SarahWeasley - Thanks for your review and welcome to the story! Great that you are enjoying it. More development in this chap but, I warn you, it is a slow development but there is fun along the way. :)
katraj0908 - They aren't exactly expectations, its what was drilled into her (have you read The Nameless Ones, its nearly complete but explains it) so what she is feeling, she does not realize could be actual, feeling feelings. Adds to the crazy which will ensue. I am trying to solidify her reasoning in this as the first write, I think left a few loopholes.
ForeverTeamEdward13 - Oh good! I honestly lost the drive to finish it, knowing so much needed fixing and I did not want to give everyone a half-okay ending when I could make everything so much better. I am currently trying to focus on getting everything on this story back up, asap between work, life and other stories. I am adding and changing more than I originally expected but I think, after I get to the Helm's deep chapters, that will become less work and more posting. Fingers crossed.
Savage Kill - Exactly! No wonder Thranduil aint got time for his or Galadriel's $hit! haha!
WickedGreene13 - So excited and thanks! Knowing my luck, I'll probably spin or something while belting out the chorus and fall over my blasted feet and it will be meeting gravity, not defying it! ha ha! XD Enjoy this chapt, I changed it up heaps!
They set out at dawn, the air crisp. Aerlaer had reveled in it, having slept, once again quite well and, feeling refreshed, she had harried Shadowfax for a gallop and play before Gandalf had scolded her for potentially tiring the Meara before they had even set on the second part of their journey to Edoras.
As she ran across the plains, keeping in pace with Shadowfax, she wondered what the Rohirrim were really like and asked her Meara friend.
"They are gentle enough to their horses, never using whip or spur as I have seen the men of Gondor use. They are fine riders and many a Meara has found their King's and Princes to be but a herd-friend for they treat us as equals or, in reverence."
"I am glad." She thought back to him. "What is their city like?"
"It feels safe to me, more earth than stone and more wood. The humans are usually cheerful."
"They are not now?"
"They are not. Mithrandir said the King, he is sick."
"He is, but hopefully not for long."
There was a vale ahead and Gandalf signaled them to slow.
"Finally, the Dwarf, he is a difficult addition." Arod sounded in her mind.
"He is unused to riding. You do well, carrying him too, Arod." She thought back as she slowed to a trot and finally to a halt before the edge of the crystal-clear water, rushes brushing at her legs. There were ducks in this vale of water and Aerlaer watched them as the two horses and Meara drank.
"It is time to disguise our secret weapon." She heard Gandalf say as she studied the patterns on the ducks feathers. She had not seen ducks like these, they were fawn in colour with splashes of black. "Aerlaer!" She whirled around at Gandalf's impatient tone.
"Yes?"
"Stop gazing at the ducks like some simple minded Elfling and shift so we may continue on our way." Snorting at his remark, she shifted back to Elf form.
"Do you expect me to run now on two legs to Edoras?" Aragorn chuckled.
"No, I expect you to ride with Legolas." She turned to face the Elf who looked as surprised as she felt.
"Why? I thought the idea was to let the Rohirrim know an Elfhorse had returned?" She gazed at the Wizard imploringly.
"Not until it is safe to do so. While Théoden is under Saruman's power, you will not be safe. Men within his halls still follow his order and there is his slippery advisor, who I fear is in allegiance with Saruman. There is risk he will order your death at worst"
"Wonderful." Aerlaer muttered, making her way to Arod.
"You will need to remove all of your weapons." Gandalf added and she spun to face him.
"No." He raised a brow at her and she scowled. "I'm not removing them, I do not wish to be defenseless." The Wizard let out an exasperated sigh.
"They will be taken from each of us before we are permitted entrance to see the King. It will make no difference if you strip yourself of them now, or later." Aerlaer felt conflicted. She did not like the idea at all.
