Shadow of the Forest

Part 10

Posted: September 2003
Author: Estella Greenleaf

*****

Chapter 10: Hope and Grief

Legolas was preparing to move off the Man, when he felt gentle hands upon his hips. He gasped in surprise at Aragorn's gentle hold. He was too shock to react when the Man rose and scorched his mind with intense stormy grey eyes. If thoughts had not left him, the Elf would have guarded his emotions. But the combined force of Aragorn's probing gaze and his own grief had robbed him temporarily of his defenses, allowing Estel to see for the first time his secret, his hidden love. It was a few minutes before it registered in the Prince's mind that he saw the same expression on Aragorn's face, only inches away from him. Unconsciously, Legolas leant forward for his true love's kiss, the one he had waited 5000 years for.

*****

But before contact was made, an unceremonious thud broke the magic of the moment. Both Aragorn and Legolas leapt apart, swords in hand and turned towards the source of the sound. Two Hobbits laid in a heap on the forest floor as they tried to untangle themselves to get up.

"Sorry to interrupt. We were just looking for some firewood. Just pretend we are not here at all and carry on," Merry lied unconvincingly as he dragged a protesting Pippin from the scene as quickly as possible.

Aragorn turned to look at his mentor, wanting to continue where they left off, only to find that the Elf was no longer beside him. Shadow might be having second thoughts about this new development, but the Man knew what he saw. He would not let his mentor leave him now that he knew the Elf loved him.

*****

Legolas rushed back to the camp without glancing back. He was not sure what had just happened and felt it prudent to clear his head and analyze what had occurred before proceeding further. This was too important to him; he could not afford to blunder forward thoughtlessly.

Of course, being in the same camp as four curious Hobbits, one of which had been obsessed with Elves since his childhood, was not exactly a good spot for mediation. Legolas soon found himself bombarded with questions from Sam about every aspect of Elven lifestyle. While he did wish for some peace and quiet, the Prince did not want to hurt the eager young Hobbit's feelings, answering as many of Sam's questions as he could. He could not help smiling at the starry eyed expression on the Halfing's face when he started talking about the palace at Greenwood.

Besides, the Hobbit's constant questions made it easier for the Elf to ignore Aragorn. Ever since the Man returned to camp, he had stared at him with a predatory gaze. As much as Legolas would like to believe himself fearless, Aragorn's heated stare was beginning to unnerve him. But until he could convince himself that the Man truly loved him, he had vowed not to allow any physical contact between them. He had realized that his self-control around Aragorn was practically non-existent.

*****

The anticipated attacks from the Nazgûl came on the third night of their journey. The Elf sensed their approach and told Aragorn to lead the Hobbits on; he would rather deal with the Nine alone. The Man, of course, would hear none of it. He was not about to let the love of his life face the Ringwraiths alone. Shadow merely laughed and said that Aragorn could stay if the Man promised to hide with the Halflings and not interfere unless absolutely necessary. Aragorn grudgingly agreed; though he still disliked the idea of his mentor facing the Nazgûl by himself, he knew the safety of the Ring Bearer must come first. Shadow's suggestion was the best way.

From his hiding place, Aragorn watched the Nine advanced on the Elf; with his hand tight on the hilt of Anduril, he was prepared to go to Shadow's aid should his mentor needed him. The Wraiths formed a circle around the Elf, with swords outstretched, ready to thrust. To the Man's dismay, he noticed that his mentor was not even carrying a sword. What was the Elf thinking, going against the Nine unarmed? He was about to leap into the fray when the Nazgûl had reached Shadow.

With movement so fast that the Man could barely follow, Legolas jumped and somersaulted over the Morgul blades through an opening between two Wraiths. As he landed behind them, he drew two glowing knives from the sheaths on his back, slitting their throats in the same smooth motion. The two Nazgûl fell and screeched in pain, holding their necks as if there was a real wound.

Without looking at his victims, the Elf mage had already moved on to the Nazgûl closet to him, slashing his back before the foul creature could turn. The Wraith next to Legolas had recovered somewhat from his surprise and tried to attack. However, the Elf easily dodged his high swing and sliced the dark creature's stomach as he ducked. Legolas then used his momentum and rolled in front of the next Wraith, slashing upwards as he rose, bringing his knife through its entire torso. A Nazgûl approached the Elf from behind and tried to decapitate him with an overhead swing, but Legolas spun at the last minute, bringing one of his knives up to block the blow while using the other to slash the creature's chest.

