I've decided to write a new LOTR story completely different from my previous one, which I will probably take down when I get home from classes today or something. This new idea has been brewing in my head lately so I decided to give it a shot and see where this one will take me. I've always loved Legolas XD and I can't wait to see The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug when it comes out Friday! Anyone else going to watch it? Orlando Bloom is coming back XD
Summary: Laeriel had no recollections of how she came to Rivendell. The only thing she knows is Lord Elrond raised her as his own. When the Council of Elrond is called forth to determine the fate of all Middle-Earth, Laeriel joins the Fellowship in hopes of unraveling the mysterious threads surrounding her past. What she discovers will threaten to rip apart the lives of those whom she holds dear...
Laeriel is one of the translations of my real name, the source I used for this is a website called Council of Elrond.
Reviews are welcome!
Constructive criticism also welcomed!
Anything else shall be ignored and used to heat my house (aka flames).
I hope you all like this new story!
Rating: T
Pairing: Legolas/OC
Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR or any of its affiliated belongings!
Note: I'm going to fast forward a bit to the part where Pippin lights the first beacon calling for help.
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Those With Courage
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Beacon Of Minas Tirith
With no news of Gandalf nor Gondor for the past few days, Aragorn had taken the habit of sitting outside and gazing upon the beacon which would be lit should Gondor ever need aid. Today was a windy day as evident by the breeze blowing through the Ranger's clothing while he sat there, when suddenly, the beacon flared up brightly with fire. Taking this as the signal from Gandalf that the White City is under siege, Aragorn ran through to the Golden Hall and flung the doors open, startling Théoden as he looked up from the table.
"The beacons of Minas Tirith! The beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid!" he shouted breathlessly.
For a second the king of Rohan stood while his niece and nephew looked at their uncle. Théoden lowered his head briefly, then brought it back up as he looked Aragorn in the eye and gave his reply. "Then Rohan will answer," he turned to Éomer, "muster the Rohirrim!"
Éomer nodded and pressed a hand to his sister's shoulder fleetingly and departed the hall, while his uncle followed with purpose in his stride.
"Assemble the army at Dunharrow, as many men as can be found. You have two days," Théoden took a deep breath. "On the third, we ride for Gondor, and war!"
Laeriel mounted Arod with Legolas right behind her while Gimli climbed atop Hasufel, leaving Aragorn to saddle up Brego for the journey. Together with the king and his assembled army, the whole group began the march towards Dunharrow in preparation for the battle to aid Gondor.
"Do not fear Laeriel, I will be with you every step of the way," Legolas murmured.
"I know you will," she answered, hiding the burning marks from his sight.
Aragorn noticed Éowyn was saddling her own horse and went over. "You ride with us?" he inquired of the maiden.
"Only to the encampment," she explained while pulling on her riding gloves. "It's tradition for the women of the Court to farewell the men."
A smile touched his lips as the Ranger reached past her towards the saddle, pulling it up to reveal a sword hidden underneath. Éowyn deftly pulled it back down and looked at Aragorn. "The Men have found their captain. They will follow you into battle, even to death," she lowered her head and murmured quietly, "you have given us hope."
"We can't hold them. The city is lost!"
"Tell the men to break up. We ride for Minas Tirith!"
Faramir glanced around at the dead bodies lying about the floor while more Ithilien Rangers desperately struggled against the growing Orc army. Suddenly the sound of beating wings in the air caught their attention, as a hideous screeching filled the air.
"Nazgûl!" a Ranger shouted.
"Take cover!" Faramir shouted as a large shadow loomed overhead.
"Pull back! Pull back to Minas Tirith!"
With whatever survivors were left of West Osgiliath riding atop horses, Faramir led his men across Pelennor Field, desperately riding for the White City while dark figures chased after them from the skies. A Nazgûl suddenly swooped down from the low murky clouds, scattering the men as they avoided its terrible claws, but it managed to throw some into the air like rag dolls. Then Faramir saw a white-clothed figure racing across the fields, riding atop a regal silver stallion.
"The White Rider!" he heard someone shout.
Gandalf had come to aid them!
Pulling his horse back towards the rear flank, he struggled to fight off the Nazgûl in vain while they swooped in for another attack yet once again. However a blinding light caused the fell creatures to screech and pull back. Lifting his head up Faramir saw Gandalf had raised his staff, emitting a bright light which pierced through the murky clouds, allowing a ray of sunlight to penetrate through. The foul creatures spiraled higher and higher until they disappeared from sight. With the Nazgûl defeated, Gandalf joined the survivors as they raced towards Minas Tirith.
"Open the gates!"
The large gates opened to allow the company refuge within. Swiftly dismounting his own horse Faramir headed for Gandalf, and for the first time, saw that a white staff of pommel wood entwined delicately at the top was clutched within the Wizard's hand. His thoughts momentarily fragmented from what had happened, he shook his head and called out.
"Mithrandir!"
Gandalf turned atop Shadowfax at the sound of his voice.
