alliwantisanelfforchristmas – I'll send you another red hanky anytime you
need one! And no, Elu has not read Tolkien's books yet. I think that
would upset him prematurely, though he is suspicious. I did stick with the
book on the council. I love the books and have for 24 years. I loved the
movie, too. Btw was your husband at all apprehensive before he saw the
movie as to how it would turn out. I was. But I so loved it!! I think
its sweet "love at first sight, with both of them". And I am glad that
your hubby made you read the books to find out what happened! Go Hubby
Go!! My hubby read the books in college and not since then. But he did go
with us to the movie (only once, but hey, that's okay) and he has started
reading my stories. So I am happy. And sorry, Jess doesn't make it home
safe in this chapter. (holds out a red hanky with an apologetic look)
JastaElf – Oh, dear! Another cliffie in this one, too!! The end of the story is in sight and I will squeeze them in when I can! Stars shine on you and you band of Orc Slayers, nin mellon!!
Karina – Nirnaeth is on the Healing track at last. I'm glad that you liked Boromir and Elu's second meeting. I enjoyed writing it. And yes, Elu is going to feel quite lost when Legolas is chosen for the quest. And Thranduil – oh boy! I would not want to be the one to tell him!!
Nancing Elf – Nirnaeth is coming around and won't (hopefully) be making the same mistakes as before. Yes, grab the hankies. Poor Orc's gonna loose it!
Ayod – Boring-dude, huh? I did like your little jest right much! And oh goddess – there's another cliffie at the end of this one too!! (author laughs sadistically)
Horus – I hope your days have been better, nin mellon!! The stars are still shining!
Ranger – I'm glad everyone sees Nirnaeth in a better light now. It's hard to warm up to rude people, but sometimes rudeness masks pain and insecurity. I'm glad you also liked Boromir and Elu's reunion. You are right about Boromir – good or bad; black or white. Faramir sees things much more clearly because he is more open minded. I think your factory to mass-produce red hankies is a brilliant idea! You'll be rich beyond your wildest imagining, nin mellon! Just let me buy the first one!
Lakergurl13 – Yep, poor Nirnaeth hasn't had an easy time and it's hard to admit when you need to change your attitude about things!
Anorithil – hi hi! Wow is a great word! I use it a lot myself. That was a great review!!
Ziggy hi hi! Love your name!! I'm glad that you found my stories worthy of your rainy weekend! And Elu is definitely not going to be a happy camper when Legolas leaves with "his Ranger". That's cool that you remember that line!!
Jessolothrad rode quite happily for sometime, the excitement of what he viewed as his big adventure filling him. He was certain that this was the right thing to do and any doubts he harbored were easily ignored. Lailaith trotted beneath him, tossing her head in the morning sunlight. He knew that his father would be upset at his departure and would surely come after him, but that was all part of the plan. Perhaps if he could meet the Elves of Mirkwood, for that was indeed where he was going, then maybe he would begin to change his attitude toward Elu and the other Elves as well. They lived with danger everyday and Jess knew that they must not confine their children as he himself was confined. Prince Legolas - though so much older than he - was still considered a young Elf, and he had been allowed on a journey through the Misty Mountains to come here. Perhaps if Jess could make that same journey – in reverse - from Imladris to Gladaran Thamas then his father would realize that he didn't need to be so cosseted and protected all of the time. He wove happy imaginings as he rode toward the High Pass through the Misty Mountains. He wondered if he would meet any Beornings on the Pass. He knew that it was they who kept it opened and free of Orcs for travelers. He was delighted with himself and filled with the high excitement of adventure. He was not as wary as he should have been. The Beornings had routed a small group of Orcs that had come from Mirkwood a few days hence. They had fled before the descendants of the Edain and hidden themselves in one of the many tunnels that riddled the mountains. They were angry and watchful. And Jessolothrad was an Elf…and alone.
Nin muin Adar, [my dear Father] the letter began. At those first three words Nirnaeth felt his heart plummet.
: No, nin Ion! [my Son] No! :
And as he read further, he felt all his strength and hope, so hard won, slowly draining from him.
Jess was gone. Gone to Mirkwood through the Mountains.
Nirnaeth's heart was pounding so hard that it hurt and his breath labored in his lungs. This could not be happening. He stared at the words written on the page, but they had become a meaningless blur.
: No, Jess. No. :
He stood trembling, his entire body shaking with fear. Then he shuddered drawing deep breaths into himself. He had to go after him, before it was too late. He turned and hurried from the room, the letter dropping to the floor.
