Note: Thanks for the nice reviews so far. I have decided to use the name
the Zoid gave me for the unknown foe. Only Aradia, the shadow creatures,
Shadow Mountain, and Angadae belong to me. The rest are J.R.R. Tolkien's
creation. Elvish speech is still in ' ', and Legolas is still majorly OOC.
(out of character). Shadow Mountain is not really a mountain; just a group
of black towers that happen to resemble a mountain. Legolas's white outfit
looks just like the one Zelgadis wears in The Slayers, just to give you a
hint.
Return of the Fellowship,
Part 9
A.J. Matthews
Aragorn looked up at the bird as it carried Legolas away, pain flashing in his eyes. Don't worry, Legolas. We will save, he vowed silently.
Aragorn then turned his attention to freeing the his friends from their bonds. He drew Anduril and sliced through the ropes on each of them. They removed their gags and looked at him incredulously.
"How could you let him surrender for us!" Frodo half yelled, in tears. "Legolas will be killed or worse!"
Gimli glared at Aragorn. "I thought you loved him, Aragorn."
Merry and Pippin looked distraught and were hugging each other, weeping.
"Poor Legolas," Sam said. Tears were running down his face.
Gandalf saw the pain on Aragorn's face. "Quiet, all of you," Gandalf said loudly. Everyone turned and looked at him. The wizard looked back. "It could not have been easy for Aragorn to watch Legolas hand himself over, but I am certain that they have a plan." He looked at Aragorn. "Correct?"
Aragorn nodded. "Legolas knew that if he refused to hand himself over, they would eventually take him by force. And he wanted all of you to be safe."
The others looked shame-faced.
"And Gimli, I do love him. But even I could not dissuade him from this choice." Aragorn spoke quietly.
Gimli nodded slowly. "So what's the plan?" the dwarf asked. "We can't leave crazy elf in that evil tower."
"Legolas told me that the rest of us could attempt a rescue, while he keeps the evil lord otherwise occupied. And he didn't have much choice, Frodo. He'll die in less than a month if the evil darkness is not vanquished," Aragorn said, looking at Frodo, who was glaring at him.
"Then onward march!" Gimli said loudly.
He started marching. Aragorn and Gandalf followed him.
The hobbits exchanged nervous looks. They really did not want to go back to the tower, but they refused to leave their gentle and loving friend in their place.
They ran after the others, who had marched on without them.
"Wait up!" Frodo cried.
"We're coming too!" Sam shouted.
The others stopped walking and looked at the hobbits.
They were as loyal as they had always been, Aragorn mused. He'd known that the hobbits did not want to return to where they had been held prisoner for weeks. But they were coming anyway to save Legolas.
The hobbits caught up, and the march began again.
******************
Shadow Mountain
******************
Legolas was practically limp in the bird's talons when they finally reached their destination. The talons had hurt and scratched him, so blood flowed from wounds on his skin. He paid them no mind, however, for he knew he could heal them eventually. His clothes were torn from the bird's claws as well. He'd lost his boots on the way here.
As he was placed on the ground, Legolas fell to his knees. His legs were shaky after such a long trip through the air. A brief flash of light surrounded him and he stood, albeit more strongly this time.
Two dark elves came forward and grasped his bound wrists. They marched him inside and up to their dark lord's throne room. As they walked up miles of step, Legolas gazed around, taking in as much as he could possibly see. Most things in this tower were black. It made him shudder.
They knocked on a door with an intricate design on the outside of it. Another two dark elves were guarding it.
"Enter," a voice hissed softly.
The guards opened the door, and the dark elves shoved Legolas inside, who didn't say a word as they dragged him roughly up within sight of the shadowy figure sitting out of sight on the throne.
Legolas was shoved down to his knees.
Red eyes peered down at him, scanning him. "Yes, this is the one I sought." His eyes saw directly into Legolas's soul and saw the brilliant light.
Light flickered in Legolas's emerald eyes. "If I may ask, sir, why did you have me brought here?" He spoke respectfully, yet authoritively.
"The power of light, naturally." At Legolas's impassive face, the dark lord continued. "You have Lothlorien's light within you. It suits you well, Legolas. Do you think the darkness suits me?"
The unknown foe strode forward and stood before Legolas. His hair was long and black, coming down almost to his feet. His skin was pale, practically white. He wore black clothes; a black cape, shirt, leggings, and boots. His eyes were a burning red.
Legolas hid his gasp. The dark lord was not unpleasant to look at; but it was his soul that disturbed the elf so. Black lightening flickered around it.
