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A Tale of Hope || Legolas

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Published: May 30, 2015

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Literature Text

From A Tale of the Bard series

The world never failed to impress you. When you were still a child it seemed impossible to go on a long journey like that one. Not only your parents would be against it but you never felt ready for such adventure. A smile ghosted over your lips. Fate had a strange sense of humour.

And as you sat on the ground, watching the blue lights shining in the darkness you couldn’t help yourself but to get lost in your silly thoughts, with a hand placed on the faithful companion you carried around. A thick covered book laid on the grass, opened on a random page as you already forgotten that you tried to write something down.

A sad melody sung by Elves was heard. You couldn’t understand any of the words but still scribbled a few of them on the paper. Your lids shut so you could listened and get lost in thoughts.

It was one of those nights that stayed in people’s mind for a long time. It was the night of wondering about the past and making important choices that were connected to the future. Doubt filled your heart as a many questions concerning the quest appeared. Was there a chance of it ending with success? Or was it a mistake to join the Fellowship? Were the sights a worthy reward for an unceasing walk with the Death itself?

Are you closer or even further away from the goal you set in the moment you stepped out of your household?

“It’s not how you spell it.” one of your eyes opened to look at the Elf crouching next to you. He started writing down unfamiliar words, correcting all the mistakes you had made. And to your surprise there weren’t many of them. Maybe an Elvish blood really flew in your veins.

“That’s why I’m happy you’re here.” you answered with a small smile on your face. And then new thought filled your head. You wondered if you weren’t getting too close with Legolas. He could never learn about your secrets, about who you were. A hope that he hadn’t already knew was present in your heart. But there were things that couldn’t be helped.

Especially the same heart beating faster whenever he was near.

Memory of the first meeting with lady Galadriel appeared in your mind. You were certain she knew about your secret. Maybe there was a little bit of truth in Gimli’s tale. She was a very powerful woman, something that you wished to be one day.

“You should get some rest.” Legolas said while standing up. You nodded your head but didn’t move. Events of the day excited you and pushed the desire of sleep away. You felt the need of learning more about the place and explore it. But maybe it wasn’t a good idea. Even if there was no proof something told you that the whole Fellowship was being watched.

He extended his hand for you to take and there was no way for you to say no to him. With one swift pull you were up on your feet. Legolas was strong, much stronger than he seemed to be and much stronger than you. It almost made you fell into his arms. You needed to limit the psychical contact.

“Don’t forget it.” he handed you the book filled with your handwriting. Something that you wished will survive the adventure to the Mordor and in case something happen to you- it would tell the world what you saw and what you accomplished. It was only evidence of your existence.

Soon your friend disappeared from the field of view. With the one last look at the high trees that rose far above, you decided to walk back to the camp. Only then you noticed how far from the others you were. But you weren’t the only one who sought solitude. As you heard familiar male voices your movement came to a halt.

You leant against the massive trunk and listened. It wasn’t polite to eavesdrop but on the other hand, maybe it was why you were there. To keep all the secrets and witness the changes.

"My father is a noble man, but his rule is failing. And now our… our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right and I — I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored."

Boromir’s voice was filled with pain and sorrow. And even if his story was yet to be learned, the little bit of it that was uttered reminded you why decision about leaving your previous life was made.

"Have you ever seen it Aragorn? The White Tower of Ecthelion, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver. Its banners caught high in the morning breeze. Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?"

You could almost imagine the beauty of the place. It seemed to be unremarkable almost unreal. And you wished to walk among the city streets one day. But were you allowed to believe in the sweet end? Of finding what you lost and returning with fame and glory attached to your name. Especially when it wasn’t your name at all.

"One day, our paths will lead us there. And the tower guard shall take up the call: "'The Lords of Gondor have returned!'"

It was something he hoped for with all his might.

With blue lights glowing in the darkness you decided it was the time to have some rest. Tomorrow seemed like a busy day. And you didn’t know why, but you had a bad feeling about it. However with luck there was a chance it would pass with a peaceful sleep.

But the night was filled with tossing and turning on the ground. Nightmares invaded your head every time you close your eyes. You lay on your side thinking about nothing and then, for a moment you thought that you saw a white spirit moving in the woods but a second later decided it was only your tired mind playing tricks on you.

