Author's note: I started this about a year ago when
the first movie came out…recently I dug it out and started working on it again.
Here's the 1st chapter abouts and if it gets a good response, it
will be continued. Note: the first part
maybe REALLY confusing but I will hopefully clear everything up in coming
chapters. Criticism welcome…THIS IS SEMI AU…THERE WAS A FELLOWSHIP AND THERE
WAS A RING BUT I CHANGED A COUPLE OF EVENTS…so don't freak out. And yes, there will be Legolas in this story,
in fact he has a main part! Whew…that was a loooong author's note.
Disclaimer: I own nothing so don't sue or I might have to pay you in cheerios….right…owell…
Sad will be the winds from the west
What is nothing cannot be less
The race of men shall be split
What is broken cannot be knit
Four will restore and unite
Bringing back the light
Three sent to always protect
By their life or by death
Two of the three will fall
Sent as heroes to Mandos' hall
The last will persevere alone
In a world of stone
The one sent to save earth
By his life and birth
Will pay the final price
In the rite of sacrifice
The last will be left alone
Until the bird's tone
--Ancient
Prophecy of the Elves
The steady pound of hoof beats approaching the bridge was interrupted the loud drone of the rain.
Mud had splayed up and down the tall horse's legs and his heavy breathing was frothing from his mouth from the exertion it was being put under. As it approached the bridge, the horse stumbled slightly but gained its feet without tumbling its rider.
The rider had a pointed hat that towered over his head and wide brims that kept the rain from his eyes. Soft brown hair was pulled back in a loose pony tail that hung down his blue robes. One hand clutched fiercely to the reins while the other held a staff made of rich mahogany.
The bridge groaned as he clattered across it.
He had barely reached the other side when an arrow whizzed pass his ear. Pulling the horse to an abrupt halt, he raised the hand holding the reins. "Peace, I am Telpefirith, the king bid me to come!" He shouted over the rain.
The horse whinnied in the silence that followed his words.
There was the soft rustling of
branches as a slim, blonde elf dropped to the forest floor and rushed towards
the man. "Telpefirith! My father eagerly awaits your arrival," the
elf faltered, "he…he fears time is growing closer when the
Telpefirith nodded. "And how is your mother, Navindo?"
"Worried, she knows of the…the prophecy and is distraught over Nildelain. She knows he cannot leave with us no matter what." Navindo untied his horse and swiftly mounted. "That is why you came, is it not? Father sent for you because of Nildelain. He does not know what do with him."
"None of us really do. It is not like we have received training in this area. I will do the best I can," Telpefirith reassured, yet his eyes belied the strong words.
Navindo nodded and started off down the trail, ducking his head against the rain. "That is all that we may ask of you."
Telpefirith urged his horse faster. "All I know is that we must make great haste to hide him. If he truly is the one…I do not know what will happen if Sauron finds out about him."
They rounded a corner and the brilliant white buildings of the Elven city came into view. Tall towers stretched up towards the sky and beyond, shining in the rain. Flowers trailed across serene walkways and waterfalls fell down black rocks.
Telpefirith smiled. "Alundor is truly the most beautiful elven kingdom in Middle Earth. Whenever I come here, I find myself refreshed. Even with the urgent business that pursues me."
"Soon, we will all have departed and this land will be no more," the young elf shook his head sadly, "come…they are this way," Navindo turned his horse down a path that led straight to the tallest building.
Elven servants bowed as they passed, murmuring greetings in Elvish to the young prince and the wizard. Telpefirith was well-known in Alundor, his deep friendship with the king was the subject of many songs and poems.
Navindo halted at the wide steps and hurriedly dismounted. His cape flapped up behind him. "Hurry!"
Telpefirith quickly walked after him.
The large door swung open and an older elf descended the steps dressed in royal garments. His eyes locked on the wizard's wet robes and he outstretched his arms to reach for Telpefirith. "My old friend, you have come at last!"
The wizard bowed slightly at the waist in respect before allowing the taller man to wrap him in a hug. "Greeting to you, King Barithel. I wish it were in more pleasant times, however."
"Indeed, but sometimes pleasant is not the way life will be." Barithel stepped back and motioned him to come inside. "Come out of the rain and I'll see what the cook can scrounge up for you and then we can see to Nildelain."
Telpefirith allowed the king to guide him inside the airy palace. "I would prefer to see him now, I fear the time grows short and Saruman is coming nearer to this kingdom."
Barithel spat on the ground. "That wizard is nothing but trouble. I can feel it whenever he is near, evil emanates from him."
"I sense this also, my friend," Telpefirith agreed.
The king sighed. "Will you follow me? Nildelain is sleeping as of now." A weary smile crossed the elf king's face. "When he is awake, he is a little bundle of energy." He motioned to Navindo and turned into a side hallway.
The nursery was quiet. Paintings of Elven history adorned the walls and soft carpets covered the floor. Pushed against one of the corners was a small bed and in the bed was a lithe figure dressed in royal blue.
Telpefirith gestured towards him. "That is he?"
"Yes."
Walking across the room, Telpefirith laid a gentle hand on the blonde head. A shock of electricity ran though the wizard and he jerked his hand quickly back. "Yes, it is he."
"I know of this…but somehow I had hoped… You will take him?"
"Of course. He will be safe until the day that Middle Earth calls for him. But we must leave quickly."
"I have horses waiting for you. We will do everything we can to help you." The elf king bowed his head.
Telpefirith turned back to the young elf. "Nildelain! Awaken!"
Nildelain stirred, yawning. Wide blue eyes opened and he stared at his father. "What is happing?"
Barithel sat down next to the small child. "My son, you must go with this man. His name is Telpefirith…he will protect you."
Nildelain looked troubled. "I wish to stay here."
"No! No, you must go with him. Please…" The king's eyes filled with tears. "We will meet again."
The elf child nodded numbly. "I will go."
Telpefirith stepped forward and knelt down to eye level with the young prince. "We must leave hurriedly. Pack what you can carry." He rose and turned to the king. "I will ready the mounts."