"They broke through our defenses. They have taken the bridge and the west bank," he paused to draw in a deep breath. "Battalions of Orcs are crossing the river-"
"It is as Lord Denethor predicted-long has he forseen this doom!" Iorlas added as he came to join Faramir.
"Forseen, and done nothing!" countered Gandalf as he turned his horse around to glare at Iorlas.
Faramir was then given full view of the figure seated in front of the Wizard, who had been shrouded by his cloak this entire time. In his astonishment, he found himself unable to pull his gaze away from the innocent-looking face, and curled honey-colored hair. The figure gazed back at him and quickly looked away in embarrassment, as if he felt beneath Faramir.
"Faramir?" Gandalf questioned, noticing the look upon the Ranger's face, and a look of understanding crossed the Wizard's face. "This is not the first Halfing to have crossed your path," he murmured.
The Ranger shook his head.
"No," he responded.
"You've seen Frodo and Sam?" the figure suddenly piped up in disbelief.
He gave a nod of his head.
"Where? When?" demanded Gandalf.
"In Ithilien, not two days ago."
The Wizard and Hobbit exchanged quick looks of relief, but Faramir hurried on with his sentence. "Gandalf, they are taking the road to the Morgul Vale."
To this, Gandalf glanced swiftly at the Ranger, understanding the meaning behind his words as he murmured. "And then the Pass of Cirith Ungol."
"What does that mean?" the Hobbit queried, looking from the Wizard to the Ranger, but neither answered. "What's wrong?"
"Faramir," Gandalf's brows knitted together in concern. "Tell me everything you know."
It seemed like forever to Laeriel before the company finally galloped into a clearing teeming with mounted tents. Everywhere she looked she could see soldiers gathered about, some were polishing their weapons, other sharpening their blades, and the rest were helping to set up the tents. They bore grim expressions, no doubt anxious and worried about the impeding battle with Mordor, but she could also see determination and courage on their faces.
"Grimbold, how many?" Théoden asked as he stopped next to a soldier.
"I bring five hundred men from the Westfold, my lord."
"We have three hundred more from Fenmarch, Théoden King."
He acknowledged them with a grim smile as he rode on.
"Where are the riders from Snowbourne?" he murmured quietly.
"None have come, my lord."
Having tethered Arod to a pole with some other horses Laeriel was helping Legolas with the stakes, occasionally glancing about her, watching as men went about their various tasks in preparation. A few feet away from them stood Éomer, who was quietly unsaddling his own horse from the journey. Legolas looked about and saw no one was talking, and the horses were neighing and throwing their heads as he stared at a slit between the mountains.
"The horses are restless, and the men are quiet," he observed.
"They grow nervous in the shadow of the mountains," Éomer answered, indicating towards the narrow pass between the mountains.
Gimli allowed his eyes to stray towards the mountains where he too, saw the narrow passage and nodded at it while leaning on his axe.
"That road there, where does it lead?" he asked.
Laeriel came to the same conclusion as Legolas. "It is the road to the Dimholt," the Mirkwood Prince breathed. He recalled hearing of a group of Men who had sworn to come to Isildur's aid should he need their services, oath-breakers, as his father once said of the legend. Doomed to walk the earth as restless spirits until they fulfilled the oath they had sworn to Isildur thousands of years ago, "The door under the mountain," he finished softly.
"None who venture there ever return," Éomer said as he lowered his voice. "That mountain is evil."
Aragorn turned his gaze towards the mountain pass and saw a shadowy figure form, a figure not of this earth. He stared, entranced, captivated by this image until Gimli's voice had him spinning around to gaze at the Dwarf.
"Aragorn, let's go find some food."
Rushing past several guards and into Théoden's tent, Laeriel was greeted by a cloaked figure and threw her arms around his neck while Legolas followed closely behind, bowing as the elf-maiden pulled away.
"Adar!" she breathed.
Elrond smiled at his daughter. "It warms my heart to see you safe and unharmed. Legolas has done well in his oath to protect you."
She blushed. "Cousin Aragorn helped as well."
The flap of the tent opened just then to reveal Aragorn, and Elrond lowered his hood, revealing himself to the Ranger.
"Lord Elrond."
"I come on behalf of one whom I love," Elrond responded.
The elf-maiden heard the agony in her father's voice, and the pained look etched upon his face as he spoke to her cousin.
"Arwen is dying," her father continued.
Laeriel felt the world spin around her as Legolas caught her before she could hit the floor. Leaning against him for support and comfort, Laeriel braved herself to listen to the rest of the conversation. Flicking her eyes towards her cousin, Laeriel could see he had become ashen-faced as he stared at her father.
"She stayed?"
"She will not long survive the evil that now spreads from Mordor."
The ancient Elf lowered his eyes to the pendant hanging around Aragorn's neck.
"The light of the Evenstar is failing. As Sauron's power grows, her strength wanes. Arwen's life is now tied to the fate of the Ring. The Shadow is upon us, Aragorn, the end has come."
