Wow so I had an awesome reception to this story, had loads of people sending my PM's with how I can continue this story. So here is the next instalment, I hope you enjoy.
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Time will tell
Gandalf had done all he could for Legolas before departing for Gondor, he had no answers as to why the elf was seeing all the things he was. The Sindar continued to have visions of death and destruction like the Dark Lord was trying to torture him in some way. He had seen visions of many kingdoms in flames, Rohan, Gondor and even the Shire. Each vision was more intense and made the elf even weaker than before, he was so sick now that he could no longer stand. Aragon and Gimli took it in turns to watch over their companion, and Éowyn had not left his side for days. She had grown attached to the elf and would sit and speak to him for hours about his people and his home, hold his hand when the visions struck him. She grew worried about his condition as he struggled to stay conscious.
They sat alone in the dim infirmary as Legolas slept peacefully. His ragged breathes we're the only sound that emanated in the large room. She gently mopped his brow as he shivered, fever raging through his exhausted body like an uncontrollable fire. A small figure appeared in the corner of her eye and she looked up to see Merry stood in the doorway. He had not visited the elf up until this point, he blamed himself for his condition and not being able to stop Pippin from taking the Palantír from Gandalf. He looked at Legolas with tear-filled eyes, his hands shaking as he took a few small steps closer to his bed.
'H-how is he?' Merry stuttered as he looked up at the blonde-haired maiden.
'He is sleeping,' she replied as she smiled softly 'Here come and sit. I'm sure he'd be happy to see you when he wakes.' She said as she tapped the empty chair next to hers.
Merry gingerly stepped towards it, his footsteps almost as quiet as the elf's own. He sat down and stared at Legolas for quite some time. He did not know what he would say if he woke up, guilt filled his heart, he felt like it was on the verge of shattering. For two days he had stood on the watchtower by the main gate to Edoras, staring out at the yellow plains, hoping he would see Shadowfax galloping towards the city with Gandalf and Merry upon him and for two days there was no sign of them. Aragorn had stood with him on the first day, telling him of how he would see Merry again and of how Gandalf would protect his cousin until that day came. He hoped that to be true.
An hour passed. Legolas shivered as the fever continued to attack him, his shakes becoming more violent. Éowyn lovingly mopped his brow and stroked his hair, singing to him as she did which seemed to calm him a little. After some time, Legolas' eyes began to open, his piercing blue eyes now fixed on his new visitor.
'Merry.' Said Legolas weakly as he smiled at the Hobbit 'I am glad to see you.'
Merry smiled at the elf quickly and then began to stare at his hands. He twiddled his thumbs and did everything he could to avoid the elf's gaze. Whenever he looked at him he felt like Legolas could see into his soul. After what felt like an age to the Hobbit, Merry stood up quickly, took one last look at the elf, nodded at him and Éowyn and then left the room much quicker than he had entered it.
'Was it something I said?' asked Legolas, a small smirk crossed his pale lips.
'I think he blames himself for your condition.' Replied Éowyn as she picked up the pewter goblet that sat beside her and brought it to the elf's lips.
Weakly he lifted his head and took a few small sips of the cool liquid. Éowyn placed her hand behind his head, making the elf jump from the sudden contact. When he was finished he smiled at her in appreciation and let his head fall back onto his pillow. Two days now he had been stuck in this bed, frustrated that he could not do anything but sleep. He was not used to being helpless, he wondered to himself if this was it, was this how he was supposed to die after almost 3,000 years on this Earth. Plagued with visions of his home being destroyed and being powerless to stop it?
'Why should he blame himself?' asked Legolas as he looked at her with confused eyes.
Éowyn shrugged as she looked at him and smiled.
'You clearly have made quite an impression on your companions.' She replied as she stood up 'I must leave you for a while, will you be okay?'
