Chapter 17

Hello~ Merry Christmas to all!

And now I bring you the latest chapter for this day~

Thanks for reading! :)

The clouds were thick and the air was strong but the Rangers of the North continued to cross the wide plain of Gondor to meet the battle ahead. The Chieftain, Aragorn, looked back behind him, to the mountains where Minas Tirith was standing.

Beyond its tall wall was the people he needed to protect, but among all, beyond its wall was an Elf who was so fair it took him great effort to leave behind. On his departure he wished upon the stars that this being would be better in his return. Yes, he decided to leave Legolas behind. The unusual behavior of the Elf troubled him and as a healer himself (his father had taught him so), he knew better than to risk an immortal's life.

Looking back ahead he saw his men riding before him, all in silent reverie. Among them was Rohimnūn who was also riding silently ahead. He did not let the Gondorian to stay behind when Legolas was there. He'd rather risk the Elf coming along than let Rohimnūn alone with him. He had warned him and so far as he could tell Rohimnun was taking his word seriously. He should. He wasn't kidding when he said he'd kill him. He would have done so that night if it wasn't for the fact that he was in Gondor's high walls where any threat against its residence could sent the steward to destroy his own men. Aragorn knew better than to let his anger get the best of him. The past events with him and Legolas had taught him well.

The sun was already up when they continued traveling for the coast to meet the Black Men. These men were part Dúnedain except for the fact that they were the fallen ones who chose the dark side. They have been a threat to most cities, and now to Gondor, and so as to finish this threat Aragorn had decided to get rid of this people. Then maybe after everything peace would be restored to Gondor. He and Legolas could go back to the Northern Lands and live together peacefully without any trouble.

Remembering the Elf, Aragorn couldn't help but feel bothered. Legolas had clearly forgotten what Rohimnūn had done to him. He wondered if the Elf accidentally hit his head on something. He remembered how Legolas had looked up to him so innocently when he had woken; his confused expression when he told him about what Rohimnūn nearly did., but Aragorn knew what the Elf was going through in one way or another. If his hunch was right then it was possible that Legolas was going through some sort of mental block. Parts of his memories were fading.

There were cases of fading memories, physical injuries on the head were the most common reason and most of them can be mended with time and right medication. But losing memories due to fear, anxiety, or even self defense was something only the person who wished to lose them can cure. It was something out of his hand. What Rohimnūn did probably really scared the Elf.

The ranger recalled what he had felt when Legolas said he didn't know what the man was talking about. Something akin to fear seized him. He feared that Legolas had forgotten what they were for each other. How glad he was to know Legolas could remember their loved. He would not know what to do if Legolas had forgotten him…But whatever Rohimnūn tried to do… was it enough to make the Elf want to lose his memory that much? Could there be more reason?

Aragorn did not notice the time that went by while he pondered over the Elf's matter. He just realized they were nearly there when the rangers had stopped and had looked at him over their shoulders. The Chieftain blinked back, almost forgetting where he was and what he was doing there. Then like a cold water pouring down on him he remembered and pulled himself together. He looked around and saw that huge rocks were surrounding him and his men. They were standing between two gigantic stone valleys where he could not see the top but the grey sky. He didn't realize the sun had been concealed by the grey clouds. He goad his horse to move forward where a huge rock was standing and listened to everything his keen ears could hear. He felt how cold the place was.

"Judging by our position the forces from Umbar could be on the next side of this valley." Rohimnūn started with his usual acid tone as he addressed Aragorn with cold eyes. "The delay yesterday caused us to lose the east part of this valley. Had we chosen to leave yesterday we could have attacked them before they could even set foot on the coast."

"Speak no more of what could or should have happened in the past," Aragorn spoke quietly while he looked around, "They are the words of regret and would only make the speaker, if not more of a fool, then more bitter as he is already." With his last words he turned his head on Rohimnūn's direction quietly. The Gondorian gritted his teeth and glared at him.