Legolas exchanged a look with Laeriel as the elf-maiden widened her eyes in surprise and shock. Now not only her life, but her sister's too, was tied to the Ring and that of Sauron himself. Should his power grow even more, then they will both pass into the Valar.
Aragorn's gaze did not waver. "It will not be our end, but his."
"You ride to war, but not to victory. Sauron's armies march on Minas Tirith, this you know, but in secret he sends another force which will attack from the river."
The Ranger looked at Elrond in shock.
"They will be in the city in two days. You're outnumbered Aragorn, you need more men," Elrond finished.
"There are none," Aragorn answered quietly.
Elrond hesitated. "There are those who dwell in the mountains."
A sudden gust of wind blew through the tent, lifting up clothing and scattering maps about the vicinity. Aragorn recalled seeing the ghostly figure earlier from the mountain pass and his eyes enlarged in shock.
"Murderers, traitors, you would call upon them to fight?" he questioned with a scoff, looking away from the Elf. "They believe in nothing. They answer to no one."
"They will answer to the King of Gondor," Elrond stated confidently.
At this Laeriel watched as her father drew forth a plain black scabbard, which had been obscured by his cloak this entire time.
"Andúril, Flame of the West, forged from the shards of Narsil."
Taking the sword from the Elf, he stared at the weapon in awe. "Sauron will not have forgotten the sword of Elendil," he murmured and drew it from its sheathe. The weapon felt light and weightless in his hand, and seemed to hum with power as Aragorn stared at the blade. "The sword that was broken shall return to Minas Tirith," he finished while looking at Legolas and Laeriel.
"The man who can wield the power of this sword can summon to him an army more deadly than any that walks this earth," Elrond stared hard at Aragorn. "Put aside the Ranger, become who you were born to be," he urged quietly. "Take the Dimholt road."
Leading Brego quietly through a sea of men in the middle of the night, Aragorn hoped his journey through the Dimholt Road would go unnoticed. He had just left a tearful Éowyn back at the encampment, and he couldn't bear to see the sight of his cousin's weeping face as well. Laeriel had shed enough tears at it is. Witnessing Boromir's death, even if she was unconscious, had been tough for her, and the curse just made it all the more harder to deal with. He couldn't do that to her.
He was distracted as a figure emerged from the shadows, bearing a pipe in hand as a light flared ahead.
"And just where do you think you're off to?" puffed Gimli.
Grateful for his friend's courage, Aragorn gave him a look but knew this was his, and his task alone to complete.
"Not this time. This time you must stay, my friend."
"Have you learnt nothing of the stubborness of Dwarves?"
Legolas and Laeriel stepped out from the shadows as well, the former holding an already saddled Arod's reigns in hand.
"You might as well accept it, we're coming with you laddie."
"We're with you together in this cousin Aragorn."
Aragorn sighed reluctantly, knowing he could not argue with his friends.
Their departure from the encampment was not one unnoticed, for Legolas and Laeriel could feel many eyes fixated upon their direction as they rode ever closer to the pass. The Elves knew what the men were thinking. Why would Aragorn leave them on the eve of the battle, and traveling towards the cursed mountain pass of Dimholt no less.
"Lord Aragorn!" Gamling shouted.
"Why does he leave on the eve of battle?" Laeriel heard a Rohan soldier ask.
"He leaves because there is no hope," Gamling answered in defeat.
Théoden moved forward to watch the group depart. "He leaves because he must."
Gamling turned to his king and sighed heavily. "Too few have come. We cannot defeat the armies of Mordor."
"No we cannot." agreed Théoden, quietly observing his frightened men, "But we will meet them in battle, nonetheless."
Dawn approached Dunharrow with a lightened sky, a signal to the men of Rohan as they rouse themselves for battle with the armies of Mordor. Théoden found Éowyn gazing at the lightening sky, as she stood unmoving, like she was turned to stone.
"I have left instruction, the people are to follow your rule in my stead. Take up my seat in the Golden Hall, long may you defend Edoras if battle goes ill," he informed her gently.
Éowyn turned to face her uncle, expression blank, voice devoid of emotion. "What other duty would you have me do, my lord?"
"Duty?" Théoden frowned as he answered in a quiet voice. "No, I would have you smile again, not grieve for those whose time has come."
Slowly the maiden lifted her head.
"You shall live to see these days renewed," he said, tilting her face to look in her eyes.
"No more despair," he whispered.
To be continued...
Review?
HAPPY NEW YEAR MY DEAR READERS!
I apologize for not updating earlier but I spent the day hanging with my friends since I was off from work.
Thanks for staying with me this far in the story!
Things will get exciting in the upcoming chapters!
Laeriel's fate will be revealed pretty soon!
Will she become Sauron's Queen? Will she become one of the Nazgûl?
Or will Legolas' love for her break the curse upon her body?
You'll have to be patient and read to find out!
See you all next chapter!
Shadow Songstress~