"Since I know your name, Legolas, I may as well tell you mine. It is Angadae, and I bid you welcome to Shadow Mountain" the evil one said. He walked further even more and touched Legolas's face gently.
Legolas was repulsed, but knew better than to say anything. "Your name suits you well, Iron Shadow," he said neutrally.
Angadae was busy fondling Legolas's golden hair. "Indeed. Yours suits you as well, Legolas Greenleaf." He gazed at Legolas again, and finally noticed the blood on Legolas's clothes, and their condition besides.
He frowned at the dark elves. "I told you I wanted him unharmed," he said in a dangerous voice.
'Twas the bird and not us, Master,' the dark elves said, cringing.
Angadae sighed. "Take Legolas to his chambers and have a bath prepared for him. Set out the clothes I ordered. And stay out of my sight for the rest of the day, after fetching the Healer."
"No offense, Angadae," Legolas said quietly. "I am quite able to heal myself, once I remove the elements from my skin."
Angadae's red eyes pulsed as he met Legolas's green eyes, which flashed with an inner light that Angadae did not want to confront right now.
The bearer of light was beautiful, in his opinion. Body and soul. It would take time to bring him over to his side.
"Very well, Legolas," Angadae said. He looked at the dark elves. "Be off with you now, and I want no more bruises on him. And remove the bindings. He cannot hide from me in my own fortress. There are numerous guards posted on all of the exits."
'Yes, Master,' they hissed. This time, they gently led Legolas away. The door was closed behind them.
Angadae returned to his throne and sat upon it. He wanted this bearer of light for himself and his pleasure. The last one had not been so appealing to him. He contemplated on his next move.
Legolas kept his composure on the outside. Inside, he was shivering. It was as he had believed. Angadae wanted all of him. Legolas was relieved that he had made preparations in case of such an event. He hoped that it did not come to that.
Then Legolas's thoughts drifted to Aragorn. He missed his new-found lover terribly, so much that it hurt. But he also knew that Aragorn was safer where he was. And Aragorn would do his best to free him from Angadae. But the only to be free was to defeat the dark one.
'In you go,' the dark elves said. They pushed Legolas inside of a room and locked the door behind him. Then they walked away, confident the locks would hold.
Legolas wasn't too worried about the locks; he could use magic on them if need be. He decided to clean up and change clothes, for he did not wish to confront Angadae while he was not up to full strength. But the confrontation would come very soon. He could only hope that Aragorn and the others would be here in time.
Legolas crossed the room and looked around. There were two rooms attached to this one; a bedroom, and a bathing room. Legolas walked into the bathing room.
The bath had been readied. Legolas slowly removed his clothes and stepped into the warm water. It felt wonderful to his sore muscles. He soaked for an hour, before beginning to clean himself all over with freshly made soap.
When he was done scrubbing all over, he turned his attention to his long hair. Small leaves and twigs were in it. First, Legolas gently removed the braids that were woven in it. Then he ducked his head under the water and came up. Legolas took some of the liquid soap and rubbed it in his hair. He rubbed it long and hair, getting rid of the dirt from his travels with Aragorn and Gimli. He rinsed it and washed his face.
When Legolas was as clean as he could possibly get, he stood and climbed out of the bath. A bathing robe had been placed on a chair next to him. Legolas put it on, and walked into the bedroom slowly. A set of white clothes, opposite of what Angadae wore, sat on the bed. A brush and comb had been placed on a table.
Legolas picked up the brush and comb and sat next to the white clothes. He took a chance and whispered a spell in Elvish.
'Power of vision, power of light.
Release the spell, the force ignite!'
A small bubble appeared before Legolas. He looked in it and saw his friends and Aragorn. They were now within visual range of the towers.
He got a close-up of Aragorn's face, as he began to brush his long, golden hair.
'I miss you, Aragorn. Be well and be safe, my love,' Legolas whispered in Elvish. A few tears shone in his eyes. Inside the bubble, Aragorn looked up, as if he'd heard him.
Legolas's sharp ears heard someone approaching. He revoked the small scrying spell and continued to brush his hair. When he finished, Legolas re- braided it. He then stood and removed the dressing robe, and began to dress.
Legolas carefully put on the white leggings, careful not to snag them. The white tunic followed that, and then the white cloak. He slid the white boots on, and looked into the mirror. The white clothes suited him, for some reason.
A dark elf entered the room. 'Dinner is ready,' it hissed.
Legolas nodded, followed the creature down the stairs, and to the Feast Hall.
