Legolas
(1st in a 9-part series)
By Arwen Evenstar
Disclaimer: I don't own LOTR, though I wish I did. It belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien.
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Legolas
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Here I stand, Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood, by the River Anduin, keeping watch over my fellow travelers as they sleep. The hobbits, Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin are sleeping in a heap nearby. As my gaze rests on Frodo, the Ring-Bearer, my heart is moved with a great pity. I don't think anyone will ever realize the extent of his pain, the pain of carrying such a great burden.
Next my eyes rest upon Sam, Frodo's faithful servant. He has been so loyal and true to Frodo throughout this whole journey. I think Elrond chose wisely in letting Sam come along. Frodo will need a companion if he chooses to go east, east to the land of Mordor.
The other two hobbits, Merry and Pippin, are also a comfort to Frodo. Though they are foolish, they have served Frodo well.
Sleeping a little ways away from the hobbits, is our stout dwarf, Gimli son of Gloin. I gaze at him in amazement, wondering if all dwarfs are anything like him. He has a great honor and respect for Galadriel, the Lady of the Wood, and he asks not for foolish gifts from her.
Aragorn is resting a few feet away from Gimli. He is a wise man, and will serve us well in the later parts of our journey. I have a deep respect for this ranger, Aragorn son of Arathorn. I will feel the loss deeply if we should part soon.
Boromir is sleeping next to Aragorn. I can see trouble in his eyes, and I am afraid. Afraid mostly for Frodo, our Ring-bearer. Boromir wanted only to bring the Ring to Minas Tirith to help in war. He doesn't know the depth of the evil that is in this supposedly harmless golden ring.
Alas, but were Gandalf here! My heart laments Gandalf, fallen at the bridge of Kazhad-Dum. He was a great leader to our Fellowship, leading us through the Mines of Moria before he fell into the abyss. I mourn for him, as do the rest of the Fellowship, but we know that we must continue our journey, with or without the Wizard.
Suddenly, a shadow moves in the shrubbery nearby. Fearing it is the vile creature Gollum, I draw my bow and fit an arrow to the string faster than the eye can follow. The rustling in the bushes moves away, and Aragorn, awakened by the sudden movement, jumps to his feet.
"What is it?" he asks.
"I fear it is the creature Gollum, though it is gone now," was my reply.
"Rest then, Legolas. I will keep the second watch."
I lay down, my hands folded upon my breast, my eyes open, as is the way with elves. I do not really sleep, as men would call it, but I let my mind wander freely in the dark abyss of Time, back ages ago, when I was but a mere child. So I lay, letting Aragorn son of Arathorn keep watch over the fellowship.
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AE: OK, how was it? Reviews are welcome, as are flames, though I would prefer constructive criticism.
Note: Some names and places may be spelled wrong, because I don't have the book handy right now, and I'm too lazy to go upstairs and get it. ^_~
Arwen