Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters or settings from Lord of the Rings or Xena the Warrior Princess
XLIV: Trusted Friends Part I
2956 TA - 3018 TA
As Legolas prepared for his departure, the notion of leaving his home for what he declared as the final time held an air of irony. Yet, that was precisely his intention. His steed, Arodil, though advancing in years, was still capable of undertaking a journey as long and uncertain as the one to Rivendell. Legolas resolved to bring Arodil on this last voyage, envisioning a serene retirement for him under the clear skies of Rivendell, far from the shadows that often shrouded Mirkwood.
Sadly, Swiftwind, his other trusted steed, had not been destined for such a peaceful end. Its passing had come unexpectedly during Legolas's preparations for departure. The mortal, Xena, had attended to the necessary rites for Swiftwind, in keeping with the obligations of ownership and respect. It was a duty she fulfilled with the solemnity it deserved, though Legolas did not witness it himself.
That was the last he had heard of her, a quiet farewell to a chapter in his life marked by unexpected companionship and shared trials. His journey to Imladris was fraught with dangers, typical of the perils that lurked in Middle Earth. But Legolas, with his elven prowess and seasoned experience, faced each challenge with a calm resolve, undeterred by the threats that arose along his path.
His journey, a blend of introspection and adventure, was a reflection of his life's journey. Each step away from Mirkwood was not just a physical distance traversed but also a passage through memories, experiences, and the subtle acceptance of inevitable change. As he rode towards Rivendell, Legolas carried with him not only his own hopes and expectations but also the silent, lingering thoughts of those he was leaving behind.
Imladris, or Rivendell as it was commonly known, greeted Legolas with its timeless beauty and tranquility. Nestled in a deep valley, surrounded by towering mountains and vibrant forests, it was a haven of peace and safety. The Last Homely House, with its elegant architecture that seamlessly blended with nature, stood as a testament to elven artistry and harmony.
In Rivendell, Legolas was welcomed by familiar faces – Elladan, Elrohir, and Arwen. Their companionship and the serene atmosphere of Imladris gradually helped ease his weary spirit. The gentle rustle of leaves and the melodious flow of the river Bruinen added to the sense of peace that pervaded the valley.
However, Elrond, the wise and venerable lord of Rivendell, could discern the subtle changes in Legolas. The prince, though still adherent to his traditions and honor, often sought solitude, his demeanor reflective and contemplative.
Elrond, having lived through many ages and witnessed the complexities of countless lives, understood that some souls were more guarded than others. Legolas, much like his father Thranduil, was one such individual. Respecting this, Elrond never pressed him for disclosures he was unwilling to make.
One evening, as they walked through the lush gardens of Rivendell, Elrond, in his characteristic thoughtful manner, broached a suggestion to Legolas. The air was fresh with the scent of blooming flowers, and the setting sun cast a warm, golden light over the garden, creating an atmosphere conducive to open-hearted conversation.
"Legolas," Elrond began, his voice gentle yet earnest, "Leithia in lin menin, a lîn hebin ilaur, lin síra veren veleth, sîdh a nêl oria a lûm had, Dolo nin istach..."I ( have observed your solitude, and while it is a path many choose, sometimes the company of others, or a new purpose, can bring a different kind of peace. Have you considered...) Elrond trailed off, leaving his sentence open, inviting Legolas to ponder the possibilities that lay beyond the boundaries of Rivendell, beyond the solitude he had cloaked himself in.
Elladan and Elrohir's experience with their mother's passing was a subject that resonated deeply with Legolas. He was well aware of the sorrow that the twin sons of Elrond bore, a sorrow akin to his own. Their mother's fate had left an indelible mark on their hearts, one that Legolas could empathize with.
Elrond, with a hint of sadness in his voice, reflected on his sons' path through their grief. "Hebo annon lin yaure rastad teitha naur," (There was little I could do to ease their pain,) he said. "Lin thenten sîdh a veren leithia a lin Dúnedain." (They sought solace and purpose with the Rangers of the North.)
Legolas nodded, his thoughts turning to the Dúnedain of Arnor, of whom he had heard much. The twins' involvement in numerous quests and missions with the Rangers was a testament to their unyielding spirit and quest for meaning in their prolonged lives.
"Elladan ar Elrohir oerui nae neledh ad-astan Estel," (Elladan and Elrohir are soon to journey forth to join Estel,) Elrond revealed, his gaze meeting Legolas'. "Man ennas, lhûgadh lín maer lin mebiad, lín naithar a thiriel naithannen síla." (Perhaps, accompanying them could provide you with a new focus, a direction for both your mind and your skills.)
Legolas was intrigued. It had been a considerable time since he last visited Imladris, and much had changed. Elrond had fostered a human child named Estel, a name Legolas heard spoken with respect and affection by both the twins and Arwen. Details about Estel were scarce, but the high regard in which he was held piqued Legolas' curiosity.
