lips…as if he had just been kissed. But it was not the same feeling that Aragorn left him with…similar but different in enough ways to be discernable…and an image of steely grey eyes that sparkled in pure hatred…
"Maybe someday you will recall, but until then my love, know that I am here, with you, and nowhere else."
Legolas looked up at this, a smile just gracing his features. "I know. Until then." He sat quietly for a moment, and then pulled himself all the way up, fighting off the nauseous feeling he got. He was about to stand when a strange thought floated across his mind…how does he know such things? Things even I do not know?
"How did you…?"
"I spoke with Elrond while you were away, before I thought you were lost to me. I asked him why you were falling so ill, when the Elven kind is not known for infirmity. He spoke to me of your past, and of the times not long before the first Haven fell. So I know. And I know why you are so ill after every dream…" he took Legolas's hand in his and seemed to be trying to look anywhere but at him. "He said that you are fading away."
Legolas stared at him blankly for a moment, and then began to laugh. Aragorn looked at him curiously, obviously not sure whether or not he was losing his mind or not.
"I have been through far too much to just fade away from a memory! If anything I am ill because I…I…I fell into ill graces with the Valar and just haven't realized it yet."
He shook his head as he sat, his smile fading away as more images came floating to the surface of his mind. Aragorn was saying something to him, but he could not hear him…he was lost in a world that seemed so real, but couldn't be true…feelings that felt as if they had haunted him for years, but he had never felt before…
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Boromir thumbed the piece of yellowed parchment as he walked at leisurely pace down the hallways towards the stables. The King had entrusted him with a great duty and honor by making him captain of the forces that would wipe out the last of the Rebellion. The city had been sealed for some time, and the traders and emissaries that wanted out, and in, were growing restless. But no one would have any idea as to their plans, and no one would until their grand army marched out of the city, on a march towards the Haven.
But that would wait. Right now his mission was something of a more devious nature than war. If they were successful, the Haven would already be in turmoil by the time they reached it, and would crumble in their hands like old plaster. And all the labor that would be gained by such a move was astounding. And as the Captain of the forces invading the Haven, he was sure to be allowed his pick of the slaves for his own…personal…usages. He smiled slyly as he continued down to the stables, ready to wreak the havoc that would ensure his victory.
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Aragorn awoke from his strangely dreamless sleep with a start. He leaned back in his chair for a moment, stretching, then rocked forward again, so as to look over Legolas, who was still fast asleep, the early morning light highlighting his paling features. He had not thrown off this illness as he had the last few times, this time it had lingered, settling into a low fever and bouts of sever nausea upon waking. Aragorn had yet to leave the elf's side, and though he had been there four days, counting this morning, Legolas still had not shown any signs of improvement.
Yet Legolas had not let the illness bring his spirits down. In fact, his attitude had improved dramatically over the past few days, even though each day brought more hardships than the last. More shimmers of long suppressed memories, and more pains to endure. And though they had spoken little on the subject, Aragorn had the feeling that the elf's distrust of him was deepening, despite Legolas's efforts to show him otherwise.
Elrond had been in and out, as well as various other elves and a few of the "resident" humans, but still, no one could provide a true answer as to why, exactly, he was falling ill in the first place. Until then however, Aragorn would wait with ever growing suspicions.
He sighed and settled a little further back in his chair as Legolas began to stir a bit as the light began permeating the room in full, brightening the room considerably. The fair elf opened his eyes, which his illness caused him to close during sleep and looked around confusedly for a moment before his eyes lighted on Aragorn. He smiled in tired serenity and sat up slowly, stretching with catlike grace as he did.
"How long have I been asleep?"
"Around three and a half days now." Legolas's eyes widened considerably at this, and he rolled out of bed as if nothing had ever been wrong and made his way to the bathroom.
"What has been happening? Are we at war? Is everything ok? Is…"
Aragorn rose and caught the elf in his arms as he passed, thoroughly impeding Legolas's progress. He held him close for a moment, before lifting his chin so he could look him searchingly in the eyes. "Are you sure you're okay? You've been out for nearly four days, and now you're suddenly better? I find it hard to believe…"
"Aragorn I am fine. I just need to get dressed and find out what has been going on."
Aragorn was about to argue with him further on the point when a quiet knock came on the door. Aragorn cast one last reproving look at Legolas, then let him go to go see who was there. A young elven boy stood in the doorway, holding a bundle made of yellowed parchment in his hand.
"I was instructed by the Lord Elrond to deliver this to you, the Lord Aragorn, and then instruct you that upon seeing the contents you are to report immediately to his study."
