Note: None of these are my characters, except for Aradia, the Dark Elves,
and their unknown leader. All others belong to J.R.R. Tolkien. Some parts
may not be factual.
Return of the Fellowship,
Part 3
A.J. Matthews
Legolas and Aragorn stared at Gandalf in disbelief.
"It's true," the wizard told them soberly. He certainly looked his years now. "The leader of the Dark Elves was behind the attack."
Aragorn swore softly. "So they were after Legolas when they shot Arwen."
"No, Aragorn," Gandalf said. "These Dark Elves feed off of the essence of light within the elves that did not turn to Mordor's will." He looked directly at Legolas. "In essence, they could be called soul-eaters."
Legolas had a feeling he knew what was coming next.
"If you had not brought Lady Arwen back here when you did, Legolas, they would have destroyed her soul, and then your own."
"Why me?" Legolas asked.
"Legolas, your soul is strong and pure, untainted by evil. And they know of your solitude." Gandalf looked disapproving. He softened when he saw that Aragorn had a look of pain on his face.
Lord Elrond listened from the shadows silently.
"Aragorn, do not blame yourself. Legolas saved her from a worse fate. They would have killed her, one way or the other," Gandalf said gently.
Aragorn nodded.
"So they will only attack those I am with?" Legolas questioned.
"Yes." The wizard looked directly at him, for Legolas had not looked him face to face yet.
"Then I will leave," Legolas said quietly. "Before the sun sets again in the sky.
"Legolas, they will pursue you relentlessly," Gandalf said.
"I don't care," Legolas said, pain in his voice. "Because of me, Aradia has lost her mother, and Aragorn has lost his wife. I will cause no more harm to the people I am with." He looked at Gandalf, and Gandalf's eyes focused on the severe bruise on the right side of Legolas's face. "What happened, Legolas?" he asked softly.
"Tis a bruise and nothing more," Legolas said. "And I dare say I deserved it."
"No, you didn't, Legolas. It was unfair for me to take my anger out on you," Aragorn snapped.
"Stop fighting, both of you," Gandalf nearly shouted.
They turned to look at him.
"There is more. While they seek Legolas's soul, they also are hunting the members of the Fellowship," Gandalf said in a quieter tone.
"Frodo and the hobbits!" Aragorn cried.
"Gimli!" Legolas exclaimed.
Gandalf nodded and shook his head. "They already have the hobbits. When I heard what they were planning, I traveled there as quickly as I could. Unfortunately, I was too late." He sighed. "But Gimli is still free. I leave it to the two of you to find and warn him of this danger."
"What about you?" Aragorn asked.
"I must do more research, Aragorn. I know the Dark Elves can be killed with Legolas's arrows, but I do not know about the other dark minions that this unknown foe possesses." Gandalf looked at Legolas. "I wouldn't recommend trying to rescue the hobbits on your own, Legolas, for your glowing skin will lead them to you. Cover up as much of it as you can during the night."
Legolas nodded. He looked at Aragorn. "What of Aradia? Where will she be safe?"
"With me," Lord Elrond said, as he stepped out of the shadows. "I shall take my granddaughter to Rivendell. The evil ones should not follow me, if neither of you are with me. I shall have Arwen brought there as well, Elessar."
Aragorn nodded. "Lord Elrond, we must set out to rescue our friends as soon as possible. I would ask that you to wait to give her a proper burial until I return."
"That would not be wise, Aragorn. Until she is properly laid to rest, her soul may yet be taken," Elrond explained.
"I see." Aragorn bowed his head. "Give my regards to your people," he said quietly. "For I must go."
"I understand, Elessar. Aradia will be safe with me," Lord Elrond vowed, as he turned and walked away to fetch the child.
"We shall leave tomorrow," Legolas said. "At least, I shall." He looked at Aragorn.
"I will, as well." Aragorn looked at Legolas, his eyes narrowed slightly. "Don't try to sneak off alone, Legolas, for I am wise to your ways and will stay in the stables all night if I must."
Legolas jut turned and walked away.
Aragorn looked at Gandalf. "I don't understand him anymore, Gandalf."
