Chapter 28 - Going Home
"No Aragorn." Legolas’ usual raspy, strained, voice was ringing clearly and quite loudly at the moment and it made Aragorn cringe.
There was no argument in what the King of Gondor was proposing. No amount of pleading would change Aragorn’s mind. He had watched Legolas pretend that his illness and pain didn’t bother him. During the little time that Legolas was actually conscious, since waking two days ago, the elf had been trying to convince his friends that he was doing and feeling better. They weren’t fooled. The outward signs of sickness were still highly visible and the squinted eyes and winces convinced them that he felt as bad as he looked.
So, when the decision had been made that it would be best to get Legolas back to Minas Tirith and that he should be sedated so he could sleep through what was sure to be a painful journey, the elf prince started to protest.
"I was drugged by my captors for the journey into Harad." The elf continued, this time the ever present tremor becoming more evident in his words. "I would prefer to be awake and coherent for the trip home." The King listened in silence noting his friend’s frustration over his own, self-perceived weakness.
Aragorn understood Legolas’ feelings on the matter and that made his decision that much harder. Did he sedate his friend, despite his protests, knowing that it would make the trek home easier for the elf, reducing the pain that he felt? Or did he give the elf back some control and allow him to decide for himself?
The fact was, if Aragorn allowed Legolas to remain conscious, then the elf would be awake through the bouncing and jostling that was sure to occur. The stress that was placed upon his healing body could be too much to bear and could make Legolas even more ill or even result in his death. Aragorn would not have that on his conscience, it was easier to force Legolas to sleep and beg his forgiveness later than to not have the opportunity to speak with him ever again. The decision was made.
Legolas still lay on the forest floor, now surrounded on all sides by his four friends, each of which was trying, in their own way, to convince the elf to take a sleeping drought.
"Stop being so blasted stubborn." Gimli’s gruff voice boomed.
"It is for your own well-being My Prince." The melodic voice of Angrod soothed.
"Legolas, Aragorn is only doing what he thinks best." Came Eomer’s strong authoritative words.
"Do not worry on it now, my friend. We will leave in the morning, we can discuss it further just before we depart." Aragorn knew what he was doing would anger and probably hurt Legolas, but he also knew that it was what was best for his injuries, which were already having difficulty healing because of the fever that raged in the elf.
The darkening of the surrounding sky signaled the end of another day and Aragorn was happy to be aiming for home with the dawning of the next day. There was much to be done before he took his rest for the night and many decisions to be made.
Most of the camp had already been packed, just those few things that would be needed in the morning remained available. The King had decided that the last night would be spent beneath the stars and all tents were taken down. He hadn’t spent any night beneath the covering of canvas since coming to the copse of trees. Rather, he slept beneath the open sky next to Legolas, knowing that exposure to the trees and stars would aid in the elf’s recovery.
The biggest decision to be made was whether the party would travel with little rest, as they had on the journey to Harad. It would be best to return to Minas Tirith as soon as possible, but the lack of rest could cause more injury due to fatigue. In the end, it was decided that they would travel as far as they could each day, taking short respites whenever necessary. It would be much the same as the journey they had made several days before, but Aragorn had decided that the rests would be longer to allow more time to check on their ailing friend. Most contrasting of all would be the ease of heart at having their beloved friend with them.
Some hours later, the King had finally finished his preparations for the next day’s departure and, grabbing a cup of water and the necessary herbs, had gone to lie down, next to Legolas, for a little sleep. He noticed, when he reached the elf prince’s side, that his friend was still awake. He wished to enquire as to the elf’s inability to sleep, but was concerned about waking the others that lay sleeping around them. Conversations with Legolas still had to be done with a raised voice and shouting in the camp, at this time of night, would rouse those who had been able to find peace.
Rather, he placed a gentle hand on the prince’s chest letting Legolas know that he was there. No matter how many times he had held his friend or placed a calming hand on him, he was still surprised by the intensity of the tremble that shook Legolas’ body. This effect of the poison had also been a huge source of frustration for the elf. He was unable to steady a cup or spoon enough to eat or drink on his own and it seemed that the trembling had not lessened as some of the other ailments had.
Legolas lay with his left arm outstretched, his shaking hand pressed against the trunk of the tree which he was sheltered beneath. His thin fingers subconsciously tracing along the ridges of the bark. "It is good to hear their song once again."
Aragorn didn’t respond to the elf. He just listened, all of his focus on the Legolas’ words, intrigued by what the elf was saying.
"It was so quiet and dark. Nothing natural grows and no light exists." He sighed and a look of confusion took his face. "So strange that in a land where the sun is King, there is no light. They have embraced darkness."
Aragorn had heard that Legolas had been locked in a cell devoid of any light. That he had been isolated and alone unless the Lord of Marek had a desire to make the elf suffer. But, he knew that this was not all that Legolas spoke of. He remembered fighting the Haradrim at Pelennor Fields, and he had also heard many things about their ways and behaviors. They had been extremely influenced by the dark powers of Mordor and Sauron and had been stained by that evil.
