Chapter 6:
The ground seemed harsh, the winter was coming. Lord Elrond sighed before turning to the council assembled within his city, Rivendell… Imladris.
"Gandalf is commonly late, but Legolas…" Aragorn, now king of Gondor, King Dúnadan, stood, now pacing.
'If he is with the wizard he should be fine. Probably_"
"Prince Legolas and Master Gandalf the white are here! There seems to be two others with them!" One of the pages yelled, pointing at the valley just before the fjord. Elrond smiled.
"Let them in!" Gandalf appeared first, his white robes glittering in the sunlight. A younger man with short dark hair strode in after him in traveling peasant clothes. Legolas came after, holding a woman's hand. He was also dressed in traveling clothes, as was the woman. "Welcome, Master Gandalf, Nephew Legolas and young travelers." Gandalf smiled.
"Your majesty, these are the Elvin Twins, Angelonus and Nazglas." This statement brought a mixed result from the rest of the council. The clearest voice was Aragorn's.
"Angelonus and Nazglas? The Prince and Princess of thieves?" Angelonus raised an eyebrow with an expression of 'what of it', while Nazglas stepped behind Legolas glaring at the King of Men. "You keep company with thieves?"
"Hell-of-a welcome, wouldn'tcha say?" Angel commented, crossing his arms. Gandalf chuckled, causing the Elvin king to look at him.
"You seem to know more about this, master wizard, then you let on." Gandalf only nodded.
"They are meant to be with us. Only fate would," He smiled, "allow their meeting. Certainly not his father." The last statement was made with a slight gesture towards Legolas. "His father has been much more 'protective' of the youngest prince ever since all of us returned from the Grey Havens." Aragorn went to speak but Legolas cut him off, a strange expression on his face.
"Let it be, your majesty." Anger. That was the expression. Such an unusual one for the Prince of Mirkwood's face. Elrond looked to Gandalf who nodded, answering the understood question.
"Perhaps there is more to this. We shall find out later. For now, let us move on to other topics." The four newcomers took their seats, and finally all became silent. "As you all know, Miras Tirith has been invaded by remnants of Sauron's army. This move was carefully calculated to be executed on the one day of rest for the men of Gondor. This can only mean one thing, there is another master of Mordor." Gasps of surprise emanated from around the council, though the Elvin twins remained oddly silent. Aragorn took notice of this, thought starting to form. Dark thoughts, suspicious thoughts. His eyes remained locked on them until he felt the heat of Legolas and Gandalf's stare on his face. He looked back towards Elrond. "King Elessar has requested the Fellowship of the Ring be reunited. Since the ones summoned are here, they have accepted the role and retake their oath." He paused, his blue eyes looking over all in attendance. "Of the men, Aragorn, son of Arathorn- the Ranger, The King." Aragorn stood, and many heads bowed in respect. "Of Elves, Legolas, son of Thranduil- the Eyes and Ears, the archer." Legolas also stood, his taller form rivaling the king's.
"Of the Hobbits, we have four. The partners in arms, Merry Bradybuck and Peregrine Took," The two shared a grin as they stood, an almost mischievous one at that. " Also, Samwise Gamgee, the loyal servant and, Frodo Baggins, The Ringbearer." There was a slight gasp as the other two hobbits stood. Most were surprised to see the Ringbearer looking so youthful.
"Of the Dwarves," Legolas visibly winced. He could not bring himself to look at Glóin, who also sat in the council. He would never be able to look the Father of his best friend in the eyes again. " Gimli, son of Glóin- the ax." Legolas's head snapped back up, revealing to his eyes a red bearded dwarf with three thick braids. The dwarf did not acknowledge him, only standing. Elrond smiled, turning to look at Gandalf. " And to lead them all, Mithander, Gandalf the white, the wizard and councilor." Gandalf also stood, but sat down again, gesturing towards the rest of the fellowship. "Now, all in council, look upon the heroes of legend. These will be our," He looked at Legolas, chuckling, "'Eyes and ears'. Now, take care. The council is in recess. Namarié." The council erupted into a chaos of murmurs, representatives of the races of Middle Earth talking amongst themselves. Legolas was still staring at the Dwarf called Gimli. The red-bearded dwarf smiled at him.