Gandalf smiled at him wisely. "Your heart is confused and troubled right now. Finish grieving for Arwen, Aragorn. But keep a close watch on the Elf. His light may lead them to you, and they will aim for him more than you or Gimli. And Legolas has not appointed an heir yet," he reminded Aragorn.
"Actually, I think he has decided," Lord Elrond said, as he approached them, carrying Aradia. "He was giving a list of instructions to the guards. If something happens to him, the eldest son of his younger brother will become King."
Aradia was embraced by her father, who held her close.
"You're going away, again, aren't you?" Aradia said sadly.
"Yes, sweetheart. Remember Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin?" She nodded. "Legolas and I must go and find them, as well as Gimli."
"Be careful, daddy," Aradia whispered to him. "I don't want you to go away like mommy did."
"We'll be back. I promise, Aradia. Your grandfather will take care of you while I'm gone." He hugged his daughter tightly and looked at Lord Elrond. "Please take good care of her, Lord Elrond, for she is all that I have left, and I am entrusting her to you."
"I shall, Aragorn. I would die before any take her. Take care of yourself," he said. He took Aradia into his arms again.
"Wait, daddy," Aradia said, before he walked away. She fumbled with the clasp on her Elven necklace, and removed it. She handed it to him. "Wear it, to remind you of me, daddy," she pleaded. "You can give it back when you return."
"Oh, Aradia." Aragorn caressed her soft hair. "I shall and when I come back, I will return it." Aragorn fastened the necklace around his neck. The pendant hung in front of his heart.
"Bye, daddy," she whispered, as Lord Elrond bore her away. Aragorn waved after her.
Gandalf looked at Aragorn. "I shall leave as well. Be careful and trust no one." He walked down the hallway, heading for the stables.
Aragorn bid him farewell, and walked around aimlessly, until he found himself on a balcony. Night was settling over the land. The reality of it all had finally sunk in. He sank into a chair, devastated. Tears began to run down his face, which he buried in his hands.
God, Arwen. I loved you, even though it wasn't as much as I loved Legolas. I always thought you'd be here. Why did you give up your immortality for me? He wept in despair.
Legolas happened to see Aragorn on the balcony, crying. He hesitated for a moment, and then walked over and put a hand on Aragorn's shoulder. "Are you all right, Aragorn?"
"I don't know. I never imagined that this would happen, Legolas."
"I'm sorry," Legolas said quietly. He embraced his friend, ignoring the pain that shot through his heart. "She was a good, gentle person who loved everyone."
Aragorn leaned against Legolas for a few moments, before sitting up. Part of him felt guilty, as he looked at Legolas. "She was, Legolas. And she deserved better than what I gave her."
Legolas's green eyes showed compassion and understanding as he held his friend tightly.
Aragorn didn't know how Legolas could possibly understand, until he remembered that Legolas had hurt as much as he now hurt, when Aragorn had announced that he was marrying Arwen.
"Legolas, does this pain ever go away?" he asked softly.
"In time, the pain fades, but it never completely goes away," Legolas said. He let go of Aragorn. "I came to bring you to your new room."
Aragorn nodded slowly. He stood, and followed the graceful Elf to his room. Aragorn went inside, and sank down on the bed.
"Will you be ready to leave by dawn, Aragorn?" Legolas asked.
"Yes, Legolas."
"See you in the morning." Legolas walked away.
Aragorn kicked his shoes off and burrowed under the covers. Legolas had managed to comfort him somewhat, for which he was grateful. He fell into an uneasy sleep that night.
Legolas could not sleep, so he sat up all night, preparing his belongings for the traveling they would do to find Gimli. His skin was glowing, as always. He looked at it and sighed. It was because of this that he was sought.
Legolas finished packing and decided to try to get a little sleep before the night was over.
He had put on his traveling clothes, for it was only a few hours before dawn. He wore a dark blue leather shirt, with dark green leggings. Brown boots covered his feet, and he had green leather coverings over his hands, though his fingers were bare. An Elven cloak with a hood went over it all.
Legolas was just drifting off to sleep finally, when he heard a strange sound. He stood and picked up his bow. He slung his arrows on his back, and pulled the hood over his face as he opened his door. Legolas saw nothing, until he stepped into the hallway.