"We will strap them to Arod so they are within reach should you need them." Legolas spoke softly from behind her. "Your bow, if you wish, I will carry with my own so you may access it swiftly." His solution calmed her unease.
"Okay." She began undoing her sword belt, and Legolas took it, strapping it to Arod's saddle. Next, she handed him the quiver with her twin blades, which was also carefully strapped to the saddle within her reach. Her bow, she handed to the other Elf and while he hung it securely at his back, she removed her vambraces.
"Well Aragon, time to find out who's the better rider between you and that Princeling." As she handed her vambraces to Aragorn, who stowed them away in their one, small pack which had been on Hasufel's saddle, Gimli clambered up onto Hasufel who was two hands shorter than Arod.
"I expect you to act like a Lady, Aerlaer. Let Legolas help you. We need you to seem innocent, just an Elf maiden who cannot wield a weapon. Appear weak if you must and, keep your hood up or your hair will give you away.
"Too bad I cannot simply stain it a darker shade." She let out a humorless laugh, turning to Legolas who now sat astride Arod, hand held out to her, a small smile playing on his face.
"Why in Arda would you wish to cover your hair?" He asked as she took his hand and sprang up to sit before him.
"Secrecy." She murmured, not wishing to diverge further into that sorry tale. "I don't recommend it."
"Does it stain too long?" He seemed curious.
"Something like that." She said dismissively, settling herself comfortably upon the front of the saddle. An arm moved to carefully hold her about her middle. The action was unnecessary, she would not fall and, Arod had sworn he would move with the utmost care so she did not. She'd thought back to him that she would not fall and to run as he wished.
She did not tell Legolas that though, instead she let his arm rest securely about her, feeling inexplicably safe by the small precaution. It was a welcome feeling. One she was not altogether certain with, was how her legs brushed against his, where they draped down Arod's left shoulder.
"I won't be a hindrance, like this, will I?" She nudged his leg with her foot to emphasize.
"No, not at all." Legolas gave a light laugh as Gandalf signaled them to move on and Arod broke into a canter. "Its much easier than trying to keep you in the saddle, unconscious." He added.
"Oh, okay." She murmured as she found herself resting against his chest. "I'm glad."
"It is also a comfort to know this time, I need not worry you will die in my arms." His tone was still playful, but it made her wonder just how he had felt when he had found her that day.
"Well, provided I'm not put to death upon reaching the King's Halls." She laughed dryly. She had not realized just how risky the part she played in this war was, until Gandalf had mentioned that negative, potential outcome.
"I will not let any harm befall you." His voice was soft, for only her to hear yet it was fierce with promise which reached her very soul. Compelled by his words, she turned her head slightly to face him. His eyes were dark, determined.
"Thank you." She whispered and he smiled. Turning around, she felt the arm about her waist tighten ever so slightly but it was not uncomfortable.
"Besides, "Legolas chuckled, the deeper sound resonating from his chest to her back. "I once again owe you one life saved." She let out a small laugh, trying to stifle an actual giggle from erupting.
"What was that?" He asked with another laugh. "Were you about to giggle like some hair-brained court elleth?" She snapped her head around to glare at him.
"I most certainly was not." She retorted, only to find his brown eyes were filled with mirth, a smirk upon his face.
"Very funny."
"I thought so." He laughed quietly as she settled back against him. They now galloped and the small dot upon the horizon which had been Edoras had now grown to an easily depicted city. They were close.
…
Legolas wondered if Aerlaer could feel his heart beating faster than usual, in his chest. He'd resorted to teasing her, to ease his own nerves and it had helped but hindered for when she so easily riled up at his taunt, her reaction a pout, he'd only found her more endearing. If only this whole spectacle was not a ruse. He pushed that thought quickly away. Aerlaer, he knew, saw him as a friend, a companion on this quest and he reveled in the friendship they had formed.
