The Last Journey; Chapter 24: Uncertain Plans
Story Info
Title: The Last Journey
Author: Del Rion (delrion.mail (at) gmail.com)
Fandom: The Lord of the Rings
Era: Fourth Age of the Sun
Genre: AU, Action/Adventure
Rating: M / FRM
Main characters: Aragorn, Celeborn, Elladan, Elrohir, Elrond, Éomer, Erestor, Faramir, Gandalf, Gimli, Glorfindel, Haldir, Legolas, Meriadoc, Nazgûl, Pippin, Thranduil (, OCs).
Pairings: Legolas/OMC (brief Aragorn/Arwen, Éowyn/Faramir)
Summary: After many peaceful years that have followed the war against Sauron, everything changes. Evil returns, striking without warning, and it is stronger than ever before. It is time for the final fight, but who shall achieve victory?
Work in Process.
Warnings: Characters’ death (major, OC), violence, torture, slash, mild sexual content (het and slash), plenty of evil, etc.
~ ~ ~
Chapter 24: Uncertain Plans
The song of birds drew Legolas from his sleep. He had seen no dreams - which was unusual - and his head hurt slightly. Blinking, Legolas stared up to the roof of his room, only then realising that he had opened his eyes. Frowning, Legolas touched his head gingerly. Elves did not sleep with closed eyes unless they were very sick and in healing sleep. So why was he... Or maybe he had just awoken from his thoughts. Frowning even more deeply, Legolas tried to recall if he had indeed been in his thoughts. He couldn’t remember, to be honest, and that shocked him even more. How could he not remember? Had it something to do with the strange feeling in his head?
Trying to remember the latest events, Legolas fears grew even more. His memories of yesterday were more than hazy, and it took him a long time to process them into some kind of understandable order. He had had troubles with sleeping, and he had gone out to the balcony. Later he had gone for a walk. After that... Legolas halted again, worry creeping to his face. Then what? Surely I can remember if I try hard enough. Let’s start again. I left my rooms, I went to a courtyard... yes, then I hid from some soldiers, not wishing to be interrupted. And then?
Sighing, almost annoyed, Legolas turned to his side, anger beginning to bloom in his mind. He would remember. He would not get up before he would. Most likely Gimli would come to search for him before an hour would pass, for it was already late morning, but ‘till that, he would not let anything else...
He froze, his eyes falling upon the table beside his bed. My white knives. I am sure they were taken from me when I was caught by the Men, and I did not get them back when Aragorn came to free me. So what do they do here? A flash of images ran through Legolas’ mind, and suddenly he remembered very clearly what had befallen to them. They had been taken by one of the riders - by the one who had actually caught up with him, and who was not a Nazgûl. But how were those weapons here, now?
Finally, Legolas remembered. The dark one had been here. Forced him to look at the palantír. What had happened after it, Legolas was not sure, but at least he was in his room. Sitting up, Legolas checked himself swiftly. He was untouched, and even the strange feeling on the back of his mind was passing away.
Running his eyes over his room, Legolas made sure that everything was as it was supposed to be. Nothing seemed to be touched, and all was in order. Shrugging, Legolas got up, swiftly finding fresh clothes. No reason to make the others worry of his absence.
But there was a reason to worry. What Legolas had seen in the palantír made his skin crawl. He knew there was a great chance that what he had seen was not true, but if it was... I must speak with Aragorn. He will make the decision. Tying his tunic, Legolas slipped out of his room, making his way towards the room where he knew his friends would be having their breakfast.
Before he entered the dining room, Legolas halted, resting one hand on the door. But how much I can tell to Aragorn? And what way? I definitely cannot tell everything I suspect, for most of it makes no sense even for myself. And I am sure he will ask questions that I wish not to answer. Aragorn is too wise of a Man to not notice when I am keeping information from him. But it is not necessary for him to know everything...
With a calming breath, Legolas opened the door, stepping in soundlessly. Five heads rose up to meet the Prince, and Legolas bowed gracefully, faking a small smile. Rafél’s face told him immediately that his show was in vain, and the glance between Aragorn and Gimli spoke volumes. Only Faramir and Imrahil didn’t seem to notice anything out of ordinary.