Legolas nodded at her and smiled, and for a moment they just stared into each other's eyes. Then quietly the lady of Rohan left the elf alone to his thoughts. He had not realized until now how fond he had become of her, she had been the only constant thing he had, had over the past few days. Her kindness was like nothing he had experienced before, he wondered what he had done to deserve such treatment from someone he barely knew. He had sensed that she had growing feelings for Aragorn, he had seen the way she looked at him, how angry she had gotten when he had not let her fight with him. She had a bravery that outshone even his own, and it pained him to know that she was chasing a love that could never be. Aragorn's heart belonged to Arwen. His thoughts were disturbed by the sound of boots, he looked up to see the Ranger stood in the doorway.
'How are you my friend?' said Aragorn as he walked to the elf's side.
'As well as can be expected.' Legolas replied as he pulled himself up slightly 'I suppose there are still no answers as to why the Palantír has caused me to have these visions?'
Aragorn shook his head and threw himself onto the chair with a thud.
'All we can do now is hope your fever breaks, if it does then I believe your chances to be greater than they are right now.' Replied the ranger as he ran his hand over his face.
'Aragorn, you must continue this quest without me.' Said Legolas suddenly causing Aragorn to look at him with quizzing eyes 'I may never recover, and I shall only slow you down. Your duty is to save Gondor, not me.' He finished, his gaze never wavering.
Aragorn shook his head in disbelief, tears welled up in his eyes as Legolas gave him a weak smile. A few minutes passed in deathly silence. Aragorn stared at a ray of light as it shone through a small crack in the wooden shutters that covered the mighty window at the end of the grey stone room, dust dancing within its blue hues.
'We have been friends a long time,' he started, pausing for a moment 'we have gotten this far, I will not leave you behind now.' He finished as he looked at the elf and placed his hand on the Sindar's shoulder.
With that, they spoke no more of their current enterprises, but instead, the two of them sat and spoke about past ventures, Éowyn returned after a while and was delighted to hear tales of their adventures. For the first time in what felt like forever, things felt like they were going back to normal.
Two more days passed, and the elf's condition improved immensely. He was now out of bed and walking the halls and city, glad of the fresh air. Aragorn had spent a lot of time sat staring into the mountains, waiting to see if the Beacons of Gondor would erupt in flames but alas, nothing.
Legolas stood in the hall and watched as people hurried about with maps and messages for the king of food, supplies and news of war within Middle-earth. Gimli was sat at a table on the opposite side of the hall, stuffing his face with bread and cheese as he did most hours of the day. Éowyn was nowhere to be seen, in truth he had not seen much of her since he had been up and about. Part of him missed her, only once before had let his guard down around a woman, but he trusted her and had enjoyed her company. Suddenly there was an almighty crash as Aragorn came screaming through the doors.
'THE BEACONS OF MINAS TIRITH… THE BEACONS ARE LIT… Gondor calls for aid.' Shouted Aragorn as he came to a grinding halt in front of the King of Rohan.
Then there was silence, everyone's eyes fixed on the king, awaiting his response. Legolas' looked at the man with a questioning expression, then looked at Strider who was stood there panting, eyes wide and sweat dripped from his brow. Heavy footsteps echoed in the hall as Éowyn ran to her brother's side after hearing the commotion from her chambers.
'And Rohan will answer… Muster the Rohirrim!' exclaimed the King as he looked to his generals.
Eomir bowed to his King and then nodded, looking at his sister with sorry eyes as he turned to leave. She then looked at him, her eyes wide, tears threatening to spill. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and left, her gaze then shifting to the Aragorn who stood glued to his spot. He was filled with both disbelief and horror at the idea of dragging these people through war again, not two weeks since Helms deep. He turned to look at Legolas who also wore a worried expression on his face.
Once again they rode to war.
Well there's the next chapter. I apologize for it being a bit short. I wanted to get something up as I probably won't be able to update it for a few days. Got a few awesome ideas as to where I can take this story though so there is more to come ^^
