A/N- *takes a deep breath* Well, I've made it! I've gotten to my goal of
100 reviews!!!! Even more than that! Thank you SO much everyone! By the
way, this chapter will NOT have a *gasp* cliffhanger! Wai!
Sha'dar Darkfletch is the sole property of Akai Kuu, Commander of the Celestial Pianos.
In this story, I only control her actions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When Legolas awoke, the sunlight shone sharply into his face, making him quickly shut his eyes again. He had not an idea where he was, only aware of the dull throbbing in his right side and shoulder. Legolas lay there, trying to remember just what had happened. When suddenly it hit him like a fist in the stomach.
The ring.
Ratham.
Shiara!
'Shiara!' The thought jolting him awake, he struggled to sit up, only to fall back trying to hold back a groan of pain. Cool hands pressed gently on his chest, his shoulders, pulling him to a sitting position.
'Hush, hush, you are wounded. Lie still, lie still.'
Recognizing the voice, he quieted, and his vision cleared as if craving the sight of her. Shiara sat by the bed, her eyes clouded over in worry. Immediately, he reached out and took her hand, wrapping his fingers around her own. 'Are you well?'
Her lips twitched in a crooked smile. 'You are the wounded one, not I.'
'Shiara,' Legolas's face hardened. 'You lie. Last time I saw you, your clothes were ripped, there was blood on your skin and axes at your throat. Are you well? What happened?'
Shiara sighed, turning her head away. 'I am fine. The blood was from a cut I received from orcs, as were the rips. The orcs were guarding me so I would not escape.'
He frowned. She was answering the question too directly now. Suppressing a sigh, he looked around at his surroundings. 'What is this place?'
'The House of Elrond, Rivendell.' She lightly pushed him back with her free hand. 'You are in the infirmary.'
Legolas's eyes widened in surprise. 'Rivendell? How? We were in Mirkwood! You would have had to travel over the Misty Mountains. . . ' He trailed off.
Shiara looked directly at him. 'Yes. I brought you here on Arod.'
He decided not to pursue the matter. 'Ratham,' he said suddenly. 'I have failed then. He still lives, and possesses my father's ring.'
'No,' Shiara said shortly. 'Ratham is dead. You wear the ring on your finger.'
Legolas glanced down in surprise. There was the silver band, gem gleaming in the light. Then his eyes widened, horrified. 'The stone! What has happened to it?' The once emerald-green gem was now, a blood red.
Before his friend could answer, the door opened and a dark-haired figure walked into the room. His grey eyes regarded the two elves gravely before he took a seat on the opposite side of Legolas. 'It is good to see you awake, Legolas Greenleaf.'
Shiara stood up and nodded her head to him, slipping her hand out of Legolas's. 'I will go now, and leave you two to talk. I am sure that many things must be spoken of that does not involve me.' Saying so, she quickly left, before Legolas could have a chance to open his mouth to say anything. Closing it again, he turned to the newcomer, bowing his head in thanks.
'Elrond,' Legolas murmured. 'Suilad, mellon. Thank you for your kindness and hospitality.'
Elrond spoke quietly. 'You are very fortunate to be here. If not for Shiara, I believe that you would have departed quickly. That blade was poisoned, it is a miracle that she got you all the way to Rivendell, despite that the Misty Mountains were in her path.'
'Tell me,' Legolas said. 'How were her wounds? I should like to know, for she won't say the truth of them.'
Elrond was quiet for a moment, then said, 'Frankly speaking, I was as almost as worried for the maiden, as I was for yourself. When she arrived at the gates, a week past, the horse was trembling in sweat. She herself had so many tears in her clothing that it looked like she was wearing rags. Her left arm was completely bathed in blood as was her side; there were scratches all over her skin, blood trickling from her neck. Moments after we had set both of you in the infirmary, she collapsed from loss of blood.'
Legolas sat, appalled, before he ground his teeth together in helpless rage. 'She should not have had to suffer!' he whispered. 'Alas! Curse him and curse the day she was ill-fated to have met me!'
Elrond sat silent. When he spoke, the topic was completely different. 'I believe that the two of you have a tale to tell my council, for you were not wandering in the western woods for no reason. Is that not so?' Legolas nodded his assent. Elrond rose. 'Very well then. Rest Legolas. We shall meet tomorrow after morning's meal.'
