Darkness' Claim, Shattered Heart
A/N Dating 13-02-2013 I started rewriting my other LOTR fic "Facing the Shadows - Loss of the Light" and came to see that this fic was nearly as popular. I can't divide my attention between both fics at the same time and rewrite (and continue this). So I decided for easier reading to at least throw a spellchecker over the fic as it is (I know, I was hasty and didn't have an english spellchecker in those days, I sucked xD). Rewrite of his and continuation probably coming after I finish on the other one.
~To my faithfull reviewers~
Euhm, so sorry, but am inable to write this at the moment. I just got back from the hosital (another one, because the usual one does not know what to do anymore), anyone, in one or two weeks, I will go there again, but then I have to stay for one or two weeks. So, sorry if I cannot post then, but I WILL be writing in the hospital. And since I just got back and needed to do several tests, I am totally broken and I am going to bed right away.
But I cannot let my reviewers wait, now can I? So that's because there ain't no reviewers reply's. Sorry. Owh, BTW, I got a new Beta, or I just got a beta actually, her name is Dinah Freeman! Much luv for her and you all, now please doooo review, I needs lots and lots of reviews (and postcards when I do get in the hospital, haha :D)
~Disclaimer~ Any idiot who actually thinks I could make my dream come true of owning LotR and who actually needs this disclaimer so they will not sue me, is an idiot who makes me cry, 'cause remembering me my dreams of Leggie and Aragorn are only dreams, makes me sad beyond.
~Summary~ Legolas and Aragorn go on the journey to destroy the ring, but things happen and both realize they are more than just friends. What will it take to make Aragorn realize it in time? A/L Slash.
Chapter Six, The Council
Being away for a while gave Legolas the time to clear his mind, he had headed for the nearby forest and had his mind eased by the little comfort the trees could give him. He knew he had been to selfish, not that the trees had told him as such, but he had his own opinion. Legolas thought he had been thinking too much of his feelings, for the time being he just had to freeze them in, and that would not give any trouble, he told himself. The living things around the elf in the woods seemed to grieve with him, they mourned for his upcoming passing to the Halls of Mandos. They had hoped the elf would tell the human, so he would know, at least. But the elf had told them otherwise, he did not intend on giving the man the wisdom. His love belonged to Arwen, he had told them, he would feel terrible when he would take it away. Besides, the man should not leave her for him in since of duty, preventing him from dying. It would not work anyway, would Aragorn do as such, Legolas would die anyway, knowing eventually, Aragorn did not truly love him.
Little did Legolas know, perhaps the since of duty was the other way around...
Legolas reentered the valley and jumped of his horse, beside him he could see others arrive for the council. They were late, but of course, they had no reason to arrive in this sanctuary any earlier. The elf recognized some faces, Boromir, son of Denethor, the steward of Gondor had come alone and his features looked tiresome. But he still had the night before the council would come to part, so he would probably be dressed and rested well before then.
From a distance, Legolas saw grumpy faces of several dwarves as they entered Rivendell. He knew not exactly what business they had here in Rivendell. They hide in their mountains, searching for riches, they care nothing of the troubles of others. (A/N Elrond's quote). But they were here anyway, even though some elves would protest dwarves even being in an elven kingdom, they were invited.
Legolas and all the others decided then they should take some rest before the council. The elf sincerely hoped he would not encounter Arwen or for that matter, he did not even want to encounter Aragorn. Of course, he had sworn not to show any signs of his feelings to Aragorn, but he had also sworn to not show them to himself that easy anymore, but he feared that might give trouble sometimes. He needed rest, he needed strength...
Late in evening, when the sun had already given in to the dark night, Aragorn was nowhere near Legolas, not even aware of the fact he had returned already. For if he had known, he would have visited the elf immediately, explaining his choice, knowing he would understand. Ignorant to the fact the elf had seen him with Arwen after the man thought him gone.
In a poorly lit room meant to remember old ages, Aragorn sat, reading a book that told the past of men, of how Isildur had defeated Lord Sauron, or so it was believed.
It was then, his eye fell upon another strolling into the room, beholding the beauty of the painting on the wall, which told of Sauron's defeat. Aragorn knew him, he was the well known son of Denethor, steward of Gondor. Denethor always of spoke with such pride when it came to his first son, Boromir.
The man suddenly realized he was not alone in the room and his eyes turned towards Aragorn.
"You are no elf?" he asked.
"Men of the south are welcome here".
"Who are you?" he asked, after giving a small nod.
"I am a friend to Gandalf the Grey" Aragorn chose his words well, not wanting to reveal his true identity just yet.
"Then we are here of common purpose, friend" Boromir spoke, emphasizing the word friend.
