Intertwining Paths of Destiny
Well finally after a month of thinking and writing, I've finally come up with a new LotR chapter fic. Let's see warnings are Lord of the Rings does not belong to me but this plot of course does. . .umm. . .sap, angst, violence, and AT are some others along with my own character. (If you read my other LotR chapter fic, you'll know who he is.) Anyway, please read and review and I'll get to editing my next chapter.
Oh and just for a note, I really don't like the title of this fic so if anyone can come up with something please tell me. I'm really stuck on it!
Chapter 1: Tricks of Fate
Legolas was furious as he stomped his way down the corridors of his home and down to the stables. /How could they do this to me?! How could father and Lord Elrond throw something such as this on me?/ He hardly noticed as he finally exited the palace and into the chill of the fall woods. Marching down the path that would bring him to the stables, Legolas' eyes blazed in anger as he kept to his thoughts and ignored any other elf that passed him.
However, upon entering his designated building, the platinum-haired prince managed to calm down enough to smile kindly at Lord Rai who was leading both of their steeds. "Good day Lord Rai."
"Good day." Wintry eyes flickered up to meet his in a scrutinizing look and the brunette had to repress the knowing smile that pulled at his lips. He could imagine how many elves, Legolas had frightened on his way here with the sense of uncontrolled anger that the prince was emitting. Instead he handed over the reigns to Legolas' snow white horse and then turned back to his own steed.
Silently, the two elves checked their equipment before climbing onto their horses and riding out of Mirkwood. They had been traveling for no more than an hour when Rai finally spoke up. "Are you well Legolas? Does this fury that you are displaying concern your betrothal?."
Sighing, the prince carefully studied his friend and he smiled when he met the warm silver-blue eyes that locked with his own. "It does. I am just quite shocked to be truthful. Tis something that I thought I would never have deal with."
"Truly it cannot be as horrible as you make it to be." Rai answered calmly and was surprised when Legolas scowled darkly and his grip tightened on his reigns until his knuckles were white with tension.
"They are forcing me to marry Rai! To add to that fact I do not even know the name of my betrothed!" He slumped and his emerald eyes dimmed as he released a weary sigh. "How am I to know if I can even ever love this person?"
Rai grimaced and shook his head; his fair features showed the compassion that he felt for his friend. "I hate to say this Legolas but as heir to the throne and as a prince it is your duty. I cannot say that I would completely understand your position since I have never been in your predicament but I do understand your want for love." He offered a gentle and haunted smile as a deep sorrow flashed through his eyes. "Though before you are to be too angry with your father and Lord Elrond, speak with your betrothed first. I think that he may be in much the same situation that you are in. Who knows? This may become the basis of building a loving relationship."
Legolas stared ahead in thought, his face pensive as Rai's words ran through his mind. "I suppose. Thank you my friend."
"Tis a pleasure." The older elf nodded as he also fixed his eyes ahead of them, falling into memories of his last visit to Rivendell so many years ago.
* * * * *
Both Rai and Legolas were leading their horses as they walked down the moonlit path. They had just arrived in the valley of Rivendell earlier that night and with the chill of the evening, the two elves had drawn their hoods over their heads and tugged their cloaks shut.
As they walked, the elven prince still appeared to be brooding while Rai gave himself over to the beauty of Imladris. Stars shone brightly above his head and Ithil was full, casting a silvery glow to everything around them. The elven lord managed a calm smile as he briefly closed his eyes and just enjoyed the sounds of the night life and the gentle breeze that dipped into his cowl occasionally.
However, something else lured Rai's senses to it and wintry eyes opened to study the foliage surrounding them as there came minute shuffles from the swaying branches above. Pausing in his tracks, the brunette motioned for his companion to do so as well and then slipped off unnoticed into the brush. Silence reigned for several heart stopping moments and then there came three quiet exclamations of surprise from the trees.
"Elladan? Elrohir?"
The twin sons of Elrond cast confused glances at the cloaked figure before them. "Who are you and how do you know us?"
"I am stunned." Came the teasing voice. "You would not know an old friend and mentor?" A wide grin adorned Rai's face as he pulled back his hood.