After some contemplation, Legolas agreed to accompany Elladan and Elrohir. As fate would have it, during this journey, he encountered the one known as Estel, who was now more commonly referred to as Strider. This meeting marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that would intertwine Legolas' path with that of Strider, a man who would come to play a significant role in the unfolding events of Middle Earth. This encounter, under the guiding hand of Elrond, was perhaps the very opportunity Legolas needed to find a renewed sense of purpose.
Legolas' initial interactions with Strider, whom he later learned was Aragorn, son of Arathorn, were marked by skepticism and discord. Legolas held certain preconceptions about humans, but Aragorn, with his unique blend of wisdom, skill, and humility, gradually began to challenge and dismantle these beliefs.
Over the years, the relationship between Legolas and Aragorn transformed significantly. From initial disagreements and mutual testing, they evolved into a deep and abiding friendship. Their bond was forged through countless shared adventures, trials, and moments of vulnerability. Legolas, who once believed in keeping his emotions and thoughts closely guarded, found in Aragorn a friend to whom he could confide freely.
Even when Elladan and Elrohir returned to Imladris, Legolas chose to stay with Aragorn, their trust and camaraderie had grown strong. Together, they journeyed across Middle Earth, their friendship enduring for nearly fifty years. During this time, they shared stories, sorrows, and secrets, each learning from the other's perspective and experiences.
It was during these years that Legolas discovered Aragorn's true identity as the heir of Gondor. Aragorn, however, had long forsaken the path of kingship, choosing instead the life of a Ranger. His occasional visits to Rivendell were overshadowed by his efforts to distance himself from his lineage and the expectations that came with it.
The revelation of Aragorn's love for Arwen added another layer of complexity to their friendship. Legolas initially opposed their union, understanding the profound implications of such a bond between a mortal man, albeit one of the Dúnedain with a longer lifespan, and an elf who could live for centuries. This relationship challenged Legolas' views on the intersections of love, mortality, and the divergent paths of elves and humans.
Yet, through his friendship with Aragorn, Legolas' understanding of these matters deepened. He came to see the strength and beauty in their love, and how it transcended the boundaries of race and lifespan. This acceptance was a testament to the growth and evolution of his own perspectives, shaped by his experiences and the bonds he formed on his journey.
Legolas, initially hesitant about the relationship between Aragorn and Arwen, often concurred with Aragorn's own doubts. They both feared the eventual grief that Arwen would endure upon Aragorn's mortality. This understanding of inevitable loss was ingrained in Legolas, rooted deeply in elvish tradition and wisdom.
Aragorn, though he agreed in principle and tried to maintain distance, couldn't deny the deep love he harbored for Arwen. Legolas respected this silent battle within his friend's heart, acknowledging the complexities of love and destiny.
Over time, and through many heartfelt discussions, Legolas' stance softened. Observing Aragorn and Arwen together, he began to see the profound connection they shared. When they visited Imladris for supplies and respite, the way Arwen spoke of Aragorn revealed a bond that transcended conventional wisdom and societal norms.
Legolas, a product of elven culture and tradition, initially understood Aragorn's reluctance to pursue a relationship with Arwen. The historical belief that the hearts of men were susceptible to weakness and corruption weighed heavily on Aragorn's decisions. However, Legolas witnessed Aragorn's strength of character and unyielding integrity over the years. He came to regard their union not just as feasible, but as something to be championed.
Thus, Legolas became not only a friend and ally to Aragorn but also a steadfast supporter of his and Arwen's love. Despite his own pride and occasional brashness, Legolas valued their friendship deeply.
However, this unwavering support did not prevent them from finding themselves in precarious situations. One such instance occurred when Legolas insisted on revisiting the Alchemist to inquire about a curse. His need for answers led them into a perilous situation, surrounded by a horde of orcs. In that moment, Legolas' decision-making, often driven by a blend of curiosity and a sense of adventure, brought them face to face with immediate danger. It was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of their journey and the trials they faced together as friends navigating the complex tapestry of Middle Earth.
In the heat of battle, amidst the clash of swords and the grunts of orcs, Aragorn found himself questioning the wisdom of their current endeavor. "Remind me again, Legolas, why did I follow you into this madness?" he asked, his sword deftly parrying and striking in a deadly dance against their foes.
They were in the thick of combat, surrounded by the menacing figures of orcs. Aragorn, with the skill and resolve of a seasoned warrior, held his ground, his blade a blur of motion as he fended off the relentless attacks. Legolas, his bow singing with every released arrow, moved with almost ethereal grace, his aim unerring as each arrow found its mark.
For Legolas, the years spent away from Mirkwood, and in Strider's company, had brought a semblance of peace. The darkness that once shrouded his heart had receded, though it never fully vanished. He had learned to cope, and the supposed curse had not wrought the harm he once feared.