The man turned, a little uncomfortable by the silence that emerged between them. His eyes turned towards the statue that stood there, holding the pieces of the sword that Isildur once used to defeat the evil lord Sauron.
"The shards of Narsil," Boromir exclaimed in wonder as he took up the broken sword, beholding it for a moment.
"The blade that cut the ring, of Sauron's hand" his fingers trailed the outsides of the sword, until the broken point cut his finger, a drop of blood showing itself.
"It is still sharp" Boromir then realized he was not alone in the room and he wanted not to reveal he was not the one to hold such power in his hands. He did not want the man to know he was not suited as the heir to the throne of Gondor, for this blade that belonged in the royal family of Gondor showed it had not faith in him by cutting his finger. Showing he could not wield this sword, not being the truthful heir.
His eyes turned towards Aragorn and he realized the man knew, he could see it in his eyes. He swallowed,
"But no more than a broken heirloom" he wanted to put the broken sword back upon the pattern it belonged upon, but it fell as Boromir retreated himself, he turned when he heard the blade fall, but decided he had to take his leave.
Aragorn walked towards the statue and the blade on the floor motionlessly, he knew he was the true heir, the blade would not harm him. Yet still, he feared of taking the throne, he feared he would be like Isildur, he feared that fate was bound to him as well. Suddenly Arwen emerged into the room quietly,
"Why do you fear the past?"
"You are Isildur's heir, not Isildur himself, you are not bond to his fate" she spoke truly.
"The same blood flows in my veins, the same weakness" he turned his saddened face towards his love.
"Your time will come, you will face the same evil and you will defeat it" she spoke, standing only inches away from her lover.
In elvish she spoke kind words to him and brought hope to their binding. She loved him with all her heart, but deep down knew she did not own his entire heart. Nevertheless, she would not be one to give in, Aragorn was hers and he would be hers until she faded into darkness, her immortality leaving her. She knew this was the time, she knew she had to give herself to Aragorn before the council was being held, she knew he needed to know of her love when he would leave, as she already knew he would.
They headed into the garden, both knowing deep inside this would be one of the last nights they would spend together. It was worth not getting any sleep. She was worth it, Aragorn thought, but when she indeed abandoned her immortal life and gave her Evenstar pendent to Aragorn, doubts came flowing back to him. His heart calling out to say no, to let her keep her immortality. But the man's selfishness was stronger this time and he took the pendant, knowing he could not let her down and he vowed he would not. . . ever.
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"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old, you have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-Earth stands upon the edge of destruction, none can escape it. You will unite or you will fall" Elrond spoke strong and wise, like the true leader he has always been to so many.
"Each race is bound to this fate, this one Doom. Bring forth the ring, Frodo"
Frodo looked around him, a little scared, but knowing his friend Gandalf was beside him, he took the strength and walked to the center of the circle, all sat in. He placed the ring upon the stone table and he felt relief wash over him as he sat back upon his chair.
All stared at the ring in great awe, all different thoughts about it, but none were as honourable as the thoughts of Legolas and Aragorn, whom were now reunited in this circle. They had naught spoken since, a tension growing between them, knowing Arwen stood between them.
Both of them realized and felt the evil power within the circle, Legolas more than any other. Somehow, he could, not understanding why, feel his inner light fading under its evil and darkness. It tugged at his heart, at his light, challenging it, but Legolas remained calm and strong.
"So it's true" Aragorn heard Boromir whisper.
Slowly Boromir rose, "In a dream, I saw the eastern sky grow dark, but in the west a pale light lingered. A voice was crying; Doom is near at hand, Isildur's Bane has been found. . . .Isildur's Bane. . ." the man's hand reached for the ring, wanting to grab it. . .
"Boromir!" Elrond cried out, wanting to stop him, but Gandalf took lead and spoke the dark words of Mordor, leading Boromir away from the ring, reseating himself, in fear. The words thundered through the air, the sky grew dark. All the elves reached for their heads, a headache seemed to appear when these dark words were spoken. Worried eyes glanced upon Legolas, whom seemed to suffer to most of all.
"Never before has any voice uttered the words of that tongue here, in Imladris" Elrond spoke fiercely.
"I do not ask your pardon master Elrond, for the black speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the west! The ring is altogether evil" Gandalf spoke, warning all the others as he walked back to his seat, words of Boromir though, made him turn.
"It is a gift. A gift from the foes of Mordor! Why not use this ring? Long has my father, the steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of Our people, are your lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy, let us use it against him".
"You cannot wield it, none of us can! The one ring answers to Sauron alone, it has no other master." Aragorn interfered.
Boromir turned, "And what would a ranger know of this matter?"