"Rai?" Both dark-haired elves gaped before identical expressions of happiness flooded their faces and they leapt forward to embrace Rai.
That of course turned out to be a bad idea as the three gasped and tumbled out of the tree. Luckily they had been on the lowest branch and had managed to land in some soft grass.
"Ouch. Elladan! Elrohir!" Rai rubbed his arm as he glared sharply at his friends and sat up.
Shrugging sheepishly, Elrohir glanced up when Legolas approached and raised an eyebrow before turning back to Rai. "Companion of yours?"
"Mmm hmm." The brunette stood, albeit painfully. "This is Prince Legolas son of Thranduil."
"Oh." Elladan's eyes widened as realization ran through him. "Oh! You're Prince Legolas?!"
"I am and you are?"
The eldest son of Elrond introduced himself and his brother before launching into a discussion with Legolas while Rai assisted Elrohir to his feet.
"How have you been faring Rai?" Elrohir asked in a hushed tone so that the elves before them couldn't hear the question.
Rai sighed and his eyes fluttered closed before he replied. "I am fine."
"You lie."
Wintry gems gazed at Elrohir from the corner of Rai's eyes and the older elf considered the statement. "You know me too well Elrohir. How has your father been?"
Elrohir shook his head at the abrupt change of subject. "He is in good health but he misses you with all his heart."
"How do you know that?!" Rai was astonished and his falter in his steps showed it. /How could Elrohir know of something that occurred before his birth?/
Elrond's son smirked and he rolled his eyes teasingly. "I am not dense Rai. Whenever your name is mentioned father retains a far away look and it usually stays with him until the next morning before he is able to resurrect his shields."
Silence fell over the two companions until Rai finally raised his face, his mouth twisted into a sad smile. "You are wise for your age but I fear that there is nothing that can be done about this matter any longer. My visit tis only a matter of politics and I shall leave as soon as my duty is complete."
"You are making a mistake Lord Rai and I am afraid that if you do not speak, father will never say anything for he is too stubborn." They glanced ahead of them as Elladan announced that they had arrived and once within the city, the two travel weary elves allowed their horses to be taken to be groomed and fed as they were led to Elrond's home.
Though, as soon as they entered the beautifully crafted corridors, Rai pulled Elrohir to the side. "Could you and your brother please escort Legolas to his quarters? I imagine that he is exhausted and I shall like to speak with your father alone."
"Of course. The last I heard, father was in his study." He paused, casting a serious look at the elven lord. "Remember my words."
"Thank you." Rai bowed respectfully, ignoring the last comment, before bidding the younger elves a good evening and heading down a divergent corridor to the study. /Tis no mystery he is in his study. Elrond always has been one for the books./ Sooner than he had wanted, the brunette found himself standing outside the study door and reaching up to knock. /I wonder how he has been all these years since our. . .separation./
Rai backed away slightly as that thought crossed his mind leading to a string of unsettling possibilities and doubts. The wintry-eyed elf shook his head and was about to turn away when the door unexpectedly opened and his gaze locked with Lord Elrond's.
"Rai?"
The hushed murmur of his name caused long forgotten emotions to sweep through his heart and Rai forced his gaze elsewhere. "Lord Elrond. Tis been too long since our last meeting. I trust that I find you well?"
Elrond nodded wordlessly and beckoned for Rai to follow him into the room he had just exited. "Would you like a drink?"
"No. I am fine. I had only come to speak with you concerning the matter of Legolas and his betrothal." Answered the brunette politely and yet sternly. "When are we to tell him of this arrangement? He has already expressed concerns."
The Lord of Imladris sighed and took the seat behind his desk. "I understand your worry on Prince Legolas' behalf and we have arranged a ball in which the two shall meet. It will take place in two days time."
"I see." Rai crossed his arms about his slim waist. "Do you think this wise Elrond? To place this much responsibility to two so young?"
"Has there been a choice presented? You know as well as I do that there must be a concrete bond between Rivendell and Mirkwood or we shall both fall." Elrond reminded the elf across from him of what they had seen in Galadriel's mirror.
Rai snorted in resentment at the memory and glared daggers into the ground. "That mirror! If I was given a choice I would never have looked upon it. It reveals truths that are not meant to be known and turns many peoples' lives onto paths that they do not wish to take."
