You know the disclaimer so I won't say it again... =_=

Vocab:

Glaive- long pole (about 5-6 ft.) with a sharp blade at one end (about 1ft.)

Nai taruvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu vilya*- (elvish) May the Valar protect you on your path under the sky

Andúril*- the sword that was broken. Was forged again by the elvish smiths

Black Shadow*- sickness one gets from Nazgûl

Athelas*- strong healing herb used to cure most anything

*I did not make these words up. They came from the great mind of JRR Tolkien!

In Search of the Song of Remembrance

Arwen Evenstar lay in a bed facing the window that overlooked Legolas' lively garden. She had dark brown hair that cloaked her shoulders and back like waves upon the sand. She seemed to be asleep, in a pleasant dream. But her peaceful face masked the horror that was going on in her mind. For the Black Shadow slowly kills its victims in their dreams, torturing their minds. Aragorn looked longingly at his love almost in disbelief. She had seemed so strong and determined, but now she was locked away in her own world in which he was helpless to aid her. Elrond Half-Elven placed his hand on Aragorn's shoulder in sympathy but he too held sorrow in his face.

'There is nothing we can do now but wait for Legolas and Gimli to return,' Elrond said, his voice heavy with grief. Aragorn nodded and left the room. Elrond watched Aragorn, the once proud and courageous rider that took his daughter as his wife and queen. It had been a happy marriage even though Arwen had given up her immortality. Gazing once more at his daughter, Elrond walked out to the gardens. A wave of sweet aromas surrounded him, relieving his devastated thoughts slightly.

'Please, may the Valor be with my daughter...' Elrond said looking up to the widow above the garden. A small breeze lifted the curtains and swept strands of loose hair from the sleeping face of Arwen Evenstar.

***************

The morning song of a lone bird called out into the crisp clear air soon to be joined by a chorus of others. A tall figure carrying a long elven bow walked along a small path carved with travel. A smaller, stouter figure marched beside him wielding a double-edged axe. They walked without words and carried an expression of determination. It was Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood, and Gimli, son of Balin. Large rowan trees bordered the small path allowing only small amounts of sunlight to pass through their foliage. Little did they know it but the two friends were getting close to the territory of Stonebrook. The elves of Stonebrook are very territorial and dislike intruders so they station lookouts all over the woods that surround their beloved hometown. However at this time the woods were clear of most lookouts for they were out searching for the remaining orcs that were scattered throughout the land. So Legolas and Gimli walked the woods of Stonebrook free from the sharp eyes of
lookouts knowing little of the small town that lay only a few miles before them. They also did not know of the traps that were cleverly laid out to capture those unfortunate to wander so close to Stonebrook.

'Say, isn't it such a beautiful day today? Legolas, for once we should at least try to enjoy the scenery. I'm sure Aragorn would not approve of us going about with heavy hearts,' said Gimli looking at the grand trees that were crowned with majestic leaves.

'I've heard that rowan trees hold great secrets and wisdom. They keep a great history that is passed from generation to generation. However they do like to keep it to themselves,' Legolas replied.

'Wah!!!' Gimli cried out in surprise as he stepped into a most cunningly devised net. Immediately Legolas whipped out his bow and notched an arrow faster than a man's eyes could trace. However there was no one about to hear the yell of Gimli except for the tall trees. For the next few minutes Legolas vainly searched for a way to release Gimli while the dwarf grunted the most ugly names to the ones who had made the trap. Finally giving up, Legolas sat on the ground under the suspended Gimli.

'I'm truly sorry my friend but I've tried but could not find a way out. This builder of this net has fine craftsmanship skills. We might have to wait here for someone to find us. Maybe then we could ask for some assistance. But do not lose faith Gimli, for we set out to accomplish a mission, and we shall finish it together,' Legolas said trying to comfort his very upset friend. Gimli did not reply but shifted in the net into a more comfortable position. The sun passed and the last golden rays faded away into the horizon as night enveloped the woods in complete darkness.

***************

'Father... must we kill the orcs? I know they are evil but it is against their will. It is not their fault that Sauron forced their souls into servitude. There must be another way!' Adelaide said when her father came back from an unsuccessful chase.

'Daughter, did we not speak of this before? These orcs have pillaged other towns, destroyed countless forests, and yet you still feel sympathy for them? Think! This is how the world works! Rid yourself of your pettish foolishness!' Elberon told his daughter almost in a hiss of anger. Adelaide looked at her father whom she had come to admire for his wisdom and leadership but this was too much for her. Elberon gave Adelaide a firm gaze that hid his feelings inside. He had not meant for his words to sting so but there was no going back now. Turning away to fix his broken bow, Elberon silently dismissed Adelaide.

'Adelaide dear, there is one way that I have heard the rowan trees speak of. But the path is not easy to follow, only one with the heart strong enough may. Adelaide... I believe you have that heart,' the old healer said when Adelaide stepped out of the room she was in,' have you heard of the Song of Remembrance? This is the lost song that was composed by the Valor to cure the soul that has been corrupted. Now mind you I have no clue where the Song is kept but I do know that it exists in the far reaches of this world. Adelaide... you have the same spirit your mother had in you... I know you can do this... ' Reaching into her healers bag that contained so much mystery, she took out a ring. It seemed very simple, silver that adorned only a single pearl.

'This is the 4th ring of power, Ithilya! Use it well to guide you! But beware of the evil that may want the ring. Keep it safe and protect it well. It is not an object to be careless with,' said the healer.

Adelaide sat in her chamber thinking of the old healer's words toying the ring. The orc she had killed only the other day haunted her mind. A small black cat climbed onto her lap begging for a nice scratch.

'Oh little Spirit Star, how lucky you are. Your whole life is centered around your next meal!' Adelaide said softly petting the small cat. It mewed contently back at her, oblivious to the unhappiness of her owner. Finally after much thought, Adelaide got up and threw a cloak over herself hiding her face and long black hair. She packed another change of clothes into a small pack that could easily be carried but not get in the way. Picking up her glaive, she gave a final glance at the small cat that mewed pitifully from her bed begging for her not to leave.

'Learn the Song of Remembrance and return home!' was the only thought on her mind. Adelaide, daughter of Elberon, keeper of the moon spirit, and the wielder of the 4th ring, ran through the forest that would lead her to adventures unimaginable to her. The old healer watched as the dark figure disappeared into the night

Notes:

Spirit Star, the cat, is actually an e-friend of mine ^_^ who also writes fanfiction also. I hope I didn't make it really confusing... =_= if I did then you can yell at me and make me write it over again... *sniff* and I'm sorry that I delayed so long in making the third chapter but it's hard with all the school work...

~Angelwing