Chapter: 2
Author: Eärendil ([email protected])
Rating: PG [semi-gruesome descriptions]
Summary: AU. Aragorn POV. Legolas' father dies and Aragorn lends him a shoulder and a sympathetic heart.
Author's Note: This chapter is in memory of my grandfather who passed away last night from small-cell carcinoma of the lung. I know that in this fic it is Legolas' dad, but I wished to continue this story, and it was easier to continue this storyline rather than try to come up with some wild tale about a mysterious and unmentioned grandfather of our Elven Prince. Follows the first chapter (duh) and is from Legolas' POV.
A warm thank-you goes out to all those who reviewed the previous chapter and gave their condolances to Laura, she was very touched.
parisindy - I'm glad you liked. *hugs back*
JastaElf - Thank you for everything, you comments as well as the wonderfully touching offer. Laura couldn't believe that there were people so kind. Thank you again.
Darcey - Darcey-chan... If I told you once, I told you twice, and again, and don't make me bring out the 'read the notes' mallet. Heh, but really, thanks for reading and reviewing... and being there for me as well. And I will return your dvds soon as I get the time. Heh. Glad you liked... even tho I said it could be taken as friendship. *wink* And btw, Laura's much better, thanks for the concern.
Karri - Thank you for your compliments and condolences. Much appriciated.
Pink-Cherry-Blossom - *blushes* Thank you for the compliment. And my prayers have been going out to those at Waterfall Sydney. Thanks again.
Ainaechoiriel - Thank you, glad you approve.
TrinityC - Thank you so much and the hugs are returned. *hugs tightly*
Sremla Calmcacil - Thank you for reviewing.
Nilmandra - Thank you ever so much. And yes, Laura loved her father very much as did many of us, he is sorely missed. Thank you again.
Irena - Thank you. *hugs*
MoroTheWoldGod - *giggles* short, sweet, to the point... I got your email, btw, but I've yet to have a chance to reply. Sorries. I will get to it soon! Thanks for reviewing.
LOTR lover - Thank you so very much. Everyone's prayers and condolances have been so very touching and helpful in this time of need. Thank you again.
Celestra - I'm glad you liked it well enough to review. Laura sends her thanks to all those who've sent comments, condolances, and prayers her way. So thank you.
Tasogare no hime - Thank you. And yes, Laura is very lucky, there are many of us here who love her and have been here for her and it has helped the healing process. Thank you again.
Lomelinde - Oh my god! I got a 'wow'! Initially I would have said 'No, no more, END is the end...' but now... yes there is more, here it is. I don't think there will be more after it, but you never know, do you? And yes, you did make sense. I promise.
Rain Minstrel - Laura's thanks and thank you for reviewing. ehhe! I got another 'wow'... Hopefully this chapter will be just as wowful. Thanks again.
Bulma Greenleaf - Thank you very much and Laura's thanks to you as well.
Demon Rising - Thank you so very much.
Legolas-freak335 - *blushes* Well thank you. I know Laura appreciates your thoughts etc as well. Thanks again.
devilburns - heh, thank you.
Estel Elendil - Thank you for reviewing. *falls over having typed in 21 replies, cannot think of anything more original to reply*
Now that that's taken care of!
All I Can Give
Chapter 2
My nose is all runny and sore and my head feels like a million Gimlis have been running around inside it banging their axes against my brain trying to get out. I sniffle, very unprincely of me, and cling tighter to Aragorn's tunic as a wave of pain crashes over me, blacking my vision.
I'm a mess. A sorry wreck of an Elf. And what's the hardest part of all of it? It wasn't seeing my father's mutilated and defiled form. It wasn't that he, strongest Elf in Mirkwood, had been captured and killed by Orcs. It was none of that...
It was the fact that he was really gone, that he wasn't coming back.
I clung all night to Aragorn's chest, beating the soft flesh so hard I'm sure it is badly bruised.
-- Flash back --
His eyes were glassy, like aquamarine gemstones that have lost their light. His skin, once a glowing white gold was now the color I had only seen on the living cadavers of the city of Edoras, people so close to death they might as well have been dead.
Aragorn tried to put himself between I and the terrible sight that was my father, but I struggle like a mad man -- perhaps I was -- and break his grip, stumbling as I see the full extent of the damage. I feel my knees give out and a keening wail rips itself from my throat.
"No! Father!"
His guts lay spread about him, cruelly drawn from his body like snakes from a hole. I feel my stomach clinch as bile rises in my throat and choking I empty the contents of my stomach.
Instantly Aragorn is at myself, whispering soft words, rubbing my back, holding my long hair back and out of the way. When I am finished, I begin to sob, flinging myself into his embrace, my fingers curling and pulling at the leather of his vest.
"It's not fair, no, this has to be some cruel joke," I bleat brokenly, hyperventilationg taking me. "This can't be real... he... he can't be gone!"
He holds me as I cry myself to sleep for only the second time in my long life.
-- End Flash back --
It's his warmth that brought me out of my dream-sleep, my memories. He's not let me go since I first collapsed against him, sobbing desperately for someone to make everything the way it was.
He offered no words of comfort, nothing so fragile. Instead he offered me a warm shoulder, strong arms, and a protective and loving embrace...
Maybe, just maybe, I'll make it through this. I know it'll be hard, accepting the truth, but Aragorn will be with me, he'll be my shoulder when I need the support. He'll be the strong embrace when my spirits are down. He'll be my Hope when I think I've lost it all. And knowing that, I know that even though things will never be the same, I can make it through...
- END -
Thank you all again. This chapter is not gift, more of just a way of showing how I'm coping... which I am. I had a lot of friends with me last night just after I found out. So I'm alright... Really... I miss him, always will, but I'm coping. -- Sad thing is, the replies are more than the fic part... ug -_-
~ Eären