Your hand reached forward to touch the lock of gold hair of the man lying nearby. It felt like a silk under your touch. A frown appeared on your face. It was unfair that your hair never look so good. You promised yourself that it was time to join Gimli’s side, Elves were too perfect to be trusted.

And it was for the best you didn’t saw a smile on Legolas’ face.

Green cloak felt strangely light on your shoulders, and yet it was warmer than any kind of cloth you had. Leaf-broche glistened on your chest and you couldn’t stop looking at it.

As the Elves moved around preparing for the Fellowship’s departure you sat with Pippin and Merry in one of the boats. As you were too occupied with reading Legolas’ appearance was unnoticed by you. Only when you heard his voice your head rose.

"Lembas! Elvish Way-bread. One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man." He held a thin wafer for Hobbits to see. They nodded they heads before the Elf was gone.

"How many did you eat?" Merry asked sitting closer to his friend.

"Four."

And you couldn’t say they looked pleased with the new knowledge, quite the opposite. Perhaps it was for the best that you didn’t speak about your fair share of the miraculous food.

Suddenly you stood up and got out from the boat onto the steady ground wondering if you weren’t needed anywhere. You passed by the busy males and females until you spotted Aragorn with Lord Celeborn.

"By river you have the chance of outrunning the enemy to the Falls of Rauros." you heard the Elf saying. A worried expression appeared on your face. Aragorn looked at you and immediately you knew he was concerned about the Fellowship safety as well.

As he walked up to where you were standing, his hand landed on your shoulder. It was a nice gesture but too hard for your liking. But you forgot about the pain as you were pushed back to where boats were. It was time to move.

The mist surrounded the wooden vessels as the sun was slowly raising. Sky’s colour changed, and the blue slowly replaced purple and pink. The new day begun.

Your fingers touched the cold water’s surface as you remembered Lady Galadriel’s gently touch on your cheek.

“You travelled quite far away from home.” she suddenly spoke to you. Your eyes widen as you feared what she would say next. She smiled before continuing. “And you’re going even further away. Take this feather with you and no matter where you are, your story will live.”

As you gazed at your reflection in the water you held the white object tighter in your hand. She knew, from the very start.

Snow covered mountains rose beneath the green trees. Lórien was left behind.

"I have taken my worst wound at this parting, having looked my last upon that which is fairest. Haugh, henceforth I will call nothing fair unless it be her gift to me." you looked over your shoulder at Gimli, interested in what he wanted to say.

"What was it?"

"I asked her for one hair from her golden head. She gave me three." your eyes shifted towards Legolas who was already looking at you. Smiles were exchanged and you couldn’t stop soft chuckle leaving your lips.

Tall wall made of rock stood proudly on the shore as you descended down the river. Soon a sea of trees looking down from the cliffs appeared in the background and great mountains rose above them. You moved a bit too look around. The landscape was breathtaking. The book lay open on your lap and you couldn’t decide what to describe first.

But then you heard a loud bird’s cawing, or rather it sounded like a roar. It was when you remembered that there was another reason to look around aside from admiring the sights. Your gaze shifted towards Aragorn. He looked alarmed.

As the darkness fell on earth the Fellowship took cover on a small island.

"Gollum. He has tracked us since Moria." Aragorn said as you reached Boromir who hid behind a tall rock. You looked over his shoulder to see what he was gazing at. A single log floated on the water’s surface. "I had hoped we would lose him on the river. But he's too clever a waterman."

"And if he alerts the enemy to our whereabouts it will make the crossing even more dangerous." Boromir whispered back. You weren’t alone in the woods, funny, you should have knew it from the start.

Suddenly the man turned around and started walking to where Aragorn stood. You took a step back and watched the nearing male.

"Minas Tirith is the safer road. You know it. From there we can regroup… strike out for Mordor from a place of strength." Boromir started.

"There is no strength in Gondor that can avail us."

"You were quick enough to trust the Elves. Have you so little faith in your own people?" you opened your lips to say something but closed them a second later. Your gaze shifted to Aragorn asking if you should leave them alone. But he didn’t return it. "Yes, there is weakness. There is frailty. But there is courage also, and honor to be found in Men. But you will not see that." Boromir continued, his voice was full of passion, full of hope. If it was you, who were the leader of the group you were sure it would convince you.

