The After Years
By Lady Elaine
Chapter 4
"Only One Road to Danger"
Yes, I know, finally, right? Yeah, sorry about that guys, just had writers block you know? Well here it is at last, chapter four, sorry so short, but at least it's something. Enjoy!
The Fellowship traveled fast, they journeyed day and night at a grueling pace; taking main roads and all short cuts that were available to them. At present, speed was needed far more that stealth, for each day the danger to the elves in Mirkwood and to, and to all who lived nearby, became ever more deadly.
There was little danger to themselves as yet, while they were still so far west, away from the widerland that harbored their foes. Bit still they used caution at every turn, moving off the road when signs of other travelers were heard. They were careful not to let too many people know of their movements, for fear of spies or causing suspicion.
The hobbits found that this journey, though not as devastating, was far graver than when they had begun the last one with Frodo; for they were much more aware of the danger they were all in, and they were afraid.
Eric, on the other hand, was almost... cheerful! He skipped along innocently behind the others singing little ditties that he made up as he went along.
"Oh, the road we roam is long and hard,
But the adventure's great and grand!
If ever I see a great big orc,
I'll slay him with my hand!
Oh wouldn't THAT be grand!
I'll fight and I'll bite,
And I'll stay out all night,
Just watch me friends,
My might never ends.
Beware, I'm tough,
I have the mind of a dwarf.
Come not to near, for you might hear,
The slashing of my blade,
My Sting will make you bleed!
With a bright, fiery light
You'll cease to bite,
Oh, beware the Warrior Hobbit!!
Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!"
Despite their fear, the others chuckled quietly to themselves. Legolas caught up with Aragorn, a soft smile playing on his lips. "What do you think of our young companion Aragorn? He does not seem to be aware of the danger we are all in."
"All the better he does not," the Ranger replied, frowning into the distance as they trudged along, "let him have his fun while he still can. But do not judge him too quickly, my friend, there is more to that young hobbit than meets the eye. I believe he realizes more than he lets on. But if you are asking me how he will fare in a battle..." Aragorn smiled then, "he may surprise you. But in the mean time, enjoy the entertainment, his light heart is lifting the spirits of our friends, let them forget the danger for a time, it will do them good."
Legolas looked back at the hobbits, they were laughing merrily as Eric continued to compose his silly songs, even Gimli was smiling. The elf nodded, "I see you are right, my friend, as always."
****
The days grew long and hot. Young Ilberic had long since ceased his songs and the usual bounce was missing from his step. A despair settled on the seven friends as they drew closer to the place that wrought destruction on their hearts.
They were a week into their trek across Middle Earth; it was mid-morning of the beautiful spring day and the sun was already scorching their backs. Suddenly Aragorn flung himself to the ground and pressed his ear into the soil; Legolas stiffened and looked up at the road ahead.
The Ranger jumped to his feet, "Horses, many of them, coming this way, and fast! Quickly all of you, off the road! Legolas, stand sentry with your bow at ready, but stay hidden. Gimly, take the rest over that hill and stay out of sight; be it friend of foe, do not move until I signal you! Go!"
They did as they were told, though Gimli with reluctance; he disliked being sent away from a possible battle, but obeyed his leader loyally.
Once in hiding, the five friends drew out their weapons and watched the billowing cloud of dust on the road as the riders drew closer.
Aragorn crouched behind a clump of bushes at the edge of the road with his elven cloak wrapped tightly around him and his ancestral blade naked at his side.
The horses came into view at last, they were indeed traveling fast. There were at least a score of them, but that was all the friends could see of them as they sped by. All, that is, save for the keen eyes of an elf.
Legolas called out joyfully from his post, at the same time loosing the shaft he had drawn to land, quivering, in the road far ahead of the lead horse. The party halted abruptly and all eyes turned to watch Legolas run down the hillside calling out to the riders in his own tongue. "Derufin! Derufin, cousin! It is I, Legolas! Legolas Greenleaf! Do you not remember your old friend, Derufin?