It was there that Eikenstan found it.
Gimli stood with his hands folded across his chest, his lower lip thrust out. What was taking them so long? The child would be in the Mountains, his father at least an hour behind maybe more. And they - even farther behind. His hand moved to rest on the head of his axe. The others had all fetched their weapons and were making ready to ride after the two Elves.
Lord Elrond had been stunned and distressed at this turn of events and gladly equipped the searchers with extra arrows and anything else he deemed they might need. He had given Elu several packets of herbs that he hoped they wouldn't need to use.
Gimli glared up at the others.
"Are we finally ready to set out?" He asked gruffly. "It is a long trek to the mountains."
"Trek? Nay, Gimli." Aragorn shook his head, leading them toward the stables. "We could never hope to catch them on foot. We ride after them. As swiftly as we can."
"Ride!" The Dwarf bellowed, his cheeks ruddy. "I have never ridden a horse in my life and I have no intention of starting now. My feet serve me best. If the good Mahal had meant for Dwarves to travel thus then he would have given us four legs, a mane and tail ourselves."
Elu felt a smile tug at his lips, even though his heart ached at the thought of young Jess alone in the Misty Mountains. He recalled when he had wanted to use his own feet over those of a horse to come here.
"Then stay here, Master Dwarf." Legolas countered. "We will not be hindered by your foolish stubbornness."
Elu raised one eyebrow. Legolas definitely knew what stubbornness was, having quite enough of his own. Aragorn sighed and held up one hand as the Dwarf, chest puffed out indignantly, glared at the Elf whose eyes were daring him to say anything in response.
"Peace. We must leave now. On horses."
"Do not worry, Gimli." Eikenstan said, laying a hand on the other's arm. "It isn't that difficult. I have managed to master it myself. I even have my own pony, Narroch, a sturdy little animal truly."
"Come we are wasting time." Legolas said.
"You may ride with me, Gimli." Boromir said quietly.
Aragorn smiled over at the man of Gondor in thanks. He had been surprised when he had volunteered to accompany them to find Nirnaeth and Jessolothrad. He found himself liking the rather abrupt man from the White City. But if the errand hadn't been so urgent he would have forced the Dwarf to ride with Legolas. Perhaps they could both learn something from the experience.
Gimli bowed to Boromir and glared once more at Legolas. They headed to the stables where their horses were waiting.
His father had overtaken Jess, whom had been traveling at a rather leisurely pace, just before twilight. Nirnaeth had nearly wept with joy at the sight of his son not far ahead. He knew not to call out to him, for though the High Pass was guarded there was still a chance that Orcs still dwelt in the tunnels. And Nirnaeth was very cautious as he spurred Faron forward to catch up to his son.
Jessolothrad heard the clatter of hooves on stone behind him and spun about to see his father. He smiled broadly and turned Lailaith back. His plan was working. Now they could travel to Mirkwood together.
Nirnaeth leapt from Faron's back and had his son in his arms, holding him fiercely against his chest.
"Oh, Jess. What were you thinking!" He whispered into his child's hair.
Jess pulled back, grinning widely, his hands flying.
Nirnaeth watched the graceful motions, shaking his head, so relieved that Jess was well.
"I know, Jess." He said, placing one hand over his son's to still them. "I know. If you wish to travel to Mirkwood we will. But together. And not tonight. I know…I know that I have not been a good father to you since…since what befell us. But I will try to change, nin ion. [my son] There are many things that I wish to do over, but cannot. But there are some things that I can change and I will, starting tonight. When we return to Imladris I want you and …Elu to sing your song for me."
Jess stared at him with wide, surprised eyes. Suddenly tears flowed down his cheeks and he threw his arms about his father's neck. Nirnaeth held the slender body close, burying his face against one slim shoulder, shoulders that had once had to bear so much. Things would change. Life would be different from this moment on.
Peering from the tunnel, Lumbule could not believe his luck. He had been angered at being routed by the Beornings and led his group of Orcs here near the western edge the Misty Mountains before the Orc haters finally lost them. They hid in this stinking narrow tunnel to await their chance to flee back to Mirkwood. He had been told to follow the Orc Egla Ash and slaughter him. Lumbule had been there that night when Egla Ash had shown his true colors, helping to free the Elves. And Lumbule was one of the few to escape the wrath of Thranduil's Elves that night. There would be no more mercy for the blue-eyed Orc this time. They should have killed him back when he was taken to Dol Guldur those many years before. Even the torments inflicted on him during his time there had been unable to erase the vileness that made him a disgrace and an abomination to them. He had learned that Egla Ash had traveled with some of the Mirkwood Elves to the Misty Mountains. So Lumbule and his followers had tracked them, not counting on the wrath of the Beornings. Now they sat brooding.