Aragorn nodded severely and dismissed the young elfling. He turned back to see that Legolas had retreated into the bathroom, and had obviously managed to bolt the door as well. He sighed deeply with days of pent up frustration seeping into it. He sat down on the bed coverlet and pulled the string off of the package, and pulled off the outer wrapping. It distressed him to see a few pieces of parchment held together by his father's royal seal staring back up at him however, and he nearly dropped the thing in shock.
He stared at the letter incredulously for a moment, then broke the deep blue wax with shaking hands, sat back further in his seat, and proceeded to read the hauntingly familiar handwriting that sprawled out across the page.
Aragorn,
I had hoped, and obviously in vain, for some time, that you might give up this silly, self-righteous escapade of yours and return to Minas Tirith, along with the Lord Faramir. But with the deaths of my highly trained Shadow Walkers, I can only assume your defection is a permanent one. Unfortunately for you, this means that you are now a traitor in the eyes of Gondor, and as such, should you try to return, you would be punished accordingly.
As it also seems that you have thrown in your lot with the Rebel Extremists of our Kingdom, and with those that have opposed us for Generations, there is a bit of family history I feel obligated to bring to your attention. History that involves an Elven general whose acquaintance you might keep now. He goes by the name Greenleaf, and after he was sold into slavery over two thousand years ago, we lost track of him. He was thought to have escaped, and judging by the report of him accompanying you in Rohan where you unknowingly crossed paths with the Steward's loyal son Boromir, leaves me to believe he indeed has escaped our grasp.
It was just over two thousand years ago when one of your greatest forefathers, a great King among men called Elendur, was on the throne in Osgiliath. He recognized the very dominant threat the Elven nation posed to our still growing kingdom. He also recognized the great profit that could be gained from using the long-lived and eternally healthful creatures as slaves to our nation. He had already begun the round up of the creatures a few years before hand, but he could foresee problems in procuring enough to fill the needs of the nation. So he planted himself inside the Elven city, posing as a simple farmer who had had enough of the new King's tyrannical rule, and wished for a simpler, happier life among the elves. It was in this brilliant move that your forefather gained the trust of their nation and was posed to exploit it.
He held the trust of one elf almost completely, along with the young General's heart. This Greenleaf became a lover to Elendur, taking him to his bed anytime his mortal heart so desired. He saw a great advantage in this, and used the creature as a shield against the suspicions of the Elders of the great Haven city of the Elven nation. When the time was ripe, he sent out secret dispatches to his own Generals and after a year of careful planning, his ultimate feat began.
His troops were positioned outside of the city and as the guards were switched, they struck. Soon the city was dying, as were the people in it. Those that were not saved from the inferno to serve our country perished either fighting, or in the flames. Elendur himself fought against Greenleaf after he had already been fighting for several hours, but still the creature was no match for him in his heartbroken state. He was easily captured and sent to the farms, were he began years of helping to cultivate crops in the barren eastern lands. As for your forefather, he returned to rule our great cities, and our nation prospered and flourished more than ever before.
So remember your heritage my son, and if you aid us in our quest, you will find yourself received with a hero's welcome, as Elendur before you was.
Your Father, King of the Gondorian Realm,
Arathorn
Aragorn stopped pacing, the letter falling from his hands to flutter slowly to the floor. He sat back down after having risen to tread the floor not long after beginning to read. He closed his eyes after a moment, the implications finally beginning to sink in. A moment later he was out the door, headed urgently for Elrond's office and hopefully some desperately needed answers.
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Eowyn laughed as she watched Eomer and Theodred banter with Faramir. She was glad that the men of her family had decided to accept the man that she had come to care for so deeply into the fold. Granted they did not know it yet, but eventually, they all would…
"Come now, Theodred." called out Eomer. "Certainly you can come up with a viable reason as to why he should be allowed to return on a more permanent basis to Rohan with us?"
"I'm sure I could." Said Theodred with a smile, toying with his dagger. After a moment he threw it down range at the makeshift target they had created. "But surely you, Eowyn, my dear cousin, could come up with a much more viable reason than I?"
Eowyn grinned broadly at the pleading look on Faramir's face. He had come to a deep love of the Rohan country, and wished to be allowed to stay and study there when the war was over, but her brother and cousin, in their playful verbal joustings, were almost wary of the Gondorian man.
"I will as soon as you are able to excuse yourself of any unviable reasons for your Elven mistress." She said to Theodred, a sly smile crossing her features. He spluttered for a moment, then settled for a slight glare, as he could find no words to express himself.
"Tis' not wise to engage milady in a game of sharp words or wits, thinks I" said Faramir smiling at her brightly.
"Smartest thing you've said all day." Said Eomer, clapping the Gondorian on the back. "Now to return to our game…"
"My lord Aragorn!" called Theodred, spotting the man rushing by. "Come. Pause a moment and join us in our sport."