The elf on the horse cried out with sudden realization and jumped to the ground. The two friends met in a tight embrace, laughing and crying at the same time. All the while, the other elves who had arrived called out joyfully, "Prince Legolas has returned to us at last!"
"Ah, Legolas, my cousin and my dearest of friends," said the new elf, releasing Legolas and holding him at arms length, "it has been too long. Why did you not come home after the war? We looked for you, but when you did not return, we feared you never would."
"Nonsense, old friend, but let us speak of that another time." Aragorn, Gimli and the hobbits had trundled idly up and stood awaiting introductions. Legolas turned to them, "Friends," he said cheerfully, "this is my cousin Derufin, son of Danduil and nephew to my father King Thranduil!"
Derufin bowed low in the manner known of elves and smiled winningly, "At your service, lords!"
Legolas smiled knowingly at his cousin's unceasingly playful nature, and continued, "Derufin, these are my friends and current traveling companions. The dwarf is Gimli, son of Gloin of the Lonely Mountain..."
"At your service," said Gimli, bowing politely.
The elf bowed again, "At yours and your family's," he said.
"This is mayor Samwise Gamgee of Bag End," continued Legolas, "Meriadoc Brandybuck of Brandy Hall, Thain Peregrine Took of Tookland, and Master Ilberic Brandybuck of Michell Delving. All respectable hobbits of the Shire in the West Farthing."
The hobbits bowed respectfully.
"Good to know you all" Derufin replied. "Strange company you keep these days, cousin," he added, "I have never seen such creatures before."
"And this," continued Legolas, intervening, trying to avoid conflict as the hobbits opened their mouths to protest, "is King Elessar, High King of all Middle Earth and..."
Before Legolas could finish, his young cousin fell to his knees at Aragorn's feet and bowed his head, "My Lord, forgive me, I did not recognize you and I had not expected to find you so soon."
Aragorn looked concerned, "Rise now, Derufin, on this journey I am merely Aragorn the Ranger. Now then, tell me your news; you were seeking me?"
"Aye, lord," replied the elf, now on his feet, "we were sent by my uncle the king to beg your assistance in the battle against the Dark Lord's reborn minions.
"Ah, yes, so they have been causing more trouble? I thought as much, but have you not had news? We are on out way now to meet with the rest of our company in Rohan. From there we will head strait for your forest to seek out and destroy the evil once and for all!"
The elves were overjoyed; they laughed and shouted out for joy, some even began to sing! But it was not a time for celebration and Aragorn reminded them of it.
"Friends, friends!" he shouted over the din, "Now is not the time for such actions, the enemy has not been defeated, and will not if we stand here so! Let us be on our way. Where be you bound, Derufin?"
The young elf smiled playfully, "Back to my king, of course, lord! To tell him the good news, perhaps then we will be permitted to celebrate, eh?" His fellow elves thought this terribly funny and roared with laughter. Even Legolas found it hard not to do the same.
So for the rest of the day and far into the night the merry party traveled together and camped peacefully not for from the road, (but not without posting sentries of course). In the morning they broke their fast, among much merriment, and parted at mid afternoon to go their separate ways.
"Well, they were a merry bunch," grumbled Gimli, who, by that time, had had quite enough of elves for a long while.
"Yes," agreed Pippin, still waving at the dots on the horizon, "I am sorry to see them go."
"It is better that they did," replied Aragorn soberly, though he had had just as much fun as Pippin, "too much merry-making leads men to stray from their true task."
Legolas nodded his agreement but he too was sorry to see them off. Seeing his old friends and companions again made him realize just how much he had missed his home in Mirkwood.
"So what do you think of elves now that you have met some, young Ilberic?" Sam asked the hobbit standing next to him, recalling the time, long ago, when Frodo had asked him the same thing.
Eric's face shown with the excitement from the night before and earlier that day, or perhaps it was the wine. "They were wonderful," he said; unable to say much else intelligently, as he was still a bit tipsy.
"Come," said Aragorn, shouldering his pack, "we must be going, Rohan is still a week's journey away and time is running out.