“Good morning Legolas. I hope you slept well?” Aragorn asked, his voice careful.
“We thought about sending a servant to wake you,” Gimli muttered, munching his food.
“I slept well, thank you,” Legolas said quietly, deciding that there was no reason to reveal too much. Rafél rose an eyebrow at him, but one look from Legolas told the guardian that this was not the place to throw any kind of remarks.
After being sure that Rafél would refrain from asking questions that would reveal his entire game, Legolas sat down, eyeing the food with little interest. He wasn’t hungry a slightest, but he would eat something to escape Gimli’s attention. It seemed sometimes that the Dwarf’s affection to food rivalled even Hobbits.
Speaking of Hobbits, Legolas thought wryly. It seems that all I do or think, it reminds me of my “vision”. Maybe I should speak my thoughts out now and save myself from further trouble.
“You are not hungry?” came a deep voice from beside Legolas, and the Elf sighed, turning his blue eyes to Gimli.
“Nay, to be honest, but I am sure that does not matter: you are eating enough for both of us, master Dwarf.”
Gimli gave out a short laugh, not seeing anything impolite in the Elf’s statement. “When you eat as much as you do, it is not a hard task to eat your share in addition to my own.”
“Gimli...” Aragorn almost moaned from across the table, throwing a desperate glance at Legolas.
Legolas smiled, realising that the Dwarf had most likely spoken about him most of the time this morning. Not very surprising, that.
“Are you truly well, my friend? Considering the adventures of your previous days -”
“I am well, Aragorn, but there is something I would wish to speak with you about,” Legolas said, throwing a quick look at Rafél. Did he notice I was gone? Legolas wondered, alarmed. Rafél would not settle down with a vague explanation if he thought Legolas was keeping things from him. Rafél’s gaze indeed signalled him that the older Elf was aware that something was out of place.
“You wish to speak of it now?” Aragorn offered, seeing the growing tension between the two Sindarin Elves.
“Well, there is no reason to delay my news...” Legolas muttered, his eyes glued to Rafél’s.
“What is wrong?” Rafél finally asked, his expression suddenly worried.
“I saw... a dream,” Legolas lied, telling himself it was almost the truth anyway.
“A dream?” Aragorn pressed, leaning forward.
“A vision,” Legolas continued, avoiding looking at Rafél. He felt the other’s gaze upon him, reading from between the lines what he was truly trying to say. Once again, Legolas cursed Rafél for knowing him so well. “I thought it would be wise to tell you about it. I have no prove that it is even true, but...” Legolas stopped, realising how stupid he sounded even in his own ears.
“Mithrandir always told us to seek answers from our dreams. They behold many secrets,” Faramir put in, encouraging Legolas to continue.
“In this dream,” Legolas started to speak again, his voice smooth as he ran through his memories again, “I saw a village burn. Later, I realised it was the Shire. A fight raged there, flames burning everything on their reach. I really didn’t see the enemies, but the dream was hazy.” Legolas looked up, dreading the answers he would get - or worse, questions.
“You are sure of this?” Aragorn asked, his voice as steady as he could make it.
“Yes, as sure as I can be,” Legolas answered. “Of course, it is only a dream of mine, and I am not a great one among my people. My dreams possibly mean nothing.”
“But do we dare to risk it?” To everyone’s surprise, it was Imrahil speaking.
“Nay, we should not,” Aragorn said beneath his breath, and then spoke again, his grey eyes circling over all who were seated on the table. “Many of the Free peoples of Middle-earth have been attacked by now, and there is certain signs of enemy’s movements. After the attack to Eryn Lasgalen, the enemy seemed to vanish. It is not a long way to Shire from the Misty Mountains.”
“A part of the enemy hid itself to the area of Misty Mountains. Of all, we cannot be sure. But why would the enemy attack Hobbits?” Legolas asked, challenging Aragorn.
“It was a Hobbit that destroyed the Ring of power - and Sauron,” Aragorn smiled, gaining an answering one from the Elf.
“So you wish to go for the aid of Hobbits? Even if we do not know that they are in danger. It is also possible that the attack has already taken place - or will happen during our journey,” Faramir stated.