A tense look passed between the two lords before Elrond finally broke the gaze and cleared his throat. "I understand your feelings Rai even if my knowledge of time does not go as deep as yours but perhaps the mirror only shows us fate."
"It does Elrond but fate is not something that any race is meant to control. It plays its own games and runs its own course. How are you to know that their union may not take place on its own? Now with this forced betrothal will they ever really feel love for one another and will they ever be assured that the other loves them?" Rai's eyes bore into Elrond's as he spoke causing the other to flinch at the double meaning.
"Your point is a valid one but this must take place."
Sighing, the brunette uncrossed his arms and stood straighter as he turned to leave. However, as his hand lay upon the door knob, Rai paused. "As your union with Celebrian had to take place? Do you recall the sacrifices that you had made or is the pain only remembered in my heart?"
Rai's words echoed through Elrond's mind and his presence lingered even long after the elven lord had gone. The remaining elf slumped in his chair as he thought of things that he had been able to suppress for so long through all his duties of the state. /You are wrong Rai. The pain is as fresh as the day that it entered my heart as is the love that we shared./
* * * * *
Silver-blue eyes swept through the crowd as Rai took another sip of his wine. The elven lord was dressed handsomely in a silvery-blue tunic that offset his eyes and black shirt and leggings. His soft brown locks were pulled back in the usual design; halfway up with one braid behind a delicate ear and an intricate yet simple braid in the back. A silver mask completed the outfit and gave him a mysterious air as he spoke kindly to those around him.
Rai was about to accept an offer to dance when a flash of platinum hair and emerald eyes caught his gaze and the owner gestured for him to join the other. Excusing himself from the disappointed elven maiden, the elven lord hurried over to who he was sure was Legolas.
"Rai?"
"Tis I Prince Legolas. What is the matter?" He noted the nervousness in the younger elf's eyes and sighed. "Never mind, I understand. Legolas, if it will ease your mind and heart I assure you that your betrothed is a very kind, noble, and brave man"
Legolas' head shot up. "You know who he is?"
"I do but tis not my place to tell. Do not be angry with me but I gave an oath." He bit his lip as Rai caught sight of two familiar figures approaching them as he clapped Legolas on the shoulder. "Trust me."
The prince was about to answer when he saw Rai's lips turn up in a semi- forced smile and also gave his attention to the people that his friend greeted.
"Good evening."
"Good evening Lord Elrond." Rai responded but did not address the other by name as he had been instructed. "And a good evening to you as well, sir."
Elrond charmingly smiled as he offered his hand to the brunette. "Would you mind sharing a dance?"
"Of course not. We will return shortly." Rai said to Legolas as he allowed himself to be led onto the dance floor.
Legolas watched his friend walk away with Elrond before sighing and glancing at the stranger beside him. As opposed to his emerald tunic and white shirt and leggings, the other had dressed in a brown tunic and blue shirt and leggings. The prince frowned when he noted that his companion's hair was short and a deep brown. /I do not know an elf that has cut his hair short./
"How do you like the festivities so far?"
Knocked out of his contemplation, Legolas blinked a few times. "Tis wonderful if it were not for the reason why I had come."
"You and I share the same problems." Then for the first time, gray gems locked with emerald and the stranger smiled. "My name is Aragorn son of Arathorn but you may call me Estel."
"I am Prince Legolas of Mirkwood. Tis a pleasure to meet you." He couldn't help but smile back and for some reason, Legolas could not bear to tear his eyes away from the other's.
Aragorn grinned a little, his eyes sparkling from behind his mask. "Would you like to dance?"
Horrified at the blush that reddened his cheeks, Legolas nodded and tentatively took Aragorn's hand as he was brought out amongst the dancing couples. He had to hide his face as it flushed further when strong arms wrapped around his waist and his had automatically risen to surround Aragorn's neck.
Across the room, Rai couldn't help the smirk that rose on his lips when he saw how crimson Legolas' features were. Tutting quietly to himself, he closed his eyes as he unconsciously held on tighter to the elf in his arms. /Perhaps everything shall turn out well after all./
Elrond and Rai danced together for a long while, lost in their own private rhythm and memories until someone tapped both on the shoulder.