When Elrond had left, Legolas sat up a little longer, thinking that Shiara might return. He frowned. A great deal was to be asked of her. She did not come back. He looked back down at the ring. 'How can it be so? He murmured. 'The color is completely changed.' Then, overwhelmed by tiredness, he slowly slipped off to sleep, his eyes glazing over.
~~~~
Outside, Shiara sighed in relief. She stood on the terrace overlooking the falls, breathing in the sweet valley air. Imaldris, it was a beautiful haven. 'I prefer Mirkwood,' she spoke out loud. 'Such tameness in this earth. I prefer the wild forests of Mirkwood to this, despite the danger.'
'Do you now?' said a voice next to her. Shiara turned in surprise. There next to her was an elf.
'I beg your pardon, I did not realize there was someone else present.' She looked curiously at the elf next to her. The elf was obviously female but 'maiden' did not seem to suit her looks. She was actually taller than Shiara, with black eyes and dark hair that tumbled down to her shoulders. There was a scar on her cheek.
'Pardon given.' The elf's voice was soulful, telling of great sadness. She turned and gave Shiara an almost calculating look. 'It is good to see you recovered fully, Lady. Most of us were worried that you would not make it.'
Shiara's eyes widened in surprise. 'Have we met? I apologize, but I can't seem to remember anything. Who are you?'
'I was the one that got you to the infirmary. You collapsed.' Then the elf bowed. 'I am Sha'dar Darkfletch.'
'I must thank you then!' Shiara cried. Taking Sha'dar's hands, she shook them, saying, 'I am Shiara Dewfire. Thank you, mellon.'
Sha'dar nodded solemnly. 'I am only glad that you and your companion are well.' Turning back to the valley, she said, 'What were you saying before? Mirkwood?'
'Yes, my home. It feels so free and wild there, like trees could grow any minute. It is safe and secure here, but I prefer having danger somewhere around. It brings excitement.' Shiara smiled at her own words. 'I sound silly, don't I?'
Sha'dar regarded her with grave eyes. 'Not at all. I understand what you mean.' Then she frowned. 'Wait, your home is Mirkwood? You traveled here from Mirkwood?' When Shiara nodded she said, 'So it is true! You traveled over the Misty Mountains to bring Prince Legolas to safety!'
Shiara turned away. When she spoke, her voice was soft. 'I would have traveled thrice that length with no rest if his life was in peril. He would have done the same for me.'
'A friend?' Sha'dar raised her eyebrows. 'You care for him.'
'I do,' Shiara replied. 'He is a king. I am just a childhood friend. These things do not matter. I am just happy he is safe.' Then with a forced smile she said, 'Ai, will I see you at midday tomorrow, mellon Sha'dar? I should like you to tell me about yourself!'
The elf nodded. Sha'dar had been one of those helping Elrond heal Legolas. She had heard him call out the lady's name in the midst of his fevered dreams. Surely the two cared greatly for eachother? 'Lady,' she said as Shiara left.
Shiara turned. 'Please, just Shiara.'
'Lady Shiara,' Sha'dar amended. 'Don't jump at conclusions until you hear his side of the story.' Moving past her, she said, 'I bid you a good night.'
Shiara gazed after her. 'How strange,' she murmured.
~~~~~~~~
The next day dawned bright and sunny. Legolas awoke to find Shiara by his side with a tray of breakfast. 'Good morning!' he said cheerfully. 'I should like some of that bread just now, it looks filling.' He reached over to take the piece, but instead of letting him, Shiara stood up with the tray, grinning.
'Up now King of Sleepers! You are well, I believe you can rise.'
Legolas pouted. 'Is this the way you treat the wounded?' he asked.
Shiara laughed and threw him a loaf of bread. 'Come Legolas! Eat quickly, for the Council of Elrond shall start soon, and we are both bidden to be present.'
A number of elves greeted them as they made their way through the halls of Rivendell. Legolas did not know any of them, though at times, Shiara would nod gracefully.
When the two reached the room that the council was to be held in, Legolas found that it was the same oval, airy room that he had been seated in before leaving south with Frodo and the Ring. As they entered, Elrond, who was already seated at the head of the circle, motioned them to seats next to him on the left. Legolas raised his eyebrows. Only honored guests sat close to Elrond in council.