Aragorn paid him no heed anymore as he slid down his horse and knelt down the ground. He set his palms down the rocky ground as if to feel its pulse, and then without another word set his ears on the ground too with closed eyes. Silence greeted his actions among the rangers except Rohimnūn who raised his eyebrows at the Chieftain. When Aragorn opened his eyes and had sat straight, he looked ahead the huge rock thoughtfully.

Rohimnūn frowned all through out this but he was sure of what was happening. The fool ranger was trying to read the signs of nature. Like that would save them from the coming battle ahead. Whatever the ranger was doing, it was clearly wasting up their time. He was about to open his mouth in impatience when Aragorn suddenly turned back on them with glinting eyes.

"There are about a hundred of them and they are heading this way." The man's voice was full of confidence that Rohimnūn found them hard not to believe even if he forced himself. "They are all traveling in feet, and guessing by the sound of their steps they're probably with swords, axes and clubs. With their pace they could reach us in this mark on sunset, a days travel toward Minas Tirith, but we will not let them reach it. We will destroy their force right here in this very spot. Is that clear, gentlemen?"

"Aye!" was the determined answer.

Aragorn traveled his eyes on his fellow ranger's faces and then added with much seriousness.

"Let not one of us die, if we can help it."

"Aye!" The Chieftain nodded with a small sigh, and then without further ado, called the rangers to gather around him to speak about his plan. Rohimnūn reluctantly followed.

"We will surround then between these huge rocks, set your aims, we will use the distance to fight them." He started quietly, pointing ahead at the rocks that stood between him and the rest of the huge rocks. "Kill their lead, if we manage to do that it will surely alarm them. They'd turn to anyone who could lead them. We will use the distraction to knock them down-"

"Knock them down?"

Aragorn turned to Rohimnun who was looking at him with knitted eyebrows.

"Why not slit their throats in instant?" the Gondorian demanded, clearly not seeing what Aragorn could see. The Chieftain looked sideways to some of his rangers who frowned at the Gondorian.

"They are still men, are they not? Why are you questioning Aragorn?" it was Iriad, Aragorn had recognized his voice among his men. "Enough of your proud talk we will not be fooled by your words anymore." Aragorn knew the ranger was talking about the almost mutiny among the rangers.

"The Man from the West doesn't think of anyone as equal to himself." one of the rangers spoke again and Aragorn recognized Dellion's voice. The Chieftain could barely make out who was speaking for they always answer him in chorus. But he knew those two who had spoken where the first ones to follow him to Rohan when doubt was in the heart of everyone because of Rohimnūn.

Rohimnun's eyes flashed at once and he opened his mouth to retort but Aragorn held his hand to him.

"Enough. They are human Rohimnūn, not some orcs or goblins we could easily slay."

But the Gondorian merely snorted and shook his head.

"They aim to kill and destroy my people! What is left to define them as men except their skin?"

"A human's blood-" started Aragorn again but Rohimnun merely growled like an angry wolf and bellowed, "Enough of your foolishness! It is my land they are threatening; I will not allow any single of them to survive tonight! Don't pretend to be some sympathetic creature that wants to protect life dearly, like you want to save both the good and bad- I will not fall in the same idiocy! Gondor has been through a huge lost because of them! I will not tolerate anything that is against my land! You mark my words!"

Aragorn was left hanging as Rohimnun finished his last sentence with an angry glare. He watched the Gondorian for a second, and then turned to his men who were watching him as well.

"Well be damned…" he whispered quietly as he looked around them, "Kill them if they are persistent on attacking you… and those who will surrender, knock them out and we'll bring them to the castle for a fair judgment."

Rohimnun snorted once more. "Denethor will all have them die no matter.'

Aragorn only looked at him from the corner of his eyes before continuing to lay out his plan. By the end of his sentence everyone was nodding in understanding and agreement. By sun down he briefly glanced at the sky and then back to his men and said,

"Do not die, gentlemen." It was an order.