He had little friends, since leaving the Greenwood, fewer Elven friends and although he had always been welcomed by Lord Elrond, he had preferred remaining hidden away and inconspicuous with Aragorn's people. Still, he had missed his own kin, seeing Elladen and Elrohir the most frequent. The twins were on their own page though and, Legolas could join in on their antics from time to time but, it was not the same.
He'd left behind dear friends when leaving the Greenwood. He had left her behind. Legolas swallowed, a lump forming in his throat. She had been his closest friend before Aragorn and, he had loved her. Was that why he felt so drawn to Aerlaer? For she had a free spirit too, a sense of adventure which was rare among elleths.
Aerlaer treated him as an equal, something he'd not known for centuries, when another had treated him just so. It was liberating, he could be himself around her, as he could be with Aragorn. With just one exception, he needed to keep this infatuation hidden until it went away. He did not want to ruin the friendship they had formed, he did not particularly enjoy the idea of being rejected. He'd made that mistake already and would not do so again.
They were now within a mile of the city walls and Legolas realized Aerlaer had not hidden away her distinctive hair. "Your hair, you must cover it." He reminded her.
"Oh, yes." She reached back, between them, tugging at the cowl of her cloak, pulling it over her head. "Is that better?" She turned her head to face him. Strands escaped in the wind and were easily depictable.
"Let me." He offered, before he had realized what he offered. She had nodded, turning away again and letting go of his loose hold on Arod's reins, he pulled back the cowl of her hood. He'd wondered if her hair was softer and it was. It was impossibly soft, as if he ran his fingers through strands of the finest silks. Taking her hair in two sections, he simply twisted it loosely like a rope, back from her face and carefully tucked the long length back into the cowl as he pulled it up to cover her completely.
"Thanks, Legolas." She murmured as he picked up the reins again and as she rested back, he automatically placed his left arm about her waist, holding her carefully. The blissful ride was about to come to an end.
The horses galloped steadily upward a wide road until great walls loomed before them. The entrance was open, manned by four guards who eyed them warily but let them pass. Legolas supposed they recognized Gandalf and Shadowfax. They entered a main street, the road still wide and harassed looking men and women, children too, paused to watch them ascend through the city. None smiled. No child ran after them or called out or waved. It was as if they were ghosts, passing through a graveyard.
"You'd find more cheer in a graveyard." Gimli muttered, to his surprise. The Dwarf had surmised the city perfectly. It was as if the people were dead inside. Was it because of Saruman?
Gandalf had them halt at the bottom of a wide stair which led to a stone pillar built building before them. Legolas surmised this was Meduseld, where King Théoden resided. Eight guards appeared at the summit of the stairs, their gazes wary. One of the guards appeared relieved although his features were still strained.
Legolas dismounted and then, knowing they had an audience of eight plus, some city-folk, watching their every move, reached up to Aerlaer, taking her carefully by the waist to help her down from Arod's saddle. She obliged, resting her hands on his shoulders as he lowered her to the ground.
"Stay close to me." He murmured and then had an idea. "In fact, take my arm." He offered it to her and she placed her hand upon it. She glanced up at him as Gandalf walked slowly and stiffly towards them, using his staff as a walking aid. Legolas held in a smirk at the old man ruse.
"The Rohirrim do not understand the Elven tongue, but they will possibly know of the name, Aerlaer."
"Then what shall we call her?" Gimli asked in a hushed tone.
"Tithinriel, of course." Aragorn grinned. Legolas again, was sure he had heard of that name before.
"Little Princess?" He raised a brow at Aragorn.
"I was little once, you know." Aerlaer huffed out and he turned to gaze at her curiously. "It is what Arwen used to call me when I was very young. It caught on in the family." She rolled her eyes.
"She secretly likes it." Aragorn whispered with a smirk.
"Perhaps when I was thirty." She muttered under her breath to which Legolas laughed quietly.
"Let us go. Be wary of the guards and, Aerlaer, fight as a last resort. When I need you to reveal yourself, you will know." The elleth nodded as they began to ascend the stairs, moving slow to accommodate an old man.