Two black arrows were embedded in his door. He looked at them and sighed. Legolas walked back into his room and picked up his small leather bag. He went down to Aragorn's room and knocked on the door.
Aragorn woke up sleepily at the sound of someone knocking on his door. He drew his sword and stood. He quietly made his way over to the door and opened it. A stranger in an Elven cloak stood there. Aragorn pointed his sword directly at the figure's throat, who froze as it pricked his skin.
"Aragorn, it's me," Legolas hissed softly.
Aragorn blinked. "Legolas?" He gazed at the figure, who removed his hood. Yep, it was Legolas. His blond hair stood out in the darkness, as did the Legolas's bare skin, which glowed. The hood hid it well.
"What are you doing?" he asked, puzzled.
"Please move your sword away from my throat," Legolas requested. "Then I'll tell you."
Aragorn moved his sword. He placed it back in its sheath and looked at Legolas, who he now noticed was holding his pack.
"The Dark Elves got into Mirkwood," Legolas whispered softly. "I found two black arrows in my door."
"How could they penetrate Mirkwood's borders without anyone knowing?" Aragorn asked incredulously.
"I don't know, but we'd better leave as soon as possible. I'm going to the kitchen to get some food. I'll meet you in the stables," Legolas said. He handed Aragorn an Elven cloak just like his, before drawing his hood over his face again. He made his way out of the door cautiously.
Aragorn quickly packed his spare clothes, a few daggers, tinder and flint, and three rolled-up blankets. He put his boots back on, and fastened the cloak. He wore a red shirt, with black leggings underneath. His sword was already at his waist, so he pulled his own hood down, and picked up his bag. He then proceeded to walk to the stables.
Legolas had already mounted a rowan-colored horse. "Take your pick," he whispered. His pack sat on his back, as did his quiver and bow. His short sword hung at his side now.
Aragorn chose a chestnut-colored horse to mount.
Silently, they urged the horses into the field, creeping along until they reached the clearing. Then, they began to gallop hard, racing away from Mirkwood.
Legolas glanced back at his home, and wondered if he would ever see it again.
To be continued
Return of the Fellowship,
Part 3
A.J. Matthews
Legolas and Aragorn stared at Gandalf in disbelief.
"It's true," the wizard told them soberly. He certainly looked his years now. "The leader of the Dark Elves was behind the attack."
Aragorn swore softly. "So they were after Legolas when they shot Arwen."
"No, Aragorn," Gandalf said. "These Dark Elves feed off of the essence of light within the elves that did not turn to Mordor's will." He looked directly at Legolas. "In essence, they could be called soul-eaters."
Legolas had a feeling he knew what was coming next.
"If you had not brought Lady Arwen back here when you did, Legolas, they would have destroyed her soul, and then your own."
"Why me?" Legolas asked.
"Legolas, your soul is strong and pure, untainted by evil. And they know of your solitude." Gandalf looked disapproving. He softened when he saw that Aragorn had a look of pain on his face.
Lord Elrond listened from the shadows silently.
"Aragorn, do not blame yourself. Legolas saved her from a worse fate. They would have killed her, one way or the other," Gandalf said gently.
Aragorn nodded.
"So they will only attack those I am with?" Legolas questioned.
"Yes." The wizard looked directly at him, for Legolas had not looked him face to face yet.
"Then I will leave," Legolas said quietly. "Before the sun sets again in the sky.
"Legolas, they will pursue you relentlessly," Gandalf said.
"I don't care," Legolas said, pain in his voice. "Because of me, Aradia has lost her mother, and Aragorn has lost his wife. I will cause no more harm to the people I am with." He looked at Gandalf, and Gandalf's eyes focused on the severe bruise on the right side of Legolas's face. "What happened, Legolas?" he asked softly.
"Tis a bruise and nothing more," Legolas said. "And I dare say I deserved it."
"No, you didn't, Legolas. It was unfair for me to take my anger out on you," Aragorn snapped.
"Stop fighting, both of you," Gandalf nearly shouted.
They turned to look at him.