Aragorn brushed his hand over the elf’s burning head, pushing dampened golden strands away from his face. The cloth on Legolas’ head had obviously just been replaced right before Aragorn had joined the elf, for it still felt somewhat cool. The King pulled, one of the many blankets over the elf, up a little higher, tucking it beneath his trembling chin.
The pair sat in silence, watching the leaves of their natural shelter dance about in the subtle breeze that cooled the night, each comforted by the others’ presence. As the night wore on Aragorn found himself listening to his friend’s breathing. Strained and rattling at first, it was the only sound to rip at the peacefulness of the night, now more even and quiet, Aragorn came to realize that Legolas had finally fallen to sleep, his hand still resting against the base of the tree.
He must have unwittingly fallen to sleep because Aragorn was awoken by another of Legolas’ coughing fits. Opening his eyes he noticed that they sky had started graying with the rising sun and birds sung quietly in the highest branches of the trees. Aragorn turned over to see Angrod tending to his prince and knew that this current coughing spell was the opportunity that the healer needed. He grabbed the cup of water and quickly stirred in the herbs then turned back to Legolas, who seemed to have calmed now.
Aragorn looked to Angrod noting the look of relief at the absence of color on the cloth he had held to Legolas’ mouth as he coughed. Returning the reassuring expression, he motioned for the dark elf to lift their friend as he pressed the cup to Legolas’ lips. "Drink it all, Legolas, it will ease your discomfort." He felt guilty deceiving his friend and exchanged sorrowful looks with the dark elf who now assisted him. The look he received in return told him that Angrod knew what the King had done and approved.
Legolas slowly drained the cup and was rested back on the forest floor. Looking up at Aragorn with tired eyes, he slowly whispered. "How much did you give me?"
Shock surfaced on Aragorn’s face, he should have known he couldn’t trick the elf, they had been friends for too long. "I will keep giving you the herbs to get you home in comfort."
Legolas dipped his trembling chin in an attempted nodded and turned his face away from the King of Gondor, within moments Legolas was sleeping soundly, even his trembling had eased some. Aragorn listened quietly as Angrod sent up a prayer to the Valar. He sat for a moment silently saying his own prayer and collecting his thoughts, then jumped to his feet and set about waking the camp.
He made his way swiftly through the camp, calling to the sleeping soldiers, shouting out orders and commands as he went. He was ready to be on the trail home and did not want to delay their departure for anything. None of his men questioned his words and Aragorn was pleased that all seemed as eager to be on the road as he was. They moved quickly and quietly, with such precision that the King of Gondor found himself pausing to witness their level of professionalism. More than that, he marveled at the comradery of his men. Even though they didn’t speak, silent non-verbal communication could be seen occurring. Inside jokes and gestures were being constantly exchanged resulting in the occasional smile or laugh.
Tearing himself away from the impressive sight, Aragorn walked over to collect his own horse and belongings. Standing quietly between Aragorn’s horse and his own was Angrod speaking softly to the two animals. Both seemed just as anxious to be on the move as their riders and Angrod was nudged and scolded for leaving them locked up for so long. Aragorn began to load his things as he listened to the dark elf speak to the horses.
"Forgive me, I promise that once we return home both of you will be freed to run the plains of Gondor for the day." The horses seemed pleased with this offer and quieted down at the words. "But first, I need your help to get Prince Legolas home safely. Will you bear his litter a while longer?"
Both animals tossed their heads in the air and whinnied their acceptance and Aragorn knew beforehand that they would agree to help. All animals loved the golden elf and Aragorn suspected that if Angrod had asked a family of squirrels to pull Legolas home, they would comply. That thought caused a smile to spread over the King’s face as the animals were led to where the aforementioned elf slept.
Legolas was gently lifted onto the canvas and each end of the tent’s poles were raised by the four friends, just as they had done five days earlier. The contraption was fastened once again to the horses and blankets were placed securely around and atop the sick and injured elf. Once Legolas was settled, each friend stepped forward and whispered words of encouragement and comfort.
One by one they placed their hands on either side of his face and bent over so that only the elf could have heard them had he been awake. Once done they each gently kissed Legolas on the forehead and mounted their horses, ready for travel.
"There are others awaiting your return my friend. Let us not keep them waiting." Whispered the King of Rohan.
"There is still much for us to do and learn from each other. Do not think you can be rid of me so easily." Gimli wiped a single tear from his eye.
"Forgive me for failing you my Prince. I promise to never let you down again." The dark elf vowed.
"Come Legolas, let us go home. It is time." Aragorn strayed a moment longer, brushing the elf’s hair with his fingers once more. The act had become a habit over the past five days and it comforted him as much as he thought it comforted Legolas.
Swinging up onto his horse and looking down on the sleeping elf once more Aragorn then shouted the call to move out. The party had been successful, much was owed to Alcandir, they were bringing their lost friend home.