This quest, sparked by a lingering curiosity about a past adventure with another human, was one Legolas had hoped would shed more light on the mysterious curse. Time had passed, and he presumed that the human was long deceased. But perhaps the Alchemist would reveal more.
"Strider, I thought you enjoyed exploring the lands of my homeland, experiencing the darkness that lurks here," Legolas replied, an amused lilt in his voice as his arrows continued to fly, each finding an orcish target. Usually, when they were not in Rivendell they would use frequently the common tongue.
"I've seen my share of orcs," Aragorn countered, maintaining his defensive stance. The battlefield around them was chaotic, a maelstrom of violence and dark intent.
"There aren't so many tonight," Legolas quipped, still with that same amusement. "Trust me on this."
"I've trusted you throughout our journey, and it seems to grow ever more perilous, Legolas," Aragorn remarked, his tone serious yet tinged with camaraderie as he cut down another orc.
"And since when has peril been a problem for us?" Legolas asked, his question met with a knowing smile from Aragorn. With that, they plunged back into the fray, their friendship and shared history a silent bond that strengthened them against the tide of orcs they faced.
The skirmish with the orcs, intense and fraught with danger, was yet another test of the enduring partnership between Legolas and Aragorn. With each orc they faced, their coordination and combat skills shone through. Legolas' arrows flew with lethal precision, each shot a testament to his unparalleled archery. With his sword Andúril flashing in the dim light, Aragorn moved with a warrior's grace, his strikes both swift and deadly.
The orcs, fierce and relentless, were no match for the combined might of the elf and the ranger. With each fallen foe, they inched closer to victory, their synergy in battle dance of blades and arrows. The air was filled with the clash of steel and the twang of the bowstring, punctuated by the guttural cries of their adversaries.
As the last orcs fell, the pair stood back-to-back, breathing heavily from the exertion. They exchanged a brief, knowing look - one that spoke of mutual respect and the deep bond forged over decades of shared trials.
However, Legolas had indeed led them on a path that was becoming increasingly perilous. The routes chosen by the elf seemed to delve deeper into danger, a departure from their usual ventures. The lands they traversed were shadowed and fraught with unseen threats, making each step forward a venture into uncertainty.
This journey, while reminiscent of their past adventures, carried with it a sense of heightened risk. The challenges they faced seemed to escalate, the darkness around them growing more tangible. It was a path that tested not only their skills and resolve but also their understanding of each other and the world they navigated.
As they moved onward, the unspoken question lingered between them - what drove Legolas to choose these treacherous paths, and what did he hope to find at their end? The answers, it seemed, lay further along their journey, hidden in the shadows and secrets of Middle Earth.
In the aftermath of their skirmish, as Aragorn meticulously cleaned his sword, he couldn't help but comment on their perilous path. "Had your father known you chose this path again, he would surely confine you within the walls of his stronghold," he remarked half-seriously. "And I can't say I'd blame him."
Legolas, methodically retrieving his arrows from the fallen orcs, met Aragorn's comment with a solemn gaze. "There are things I must uncover, Aragorn, and I trust no one else to accompany me on this quest," he said earnestly.
Aragorn, understanding the unspoken reference, recognized that there indeed was someone else Legolas would have trusted for such a journey. But that person, a part of Legolas' past, was likely long gone, either succumbed to age or the passage of time.
The topic of that particular adventure remained untouched, as Aragorn had observed the shadow of sadness that would cross Legolas' features whenever those days were mentioned. It was a sorrow unfamiliar yet profound, speaking of memories and connections lost to time.
Their journey led them deeper into the forest, to the secluded abode of the Alchemist, Syla. Upon reaching their destination, both were struck by the sheer age that seemed to have enveloped Syla. He appeared more a ghostly vestige of his former self, his vitality seemingly drained, leaving behind a fragile, almost lifeless form.
The Alchemist's dwelling was a curious mix of order and chaos. Shelves lined with jars of unknown substances, aged tomes, and peculiar instruments cluttered the space. The air was thick with the smell of herbs and a hint of something more arcane. Syla's eyes, clouded with age, flickered with a dim light as he regarded his unexpected visitors.
"Legolas of Mirkwood, and Aragorn, son of Arathorn," Syla's voice was a raspy whisper, betraying the weight of his years. "What brings you to my humble abode?"
Legolas stepped forward, his purpose clear. "We seek knowledge, Syla. There are things from my past, shadows, and doubts, that I need to understand," he said, his voice steady but filled with an underlying urgency.
Syla regarded them both for a moment, a slow understanding dawning in his eyes. The secrets he held were many, and the truth they sought was intertwined with the tapestry of Legolas' past and the mysteries it concealed. The air in the room grew heavy with anticipation, as the Alchemist prepared to unravel the threads of a tale long buried in the depths of time.