Angadae sat there at the head of the table. He gestured for Legolas to sit on his right. Legolas did so, as Angadae stared at him in wonder as the food was served.
He thought the elf could not get any more attractive to him, but Legolas was more so, now. It was the nature of things, Angadae knew. The darkness was always attracted to those of light. He wished to keep Legolas with him always.
Angadae reluctantly turned his attention to the food.
They began to eat quietly.
Angadae looked at Legolas, his eyes pulsing again. "I would not suggest you use a spell in my Mountain again, Legolas."
"I am sorry," the elf offered, sounding ethereal. "I wished to see how my friends were faring, as Aragorn leads them home." Legolas kept his right hand out of Angadae's sight. He had no doubt that he would recognize the Ring for what it was.
"I see," Angadae said. "The outfit I chose for you suits you well, Legolas," he murmured.
"Yes, it does fit nicely," Legolas said, after thinking about it. He wasn't too worried about his friends.
Angadae had caught the underlying emotion when Legolas had said Aragorn's name. But he knew
something that Legolas did not. The orcs were already on their way to meet his friends.
*******************************
Near the Base of Shadow Mountain
********************************
Aragorn and the others had been marching for hours.
They'd eaten on the road, which had upset Merry and Pippin, but they understood. They could now see the Tower for which they headed.
Gandalf walked next to Aragorn. He'd told them all he could about the unknown foe, which wasn't much.
Then Aragorn heard a soft Elvish whisper.
'I miss you, Aragorn. Be well and be safe, my love.' It was Legolas's voice.
"Legolas?" he asked, looking around. No answer came.
Gandalf looked around as well. "A scrying spell," he murmured and looked at Aragorn. "Legolas must have learned to use light spells, with the Ring of Light."
Aragorn nodded slowly.
"We've got company," Gimli said. "Orcs, from the sound of it."
Aragorn drew Anduril, and the hobbits drew their short swords.
"Definitely orcs," Frodo said. Sting was glowing blue.
Gimli brandished his axe, as Gandalf prepared to fight as well.
The orcs leapt out from behind the trees and ran forward, growling and screeching.
The friends leapt into battle. Sam and Frodo teamed up, as did Merry and Pippin.
Aragorn slew several foes, then raced over to help Frodo, where he was pinned down by the creature.
"Aragorn, look out!" Gandalf cried as he struck on orc with his staff.
Aragorn spun around instantly, but it was too late. The evil orcs had shot arrows at him. Too many for him to possibly dodge, he realized.
To be continued
Return of the Fellowship,
Part 9
A.J. Matthews
Aragorn looked up at the bird as it carried Legolas away, pain flashing in his eyes. Don't worry, Legolas. We will save, he vowed silently.
Aragorn then turned his attention to freeing the his friends from their bonds. He drew Anduril and sliced through the ropes on each of them. They removed their gags and looked at him incredulously.
"How could you let him surrender for us!" Frodo half yelled, in tears. "Legolas will be killed or worse!"
Gimli glared at Aragorn. "I thought you loved him, Aragorn."
Merry and Pippin looked distraught and were hugging each other, weeping.
"Poor Legolas," Sam said. Tears were running down his face.
Gandalf saw the pain on Aragorn's face. "Quiet, all of you," Gandalf said loudly. Everyone turned and looked at him. The wizard looked back. "It could not have been easy for Aragorn to watch Legolas hand himself over, but I am certain that they have a plan." He looked at Aragorn. "Correct?"
Aragorn nodded. "Legolas knew that if he refused to hand himself over, they would eventually take him by force. And he wanted all of you to be safe."
The others looked shame-faced.
"And Gimli, I do love him. But even I could not dissuade him from this choice." Aragorn spoke quietly.
Gimli nodded slowly. "So what's the plan?" the dwarf asked. "We can't leave crazy elf in that evil tower."
"Legolas told me that the rest of us could attempt a rescue, while he keeps the evil lord otherwise occupied. And he didn't have much choice, Frodo. He'll die in less than a month if the evil darkness is not vanquished," Aragorn said, looking at Frodo, who was glaring at him.
"Then onward march!" Gimli said loudly.
He started marching. Aragorn and Gandalf followed him.
The hobbits exchanged nervous looks. They really did not want to go back to the tower, but they refused to leave their gentle and loving friend in their place.
They ran after the others, who had marched on without them.
"Wait up!" Frodo cried.
"We're coming too!" Sam shouted.
The others stopped walking and looked at the hobbits.