"There is more. While they seek Legolas's soul, they also are hunting the members of the Fellowship," Gandalf said in a quieter tone.
"Frodo and the hobbits!" Aragorn cried.
"Gimli!" Legolas exclaimed.
Gandalf nodded and shook his head. "They already have the hobbits. When I heard what they were planning, I traveled there as quickly as I could. Unfortunately, I was too late." He sighed. "But Gimli is still free. I leave it to the two of you to find and warn him of this danger."
"What about you?" Aragorn asked.
"I must do more research, Aragorn. I know the Dark Elves can be killed with Legolas's arrows, but I do not know about the other dark minions that this unknown foe possesses." Gandalf looked at Legolas. "I wouldn't recommend trying to rescue the hobbits on your own, Legolas, for your glowing skin will lead them to you. Cover up as much of it as you can during the night."
Legolas nodded. He looked at Aragorn. "What of Aradia? Where will she be safe?"
"With me," Lord Elrond said, as he stepped out of the shadows. "I shall take my granddaughter to Rivendell. The evil ones should not follow me, if neither of you are with me. I shall have Arwen brought there as well, Elessar."
Aragorn nodded. "Lord Elrond, we must set out to rescue our friends as soon as possible. I would ask that you to wait to give her a proper burial until I return."
"That would not be wise, Aragorn. Until she is properly laid to rest, her soul may yet be taken," Elrond explained.
"I see." Aragorn bowed his head. "Give my regards to your people," he said quietly. "For I must go."
"I understand, Elessar. Aradia will be safe with me," Lord Elrond vowed, as he turned and walked away to fetch the child.
"We shall leave tomorrow," Legolas said. "At least, I shall." He looked at Aragorn.
"I will, as well." Aragorn looked at Legolas, his eyes narrowed slightly. "Don't try to sneak off alone, Legolas, for I am wise to your ways and will stay in the stables all night if I must."
Legolas jut turned and walked away.
Aragorn looked at Gandalf. "I don't understand him anymore, Gandalf."
Gandalf smiled at him wisely. "Your heart is confused and troubled right now. Finish grieving for Arwen, Aragorn. But keep a close watch on the Elf. His light may lead them to you, and they will aim for him more than you or Gimli. And Legolas has not appointed an heir yet," he reminded Aragorn.
"Actually, I think he has decided," Lord Elrond said, as he approached them, carrying Aradia. "He was giving a list of instructions to the guards. If something happens to him, the eldest son of his younger brother will become King."
Aradia was embraced by her father, who held her close.
"You're going away, again, aren't you?" Aradia said sadly.
"Yes, sweetheart. Remember Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin?" She nodded. "Legolas and I must go and find them, as well as Gimli."
"Be careful, daddy," Aradia whispered to him. "I don't want you to go away like mommy did."
"We'll be back. I promise, Aradia. Your grandfather will take care of you while I'm gone." He hugged his daughter tightly and looked at Lord Elrond. "Please take good care of her, Lord Elrond, for she is all that I have left, and I am entrusting her to you."
"I shall, Aragorn. I would die before any take her. Take care of yourself," he said. He took Aradia into his arms again.
"Wait, daddy," Aradia said, before he walked away. She fumbled with the clasp on her Elven necklace, and removed it. She handed it to him. "Wear it, to remind you of me, daddy," she pleaded. "You can give it back when you return."
"Oh, Aradia." Aragorn caressed her soft hair. "I shall and when I come back, I will return it." Aragorn fastened the necklace around his neck. The pendant hung in front of his heart.
"Bye, daddy," she whispered, as Lord Elrond bore her away. Aragorn waved after her.
Gandalf looked at Aragorn. "I shall leave as well. Be careful and trust no one." He walked down the hallway, heading for the stables.
Aragorn bid him farewell, and walked around aimlessly, until he found himself on a balcony. Night was settling over the land. The reality of it all had finally sunk in. He sank into a chair, devastated. Tears began to run down his face, which he buried in his hands.
God, Arwen. I loved you, even though it wasn't as much as I loved Legolas. I always thought you'd be here. Why did you give up your immortality for me? He wept in despair.
