Author's Note: Hello again! It is me, Elvensong, who brought you stories like The Dying of the Light and….well, that was my beginning. Either way, here begins another one. This is an AU where after the destruction of the ring a new evil grows and attacks Mirkwood. The Fellowship reunites as best they can to take on this new foe. I have not read all three books yet, so this is definitely not in the continuity of the books. (I'm working on reading them, but I work as well, makes it tougher) I hope you enjoy this one! Please review!!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!
Drums in the Trees
Chapter 1: A Warning
Arod raced through the fields and hills. Over the forests and the mountains which stood between him and Rivendell. That was his destination and nothing would stop him, not fatigue or any creatures in his path. He must get his rider safely to Lord Elrond, for that was the last command of his master and friend, the Prince of Mirkwood. His current rider was no less dear, though, and he would run until his legs fell out from under him, for she was all that mattered now. She, who was no less a royal than the one who had started this dangerous flight.
Danger was bounding again in Middle Earth. Even after the ring of power's destruction, new evils began to plague the land. A new kindred to the Orks who began to operate by their own will and see to their own agendas.
It was this growing danger that summoned the Fellowship back together in Rivendell. Messengers of Elrond sent out word to all eight of the remaining members. However, the wise Half-Elf knew that one may have more difficulties than the others. For he has sensed the dangers rising in Mirkwood and knew that Legolas' journey would be very dire for him to make.
It was important that every race be well prepared for this new danger. Many of the lands knew not about this new foe for it had focused most of its attacks in Mirkwood. Many travel not to this wood, for it can be a dark, showy place. Only the presence of their remaining Elves there kept the woods from descending into total darkness in which only evil would find comfort.
One by one, the comrades in arms gathered. Aragorn was now recognized as the royal heir and was working on bringing together the world of men. Gimli continued to craft and train in the halls of the Lonely Mountain, ever telling stories of the mines of Moria and the evil which conquered there. He also spoke if his friendship with an Elf, a creature ever hated by the race of Dwarves.
The hobbits came eventually, not traveling too fast given their many breaks for food. Without another being to urge them on, they would spend most of their day resting or eating and very little time actually traveling.
The Wizard sent his regrets, but he was needed direly elsewhere and could not stay in Rivendell. Gandalf was working to finding out where this evil was coming from and nothing was going to stop him in his quest for those answers.
"Do you know what this is about, Aragorn?" Gimli sat with the others. He had been told to rush to Rivendell, and now they were all sitting around and waiting.
"I wish I knew, Gimli, but something is terribly the matter. Elrond does not bring people to his land on a whim." They decided they spend more time exploring this beautiful land. The hobbits especially wished to stay here for the food and the music was more beautiful than any other place in Middle Earth. They knew that Elrond would tell them what was happening when the time was appropriate.
A couple days passed and still no word. The company also wondering why they were incomplete. Legolas, their Elf friend, was as yet not seen in Rivendell and Elrond could be seen pacing around and looking off in the distance. Finally, a meeting was called to discuss the reasons they were called here and why they were delayed from being told earlier.
"My friends and fellow races of these lands, welcome." Elrond stood, as always, the Elf commanded respect.
"You have been called here because there is a great evil rising up from the lands."
Aragorn stiffened. Memories of the quest to destroy the One Ring came flooding back into his mind. The man wondered if he had it in his spirit to take on another quest. He would though, he would do it as long as there was life and strength in any piece of his body.
The Hobbits shivered, they did not wish to face the same evils again. Elrond continued.
"There has been a new race of Orks rising up from the ashes. These new creatures are more intelligent and seem to answer to no higher master. They and keen and cunning and are relentless in their pursuit of their prey. They have already begun attacking from their origins near the forests of Mirkwood."
Mirkwood, the group's recognition was instant and the question of why Legolas was not with them was answered.
"Yes my friends, we are unsure of the situation there. I sent a messenger to fetch Prince Legolas, but neither he nor the messenger have been heard from. We know the fighting has been fierce, but we do not think they have all been wiped out. It would be quite a sad day if they are destroyed, for they are the last of the wood-elves, the last of the forest children."
"What can we do?" Frodo was not ready for another quest, but the spirit of Bilbo still resided in him and he would go on another adventure. He could sometimes hear the wide world calling to him when he was in the Shire.
"We are unsure of this evil's agenda, Frodo Baggins. We are unsure what they hope to gain in Mirkwood, for the Wood-Elves there keep no great store of riches. I have only one notion of their intentions and I hope that I am incorrect."
Merry looked around, wondering what the mighty Elf might suspect, "What would Orks want with Elves?"
Suddenly Aragorn stiffened. Of course, the reason became as clear as day and the notion frightened him to his very core.
"Lord Elrond, you do not suppose they mean to mutilate the Elves there into more of their twisted kind?"
"I do." Elrond broke eye contact with the human.
They all knew what Orks did to Elves. They twisted them into themselves, making them a hideous, broken form of life with no knowledge of the beautiful creatures they once were. Aragorn would rather wish death unto a captured Elf than the torture that would befall them.
"We should go to Mirkwood and discover the truth!" Aragorn stood, fully prepared to face this new challenge head on. He would not allow his friend's kingdom to be cast into ruin.
Elrond smiled, "I had figured that was what you would say, Aragorn. However, you should remain here until the rest of my scouts return with a report of the situation there. You should not go there blind. There may be nothing left to save, in that case, we would need your help here. For now, we wait."
With those final words, the group dispersed to get their supplies in order for the trip to Mirkwood. None of them were looking forward to the journey, for legend told of how dark and evil Mirkwood was.
Legolas spoke warmly of his home while on their quest with the ring of power, but it was his home and his future kingdom. Outsiders spoke of darkness, giant spiders and evil, which whispered in the dark.
They had waited for two days and the group was growing restless.
"Our friend may be in great danger, we should go now in order to help him." Gimli was especially vocal about their waiting around. He had grown very fond of the fair Elf prince. They had kept in tough through letters. Gimli thought royal duty was consuming Legolas' time when the letters suddenly stopped coming. He never in his life dreamed that something might be stopping him from writing to the Dwarf under the Lonely Mountain.
Finally, Aragorn relented and the group prepared to depart that afternoon. They were getting together their final supplies when word from the lookouts came ringing in the valley down below.
"A rider approaches!"
Elrond marched out to the terrace above the Company to respond.
"Is it one of our scouts from Mirkwood?"
"No, my Lord. It is an Elvish horse carrying a rider wearing the garments of the royal family of Mirkwood."
The Fellowship began moving towards the gates.
'Finally' Aragorn thought to himself 'Legolas has arrived.'
The beautiful Elvish horse entered the gates and everyone recognized Arod, Legolas' horse, immediately. Their relief was short lived when the noticed that rider was not Legolas, but a smaller Elf woman.
She quickly dismounted and ran towards Elrond, who stood nearby. When everyone got a closer look at her they noticed that she was covered in ash and soot. It appeared as though she had run through a great fire. The Elf maiden also had wounds covering herself, scrapes and bruises, but nothing too serious that anyone could see. However, no one could overlook her utter exhaustion.
"Lord Elrond! Help us, please! You must help us!" She collapsed into his arms.