Note: This chapter may seem weird, but I have a very specific ending in
mind for this fic already, although it will be at least ten chapters off.
Legolas will be a little OOC from now on, but mostly the same. Thanks for
telling me where Galadrial lives. None of these characters belong to me,
except for the bad guys and Aradia. The rest belong to J.R.R. Tolkien.
Elvish words are in ' '. I hope I'm right in believing that Arwen is
Galadrial's daughter. If not, tell me and I'll fix it. Any ideas for names
for the unknown foe? I'm open to suggestions.
Return of the Fellowship,
Part 5
In the Elven kingdom of Rivendell, the silence was being disturbed with piercing screams.
Aradia tossed and turned in her bed. She was having a frightening dream, where all she could see around her was darkness. A tiny splinter of light was the only light she could see for miles. Then she saw her father and Legolas. But something was wrong with him.
"Daddy! Legolas!" she cried. In her dream, she ran over to Legolas and hugged him. He lay so motionless, Aradia thought he was dead.
A shadowy figure enveloped in darkness appeared. "You cannot resist, Legolas. Your soul will be mine."
Lord Elrond awoke at once when he heard Aradia screaming. He jumped out of bed, taking a moment to grab his bow and arrows, and ran down to his granddaughter's room. He entered quickly, and ran over to her bed. He knelt down beside her and shook her gently.
Aradia opened her eyes. "Grandfather!" she said, with tears streaming down her face.
"What's wrong, Aradia?" Elrond asked gently, taking the child in his arms.
"Something's wrong with Legolas. I can feel it," she sobbed. "He's so cold."
Lord Elrond looked at Aradia in surprise. "Honey, that was just a bad dream."
"No, it wasn't," Aradia insisted. "We need to go to Lothlorien."
"I don't think-"
"Please!" Aradia begged. "Legolas needs help!"
"All right, Aradia." Elrond sighed and prayed his grandchild was wrong. "But we aren't leaving until the morning."
"Ok." Aradia leaned against her grandfather, wiping her tears away.
They stayed like that for the rest of the night, and in the morning, they set off for Lothlorien.
Unknown to them, Aragorn and Gimli were heading there was well.
Legolas hadn't opened his eyes in days. All he did was moan about darkness. Aragorn was seriously worried.
"This is all my fault," he said miserably.
"The elf will be fine, Aragorn. We'll be at Lothlorien tomorrow, and I'm sure Lady Galadrial can help him." Gimli tried to sound reassuring, but he was concerned for the elf as well. And Aragorn. The poor human had had more problems as of late than he had had in ten years. Gimli sighed. Aragorn never slept, and hardly ate, unless Gimli threatened to shove the food down his throat.
Night had come again. Aragorn was anguished to see that Legolas's skin had even less glow. Even a small candle gave off more light than he did. The only difference that had been accomplished in the days of travel was the fact that Legolas could say words in his stupor, but it didn't last very long.
"Aragorn," Legolas moaned softly. "Help me."
Aragorn held Legolas's freezing-cold hand tightly. "I don't know how, Legolas," he whispered.
"It's so dark," the weakening elf said quietly. "Can't fight it."
"You have to, crazy elf!" Gimli near shouted.
Legolas groaned softly. For a moment, Gimli and Aragorn weren't sure whether Legolas had heard what Gimli had said.
Legolas whispered, "Stupid dwarf," before falling into a coma again.
Inside of his mind, Legolas was surrounded by darkness. It terrified him. There was only a little light left in him. And it was fading. He held the light as tightly as he could to himself.
Don't give up, a gentle voice whispered. Aragorn needs you.
Arwen, Legolas thought. Is that you?
Legolas, you're very close to the Spirit Realm. Fight for Aragorn and Aradia. They both need you.
A shining light appeared before him.
I don't think I can. It hurts so much. Legolas looked at the light. It was beautiful, white and glowing.
Try, Legolas. Aragorn could not bear it if he lost you as well. Arwen's gentle face appeared before Legolas, and he remembered what she'd said to him. 'Take care of Elstar and Aradia for me when I go.'
The shadows shifted, approaching the being of light, who looked at Legolas.
I have to go. Believe in yourself, Legolas. You are stronger than the darkness can ever be.
The figure of light vanished.
Legolas was left alone. But now he could hear Aragorn and Gimli talking, trying to get him to say something.