“Wasn’t it you who told us to trust into our dreams?” Aragorn returned, his voice full of mirth.
“Aye, but I merely pointed out the small possibilities,” Faramir explained. “But if you ask me, I would go to help those noble people. They deserve it, after all they have done to us. Even if it is a false alarm.”
“So, shall we go to pack already?” Gimli spoke up impatiently, making the others laugh.
“Dear Gimli, let us not be hasty. There are many things to settle before I can depart -” Aragorn began.
“You cannot go again, my Lord. With all respect, your people -” Imrahil began, falling silent as soon as Aragorn’s gaze found him.
“It is my right to go with my Men,” Aragorn began. “In here, there is no danger. And I, most of all, am in debt to that small folk.”
There were no further words of that, and after a moment of silence, Gimli cleared his throat, rising from his place. “By your leave, my Lords, I will go and tell my kinsmen that we are leaving in a near future.” After that, Gimli bowed low and exited from the room.
“Near future...” Faramir murmured, shaking his head. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“Knowing Aragorn, inside few days,” Legolas answered, leaning back in his chair. For now, it seemed that he would be left in peace.
“Legolas, if you remember anything else of that dream - anything that would aid us - please tell me immediately,” Aragorn stated, then rose from his place. “If you excuse me…” the King said, and then left the room, Faramir and Imrahil following him quickly.
Legolas and Rafél sat in silence for a moment, but finally the guardian turned to look at Legolas. “This dream… it was so much different from all the others that you thought it to be a vision of future?”
“I do not know…” Legolas whispered, staring at the hands folded in his lap. “But Aragorn seemed to take it at heart immediately. And I have a feeling that our enemy isn’t done just yet.”
Rafél didn’t answer, but his brown eyes darkened. By the Valar what is wrong with you Legolas? Such dreams like this are not like you. And not telling the truth to your friends… And most of all, who are we fighting against? When you know your enemy, you can fight against them, but when you do not… Sighing, Rafél leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. They could not lose. Not this war.
to be continued…
Story Info
Title: The Last Journey
Author: Del Rion (delrion.mail (at) gmail.com)
Fandom: The Lord of the Rings
Era: Fourth Age of the Sun
Genre: AU, Action/Adventure
Rating: M / FRM
Main characters: Aragorn, Celeborn, Elladan, Elrohir, Elrond, Éomer, Erestor, Faramir, Gandalf, Gimli, Glorfindel, Haldir, Legolas, Meriadoc, Nazgûl, Pippin, Thranduil (, OCs).
Pairings: Legolas/OMC (brief Aragorn/Arwen, Éowyn/Faramir)
Summary: After many peaceful years that have followed the war against Sauron, everything changes. Evil returns, striking without warning, and it is stronger than ever before. It is time for the final fight, but who shall achieve victory?
Work in Process.
Warnings: Characters’ death (major, OC), violence, torture, slash, mild sexual content (het and slash), plenty of evil, etc.
~ ~ ~
Chapter 24: Uncertain Plans
The song of birds drew Legolas from his sleep. He had seen no dreams - which was unusual - and his head hurt slightly. Blinking, Legolas stared up to the roof of his room, only then realising that he had opened his eyes. Frowning, Legolas touched his head gingerly. Elves did not sleep with closed eyes unless they were very sick and in healing sleep. So why was he... Or maybe he had just awoken from his thoughts. Frowning even more deeply, Legolas tried to recall if he had indeed been in his thoughts. He couldn’t remember, to be honest, and that shocked him even more. How could he not remember? Had it something to do with the strange feeling in his head?
Trying to remember the latest events, Legolas fears grew even more. His memories of yesterday were more than hazy, and it took him a long time to process them into some kind of understandable order. He had had troubles with sleeping, and he had gone out to the balcony. Later he had gone for a walk. After that... Legolas halted again, worry creeping to his face. Then what? Surely I can remember if I try hard enough. Let’s start again. I left my rooms, I went to a courtyard... yes, then I hid from some soldiers, not wishing to be interrupted. And then?