He looked around, noticing that all that were present were elves. Most, he recognized from the halls, but there was a strange female elf in the center- left, dressed in grey. Upon seeing her, Shiara immediately got up, greeting her as "Sha'dar."
The bell chimed once. Legolas looked up, as everybody sat down, and another figure came into the room. 'Gandalf!' he cried joyously. Leaping up, he embraced him. 'It is good to see you!'
'As it is you, my friend,' Gandalf said. 'You have been through some trials, I have heard. But come! The Council of Elrond is beginning! Let us be seated.' So Legolas returned to his seat, as Gandalf sat down on the right side of Elrond, next to—
Legolas choked.
There, sitting next to Elrond, was a lady with flowing golden hair. It was Galadriel, serene and beautiful in the morning light. She turned to him, and as if hearing his surprised thoughts, smiled. {Suilad, Legolas Greenleaf.} Next to Legolas, Shiara also looked up suddenly, and smiled gratefully at the Lady.
Finally, Elrond stood and said, 'Suilad, nin mellonath. We have gathered here today, to speak of many things. Great evil is arising in North, in the mountains. Of the three rings, given to our kindred, which are now rejoined for the time being.' As if in answer, gold, mithril, and copper glinted once. Raising his arms, Elrond spoke gravely. 'It is not permitted to speak of the three, by my law. But today, the law shall be broken for now, for the time has come that all of our kindred should know of this. Few of you know the full tale of the Three Rings of power. Decieved by Sauron, Elven-smiths forged these rings in the Great Fires, pouring their souls into making three rings. Each set with a stone, gold, silver, and copper. They were given to the three greatest of the Eldars: Gil-galad, Galadriel, and Cirdan.'
Galadriel rose, extending an elegant hand, displaying the mithril-silver ring, set with it's opaque white gem. Her voice, melodious and beautiful, said, 'I alone of the three guardians still carry my ring. I, Galadriel of Lothlorien, hold Nenya, the Ring of Adamant. Vilya; the Ring of Air, the mightiest of the Three, held by Gil-galad the high King, was passed to Elrond of Ilmadris. But the third and last ring of them all, guarded by Cirdan the Shipwright, is unaccounted for.' She turned her eyes to Legolas. 'Son of Thranduil, speak now. How did you come by the ring?'
Legolas stood. 'The ring of which you speak of was my father's; King Thranduil of Mirkwood. He was killed. Shiara and I walked to his room late at night, for she heard strange noises coming from his chamber. When we reached the doors, we found the two guards, slain. In the bed, lay my father, wounded with gashes across his chest and body, made by orc scimitars and blades. The ring, was gone.' Taking a deep breath, Legolas continued, 'With his last breaths, he told me to go out and seek the ring, for it was vital to the throne. And then he passed on, saying that I was to be the next king.'
There was a startled silence in the room as Legolas and Shiara lowered their heads, silently mourning. Then Galadriel said, 'So that was the warning that compelled me to leave Lorien to come here. Seldom do I come out of the Golden Wood, but I believe most felt the death of Thranduil, King of the Woodland Realm, which created a disturbance in the pattern. For him, we grieve. King Legolas, please continue on.'
Legolas recounted his tale of his days traveling in the woods, ending with when he had been stabbed. Again, there was quiet, broken only when Elrond said, 'This is grievious news concerning the death of Thranduil and the evilness of this man. He still lives then, this Ratham? We must-'
'No,' said Shiara shortly. When everybody turned to look at her, she took a breath and said, 'Ratham is dead.'
There was an uncertain pause as Elrond said, 'Of this, you are sure Lady Dewfire?'
'I slew him myself.'
There was a murmuring around the circle and Legolas himself was surprised. After getting over his initial shock, he was amused inwardly at the surprise of the other elves; they had obviously not suspected so gentle a maiden to be capable of killing. He himself however. . . The elf Sha'dar also seemed startled; she gave Shiara a long calculating look. Legolas didn't listen any longer as the elves then questioned Shiara about Ratham, then started speaking amongst themselves.
Finally, Galadriel raised her arms, and once again she turned to the young king. 'Then, Legolas, how you came by the ring is explained, but how did thy father come by it? For Narya, the Red Ring did not originally belong to Thranduil.'
