DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE LORD OF THE RINGS CHARCTERS AND NEVER WILL. THEY ALL ELONG TO THE BRILLIANT MIND OF J. R. R. TOLKIEN.
Author's Note: This is my very first story on this website, so critic, tips, and ideas are welcome and appreciated. Thank you and enjoy the story. (And I apologize in advance if you find the bold font annoying.)
The stars glittered coldly in the sky, and a single cloud lingered in front of the moon; hiding what little light it would have been able to grace upon the land. A single horse with two riders appeared on the steep hilltop, both were hooded and cloaked. The first rider was tall and thin, and the second was short and broad. The white stallion stamped it's foot in unease, sensing the tension of an unidentified threat in the air. The tall rider noticed this and bowed his head to whispered softly into the horse's ear, calming the unsure steed considerably. Then without another moment lost, the stout rider gently kicked the horse's side and the strange trio plunged down the hill towards the silent white city awaiting them.
In one of the greatest of the halls of men, past great stone columns and unlit torches, sat a king on his throne. He was ruggedly handsome, and was clad in simple yet rich clothing, showing high rank, but not any source vanity. Nearby, a shining crown rested on a polished table, worn by him only when he saw fit. His whiskered chin rested upon his fist and his eyes were closed allowing him to listen to the noiselessness palace. He had been pondering many of his thoughts carefully, playing over in his mind recent events. Soon enough though, his thinking was interrupted, when his keen ears detected the distant pounding of hooves on pavement. Sitting up straight, his eyes flew open and he stared at the doors as the hooves neared and then faded to nothing. Seconds were given for him to puzzle over this matter, before the doors were pushed open, and two hooded men entered his halls. The king sat straighter still. "Who be it who come at this hour to the realm of Gondor, and what be your purpose?" When they stopped before the throne and did not answer he commanded them. "Lower your hoods." he said, and so they did. The tall rider was fair faced, with silvery eyes, and skin slightly paler than as his long hair. Showing slightly, were the pointed ears of an Elf. The stout rider, unmistakably now a Dwarf, had hair and a great beard of fiery red. His face not so pleasant to gaze upon as the Elf's, yet there were lines on his face from smiling, making him seem kinder. His dark eyes bore into the king, matching his hard expression.
"Lord Aragorn." said the tall and both bowed respectfully. The king gazed for a moment in disbelief, before he gave a warm smile.
"My friends! What purpose brings all the way from the mines of the Dwarves and the forests of the Elves to Minas Tirith?" he asked standing and stepping down the small flight of steps to them. "Tis no short distance." The two stopped their bowing and the Dwarf let a loud out a huff of breath.
"Indeed it was not a quick ride, though I believe you would find questioning the would Elf more beneficial than speaking to me." he grunted and Aragorn turned around. The Elf had been staring at the floor wearily, not having made a sound since he had greeted the king.
"Legolas?" Aragorn said curiously. Legolas looked up and then did the king realize the traces of restlessness on the two companion's faces. Gimli bore dark circle's beneath his eyes, signaling he was in need of rest. And Legolas seemed to have aged, for though he carried himself proudly, he had a certain heaviness to his shoulders, like he bore some burden. "What has happened?" he asked, smile fading away to look of concern. Legolas sighed softly, as he began to recount the story.
"Since the War of the Ring, darkness has left the forest of Mirkwood. So much so, that we thought of calling it the Greenwood once more. The spiders have ceased to attack passerby, and Orcs no longer seek refuge in the shadows of the trees. Though not even a week back, an evil presence seemed to have returned. And it was not an Orc nor a Spider that caused the feeling of unease growing within us all. My father recognized the sense after we experienced a bout of cold in our land. At the moment, all we knew was that the feeling was ancient and horrible. Now we fear we do know what it is. If our assumption is correct, then the mere fact threatens the safety of all of Middle Earth." he paused to allow the news to sink in for a moment, before he continued. "The creature is said to be searching for something. Reports from nearby villages report seeing the monster heading towards Gondor. If he is on his way, your lands are in grave danger, Aragorn. You must prepare yourself if this city is to survive the onslaught coming to it." Aragorn paled and took a step back.
"What is such a creature that it threatens us in such a way? What is it's name?" he asked, struggling to control a tremble of fear he felt for his people. In turn now Legolas paled and Gimli set a reassuring hand on the Elf.
"He needs to know what he's up against Master Elf. Tell him the name." the Dwarf said carefully.
"The Duindyne." Legolas whispered.
Yup well, that's all I've got so far. Thought a little cliffhanger might be nice to wrap things up for now. I will be continuing on and would appreciate comments. Thanks! :) -Artista321