Sighing, almost annoyed, Legolas turned to his side, anger beginning to bloom in his mind. He would remember. He would not get up before he would. Most likely Gimli would come to search for him before an hour would pass, for it was already late morning, but ‘till that, he would not let anything else...
He froze, his eyes falling upon the table beside his bed. My white knives. I am sure they were taken from me when I was caught by the Men, and I did not get them back when Aragorn came to free me. So what do they do here? A flash of images ran through Legolas’ mind, and suddenly he remembered very clearly what had befallen to them. They had been taken by one of the riders - by the one who had actually caught up with him, and who was not a Nazgûl. But how were those weapons here, now?
Finally, Legolas remembered. The dark one had been here. Forced him to look at the palantír. What had happened after it, Legolas was not sure, but at least he was in his room. Sitting up, Legolas checked himself swiftly. He was untouched, and even the strange feeling on the back of his mind was passing away.
Running his eyes over his room, Legolas made sure that everything was as it was supposed to be. Nothing seemed to be touched, and all was in order. Shrugging, Legolas got up, swiftly finding fresh clothes. No reason to make the others worry of his absence.
But there was a reason to worry. What Legolas had seen in the palantír made his skin crawl. He knew there was a great chance that what he had seen was not true, but if it was... I must speak with Aragorn. He will make the decision. Tying his tunic, Legolas slipped out of his room, making his way towards the room where he knew his friends would be having their breakfast.
Before he entered the dining room, Legolas halted, resting one hand on the door. But how much I can tell to Aragorn? And what way? I definitely cannot tell everything I suspect, for most of it makes no sense even for myself. And I am sure he will ask questions that I wish not to answer. Aragorn is too wise of a Man to not notice when I am keeping information from him. But it is not necessary for him to know everything...
With a calming breath, Legolas opened the door, stepping in soundlessly. Five heads rose up to meet the Prince, and Legolas bowed gracefully, faking a small smile. Rafél’s face told him immediately that his show was in vain, and the glance between Aragorn and Gimli spoke volumes. Only Faramir and Imrahil didn’t seem to notice anything out of ordinary.
“Good morning Legolas. I hope you slept well?” Aragorn asked, his voice careful.
“We thought about sending a servant to wake you,” Gimli muttered, munching his food.
“I slept well, thank you,” Legolas said quietly, deciding that there was no reason to reveal too much. Rafél rose an eyebrow at him, but one look from Legolas told the guardian that this was not the place to throw any kind of remarks.
After being sure that Rafél would refrain from asking questions that would reveal his entire game, Legolas sat down, eyeing the food with little interest. He wasn’t hungry a slightest, but he would eat something to escape Gimli’s attention. It seemed sometimes that the Dwarf’s affection to food rivalled even Hobbits.
Speaking of Hobbits, Legolas thought wryly. It seems that all I do or think, it reminds me of my “vision”. Maybe I should speak my thoughts out now and save myself from further trouble.
“You are not hungry?” came a deep voice from beside Legolas, and the Elf sighed, turning his blue eyes to Gimli.
“Nay, to be honest, but I am sure that does not matter: you are eating enough for both of us, master Dwarf.”
Gimli gave out a short laugh, not seeing anything impolite in the Elf’s statement. “When you eat as much as you do, it is not a hard task to eat your share in addition to my own.”
“Gimli...” Aragorn almost moaned from across the table, throwing a desperate glance at Legolas.
Legolas smiled, realising that the Dwarf had most likely spoken about him most of the time this morning. Not very surprising, that.
“Are you truly well, my friend? Considering the adventures of your previous days -”
“I am well, Aragorn, but there is something I would wish to speak with you about,” Legolas said, throwing a quick look at Rafél. Did he notice I was gone? Legolas wondered, alarmed. Rafél would not settle down with a vague explanation if he thought Legolas was keeping things from him. Rafél’s gaze indeed signalled him that the older Elf was aware that something was out of place.
“You wish to speak of it now?” Aragorn offered, seeing the growing tension between the two Sindarin Elves.
“Well, there is no reason to delay my news...” Legolas muttered, his eyes glued to Rafél’s.