Legolas fought as hard as he could, focusing on Aragorn and Aradia. They needed him.
Aragorn was stunned to see Legolas's eyes flickering weakly. "Legolas?" he whispered.
Legolas tore his way out of the darkness. His green eyes opened and he had an expression of pain on his face. But he was awake.
"He's awake, Gimli," Aragorn still held his hand tightly. "Are you ok, Legolas?"
"C-cold." Legolas shivered. He felt so weak and cold. He knew he was not completely safe, yet. "Where are we?" Even his voice sounded shaky to Aragorn.
"We're heading for Lothlorien. You told us to take you there while you were unconscious," Aragorn said quietly.
"Oh." Legolas looked around, taking in as many of the sights as he could while he was awake. He wouldn't be able to stay conscious for long, he knew.
"How ya doing, crazy elf?" Gimli asked, walking over with some food on a plate.
Legolas looked up at Gimli. He felt so tired. "Cold and tired." He didn't mention that he felt like part of him had been torn away. "And hungry."
"It's not surprising, Legolas. You've been unconscious for two days," Aragorn informed him.
"I see."
Gimli handed Legolas the plate of food, and sat down. He had never seen the elf so tired before. Legolas hadn't even called him 'stupid dwarf' like he usually did when Gimli called Legolas 'crazy elf.'
As if to reassure him, Legolas looked at him and frowned. "Stupid dwarf," he muttered.
Legolas was only able to stay conscious for less than ten hours.
They were on Aragorn's horse, nearly at the borders of Lothlorien, when Aragorn turned to ask Legolas a question.
The elf looked back, pain and confusion in his eyes. "Sorry, Aragorn," he whispered, before falling unconscious again. Aragorn barely caught him before he hit the ground. He urged his horse faster, as did Gimli.
Other elves came out to meet them at the borders of Lothlorien.
'Who goes there?" the captain shouted.
Aragorn rode up to them. 'King Elessar Telcontar and Gimli the dwarf.'
The dark-haired elf strode forward and looked at them. Then his gaze focused on Legolas.
'What happened to him?' he demanded.
'The shadow creatures attacked him and tried to destroy his soul. Without Lady Galadrial's aid, I fear he will perish.' Aragorn looked at the elf before him.
'Let him pass,' Lady Galadrial's voice said. The Elven lady stood just beyond the border.
'As you wish.' The elves stepped aside, and Aragorn and Gimli rode forward.
'Follow me,' she said gently. She led them to a clearing, where a bed had already been prepared. A white cabinet and table also sat nearby.
Aragorn dismounted, with Legolas on his back. Gimli climbed down as well.
'Put Legolas upon the bed.' Aragorn did so gently, and then stepped back.
Galadrial gently looked over Legolas, touching his face and hands, getting a sense of what had happened. She then looked at Aragorn. 'Tis good that you got him here when you did. He could not have held out much longer, King Elessar.' She walked over to the cabinet and took out two bottles of potions, before looking at Aragorn again. 'I can use the light of Eärendil's star to keep him alive, but it will not last forever. The darkness must be vanquished within two months, or he will fall again.' She placed the white bottle on the table.
Aragorn nodded slowly. Gimli watched the Elven lady silently.
Galadrial stepped to the bed and looked at Aragorn. 'He must drink this when he awakes.' She handed the blue bottle to Aragorn, then touched Legolas's forehead gently. In soft Elvish words, she bid him to come out of the darkness and return to the light.
Legolas heard a soft, Elven voice calling to him. He opened his eyes slowly and saw Lady Galadrial standing over him. He was surrounded by a haze, though, so he could not speak.
Gimli aided the elf in sitting up. Aragorn held the bottle to Legolas's lips, who drank instinctively.
Warmth suddenly spread through him. His vision began clearing, and he focused on what Galadrial was saying. She finished her spell and looked at Aragorn.
'The star's light may change him, Elessar. His natural abilities will become stronger. And I have a gift for you and Gimli as well.'
"Legolas?" Gimli asked him.
Legolas looked at him. "You're still a stupid dwarf, Gimli." He grinned.
Gimli started to laugh. "Crazy elf!"
Lady Galadrial smiled at Legolas gently. 'Are you feeling better?'
'Yes, thanks to you, Lady Galadrial.' Legolas stood and swayed slightly. He shook his head and looked at her. 'I owe you my life.'