Legolas shook his head, at a loss. 'Forgive me Lady,' he said. 'I know not of the ring's origins. I did not even know of it's name or what it truly does. When I first received it, the color was not even that of a red hue! It was green, like the emerald forest leaves.'
With that, even Galadriel and Elrond seemed puzzled. Both looked at eachother, and they seemed to be silently thinking. 'Green?' said Galadriel softly. 'That cannot be so!'
'If I have leave, may I speak, Master Elrond, Lady Galadriel?' Gandalf had risen. When the two presiding elves nodded their assent, Gandalf said, 'The ring Narya did not originally belong to Thranduil, true. Cirdan the Shipwright guarded it for long. Narya, Ring of Fire, set with ruby. But at length, he gave it to me with these words: "Take now this Ring, for thy labours and thy cares will be heavy, but in allit will support thee and defend thee from weariness. For this is the Ring of Fire, and herewith, maybe, thou shalt rekindle hearts to the valour of old in a world that grows chill." So I did, and the Fire kept my alive at times when my heart truly seemed to freeze over.'
Here Gandalf sighed. 'When the shadows started to invade Greenwood the Great*, I myself traveled to the halls of Thranduil. There I bade him to take the ring, to help hold the dark creatures of Sauron at bay. He accepted it, though with reluctance, I must say. But alas! The evilness of Sauron won out, even over Narya, and the gloom settled into the forests and turned its depths murky and silent.
'But enough of past things! The ring's colour changes with the ring's surroundings. If it stays in one place too long, it will take on the hue of the feel of the place it is in. Because of the forests, it turned to an emerald. Such is the power of Narya the Great.'
The afternoon bell chimed. All the elves sat up, and shook themselves, as if awakening out of a great stupor. Then one by one, they left the room, all thinking deeply.
As for Legolas, he had quite enough thoughts to occupy himself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N-Gah! That was a boring chapter! Long, but boring! Sorry, but I was setting the stage for the sequel. No, the council is not over, it is continued in chapter 10. (Joy.) Will Shiara and Legolas get together? Quiet, you're ruining the end! And oh, is Sha'dar not INTERESTING? *grins* Thanks Akai! AND REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!
Sha'dar Darkfletch is the sole property of Akai Kuu, Commander of the Celestial Pianos.
In this story, I only control her actions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When Legolas awoke, the sunlight shone sharply into his face, making him quickly shut his eyes again. He had not an idea where he was, only aware of the dull throbbing in his right side and shoulder. Legolas lay there, trying to remember just what had happened. When suddenly it hit him like a fist in the stomach.
The ring.
Ratham.
Shiara!
'Shiara!' The thought jolting him awake, he struggled to sit up, only to fall back trying to hold back a groan of pain. Cool hands pressed gently on his chest, his shoulders, pulling him to a sitting position.
'Hush, hush, you are wounded. Lie still, lie still.'
Recognizing the voice, he quieted, and his vision cleared as if craving the sight of her. Shiara sat by the bed, her eyes clouded over in worry. Immediately, he reached out and took her hand, wrapping his fingers around her own. 'Are you well?'
Her lips twitched in a crooked smile. 'You are the wounded one, not I.'
'Shiara,' Legolas's face hardened. 'You lie. Last time I saw you, your clothes were ripped, there was blood on your skin and axes at your throat. Are you well? What happened?'
Shiara sighed, turning her head away. 'I am fine. The blood was from a cut I received from orcs, as were the rips. The orcs were guarding me so I would not escape.'
He frowned. She was answering the question too directly now. Suppressing a sigh, he looked around at his surroundings. 'What is this place?'
'The House of Elrond, Rivendell.' She lightly pushed him back with her free hand. 'You are in the infirmary.'
Legolas's eyes widened in surprise. 'Rivendell? How? We were in Mirkwood! You would have had to travel over the Misty Mountains. . . ' He trailed off.
Shiara looked directly at him. 'Yes. I brought you here on Arod.'
He decided not to pursue the matter. 'Ratham,' he said suddenly. 'I have failed then. He still lives, and possesses my father's ring.'
'No,' Shiara said shortly. 'Ratham is dead. You wear the ring on your finger.'
