Shadow of the Forest

Part 2

Posted: June2003
Author: Estella Greenleaf

*****

Chapter 2: You'll be in my heart

Estel found the Elf's presence very comforting - Shadow made him feel safe and wanted. Though they had just met, the boy somehow knew that his new mentor would never let him face the cruelty of the world alone again.

The gentle rocking motion of Shadow's steps was luring him to sleep. Though Estel fought hard against it, his weariness from the past two weeks of travel caught up with him, sending him into the land of dreams.

*****

Legolas laid the boy down gently onto his bedroll. He searched through his meager possessions for a blanket to keep the little one warm. As an Elf, Legolas was immune to the cold; but he suspected the night would be chilling for his new apprentice and wanted the child to be comfortable. Estel had been sound asleep for the past two hours. The journey had taken much longer than he had anticipated; but Legolas did not want to make any fast or sudden movements that might wake the sleeping child. Now, snuggled warmly in his new blanket, the boy looked like a cherub in his sleep, sweet, innocent and unguarded. Casting one last glance fondly at the slumbering angel, the Elf mage cast his strongest spell of protection around his lair and left Estel to his dreams.

*****

It was the same nightmare again. Darkness… Orcs…screams…and blood that stained the forest floor dark red. He saw his father fighting valiantly to hold off the Orcs only to be struck down by a rain of thick black arrows. Rough hands tore him from his mother's arms and held him still, forcing him to watch helplessly as they ravished her. Estel closed his eyes, but nothing could shut out her horrible cries. In the past, the dream would have ended there, with someone rushing into Estel's room to wake him. But not tonight... the boy struggled to wake, but to no avail.

The dreamscape changed. He was no longer in darkness, hands no longer held him; instead he was hoisted from a tree. A voice whispered menacingly, "Now, it's your turn, little one." Cruel laughter filled his ears as rough hands touched him. Estel screamed, "NO!!"

*****

Legolas was returning from the slave traders' camp when he heard the boy's cries. He had gone back to collect things of value that he could use to trade for supplies. He was an Elf and thus could survive alone on what the forest offered. Whatever the woods did not provide, Legolas could find by scavenging through discards from Elven scouting parties or Human travelers. Estel, however, was a growing Human. He would require much better sustenance and equipments if he were to develop into a great warrior. As much as the Elf hated contact with others, he planned to go to Bree to obtain the necessary items for Estel's training.

Mentally cursing himself for leaving the youth undefended, Legolas rushed into the cave. He found Estel writhing in his sleep, trying to fight off his imaginary attackers. The boy was no longer screaming, he was crying and whimpering, "No…"

Without using his powers, the Elf mage knew what was happening in Estel's dreams. He called the boy's name over and over again but it was no use. Estel was trapped in his nightmare and could not be reached by voice alone. Legolas knew the last thing the youth wanted was to be touched at this moment, but there was no other way to wake him. The Elf pulled Estel up by the shoulders and started gently shaking him. At the contact, the boy renewed his struggles with a ferocity that surprised Legolas. The Elf grimaced at the force of Estel's blows, but he held on gently but firmly, calling the boy's name and begging him to return from the land of dreams.

*****

His tormentors had stopped touching him and started shaking him instead. The spell that held him immobile seemed to have dissipated and he took advantage to launch a full force attack on his tormentors. His senses were blurring; through the haze, he could hear Shadow's voice, calling his name, telling him it was just a dream. But the hold on him was so real! As he snapped open his eyes, he shoved at his captor with all his strength and yelled, "Let me go!!"

*****

Confused, Estel shook his head and looked around, unable to remember where he was. He was in a cave, on a bedroll and under some blankets. He knew the dream had returned. Only it was worse this time because of his experience at the hands of the slave traders. His previous ordeal…… Shadow….…he was in his new mentor's lair. It must have been Shadow who woke him; now that his mentor had seen how pathetic he truly was, he was certain the Elf would send him away.

Estel searched the darkness of the cave and finally spotted Shadow a few feet away from him near the entrance. The Elf was still and silent, but the child could feel his intense gaze upon him. The boy wanted to explain, to apologize and most of all to beg Shadow not to cast him away. But before he could find the words, the mage spoke. "Are you alright? I apologize for shaking you, but it was the only way to bring you back to this world. I should have known your dreams would be troubled; it was an oversight on my part to not cast a sleeping spell before I left. I am sorry."

"You do not think me weak for this… episode? You will not send me away then?" Estel asked hopefully.

"No, of course not. Where did you get that idea? Everyone have fears, Estel; that does not make you weak. Weakness is only when you let fear dictate your actions. Even when you thought it was hopeless, you fought; you did not let anyone, not even your worst nightmares, broke you. Besides, if I learn anything about you from this little incident, it will be that you will one day be the greatest warrior of Men. I cannot remember anyone giving me a more severe beating." Legolas said, laughing.

His mentor had the most beautiful laugh Estel had ever heard. It was rich, melodic and sincere, lightening the hearts of those in audience. "Well, in that case, maybe you should be my apprentice instead. After all, I bested you even in my sleep," teased the boy.

Legolas laughed even harder before finally managing a very breathless "You little imp!" When the Elf noticed a yawn from Estel, he forced himself out of his mirth and told the boy to get some more sleep. Estel, however, was of a different mind. He did not want another nightmare. He laid down on the bedroll, tucked himself under his blankets and closed his eyes, hoping that was enough to please his mentor.

The Elf was of course not fooled. Training will be hard and Estel will need his rest. This cannot continue.

Legolas considered using a sleeping spell, but that would only be a temporary solution. The boy must somehow come to terms with the past and find his own peace without magic; he will not truly be free to move on otherwise.

That was when Legolas remembered how he used to sing for Elves that had fallen victims to evil. When attacked, Elves were trained to form a barrier around a small part of their minds and lock their spirits in. That way, no matter what their enemies did, they would not be touched or broken by darkness. While the tactic worked well in preventing Sauron from turning any more of his people into Orcs, the Elves remained dead to the outside world even when rescued. Only the pure sound of a kindred's song could guide them back to light and there was no better guide than the voice of the Golden Prince of Greenwood.

Legolas was starting to turn away from the boy when he heard him whimpered. Despite his resolve, exhaustion had forced Estel once again into the brutal land of dreams. The Prince could not just stand by and watch the child suffer, so he knelt beside his new apprentice and began to sing.

// Come stop your crying, it will be alright.
Just take my hand, hold it tight.
I will protect you, from all around you.
I will be here, don't you cry. //

Legolas felt Estel shift in his sleep; now the boy's head was only inches from his hands. He could not help wondering if the child's brown hair would be as soft to touch as it looked. Before realizing it, the Elf had reached out and started stroking Estel's head gently as he sang.

// For one so small, you seemed so strong.
My arms will hold you, keep you safe and warm.
This bond between us, can't be broken.
I will be here, don't you cry… //

*****

Darkness, Estel knew he must have fallen asleep again. The dreams were returning when Shadow's song reached him. Instinctively, he shifted in the direction of the pure golden voice. He felt gentle hands, stroking his hair lovingly as the beautiful song continues.

// Cause, you'll be in my heart,
From this day on, now and forever more
Yes, you'll be in my heart,
No matter what they say,
You'll be in my heart… always…//

Estel knew he was not alone any more; his mentor would be here for him…always. That night, he dreamed he would one day become a great warrior… with Shadow by his side.

*****

Note: The song is "You'll be in my heart" from Tarzan. In general, I try not to put too much of a song into my stories, but the lyrics seems to fit Legolas' feelings so well, I can't help it. And tomorrow, Estel begins training.

*****

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