Of Futures Past (Legolas)

39

The next two nights, Legolas and Alana parted ways rather reluctantly when it came time to sleep, knowing being caught in the same bed would spark too many questions about Alana's virtue. After a swift kiss goodnight, Alana was alone in her room once more.

Though, for some reason, she felt uneasy, Alana shut her eyes and felt herself drift off.

The air was fresh, and the fabric of her dress fluttered against her skin with the morning breeze. The courtyard was white, with a blooming white tree in the centre, and Aragorn stood waiting while Alana walked Arwen to the altar. As Alana gave Arwen away, looking beautiful in her white gown, she saw Legolas across from her, standing as Aragorn's best man. They shared a smile and Alana looked down happily at the ring on her left hand. 

As Aragorn, wearing the crown of Gondor, kissed Arwen, sealing the marriage, Alana found herself clapping and cheering louder than any others, while Legolas gazed at her warmly, smiling at her enthusiasm.

As the reception ended, the party began, and Legolas stepped towards her, pressing a kiss on her left hand and eyeing the ring there.

"Our turn next, meleth nin. I'll finally give you a wedding band to match that engagement ring." Legolas promised.

"You only wish to get married sooner because you have no self control." Alana teased, pushing him away gently.

"And whose fault is that?"

Alana giggled in response, her nose brushing against Legolas's as his thumbs rubbed circles on her hands.

Just as they were about to kiss, Alana felt a searing headache take over her and she doubled over whimpering in pain. As her eyes opened, she saw the white courtyard beneath her was covered in scorch marks. The tree was burnt to a crisp. Her pale pink bridesmaid dress had turned black, and was of an uncomfortable, chafing material; the neckline had been lowered by many inches.

As she finally looked up, she saw him. He was taller than a man, but of the same shape, and no skin peaked through his black armour as he pulled her up by the throat until the chains around her wrists stopped him.

"So that was your wish, Alana."  His honeyed voice hummed, before it turned black, the hand around her throat tightening as his armour cut into her neck. "How dare you think you can escape your fate! You are to be my slave!"

Sauron threw her to the floor, the cuts on her neck magically healing. "See, Alana, I can hurt you as much as I want, and you'll never die. I'll be sure of it. But... I don't think that's enough of a punishment, dear Alana, do you?" 

Alana coughed. "Die."

"So disrespectful."  Sauron growled as cuts began appearing on her body, bleeding heavily. Just when she thought she would pass out from the pain, he grabbed her chin forcing her look up at him. She just bared her teeth in response. "I think... I shall destroy your greatest dream instead." As he spoke, all around her the dead bodies of her loved ones appeared.

Legolas was laid just in front of her, far enough so she couldn't reach him, but close enough she could not look away. "LEGOLAS! NO! No! You're alive, you're alive! You're not allowed to die!" Alana struggled against her chains, the skin of her wrists tearing as she tried desperately to reach him.

"Yes, they will all die." Sauron paused, laughing maliciously. "I've thought up quite a punishment for you, my dear. I had of course only intended on making you my slave, as useful and weak as you are, but perhaps another use would be better." Alana shook her head, looking away and trying to break out of her chains once more. Sauron squeezed her neck roughly, her eyes popping as she struggled to breathe."I will make you my wife, and I'll force you to marry me right here, right where your disgraceful dream takes place. Then, we will consummate the marriage in your precious Lothlorien while the bodies of your dead companions watch."

Alana spat in his face, trembling in fear. "You'll have to kill me."

"Oh I can. Over and over, until you're too broken to say no." His malicious laughter filled the air again as Alana's skin opened in deep gouges once more. "I can do this as many times as I want, and every time, I'll heal you, just to do it again."

Just as Sauron reached to grab her again, he disappeared and the sun appeared, clearing away the images of dead friends, but the scorch marks and injuries along her body remained. Crawling towards where Legolas's body had been, Alana screamed.

Alana woke up screaming, clawing at her bruised throat. Eowyn was already by her side, rubbing her back soothingly.

"What happened, Alana? Where did those bruises come from?" Eowyn fretted, stroking the woman's hair.

"It... Sauron... He..." Alana coughed, her throat aching, as Eowyn gasped, helping her into a seated position. 

"Let me bring you to the Fellowship."

Alana nodded weakly, allowing Eowyn to help her stand, though her legs were shaky. When it took minutes to arrive to the door of the bedroom, Eowyn decided to attempt to carry Alana instead, which she did with much difficulty.

Eomer, who had heard the scream and come to investigate, immediately took Alana in his arms and sent Eowyn back to her room, much to her protests.

He marched through the hallways of Meduseld, arriving quickly at the Fellowship's room, where all were already awake, tending to a disoriented Pippin.

"Eomer, what is..." Aragorn trailed off at the sight of Alana, drenched in sweat, with a dark bruise around her neck.

"Alana!" Legolas rushed over, gently taking her from Eomer's arms. "What happened?"

"I don't know. I heard her scream, and when I got to her room, my sister was trying to carry her here on her own." Eomer explained briefly.

Alana coughed. "Legolas... you're here... He showed me such awful things..." Alana rasped.

Gandalf stood, by her side within a second. "He? Sauron?"

Alana nodded weakly, her hand reaching up to rub her throat. "He was angry with me... He hurt me... And he made such horrific promises... and then he disappeared before he could grab me again." Alana went into a coughing fit, burying her face in Legolas's tunic to stifle the noise.

Gandalf hovered a hand over her bruised neck, muttering incantations, and the pain subsided. "The spell used to injure you was simple, meant to scare you more than hurt you, I presume."

Alana cleared her throat, tapping Legolas on the shoulder to be let down, though she remained leaning against him. "How did he get here?"

The others turned to look at Pippin, who was as pale as a ghost, shaking his head. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Alana..."

Alana stumbled to his side, smiling weakly. "I am alright, Pippin, just shaken."

"Arrange a meeting with King Theoden."