"I am sorry, milords, milady, and I give you my excuses, but I think now is not the time to play such games…I must go." He said, pausing nary a moment as he rushed past them.
"That was…." Began Eowyn.
"Odd." Finished the three men together. They looked at each other for a moment before breaking up into laughter, and turning back to their well practiced game.
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Legolas stepped into the bathroom; wanting nothing more than to soak away what little remnants of his strange illness still lingered in his body. He stripped off his nightshirt and paused in front of the mirror, taking in his reflection. The days of illness had taken their toll, his face paler than usual, and his normally bright eyes showing a previously unknown gauntness. He sighed deeply at his appearance, but chose to ignore it for the moment, as his aching body was crying out for the healing powers of a hot water bath.
He heard Aragorn walk out as he drew the water into the sunken tub, but though nothing of it as he finished and sank into the water, relaxing immensely as he did. As much as he loathed admitting it, the water helped him to try and sort out some of his resurfacing memories. Memories he knew the Valar were right in suppressing.
Memories of those hauntingly familiar eyes…he shook his head vigorously and sunk under the warm surface, trying to rid himself of the images. He stayed under as long as he could hold his breath before resurfacing, still trying to get the images to leave his mind. After a few more moments however, he sighed at his futile attempts and took up the task of scrubbing every inch of his body vigorously.
When he finally exited the bathroom he felt much more refreshed and ready to face the day. He didn't want to appear as if this sudden bout of illness had knocked him out of the loop at all. He picked out some of his less regal attire for the day, as he did not plan to go much further out of his quarters than the courtyard for today, at least. He just didn't want to stay cooped up all day. He turned to the door, only to see a couple of pieces of parchment thrown haphazardly on the ground. He sighed at Aragorn's abilities to make messes and picked up the pieces. He had resolved not to read it, as it was obviously the letter Aragorn had received earlier…but curiosity got the better of him as a phrase jumped out at him from the tidy scrawl upon the page.
"…an Elven general whose acquaintance you might keep now…"
He glanced at the top, then back at the phrase, only to realize that his name followed not to far behind…despite his internal contradictions he found himself beginning to read the letter, his eyes going wider with each passing second. He dropped it as soon as his eyes passed over the last few lines, not really needing to see it anymore. The parchments fluttered to the ground for the second time that day as Legolas stood in complete shock.
Elendur…
He remembered everything now. He stood shaking as the memories flooded over him…the happy, the sad, the passion, the joy, the love, and the utter betrayal...He cringed at the memory of having been so intimate with someone who had hurt him so badly…someone who…
"Aragorn." He whispered softly. "Dear Valar I've let it happen again…and with the same blood in his veins…what have I done?"
He needed to get out. He needed to get away. And he needed to keep Aragorn as far away from him as possible…if not…Legolas shook visibly with the exact implications of not only what he had already done, but of what he could have done. And Aragorn knew…the whole time he knew…and he was placed to betray him as well…
So remember your heritage my son, and if you aid us in our quest, you will find yourself received with a hero's welcome, as Elendur before you was.
When faced between death and betrayal, Legolas was sure he knew which Aragorn would choose…like his forefather before him. He was soon shaking with a barely contained rage, the hurt and anger fusing to make what felt like, to Legolas, a pure hatred…
Legolas was ready to fly off the handle, ready to rip the room to shreds and then go far far away and never come back, when he heard the door opening behind him, and a most unwanted voice asking if he was okay…
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Aragorn was practically racing to Elrond's study, whishing more than anything to speak with him, and to hopefully gain a few well needed answers. He was so intent on his destination he didn't even see Haldir as he came around the corner, and crashed right into him.
(By the Valar above…Aragorn?) said Haldir with a slight laugh, catching hold of his arm to keep him from falling over. (What are you in such a rush about?)
(I have received important news regarding myself and Legolas through a letter dispatched by my father…)
Haldir's grin faltered, and his expression softened considerably at this pronouncement. (Ah…this wouldn't have been a letter about the past relations of Legolas would it?)
(Yes…but how did you…?)
(We have long known about Elendur, and we have long known of his relation to you…When the letter arrived on an unmanned horse bearing the Gondorian crest, I presumed it must have been something in that regard.) He paused, obviously gauging Aragorn's reaction before adding, (But you are not him Aragorn. Keep that in mind no matter what. You are not him.)
(Haldir? What happened?) asked Remrethriel, coming up from behind the pair, a soft smile on her features. (Is everything ok?)
(Yes, beloved, everything is fine. It seems that the Lord Aragorn has stumbled upon some unhappy truths, but no more.)