Lady Galadrial laughed gently. 'Legolas, because of the Fellowship, Saruman and Sauron were defeated. It was the least I could do.' She looked at the three of them. 'Mithrandir traveled through here a week ago. He asked us to give any aid that we could to you. He told me that swords and other such weapons do not work on the shadowy creatures.'
'That is true, my lady,' Gimli said. 'That's how Legolas got hurt.'
'As I said earlier, I have a gift for you.' Lady Galadrial walked over and picked up the white bottle. 'Dip your swords, daggers, and any other metal weapons into this.' She gestured, and one of the Elven guards entered, carrying a large bowl. The silvery potion was poured into the bowl, which Galadrial then carried over to the three.
Aragorn was the first to draw his sword and place it in the potion. When he drew it out, Anduril flashed briefly with a light, which faded. He then sheathed his sword and placed his daggers in as well. They, too, glowed briefly before returning to normal.
Legolas placed his short sword in the bowl and withdrew it. Light shone around it for a few moments, before it was returned to its hilt.
Gimli looked at his axe. 'Lady Galadrial, I do not think my axe will fit in the bowl.'
She nodded, before placing the bowl on the bed where Legolas had lain. She took out a white cloth and gently dipped it into the liquid. Galadrial then handed Gimli the white cloth.
He rubbed it all over his axe, which glowed temporarily as well. Gimli looked at the beautiful Elven lady. "Thank you." He made a short bow to her.
Aragorn and Legolas did the same.
Lady Galadrial opened her mouth to speak, but another voice was heard.
"Father!" Aradia raced over and jumped in her father's arms.
"Aradia," Aragorn said in surprise. He hadn't expected this turn of events. He hugged his daughter tightly. "What are you doing here?"
"I brought her, Elessar," Lord Elrond said. "She insisted on it."
"Why, sweetheart?" Aragorn asked his daughter gently.
Aradia turned to Legolas. "You're all right, now," she said in relief. She looked at her father. "I had a dream that Legolas was surrounded by darkness and this-" She shuddered slightly. "This evil thing was trying to take him away."
Aragorn looked at Elrond in shock.
Legolas looked at Aradia and smiled. "I believe she has a gift of vision, Aragorn." Aradia held her arms out to him, and he picked her up. "I'm fine, sweetheart. Lady Galadrial aided me."
"I'm glad." Aradia smiled at her grandmother.
"It's good to see you again, my child," Galadrial said, smiling at the half- elven child who resembled her father greatly. Aradia was embraced by Galadrial gently.
"Aragorn," Gimli said quietly, "I do not wish to anger you, but we must continue on our journey very soon, for our hobbit friends are still in grave peril."
"Indeed, Gimli. We shall depart after eating and drinking our fill. Legolas is not quite as strong as he was yet. But he will be by tomorrow." Aragorn turned to see Lady Galadrial looking at him.
'You are leaving shortly, are you not?' she asked. 'Take time to eat before you go.' Her gaze drifted to Legolas.
Legolas was standing there silently, in his torn cloak and shirt. Something inside of him felt stronger now. He looked at his hands, trying to figure out what it was.
"Legolas," Galadrial said to him.
He looked at her. "Yes, my lady?"
"I shall give you a new cloak and shirt. Yours are unfit to travel in. I believe your friends would like to eat before the three of you depart, as well." She gestured for him to follow, carrying Aradia with her.
Legolas followed her slowly. Gimli and Aragorn looked after him, before Lord Elrond took them to the feast.
Galadrial led the way to a small room, where she gently placed Aradia on the floor. She opened the drawer in one cabinet, and withdrew a silvery cloak, that seemed to shimmer in the light. It had a hood, as well. She placed it in Legolas's hands, before closing that drawer. She opened another and removed a long-sleeved pale blue shirt, made of a soft material.
"Try them on, Legolas." Aradia watched curiously.
Legolas removed his torn cloak and dark blue shirt. He then slipped the light blue shirt over his head, which suited his green eyes. The cloak he swung around his shoulders, before fastening it carefully.
"They suit you well, Legolas. And should hold up somewhat better in the cold." Galadrial then led Legolas and Aradia down to the feast, where Aragorn and Gimli waited.
Legolas and Aradia joined them, bidding farewell to Lady Galadrial, who walked away silently.
