Once again apologies this has taken so long, been a tad busy with wedding crap so I have had a chance to write. Here it is, I hope it's worth the wait and please do let me know what you think
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Dark Destiny
Legolas' horse trampled over the softy grey earth as they approached the stone path leading to the huge wooden gates of Helms Deep. His heart was heavy as he looked at the horse who had bore his friend until he had fallen in battle. The elf looked down at the pendant he clutched tightly in his hand, fighting back the emotions that fought to overwhelm him. His ears were then greeted by the sound of hooves upon the stone and he nudged Arod into a trot as he approached the gate. As the remaining warriors entered the keep Legolas scanned the people around him and his eyes fell on Eowyn who he knew was searching for the ranger. His heart ached to tell her what had happened but his own grief stopped him. He scurried up the stairs and deeper into the keep, desperately trying to hide his emotions from prying eyes. Some hours passed and the sun had begun to fall behind the mountains shrouding the valley in shadow. Blue light striping the landscape as the dim evening light shone through the cracks between each stony peak. Legolas' attention was caught by the commotion of people muttering under their breath as they stood atop the wide staircase leading the throne room. A man with dirtied skin and knotted hair ascended the steep stone steps, disbelief washed over the elf as he realized who it was. The elf stood up and walked towards the throne room doors, coming to a standstill in Aragorn's path as the ranger stalked towards the doors. The man raised his head up, stopping inches from the elf as he realized his friend stood in his way.
'Le ab-dollen' said Legolas, a smile spread across his lips.
His eyes narrowed as he scanned the ranger with his sapphire eyes, taking in Aragorn's scruffy appearance.
'You look terrible,' he joked as his eyes then locked with his companion's.
Aragorn laughed at the elf remark before they both placed a hand on one another's shoulder, an elvish greeting. Legolas then brought up his hand holding something between his slender fingers which Aragorn received, unsure of what it was until he brought up his hand and unfurled his dirty fingers to reveal silver and gems glittering in the dim evening light. His eyes grew wide as he looked up at Legolas whose gaze was fixed on him, his face beaming with joy.
'Hannon le' he said as he nodded his head in appreciation before slipping past the elf and pushing the heavy wooden doors open, the sound of creaking hinges filling the silent hall and grabbing King Theoden's attention.
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Legolas watched as men and children clambered to get armor and weapons their size. Legolas could feel his emotions bubbling beneath the surface, anger, fear all mixed into one poisonous cocktail. The talks with the king had not gone well, the stubborn leader not listening to reason as Aragorn pleaded with him to call for aid.
'Farmers, farriers, stable boys… these are no solders.' said the ranger as he looked at Legolas whose expression remained detached, before returning it to the men who pushed passed him.
'Most have seen too many winters.' Commented Gimli
'Or too few.' Added Legolas, he paused as his eyes came to rest on the ranger who was inspecting a sword 'look at them, they're frightened. I can see it in their eyes.'
The air in the room fell silent, the tension thick as everyone turned their attention to the elf. Legolas turned his back and took a few steps before turning back again, returning Aragorn's gaze.
'Boe a hûn: neled herain dan caer menig!' he said as his eyes narrowed.
'Si beriathar hýn. Amar nâ ned Edoras.' replied the ranger
'Aragorn, nedin dagor hen -'erir... ortheri. Natha daged dhaer!' spat the elf in reply.
'Then I shall die as one of them.' shouted Aragorn as he stormed up to the elf and squared up to him.
Legolas' eyes grew wide as the ranger looked away from his elven companion before storming out of the room. Legolas attempted to follow but was stopped by a large cold axe blocking his path.
'Let him go lad,' said the dwarf, lowering his axe as he watched the ranger disappear from view 'let him be.' he finished.
Legolas looked down at the dwarf and scowled before he too left the armory, conscious that his argument had been witnessed by many. He shrunk once again to a dark corner, fighting desperately to contain the emotions that threatened to spill out. He watched Aragorn from the shadows as the ranger spoke to a young boy, holding his hand out to him. The elf focused his ears to pick up what was said.
'Give me your sword.' the ranger said, and the boy complied 'What is your name?'
'Haleth, son of Hama, my lord. The men are saying we will not live out the night. They say that it is hopeless.' said the boy, his voice cracking.
The ranger stood up and swung the sword with finely tuned precision. He then held the blade up in front of him, the tip pointing towards the blackening sky.