By Lady Elaine
Chapter 4
"Only One Road to Danger"
Yes, I know, finally, right? Yeah, sorry about that guys, just had writers block you know? Well here it is at last, chapter four, sorry so short, but at least it's something. Enjoy!
The Fellowship traveled fast, they journeyed day and night at a grueling pace; taking main roads and all short cuts that were available to them. At present, speed was needed far more that stealth, for each day the danger to the elves in Mirkwood and to, and to all who lived nearby, became ever more deadly.
There was little danger to themselves as yet, while they were still so far west, away from the widerland that harbored their foes. Bit still they used caution at every turn, moving off the road when signs of other travelers were heard. They were careful not to let too many people know of their movements, for fear of spies or causing suspicion.
The hobbits found that this journey, though not as devastating, was far graver than when they had begun the last one with Frodo; for they were much more aware of the danger they were all in, and they were afraid.
Eric, on the other hand, was almost... cheerful! He skipped along innocently behind the others singing little ditties that he made up as he went along.
"Oh, the road we roam is long and hard,
But the adventure's great and grand!
If ever I see a great big orc,
I'll slay him with my hand!
Oh wouldn't THAT be grand!
I'll fight and I'll bite,
And I'll stay out all night,
Just watch me friends,
My might never ends.
Beware, I'm tough,
I have the mind of a dwarf.
Come not to near, for you might hear,
The slashing of my blade,
My Sting will make you bleed!
With a bright, fiery light
You'll cease to bite,
Oh, beware the Warrior Hobbit!!
Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!"
Despite their fear, the others chuckled quietly to themselves. Legolas caught up with Aragorn, a soft smile playing on his lips. "What do you think of our young companion Aragorn? He does not seem to be aware of the danger we are all in."
"All the better he does not," the Ranger replied, frowning into the distance as they trudged along, "let him have his fun while he still can. But do not judge him too quickly, my friend, there is more to that young hobbit than meets the eye. I believe he realizes more than he lets on. But if you are asking me how he will fare in a battle..." Aragorn smiled then, "he may surprise you. But in the mean time, enjoy the entertainment, his light heart is lifting the spirits of our friends, let them forget the danger for a time, it will do them good."
Legolas looked back at the hobbits, they were laughing merrily as Eric continued to compose his silly songs, even Gimli was smiling. The elf nodded, "I see you are right, my friend, as always."
****
The days grew long and hot. Young Ilberic had long since ceased his songs and the usual bounce was missing from his step. A despair settled on the seven friends as they drew closer to the place that wrought destruction on their hearts.
They were a week into their trek across Middle Earth; it was mid-morning of the beautiful spring day and the sun was already scorching their backs. Suddenly Aragorn flung himself to the ground and pressed his ear into the soil; Legolas stiffened and looked up at the road ahead.
The Ranger jumped to his feet, "Horses, many of them, coming this way, and fast! Quickly all of you, off the road! Legolas, stand sentry with your bow at ready, but stay hidden. Gimly, take the rest over that hill and stay out of sight; be it friend of foe, do not move until I signal you! Go!"
They did as they were told, though Gimli with reluctance; he disliked being sent away from a possible battle, but obeyed his leader loyally.
Once in hiding, the five friends drew out their weapons and watched the billowing cloud of dust on the road as the riders drew closer.
Aragorn crouched behind a clump of bushes at the edge of the road with his elven cloak wrapped tightly around him and his ancestral blade naked at his side.
The horses came into view at last, they were indeed traveling fast. There were at least a score of them, but that was all the friends could see of them as they sped by. All, that is, save for the keen eyes of an elf.
Legolas called out joyfully from his post, at the same time loosing the shaft he had drawn to land, quivering, in the road far ahead of the lead horse. The party halted abruptly and all eyes turned to watch Legolas run down the hillside calling out to the riders in his own tongue. "Derufin! Derufin, cousin! It is I, Legolas! Legolas Greenleaf! Do you not remember your old friend, Derufin?