Legolas had watched the scene unfold before him, even though something stood in between Aragorn and him, even though their friendship was densed now, he felt he had to stay on Aragorn's side. It hurt him, someone saying such downgrading things of Estel. Knowing deep down, Aragorn's true identity could not be hidden much longer, he made a choice...
"He is no mere ranger, he is Aragorn, son of Arathorn and you owe him your allegiance" Legolas spoke, no hesitation on his face, or in his voice.
"Aragorn" Boromir spoke bewildered, "This is Isildur's heir?"
"And heir to the throne of Gondor" Legolas finished.
Aragorn himself was surprised by Legolas' actions, what had he done? Had he done it out of revenge? He did not know the elf being one of vengeance...
"Havo Dad, Legolas" ("Sit Down, Legolas") Aragorn spoke in elvish (a/n thnx to soooo many reviewers! BTW, are the movie lines really that inaccurate? I typed them straight off the television, while watching the DVD with english subtitles!).
Boromir returned a vicious glare to the elf that reseated himself,
"Gondor has no king... Gondor needs no king" he spoke, directing the last sentence to the heir of Isildur, as he sat down once more.
"Aragorn is right, we cannot use it" Gandalf spoke, assisting Aragorn.
Elrond stood, "You have only one choice, the ring must be destroyed".
All looked around, all in own thought, until the youngest dwarf in the council rose, "What are we waiting for?!" he stood and headed for the table, his axe drawn and ready to strike.
He struck the ring, but was taking aback by it's force. The axe was shattered and the ring still whole. Whilst Gimli had attempted to destroy the ring, Sauron lashed out with his evil force and Frodo was clearly suffering from it, remembering the eye all to well.
"The ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess. The ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom and only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you, must do this" Elrond spoke.
Boromir was one to complain, "One does not simply walk into Mordor, it's Black gates are guarded by more than just orcs. There is evil there, that does not sleep. The Great Eye is ever watchful. 'T is a barred wasteland riddled with fire, and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with 10.000 men could you do this, it is folly".
"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed!" Legolas had his patience, but now he had lost it. He was sick and tired of the man thinking only of his own wishes, complaining whenever he did not like what was said.
Gimli stood as quickly as Legolas had, but not to stand by his side, "And I suppose you think you are the one to do it!"
"And if we fail, what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?" Boromir stood as well.
"I will be dead, before I see the Ring in the hands of an elf!" Gimli exclaimed angry.
All now stood, arguing over whom should take the ring to Mordor, if it was even possible. Legolas held his friends back, stopping them from wanting to attack and fight whilst Aragorn rolled his eyes at what was happening before him. This was not getting them anywhere!
Frodo sat there watching the arguing races before him and contemplated for a moment, soon his decision was made.
"I will take it!" he called into the group, "I Will Take It!" he said again.
Gandalf heard the halflings words and it broke his heart, he wanted this fair folk to be in peace, having nothing to do with the Ring ever again. Yet now, Frodo had decided against his wishes, but there was nothing he could do about it.
"I will take the Ring to Mordor..." all went silent, watching the small hobbit in front of them.
"...though, I do not know the way" Frodo spoke.
"I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear" Gandalf spoke.
"If, by my life or death I can protect you, I will... You have my sword..." Aragorn spoke, rising from his chair and taking a stand behind Frodo after kneeling in front of him.
"And you have my bow" Legolas tuned in, standing behind Frodo, just as the other two.
"And my axe" Of course the dwarf would not let this elf, whom in his eyes could not be trusted, dwell around the Ring. He would personally guarantee the elf would stay away from it as he took his position next to the tall handsome elf. Legolas only rolled his eyes.
"You carry the fates of us all, little one. If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done" Boromir spoke.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, Sam emerged from the bushes,
"Hey, Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me" he spoke.
"Now indeed it is hardly possible to separate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not" Elrond spoke, like a true father, punishing his child with words.
Merry and Pippin suddenly emerged from behind two pillars as well and they ran towards their friends,
"Hey! We're coming too!" Merry called out, "You'll have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us".
"Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission...quest...thing" Pippin said.
"Well, that rules you out, Pip" Merry joked.
"Nine companions... So be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring" Elrond spoke.
"Great... Where are we going?" Pippin asked, clearly not having dropped as many eaves as they thought.
A/N Well, I finally got to the end of the first disc. As you might have read, I have been banished from ffnet for a while, doing something wrong I am not aware off. But anyway, I read the date the wrong way and thought I was to be banished off ffent, or at least the uploading until the first of march, but it said 01-03-04, which actually mean in 2 days. So anyway, I wish everybody a very happy new year and euhm, onto the next chap and disc two of FOTR, no?