"Háma, greetings." Gandalf addressed the man who Legolas had thought earlier to be relived. He looked harassed, now Legolas studied him. Harassed and tired.
"I cannot allow you before Théoden King, so armed, Gandalf Grayhame. By order "of… Gríma Wormtongue." Háma said with a hint of annoyance.
Unsure their next move, Legolas turned to Gandalf. The Wizard nodded, indicating they remove their weapons. Aerlaer stepped a pace away from him while he deftly removed his bow and hers, handing them to a nearby guard. The guard was focused on Aerlaer but the elleth kept her head down and Legolas had pulled her hair back well enough that none showed. He unstrapped his quiver and handed it over with his knives.
Weaponless, he felt incredibly vulnerable although, he could defend himself with his body alone, he immediately missed his bow. He'd never been asked to remove his weapons before and it was unsettling, especially if Aerlaer, or any of them were to fall into any amount of danger once they entered the hall.
"Are you armed, my Lady?" Another guard asked, moving hesitantly towards Aerlaer. Legolas stiffened, stepping towards her. To his utter amusement, she looked up, her eyes wide with surprise.
"Me? Goodness, no. I do not possess such strength or skill to even pull back the string of a training bow." Her voice sounded innocent and sweet and the guards nodded agreeably, opening the doors for them to enter.
"Wait." Hama spoke uneasily. "Gandalf, Your staff." They paused as Gandalf looked taken aback and his brow furrowed.
"Eh? Oh. No, you would not part an old man from his walking stick?" Gandalf replied as if hurt. Hama seemed conflicted as he considered the Wizard and then Legolas caught a look of knowing in the man's eyes only meant for Gandalf.
"Very well." Hama sighed. "In you go," Gandalf nodded before turning to Aerlaer.
"My Lady, if you would graciously accommodate an old man?"
"Of course, Gandalf." Aerlaer moved dotingly to the Wizard's side, taking his arm to support him as he discretely tucked his staff away under his long, grey, tattered, outer robe.
As they entered the spacious hall, great, wooden door shut solidly behind them. Legolas remained close to Aerlaer's other side while Aragorn kept to Gandalf's left and Gimli covered their back. Guards flanked the edges of the hall and as they moved slowly, he noticed them moving to advance from behind them, others keeping to the walls, moving in time with their progression.
It was potentially a trap and Legolas quickly assessed the guards, taking in their stature, what weapons they held. He could only see heavy swords, no bows, but he supposed hidden, they may have knives. He knew ways to disarm and take an enemies weapons to his own advantage. He hoped he would not have to.
A small number of courtiers also occupied the hall and he felt more eyes on himself and the others than he liked. Ahead, seated upon a carved throne which depicted, as the hall did, beautiful outlined horse designs. The King, who sat hunched upon the throne, his knobby, thin hands tightly gripping at the edges of his arm rests, looked as if he were a corpse. His eyes were devoid of color, possibly once blue. His skin was like that of old parchment; frail and ashen, stretched and creased.
"My Lord, Gandalf the Grey is coming. He is a herald of woe." The man who stood beside the King spoke, hunching to speak into his ear but Legolas heard him, the man's voice wheedling, dripping like poison from his pale lips. Legolas knew immediately this was the advisor Gandalf had spoken of.
"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden King." Gandalf commented airily as they approached.
"He is not welcome." The slimy, greasy haired man murmured to the king. Aerlaer turned, her gaze catching Legolas's. She looked ready to murder the man, by the flash of her eyes and he minutely shook his head, staring at her, imploring her to keep to Gandalf's plan. He turned from her, to see the King now sat forward in his chair, eyes on Gandalf although Legolas wondered if he could see for they were clouded with sickness and age.