Syla's voice, frail yet tinged with a hint of curiosity, broke the silence. "So, Prince of Mirkwood, you return?" He spoke slowly, his blindness evident in his unfocused gaze. "Have you unraveled the curse then?"
Legolas, moving to sit beside the aged Alchemist, spoke with a blend of concern and curiosity. "The human, she broke the curse. Yet, I feel its remnants linger around me. She must have passed by now, but I suspect a part of that curse still clings to me," he explained.
Syla's voice was barely more than a whisper, a shadow of its former strength. "And you seek healing, Prince?" he inquired, his tone conveying a sense of faded power.
"It's not just healing I seek," Legolas clarified, his voice steady. "I wish to understand the nature of what remains, to know if it's possible to rid myself of it completely." Aragorn, standing a short distance away, remained vigilant, his eyes scanning their surroundings.
Syla sighed, a sound that seemed to carry the weight of many years. "Honestly, Prince, my knowledge has its limits," he admitted. "I am but an alchemist, not a wizard. I know the spells and crafted the curse for the right price. But why it chose to manifest as it did, or what it left behind, is beyond my ken."
Legolas absorbed Syla's words, a mixture of disappointment and understanding in his expression. The mystery of the curse, it seemed, was deeper and more complex than he had initially thought. It was a realization that left more questions than answers, hinting at the intricate and often unpredictable nature of such dark enchantments.
Legolas' frustration was evident, yet he strove to maintain composure in the face of Syla's evasive answers. "You warned me of the curse's demand for a price. What exactly did you know about its nature?" he pressed, seeking clarity amidst the ambiguity.
Syla, his frail frame supported by the tree behind him, seemed to gather his thoughts. "I cautioned you because, in my years, I've learned that curses exact a toll. They are transactions, not gifts. If the curse's effects have shifted to you, it may be because you intervened where you should not have," he explained, his voice carrying the weight of experience.
Legolas' temper flared at the insinuation, but before he could act on his impulse, Aragorn's quick intervention pulled him back. Aragorn's silent shake of the head was a reminder of the futility of aggression, especially against one as frail as Syla.
Regaining a semblance of calm, Legolas posed another question, "Can you at least reveal who sought this curse?"
Syla hesitated before responding, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "It was someone from your father's court," he admitted. "But beyond that, I cannot say. Revealing more might endanger me."
The revelation left Legolas with more questions than answers. The journey to seek clarity from the Alchemist had reached its conclusion, unfulfilling and riddled with mystery. Resolved to uncover the truth, Legolas decided it was time to return to Mirkwood, to delve into his own history and the intrigues of his father's court. The path to understanding the curse, and its implications, lay in the realm he had left behind. With this newfound resolve, Legolas and Aragorn prepared to depart, their journey taking them back to the heart of the Woodland Realm.
The paths of Legolas and Aragorn diverged once they emerged from the forest, each embarking on separate journeys. Aragorn rejoined the Rangers, continuing his duty in the wilds, while Legolas set his sights on Mirkwood, driven by a need to unearth truths buried deep within his homeland.
Their parting was marked by a mutual understanding that they might not cross paths for years. Legolas, determined to delve into the mysteries of the curse and the intrigues of his father's court, returned to a realm under constant threat. Under King Thranduil's rule, Mirkwood had been vigilantly defending its borders against the increasing forces of a dark entity named Dular. These skirmishes, however, paled in comparison to the looming shadow of Sauron, whose presence was becoming ever more pronounced in Middle Earth.
Despite Legolas' return to Mirkwood and his father's unceasing efforts to protect their land, external events rapidly began to influence their fate. The situation escalated when Aragorn, following his duty as a Ranger, brought Gollum to Thranduil, hoping the Elvenking could extract vital information about the One Ring.
Thranduil succeeded in uncovering the grave news: Gollum possessed knowledge of the One Ring, and Sauron was aware of it. However, in a dramatic turn of events, an attack led by Dular's forces on Mirkwood facilitated Gollum's escape. The assault was sudden and fierce, catching the elves off guard and allowing the prisoner to slip away amidst the chaos.
With this critical information, Legolas was now tasked with a grave responsibility. He set out with a contingent of Mirkwood's finest guards to Imladris, to relay the dire news to Elrond. The rising darkness, it seemed, was engulfing all of Middle Earth, and Legolas was once again on the move, bearing tidings that would weigh heavily on all who heard them.
Meanwhile, Aragorn's journey took him back to the paths he knew well, guided by a message from Gandalf. The wizard hinted at a need for Aragorn's assistance shortly. Unbeknownst to both Legolas and Aragorn, the years of their shared adventures had drawn to a close, but a new, more perilous quest was on the horizon. A quest that would test their courage and friendship in ways they could scarcely imagine.
((Upcoming Chapter Forty-Five))
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