Aragorn didn’t agree. He moved to walk away and you did the first step to follow. But before he could fully turn around, the other man grabbed his arm.

"Scared of who you are, of what you are." your eyes widen. Was there something you missed?

Boromir released Aragorn but when it seemed they would go their separate ways, the dark haired male suddenly turned back.

"I will not lead the Ring within a hundred leagues of your city!"

You watched both of them before Aragorn motioned you to follow him. No more words were spoken.

The boats passed through the canyon. There weren’t much space around and you felt a little bit claustrophobic. But then a great statue appeared.

“What is it?” you said aloud, not expecting answer.

“The Gates of Argonath, pillars of the old kings.” you looked at Legolas whose gaze was directed towards the statues. Their arms were raised with palms facing outwards, a gesture of warning. It was a breathtaking sight. They were massive, taller than any building, perhaps even taller than the trees you saw a little time before.

Your heart could not stop leaping in your chest.

And when you passed them, your gaze was still locked on them for a longer time. Soon you heard something like a waterfall and the boat came to a halt. Your feet touched the shore’s sand while you looked at the woods outstretching before you. It didn’t feel like a safe place.

The fire was lit as the Fellowship begun to make a small camp. Legolas appeared by your side examining the darkness behind the trees.

"We cross the lake at nightfall. Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the north." as Aragorn voice was heard you turned around.

"Oh, yes?! It's just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil? An impassable labyrinth of razor sharp rocks! And after that, it gets even better!" you didn’t like what you just heard. "Festering, stinking marshlands, far as the eye can see!" irritation filled Gimli’s voice.

"That is our road. I suggest you take some rest and recover your strength, Master Dwarf." you wondered how Aragorn could always be so calm.

"Recover my…?!” but he didn’t finish his sentence as something of a heavy sigh left his lips.

“I’m not sure it is the time to argue.” you begun as you really wanted to ease the situation. You had enough to worry about.

Suddenly your Elvish companion passed you by and walked towards Aragorn.

"We should leave now." you heard him whisper. It was when you started feeling nervous. With few small steps you found yourself next to them.

"No. Orcs patrol the eastern shore. We must wait for cover of darkness." the man answered casually returning his attention to his belongings.

"It is not the eastern shore that worries me. A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind. Something draws near… I can feel it." he halted in his movements and looked at Legolas. Your gazes then shifted to the woods. But there was almost nothing you could see. Beside the darkness there were trees and a lonely statue nestled amongst their needles.

You were so absorbed with trying to see something that you got startled by a sound of wood hitting the ground. It was Merry who gathered branches for a campfire.

"No dwarf need recover strength! Pay no heed to that, young Hobbit." you heard Gimli say and it made a small smile form on your lips. But then you looked at the still standing Hobbit. It seemed he was looking for something. Soon you understood what it was, or rather who.

"Where's Frodo?"

Your head rose and your lips opened to ask Aragorn if he saw him but you didn’t utter a word. Instead you followed your companion’s gaze. Borormi’s shield lay among his baggage. But the man was nowhere to be found. You were even more nervous than before.

“We need to find them!” you exclaimed remembering what happened before. When it came to the ring, you didn’t trust Boromir.

Following Aragorn’s lead you descended into the woods. You looked in every bush, under every rock and restrain yourself from calling the poor Hobbit’s name as it could gain unwanted attention.

"Frodo?" suddenly you heard your companion voice and followed there. A ruin standing in a small clearing appeared before you as well as familiar men. You took a step forward but Aragorn stopped you with a gesture of his hand. It was then you looked at the terrified Hobbit. What had happened?

"Where is the Ring?"

"Stay away!" Frodo exclaimed while retreating from Aragorn but still he followed. He called Hobbit by the name what made the other male stop.

"I swore to protect you!" the tall man continued while you appeared at his side.

"Can you protect me from yourself?!" Frodo asked as he opened his hand showing you the golden ring in his palm. "Would you destroy it?"

You gazed at Aragorn. Guessing from the look on his face he was thinking deeply, small frown appeared on his face. Cautiously he took a step forward while you stood in the same spot. The ring scared you and it wasn’t the kind of jewelry you desired.

Both you and Frodo watched the man’s every movement. As he reached for the ring, you stopped breathing. Suddenly, he fell to his knees and his hands closed around Frodo’s, pushing the cursed object close to Hobbit’s chest.