How to explain this latest failure? Lumbule knew that his head would roll for this. Too many failures. And all the fault of that blue-eyed Orc who thought he was an Elf.
"There are two Elves not far from here."
Lumbule looked up to see the eager face of Ashai, grinning like an idiot.
"What are you speaking of?"
"Two Elves, Lumbule. Alone. And no Beornings about."
Lumbule studied the face before him. Ashai was nodding and bobbing up and down slightly with excitement. An ugly grin spread over the Orc's face. Perhaps they had managed to find what they sought after all.
"Let's go, boys!" He called. The air of the tunnel was filled with harsh cries of wicked glee.
Nirnaeth blamed himself for what happened next. For just a time his guard had been let down and that was when the ten Orcs had attacked. Not a large band, no, but enough to overpower two Elves, one no more than a child.
He heard the twang of a bowstring too late. The arrow, black feathered and thick, slammed into his shoulder knocking him from his horse. His head struck the rocky ground, stunning him momentarily. When his vision cleared it was to see Orcs standing over him, mouths pulled into evil leers.
: No! Not again! :
The Orcs pulled him to his feet and he saw Jess. Another Orc had the child in a strangle hold, the green eyes so filled fright that Nirnaeth yanked away from his captors trying futilely to reach his son. But the Orcs were on him before he had managed to go three steps.
"No, no, Elf. " Lumbule said, wagging a finger in Nirnaeth's face. "I don't think so."
"Let him go!"
Lumbule stared into the enraged pale face. And he laughed.
"Not yet. We have some questions to ask you. But first we are going to have some fun."
"Something is coming."
Aragorn reined Lagormir to a halt and leaned forward listening intently. Yes, Legolas was right. Something was coming towards them at a run. A moment later two horses clattered into view. Eikenstan gasped.
"Those are Jess' and Nirnaeth's horses! Oh no." He moaned, a great fear gripping at his heart.
Faron and Lailaith whickered as they pounded up to the other riders.
"They can't be far ahead. The horses aren't lathered or winded." Aragorn said taking in the horses' appearances. "We had better go quietly." He slid to the ground and began to lope ahead. The others followed on foot without a word. Gimli rubbed his aching posterior, but said nothing. He would never get on a horse again, by Mahal!
They hadn't gone far when they heard cries of pain. Legolas' eyes widened and looked at Elu. They gazed for a long moment at one another and ran faster.
The Orcs had escaped the High Pass with their prisoners and run for a time until they came to a clearing ringed with evergreens. They didn't want the Beornings on them again.
Nirnaeth was slumped between two of the Orcs, blood flowing down his fair face. Jess, as yet untouched was struggling in the grasp of two other Orcs, their fingers digging into his soft flesh, bruising his arms. Two other Orcs were pummeling the older Elf, their faces alight with unholy delight.
Aragorn glanced at the others. He then turned to Legolas who nodded and notched his bow. At Aragorn's signal, Legolas crept forward silently to assess the situation, his face filled with grim determination. The others would wait for his signal before joining him. Mirkwood's prince moved through the trees, nothing more than a shadow in the darkening night. He slid behind a towering spruce tree and peered into the clearing. Six Orcs. This would be easy. He could take out the one who held Jess and then the two that grasped Nirnaeth between them. As he drew a breath to signal the others, he felt something sharp touch his cheek.
"I wouldn't if I were you."
He froze, fear and anger at himself racing though him. Three Orcs had bows leveled at him, one with an arrow just grazing his face. An Orc stepped in front of him, its yellow eyes gazing at him intently. He saw the eyes widen with surprise then narrow as it laughed quietly.
"Well, well. Who do we have here. Blue Eyes' Elf. What a surprise."
Legolas couldn't entirely suppress the shudder that went through his body. He recognized that voice.
"So where is he, Legolas Greenleaf? Where is Egla Ash? If you are here, then I know that he is not far away. Well, now boys. The party is about to begin."
"He should have signaled by now. Or come back." Aragorn muttered, his fingers moving restlessly on his sword's hilt.
