Chapter One
"The war for middle earth has just begun," Gandalf said ominously.
Aragorn nodded, breathing a sigh of relief. He looked at his comrades, torn, tattered and fatigued. Though all odds had been against them, they had prevailed. Hope had prevailed.
~~~A few days later~~~
Aragorn walked briskly to King Theoden's headquarters. He had been summoned, along with Legolas and Gimli. The three friends met in the large room and took a seat in front of the king. "My lord," he said with a head bob as he sat.
Theoden cleared his throat. "Our victory at Helm's Deep has cost a number of lives, both men and elf. While this has reaffirmed the old alliances, it has also stirred up bitter feelings. Many men feel that the elves came for other reasons than our aid - that they might have had something to gain-"
"That is not true!" Legolas cried.
Theoden held up his hand. "I know that, master elf. It is not I who questions anyones motives. It is the small country of Aroloian that has talked of ambushing the elven warriors on their journey home. They are safe, here, but once they leave, they are under threat."
Aragorn stroked his beard. "What do you propose we do?"
"Go to Aroloian. Reassure them of the alliance, the prince is who I trust he has had good judgment. His council however may be what's deferring him, as did my own."
"I am no diplomat," started Aragorn.
"Then use your skillful ability to hide. Once your inside you must find a way to draw his interest, then they shouldn't care whether you're a ranger or a homely farmer. Gimli, son of Gloin, you will accompany Aragorn on his journey."
"And of me?" questioned Legolas.
"You will stay here. You face harm traveling to that country."
"Sauron still has a hold of Middle Earth. I face harm anywhere I go in this world," Legolas countered.
Theodin raised his hands and got up. "I entrust this mission to you, Aragorn. It is your decision." He walked out, leaving the three to discuss the matter.
"Aragorn, I must go with you," pleaded Legolas.
"I know, but you do pose threat to all of us, not just yourself," Aragorn sighed. "You must disguise yourself then. You must dress like a human. A female human."
Legolas' eyes narrowed as he sank into deep thought. "...You're right, Aragorn. I trust your judgment now as I have in the past. Come, Gimli. We must find me suitable attire."
"Aye, laddie. Eowyn's clothes will do just fine, I'd imagine. For all you're fancy fightin' tricks, ya' still have the slim shoulders of a lass..."
~~~~~
"Hmm...." Eowyn scrutinized as she tugged and pulled the dress around Legolas' body, forcing it into place. "As long as you make no sudden movement, I do not foresee any problems."
"I do. Pointy ears will nullify your entire charade, Legolas. Ya' have to fix that still," Gimli pointed out.
Eowyn laughed. "That is not a problem!" She quickly undid the warrior braids and let the long blonde locks fall neatly over Legolas' ears. She placed a delicate headband around his head, holding the hair in place. "I think that should do it. Fare thee well, and I trust you will bring back good and peace filled news on your return."
"The war for middle earth has just begun," Gandalf said ominously.
Aragorn nodded, breathing a sigh of relief. He looked at his comrades, torn, tattered and fatigued. Though all odds had been against them, they had prevailed. Hope had prevailed.
~~~A few days later~~~
Aragorn walked briskly to King Theoden's headquarters. He had been summoned, along with Legolas and Gimli. The three friends met in the large room and took a seat in front of the king. "My lord," he said with a head bob as he sat.
Theoden cleared his throat. "Our victory at Helm's Deep has cost a number of lives, both men and elf. While this has reaffirmed the old alliances, it has also stirred up bitter feelings. Many men feel that the elves came for other reasons than our aid - that they might have had something to gain-"
"That is not true!" Legolas cried.
Theoden held up his hand. "I know that, master elf. It is not I who questions anyones motives. It is the small country of Aroloian that has talked of ambushing the elven warriors on their journey home. They are safe, here, but once they leave, they are under threat."
Aragorn stroked his beard. "What do you propose we do?"
"Go to Aroloian. Reassure them of the alliance, the prince is who I trust he has had good judgment. His council however may be what's deferring him, as did my own."
"I am no diplomat," started Aragorn.
"Then use your skillful ability to hide. Once your inside you must find a way to draw his interest, then they shouldn't care whether you're a ranger or a homely farmer. Gimli, son of Gloin, you will accompany Aragorn on his journey."
"And of me?" questioned Legolas.
"You will stay here. You face harm traveling to that country."
"Sauron still has a hold of Middle Earth. I face harm anywhere I go in this world," Legolas countered.
Theodin raised his hands and got up. "I entrust this mission to you, Aragorn. It is your decision." He walked out, leaving the three to discuss the matter.
"Aragorn, I must go with you," pleaded Legolas.
"I know, but you do pose threat to all of us, not just yourself," Aragorn sighed. "You must disguise yourself then. You must dress like a human. A female human."
Legolas' eyes narrowed as he sank into deep thought. "...You're right, Aragorn. I trust your judgment now as I have in the past. Come, Gimli. We must find me suitable attire."
"Aye, laddie. Eowyn's clothes will do just fine, I'd imagine. For all you're fancy fightin' tricks, ya' still have the slim shoulders of a lass..."
~~~~~
"Hmm...." Eowyn scrutinized as she tugged and pulled the dress around Legolas' body, forcing it into place. "As long as you make no sudden movement, I do not foresee any problems."
"I do. Pointy ears will nullify your entire charade, Legolas. Ya' have to fix that still," Gimli pointed out.
Eowyn laughed. "That is not a problem!" She quickly undid the warrior braids and let the long blonde locks fall neatly over Legolas' ears. She placed a delicate headband around his head, holding the hair in place. "I think that should do it. Fare thee well, and I trust you will bring back good and peace filled news on your return."