Legolas glanced down in surprise. There was the silver band, gem gleaming in the light. Then his eyes widened, horrified. 'The stone! What has happened to it?' The once emerald-green gem was now, a blood red.
Before his friend could answer, the door opened and a dark-haired figure walked into the room. His grey eyes regarded the two elves gravely before he took a seat on the opposite side of Legolas. 'It is good to see you awake, Legolas Greenleaf.'
Shiara stood up and nodded her head to him, slipping her hand out of Legolas's. 'I will go now, and leave you two to talk. I am sure that many things must be spoken of that does not involve me.' Saying so, she quickly left, before Legolas could have a chance to open his mouth to say anything. Closing it again, he turned to the newcomer, bowing his head in thanks.
'Elrond,' Legolas murmured. 'Suilad, mellon. Thank you for your kindness and hospitality.'
Elrond spoke quietly. 'You are very fortunate to be here. If not for Shiara, I believe that you would have departed quickly. That blade was poisoned, it is a miracle that she got you all the way to Rivendell, despite that the Misty Mountains were in her path.'
'Tell me,' Legolas said. 'How were her wounds? I should like to know, for she won't say the truth of them.'
Elrond was quiet for a moment, then said, 'Frankly speaking, I was as almost as worried for the maiden, as I was for yourself. When she arrived at the gates, a week past, the horse was trembling in sweat. She herself had so many tears in her clothing that it looked like she was wearing rags. Her left arm was completely bathed in blood as was her side; there were scratches all over her skin, blood trickling from her neck. Moments after we had set both of you in the infirmary, she collapsed from loss of blood.'
Legolas sat, appalled, before he ground his teeth together in helpless rage. 'She should not have had to suffer!' he whispered. 'Alas! Curse him and curse the day she was ill-fated to have met me!'
Elrond sat silent. When he spoke, the topic was completely different. 'I believe that the two of you have a tale to tell my council, for you were not wandering in the western woods for no reason. Is that not so?' Legolas nodded his assent. Elrond rose. 'Very well then. Rest Legolas. We shall meet tomorrow after morning's meal.'
When Elrond had left, Legolas sat up a little longer, thinking that Shiara might return. He frowned. A great deal was to be asked of her. She did not come back. He looked back down at the ring. 'How can it be so? He murmured. 'The color is completely changed.' Then, overwhelmed by tiredness, he slowly slipped off to sleep, his eyes glazing over.
~~~~
Outside, Shiara sighed in relief. She stood on the terrace overlooking the falls, breathing in the sweet valley air. Imaldris, it was a beautiful haven. 'I prefer Mirkwood,' she spoke out loud. 'Such tameness in this earth. I prefer the wild forests of Mirkwood to this, despite the danger.'
'Do you now?' said a voice next to her. Shiara turned in surprise. There next to her was an elf.
'I beg your pardon, I did not realize there was someone else present.' She looked curiously at the elf next to her. The elf was obviously female but 'maiden' did not seem to suit her looks. She was actually taller than Shiara, with black eyes and dark hair that tumbled down to her shoulders. There was a scar on her cheek.
'Pardon given.' The elf's voice was soulful, telling of great sadness. She turned and gave Shiara an almost calculating look. 'It is good to see you recovered fully, Lady. Most of us were worried that you would not make it.'
Shiara's eyes widened in surprise. 'Have we met? I apologize, but I can't seem to remember anything. Who are you?'
'I was the one that got you to the infirmary. You collapsed.' Then the elf bowed. 'I am Sha'dar Darkfletch.'
'I must thank you then!' Shiara cried. Taking Sha'dar's hands, she shook them, saying, 'I am Shiara Dewfire. Thank you, mellon.'
Sha'dar nodded solemnly. 'I am only glad that you and your companion are well.' Turning back to the valley, she said, 'What were you saying before? Mirkwood?'
'Yes, my home. It feels so free and wild there, like trees could grow any minute. It is safe and secure here, but I prefer having danger somewhere around. It brings excitement.' Shiara smiled at her own words. 'I sound silly, don't I?'
Sha'dar regarded her with grave eyes. 'Not at all. I understand what you mean.' Then she frowned. 'Wait, your home is Mirkwood? You traveled here from Mirkwood?' When Shiara nodded she said, 'So it is true! You traveled over the Misty Mountains to bring Prince Legolas to safety!'