Boromir felt a twinge of worry himself, and he glanced at the Orc.
: Faramir would never believe me if I told him of this. : He thought wryly.
The Orc's blue eyes were on the Ranger, worry filling them.
"He's probably just lost." Gimli said, scowling. He tried very hard not to let his own concern show.
Aragorn looked at the others then shook his head.
"He's in trouble. Let's go."
They moved into the trees, weapons ready.
JastaElf – Oh, dear! Another cliffie in this one, too!! The end of the story is in sight and I will squeeze them in when I can! Stars shine on you and you band of Orc Slayers, nin mellon!!
Karina – Nirnaeth is on the Healing track at last. I'm glad that you liked Boromir and Elu's second meeting. I enjoyed writing it. And yes, Elu is going to feel quite lost when Legolas is chosen for the quest. And Thranduil – oh boy! I would not want to be the one to tell him!!
Nancing Elf – Nirnaeth is coming around and won't (hopefully) be making the same mistakes as before. Yes, grab the hankies. Poor Orc's gonna loose it!
Ayod – Boring-dude, huh? I did like your little jest right much! And oh goddess – there's another cliffie at the end of this one too!! (author laughs sadistically)
Horus – I hope your days have been better, nin mellon!! The stars are still shining!
Ranger – I'm glad everyone sees Nirnaeth in a better light now. It's hard to warm up to rude people, but sometimes rudeness masks pain and insecurity. I'm glad you also liked Boromir and Elu's reunion. You are right about Boromir – good or bad; black or white. Faramir sees things much more clearly because he is more open minded. I think your factory to mass-produce red hankies is a brilliant idea! You'll be rich beyond your wildest imagining, nin mellon! Just let me buy the first one!
Lakergurl13 – Yep, poor Nirnaeth hasn't had an easy time and it's hard to admit when you need to change your attitude about things!
Anorithil – hi hi! Wow is a great word! I use it a lot myself. That was a great review!!
Ziggy hi hi! Love your name!! I'm glad that you found my stories worthy of your rainy weekend! And Elu is definitely not going to be a happy camper when Legolas leaves with "his Ranger". That's cool that you remember that line!!
Jessolothrad rode quite happily for sometime, the excitement of what he viewed as his big adventure filling him. He was certain that this was the right thing to do and any doubts he harbored were easily ignored. Lailaith trotted beneath him, tossing her head in the morning sunlight. He knew that his father would be upset at his departure and would surely come after him, but that was all part of the plan. Perhaps if he could meet the Elves of Mirkwood, for that was indeed where he was going, then maybe he would begin to change his attitude toward Elu and the other Elves as well. They lived with danger everyday and Jess knew that they must not confine their children as he himself was confined. Prince Legolas - though so much older than he - was still considered a young Elf, and he had been allowed on a journey through the Misty Mountains to come here. Perhaps if Jess could make that same journey – in reverse - from Imladris to Gladaran Thamas then his father would realize that he didn't need to be so cosseted and protected all of the time. He wove happy imaginings as he rode toward the High Pass through the Misty Mountains. He wondered if he would meet any Beornings on the Pass. He knew that it was they who kept it opened and free of Orcs for travelers. He was delighted with himself and filled with the high excitement of adventure. He was not as wary as he should have been. The Beornings had routed a small group of Orcs that had come from Mirkwood a few days hence. They had fled before the descendants of the Edain and hidden themselves in one of the many tunnels that riddled the mountains. They were angry and watchful. And Jessolothrad was an Elf…and alone.
Nin muin Adar, [my dear Father] the letter began. At those first three words Nirnaeth felt his heart plummet.
: No, nin Ion! [my Son] No! :
And as he read further, he felt all his strength and hope, so hard won, slowly draining from him.
Jess was gone. Gone to Mirkwood through the Mountains.
Nirnaeth's heart was pounding so hard that it hurt and his breath labored in his lungs. This could not be happening. He stared at the words written on the page, but they had become a meaningless blur.
: No, Jess. No. :
He stood trembling, his entire body shaking with fear. Then he shuddered drawing deep breaths into himself. He had to go after him, before it was too late. He turned and hurried from the room, the letter dropping to the floor.
It was there that Eikenstan found it.
Gimli stood with his hands folded across his chest, his lower lip thrust out. What was taking them so long? The child would be in the Mountains, his father at least an hour behind maybe more. And they - even farther behind. His hand moved to rest on the head of his axe. The others had all fetched their weapons and were making ready to ride after the two Elves.