+++TTT+++TTT+++

The Rangers of the North were all silent as they waited patiently on their respective positions. The sky was still gray and dull, they could not see if dusk was already upon them but they could feel the presence of everyone around the cold stones. Aragorn had positioned them from all corners, making sure everyone had their arrows set and ready to aim. He will have them kill at least more than a dozen before they engage in the ferocious battle. He knew they could make it; a hundred was barely a number. At some point he had to agree with Rohimnūn, that between his rangers dying and the Black Men, he'd rather be rid of the latter. He was only hoping that one or two of the Black Men could still have a chance to change. He was not going to take away that chance from them… but under such circumstances it was hard not to. It was a battle they weres facing. Lives will be at stake no matter how hard he tried to save them.

Aragorn was pulled back on his senses when he felt the ground shook strongly. He looked around sharply at everyone, whose eyes glinted back at him. He gave them a nod and they nodded back. They knew what was coming. Turning around to his right, he adjusted the arm length crossbow on his hands and pointed it ahead. The footsteps started to get closer. Aragorn felt the agitation of the rangers.

Shadows started to appear on the semi darkness path and a second later a huge group of men were filling the path of the rocky ground. They were all clad in black with weapons in their hands. Aragorn waited silently for them to pass by, having positioned himself in front: the group continued to stream nonstop from the east with pace like march. The Chieftain and the others continued to wait in the dark. Ahead of them, on the path were they had come from, Iriad and Rohimnun's group were waiting. They will be waiting there to kill the lead. Aragorn had tasked them the job.

After a few more minutes Aragorn looked up and saw that the last man of the black men had walk by him. It was time. He whistled in sign of the first attack and the air was filled with the sound of a dozen thuds of arrows hitting their marks. There were roars and cries from the men as they all started to realize the ambush. Aragorn shouted for the second mark of arrows to shot in the air and then leapt up with his sword at hand. The battle began.

The fight was fierce; even at the sudden ambush, the Black Men showed no mercy on attempting to kill the rangers. Aragorn saw no sign of humanity in their eyes and so he attacked relentlessly. He stabbed one on the stomach when it tried to throw him his axe, elbowed and kicked one that attacked him from behind, and swatted one with his sword the attacker when he tried to swing his sword back at him. The air was filled with shrieks of pain, growls of fighters and the sound of weapons.

Ting! Tang! Whoosh! Thud! Cling! Clang!

He could see his men fighting with vigor and unstoppable strikes. He knew the rangers could see no hope of anyone among the Black Men to surrender. They continued to take as many as they could in one strike of their blades. He saw four black men edging to kill one of the rangers so Aragorn jumped from behind and set his sword down one of their throats. As he was fighting, he noticed the enemies had started to panic. He realized the leader must have been dead.

Just as he thought they were winning for almost half the Black men had fallen, a strike of pain that made him lost his breath caught him. He looked down on his left side and saw an arrow protruding from his back that cut to his flesh toward his left stomach. His blood had started to stream down his clothes. Shock at the wound, Aragorn looked around for his attacker but he could only see everyone around him moving so fast. He blinked. Something in the air made Aragorn raise his sword and stabbed one of the enemies that tried to take him down. His left side seared with pain and something from his throat made its way out of his mouth- he coughed blood. Aragorn knelt down the ground, his vision clouding, his senses starting to get numb. No… he couldn't possibly be dying…?

Legolas suddenly appeared before his eyes. He was waiting for him…

That's right, he couldn't die! But as this determination started to fill his heart, he felt someone raise a sword above him. He tried to grasp his sword but he had lost control of his fingers and from then the Chieftain knew at that moment it was futile to resist. Death has come to take him.

Blood splattered on the ground.

+++TTT+++TTT+++

Legolas looked suddenly on the window with a frown. The night was deep and the cloudy sky remained to hide the stars. The Elf felt troubled. He paced back and forth inside his room with his arms crossed.

He knew he should have come along with the battle. He knew he would feel much better if he could see Aragorn around him. Being left behind and not seeing the man at all was torture for him. He really regretted having the man talk him to stay behind. He never should have listened!

A passing headache came to him and the Elf had to stop moving for awhile. He closed his eyes and tried to feel his forehead. His head kept aching from time to time and it was beginning to make him worry. Since when did he have such pain? Since when did it start to bother him? And why did it feel like he had forgotten something?