"I would have gone with you to the end, into the very fires of Mordor."

Why did it sounded like a farewell? Your hand rose on its own to touch the place where your heart was. A weird feeling overwhelmed your body.

"I know. Look after the others, especially Sam. He will not understand."

With a small smile on your face you decided to walk to them but before you took even a step forward, Aragorn stood up and swiftly drew out his sword.

And then you noticed Sting glowing in blue.

"Go, Frodo. Run. Run!" one last look at his friend and Frodo was gone.

Slowly, you turned around as Aragorn walked passed. Crossbow was held tightly in your hands and small army of Orcs stood behind your back. You asked the ancestors to grant you the gift of strength and courage to fight with your opponents and hoped they would answer your prayers.

You took a deep breath before the fight started. The adventure taught you yet another thing that you were grateful for. Especially in the situation like that one. An ability to fight with allies without killing them with any of your bolts.

The crossbow fired and you moved backwards while Aragorn fought forward. You were his eyes and kept him protected. But there were too many of them and your offensive changed into defensive. Soon you were forced up the ruin’s stairs.

"Find the Halflings! Yaggh! Find the Halflings!" you heard one of the most awful sounds that existed in the whole world. You took out two daggers from their hiding places as you didn’t have time anymore to drew your crossbow. And then, suddenly, Aragorn jumped from where you stood, far above the ground, and landed on one of the Uruk-hai. You looked over the edge to see if he was alive and then saw Legolas and Gimli. A smile formed on your face.

But then you remembered about the enemy before you, enemy that looked very angry and very hungry.
“Really…” you said under your breath and a curse followed. There was no other way. You did as you always do- you followed Aragorn.

But it wasn’t an Orc that waited for you, instead you were caught in warm embrace as strong arms held your body close to male chest. Legolas send you a look that asked if your head was alright. There was no time for words of gratitude or explanation as new enemies were appearing with every second. Throwing your weapons directly into the Orcs’ skulls, you were put on the ground.

It was a madness, fighting in the woods. You couldn’t use the crossbow, it was too slow. You had to be swift with your daggers in order to survive, but you couldn’t throw them anymore. They were the last ones. And there were many more of Uruk-hai. Even for the four of you fighting together.

Legolas’ arrows pierced through the air with a loud sound, similar to the one your weapons made when they slit Orcs’ throats. After yet another body fell to the ground you turn around just in time to see a shadow towering over you with a heavy axe raised above its head. Something flew passing by your head cutting your cheek in the process and hitting the monster straight in the heart.

You looked over your shoulder but Legolas was already occupied with something else. You needed to think about some sort of a sword. But as there were less enemies around, you found a high enough spot and took out your crossbow. There was no weapon you felt more at ease than with that old carved piece of wood.

One bolt was shot after another with a short pauses of drawing the weapon. You tried to reach Legolas and Aragorn but the way wasn’t easy. With another arrow shot, two enemies fell to the ground. Your companions were near, and many Orcs in the background.

And then you heard three loud horn blasts. You looked up trying to figure which side it came from.

“It sounded like… “ you whispered to yourself.

"The Horn of Gondor!" Legolas said with terrified look on his face.

"Boromir!" Aragorn exclaimed while passing by the Elf and you. He ran forward, trying to cut through the Uruks. You called his name before following but it was impossible to keep his pace. You evaded one blow after another while firing from the crossbow whenever you could.

It was insane. You had a hard time figuring what was happening around, everything was spinning before your eyes and the panic raising in your heart didn’t make anything easier. How many of them were there? Where were others? And there wasn’t even a second for you to take a break and think about that.

You tried to protect Aragorn’s back but it seemed impossible. You called his name in vain. You felt lost and didn’t even know where Boromir was anymore. The sound of horn was nowhere to be heard.

Ground felt hard and unpleasant below you knees. It was soaked with enemy’s blood. It really felt like the end. How all of that happened? Where was the hope you felt few days before? One of your hands gripped the bag attached to the belt on your hips.

A shadow fell upon you. But that time there was no-one who would rush for the rescue. No one else than yourself. You clenched your fists as irritation rose inside your body. There was no time and need for weeping. You didn’t go so far only to be killed because of your own ignorance. You moved before you thought. In one second your crossbow was aimed at the Orc and in another it fell on its knees while you stood up.