Lord Elrond had been stunned and distressed at this turn of events and gladly equipped the searchers with extra arrows and anything else he deemed they might need. He had given Elu several packets of herbs that he hoped they wouldn't need to use.
Gimli glared up at the others.
"Are we finally ready to set out?" He asked gruffly. "It is a long trek to the mountains."
"Trek? Nay, Gimli." Aragorn shook his head, leading them toward the stables. "We could never hope to catch them on foot. We ride after them. As swiftly as we can."
"Ride!" The Dwarf bellowed, his cheeks ruddy. "I have never ridden a horse in my life and I have no intention of starting now. My feet serve me best. If the good Mahal had meant for Dwarves to travel thus then he would have given us four legs, a mane and tail ourselves."
Elu felt a smile tug at his lips, even though his heart ached at the thought of young Jess alone in the Misty Mountains. He recalled when he had wanted to use his own feet over those of a horse to come here.
"Then stay here, Master Dwarf." Legolas countered. "We will not be hindered by your foolish stubbornness."
Elu raised one eyebrow. Legolas definitely knew what stubbornness was, having quite enough of his own. Aragorn sighed and held up one hand as the Dwarf, chest puffed out indignantly, glared at the Elf whose eyes were daring him to say anything in response.
"Peace. We must leave now. On horses."
"Do not worry, Gimli." Eikenstan said, laying a hand on the other's arm. "It isn't that difficult. I have managed to master it myself. I even have my own pony, Narroch, a sturdy little animal truly."
"Come we are wasting time." Legolas said.
"You may ride with me, Gimli." Boromir said quietly.
Aragorn smiled over at the man of Gondor in thanks. He had been surprised when he had volunteered to accompany them to find Nirnaeth and Jessolothrad. He found himself liking the rather abrupt man from the White City. But if the errand hadn't been so urgent he would have forced the Dwarf to ride with Legolas. Perhaps they could both learn something from the experience.
Gimli bowed to Boromir and glared once more at Legolas. They headed to the stables where their horses were waiting.
His father had overtaken Jess, whom had been traveling at a rather leisurely pace, just before twilight. Nirnaeth had nearly wept with joy at the sight of his son not far ahead. He knew not to call out to him, for though the High Pass was guarded there was still a chance that Orcs still dwelt in the tunnels. And Nirnaeth was very cautious as he spurred Faron forward to catch up to his son.
Jessolothrad heard the clatter of hooves on stone behind him and spun about to see his father. He smiled broadly and turned Lailaith back. His plan was working. Now they could travel to Mirkwood together.
Nirnaeth leapt from Faron's back and had his son in his arms, holding him fiercely against his chest.
"Oh, Jess. What were you thinking!" He whispered into his child's hair.
Jess pulled back, grinning widely, his hands flying.
Nirnaeth watched the graceful motions, shaking his head, so relieved that Jess was well.
"I know, Jess." He said, placing one hand over his son's to still them. "I know. If you wish to travel to Mirkwood we will. But together. And not tonight. I know…I know that I have not been a good father to you since…since what befell us. But I will try to change, nin ion. [my son] There are many things that I wish to do over, but cannot. But there are some things that I can change and I will, starting tonight. When we return to Imladris I want you and …Elu to sing your song for me."
Jess stared at him with wide, surprised eyes. Suddenly tears flowed down his cheeks and he threw his arms about his father's neck. Nirnaeth held the slender body close, burying his face against one slim shoulder, shoulders that had once had to bear so much. Things would change. Life would be different from this moment on.
Peering from the tunnel, Lumbule could not believe his luck. He had been angered at being routed by the Beornings and led his group of Orcs here near the western edge the Misty Mountains before the Orc haters finally lost them. They hid in this stinking narrow tunnel to await their chance to flee back to Mirkwood. He had been told to follow the Orc Egla Ash and slaughter him. Lumbule had been there that night when Egla Ash had shown his true colors, helping to free the Elves. And Lumbule was one of the few to escape the wrath of Thranduil's Elves that night. There would be no more mercy for the blue-eyed Orc this time. They should have killed him back when he was taken to Dol Guldur those many years before. Even the torments inflicted on him during his time there had been unable to erase the vileness that made him a disgrace and an abomination to them. He had learned that Egla Ash had traveled with some of the Mirkwood Elves to the Misty Mountains. So Lumbule and his followers had tracked them, not counting on the wrath of the Beornings. Now they sat brooding.