"What is it?" Elrond asked, a hint of annoyance in his voice and never removing his arms from around Rai.
The elven attendant bowed in apology. "Mithrandir is here and he says he comes with urgent news. He has asked for both yours and Lord Rai's appearance."
Rai exchanged a worried look with his partner as he nodded. "Tell him we shall be right there." He turned back to Elrond with a puzzled frown and together they silently hurried to tell Glorfindel that they would be absent and then rushed off to the meeting chambers.
Upon entering the enormous hall, the two elves found the aged Istari pacing.
"What is it Gandalf?" Elrond immediately asked.
Gandalf's eyes darted between Elrond and Rai before answering. "The rings are gone. All of them."
"What?!" Rai shouted in surprise. "How?! When?!"
"We do not know but there was a note left." Gandalf handed over a small piece of parchment and together Elrond and Rai read through the contents.
"Sauron and Saruman." Imladris' lord stated matter of factly as he finally looked up. "When was this crime discovered Gandalf?"
"This morning when the safe was to be checked upon. The guards had found it blasted open and the rings missing. I rode as fast as I could here. We must assemble a council soon so that the news may be spread and a search is started."
Rai, meanwhile, was lost in fear and anger. /How could this happen? We were so careful./ Snarling silently, the brunette's eyes glazed over with determination and he turned back to the conversation and made plans of where and who would attend the meeting.
* * * * *
Legolas strolled back to his room in high spirits as he remembered the events of that night. As the party had gone on, the elf had feared when he would meet his betrothed. Then, due to Elrond's unexpected disappearance, he had been spared the news for another night and to add to that, the prince had felt that he had made a new and trusted friend in Aragorn.
Unbeknownst to him, similar thoughts ran through Aragorn's mind as well, as the half-elf also made his way to his own bedroom.
T.B.C.
Well, what did you think of the first chapter? I really don't know how this turned out so please tell me. I really want some reviews for this one. Hmm. . .other than that thanks for actually reading it this far and I'll post the next chapter when I can. Have a good day and until next time everyone! ^_^V
Well finally after a month of thinking and writing, I've finally come up with a new LotR chapter fic. Let's see warnings are Lord of the Rings does not belong to me but this plot of course does. . .umm. . .sap, angst, violence, and AT are some others along with my own character. (If you read my other LotR chapter fic, you'll know who he is.) Anyway, please read and review and I'll get to editing my next chapter.
Oh and just for a note, I really don't like the title of this fic so if anyone can come up with something please tell me. I'm really stuck on it!
Chapter 1: Tricks of Fate
Legolas was furious as he stomped his way down the corridors of his home and down to the stables. /How could they do this to me?! How could father and Lord Elrond throw something such as this on me?/ He hardly noticed as he finally exited the palace and into the chill of the fall woods. Marching down the path that would bring him to the stables, Legolas' eyes blazed in anger as he kept to his thoughts and ignored any other elf that passed him.
However, upon entering his designated building, the platinum-haired prince managed to calm down enough to smile kindly at Lord Rai who was leading both of their steeds. "Good day Lord Rai."
"Good day." Wintry eyes flickered up to meet his in a scrutinizing look and the brunette had to repress the knowing smile that pulled at his lips. He could imagine how many elves, Legolas had frightened on his way here with the sense of uncontrolled anger that the prince was emitting. Instead he handed over the reigns to Legolas' snow white horse and then turned back to his own steed.
Silently, the two elves checked their equipment before climbing onto their horses and riding out of Mirkwood. They had been traveling for no more than an hour when Rai finally spoke up. "Are you well Legolas? Does this fury that you are displaying concern your betrothal?."
Sighing, the prince carefully studied his friend and he smiled when he met the warm silver-blue eyes that locked with his own. "It does. I am just quite shocked to be truthful. Tis something that I thought I would never have deal with."
"Truly it cannot be as horrible as you make it to be." Rai answered calmly and was surprised when Legolas scowled darkly and his grip tightened on his reigns until his knuckles were white with tension.
"They are forcing me to marry Rai! To add to that fact I do not even know the name of my betrothed!" He slumped and his emerald eyes dimmed as he released a weary sigh. "How am I to know if I can even ever love this person?"