You had places to be and you needed to be quick.

Voices were heard deep in the woods. It wasn’t that far. Aragorn was probably there. He would save the day, and then the whole Fellowship would gather, dispose of the rest of the Orcs and then move forward. Together you would save the world. It was too idealistic way of thinking and yet you wished so hard for it to happen.

But in one moment all your hopes were gone. You were too late.

A sidewalk was filled with enemy’s corpses. And it the middle of them familiar silhouette crouched on the ground. Two voices were heard talking but you couldn’t understand the words. Where were Hobbits? What happened there? Questions filled your head.

"Leave it! It is over. The world of men will fall, and all will come to darkness… and my city to ruin." Boromir’s voice made you snap out from the trance you found yourself in. You didn’t come closer. The sight was too much for you to bear. Your eyes filled with tears and your heart crashed into pieces.

It was their goodbye.

"I do not know what strength is in my blood, but I swear to you I will not let the White City fall… nor our people fail!" Aragorn’s voice was soft, and calmer than you thought it would be. He was strong.

"Our people? Our people." two words were enough to fill one’s dying heart with new hope. It was their promise and yet, you felt as if you wanted to protect it. To do everything in your might to make it happen, to find strength so no one would have to feel the pain of loss anymore.

Aragorn put his companion’s trusted sword into Boromir’s hand and helped him pull it close to his heart.

Legolas appeared by your side, and you stopped him with a gesture of your hand. Your lip trembled and you tried your hardest to remember every word that was said.

"I would have followed you my Brother… my Captain… my King!" with the last word that was spoken by his lips the flame of Boromir’s life died. A moment of silence came after.

"Be at peace, son of Gondor." Aragorn whispered before planting a kiss on his lost companion’s forehead.

Soon Gimli appeared without saying a word. Whishing for courage you walked to your human companion and put a hand on his arm. You didn’t expect any kind of acknowledgment. You didn’t move when his hand covered yours and you seemed to didn’t notice the single tear running down on his cheek.

"They will look for his coming from the White Tower. But he will not return."

You watched the small boat being taken away by the moving water. Your gazed followed before it disappeared over the edge of the waterfall. What were you going to do next?

"Hurry! Frodo and Sam have reached the eastern shore." you turned around as you heard Legolas’ voice, it was soft and yet so strong. But no one answered him. It made the Elf move around and face Aragorn. The man gazed at the woods and then back to your blonde haired companion.

"You mean not to follow them?" Legolas asked and it was when you decided to walk up to them.

"Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands."

"Then it has all been in vain! The Fellowship has failed." Gimli decided to follow in your steps. He couldn’t believe in what he was hearing. You couldn’t believe what he had said.

The three of you stood next to each other, facing the tall man. He looked up for a moment, before placing both of his hands on your companions’ shoulders.

"Not if we hold true to each other. We will not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death. Not while we have strength left." you raised your gaze from your feet. "Leave all that can be spared behind. We travel light “ Aragorn turned around and took a few steps forward before facing you again.

”Let us hunt some Orc!"

Your eyes widen while Legolas and Gimli gazed at each other and smiled.

"Yes! Haha!" Gimli exclaimed running after Aragorn into the sea of trees passing you by and Legolas soon followed while you stood in the same spot a second longer.

You gaze over your shoulder to take one last look at the river. You already lost so much and probably you would lose even more in the future. And yet your heart was filled with new hope, with hope given by your companions, no, the hope and courage given by your friends.

Someone called your name. The name that you knew since your birth for so long and yet it didn’t belong to you. But as you descended into the shadows made by tall trees you promised yourself that one day your friends would call you by your true name.

Wait for me, brother!

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ataleofthebardseries lordoftherings lotr readerinsert legolasxreader legolaslordoftherings readerinsertfanfiction lilysm

May it be when darkness falls
Your heart will be true
You walk a lonely road
Oh! How far you are from home

And with that, the first movie ended.

But I don't really like this chapter :< 10 pages in word, almost 5K words and... It feels so rushed, huh.
Anyway, what do you think? What is going to happen? When reader will die?

Also, what is your favorite soundtrack from Lord of the Rings movies? Mine is probably Gollum's song or Steward of Gondor. Feel free to comment!

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In previous episodes of 'A Tale of the Bard' series:

Bullet; Pink