Aragorn could barely keep his eyes off of Legolas, who had Aradia sitting on his lap, telling him all about what she had done in Rivendell. A new light shone in Legolas's eyes, which Aragorn had never seen there before.
He shook his head and continued eating. Gimli ate hungrily, relishing the delicious foods. Legolas ate slowly, listening to Aradia, who was too excited to eat.
After Aragorn caught Aradia yawning two hours later, he told the others that they ought to be off. They nodded and stood.
Lord Elrond walked over and took Aradia from Legolas, who bid her farewell gently, and promised to be more careful.
Aragorn hugged his daughter and promised that he would return again soon. She sniffled but nodded.
Gimli patted the child on the head gruffly and told her not to worry. Her father and Legolas were in good hands.
After saying their farewells to Lord Elrond and Lady Galadrial, the three of them gathered their packs, which now had some Elven food in them, as well as a few other items, and headed to the stables.
Legolas's horse seemed skittish around him, until Legolas spoke to it calmly in Elvish. 'Peace, my friend. It is only I.' He mounted and offered a hand to Gimli, who accepted and climbed up behind it.
Aragorn mounted his own horse, and the three of them galloped off into the night, Legolas's cloak seeming like a shooting star.
Elrond turned to face Galadrial when the company had passed out of sight. Aradia had fallen fast asleep in his arms. "Are you sure Legolas is strong enough to wield the powers of the light?"
"I hope so," Lady Galadrial said quietly. "For he is the only elf who could, besides myself and-" She looked at Aradia. "Aradia is too young. And I am already powerful." The Elven Ring glistened on her finger. "Aragorn's love for him and Legolas's love for Aragorn will aid them in this new quest."
*******************
In a Shadowy Fortress
*******************
"You have failed me," a cold, dark voice told the shadowy creatures which cringed in fear. "I wanted the Elven King of Mirkwood dead."
We tried, the shadows hissed. Galadrial interfered with the light of Eärendil.
The glowing red eyes narrowed slightly. "So the Elven King is now bears the light of Eärendil." He reflected on this turn of events quietly. "Perhaps all is not lost. If we corrupt him, Lothlorien will fall." He looked at the shadows. "I will not punish you for your failure this time. Bring me the Elven King. I want him alive and unharmed. Do not destroy his soul- yet."
Yes, master, whispered the shadows. The dark elves strung their bows, and set out. The other minions of the darkness followed them.
Evil laughter followed them, cold and harsh.
To be continued
Return of the Fellowship,
Part 5
In the Elven kingdom of Rivendell, the silence was being disturbed with piercing screams.
Aradia tossed and turned in her bed. She was having a frightening dream, where all she could see around her was darkness. A tiny splinter of light was the only light she could see for miles. Then she saw her father and Legolas. But something was wrong with him.
"Daddy! Legolas!" she cried. In her dream, she ran over to Legolas and hugged him. He lay so motionless, Aradia thought he was dead.
A shadowy figure enveloped in darkness appeared. "You cannot resist, Legolas. Your soul will be mine."
Lord Elrond awoke at once when he heard Aradia screaming. He jumped out of bed, taking a moment to grab his bow and arrows, and ran down to his granddaughter's room. He entered quickly, and ran over to her bed. He knelt down beside her and shook her gently.
Aradia opened her eyes. "Grandfather!" she said, with tears streaming down her face.
"What's wrong, Aradia?" Elrond asked gently, taking the child in his arms.
"Something's wrong with Legolas. I can feel it," she sobbed. "He's so cold."
Lord Elrond looked at Aradia in surprise. "Honey, that was just a bad dream."
"No, it wasn't," Aradia insisted. "We need to go to Lothlorien."
"I don't think-"
"Please!" Aradia begged. "Legolas needs help!"
"All right, Aradia." Elrond sighed and prayed his grandchild was wrong. "But we aren't leaving until the morning."
"Ok." Aradia leaned against her grandfather, wiping her tears away.
They stayed like that for the rest of the night, and in the morning, they set off for Lothlorien.
Unknown to them, Aragorn and Gimli were heading there was well.
Legolas hadn't opened his eyes in days. All he did was moan about darkness. Aragorn was seriously worried.
"This is all my fault," he said miserably.