“What is wrong?” Rafél finally asked, his expression suddenly worried.
“I saw... a dream,” Legolas lied, telling himself it was almost the truth anyway.
“A dream?” Aragorn pressed, leaning forward.
“A vision,” Legolas continued, avoiding looking at Rafél. He felt the other’s gaze upon him, reading from between the lines what he was truly trying to say. Once again, Legolas cursed Rafél for knowing him so well. “I thought it would be wise to tell you about it. I have no prove that it is even true, but...” Legolas stopped, realising how stupid he sounded even in his own ears.
“Mithrandir always told us to seek answers from our dreams. They behold many secrets,” Faramir put in, encouraging Legolas to continue.
“In this dream,” Legolas started to speak again, his voice smooth as he ran through his memories again, “I saw a village burn. Later, I realised it was the Shire. A fight raged there, flames burning everything on their reach. I really didn’t see the enemies, but the dream was hazy.” Legolas looked up, dreading the answers he would get - or worse, questions.
“You are sure of this?” Aragorn asked, his voice as steady as he could make it.
“Yes, as sure as I can be,” Legolas answered. “Of course, it is only a dream of mine, and I am not a great one among my people. My dreams possibly mean nothing.”
“But do we dare to risk it?” To everyone’s surprise, it was Imrahil speaking.
“Nay, we should not,” Aragorn said beneath his breath, and then spoke again, his grey eyes circling over all who were seated on the table. “Many of the Free peoples of Middle-earth have been attacked by now, and there is certain signs of enemy’s movements. After the attack to Eryn Lasgalen, the enemy seemed to vanish. It is not a long way to Shire from the Misty Mountains.”
“A part of the enemy hid itself to the area of Misty Mountains. Of all, we cannot be sure. But why would the enemy attack Hobbits?” Legolas asked, challenging Aragorn.
“It was a Hobbit that destroyed the Ring of power - and Sauron,” Aragorn smiled, gaining an answering one from the Elf.
“So you wish to go for the aid of Hobbits? Even if we do not know that they are in danger. It is also possible that the attack has already taken place - or will happen during our journey,” Faramir stated.
“Wasn’t it you who told us to trust into our dreams?” Aragorn returned, his voice full of mirth.
“Aye, but I merely pointed out the small possibilities,” Faramir explained. “But if you ask me, I would go to help those noble people. They deserve it, after all they have done to us. Even if it is a false alarm.”
“So, shall we go to pack already?” Gimli spoke up impatiently, making the others laugh.
“Dear Gimli, let us not be hasty. There are many things to settle before I can depart -” Aragorn began.
“You cannot go again, my Lord. With all respect, your people -” Imrahil began, falling silent as soon as Aragorn’s gaze found him.
“It is my right to go with my Men,” Aragorn began. “In here, there is no danger. And I, most of all, am in debt to that small folk.”
There were no further words of that, and after a moment of silence, Gimli cleared his throat, rising from his place. “By your leave, my Lords, I will go and tell my kinsmen that we are leaving in a near future.” After that, Gimli bowed low and exited from the room.
“Near future...” Faramir murmured, shaking his head. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“Knowing Aragorn, inside few days,” Legolas answered, leaning back in his chair. For now, it seemed that he would be left in peace.
“Legolas, if you remember anything else of that dream - anything that would aid us - please tell me immediately,” Aragorn stated, then rose from his place. “If you excuse me…” the King said, and then left the room, Faramir and Imrahil following him quickly.
Legolas and Rafél sat in silence for a moment, but finally the guardian turned to look at Legolas. “This dream… it was so much different from all the others that you thought it to be a vision of future?”
“I do not know…” Legolas whispered, staring at the hands folded in his lap. “But Aragorn seemed to take it at heart immediately. And I have a feeling that our enemy isn’t done just yet.”
Rafél didn’t answer, but his brown eyes darkened. By the Valar what is wrong with you Legolas? Such dreams like this are not like you. And not telling the truth to your friends… And most of all, who are we fighting against? When you know your enemy, you can fight against them, but when you do not… Sighing, Rafél leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. They could not lose. Not this war.
to be continued…
Story Info