Only three of the Ringwraiths were left unharmed, one of which was their leader the Witch King. The creature stared at his fallen companions and the Elf. He spoke in the Black Tongue, "You may have won tonight but you cannot protect them forever, star of Earendil. Without your powers, you cannot hope to contend with the Will of our Lord Sauron." With that threat, the remaining Nazgûl retreated.

The Hobbits rushed out of their hiding place and embraced Legolas, patting him of the lower back, telling him he was the greatest warrior ever. Aragorn was at a lost for words. The whole battle had lasted less than 10 minutes; and it was not a battle at all, it was more like slaughter. He knew Shadow was probably one of the best fighters in Middle Earth, but he did not know that the Elf was THAT good.

Aragorn had only seen his mentor fight with a sword; now having seen this fight, it was apparent that swords were not Shadow's strongest suit. Yet, the Elf had beaten him at it every time. No matter what his mentor said, he still considered the last match a loss since he did end up on the ground with Shadow's sword to his throat… as usual. He wondered what other surprises the Elf had in store for him. Aragorn could hardly wait to get to know Shadow better, much better if he had his way…

*****

Aragorn was beginning to find the situation extremely frustrating. Shadow had been avoiding him for almost the entire week now. The Elf spoke little and only when necessary, always finding feasible excuses to maintain some distance between them. They have now reached Amon Sul and would be in the House of Elrond in six days. Aragorn needed to resolve the situation between them before they arrive in Rivendell, for he knew his mentor would not enter the Elven city.

"I need to go look around. Shadow, stay with the Hobbits and protect them," said Aragorn before leaving to patrol the area.

As soon as he was out of earshot, the Hobbits formed a circle around Legolas.

"So tell us, are you and Strider lovers?" asked Pippin.

Legolas, who was drinking out of his waterskin, promptly choked at the question and started coughing. When he finished, he was glad he was wearing his mask because he could feel himself blushing crimson.

"No, we are just friends. I was his mentor when he was young," stammered Legolas. He did not know why he answered them at all. It really was none of their business.

"Are you sure? The way he looked at you so possessively suggests otherwise. And from the glances you stole at him when he's not looking, you are SO definitely interested," pressed Merry. Trust Merry to notice the most embarrassing things about people.

Legolas merely shook his head. "Estel already has a lady. She is the Evenstar of our people, the most beautiful maiden among the Elves."

It was the usually quiet Frodo who spoke next, his words marked with wisdom well beyond his youthful appearance. "I think you do not give yourself enough credit. I saw the way you fought the Nazgûl. You could have confronted them in Bree, but you didn't because you feared for the townspeople's safety. I do not know how you look behind your mask, but I think Aragorn will much rather have someone as thoughtful and brave as you by his side than a token beauty."

Legolas stared at the young Hobbit. Frodo's words were music to his ears, quenching the doubts in his heart. Now he realized that in his insecurities, he had behaved appalling to the Man. He needed to find Aragorn to apologize. It was time for them to talk with each other about their feelings openly, and perhaps, discuss the possibility of a future together. He had waited 5000 years for true love; he could hardly wait a moment longer…

The Hobbits recognized the look in the masked Elf's eyes and Frodo spoke again on their behalf, "You should go to him. After the beating you gave the Wraiths, I doubt they will return so soon. We will be fine."

Upon the Halfing's prompting, Legolas whispered a very grateful thank you and rushed off to find his beloved.

*****

The screeches of the Nazgûl sliced through the gloomy silence of the night. Urgency overwhelming all other senses, Aragorn rushed back to camp. He leapt into the scene as the Witch King stabbed Frodo in the shoulder. He fought them off, with Anduril and his torch, setting some on fire and pushing others off the Watch Tower. As the last of the Wraiths fled, he ran to the Hobbit's side, picking up the sword that was used to stab him.

"He has been stabbed by a Morgul Blade. This is beyond my skill to heal. He need Elvish medicine," said Aragorn as he picked up the injured Hobbit in his arms. The other Hobbits followed closely, their faces wet with tears from worry for their best friend.