"Why should I welcome you? Gandalf Stormcrow?" King Théoden's voice was raspy and dry. He looked to the ill intended advisor at his side. He too had a sickly pallor. Legolas decided, detesting the man who could potentially see them all dead, who could potentially have Aerlaer put to death. He shot a sidelong glance at the elleth but she remained walking beside Gandalf, helping him.
"A just question my liege." The advisor replied and then stood up and before the King, facing them all. "Late is the hour this conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell I name him. Ill news is in ill guest." His voice dripped the words out like blood from a wound and Legolas wished he had his bow and a sharp arrow for the man was evil.
"Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth." Gandalf snapped, his tone commanding. "I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm!" He raised his staff before him, from the folds of his robes.
"His staff!" The man cried out, exasperated. "I told you to take the Wizard's staff!" Legolas held back a smirk which vanished from thought as the guards who had been cautiously following, now moved quickly forward to subdue them.
"Keep walking." He swiftly murmured to Aerlaer as she glanced at him uncertainly. Gandalf now strode forward and she followed him and Legolas intercepted the first guard to reach them; stepping in close and grabbing him, kicking his legs out from beneath him. He did not wait for him to land, whirling behind Aerlaer to stop a second, knocking him unconscious.
Aragorn did the same, as did Gimli, barreling into any who came near. Soon the guards were more cautious but it was not enough, Legolas flipped a third upon his back. Standing fully only to slam his elbow back into the neck of a fourth. The courtiers had huddled against a wall.
Gandalf walked on, unperturbed by the chaos enfolding around him and it seemed no guard was quite game enough to try and take on Gandalf alone. Aerlaer was another matter. As Legolas dropped and spun, knocking a guard to the ground who had raised his sword at him, there was a gasp among the courtiers. Legolas leapt back up to find the advisor had leapt forward, dragging Aerlaer before him, a blade poised at her throat.
"Stand down, or I'll spill her blood." The advisor hissed as Legolas strode forward. He stopped as the blade point created an indent against the pulse at her throat. Fury erupted within him but still, he did not move, unsure if the man knew this was Aerlaer or if he simply used her as leverage.
"Gríma, you would harm an innocent she-Elf?" Gandalf implored as everyone ceased movement. Legolas was not watching any of them, he held the other Elf's gaze, still concealed beneath her hood. She winked at him.
"I said, stand down." The blade was pushed further to Aerlaer's throat and a single drop of blood formed as her skin was pierced.
"Let her go." Legolas found himself hissing, despite the elleth's reassurance she was fine. Suddenly, she went limp, eyes fluttering closed. The advisor faltered, his knife leaving her, letting her slip to the ground. In the commotion, her hood slipped off and he stared, eyes growing wide, caught dumbstruck. Legolas took the opportunity.
Flying forward, he sent the man sprawling, twisting the knife from his hand in the process. In control, he held it firmly across the man's neck.
"I should kill you for that." He snarled, unable to contain his fury a moment more.
"Legolas." Gandalf's voice was like a command and he brought himself back under control.
"Next time, luck will not shine upon you for you do not have my mercy." He hissed, standing. No one moved, all eyes now on Aerlaer, who was on her feet once more. However, she was gazing at him, in shock. There was movement to his right and he half saw The advisor, Gríma, making to rise, his face contorted with anger. Gimli strode towards him, slamming his foot down into his chest.
"I would stay still if I were you." He growled out and Legolas knew for now, the man would cause no more harm under the Dwarf's watch.
The hall now became silent as Gandalf strode to stand before the King.
"Théoden, I know you are in there." He spoke clearly but the remains of the King of Rohan only laughed; a vile, cackling sound which caused Aerlaer to finally look from him and to the ill man upon the throne.
Gandalf faced his palm to the King who sat gloatingly in on his thrown. "Harken to me! I release you from this spell."
The King cackled haggardly once more. "You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey!" A side door slammed open and Legolas spun to count ten more guards rushing into the room, swords drawn.