Rai grimaced and shook his head; his fair features showed the compassion that he felt for his friend. "I hate to say this Legolas but as heir to the throne and as a prince it is your duty. I cannot say that I would completely understand your position since I have never been in your predicament but I do understand your want for love." He offered a gentle and haunted smile as a deep sorrow flashed through his eyes. "Though before you are to be too angry with your father and Lord Elrond, speak with your betrothed first. I think that he may be in much the same situation that you are in. Who knows? This may become the basis of building a loving relationship."
Legolas stared ahead in thought, his face pensive as Rai's words ran through his mind. "I suppose. Thank you my friend."
"Tis a pleasure." The older elf nodded as he also fixed his eyes ahead of them, falling into memories of his last visit to Rivendell so many years ago.
* * * * *
Both Rai and Legolas were leading their horses as they walked down the moonlit path. They had just arrived in the valley of Rivendell earlier that night and with the chill of the evening, the two elves had drawn their hoods over their heads and tugged their cloaks shut.
As they walked, the elven prince still appeared to be brooding while Rai gave himself over to the beauty of Imladris. Stars shone brightly above his head and Ithil was full, casting a silvery glow to everything around them. The elven lord managed a calm smile as he briefly closed his eyes and just enjoyed the sounds of the night life and the gentle breeze that dipped into his cowl occasionally.
However, something else lured Rai's senses to it and wintry eyes opened to study the foliage surrounding them as there came minute shuffles from the swaying branches above. Pausing in his tracks, the brunette motioned for his companion to do so as well and then slipped off unnoticed into the brush. Silence reigned for several heart stopping moments and then there came three quiet exclamations of surprise from the trees.
"Elladan? Elrohir?"
The twin sons of Elrond cast confused glances at the cloaked figure before them. "Who are you and how do you know us?"
"I am stunned." Came the teasing voice. "You would not know an old friend and mentor?" A wide grin adorned Rai's face as he pulled back his hood.
"Rai?" Both dark-haired elves gaped before identical expressions of happiness flooded their faces and they leapt forward to embrace Rai.
That of course turned out to be a bad idea as the three gasped and tumbled out of the tree. Luckily they had been on the lowest branch and had managed to land in some soft grass.
"Ouch. Elladan! Elrohir!" Rai rubbed his arm as he glared sharply at his friends and sat up.
Shrugging sheepishly, Elrohir glanced up when Legolas approached and raised an eyebrow before turning back to Rai. "Companion of yours?"
"Mmm hmm." The brunette stood, albeit painfully. "This is Prince Legolas son of Thranduil."
"Oh." Elladan's eyes widened as realization ran through him. "Oh! You're Prince Legolas?!"
"I am and you are?"
The eldest son of Elrond introduced himself and his brother before launching into a discussion with Legolas while Rai assisted Elrohir to his feet.
"How have you been faring Rai?" Elrohir asked in a hushed tone so that the elves before them couldn't hear the question.
Rai sighed and his eyes fluttered closed before he replied. "I am fine."
"You lie."
Wintry gems gazed at Elrohir from the corner of Rai's eyes and the older elf considered the statement. "You know me too well Elrohir. How has your father been?"
Elrohir shook his head at the abrupt change of subject. "He is in good health but he misses you with all his heart."
"How do you know that?!" Rai was astonished and his falter in his steps showed it. /How could Elrohir know of something that occurred before his birth?/
Elrond's son smirked and he rolled his eyes teasingly. "I am not dense Rai. Whenever your name is mentioned father retains a far away look and it usually stays with him until the next morning before he is able to resurrect his shields."
Silence fell over the two companions until Rai finally raised his face, his mouth twisted into a sad smile. "You are wise for your age but I fear that there is nothing that can be done about this matter any longer. My visit tis only a matter of politics and I shall leave as soon as my duty is complete."
"You are making a mistake Lord Rai and I am afraid that if you do not speak, father will never say anything for he is too stubborn." They glanced ahead of them as Elladan announced that they had arrived and once within the city, the two travel weary elves allowed their horses to be taken to be groomed and fed as they were led to Elrond's home.