She looked intently at Aragorn for a moment, her green eyes sparkling, before moving forward to take Haldir's hand in her own. (My advice is this,) she said in a calm and deeply understanding tone, (never give up hope. Even when everything seems lost, do not give up your hope. He will need it as much as you do in the coming days.)
(I will keep it in mind milady.)
They both gave Aragorn warm and reassuring smiles and then continued on their way. He watched them go with the slightest hint of envy, wishing desperately that he and Legolas could have had what was obviously such an uncomplicated love in their relationship. And they had known…
(Wait! Haldir!)
Haldir and Remrethriel both paused in their walk and turned to face him again.
(Yes?)
(If you knew about me does that mean…?)
Haldir sighed before crossing the hall to him and giving him a reassuring squeeze on his shoulder. (The Lord Elrond told all of his generals save one once he figured out the relation. No one else in the city knows. All they know is that a prince of Gondor has come to love one of our own. You need not worry. Everything will come out right in the end.) And with that he offered another smile and returned to Remrethriel. Aragorn stood in silence for a few moments before deciding that, as Elrond obviously already knew, he should return to Legolas. He needed to hear this new revelation from Aragorn himself, not some secondhand source. He forced himself to walk back to their apartments, even managed to force himself to stop and speak with Faramir and the others for a few moments before continuing on his way.
He hesitated a moment upon reaching their door, but swung it open after a moment, fully expecting to see Legolas turning to him with a bright smile on his face. Instead he saw the elf standing with his back to the door trembling with suppressed emotion, his entire body tense.
"Legolas? Are you okay my love?"
His body stiffened even more at the sound of his voice, but he refused to turn around, and instead hissed his response with his back still turned.
(Stay away from me.)
Aragorn stood stock still, completely floored. He couldn't think of any reason for such a reaction...until his eyes fell upon the letter from his father, lying halfway across the room at Legolas's feet.
(Oh Valar…)
(Oh Valar! ) shouted Legolas swinging around, his eyes flashing a dangerously pale color. (Is that all you've got to say for yourself! Oh Valar!) he closed the gap between them, gesticulating in an almost wild manner, (You practically betray me by being my "master", then by pretending to love me, and then by not telling me about my own memories! How could you do that to me? When you knew all along?) He growled in frustration, and turned again. He crossed to the wardrobe and pulled out a small rucksack, which he began to throw clothes into.
(Legolas just what are you doing…?) Began Aragorn, stepping up behind Legolas and placing a hand on his shoulder. But Legolas, whose hand had just grasped his dagger, cut him off by spinning around and holding the dagger to his chest. Aragorn looked at him desperately but backed away a few steps anyway.
(Do not touch me. Do not even come near me.)
Aragorn was quiet as he watched Legolas turn to finish throwing his things in his bag. His heart was in turmoil and his mind could barely grasp the gravity of the situation well enough to formulate a well-suited comeback. And when he finally did think of something to say, Legolas was already halfway out the door.
(I would never betray you in any way Legolas. How could you even think I would?)
Legolas paused for only a moment to shoot a venomous look over his shoulder.
(Aragorn, if you would betray your own flesh and blood just to be by my side, how could I trust you would not do the same to me?)
And with that he was gone. Aragorn stared at the door, which was still wide open, in disbelief. After a few moments it became apparent that Legolas was indeed, not coming back. He sighed after a few moments and turned to the bed and collapsed upon it, almost at a complete loss for what to do.
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Legolas made his way hastily through the city, trying to draw as little attention as possible. He really had no clear perception of where he was going, just that he was, and as quickly as he could possibly go.
Memories swirled around in his mind where there had previously been blissfully blank spaces, and dangerous amounts of long suppressed emotions had surface as well. He understood now why Valar had decided to make him forget. It was far too painful to remember.
He paused as he entered an area of the city he had yet to visit on his return…the Glade that housed the Temple to Elbereth Gilthoniel. The building rose high into the trees from it white stone base, reaching towards the heavens, and the stars that had awoken their kind so many years before. The stars that had been put in place by Elbereth, and therefore lead the Elven kind to regard her as the creator of their kind as a whole, making her second to only Iluvatar himself.
Legolas sighed. This s where his feet had lead him, and this is where he would stay. A place of quiet contemplation where he could try to sort his life out…and a place where he could hide away from it all…
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Righto! End of Chapter 18! You can see why my Betaer didn't want that posted with the majority fluff from before…lol. Oh, and btw, extra warning, chapter 19 is not nice in any way shape or form….well…maybe in some forms…-;; Anyway! I'll be replacing this chapter with one with all of CH 19 ASAP…This is just to tide ya'll over! Love and hugs to all!