"The elf will be fine, Aragorn. We'll be at Lothlorien tomorrow, and I'm sure Lady Galadrial can help him." Gimli tried to sound reassuring, but he was concerned for the elf as well. And Aragorn. The poor human had had more problems as of late than he had had in ten years. Gimli sighed. Aragorn never slept, and hardly ate, unless Gimli threatened to shove the food down his throat.
Night had come again. Aragorn was anguished to see that Legolas's skin had even less glow. Even a small candle gave off more light than he did. The only difference that had been accomplished in the days of travel was the fact that Legolas could say words in his stupor, but it didn't last very long.
"Aragorn," Legolas moaned softly. "Help me."
Aragorn held Legolas's freezing-cold hand tightly. "I don't know how, Legolas," he whispered.
"It's so dark," the weakening elf said quietly. "Can't fight it."
"You have to, crazy elf!" Gimli near shouted.
Legolas groaned softly. For a moment, Gimli and Aragorn weren't sure whether Legolas had heard what Gimli had said.
Legolas whispered, "Stupid dwarf," before falling into a coma again.
Inside of his mind, Legolas was surrounded by darkness. It terrified him. There was only a little light left in him. And it was fading. He held the light as tightly as he could to himself.
Don't give up, a gentle voice whispered. Aragorn needs you.
Arwen, Legolas thought. Is that you?
Legolas, you're very close to the Spirit Realm. Fight for Aragorn and Aradia. They both need you.
A shining light appeared before him.
I don't think I can. It hurts so much. Legolas looked at the light. It was beautiful, white and glowing.
Try, Legolas. Aragorn could not bear it if he lost you as well. Arwen's gentle face appeared before Legolas, and he remembered what she'd said to him. 'Take care of Elstar and Aradia for me when I go.'
The shadows shifted, approaching the being of light, who looked at Legolas.
I have to go. Believe in yourself, Legolas. You are stronger than the darkness can ever be.
The figure of light vanished.
Legolas was left alone. But now he could hear Aragorn and Gimli talking, trying to get him to say something.
Legolas fought as hard as he could, focusing on Aragorn and Aradia. They needed him.
Aragorn was stunned to see Legolas's eyes flickering weakly. "Legolas?" he whispered.
Legolas tore his way out of the darkness. His green eyes opened and he had an expression of pain on his face. But he was awake.
"He's awake, Gimli," Aragorn still held his hand tightly. "Are you ok, Legolas?"
"C-cold." Legolas shivered. He felt so weak and cold. He knew he was not completely safe, yet. "Where are we?" Even his voice sounded shaky to Aragorn.
"We're heading for Lothlorien. You told us to take you there while you were unconscious," Aragorn said quietly.
"Oh." Legolas looked around, taking in as many of the sights as he could while he was awake. He wouldn't be able to stay conscious for long, he knew.
"How ya doing, crazy elf?" Gimli asked, walking over with some food on a plate.
Legolas looked up at Gimli. He felt so tired. "Cold and tired." He didn't mention that he felt like part of him had been torn away. "And hungry."
"It's not surprising, Legolas. You've been unconscious for two days," Aragorn informed him.
"I see."
Gimli handed Legolas the plate of food, and sat down. He had never seen the elf so tired before. Legolas hadn't even called him 'stupid dwarf' like he usually did when Gimli called Legolas 'crazy elf.'
As if to reassure him, Legolas looked at him and frowned. "Stupid dwarf," he muttered.
Legolas was only able to stay conscious for less than ten hours.
They were on Aragorn's horse, nearly at the borders of Lothlorien, when Aragorn turned to ask Legolas a question.
The elf looked back, pain and confusion in his eyes. "Sorry, Aragorn," he whispered, before falling unconscious again. Aragorn barely caught him before he hit the ground. He urged his horse faster, as did Gimli.
Other elves came out to meet them at the borders of Lothlorien.
'Who goes there?" the captain shouted.
Aragorn rode up to them. 'King Elessar Telcontar and Gimli the dwarf.'
The dark-haired elf strode forward and looked at them. Then his gaze focused on Legolas.
'What happened to him?' he demanded.
'The shadow creatures attacked him and tried to destroy his soul. Without Lady Galadrial's aid, I fear he will perish.' Aragorn looked at the elf before him.
'Let him pass,' Lady Galadrial's voice said. The Elven lady stood just beyond the border.
'As you wish.' The elves stepped aside, and Aragorn and Gimli rode forward.