"Aerlaer, show yourself!" Gandalf commanded and Aerlaer stepped towards the advancing guards, completely throwing off her cloak.
"I am Princess Aerlaer of the Edhelroch, you will stand down!" She commanded the guards. They hesitated, unsure and Aragorn came to join him, ready for another fight.
"Seize her!" Gríma yelled out his own command and then cried out. He made to say more but was cut short by Gimli. Nonetheless, five of the guards rushed towards the elleth. He and Aragorn made to interfere when Aerlaer shifted, rearing menacingly at the guards who stumbled back. "Stand down!" She commanded again, hoof's cutting through the air, streaks of her mane and tail scintillating a coppery gold.
Two guards held swords but they quavered, looking from Aerlaer to their King, who Gandalf was trying to get through to, to Grima, held hostage beneath Gimli's boot. The Edhelroch slammed her front hoofs to the ground, the impact causing a crack, like thunder to resound throughout the hall as sparks shot from beneath her hoofs. Swords fell and guards backed away.
Legolas was unsure what she had done or how, but it had worked. She remained in horse form but turned from the wary guards, to the King. He had fallen silent upon the crack of thunder-like sound the Elfhorse had created. He began to laugh again, this time the sound more bitter, more evil.
"Always the conjurer of tricks, Gandalf."
"I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound." The King looked uneasy for the first time and Gandalf raised his staff and pointed it to him. He screamed, the sound as if he were tortured and Legolas fought not to wince, hating the sound. A flurry of white caught his eye from the door the guards had burst through and a lady rushed into the hall, her intentions, to reach the King. Aragorn moved quicker, grabbing her by the arms, holding her back.
"Let me go!" She demanded but Legolas heard pure fear in her young voice.
"Wait, he heard the Ranger murmur. They all waited as the King screamed again, the sound worse.
"If I go, Théoden dies!" A dark voice spoke now from the King's drawn lips as he suddenly leapt to his feet, moving to advance towards Gandalf. Pointing his staff, the King was sent flying back to land hard upon the throne.
"You did not kill me, you will not kill him." He held his staff towards the King. "Aerlaer, you know what to do." As Gandalf held him in place, the Elfhorse moved towards the King, lifting her right foreleg and stretched it out, placing her hoof over the King's heart. It glowed faintly gold against his tunic.
"Rohan is mine!" Saruman's voice hissed, yet he could not move.
"Oh, shut up." Aerlaer snapped viciously, mane and tail still sparking and Legolas would have laughed if the situation were not so dangerous still.
"Be gone! Gandalf commanded and stepped forward and thrust his staff toward the King, this time closer. Théoden gasped, as if air had been cut off from him and his body became rigid before he slumped down in his chair. Legolas watched as Aerlaer kept her connection for a long moment before pulling away.
"Good job." The Wizard murmured as Aerlaer backed away to stand beside Legolas. She no longer scintillated but still, he was aware of the power still under her surface. The white clad lady, whom Aragorn held, suddenly tore from his grasp, rushing to the King's side but Legolas barely noticed her, intrigued as the death-like man upon the throne began to change before his eyes.
It was as if time reversed, years falling from the man, skin and eyes coloring. Even his hair, which had been lank and grey, became lush and that of burnished gold with hint of silver streaks. At last, a light returned to his eyes, their depths a deep grey-blue and he blinked, focusing slowly on the young lady at his side who grasped his now strong had.
"I know your face." Théoden spoke, his voice not frail nor that of the Wizard who had possessed his mind, but deep and powerful. A leader's voice "Éowyn." He greeted her, a smile forming upon his now neatly shaven face. The lady, Éowyn, broke into a smile filled with relief, tears tumbling down her cheeks and Legolas internally sighed. All would be well now.
The King now turned to those who stood within his hall, the group having gathered closer upon Saruman's extermination.
"Gandalf?" He gazed hesitantly at the Wizard before him.
