Welcome to my new story! As an avid LOTR, Hobbit, and Tolkien fan, it's about time I wrote a fanfiction about it! Set in The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring. None of the characters or content belong to me. Enjoy!
The dark sky twinkled with beautiful stars as a waning moon illuminated the night. The sturdy trees ruffled in the slight breeze, sending a chill through the air. All was quiet except for the sounds of nocturnal creatures, the shuddering leaves, and the ripple of a nearby stream.
Below the canopy of green, The Fellowship all rested after an arduous day of travel. They were huddled together by a dying fire, allowing their bodies to rest for their continuing journey. All were asleep, huddled together in a loose circle as the last of the fire's warmth waned.
All but one.
Legolas Greenleaf of the Mirkwood Realm stood guard, just as nights previous. As an Elf, his body did not crave sleep as the others. Should Elves grow weary, they could rest even as they walked. He felt lithe, agile, and prepared to continue, but he understood the necessity of sleep for the remainder of the company.
He was appointed as their watchful guardian as the traveling members earned their much needed rest. His Elvish hearing and sight could sense an attack much sooner than the others. He stood watch, alert for any oncoming threats. His trusty bow was notched in his pale fingers, ready for aim. He examined his many charges, making sure all were well as he continued his watch.
Frodo, Sam, Pip, and Merry were huddled together in a heap of blankets and cloaks. The four hobbits kept close for warmth, their curly haiir poking out in all directions. Pip and Merry snored loudly, and Legolas found it a shock they didn't wake the whole forest. Sam was barely visible under the pile. Frodo, however, was turned to his side, away from the others. Legolas' tuned ears sensed the hobbit's breathing seemed uneasy and erratic, most likely due to his burden as The Ringbearer. Legolas often wondered if Frodo Baggins was suited to fulfill his destiny as The Ring's keeper. His strength was remarkable for a half-ling in possession of such dark power. He knew of The Ring's corruption, and was surprised that it hadn't claimed Frodo thus far. Gandalf seemed confident Frodo could manage the duty, and Legolas trusted the wizard's decision.
Gandalf rested against a large tree trunk. His head hung against his chest, his hat shrouding his face in shadows. The wizard's staff lay across his lap, ready for use in case of trouble. Legolas could hear his deep breaths as he slept. He seemed undisturbed, though strained.
Gimli the Dwarf was creating quite a racket in his slumber. Legolas rolled his eyes, slightly amused as he spotted his ally sprawled across the grass, snoring loudly, with one hand on his axe. His tangly red hair made Legolas' skin crawl. How could dwarves allow themselves to resort to such a condition? Elves prided themselves on their appearance and physical mannerisms. They were to present themselves to the upmost perfection. Obviously, dwarves didn't care for Elvish customs with their unruly manes and beards.
The two men of the journey, Boromir and Aragorn, slept close to one another. Each shared a tree trunk, though their backs were turned away from one another. Legolas understood the complexity of their relationship. Aragorn was the rightful ruler of Gondor's kingdom, and Boromir was the son of Gondor's Steward. Aragorn was more familiar with the company, while Boromir was the outcast. Legolas could attest to his skills as a warrior, but was still deciding upon his character. It was plain to them all from Elrond's Council that Boromir was weak against The Ring's dark power. It evoked the human greed within, urging him to take The Ring for Gondor's use. He noticed Aragorn and Gandalf keep a close eye upon the Gondorian.
Boromor slept on his back, his arms crossed against his chest. His weapon lay at his side, like any experienced warrior who had seen battle. He was careful, meticulous, and observant. Legolas often saw the Gondorian's eyes study each of the company in turn, like he was weighing their attributes for battle. The Elf noticed Boromir's eyes linger on him more than the others. Each of them knew the fighting capabilities of Elves, and Boromir would be a fool to deny Legolas' capability due to his experience.
Aragorn slept with his arms crossed, his black clothing shielding his lengthy sword. Legolas had known Aragorn for quite some time, and knew that he was a deadly enemy should he be armed with his sword. Despite his long years, Aragorn seemed at peace in his sleep. His breathing was even and his face seemed to reflect an innocence. Legolas knew Aragorn had suffered loss, death, injury, and heartbreak. He knew Aragorn rejected his cursed lineage, yet he still fought for righteousness and good. The Elf was proud to have him at his side along their journey.