Whispering an Elvish curse, Legolas settled himself on the couch and stared at the fireside. The fire was strong yet he felt cold and empty. He wanted Aragorn's embrace to make him feel warm. He prayed the man would acquire no wound and would be safe. He wished for his safety not once but more than anyone could wish for. His life was tied with him…

It was the middle of the night and Legolas felt drowsy as he stared at the dancing flames. He will give anything to have the man back on his arms too… If only he had come with him… then probably he would not regret anything…

Something on his left side was aching, like something had pierced itself on it. The pain was unimaginable…There were shouts… Legolas was crying…

With a start the Elf blinked at the dark ceiling with his heart racing. He realized he had fallen asleep on the couch. He sat up straight and clutched his chest. An ache that has nothing to do with his head had struck his heart. He knew who it was aching for and he did not like it. Premonition was something Elves were known for and it usually leaves warning. Legolas was not ready for it. He immediately stood up, strode away and pulled open the door of his room.

His keen hearing heard them coming.

He reached the hallway just as Ecthelion was ordering the healers to look after the wounded rangers. Legolas' mouth dropped open a little as he saw the wounded rangers coming in with aids. They had come back from the battle with deep wounds. He lurched forward, his head looking from left to right, searching for a certain man whose face was slowly fading away from his mind. He knew he had to see him before he completely forgot how he had looked like. He felt the urgency and the warning of his mind like a threat. He did not want it, so he kept looking.

The Elf had looked everywhere but failed to find the man. His heart was thumping and racing like he was facing his death. He knew death was nothing compared to what awaits his ears. He felt someone come closer and turned expectantly only to find Rohimnūn's familiar face appear before him.

"Where is he?" he immediately blurted, wishing he could remember the name of the man he was looking for because all of a sudden it left his memory.

"He's dead." Rohimnūn answered gravely, "I saw him fall and die."

Legolas stared at the Gondorian with glassy eyes. He felt numb all of a sudden and he shook his head in disbelief, "No…that's not possible…"

Rohimnūn bowed and closed his eyes.

"He's gone, Legolas. Forgive me, but he is dead."

The light on the Elf's eyes vanished. Weakness and emptiness had taken over him. A man's face appeared on his mind but it was blank. He couldn't see who it was…

"Who..." He muttered slowly, his eyes brimming with tears that made the Gondorian frown, "I can't seem to remember his face… his name…it seemed important…"

"What are you talking about?" Rohimnūn frowned down at the Elf who had clutched his head with both his hands. "Legolas!"

Everything became dark.

Legolas had fallen into the oblivion…the world of denial.

+++TTT+++TTT+++

Aragorn stirred.

He saw only darkness and it troubled him, only to realize he had his eyes closed. He opened them and the blinked at the stars. It was midnight. Had he fallen asleep outside his father's quarters?

"Chief? Lord Aragorn!"

Aragorn looked sideways and saw a man with ragged black clothes and a patch on his right eye looking at him slightly grinning.

"Iriad?" he called sitting up and crying in pain as he felt a stab on his left side.

"Lie down, your wound has not healed yet…"

"What- happened? Where…?" Aragorn asked, the pain in his left side not subsiding.

"Well, we fought the black men from Umbar, if you remember that much, my Lord, and you were stabbed."

"Umbar…ah… where are we?" the Chieftain looked back at he stars above him, trying to remember something.

"We are hiding on a forest near the spot where we fought them. You have been unconscious." Iriad explained, looking at his Chief with a frown, "The others have returned to the castle. We are the only one left here for they thought we are dead."

"They thought- what?" Aragorn nearly killed himself as he forced himself to sit up, the pain was agonizing. "Since when have I been unconscious?"

"Three days."

Aragorn exhaled and without further ado forced himself to stand.

"Lord Aragorn-"

"We are heading back- now!" his voice was an order and Iriad could do nothing but to obey. Aragorn saw the ranger took a horse from a nearby tree, which he said he had been saving for their return. Aragorn endured the pain as he was helped to climb the horse.