"Breathe the free air again, my friend." Gandalf smiled warmly and slowly he looked about the hall, gaze confused once more. "Dark have been my dreams of late." He said, still a little confused, clutching his right hand uneasily.
"Your fingers would remember their old strength better – if they grasped your sword." Gandalf suggested and Hama moved through the guardsmen, to stand before his king and bowed, presenting the hilt of a sheathed sword. Legolas watched on, like the others, as Théoden reservedly touched the pommel, before he reached further and wrapped his hands around the hilt and drew the gleaming blade from its sheath and stood.
"There is a horse in my hall." He mused, seeming utterly baffled as he suddenly caught sight of Aerlaer. A smirk tugged at the corner of Legolas's mouth as the Elfhorse dropped into a neat bow, before rising again.
"Greetings, King Théoden, of Rohan." His eyes widened.
"Do my eyes deceive me?" He uttered, taking a step forward.
"No, she is as real as you and I." Hama murmured, now standing just behind his King.
"Meet, Aerlaer, Princess of the Edhelroch." Gandalf spoke clearly for the entire hall to hear. There was a gasp and the King turned from her and too the pathetic man still caught beneath Gimli's boot. His eyes darkened with unfathomable anger.
"Gríma." He hissed and the man shrank back. "Guards!" He thundered, gesturing to his ill advisor and Gimli stepped away as two men hauled the man to his feet. He let out a whimper of fear. Gutless. Legolas glared at him as he looked pleadingly to the King before struggling and fighting the two guards. A third assisted them and on Théoden's direction, the dragged the man through the hall to the entrance doors, this time a guard and a courtier, flinging them open. The King strode after them and Gandalf followed and so too did he, Aerlaer, Aragorn and Gimli, followed by the rest of the hall and the lady in white.
As they reached the stone platform outside, Gríma was thrown hard upon the stairs. He cried out pitifully, struggling to his feet but the King only kicked him down again, raising his sword.
"I've only ever served you my lord." He pleaded desperately, bringing his hands up in defense.
"Your leech-craft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!" the King roared, causing the man to cringe. Legolas noticed now many city-folk had too gathered below the stairs.
"Send me not from your side." The once advisor awkwardly stood with pain and made towards the king, begging once more. The act disgusted Legolas and it seemed too, the King. He kicked him back down and again raised his sword, this time to give a death blow.
"No, my Lord, no, let him go." He paused as Aragorn stepped forward, raising a pacifying hand. "Enough blood has been spilt on his account." Legolas disagreed, regarding this excuse for a human but said nothing as Aragorn proved yet again, there was true goodness in some of the race of Man. He held out a hand to the beaten man, cowering before them. Gríma instantly refused Aragorn and instead spat dirtily on his hand.
Scrambling to his feet, with a scathing look in his eye, Gríma turned and fled, stumbling down the stairs, pushing onlookers roughly out of his way in his escape. Legolas would not have been so compassionate as Aragorn had. He shook his head minutely at the Ranger as he wiped his dirtied hand upon his trousers before turning to address people of Edoras.
Hail Théoden, King!" He cried out for all to hear and they repeated him in a chorus of voices, both male and female, young and old, letting out a cheer. and the city folk knelt joyously before their king whose mind had been returned to them.
Kingdom restored, Théoden smiled to all as he glanced about but, to Legolas, it seemed he searched for someone. Finally, he turned to Hama, eyes searching.
"Where is Théodred? Where is my son?" A hush fell over the people who stood about the King as Hama shifted uneasily, dropping his gaze, his face filling with sorrow.
"He, he fell, my Lord." His words were barely a whisper yet even Legolas felt their impact as the King looked to take a physical wound for the way he jolted, eyes widening.
"No." Théoden uttered and bowing his head in anguish. "Not, my son." Without looking up, he turned away, towards the entrance of the hall. "Éowyn, come." His voice was rough, unsteady and Legolas felt cold, recalling another King, long ago speaking to him in that same, defeated tone.
