Disclaimer: I own none of the recognizable characters in this story—they all belong to JRR Tolkien and New Line.

Wherever the Surge May Sweep

By Jame K.

Chapter Twenty-Seven: You've Been Gone

Where'd you go?
I miss you so
Seems like it's been forever since you've been gone
Please come back home.
- Fort Minor

Estel slept in jolts and fits over the next four days. He was pale, withdrawn, and painfully quiet as the days rolled by. He hardly ate, eyes turned inward – always probing at the bond that he shared with his mentor. He was seeking another sign, seeking a breath of hope that Legolas still lived and fought.

On the eve of the fifth day – six days since Legolas had been taken by Saruman – Estel sat upon the narrow lip of his chair, gazing fixedly at the shadowy trees. In one instant, his mind felt dull and blank.

And, then, chaos.

His mind seemed to split into a thousand panicked, desperate shards. Legolas was there – so real that Estel could almost see him – huddled in darkness, his eyes vacant, spirit slowly drifting away. He could feel the pain of the wounds decorating the elf's slim, strong body – the dying soul struggling to find a shred of hope.

Estel cried out, falling from the chair and reaching. But, then, the image was snatched away. Sight was stolen and all that existed was darkness and a booming voice that echoed painfully against the innards of his ears.

"Aragorn, son of Arathorn, your mentor is dying."

A wordless cry was torn from Estel's throat and he was dimly aware of the door being flung open. Elrond was here – but he forced himself to focus on the increasingly overwhelming voice.

"He will die. But you can save him. Come to Isengard and I will free him. Stay in your cowardly safety, and he will become a sniveling, pained, unthinking animal before he dies. Come, son Arathorn – I will await you."

Estel thrashed briefly as strong hands lifted him to the bed. And then, cold, brutal energy swamped him and his limbs jerked and muscles strained. Voices rose and squabbled above him and cool, firm fingers forced his jaw open, placing something in between his teeth. The next spasm locked his jaw and he bit down hard on the smooth something.

He cried out, the chords on his neck strained and pulling against his jaw line. The pain was building in his head, pressing against his ears and forehead. He imagined himself exploding, bursting outward.

A moment later, the pain was gone. As suddenly as it came, the agony seemed to wash from his body, leaving him choking and gasping. He flopped helplessly on the bed as a cool cloth was wiped across his forehead and the stick was removed from between his teeth.

For a long time, he seemed to dwell in darkness. He could feel his body being undressed and tucked under the covers – he could hear voices calling his name.

When he opened his eyes, Elrond's face was there, white and concerned. "We were afraid," he said after a moment, eyes dropping away, "that Legolas had passed and you were following."

"He is still alive," Estel whispered, throat raw. "Though I do not imagine he will remain that way long. He is in pain."

Elrond nodded and placed one hand on the bed, inches from Estel's thigh. "Preparations need to be made for when Legolas does pass. If you would permit me, I can enter your mind and place a protective barrier around the bond. It would keep you from most of the pain…"

Estel almost surged off the bed, anger thrumming through him, to scream his denial at the elven lord. But, at the last moment, he simply closed his eyes and breathed. "Please – leave me be. I will be with Legolas to the end – I will feel every moment of pain. And if it is my lot is to travel with him to the next world, I shall gladly." He turned his face in the direction of the light and fell still, hoping Elrond would leave him alone in his misery.

However, Elrond lingered there for several moments, quiet and pensive; and Estel could almost feel the heavy, dark thoughts clouding the elf's mind. At last, he stood and left the room.

When the door closed, Estel lay still for a long time, thoughts drifting ceaselessly as the pressure of sadness beat against his forehead. His mouth felt dry and painful, eyes burning with no tears.

He rose at last, feet curling against the smooth floor, and walked toward the door. He was wearing a long nightshirt and the smooth, soft fabric brushed against his knees. He stopped halfway to the door and stood quiet and still, staring at the mussed bed that he had shared with Arwen.

One hand drifted to his neck and only when he discovered the Ring missing did he realize he had been looking for it. His lungs deflated and did not fill as his head turned frantically.

Elrond! He had known the elf lord was insistent on his hatred of the Ring – but to take it while Estel slept? He rushed to the large wardrobe and dressed hurriedly in hardy clothes, eyes still canvassing the room.

He buckled the thick sword about his waist and was about to charge out the door in search of the trinket when a glint of gold from the bedside snatched his attention. He spun and almost fell to his knees.

The Ring stared at him, haunting and tempting like a woodland nymph. It was beautiful and Estel felt his heart burn and stomach twist.

I can help you, the Ring whispered. I can find your Precious Legolas and he will be safe – but you must take Me with you.

Estel took a deep breath and felt the insides of his mouth twitch. He lunged and grabbed the bit of gold, clenching it in his fist until his nails imprinted into his palm.

The end of Book I.

Author's Note: I hope you have enjoyed this tale... honestly, I was not sure if I would ever even share this story in its fullness with anyone. It became more than just a piece of fanfiction, it truly was a labor of love - something that I loved even after I drifted away from the fandom. Though I can say, the other two books will be completed though I dare not set a time. This one took me almost two years. But, like I said, I've loved this story. And I would love to hear all of your thoughts on the different characters, plot lines, or just whatever.

I had started to write more notes on each character, my feelings on plot, etc. But it was getting to lengthy. For anyone who cares, I will post an additional chapter with my thoughts on these characters, the plot, themes and anything else I wish to blab about.

Until next time!