Disclaimer: not mine, don't sue
Dedication: To dearest Maia and Jadey
Legolas was suddenly aware of a fierce buzzing in his ears, drowning out all noise, making everything seem unfocused, nebulous.
He saw Aragorn step forward, his face bewildered and confused.
He saw King Theoden swallow slowly, rising to his feet with the weight of a thousand wars on his shoulders.
He saw an enraged Eomer suddenly dashing in, his face twisted and horrifying in its intensity of hatred.
Eomer grabbed Aragorn by his shoulders, shaking him violently.
"Why?" He hissed vehemently at Aragorn, heaving in shuddering breaths.
"I did not do it!" Aragorn protested, his eyes narrowing as he tried to wrench free of Eomer's grip.
"You admitted it was your dagger!" Faramir shot righteously, staring Aragorn straight in the eyes as he stepped forward to point an accusing figure at him.
Aragorn could swear that he saw a flicker of triumph in Faramir's eyes but he was instantly distracted by the silent figure shielded behind Faramir.
"Legolas!" Aragorn cried, his heart aching at the shocked expression in the elf's eyes.
Legolas could hear his name being uttered faintly but he could barely focus on standing still, overwhelmed by the cacophony of emotions assaulting his senses.
Insidious whispers stung his skin as he flinched, dropping his eyes from the pleading look in Aragorn's eyes.
At that, Aragorn snapped.
To know the whole world was against him was something he could withstand but to know that even Legolas was against him … the burning pain of utter despair seared through his heart.
Aragorn struggled mightily, breaking free of Eomer's grasp, a desperate look in his frenzied eyes.
A massive outcry broke out as men jostled forward to restrain Aragorn.
The disgraced heir to Gondor swung wildly, trying to break free of the prison that had suddenly risen around him.
"Legolas, you have to believe me!" Aragorn pleaded forcefully, completely consumed by the raw need to convince the elf, only the elf, of his innocence.
Tears of frustration stung his eyes as he tried to catch a glimpse of Legolas who was gradually being swallowed up by the ranks of men that had risen to block Aragorn's path.
Ducking a blow and shoving an attacker into three others, Aragorn desperately sought escape, absolution.
"I do not care if everyone condemns me but you have to believe me!"
Legolas stood motionless, struck by Aragorn's words that gripped his heart relentlessly.
Refusing to be pulled away by Faramir, Legolas unexpectedly wrenched free of Faramir's hold and slipped into the frenzied crowd.
"Aragorn!" A choked sob burst from Legolas as he darted into the heaving, murderous crowd.
"Legolas!" Despite all the arms that were attempting to grab him, Aragorn managed to finally reach his lover.
"I believe you! I believe you!" Legolas blurted out, his eyes cleared of all doubt.
He knew Aragorn. He knew no matter what might have transpired, his lover would never slaughter another human being in cold blood and deny all knowledge after the dire deed.
Legolas's words rang in Aragorn's ears, the immense relief and gratefulness bringing stinging tears to his eyes.
Embracing his lover… his faith… his hope… his life, Aragorn sought blessed absolution in Legolas's arms, before being brutally torn from his grasp.
"No!" Legolas's voice cracked as he reached blindly for his lover through the tears that were threatening to spill free from their prison.
Fighting to wrench himself free of Faramir's insistent hold, Legolas stretched his free arm as far as he could, straining it so much he could feel a blazing pain course along his body.
"Legolas!" Aragorn yelled, trying just as desperately to reach his lover once again.
Their fingertips brushed briefly and yet, that was the most precious of touches, sending tingling shockwaves of electricity coursing through them.
I will always love you.
For the most fleeting of moments, they stared into each other's eyes and knew that they were complete once again.
Despite the pain, anguish and carnivorous darkness surrounding them, they had each other once again.
And even as they were cruelly forced apart, wisps of hope and love spiraled dizzyingly inside them.
They would never be apart again… in life or in death.
Author's note: I'm such a sappy person! Hee. Firstly, I'm so sorry for the super late update! Secondly, mucho thanks to…
Cheysuli- *beams* I think Eowyn and her fake pregnancy doesn't matter now… anyways, everybody now has much more important stuff to deal with! *grins*
Cerasi2- *huggles* At least the first part happened! Hee, you've probably forgotten what first part I'm referring to though… refer to your past review! ^_^
Judy- *blinks* Thanks, I think… and what exactly is a baka? Some Jap word?
Sapphire17- Guess your questions have been answered… thanks for being so sweetly supportive! *beams*
Jadey- Sweetheart! *hugs* You always get exactly what I'm trying to convey… yep, the blood on the hands scene was inspired by Lady Macbeth… your review was absolutely beautiful… made me smile idiotically the entire week… take good care of yourself!
MoroTheWolfGod- *grins* Here's more!
Just a bit potty- Hee! Love the name! *wow* comparing me to Shakespeare?! *faints away in shock* Heh.
Redrose2310- Here's more, more, more. ^_^
Mako13- Hee, I can't bear for darling Legolas to be wronged so poor Aragorn has to be blamed for everything… I'm terribly mean to poor Aragorn
Alina, elf princess- Thanks! And nope, it certainly can't finish this way!
Iluvorlimorethanudo- Hee! Cute nick! *blubbers* You got to meet Orli?! Oh. My. God.
Hidden- I did! Hee! Thanks!
Hey- *blushes* You're far too nice… I try!
*Dark*Angel*- *hugs* Thank you for being so sweet and kind! Hee, I don't think you'll like the ending of this chapter either!
VaniaHepskins- *beams* You're such a total sweetheart… thanks for being so supportive!
Vuaryn- *grins* Thanks … good luck with your Uni classes too!
Chibi Neko- *giggles* Legolas would earn a spot on anyone's shelf of incredibly hot and sexy men! Hee, it's nice of you to defend Legolas's honour and all but Faramir isn't exactly torturing him… hmmmm… kinda indirectly though… heh, I want a folder with hot guy pics to drool over too!
Ryan- *blinks* you actually thought Potc was scary?! I thought it was super funny! Hee.
Bittersweet Angel Chika- *giggles* Aragorn is getting somewhat dazed and confused after being tortured by me chapter after chapter… hee.
Yume no Zencho- *grins* interesting short chapters are my trademark! Hee, actually, I'm just lazy.
Sugaricing- *giggles* Hee, good job at making it all the way to chapter 9!
MK- *beams* Thank you! You're far too sweet … Eowyn was lying about being with child cos she desired Aragorn and wanted to break up Aragorn and Legolas… Yay! I'm so glad you liked the fic.
Legolas19- *grins* thanks! So sorry for the late update!
Squire Kali- *gasps in horror* The poking will never stop?! Hee, you always crack me up babe!
Strawberryfansz- Thanks! Heh, yeah, the general consensus is that Faramir shouldn't be with Legolas.
Lomelinde- *squeals and dances with Lomelinde* You're alive! Alive! Hee. *taps foot impatiently* and where's your update?!
Mistressofterror- *beams* Thank you! Hope you liked the update!
Admiring shadows- Nice nick! *grins* yep, I'm an angst worshipper.
Legolas/ Aragorn= Love for CS- *nods fervently* It's totally weird how it's so satisfying to read about your favourite character getting tortured… angst is good! Hee.