The city folk began to disperse and the guardsmen slowly disappeared also. Legolas noted how the guards who had rushed in at Aerlaer in the hall, now gave her a wide berth. She shifted back to her Elven form, startling them further but she ignored them for her part. He noticed the streak of blood upon her throat and reached out, touching near to the nick upon her skin.
"He did not deserve to live." He muttered darkly. She caught his gaze, quizzically.
"Do you always seek such revenge for your friends when they befall even a little harm?" He stared back at her, unsure just how to answer. He had been ready to kill that man. The race of men, he did not often slay, only killing three men in his lifetime Those men having been a threat to his kin. What had Gríma been? He'd been a threat to Aerlaer but, why had so intensely wanted the man to die for it? He realized he could not answer her and instead gestured to the disappearing guards.
"It seems you have terrified some of the King's guard he said quietly to her and allowed a small smirk. You were quite terrifying." She glared at him. "Magnificent but undoubtedly terrifying to those poor men." He added, smirk growing now he was back in safer territory with her.
"It did its purpose; the King is back to his former self." She gave him a fleeting grin.
"Did you need to give him any lifeforce?" He asked curiously. He had no healing skills to speak of and suspected Aerlaer's level of skill was good, especially with family in Elrond and Elrohir.
"Yes, I did. His heart was weak but it is restored now and beats steadily." She replied to him. He now wanted to know more. Healing had not interested him much in the past but Aerlaer intrigued him. He wanted to know more.
"Forgive me, for all these questions, how much of your lifeforce can you give another? Would it not become dangerous at a certain point?" She shot him a smile, seeming happy to indulge his curiosity.
"A very small amount is usually all that is needed in most cases if it will indeed help someone. To use more than half of your lifeforce on another, or others, is a high risk unless you are going to spend the next twelve hours resting and recovering what is lost.
That is why those Elves who are healers, often work two healers to a patient, so if needed, one can rest. Healing, using lifeforce is tiring, it saps the body. If one were to use half their lifeforce and then continue with activity, they might tire quicker or if they are hurt themselves, I guess they would find recovering hard. I'm not really certain, I have not heard of anyone who has done so."
Legolas nodded thoughtfully, another question springing to the forefront of his mind. "Your lifeforce, it is golden?" She smiled.
"Yes. It is. Most Elves have a hue such as green, red, blue, yellow, some white. I do not know why mine is gold."
"And so, that was your lifeforce which sprung beneath your feet, from your hair? Why or, how do you do that? Do all Edhelroch? She laughed quietly, shaking her head.
"No, it is only me. I'm told it is just powers from Galadriel but, Aerthor had none and my grandmother does not display such traits. My hair, well it sparks when my temper is sparked. I cannot control it." He nodded, intrigued more. "I do not know how I can do what I did with my feet upon the ground. I have only dome that once before and I was rather mad then too." She shrugged.
"Well, your little temper-storm was magnificent." He assured her and she laughed, shaking her head.
"Clever wording." He merely grinned. "Shall we find where the others have gotten too and, perhaps our weapons? I'm tired of being stared at." She whispered lowly and he nodded in agreement.
"Get used to it." He chuckled to which she groaned as they moved through the open doors of the hall.
"Legolas?" He turned to her. "Thanks, for well, earlier in here. It was hard being defenseless in such a way, knowing I walked into danger. I'm glad you were there beside me." His heart flooded with warmth but he nodded with a simple smile her way.
"I'd not let any harm befall you." He murmured, feeling light, suddenly, as she slipped her hand into his, flashing him a dazzling smile. He really needed to begin distancing himself from her to end this foolish infatuation, but perhaps he would just put that off for another day; as he had done the day before, and the day prior to that.
No, another day couldn't hurt, he decided, carefully entwining his fingers through hers, nerves tingling like the first drops of a spring rain.
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