"Thought you could get rid of me that easy? Think again, crazy elf!" Legolas rushed forward and embraced the stout dwarf, causing a bout of laughter to rush through the council.
"You idiot dwarf!" The rest of the fellowship laughed as well, the old terms of endearment bringing back fond memories.
"I told you to never doubt a dwarf." Legolas stepped back and promptly smacked the back of the Dwarf's head.
"you had me very scared, master dwarf." Nazglas looked slightly surprised, as did the rest of the council. Legolas never seemed the violent type. "You are very lucky I do not know whether to hug you or kill you." Gimli chuckled, shaking his head.
"I'm glad to see you again too."
* * * * *
"… and from the Shores I returned to Mirkwood. That's where my story ends." Dinner was a feast in Rivendell, the first of five before the Fellowship departed. Nazglas walked by their seats, glancing at Legolas in a look of pleading due to her dress (which she despised) looking almost like captured starlight. It probably was, he mused, watching her. She looked lovely.
"Ahem." Legolas looked at Gimli, finally remembering he- and the rest of the Fellowship- was there. The Dwarf was watching him, eyebrows raised. The prince felt a blush creep up to his ears and looked down at his plate.
"What?"
"Seems to me you left out part of your story; I do not believe it's quite finished." Legolas looked around to see the rest of the fellowship nodding in agreement. The elf took a deep breath.
"Nazglas and I are… courting each other." The fellowship was silent for a moment before the laughter crept in; all but Aragorn finding the blush on the elf funny.
"Aye! Didn't think ya had it in ya!" Pippin declared, slapping Legolas on the mid-back since he could not reach his shoulder. "You were always such a stoic character, Legoly-" Legolas glared at the hobbit for the use of the 'nickname', "But even Elves, I guess, have to have a lil' inhi… inhib… inhib… awe, fun once and a while!"
"In habilitation, fool." Merry hissed, nudging Pip.
"I think we should leave him be. He's happy, let's not tarnish this new light." Legolas looked at Frodo with new respect, allowing a rare smile to form on his lips.
"Thank you, peredhil. You speak wisely." He now looked around the blushing table, his eyes settling on the dark form of the king of men. 'What troubles you, my lord?"
"Nothing." Aragorn grunted, shoving his chair out. Pippin and Merry looked amazed as he stormed away.
"Aye, now that was certainly not anyway for a king to be actin'."
"Hey now, Pip. What do you know about kingly behavior?" Merry questioned, leaning across the table.
"They have to be kind and polite, cousin. And that certainly wasn't neither."
"Shouldn't kings act as they wish? What say you to that, Cousin Took?"
"I say, cousin Bradybuck, that they could as long as they are polite!" Legolas watched the playful bickering with a warm heart; times like this allowed him a chance to forget his age.
Out of the corner of his eyes, he noticed Nazglas, and his attention terries to her worried expression as she gazed around, looking for him. Under the cover of the cousins' word fray, he excused himself and left.
"Nazglas, are you well?" In the silence before her words, faint snitches of the 'brawl' were heard:
"At least he should have the decency to 'scuze himself like Legoly… hey, where'd he go off too?"
"I don't know." The small answer brought his attention back to the elf in front of him. She was so quiet he was having trouble hearing her over the sounds of the feat- it had invaded his ears and wouldn't push out.
He gently took her hand between his own. 'Come on. The balcony will be quieter." He started towards the wooden doorway, Nazglas following. Turning, he gently pulled her to him. 'Are you alright? You looked distressed."
"Look." She held out her arm, tugging up her sleeve. A small patch of gray/blue skin around her elbow shone out from the tanner shades around it. Legolas inhaled sharply. 'Angel has it too."
"Were you injured? Did you hit yourself on something?" Nazglas refused to meet his eyes, afraid of the worry she would see.
"None that I can remember." Something about her tone made Legolas weary, but he pulled her into his arms, hugging her tightly.
"It will be alright. I am sure the healer can fix it." He rested his chin upon her head, letting his fingers sift through her long hair. "You'll be fine." She wrapped her arms around him, holding him as tightly as he held her.
"I am not afraid of Death, Legolas. My only fear is that it comes silently and takes me without a chance to fight… that is his power…"Legolas felt a chill as she said that.
Something told him death wasn't what she was worrying about.