They were as loyal as they had always been, Aragorn mused. He'd known that the hobbits did not want to return to where they had been held prisoner for weeks. But they were coming anyway to save Legolas.
The hobbits caught up, and the march began again.
******************
Shadow Mountain
******************
Legolas was practically limp in the bird's talons when they finally reached their destination. The talons had hurt and scratched him, so blood flowed from wounds on his skin. He paid them no mind, however, for he knew he could heal them eventually. His clothes were torn from the bird's claws as well. He'd lost his boots on the way here.
As he was placed on the ground, Legolas fell to his knees. His legs were shaky after such a long trip through the air. A brief flash of light surrounded him and he stood, albeit more strongly this time.
Two dark elves came forward and grasped his bound wrists. They marched him inside and up to their dark lord's throne room. As they walked up miles of step, Legolas gazed around, taking in as much as he could possibly see. Most things in this tower were black. It made him shudder.
They knocked on a door with an intricate design on the outside of it. Another two dark elves were guarding it.
"Enter," a voice hissed softly.
The guards opened the door, and the dark elves shoved Legolas inside, who didn't say a word as they dragged him roughly up within sight of the shadowy figure sitting out of sight on the throne.
Legolas was shoved down to his knees.
Red eyes peered down at him, scanning him. "Yes, this is the one I sought." His eyes saw directly into Legolas's soul and saw the brilliant light.
Light flickered in Legolas's emerald eyes. "If I may ask, sir, why did you have me brought here?" He spoke respectfully, yet authoritively.
"The power of light, naturally." At Legolas's impassive face, the dark lord continued. "You have Lothlorien's light within you. It suits you well, Legolas. Do you think the darkness suits me?"
The unknown foe strode forward and stood before Legolas. His hair was long and black, coming down almost to his feet. His skin was pale, practically white. He wore black clothes; a black cape, shirt, leggings, and boots. His eyes were a burning red.
Legolas hid his gasp. The dark lord was not unpleasant to look at; but it was his soul that disturbed the elf so. Black lightening flickered around it.
"Since I know your name, Legolas, I may as well tell you mine. It is Angadae, and I bid you welcome to Shadow Mountain" the evil one said. He walked further even more and touched Legolas's face gently.
Legolas was repulsed, but knew better than to say anything. "Your name suits you well, Iron Shadow," he said neutrally.
Angadae was busy fondling Legolas's golden hair. "Indeed. Yours suits you as well, Legolas Greenleaf." He gazed at Legolas again, and finally noticed the blood on Legolas's clothes, and their condition besides.
He frowned at the dark elves. "I told you I wanted him unharmed," he said in a dangerous voice.
'Twas the bird and not us, Master,' the dark elves said, cringing.
Angadae sighed. "Take Legolas to his chambers and have a bath prepared for him. Set out the clothes I ordered. And stay out of my sight for the rest of the day, after fetching the Healer."
"No offense, Angadae," Legolas said quietly. "I am quite able to heal myself, once I remove the elements from my skin."
Angadae's red eyes pulsed as he met Legolas's green eyes, which flashed with an inner light that Angadae did not want to confront right now.
The bearer of light was beautiful, in his opinion. Body and soul. It would take time to bring him over to his side.
"Very well, Legolas," Angadae said. He looked at the dark elves. "Be off with you now, and I want no more bruises on him. And remove the bindings. He cannot hide from me in my own fortress. There are numerous guards posted on all of the exits."
'Yes, Master,' they hissed. This time, they gently led Legolas away. The door was closed behind them.
Angadae returned to his throne and sat upon it. He wanted this bearer of light for himself and his pleasure. The last one had not been so appealing to him. He contemplated on his next move.
Legolas kept his composure on the outside. Inside, he was shivering. It was as he had believed. Angadae wanted all of him. Legolas was relieved that he had made preparations in case of such an event. He hoped that it did not come to that.
Then Legolas's thoughts drifted to Aragorn. He missed his new-found lover terribly, so much that it hurt. But he also knew that Aragorn was safer where he was. And Aragorn would do his best to free him from Angadae. But the only to be free was to defeat the dark one.
'In you go,' the dark elves said. They pushed Legolas inside of a room and locked the door behind him. Then they walked away, confident the locks would hold.
Legolas wasn't too worried about the locks; he could use magic on them if need be. He decided to clean up and change clothes, for he did not wish to confront Angadae while he was not up to full strength. But the confrontation would come very soon. He could only hope that Aragorn and the others would be here in time.