*****

Legolas ran up the steps of the Watch Tower of Amon Sul. He was so distracted with his thoughts of the Man that he failed to sense the Nazgûl closing in on the helpless Hobbits. When he heard the screeches of the Nine, he hurried back as fast as he could. He arrived as Aragorn swooped an injured Frodo into his arms.

"What happened? How is he? " asked Legolas with concern.

Aragorn would not even look at him as he walked past. Legolas put a firm hand on the Man's shoulder, demanding his attention; but he was unprepared for the fire in his love's steely eyes as he glared at him. "Where were you? You were supposed to protect them. I thought I could trust you," said the Ranger with so much anger and venom in his voice that made the Elf flinched.

"I…." Legolas opened his mouth to begin to explain, but the Man merely shook his hand off and proceeded without giving him another glance. The pain in his heart was stirring, threatening to overwhelm him. It was clear that Aragorn had passed his judgment and would not hear his explanations. Immobilized by the maelstrom of emotions swelling inside him, the Elf watched as the Ranger disappeared with the Hobbits. As they moved out of range of his senses, Legolas gave a soft cry as his grief consumed him and succumbed to the beckoning darkness.

*****

Aragorn was furious with himself for leaving the Ringbearer alone. If the Hobbit dies, all would be lost. He felt that everything was his fault. He now pushed towards Rivendell with single-minded determination. He must reach his foster father as soon as possible. Every minute wasted here could cost Frodo his life.

"Strider, he is growing cold. What should we do?" asked Sam, fearful for his master's life.

"He is fading. Soon he will be a Wraith like them. Do you know of the athelas plant? King's foil….."

"King's foil, that's a weed," Sam interrupted as a spark of recognition flowed through his mind.

"It may help to slow the poison," answered Aragorn, trying to sound as sure as he could, before searching the surrounding undergrowth for the herb. The Hobbits needed his strength; he would not fail them too.

Suddenly, the Man felt cold hard steel pressed against his throat as an amused voice spoke, "What is this? A Ranger, caught off his guard?"

Aragorn knew without looking that the speaker was his lady, Arwen. He explained the story to her, careful to leave out Shadow's involvement. She used part of her light to keep Frodo to the physical world, but they both knew it was not enough.

"Glorfindel and I had been looking for you for two days. We must bring him quickly to my father. Five Wraiths are behind you, where the other four are, I do not know," Arwen spoke softly in her sweet melodic voice.

"Stay here with the Hobbits. I will take Frodo and send horses for you."

"No, I am the faster rider, Estel. I do not fear them," his lady said, resolve clear in her eyes.

Aragorn did not wish to place Arwen in danger, but he knew the Elven Princess was right. He put Frodo onto the mount before helping her up. "Ride hard and don't look back."

He watched as Arwen and the Ringbearer disappeared in the fog of the forest. All he could do now was wait and pray.

*****

Glorfindel had decided to split up with Arwen to check the Watch Towers of Amon Sul. From the vantage point, he hoped it would be easier to spot Estel and the Hobbits. When he arrived onto the top, he found a lone figure lying face down on the floor. When the Elf-Lord spotted the pointy ears in the mass of soft golden hair, he immediately rushed to his brethren's side. Also concealed by the blond mane were hilts of a pair of knives. The markings on the handles were intricate; the Rivendell Elf had to squint to make it out entirely. When he did, he gasped in shock and recognition. These were the twin knives of the Golden Prince of Greenwood, the lost Star of Earendil. Gently, the Elf-Lord gathered the younger Elf in his arms and turned him over gently. Legolas's mask had fallen off when he collapsed; his burnt, disfigured face was in plain sight for the older Elf to see.

Glorfindel's gaze was filled with sympathy, not disgust. He knew why the Prince sought to hide from them. He could imagine how others would react to the deformed visage. He only wished that he had found the younger Elf sooner so he could show Legolas that not all beings cared about appearances. It would have spared the little Prince all the years of suffering. Carefully, the Rivendell Elf replaced the Prince's mask, respecting Legolas' wish to hide his face from unfriendly eyes. Tenderly, he carried the Golden Elf to his horse and rode back to Rivendell.