'This is a good sword. Haleth, son of Hama' he replied as he lowered the sword and handed it back, placing his hand on his on the child's shoulder 'there is always hope.'
Legolas shrunk back at this comment. He thought back to the words he had said to the man and he scolded himself for them. He watched as Aragorn walked towards his quarters. The elf waited a while before following, he knew he must be honest with the man.
He skipped down the steps, his footsteps not making a sound against the cold stone slabs. Aragorn was dressing in preparation for the battle ahead, his expression one of determination and he had certainly not heard the elf when he had entered the room. Legolas grabbed Aragorn's swords and held it up to the Ranger as a token of friendship. Aragorn turned to look at the elf in surprise but then nodded his head in thanks, a small smile crossing his lips.
''We have trusted you this far. You have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair.' He said guilt etched into his features.
''moe edaved, Legolas.' the ranger said as he placed a comforting hand on the elf's shoulder.
Legolas returned the gesture but his eyes dropped to a fixed point on the floor.
'There was a reason for my fear.' said the elf suddenly 'There is something I must tell you. Whilst staying in Lorien I saw a vision that Frodo had been shown… something I wish I had not seen.'
'What did you see?' Aragorn's eyes narrowed as his looked at the elf with a quizzical expression.
'I saw the battle that is to come.' said Legolas, the next few words he needed to say seemed to escape him.
'What did you see Legolas?' pushed the Ranger, his hand still on the elf's shoulder.
Legolas looked up again at his friend. His sapphire eyes fixed on Aragorn's grey ones, his expression changing to one of fear. He braced himself for the reaction that was to come and uttered the two words he dreaded to say.
'My death.'
Aragorn's hand dropped to his side, stepping back in shock he shook his head as he placed his sword back onto the table. Aragorn continued to shake his head but said nothing. He refused to believe the information he was just given, it wasn't true, it couldn't be.
'We had time, I'd get this adjusted.' said Gimli as stomped into the room, his chain mail clinking against the stone floor as he looked at his companions awkwardly 'It's a little tight across the chest.'
Legolas smirked at the dwarf but that amusement was soon pushed aside as a horn echoed through the night air. Legolas' eyes grew wide with recognition of the sound.
'That is no orc horn.' he said as he darted up the steps, his companions hot on his heels.
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Legolas shot around after arrow, occasionally slashing the odd orc that managed to make it close enough. He was surrounded by elves, the horn had been an army of elves led by Haldir arriving as an aid. A sense of confidence had filled him as now they had a chance. He'd thought back to the vision he had seen, there had been no elves. Perhaps things had changed. Perhaps this was no longer where he was doomed to die. Chanting filled his ears and he looked down to see a larger or carrying a torch of white flickering light.
'Togo hon dad, Legolas!' said Aragon suddenly, his expression was one of pure panic.
Legolas shot an arrow at the orc which embedded itself deep into the creature's shoulder but he did not stop. The elf notched another arrow, aiming carefully as the orc continued to run.
'Dago hon! Dago hon!' pleaded Aragorn as he watched Legolas let another arrow loose, but still, the orc did not fall.
The foul beast threw himself at the base of the wall and there was a moment of deathly silence before the wall blew to pieces.
Legolas flew backwards, his back slamming against the stone floor. It took a few moments for the dazed elf to get his bearings, his eyes scanned his surroundings and the memory of the vision came flooding back. Orcs began to surround him, he saw that a few men stood by him, ready to fight at his side. The creatures snarled and spat at them as they edged ever closer, smirking as they pointed their rusted swords at them. Legolas knew that they had no chance, just 7 men against at least 50 orcs. Legolas took a deep breath and stood, stepping a little closer to them as his eyes closed and he raised his hand. His skins starting to glow and he let the power within flow freely. He opened his eyes to reveal pure white light spilling from his lids.
'You are puny.' he said as he took another step towards them, the orcs taking a step back in fear 'I will destroy you.'
With that he let the power take over and the battlefield was enveloped in white light, the orcs around him crumbling to dust. It was over in a flash and the battle went dark again. Legolas stood there, Aragorn now stood in front of him, Their eyes fixed on one another. The elf smiled at his old friend, wavering on his feet before the inviting grasp of darkness took him and he collapsed.
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Well, there it is. I hope you enjoyed it and I will finish this up soon. Please do let me know what you thought.