Shiara turned away. When she spoke, her voice was soft. 'I would have traveled thrice that length with no rest if his life was in peril. He would have done the same for me.'
'A friend?' Sha'dar raised her eyebrows. 'You care for him.'
'I do,' Shiara replied. 'He is a king. I am just a childhood friend. These things do not matter. I am just happy he is safe.' Then with a forced smile she said, 'Ai, will I see you at midday tomorrow, mellon Sha'dar? I should like you to tell me about yourself!'
The elf nodded. Sha'dar had been one of those helping Elrond heal Legolas. She had heard him call out the lady's name in the midst of his fevered dreams. Surely the two cared greatly for eachother? 'Lady,' she said as Shiara left.
Shiara turned. 'Please, just Shiara.'
'Lady Shiara,' Sha'dar amended. 'Don't jump at conclusions until you hear his side of the story.' Moving past her, she said, 'I bid you a good night.'
Shiara gazed after her. 'How strange,' she murmured.
~~~~~~~~
The next day dawned bright and sunny. Legolas awoke to find Shiara by his side with a tray of breakfast. 'Good morning!' he said cheerfully. 'I should like some of that bread just now, it looks filling.' He reached over to take the piece, but instead of letting him, Shiara stood up with the tray, grinning.
'Up now King of Sleepers! You are well, I believe you can rise.'
Legolas pouted. 'Is this the way you treat the wounded?' he asked.
Shiara laughed and threw him a loaf of bread. 'Come Legolas! Eat quickly, for the Council of Elrond shall start soon, and we are both bidden to be present.'
A number of elves greeted them as they made their way through the halls of Rivendell. Legolas did not know any of them, though at times, Shiara would nod gracefully.
When the two reached the room that the council was to be held in, Legolas found that it was the same oval, airy room that he had been seated in before leaving south with Frodo and the Ring. As they entered, Elrond, who was already seated at the head of the circle, motioned them to seats next to him on the left. Legolas raised his eyebrows. Only honored guests sat close to Elrond in council.
He looked around, noticing that all that were present were elves. Most, he recognized from the halls, but there was a strange female elf in the center- left, dressed in grey. Upon seeing her, Shiara immediately got up, greeting her as "Sha'dar."
The bell chimed once. Legolas looked up, as everybody sat down, and another figure came into the room. 'Gandalf!' he cried joyously. Leaping up, he embraced him. 'It is good to see you!'
'As it is you, my friend,' Gandalf said. 'You have been through some trials, I have heard. But come! The Council of Elrond is beginning! Let us be seated.' So Legolas returned to his seat, as Gandalf sat down on the right side of Elrond, next to—
Legolas choked.
There, sitting next to Elrond, was a lady with flowing golden hair. It was Galadriel, serene and beautiful in the morning light. She turned to him, and as if hearing his surprised thoughts, smiled. {Suilad, Legolas Greenleaf.} Next to Legolas, Shiara also looked up suddenly, and smiled gratefully at the Lady.
Finally, Elrond stood and said, 'Suilad, nin mellonath. We have gathered here today, to speak of many things. Great evil is arising in North, in the mountains. Of the three rings, given to our kindred, which are now rejoined for the time being.' As if in answer, gold, mithril, and copper glinted once. Raising his arms, Elrond spoke gravely. 'It is not permitted to speak of the three, by my law. But today, the law shall be broken for now, for the time has come that all of our kindred should know of this. Few of you know the full tale of the Three Rings of power. Decieved by Sauron, Elven-smiths forged these rings in the Great Fires, pouring their souls into making three rings. Each set with a stone, gold, silver, and copper. They were given to the three greatest of the Eldars: Gil-galad, Galadriel, and Cirdan.'
Galadriel rose, extending an elegant hand, displaying the mithril-silver ring, set with it's opaque white gem. Her voice, melodious and beautiful, said, 'I alone of the three guardians still carry my ring. I, Galadriel of Lothlorien, hold Nenya, the Ring of Adamant. Vilya; the Ring of Air, the mightiest of the Three, held by Gil-galad the high King, was passed to Elrond of Ilmadris. But the third and last ring of them all, guarded by Cirdan the Shipwright, is unaccounted for.' She turned her eyes to Legolas. 'Son of Thranduil, speak now. How did you come by the ring?'