Once he was assured they were alright, Legolas silently crouched to the floor. He placed his bow on the grass and examined the dwindling arrows that remained in his quiver. As the moon continued to rise and The Fellowship continued to rest, Legolas fashioned himself new arrows with nearby resources. His quiver felt heavy again, to his liking. He stood once more, resuming his position as guardian. His Elvish eyes scanned the hilltops for moving figures and the night sky for any airborne attackers.
The gentle sound of the nearby stream called to him. Legolas often patrolled the perimeter of their camp for any lurking enemies, though he remained a close distance to assist the company should a threat occur. The Elf silently weaved his way across the grass to the edge of the treeline. He looked up at the sky, feeling the moonlight on his skin. The sound of the stream was welcoming to him, it reminded Legolas of his home in Mirkwood prior to the orcs and spiders that infested the once beautiful forest.
A rustle from behind reached his ears.
He reacted, quick as lightning. In a matter of seconds, Legolas notched an arrow to his bow and turned to face the intruder.
The lethal point of his arrow was mere inches away from Boromir's face. The Gondorian held up his hands in surrender, taking a precautious step back from the startled and armed Elf. Legolas silently scolded himself for allowing the man to approach him without notice. He lowered his bow, blue eyes stone cold. Boromir gulped warily, eyeing the quick Elf's weapon.
"At ease, Legolas," Boromir assured, "I mean you no harm."
"I mistook you for an intruder," Legolas responded curtly, walking towards the edge of the stream, "One second more and I would have allowed my arrow to fly."
"And I would be dead," Boromir called after him.
Legolas stopped, jaw clenched. He felt guilt rise in his chest for failing to hear Boromir's approach and for nearly murdering his companion.
"I apologize for my careless mistake," Legolas dipped his head in admission.
"It is I who should apologize," Boromir raised a hand, "I should not have startled you upon your watch."
Legolas nodded, "You should be resting. A long day of travel awaits come sunrise, you will need your strength."
"I often find myself victim to sleepless nights," The Gondorian sighed, "I noticed your absence and ventured to search for you should you have encountered any trouble."
At that, Legolas laughed lightly. It was like birdsong, "You needn't worry, my friend, trouble shall not befall our company as long as I remain alert on guard. I assure you."
Boromir dipped his head, "We are all most grateful. You have proved yourself a beneficial ally."
Legolas received the compliment with silence. He spoke after a moment, "I must return to the camp, I have left it idle for too long."
Legolas took a step forward, but Boromir blocked his path. The Elf's jaw clenched as he eyed the Gondorian warily.
"Legolas, you understand the power of The Ring more than most, is that not correct?"
"How do you mean?"
"You have encountered it before, sixty years ago. Bilbo, Frodo's uncle, brought the ring to Mirkwood, into your father, King Thranduil's, kingdom. Surely, you recognize its power."
"I do not care for this nonsense," Legolas stepped to the side, continuing forward, "we must return to the camp. Our friends are unguarded."
"Legolas-"
"Enough of this, Boromir!" Legolas stopped, eyes glaring at the hasty Gondorian, "My only concern with the ring is that it be destroyed. As should yours."
"I only mean to protect Middle Earth from Sauron's wrath!" Boromir shouted after him, an angry edge to his tone, "Do you really believe Frodo will not succumb to the darkness? The hobbit even doubts himself!"
"Frodo is the Ringbearer, and we must protect and assist him upon his journey. That is the role I play in this quest, Boromir, I do not crave the ring's power like mankind," the Elf responded coldly.
"Gondor should possess the ring," Boromir argued, "we are the strongest civilization belonging to man. We may earn the opportunity to defeat Sauron."
"And The Fellowship?"
"Is no match for Sauron's power," Boromir shook his head. Legolas clenched his fists, but looked to the grass, "You are a strong, capable warrior, Legolas, Gondor would be grateful to have you fighting by our side. Let us relieve Frodo of his burden. We shall take the ring now and make haste to Gondor by evening of the second day."
The Elf scoffed, "Lord Elrond convened a council to unite our kins, not divide us further. I have sworn an oath to stand by Frodo Baggins' side and assist him in destroying this cursed ring at all costs. We all have. Your wild imaginings have no place in our company, Boromir, nor in my liking. Now, let us return to our camp to The Fellowship."
Legolas turned to the trees and marched on. He did not bother to turn to see ensure Boromir was following. He heard the Gondorian's footsteps after just a few moments.