Though, as soon as they entered the beautifully crafted corridors, Rai pulled Elrohir to the side. "Could you and your brother please escort Legolas to his quarters? I imagine that he is exhausted and I shall like to speak with your father alone."
"Of course. The last I heard, father was in his study." He paused, casting a serious look at the elven lord. "Remember my words."
"Thank you." Rai bowed respectfully, ignoring the last comment, before bidding the younger elves a good evening and heading down a divergent corridor to the study. /Tis no mystery he is in his study. Elrond always has been one for the books./ Sooner than he had wanted, the brunette found himself standing outside the study door and reaching up to knock. /I wonder how he has been all these years since our. . .separation./
Rai backed away slightly as that thought crossed his mind leading to a string of unsettling possibilities and doubts. The wintry-eyed elf shook his head and was about to turn away when the door unexpectedly opened and his gaze locked with Lord Elrond's.
"Rai?"
The hushed murmur of his name caused long forgotten emotions to sweep through his heart and Rai forced his gaze elsewhere. "Lord Elrond. Tis been too long since our last meeting. I trust that I find you well?"
Elrond nodded wordlessly and beckoned for Rai to follow him into the room he had just exited. "Would you like a drink?"
"No. I am fine. I had only come to speak with you concerning the matter of Legolas and his betrothal." Answered the brunette politely and yet sternly. "When are we to tell him of this arrangement? He has already expressed concerns."
The Lord of Imladris sighed and took the seat behind his desk. "I understand your worry on Prince Legolas' behalf and we have arranged a ball in which the two shall meet. It will take place in two days time."
"I see." Rai crossed his arms about his slim waist. "Do you think this wise Elrond? To place this much responsibility to two so young?"
"Has there been a choice presented? You know as well as I do that there must be a concrete bond between Rivendell and Mirkwood or we shall both fall." Elrond reminded the elf across from him of what they had seen in Galadriel's mirror.
Rai snorted in resentment at the memory and glared daggers into the ground. "That mirror! If I was given a choice I would never have looked upon it. It reveals truths that are not meant to be known and turns many peoples' lives onto paths that they do not wish to take."
A tense look passed between the two lords before Elrond finally broke the gaze and cleared his throat. "I understand your feelings Rai even if my knowledge of time does not go as deep as yours but perhaps the mirror only shows us fate."
"It does Elrond but fate is not something that any race is meant to control. It plays its own games and runs its own course. How are you to know that their union may not take place on its own? Now with this forced betrothal will they ever really feel love for one another and will they ever be assured that the other loves them?" Rai's eyes bore into Elrond's as he spoke causing the other to flinch at the double meaning.
"Your point is a valid one but this must take place."
Sighing, the brunette uncrossed his arms and stood straighter as he turned to leave. However, as his hand lay upon the door knob, Rai paused. "As your union with Celebrian had to take place? Do you recall the sacrifices that you had made or is the pain only remembered in my heart?"
Rai's words echoed through Elrond's mind and his presence lingered even long after the elven lord had gone. The remaining elf slumped in his chair as he thought of things that he had been able to suppress for so long through all his duties of the state. /You are wrong Rai. The pain is as fresh as the day that it entered my heart as is the love that we shared./
* * * * *
Silver-blue eyes swept through the crowd as Rai took another sip of his wine. The elven lord was dressed handsomely in a silvery-blue tunic that offset his eyes and black shirt and leggings. His soft brown locks were pulled back in the usual design; halfway up with one braid behind a delicate ear and an intricate yet simple braid in the back. A silver mask completed the outfit and gave him a mysterious air as he spoke kindly to those around him.
Rai was about to accept an offer to dance when a flash of platinum hair and emerald eyes caught his gaze and the owner gestured for him to join the other. Excusing himself from the disappointed elven maiden, the elven lord hurried over to who he was sure was Legolas.
"Rai?"
"Tis I Prince Legolas. What is the matter?" He noted the nervousness in the younger elf's eyes and sighed. "Never mind, I understand. Legolas, if it will ease your mind and heart I assure you that your betrothed is a very kind, noble, and brave man"
Legolas' head shot up. "You know who he is?"