As they started the journey, the Chieftain could barely speak in pain but it he ignored it. He was just sure of the pain someone waiting for him had been having while he was gone… three days… what could have happened to Legolas in three days, he worried.

"Lord Aragorn, are you alright…?" Iriad muttered behind him.

"Never mind… but make haste, its urgent…"

He didn't know if Iriad had listened to him but the next thing he knew darkness had enveloped his vision. In the darkness everything about him was aching….

"We are here."

Aragorn opened his eyes from the whispering voice and saw himself drawing close toward a huge gate. Dawn was already upon them and he could see the first light from the rising sun. He remembered where he was and when he saw Minas Tirith's tall gate his eyes focused.

The gates were opened for them without delay and Iriad directed the horse upward, to the upper level where the White Tree was located. As they took the last step a loud cheer from people greeted them as they reached the highest level. Aragorn recognized his rangers. They were all looking well, with some of them still sporting bandaged arms and legs. Nevertheless their enthusiasm upon seeing their Chief and friend were overwhelming.

"You are both alive!"

"Elbereth! We all survived!"

"They are here!"

"The Chief!"

Aragorn was helped by many hands to get down as the horse halted. He whispered thanks and greetings to every one and then with Iriad's help, proceeded toward the King's Hall where he was greeted by the shock steward.

"Lord Thorongil! Blessed one! You have returned! You- you are wounded! Quick- alert the healers!"

"Where's Legolas?" he immediately asked, upon setting his eyes around the hall and couldn't find the Elf. "What happened to him?"

"Legolas? The Elf?" Ecthelion blinked at the ranger and then nodded away to his servants to call the healers, "He is around, he was out of himself but he was well taken care of. Had a few problems with him, forgot how he got here and that, but ahoy! We've had another visitor while everyone was mourning for your death! But your wounds first, my dear fellow! I can't have you die after you saved my land!"

Aragorn turned to Iriad who shrugged at him. The movement made the Chieftain aware of his wounds and it made him bit his lower lip. The pain was unbearable, but he had to see Legolas first before worrying about the rest…

As if the gods have heard his wish, a familiar voice spoke from somewhere.

"Lord Ecthelion?"

Aragorn looked up and to his relief, saw Legolas standing near the door on the left, looking as fair as ever. The man felt his heart do a summersault when the Elf entered the hall. Finally…

"Legolas…" he whispered, with droplets of sweat on his forehead for his wound had been torturing him. The Elf walked near, looking curious as to what was happening before him. When he was beside the steward did Aragorn spoke,

"I'm here…"

He waited for the fair being to smile. To see his rejoice for his return. But the Elf merely looked at his wound and then frowned back at Ecthelion.

"This man is wounded. Lord Ecthelion, who is he?"

Aragorn felt like a dam of icy cold water has been splashed down on him.

"It's me!" he injected loudly, pulling away from Iriad's arms and taking a step toward the Elf while supporting his left side. "Legolas, don't tell me you have forgotten?"

Legolas looked at Aragorn with knitted eyebrows before turning back to Ecthelion again, looking more confuse.

"Who is this wounded fellow?"

"Alas, you seem to have forgotten even Lord Thorongil." Ecthelion shook his head with a look of pity on his eyes toward the Elf. Upon hearing the name the Elf turned back at Aragorn with a flicker of recognition in his eyes. It made Aragorn hopeful.

"Lord Thorongil?" whispered the Elf with wonder in his eyes, "Then- you are my Master!"

Aragorn opened his mouth but no words came out. He stared at the Elf as if his ears couldn't believe what he was hearing. He felt nauseous and tired all of a sudden, and the last thing he saw before he was devored by darkness, was the face of the Elf, whose eyes were still looking at him strangely. The eyes very different from the last he saw, the one which had loved and affection on them. The eyes that were looking back on him now were full of doubt and hesitation.

He knew what he was for Legolas that very moment.

He was just another stranger for the Elf.

~TBC~

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Best luck to Aragorn.

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