***Sorry about the long update time. I'm almost done with the 7th chapter. Keep on the lookout!***
The ground seemed harsh, the winter was coming. Lord Elrond sighed before turning to the council assembled within his city, Rivendell… Imladris.
"Gandalf is commonly late, but Legolas…" Aragorn, now king of Gondor, King Dúnadan, stood, now pacing.
'If he is with the wizard he should be fine. Probably_"
"Prince Legolas and Master Gandalf the white are here! There seems to be two others with them!" One of the pages yelled, pointing at the valley just before the fjord. Elrond smiled.
"Let them in!" Gandalf appeared first, his white robes glittering in the sunlight. A younger man with short dark hair strode in after him in traveling peasant clothes. Legolas came after, holding a woman's hand. He was also dressed in traveling clothes, as was the woman. "Welcome, Master Gandalf, Nephew Legolas and young travelers." Gandalf smiled.
"Your majesty, these are the Elvin Twins, Angelonus and Nazglas." This statement brought a mixed result from the rest of the council. The clearest voice was Aragorn's.
"Angelonus and Nazglas? The Prince and Princess of thieves?" Angelonus raised an eyebrow with an expression of 'what of it', while Nazglas stepped behind Legolas glaring at the King of Men. "You keep company with thieves?"
"Hell-of-a welcome, wouldn'tcha say?" Angel commented, crossing his arms. Gandalf chuckled, causing the Elvin king to look at him.
"You seem to know more about this, master wizard, then you let on." Gandalf only nodded.
"They are meant to be with us. Only fate would," He smiled, "allow their meeting. Certainly not his father." The last statement was made with a slight gesture towards Legolas. "His father has been much more 'protective' of the youngest prince ever since all of us returned from the Grey Havens." Aragorn went to speak but Legolas cut him off, a strange expression on his face.
"Let it be, your majesty." Anger. That was the expression. Such an unusual one for the Prince of Mirkwood's face. Elrond looked to Gandalf who nodded, answering the understood question.
"Perhaps there is more to this. We shall find out later. For now, let us move on to other topics." The four newcomers took their seats, and finally all became silent. "As you all know, Miras Tirith has been invaded by remnants of Sauron's army. This move was carefully calculated to be executed on the one day of rest for the men of Gondor. This can only mean one thing, there is another master of Mordor." Gasps of surprise emanated from around the council, though the Elvin twins remained oddly silent. Aragorn took notice of this, thought starting to form. Dark thoughts, suspicious thoughts. His eyes remained locked on them until he felt the heat of Legolas and Gandalf's stare on his face. He looked back towards Elrond. "King Elessar has requested the Fellowship of the Ring be reunited. Since the ones summoned are here, they have accepted the role and retake their oath." He paused, his blue eyes looking over all in attendance. "Of the men, Aragorn, son of Arathorn- the Ranger, The King." Aragorn stood, and many heads bowed in respect. "Of Elves, Legolas, son of Thranduil- the Eyes and Ears, the archer." Legolas also stood, his taller form rivaling the king's.
"Of the Hobbits, we have four. The partners in arms, Merry Bradybuck and Peregrine Took," The two shared a grin as they stood, an almost mischievous one at that. " Also, Samwise Gamgee, the loyal servant and, Frodo Baggins, The Ringbearer." There was a slight gasp as the other two hobbits stood. Most were surprised to see the Ringbearer looking so youthful.
"Of the Dwarves," Legolas visibly winced. He could not bring himself to look at Glóin, who also sat in the council. He would never be able to look the Father of his best friend in the eyes again. " Gimli, son of Glóin- the ax." Legolas's head snapped back up, revealing to his eyes a red bearded dwarf with three thick braids. The dwarf did not acknowledge him, only standing. Elrond smiled, turning to look at Gandalf. " And to lead them all, Mithander, Gandalf the white, the wizard and councilor." Gandalf also stood, but sat down again, gesturing towards the rest of the fellowship. "Now, all in council, look upon the heroes of legend. These will be our," He looked at Legolas, chuckling, "'Eyes and ears'. Now, take care. The council is in recess. Namarié." The council erupted into a chaos of murmurs, representatives of the races of Middle Earth talking amongst themselves. Legolas was still staring at the Dwarf called Gimli. The red-bearded dwarf smiled at him.
"Thought you could get rid of me that easy? Think again, crazy elf!" Legolas rushed forward and embraced the stout dwarf, causing a bout of laughter to rush through the council.