*****

Legolas woke to find himself in a richly decorated room. Gentle morning light flooded the spacious quarters from giant windows. Tree branches extended into the room through these openings, integrating the chamber into the forest. Birds chirped excitedly from nearby trees, as if welcoming their new guests. The bed he slept in was soft and lined with the finest satin. He had not had such luxuries since he left Greenwood 5000 years ago. Though he did not know how he got here, he knew he was in Rivendell. A silver silk shirt with intricate embroidered designs on the shoulders and sleeves and a pair of soft suede green leggings lay by the side of his bed. At that moment, he noticed for the first time that he was in a white silken robe and that he had been bathed and cleaned.

The Prince's mind cried in panic at the thought,

The Golden Elf was about to bolt when his legs decided to give. His body was still weak from his grief and he would have fallen helplessly onto the ground if not for the strong arms that held him. Legolas looked up to see they belonged to the fair-haired Elf-Lord who ruled Imladris by Elrond's side. As Glorfindel placed him gently back onto the bed, the dark-haired Lord of Rivendell approached his bed. "How do you feel, my Prince?" asked Elrond.

Legolas frowned but did not answer. The truth was he felt fine; which was impossible since the last thing he knew was grief overcoming him.

The Prince had no doubt the two Elf-lords had figured out his identity because of his knives, Maldalaïsse, so there was no way he could deny he was Legolas. Have they told Father yet? If they had, it would definitely have been better if they had just let me die. It will break Father's heart to see me like this.

"My Prince, Lord Elrond lent you his strength to bring you back to the light. We only wish to help, Golden One," Glorfindel said with a smile.

There seemed to be so much tenderness in the fair Elf's voice that Legolas was sure his senses were still suffering from the aftermath of grief. "Please stop addressing me so formally, my Lords. I am now Shadow. A fitting name for my appearance, don't you think?" whispered Legolas. He was an oath-breaker, and a disfigured one at that. He did not deserve the Elf-lord's kindness.

"You are who you are, Legolas. Your appearance does not change that. I can feel that powerful black magic is upon you. Tell us how we can help to break this spell," said Elrond gently.

"I, Glorfindel, will willing go to Mandos' Halls and back again to see your suffering end, Golden One."

There was something in the fair Elf's voice that Legolas recognized. It was not just sympathy, it was admiration, but how could Glorfindel feel that for him, after seeing his face? Frustrated, the Elven Prince tore off his mask and flung it aside so his ugliness was in plain sight.

Neither of the Elven Lords showed any reaction to his hideous countenance. Both of them continued to look at him with sympathy, except that Glorfindel's emerald eyes now shone with a fierce protectiveness that was not there before. The Prince knew that the fair Elf was vowing never to let anyone harm him again.

Legolas regarded the two older Elves once more and recognized the acceptance in their faces. He smiled slightly at them, knowing it would look no more than a twitch of his split twisted lips. Elrond and Glorfindel both returned the friendly gesture as the Lord of Imladris said, "Welcome to Rivendell, Legolas, Crown Prince of Greenwood. We are most honored to have the Star of Earendil in our Halls. Please rest and regain your strength. We pledge to you our hospitality and our assistance in anything you desire."

*****

Aragorn found that he could not rest at all, even after learning Frodo was out of mortal danger. His guilt over how he had released his frustration on Shadow haunted him. He wondered where his mentor was. He knew he had his one chance to profess his love and he had destroyed it with his irrational outburst of self-directed anger. He had no right to blame Shadow; the Elf was only there to help him out of kindness and love. Love……. Yes, Shadow loved him. Maybe the Elf would forgive him if he apologized. He must find his mentor before it was too late.

*****

Though Legolas' heart was still throbbing with pain from the Man's harsh words, it was not overwhelming as before. Lord Elrond's powers were helping him keep his grief under control. But he knew there was more behind his recovery than healing magic. It was the two Elf-lords' trust and friendship. The way they discussed important issues with him made him felt like the wise Star of Earendil once more. Then, there was Glorfindel, who was ever so attentive to his needs. The older Elf had even moved into the adjacent chambers in the guest wing, wishing to keep him company and watch over him.