How to explain this latest failure? Lumbule knew that his head would roll for this. Too many failures. And all the fault of that blue-eyed Orc who thought he was an Elf.
"There are two Elves not far from here."
Lumbule looked up to see the eager face of Ashai, grinning like an idiot.
"What are you speaking of?"
"Two Elves, Lumbule. Alone. And no Beornings about."
Lumbule studied the face before him. Ashai was nodding and bobbing up and down slightly with excitement. An ugly grin spread over the Orc's face. Perhaps they had managed to find what they sought after all.
"Let's go, boys!" He called. The air of the tunnel was filled with harsh cries of wicked glee.
Nirnaeth blamed himself for what happened next. For just a time his guard had been let down and that was when the ten Orcs had attacked. Not a large band, no, but enough to overpower two Elves, one no more than a child.
He heard the twang of a bowstring too late. The arrow, black feathered and thick, slammed into his shoulder knocking him from his horse. His head struck the rocky ground, stunning him momentarily. When his vision cleared it was to see Orcs standing over him, mouths pulled into evil leers.
: No! Not again! :
The Orcs pulled him to his feet and he saw Jess. Another Orc had the child in a strangle hold, the green eyes so filled fright that Nirnaeth yanked away from his captors trying futilely to reach his son. But the Orcs were on him before he had managed to go three steps.
"No, no, Elf. " Lumbule said, wagging a finger in Nirnaeth's face. "I don't think so."
"Let him go!"
Lumbule stared into the enraged pale face. And he laughed.
"Not yet. We have some questions to ask you. But first we are going to have some fun."
"Something is coming."
Aragorn reined Lagormir to a halt and leaned forward listening intently. Yes, Legolas was right. Something was coming towards them at a run. A moment later two horses clattered into view. Eikenstan gasped.
"Those are Jess' and Nirnaeth's horses! Oh no." He moaned, a great fear gripping at his heart.
Faron and Lailaith whickered as they pounded up to the other riders.
"They can't be far ahead. The horses aren't lathered or winded." Aragorn said taking in the horses' appearances. "We had better go quietly." He slid to the ground and began to lope ahead. The others followed on foot without a word. Gimli rubbed his aching posterior, but said nothing. He would never get on a horse again, by Mahal!
They hadn't gone far when they heard cries of pain. Legolas' eyes widened and looked at Elu. They gazed for a long moment at one another and ran faster.
The Orcs had escaped the High Pass with their prisoners and run for a time until they came to a clearing ringed with evergreens. They didn't want the Beornings on them again.
Nirnaeth was slumped between two of the Orcs, blood flowing down his fair face. Jess, as yet untouched was struggling in the grasp of two other Orcs, their fingers digging into his soft flesh, bruising his arms. Two other Orcs were pummeling the older Elf, their faces alight with unholy delight.
Aragorn glanced at the others. He then turned to Legolas who nodded and notched his bow. At Aragorn's signal, Legolas crept forward silently to assess the situation, his face filled with grim determination. The others would wait for his signal before joining him. Mirkwood's prince moved through the trees, nothing more than a shadow in the darkening night. He slid behind a towering spruce tree and peered into the clearing. Six Orcs. This would be easy. He could take out the one who held Jess and then the two that grasped Nirnaeth between them. As he drew a breath to signal the others, he felt something sharp touch his cheek.
"I wouldn't if I were you."
He froze, fear and anger at himself racing though him. Three Orcs had bows leveled at him, one with an arrow just grazing his face. An Orc stepped in front of him, its yellow eyes gazing at him intently. He saw the eyes widen with surprise then narrow as it laughed quietly.
"Well, well. Who do we have here. Blue Eyes' Elf. What a surprise."
Legolas couldn't entirely suppress the shudder that went through his body. He recognized that voice.
"So where is he, Legolas Greenleaf? Where is Egla Ash? If you are here, then I know that he is not far away. Well, now boys. The party is about to begin."
"He should have signaled by now. Or come back." Aragorn muttered, his fingers moving restlessly on his sword's hilt.
Boromir felt a twinge of worry himself, and he glanced at the Orc.
: Faramir would never believe me if I told him of this. : He thought wryly.
The Orc's blue eyes were on the Ranger, worry filling them.
"He's probably just lost." Gimli said, scowling. He tried very hard not to let his own concern show.
Aragorn looked at the others then shook his head.
"He's in trouble. Let's go."
They moved into the trees, weapons ready.