Legolas crossed the room and looked around. There were two rooms attached to this one; a bedroom, and a bathing room. Legolas walked into the bathing room.
The bath had been readied. Legolas slowly removed his clothes and stepped into the warm water. It felt wonderful to his sore muscles. He soaked for an hour, before beginning to clean himself all over with freshly made soap.
When he was done scrubbing all over, he turned his attention to his long hair. Small leaves and twigs were in it. First, Legolas gently removed the braids that were woven in it. Then he ducked his head under the water and came up. Legolas took some of the liquid soap and rubbed it in his hair. He rubbed it long and hair, getting rid of the dirt from his travels with Aragorn and Gimli. He rinsed it and washed his face.
When Legolas was as clean as he could possibly get, he stood and climbed out of the bath. A bathing robe had been placed on a chair next to him. Legolas put it on, and walked into the bedroom slowly. A set of white clothes, opposite of what Angadae wore, sat on the bed. A brush and comb had been placed on a table.
Legolas picked up the brush and comb and sat next to the white clothes. He took a chance and whispered a spell in Elvish.
'Power of vision, power of light.
Release the spell, the force ignite!'
A small bubble appeared before Legolas. He looked in it and saw his friends and Aragorn. They were now within visual range of the towers.
He got a close-up of Aragorn's face, as he began to brush his long, golden hair.
'I miss you, Aragorn. Be well and be safe, my love,' Legolas whispered in Elvish. A few tears shone in his eyes. Inside the bubble, Aragorn looked up, as if he'd heard him.
Legolas's sharp ears heard someone approaching. He revoked the small scrying spell and continued to brush his hair. When he finished, Legolas re- braided it. He then stood and removed the dressing robe, and began to dress.
Legolas carefully put on the white leggings, careful not to snag them. The white tunic followed that, and then the white cloak. He slid the white boots on, and looked into the mirror. The white clothes suited him, for some reason.
A dark elf entered the room. 'Dinner is ready,' it hissed.
Legolas nodded, followed the creature down the stairs, and to the Feast Hall.
Angadae sat there at the head of the table. He gestured for Legolas to sit on his right. Legolas did so, as Angadae stared at him in wonder as the food was served.
He thought the elf could not get any more attractive to him, but Legolas was more so, now. It was the nature of things, Angadae knew. The darkness was always attracted to those of light. He wished to keep Legolas with him always.
Angadae reluctantly turned his attention to the food.
They began to eat quietly.
Angadae looked at Legolas, his eyes pulsing again. "I would not suggest you use a spell in my Mountain again, Legolas."
"I am sorry," the elf offered, sounding ethereal. "I wished to see how my friends were faring, as Aragorn leads them home." Legolas kept his right hand out of Angadae's sight. He had no doubt that he would recognize the Ring for what it was.
"I see," Angadae said. "The outfit I chose for you suits you well, Legolas," he murmured.
"Yes, it does fit nicely," Legolas said, after thinking about it. He wasn't too worried about his friends.
Angadae had caught the underlying emotion when Legolas had said Aragorn's name. But he knew
something that Legolas did not. The orcs were already on their way to meet his friends.
*******************************
Near the Base of Shadow Mountain
********************************
Aragorn and the others had been marching for hours.
They'd eaten on the road, which had upset Merry and Pippin, but they understood. They could now see the Tower for which they headed.
Gandalf walked next to Aragorn. He'd told them all he could about the unknown foe, which wasn't much.
Then Aragorn heard a soft Elvish whisper.
'I miss you, Aragorn. Be well and be safe, my love.' It was Legolas's voice.
"Legolas?" he asked, looking around. No answer came.
Gandalf looked around as well. "A scrying spell," he murmured and looked at Aragorn. "Legolas must have learned to use light spells, with the Ring of Light."
Aragorn nodded slowly.
"We've got company," Gimli said. "Orcs, from the sound of it."
Aragorn drew Anduril, and the hobbits drew their short swords.
"Definitely orcs," Frodo said. Sting was glowing blue.
Gimli brandished his axe, as Gandalf prepared to fight as well.
The orcs leapt out from behind the trees and ran forward, growling and screeching.
The friends leapt into battle. Sam and Frodo teamed up, as did Merry and Pippin.
Aragorn slew several foes, then raced over to help Frodo, where he was pinned down by the creature.
"Aragorn, look out!" Gandalf cried as he struck on orc with his staff.
Aragorn spun around instantly, but it was too late. The evil orcs had shot arrows at him. Too many for him to possibly dodge, he realized.
To be continued