The Elf was astonished at how fervent the man seemed at stealing the ring and abandoning the company. Why was he chosen to assist them? What did Boromir provide other than malevolent suspicions-
Legolas heard Boromir's painful grunt behind him along with a thud in the grass. His skilled fingers reached for an arrow in his quiver and placed it on his bow. He spun around expertly, his arrow aimed for an enemy threat. A few paces behind, he saw Boromir lying facedown in the dirt. Blood ran from a wound on his head. He must have been struck unconscious from behind.
Towering over the Gondorian was a snarling Warg and an Orc riding atop it. It had not spotted Legolas yet. The lithe Elf silently sprinted to the nearest tree and climbed the trunk with ease. His bow was slung over his shoulder once more as he scouted the nearby surroundings for more Wargs or Orcs. If Legolas were to shoot this Orc, others may be alerted and they would be outmatched. He needed to ensure this one was alone before attacking.
Sure enough, the Orc was a scout. It was sent from a larger pack to investigate the nearby roads. The Warg sniffed Boromir's body, eager to sink its teeth in. The Orc pulled back on its harness, preventing the snapping jaws from injuring the unconscious Boromir further. In the distance, Legolas heard the howls of Wargs getting closer.
The Orc leapt down from its steed and approached the Gondorian, axe raised. It kicked him to his back, examining him to see if he was still alive.
It smiled with a hiss when it learned the man was still breathing, "Why, what a tasty treat for me! How I've missed the taste of man flesh!"
The Orc raised its axe high, prepared to bring it down to deliver the killing blow. The Warg snarled and growled.
Two arrows flew. One through the Warg's head, the other through the Orc's black heart. The Orc fell to its knees, staring at the arrow through its chest with a howl. It bellowed in its black tongue as Legolas released another arrow to the Orc's head. Both creatures fell to the grass, dead.
However, the howls of the Orc alerted nearby scouts. Legolas could heard the snarling Wargs make way to their direction. They would surely catch his and Boromir's scent in a few moments should he not act.
Legolas nimbly landed on his lithe legs from the tree top. He ran to Boromir's side, placing a hand against his heart. He felt it beat, much to his relief.
The growling Wargs were approaching.
The Elf had to react quickly.
If he stayed and fought, the Wargs would outnumber him and would surely find and kill Boromir and the rest of the company. There was no time to reach the sleeping Fellowship, awaken them, and flee in time or the Wargs would catch them. He knew he had to get Boromir to safety and lure the Wargs away from the others. They were scouts, not a pack. If he led them away now, then they'd never find the company. The Elf could run quickly and for a long while, it would throw them off from their route.
The Wargs crossed the treeline. They were approaching the stream.
Legolas grabbed Boromir's arms and began to drag him to the nearest tree. He hoisted the limp man over his shoulder and climbed the bark, his fingers digging in as the Elf had to support the weight of them both.
The Wargs were even closer now, crossing the stream.
Legolas was satisfied he climbed high enough so Boromir was out of harm's way and his scent would not reach the Wargs. He was panting from the effort as the climb proved slightly difficult, but he gingerly placed the man securely between two branches. He produced a length of twine from his belt and wrapped it around the Gondorian's waist and tree trunk so he would not fall. Once he felt Boromir was safe, he sighed once and looked at this companion. There was no time to treat the wound, and he hoped it was not serious enough to cause severe damage.
The Wargs were breaking into their vicinity. Their howls and snarls echoed through the night. They'd soon find the dead Orc and Warg. Legolas left Boromir and jumped to the grass once more, just in time as the first Warg leapt into the clearing. It stopped, eyes narrowed hungrily as it spotted Legolas. The Orc sitting atop it screamed maliciously as three more Wargs and Orc riders joined it. More were on their way.
"An Elf!" the middle Orc shouted, "We shall feast upon your bones!"
"Let your black eyes settle upon your fallen kin," Legolas growled, gesturing to the dead Orc and Warg in between them, "and let it be known that you shall share a similar fate if you decide to pursue me further!"
The Wargs howled and growled further at the sight of their dead member. At this, the Orc let loose a guttural yell and charged forward towards Legolas. The Elf sprinted through the trees as a dozen of Warg and Orc scouts chased behind him.
Boromir remained unconscious in the trees.
The Fellowship lay asleep a little ways off.
Neither knew that their Elf friend was running for his life to a destination unknown.
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