'Follow me,' she said gently. She led them to a clearing, where a bed had already been prepared. A white cabinet and table also sat nearby.
Aragorn dismounted, with Legolas on his back. Gimli climbed down as well.
'Put Legolas upon the bed.' Aragorn did so gently, and then stepped back.
Galadrial gently looked over Legolas, touching his face and hands, getting a sense of what had happened. She then looked at Aragorn. 'Tis good that you got him here when you did. He could not have held out much longer, King Elessar.' She walked over to the cabinet and took out two bottles of potions, before looking at Aragorn again. 'I can use the light of Eärendil's star to keep him alive, but it will not last forever. The darkness must be vanquished within two months, or he will fall again.' She placed the white bottle on the table.
Aragorn nodded slowly. Gimli watched the Elven lady silently.
Galadrial stepped to the bed and looked at Aragorn. 'He must drink this when he awakes.' She handed the blue bottle to Aragorn, then touched Legolas's forehead gently. In soft Elvish words, she bid him to come out of the darkness and return to the light.
Legolas heard a soft, Elven voice calling to him. He opened his eyes slowly and saw Lady Galadrial standing over him. He was surrounded by a haze, though, so he could not speak.
Gimli aided the elf in sitting up. Aragorn held the bottle to Legolas's lips, who drank instinctively.
Warmth suddenly spread through him. His vision began clearing, and he focused on what Galadrial was saying. She finished her spell and looked at Aragorn.
'The star's light may change him, Elessar. His natural abilities will become stronger. And I have a gift for you and Gimli as well.'
"Legolas?" Gimli asked him.
Legolas looked at him. "You're still a stupid dwarf, Gimli." He grinned.
Gimli started to laugh. "Crazy elf!"
Lady Galadrial smiled at Legolas gently. 'Are you feeling better?'
'Yes, thanks to you, Lady Galadrial.' Legolas stood and swayed slightly. He shook his head and looked at her. 'I owe you my life.'
Lady Galadrial laughed gently. 'Legolas, because of the Fellowship, Saruman and Sauron were defeated. It was the least I could do.' She looked at the three of them. 'Mithrandir traveled through here a week ago. He asked us to give any aid that we could to you. He told me that swords and other such weapons do not work on the shadowy creatures.'
'That is true, my lady,' Gimli said. 'That's how Legolas got hurt.'
'As I said earlier, I have a gift for you.' Lady Galadrial walked over and picked up the white bottle. 'Dip your swords, daggers, and any other metal weapons into this.' She gestured, and one of the Elven guards entered, carrying a large bowl. The silvery potion was poured into the bowl, which Galadrial then carried over to the three.
Aragorn was the first to draw his sword and place it in the potion. When he drew it out, Anduril flashed briefly with a light, which faded. He then sheathed his sword and placed his daggers in as well. They, too, glowed briefly before returning to normal.
Legolas placed his short sword in the bowl and withdrew it. Light shone around it for a few moments, before it was returned to its hilt.
Gimli looked at his axe. 'Lady Galadrial, I do not think my axe will fit in the bowl.'
She nodded, before placing the bowl on the bed where Legolas had lain. She took out a white cloth and gently dipped it into the liquid. Galadrial then handed Gimli the white cloth.
He rubbed it all over his axe, which glowed temporarily as well. Gimli looked at the beautiful Elven lady. "Thank you." He made a short bow to her.
Aragorn and Legolas did the same.
Lady Galadrial opened her mouth to speak, but another voice was heard.
"Father!" Aradia raced over and jumped in her father's arms.
"Aradia," Aragorn said in surprise. He hadn't expected this turn of events. He hugged his daughter tightly. "What are you doing here?"
"I brought her, Elessar," Lord Elrond said. "She insisted on it."
"Why, sweetheart?" Aragorn asked his daughter gently.
Aradia turned to Legolas. "You're all right, now," she said in relief. She looked at her father. "I had a dream that Legolas was surrounded by darkness and this-" She shuddered slightly. "This evil thing was trying to take him away."
Aragorn looked at Elrond in shock.
Legolas looked at Aradia and smiled. "I believe she has a gift of vision, Aragorn." Aradia held her arms out to him, and he picked her up. "I'm fine, sweetheart. Lady Galadrial aided me."
"I'm glad." Aradia smiled at her grandmother.
