towerofanimus | (no subject)

Characters: Legolas (

bow_of_the_galadhrim), OPEN
Setting: Room 3-06 then Floor 48
Format: Prose but will switch
Summary: Finding his “costume” of his father and then exploring the new floors, only to find the graves of his friends.
Warnings: DENIAL and trying to dig up a grave or two because of said denial

Room 3-06

Legolas did not technically sleep, it was an elvish thing but he had been unaware for most of the night, resting. When he climbed out of bed in the morning though, he was surprised to find the costume he had worn sitting at the edge of the bed. Including the crown of Thranduil. He said nothing and gave no outward reaction but he carefully and fondly folded the costume and placed it inside his trunk, the crown being set on top of with even more care. As though it were made from the most valuable of materials.

And under his breath, soft enough that few outside of elves themselves would hear him, he uttered a small prayer to Iluvatar.

Floor 48

He‘d seen enough since he came to this tower. Seen enough to last him an entire life and that was saying something, considering elves were immortal. Finding the cemetery floor was just one of those toppings on a cake, or whatever it was that humans said. He tried to ignore the sight of the headstones until a name caught his eye. Aragorn. And then Boromir. And Faramir.

He could feel his chest tighten at the sight of his friends names. Two members of the Fellowship right there. Seemingly right below his feet. He took a step back, eyes blinking in denial, holding back tears he knew might fall.

They couldn‘t be dead.

And the another name caught his eyes.

Gimli.

Dropping to his knees, the prince just stared for the longest time.

For Haldir - Floor 48

He’ll find Legolas on his knees, digging at Gimli‘s grave with his bare hands. He simply can‘t believe that the dwarf is dead. He‘d been taking him to the Undying Lands with him. Gimli simply couldn‘t have died! His hands and clothes are dirty but he has his face set in determination.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

If any tears had fallen she is sure that her own heart would not be able to take any more. The hand remains there on his shoulder and will do so at least until she is sure he has been calmed down even a little.

Idrial has not yet given up on the idea that their homeland still exists. It cannot be destroyed like they say it is. Maybe when she's here longer she will start to feel as he does but she hopes that this day never comes. Her necklace from the Lady of Light starts to glow ever so slightly in this dark place as if in an attempt to comfort Legolas itself.

"You were not a fool. Everyone in the Tower was forced to focus on their survival. If you are to blame anyone you should blame the cruel rulers of this place and not yourself. As for our home I believe that it still survives. The people we left behind would net let it fall so easily."

And that was one of the last things he wanted, to upset a friend over his own misery. No, he'd not allow her to know the extent of his pain or burden her with it. The light from her necklace doesn't go unnoticed by the prince though he makes no comment on it now.

"I've placed the safety of others before my own while here, I should have done so again." He sighs, trying to see the sense in her words but finding it difficult. He could pick out so many flaws in his behavior.

"You are right though, they would not."

It is hard to see the sense in others words when you are filled with such despair. The hand moves from Legolas' shoulder before she takes him into an embrace.

"And think about it. Would Gimli want to see you in such a way? I do not believe for a moment that he would blame you for anything that has happened in this Tower. Rather he would be glad that you are safe and well."

She pulls back from the embrace, looking him straight in the eyes.

That embrace surprises the prince, and he slowly returns it. Never had he realized just how much this hurt, how much he needed the comfort of another. Her words rang true though, and he forces himself to see the sense in them.

"He would not, you are right. He would think me a fool and mock me for the tears I wish to shed for him." Not that it would stop him for mourning his friends disappearance. How many more would appear and then disappear?

She is glad that she can be of some comfort, at least for the moment. She knows that it will be difficult for him not to think of thoughts such as these in the darkness of the night when he is alone.

"It is only natural to mourn those you have lost whether he is truly gone or simply left this place and returned home." She steps back from him, bowing her head ever so slightly. "If you wish I shall leave you now mourn in solitude. Unless you would prefer me to stay. I would happily do so."

"No." He says, almost too quickly. Legolas knows that if he allows himself to be alone, he may do something foolish. Something he'd never considered doing before, knowing when others were truly dead whereas there was no proof now but these graves.

"I do not wish to be alone right now."

Idrial nods at his words. Perhaps leaving him on his own is not the best course of action now. The quickness of his answer clearly highlights this point. "Then I will stay for as long as you wish me too." She looks around the graveyard and sighs softly, barely audible before looking back down at the tombstone with the dwarfs name.

After a moment she bends down in front of the grave, resting her hand on the stone. She mutters the words of an Elven blessing under her breath and the light from the necklace around her neck shines brighter for a moment.

It lightened his heart to hear her blessings on the headstone, to see the shining light from her necklace, to know that he isn't alone right now. It wouldn't do well to linger here much longer though, he had to tell himself that a few times.

"Thank you, Lady Idrial."

She stands almost as quickly as she had crouched down and she turns her attention back towards her friend who is standing beside her. She shakes her head a little at his words. His reaction is of course natural but unnecessary.

"You do not need to thank me, mellon. I am sure you would do the same if our roles were reversed. Perhaps now it is time for us to leave this place, for now."

"I would, yes." He smiled a bit, taking a breath and nodded. He now very much wanted to leave this floor behind him. He'd visit another day to give a prayer to his friends but right now he was too upset.

"You are right. I will return another day."