The elf on the horse cried out with sudden realization and jumped to the ground. The two friends met in a tight embrace, laughing and crying at the same time. All the while, the other elves who had arrived called out joyfully, "Prince Legolas has returned to us at last!"
"Ah, Legolas, my cousin and my dearest of friends," said the new elf, releasing Legolas and holding him at arms length, "it has been too long. Why did you not come home after the war? We looked for you, but when you did not return, we feared you never would."
"Nonsense, old friend, but let us speak of that another time." Aragorn, Gimli and the hobbits had trundled idly up and stood awaiting introductions. Legolas turned to them, "Friends," he said cheerfully, "this is my cousin Derufin, son of Danduil and nephew to my father King Thranduil!"
Derufin bowed low in the manner known of elves and smiled winningly, "At your service, lords!"
Legolas smiled knowingly at his cousin's unceasingly playful nature, and continued, "Derufin, these are my friends and current traveling companions. The dwarf is Gimli, son of Gloin of the Lonely Mountain..."
"At your service," said Gimli, bowing politely.
The elf bowed again, "At yours and your family's," he said.
"This is mayor Samwise Gamgee of Bag End," continued Legolas, "Meriadoc Brandybuck of Brandy Hall, Thain Peregrine Took of Tookland, and Master Ilberic Brandybuck of Michell Delving. All respectable hobbits of the Shire in the West Farthing."
The hobbits bowed respectfully.
"Good to know you all" Derufin replied. "Strange company you keep these days, cousin," he added, "I have never seen such creatures before."
"And this," continued Legolas, intervening, trying to avoid conflict as the hobbits opened their mouths to protest, "is King Elessar, High King of all Middle Earth and..."
Before Legolas could finish, his young cousin fell to his knees at Aragorn's feet and bowed his head, "My Lord, forgive me, I did not recognize you and I had not expected to find you so soon."
Aragorn looked concerned, "Rise now, Derufin, on this journey I am merely Aragorn the Ranger. Now then, tell me your news; you were seeking me?"
"Aye, lord," replied the elf, now on his feet, "we were sent by my uncle the king to beg your assistance in the battle against the Dark Lord's reborn minions.
"Ah, yes, so they have been causing more trouble? I thought as much, but have you not had news? We are on out way now to meet with the rest of our company in Rohan. From there we will head strait for your forest to seek out and destroy the evil once and for all!"
The elves were overjoyed; they laughed and shouted out for joy, some even began to sing! But it was not a time for celebration and Aragorn reminded them of it.
"Friends, friends!" he shouted over the din, "Now is not the time for such actions, the enemy has not been defeated, and will not if we stand here so! Let us be on our way. Where be you bound, Derufin?"
The young elf smiled playfully, "Back to my king, of course, lord! To tell him the good news, perhaps then we will be permitted to celebrate, eh?" His fellow elves thought this terribly funny and roared with laughter. Even Legolas found it hard not to do the same.
So for the rest of the day and far into the night the merry party traveled together and camped peacefully not for from the road, (but not without posting sentries of course). In the morning they broke their fast, among much merriment, and parted at mid afternoon to go their separate ways.
"Well, they were a merry bunch," grumbled Gimli, who, by that time, had had quite enough of elves for a long while.
"Yes," agreed Pippin, still waving at the dots on the horizon, "I am sorry to see them go."
"It is better that they did," replied Aragorn soberly, though he had had just as much fun as Pippin, "too much merry-making leads men to stray from their true task."
Legolas nodded his agreement but he too was sorry to see them off. Seeing his old friends and companions again made him realize just how much he had missed his home in Mirkwood.
"So what do you think of elves now that you have met some, young Ilberic?" Sam asked the hobbit standing next to him, recalling the time, long ago, when Frodo had asked him the same thing.
Eric's face shown with the excitement from the night before and earlier that day, or perhaps it was the wine. "They were wonderful," he said; unable to say much else intelligently, as he was still a bit tipsy.
"Come," said Aragorn, shouldering his pack, "we must be going, Rohan is still a week's journey away and time is running out.