Running to You (LOTR- Legolas and O/C)

Ch. 1- Nightmares and Memories

  "THORIN!" I screamed, dropping my bloodied sword onto the thick sheet of ice that covered the lake. Thorin stumbled backwards and fell to the ground, blood quickly pooling around him. I was at his side in an instant, pressing my hands over his now bloodied ones. "No.. no no no Thorin don't do this.. Don't go!"

  "Ari.. I'm sorry. If I could take it all back I would. You deserve better than I could have ever offered... Please forgive me, my dear child." His hand clasped mine as he stared up at me, his breathing becoming gasps. I slowly nodded, tears dripping down my face and onto his.

"I forgive you, Thorin. I will see you again, with Fili and Kili, and all those we each have lost." A faint smile spread across his lips as he took one final breath, his grip faltering from my hand. Tears continued dripping onto his lifeless face as I stared down at the dwarf I had come to see as a father to me, a mentor.

  A few feet away lay Azog the Defiler. Black blood had pooled around him from the wound in his leg and abdomen. He let out a curdled laugh as he lay there, drawing the attention of myself and the hobbit. Rage filled my body, adrenaline pumped through my veins once more as I slowly stood, lifting my sword. My shoulder screamed in protest for it was injured during the battle but I pushed through the pain. I was now standing over the pale orc, my sword held over my head.

  "Gurth na cin, un -o fuin." (Death to you, creature of darkness)

   I jolted upwards gasping for breath. Aragorn stirred across from me but remained sleeping. The sun had slowly begun to rise and shone in between the branches of trees, illuminating the forest around us. Elios lay curled up next to me, his black fur shining in the light. I smiled down at one of my closest companions and gently stroked the wolf's head. He lifted his head slightly and gave me an irritated sigh.

  "Goheno nin, mellon. Time to get up," I whispered, petting his head once more before standing. The wolf stood and stretched out, his tail hitting Aragorn in the face in the process. I stifled a laugh as he groaned and swatted at Elios.

  "Must you be so close Elios?" My brother lifted his head to look at the wolf who simply licked his cheek in response. Aragorn's face contorts, making me laugh.

  "Oh come now brother, he was just helping!"

  "I'm sure he was.." Aragorn chuckled lightly. My brother and I took to gathering the few belongings we had, making light conversation here and there as we went. We were a days' walk from the town of Bree which was just outside of the Shire. Aragorn had heard stories of foul creatures roaming about in search of The One Ring; the Nazgul had come for Bilbo at last. Why it took this long for them to find him, I do not know. We figured we'd stop there for the night then continue on to Rivendell, where Lord Elrond was to hold a meeting of the peoples of Middle Earth. Lord Elrond opened his home to my brother and I years ago as young children. We grew up training and fighting alongside the elves. Aragorn had fallen madly in love with Elrond's daughter, Arwen, as we grew and became close to his children. Arwen was a good friend of mine.

  It was nearing dusk when we had reached the outskirts of Bree. Storm clouds covered the skies and a strong wind blew the trees. I looked upwards and smiled to myself before turning to my brother.

  "Remember when we were children and would dance in the rain?"

   "Ari, we danced in the rain many times," he chuckled. "You'll have to be more specific."

  "The time we first met Legolas. Arwen and I dragged you boys out despite Elrond and Thranduil being adamant about us staying inside."

  Arwen and I giggled as we ran out into the rain hand in hand. It began to storm moments after King Thranduil of Greenwood and his son, Legolas, arrived. Legolas and Arwen were much older than either my brother or I but due to the way elves aged, they were still considered children. Legolas silently watched beside my brother as Aragorn tried showing him a new dagger Lord Elrond had gifted him.