"You idiot dwarf!" The rest of the fellowship laughed as well, the old terms of endearment bringing back fond memories.
"I told you to never doubt a dwarf." Legolas stepped back and promptly smacked the back of the Dwarf's head.
"you had me very scared, master dwarf." Nazglas looked slightly surprised, as did the rest of the council. Legolas never seemed the violent type. "You are very lucky I do not know whether to hug you or kill you." Gimli chuckled, shaking his head.
"I'm glad to see you again too."
* * * * *
"… and from the Shores I returned to Mirkwood. That's where my story ends." Dinner was a feast in Rivendell, the first of five before the Fellowship departed. Nazglas walked by their seats, glancing at Legolas in a look of pleading due to her dress (which she despised) looking almost like captured starlight. It probably was, he mused, watching her. She looked lovely.
"Ahem." Legolas looked at Gimli, finally remembering he- and the rest of the Fellowship- was there. The Dwarf was watching him, eyebrows raised. The prince felt a blush creep up to his ears and looked down at his plate.
"What?"
"Seems to me you left out part of your story; I do not believe it's quite finished." Legolas looked around to see the rest of the fellowship nodding in agreement. The elf took a deep breath.
"Nazglas and I are… courting each other." The fellowship was silent for a moment before the laughter crept in; all but Aragorn finding the blush on the elf funny.
"Aye! Didn't think ya had it in ya!" Pippin declared, slapping Legolas on the mid-back since he could not reach his shoulder. "You were always such a stoic character, Legoly-" Legolas glared at the hobbit for the use of the 'nickname', "But even Elves, I guess, have to have a lil' inhi… inhib… inhib… awe, fun once and a while!"
"In habilitation, fool." Merry hissed, nudging Pip.
"I think we should leave him be. He's happy, let's not tarnish this new light." Legolas looked at Frodo with new respect, allowing a rare smile to form on his lips.
"Thank you, peredhil. You speak wisely." He now looked around the blushing table, his eyes settling on the dark form of the king of men. 'What troubles you, my lord?"
"Nothing." Aragorn grunted, shoving his chair out. Pippin and Merry looked amazed as he stormed away.
"Aye, now that was certainly not anyway for a king to be actin'."
"Hey now, Pip. What do you know about kingly behavior?" Merry questioned, leaning across the table.
"They have to be kind and polite, cousin. And that certainly wasn't neither."
"Shouldn't kings act as they wish? What say you to that, Cousin Took?"
"I say, cousin Bradybuck, that they could as long as they are polite!" Legolas watched the playful bickering with a warm heart; times like this allowed him a chance to forget his age.
Out of the corner of his eyes, he noticed Nazglas, and his attention terries to her worried expression as she gazed around, looking for him. Under the cover of the cousins' word fray, he excused himself and left.
"Nazglas, are you well?" In the silence before her words, faint snitches of the 'brawl' were heard:
"At least he should have the decency to 'scuze himself like Legoly… hey, where'd he go off too?"
"I don't know." The small answer brought his attention back to the elf in front of him. She was so quiet he was having trouble hearing her over the sounds of the feat- it had invaded his ears and wouldn't push out.
He gently took her hand between his own. 'Come on. The balcony will be quieter." He started towards the wooden doorway, Nazglas following. Turning, he gently pulled her to him. 'Are you alright? You looked distressed."
"Look." She held out her arm, tugging up her sleeve. A small patch of gray/blue skin around her elbow shone out from the tanner shades around it. Legolas inhaled sharply. 'Angel has it too."
"Were you injured? Did you hit yourself on something?" Nazglas refused to meet his eyes, afraid of the worry she would see.
"None that I can remember." Something about her tone made Legolas weary, but he pulled her into his arms, hugging her tightly.
"It will be alright. I am sure the healer can fix it." He rested his chin upon her head, letting his fingers sift through her long hair. "You'll be fine." She wrapped her arms around him, holding him as tightly as he held her.
"I am not afraid of Death, Legolas. My only fear is that it comes silently and takes me without a chance to fight… that is his power…"Legolas felt a chill as she said that.
Something told him death wasn't what she was worrying about.
***Sorry about the long update time. I'm almost done with the 7th chapter. Keep on the lookout!***