A Worthy Captain
The moon had nearly set when the last members of the Council arrived. A restless air filled King Aragorn's war room as the nobles took their positions. With the King's permission, Lady Narya took a seat among the wives. She surreptitiously glanced at Legolas every now and then. He was engrossed at the map, developing battle plans and strategies. She noted that others deferred to his opinions and sought his council.
"I am greatly troubled," confessed Eowyn softly, bringing Narya's attention to her immediate companions. Despite the worry on her brow, the White Lady of Rohan glowed with the beauty of a mortal woman with child. She continued, "If there is indeed a battle, Faramir will not stay behind. And this time, I cannot go…"
"Do not make yourself anxious, my Lady," soothed Arwen in a gentle voice. "The Valar will protect our husbands, true Captains of the West."
"And my brother," continued Eowyn with growing distress. "He is only lately married. He was so happy at the wedding. Shall I never again rejoice at the light of his face?"
Arwen glanced at Narya as if bidding her help. And Narya assured, "Of course, you shall, my Lady! Just imagine the happy day when you show him your son, a mighty Prince of Ithillien in the likeness of his uncle."
Eowyn smiled at the encouraging thought and sighed, "That would please Eomer greatly."
"You must never lose hope," added Arwen warmly.
"Thank you, my Queen," said Eowyn reverently. Long passed were the days in which she felt embarrassed in Arwen's presence. As was her graceful nature, Arwen had never mentioned Eowyn's infatuation with Aragorn and they had steadily built a true friendship. Eowyn wiped a stray tear off her cheek and laughed, "Please, forgive me, Lady Narya. I am quite out of my element. Until six months ago, the daughter of the House of Eorl had never known a tear!"
Narya smiled and said, "The slayer of the Witch-king of Angmar has been vanquished by her unborn child!"
The ladies laughed quietly and then sat in attention when the Council formally began. Arvellon was asked to relate his message. He stood up in the middle of the room and the thick silence before he spoke chilled Narya's blood.
"My King, Captains of the West, Master Dwarf, and my Lord Legolas."
At the mention of the name Legolas Narya felt her cheeks redden. She stole a glance at him and he was also looking at her. Their eyes locked for what seemed an eternity and he looked away. He was wearing the haughty mask that Narya hated.
Arvellon continued his delivery with a splendor and dignity that made Narya's heart want to burst with pride: "King Thranduil has sent a delegation of my brothers to all our kingdoms on Middle Earth to muster a war-host to the Forodwaith where an ancient malice has awoken. I will now, my Lords, relate the events that have led to our suspicions and understanding of the situation."
"After the War of the Ring, the wise lord Elrond advised King Thranduil to guard the Northern Wastes. As you well know, that terrible land is the ancient dwelling of the Vala who turned to darkness. After many wars and griefs untold, this Vala was finally chained by mighty Tulkas, and there he must remain, forever imprisoned in the outer void. But in his envy and lust for power, he had given life to many evils. Orcs he created to mock the Eldar, men he corrupted against the will of Illuvatar, and even some of the maiar he turned, who in their fallen state became belrogs, dragons, spiders, and other disgusting creatures. First among these was Sauron, principal lieutenant, whom we destroyed in the War of the Ring, along with most of these fell beings. But the Lord Elrond feared that Middle Earth was not yet cleansed."
"Therefore, King Thranduil summoned a host of men and elves to build a wall along the Forodwaith and to stand guard as watchtowers and vigils for the safety of Middle Earth. Into this host my brother Arveldir and I, sons of Cirdan the Shipwright, Lord of the Falas, have sworn our life and our loyalty."
"The wall was completed on year 5 of the New Age and since then several villages have formed along its length. Thus some of the watchtowers and vigils have become vassals of King Thranduil. My excellent brother is one such lord, and alas! Calamity has struck his people. One fateful day, something akin to the black breath scaled the wall and spread throughout his land. Many elves and men succumbed to its power, so the land was evacuated. Very soon afterwards, the wall was breached and a great host of men passed into the Forodwaith, as if answering to some commanding call. King Thranduil acted immediately, and so I am here before you this night."
The room became agitated after Arvellon's speech as the Council reacted to the sinister tidings. Everyone was quiet once again when Legolas spoke, "Master Arvellon, royal friend, I thank you and your brother for your service and for your loyalty."
"No thanks are required, my Lord," said Arvellon sincerely. "My love is freely given."
His words made Legolas glance at Narya, wishing she would give him her love freely.
"Who are these men, the ones who entered the Forodwaith?" Aragorn's question brought Legolas back to reality.
"Men of Harad, Easterlings, and Variags, my Lord. Several thousand strong."
"Traitors," said Aragorn bitterly. "What is to be done? What say you, Legolas?"
Legolas lifted his brow in surprise at the sudden question, but then he returned to his dignified expression. And that's when Narya realized it: the proud mask was his way of dealing with fear and insecurity.
In a clear steady voice Legolas replied, "I ride at dawn."
"Then I shall ride with you!" said Aragorn rising to his feet. "Under your flag and banners, my Lord, Prince of Mirkwood."
"As will I!" said Master Gimli.
"And I," said Faramir.
"And I," chanted Imrahil, Prince of Dol Amrath.
One by one each member of the Council rose to join the alliance, a mighty war-host under Prince Legolas. Stunned, Legolas finally rose to his feet and accepted his new role. That day his heart changed within him. He became Captain of the worthiest of men.