Legolas stood. 'The ring of which you speak of was my father's; King Thranduil of Mirkwood. He was killed. Shiara and I walked to his room late at night, for she heard strange noises coming from his chamber. When we reached the doors, we found the two guards, slain. In the bed, lay my father, wounded with gashes across his chest and body, made by orc scimitars and blades. The ring, was gone.' Taking a deep breath, Legolas continued, 'With his last breaths, he told me to go out and seek the ring, for it was vital to the throne. And then he passed on, saying that I was to be the next king.'
There was a startled silence in the room as Legolas and Shiara lowered their heads, silently mourning. Then Galadriel said, 'So that was the warning that compelled me to leave Lorien to come here. Seldom do I come out of the Golden Wood, but I believe most felt the death of Thranduil, King of the Woodland Realm, which created a disturbance in the pattern. For him, we grieve. King Legolas, please continue on.'
Legolas recounted his tale of his days traveling in the woods, ending with when he had been stabbed. Again, there was quiet, broken only when Elrond said, 'This is grievious news concerning the death of Thranduil and the evilness of this man. He still lives then, this Ratham? We must-'
'No,' said Shiara shortly. When everybody turned to look at her, she took a breath and said, 'Ratham is dead.'
There was an uncertain pause as Elrond said, 'Of this, you are sure Lady Dewfire?'
'I slew him myself.'
There was a murmuring around the circle and Legolas himself was surprised. After getting over his initial shock, he was amused inwardly at the surprise of the other elves; they had obviously not suspected so gentle a maiden to be capable of killing. He himself however. . . The elf Sha'dar also seemed startled; she gave Shiara a long calculating look. Legolas didn't listen any longer as the elves then questioned Shiara about Ratham, then started speaking amongst themselves.
Finally, Galadriel raised her arms, and once again she turned to the young king. 'Then, Legolas, how you came by the ring is explained, but how did thy father come by it? For Narya, the Red Ring did not originally belong to Thranduil.'
Legolas shook his head, at a loss. 'Forgive me Lady,' he said. 'I know not of the ring's origins. I did not even know of it's name or what it truly does. When I first received it, the color was not even that of a red hue! It was green, like the emerald forest leaves.'
With that, even Galadriel and Elrond seemed puzzled. Both looked at eachother, and they seemed to be silently thinking. 'Green?' said Galadriel softly. 'That cannot be so!'
'If I have leave, may I speak, Master Elrond, Lady Galadriel?' Gandalf had risen. When the two presiding elves nodded their assent, Gandalf said, 'The ring Narya did not originally belong to Thranduil, true. Cirdan the Shipwright guarded it for long. Narya, Ring of Fire, set with ruby. But at length, he gave it to me with these words: "Take now this Ring, for thy labours and thy cares will be heavy, but in allit will support thee and defend thee from weariness. For this is the Ring of Fire, and herewith, maybe, thou shalt rekindle hearts to the valour of old in a world that grows chill." So I did, and the Fire kept my alive at times when my heart truly seemed to freeze over.'
Here Gandalf sighed. 'When the shadows started to invade Greenwood the Great*, I myself traveled to the halls of Thranduil. There I bade him to take the ring, to help hold the dark creatures of Sauron at bay. He accepted it, though with reluctance, I must say. But alas! The evilness of Sauron won out, even over Narya, and the gloom settled into the forests and turned its depths murky and silent.
'But enough of past things! The ring's colour changes with the ring's surroundings. If it stays in one place too long, it will take on the hue of the feel of the place it is in. Because of the forests, it turned to an emerald. Such is the power of Narya the Great.'
The afternoon bell chimed. All the elves sat up, and shook themselves, as if awakening out of a great stupor. Then one by one, they left the room, all thinking deeply.
As for Legolas, he had quite enough thoughts to occupy himself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N-Gah! That was a boring chapter! Long, but boring! Sorry, but I was setting the stage for the sequel. No, the council is not over, it is continued in chapter 10. (Joy.) Will Shiara and Legolas get together? Quiet, you're ruining the end! And oh, is Sha'dar not INTERESTING? *grins* Thanks Akai! AND REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!