It had been five days since the Prince arrived in Rivendell. He was finally feeling well enough to explore the Elven City. He wandered around the private gardens for hours until his weariness caught up with him, prompting him to settle on the lower branches of a birch tree for a rest.

The Golden Elf's perch had a clear view of a small elegantly built bridge. With the waterfalls of Rivendell as its backdrop, the scene resembled canvas painted by a master artist. Tiny droplets of moisture from the falls permeated the air; the twilight creating multiple rainbows in the mist, giving the scene a fairytale quality. The exquisite Evenstar stood on the center of the bridge, the perfect addition to the masterpiece of beauty.

The Prince's heart nearly stopped as the Man walked into the scene. Aragorn was wearing his traveling garb and looked as if he was in a great hurry. The Elf felt that he should leave, that he was intruding upon a private moment, but his body refused to obey him. He watched as the Ranger halted in front of the Elf-maiden.

"Do you remember the first time we met?" asked Arwen gently.

Aragorn was not in the mood for talk. He just wanted to get out of the city as soon as possible to look for Shadow. His mentor already had a five-day head start on him. With the Elf's abilities, he could easily have disappeared without a trace for Aragorn to follow. But the Man was not about to hurt Arwen in his haste and impatience, as he did Shadow at Amon Sul.

"Yes. I thought I strayed into a dream," answered the Man softly, hoping that was enough to please the maiden.

"Remember what I said to you then?" prompted the Evenstar.

"That you would bind yourself to me, forsaking the immortal life of your people," Aragorn whispered, barely able to keep the wince from his face. He needed to tell Arwen that his heart belonged to another before this goes any further.

"And to that I hold," she said as she leant forward and kissed him.

*****

Legolas felt a sudden jolt of pain burn through his entire being. Even with Elrond's powers, he could not keep this intense grief at bay. As darkness took him, he lost his balance and fell from the branch.

*****

The couple was interrupted by a loud crash behind Aragorn. The Evenstar's eyes widened with terror before she let out a scream and fainted. The Man turned, Anduril in hand, prepared to fight whatever horrible creature that had caused his lady's reactions. What he found behind him was not a monster, though the sight struck cold shivers of fear into his heart.

Shadow laid on the ground, unconscious and barely breathing. His face was uncovered, the mask lost in his fall from the tree. Aragorn rushed to the Elf to check his injuries and was alarmed to find Shadow's pale skin completely white and cold. Holding his love tightly in his arms, he rushed into the palace, yelling for his foster father and Lord Glorfindel.

*****

Aragorn carried Shadow to a guest chamber at his foster father's directions. He was told to wait outside while Elrond and Glorfindel tend to the injured Elf. The Man did not understand what just happened. His mentor would never fall out of a tree…

The two Elven Lords came out of the room wearing their grief openly on their faces.

"I am sorry Estel, there is nothing more we can do," whispered his foster father as he sighed in defeat. The Star of Earendil was lost; all of Middle Earth's hope now lay with Aragorn alone.

"No, Ada [Father]. Please, I will do anything; there must be a way," pleaded Aragorn. He could not lose Shadow, not now, knowing that the Elf loved him.

"Estel, Elrond has done all he could. It will be better if you just spend these last few moments with your mentor before he fades," Glorfindel said sadly. The fair-haired Elf had grown very attached to Legolas over the past few days. He had never met the Golden Prince before, but he found himself smitten by the rumors of his beauty and light millennia ago. Having met the young Elf, Glorfindel's feelings had deepened; he now knew that the true beauty of the Star of Earendil was in his wisdom and inner strength, not his face or form. The Elf-lord wished that Legolas would return his affections, but he knew the Prince's heart lied with Estel.

*****

Aragorn sat by Shadow's side and gathered the unmoving figure into his arms. Tears streaked freely down his face onto the Elf as he whispered brokenly into his love's ears. "Please, don't leave me, Shadow. You are my light; I need you. Please come back, I love you."

With all the love and tenderness he felt for Shadow, Aragorn leant down and kissed the Elf gently on the lips; hoping to bring warmth and life to his icy cold beloved. The response was not what the Man hoped. Shadow shuddered in his embrace and breathed his last.

*****

previous | Chapter Index | next

If you enjoyed this story, please send feedback to: Estella Greenleaf