Legolas happened to see Aragorn on the balcony, crying. He hesitated for a moment, and then walked over and put a hand on Aragorn's shoulder. "Are you all right, Aragorn?"
"I don't know. I never imagined that this would happen, Legolas."
"I'm sorry," Legolas said quietly. He embraced his friend, ignoring the pain that shot through his heart. "She was a good, gentle person who loved everyone."
Aragorn leaned against Legolas for a few moments, before sitting up. Part of him felt guilty, as he looked at Legolas. "She was, Legolas. And she deserved better than what I gave her."
Legolas's green eyes showed compassion and understanding as he held his friend tightly.
Aragorn didn't know how Legolas could possibly understand, until he remembered that Legolas had hurt as much as he now hurt, when Aragorn had announced that he was marrying Arwen.
"Legolas, does this pain ever go away?" he asked softly.
"In time, the pain fades, but it never completely goes away," Legolas said. He let go of Aragorn. "I came to bring you to your new room."
Aragorn nodded slowly. He stood, and followed the graceful Elf to his room. Aragorn went inside, and sank down on the bed.
"Will you be ready to leave by dawn, Aragorn?" Legolas asked.
"Yes, Legolas."
"See you in the morning." Legolas walked away.
Aragorn kicked his shoes off and burrowed under the covers. Legolas had managed to comfort him somewhat, for which he was grateful. He fell into an uneasy sleep that night.
Legolas could not sleep, so he sat up all night, preparing his belongings for the traveling they would do to find Gimli. His skin was glowing, as always. He looked at it and sighed. It was because of this that he was sought.
Legolas finished packing and decided to try to get a little sleep before the night was over.
He had put on his traveling clothes, for it was only a few hours before dawn. He wore a dark blue leather shirt, with dark green leggings. Brown boots covered his feet, and he had green leather coverings over his hands, though his fingers were bare. An Elven cloak with a hood went over it all.
Legolas was just drifting off to sleep finally, when he heard a strange sound. He stood and picked up his bow. He slung his arrows on his back, and pulled the hood over his face as he opened his door. Legolas saw nothing, until he stepped into the hallway.
Two black arrows were embedded in his door. He looked at them and sighed. Legolas walked back into his room and picked up his small leather bag. He went down to Aragorn's room and knocked on the door.
Aragorn woke up sleepily at the sound of someone knocking on his door. He drew his sword and stood. He quietly made his way over to the door and opened it. A stranger in an Elven cloak stood there. Aragorn pointed his sword directly at the figure's throat, who froze as it pricked his skin.
"Aragorn, it's me," Legolas hissed softly.
Aragorn blinked. "Legolas?" He gazed at the figure, who removed his hood. Yep, it was Legolas. His blond hair stood out in the darkness, as did the Legolas's bare skin, which glowed. The hood hid it well.
"What are you doing?" he asked, puzzled.
"Please move your sword away from my throat," Legolas requested. "Then I'll tell you."
Aragorn moved his sword. He placed it back in its sheath and looked at Legolas, who he now noticed was holding his pack.
"The Dark Elves got into Mirkwood," Legolas whispered softly. "I found two black arrows in my door."
"How could they penetrate Mirkwood's borders without anyone knowing?" Aragorn asked incredulously.
"I don't know, but we'd better leave as soon as possible. I'm going to the kitchen to get some food. I'll meet you in the stables," Legolas said. He handed Aragorn an Elven cloak just like his, before drawing his hood over his face again. He made his way out of the door cautiously.
Aragorn quickly packed his spare clothes, a few daggers, tinder and flint, and three rolled-up blankets. He put his boots back on, and fastened the cloak. He wore a red shirt, with black leggings underneath. His sword was already at his waist, so he pulled his own hood down, and picked up his bag. He then proceeded to walk to the stables.
Legolas had already mounted a rowan-colored horse. "Take your pick," he whispered. His pack sat on his back, as did his quiver and bow. His short sword hung at his side now.
Aragorn chose a chestnut-colored horse to mount.
Silently, they urged the horses into the field, creeping along until they reached the clearing. Then, they began to gallop hard, racing away from Mirkwood.
Legolas glanced back at his home, and wondered if he would ever see it again.
To be continued