"It's good to see you again, my child," Galadrial said, smiling at the half- elven child who resembled her father greatly. Aradia was embraced by Galadrial gently.
"Aragorn," Gimli said quietly, "I do not wish to anger you, but we must continue on our journey very soon, for our hobbit friends are still in grave peril."
"Indeed, Gimli. We shall depart after eating and drinking our fill. Legolas is not quite as strong as he was yet. But he will be by tomorrow." Aragorn turned to see Lady Galadrial looking at him.
'You are leaving shortly, are you not?' she asked. 'Take time to eat before you go.' Her gaze drifted to Legolas.
Legolas was standing there silently, in his torn cloak and shirt. Something inside of him felt stronger now. He looked at his hands, trying to figure out what it was.
"Legolas," Galadrial said to him.
He looked at her. "Yes, my lady?"
"I shall give you a new cloak and shirt. Yours are unfit to travel in. I believe your friends would like to eat before the three of you depart, as well." She gestured for him to follow, carrying Aradia with her.
Legolas followed her slowly. Gimli and Aragorn looked after him, before Lord Elrond took them to the feast.
Galadrial led the way to a small room, where she gently placed Aradia on the floor. She opened the drawer in one cabinet, and withdrew a silvery cloak, that seemed to shimmer in the light. It had a hood, as well. She placed it in Legolas's hands, before closing that drawer. She opened another and removed a long-sleeved pale blue shirt, made of a soft material.
"Try them on, Legolas." Aradia watched curiously.
Legolas removed his torn cloak and dark blue shirt. He then slipped the light blue shirt over his head, which suited his green eyes. The cloak he swung around his shoulders, before fastening it carefully.
"They suit you well, Legolas. And should hold up somewhat better in the cold." Galadrial then led Legolas and Aradia down to the feast, where Aragorn and Gimli waited.
Legolas and Aradia joined them, bidding farewell to Lady Galadrial, who walked away silently.
Aragorn could barely keep his eyes off of Legolas, who had Aradia sitting on his lap, telling him all about what she had done in Rivendell. A new light shone in Legolas's eyes, which Aragorn had never seen there before.
He shook his head and continued eating. Gimli ate hungrily, relishing the delicious foods. Legolas ate slowly, listening to Aradia, who was too excited to eat.
After Aragorn caught Aradia yawning two hours later, he told the others that they ought to be off. They nodded and stood.
Lord Elrond walked over and took Aradia from Legolas, who bid her farewell gently, and promised to be more careful.
Aragorn hugged his daughter and promised that he would return again soon. She sniffled but nodded.
Gimli patted the child on the head gruffly and told her not to worry. Her father and Legolas were in good hands.
After saying their farewells to Lord Elrond and Lady Galadrial, the three of them gathered their packs, which now had some Elven food in them, as well as a few other items, and headed to the stables.
Legolas's horse seemed skittish around him, until Legolas spoke to it calmly in Elvish. 'Peace, my friend. It is only I.' He mounted and offered a hand to Gimli, who accepted and climbed up behind it.
Aragorn mounted his own horse, and the three of them galloped off into the night, Legolas's cloak seeming like a shooting star.
Elrond turned to face Galadrial when the company had passed out of sight. Aradia had fallen fast asleep in his arms. "Are you sure Legolas is strong enough to wield the powers of the light?"
"I hope so," Lady Galadrial said quietly. "For he is the only elf who could, besides myself and-" She looked at Aradia. "Aradia is too young. And I am already powerful." The Elven Ring glistened on her finger. "Aragorn's love for him and Legolas's love for Aragorn will aid them in this new quest."
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In a Shadowy Fortress
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"You have failed me," a cold, dark voice told the shadowy creatures which cringed in fear. "I wanted the Elven King of Mirkwood dead."
We tried, the shadows hissed. Galadrial interfered with the light of Eärendil.
The glowing red eyes narrowed slightly. "So the Elven King is now bears the light of Eärendil." He reflected on this turn of events quietly. "Perhaps all is not lost. If we corrupt him, Lothlorien will fall." He looked at the shadows. "I will not punish you for your failure this time. Bring me the Elven King. I want him alive and unharmed. Do not destroy his soul- yet."
Yes, master, whispered the shadows. The dark elves strung their bows, and set out. The other minions of the darkness followed them.
Evil laughter followed them, cold and harsh.
To be continued