"I do but tis not my place to tell. Do not be angry with me but I gave an oath." He bit his lip as Rai caught sight of two familiar figures approaching them as he clapped Legolas on the shoulder. "Trust me."
The prince was about to answer when he saw Rai's lips turn up in a semi- forced smile and also gave his attention to the people that his friend greeted.
"Good evening."
"Good evening Lord Elrond." Rai responded but did not address the other by name as he had been instructed. "And a good evening to you as well, sir."
Elrond charmingly smiled as he offered his hand to the brunette. "Would you mind sharing a dance?"
"Of course not. We will return shortly." Rai said to Legolas as he allowed himself to be led onto the dance floor.
Legolas watched his friend walk away with Elrond before sighing and glancing at the stranger beside him. As opposed to his emerald tunic and white shirt and leggings, the other had dressed in a brown tunic and blue shirt and leggings. The prince frowned when he noted that his companion's hair was short and a deep brown. /I do not know an elf that has cut his hair short./
"How do you like the festivities so far?"
Knocked out of his contemplation, Legolas blinked a few times. "Tis wonderful if it were not for the reason why I had come."
"You and I share the same problems." Then for the first time, gray gems locked with emerald and the stranger smiled. "My name is Aragorn son of Arathorn but you may call me Estel."
"I am Prince Legolas of Mirkwood. Tis a pleasure to meet you." He couldn't help but smile back and for some reason, Legolas could not bear to tear his eyes away from the other's.
Aragorn grinned a little, his eyes sparkling from behind his mask. "Would you like to dance?"
Horrified at the blush that reddened his cheeks, Legolas nodded and tentatively took Aragorn's hand as he was brought out amongst the dancing couples. He had to hide his face as it flushed further when strong arms wrapped around his waist and his had automatically risen to surround Aragorn's neck.
Across the room, Rai couldn't help the smirk that rose on his lips when he saw how crimson Legolas' features were. Tutting quietly to himself, he closed his eyes as he unconsciously held on tighter to the elf in his arms. /Perhaps everything shall turn out well after all./
Elrond and Rai danced together for a long while, lost in their own private rhythm and memories until someone tapped both on the shoulder.
"What is it?" Elrond asked, a hint of annoyance in his voice and never removing his arms from around Rai.
The elven attendant bowed in apology. "Mithrandir is here and he says he comes with urgent news. He has asked for both yours and Lord Rai's appearance."
Rai exchanged a worried look with his partner as he nodded. "Tell him we shall be right there." He turned back to Elrond with a puzzled frown and together they silently hurried to tell Glorfindel that they would be absent and then rushed off to the meeting chambers.
Upon entering the enormous hall, the two elves found the aged Istari pacing.
"What is it Gandalf?" Elrond immediately asked.
Gandalf's eyes darted between Elrond and Rai before answering. "The rings are gone. All of them."
"What?!" Rai shouted in surprise. "How?! When?!"
"We do not know but there was a note left." Gandalf handed over a small piece of parchment and together Elrond and Rai read through the contents.
"Sauron and Saruman." Imladris' lord stated matter of factly as he finally looked up. "When was this crime discovered Gandalf?"
"This morning when the safe was to be checked upon. The guards had found it blasted open and the rings missing. I rode as fast as I could here. We must assemble a council soon so that the news may be spread and a search is started."
Rai, meanwhile, was lost in fear and anger. /How could this happen? We were so careful./ Snarling silently, the brunette's eyes glazed over with determination and he turned back to the conversation and made plans of where and who would attend the meeting.
* * * * *
Legolas strolled back to his room in high spirits as he remembered the events of that night. As the party had gone on, the elf had feared when he would meet his betrothed. Then, due to Elrond's unexpected disappearance, he had been spared the news for another night and to add to that, the prince had felt that he had made a new and trusted friend in Aragorn.
Unbeknownst to him, similar thoughts ran through Aragorn's mind as well, as the half-elf also made his way to his own bedroom.
T.B.C.
Well, what did you think of the first chapter? I really don't know how this turned out so please tell me. I really want some reviews for this one. Hmm. . .other than that thanks for actually reading it this far and I'll post the next chapter when I can. Have a good day and until next time everyone! ^_^V