Disclaimer: LOTR belongs to the creative genius of JRR Tolkien, not me.
My Friend, My Brother
Chapter 4 Secrets are Revealed
The rapid healing power of Elves was a wonder Aragorn had witnessed many times, yet he was still amazed to see that after only two brief hours, Thranduil had awoken and was sufficiently recovered to make the trip back to his Hall.
It was almost midnight and to their relief, the clouds disappeared, allowing the soft light of the full moon to cast eerie shadows around them as the four made their way through the forest. Legolas was leading the way for he could see easily in the dim light. Thranduil and Mithrandir followed, the Elf King occasionally needing to rest his hand on the shoulder of the Istari for support. Aragorn followed a short distance behind, senses on the alert and ready to defend should there be more orcs about.
They arrived back at the palace without further incident, and the King was settled comfortably in his bed with Legolas hovering over him, still concerned at how pale and drawn he looked. The strain of walking whilst still weak from the poison had drained his energy and it was not long before Thranduil once again fell asleep.
"Your father will be fine, there is nothing to worry about." Mithrandir said reassuringly. "Aragorn, on the other hand looks as if he is about to collapse. How long is it since you have eaten?" He asked the young man who was sitting on the end of the bed, also looking pale.
"We broke our fast at sunrise, but have not eaten since." He replied as he felt the pangs of hunger he had been trying to ignore. So much had happened since they left this morning on the tree-climbing venture, he had forgotten about meals.
"I think it would be wise if you both go to the kitchens and find yourselves something to eat." Noticing that Legolas was reluctant to leave, he told him that he would watch over Thranduil until he awoke. "Oh, and Legolas," he added as the Elf headed for the door, "please have some refreshments sent for this old wizard, at least I have sense enough to know when I am hungry."
After he had organised for food and wine to be sent up to his father's chambers, Legolas set a platter of fresh bread, various cheeses and a selection of fruits on the table and poured himself and Aragorn some wine. They ate in silence and Aragorn quickly cleared his plate, only now realising how hungry he had been. Finally sated, he decided that all he needed now was a nice relaxing smoke of his pipe.
"If you wish to spoil the air with that weed of yours," Legolas said with a smile, "I suggest we go outside into the garden, for I prefer the comfort of starlight to smoke."
"How did you know what I was thinking?" Aragorn asked, eyeing his friend warily. As far as he was aware, Elves could not read minds.
Legolas laughed, "You always look for your pipe after a meal." That was true, Aragorn had to admit. He felt a twinge of pleasure that the Elf had noticed his behaviour. Out of deference to his friend's dislike of the pipe, Aragorn chose a spot well away from the tree Legolas was sitting under and they remained in comfortable silence for a while. Finally Aragorn asked,
"What do you know of Mithrandir? Who is he? From where does he come?"
"Perhaps you should ask him yourself," Legolas suggested enigmatically, "I only know that he has held 'secret' meetings with my father on several occasions and that he appears to be a wizard, but I do not know the extent of his powers. Nor do I know where he is from, he just arrived here one day."
"Thranduil did not object to an outsider in his forest?" Aragorn asked. "I thought no-one but Elves were permitted in his Realm."
"You are not an Elf, but you are here." Legolas stated simply.
"Yes, and I am glad, for it may be, my friend, that we would never have met otherwise. It seems that I should not believe everything I hear!"
"Nor should I, for my father has often said that the race of Men is weak and untrustworthy, but I do not find you so, nin mellon."
Aragorn laughed, "Elrond says the same thing. I wonder if he and your father realise they actually agree on something."
"That is an amusing thought indeed," said Legolas and they both laughed. "It is not long until sunrise, I suggest we both take some rest." Aragorn's yawn showed that he was in total agreement and they retired to their rooms.
*******
While he watched over the sleeping King, Mithrandir sat contemplating the strange hand fate had dealt the two young ones who just left. Aragorn was the last of the kings of men, though he had chosen exile rather than the throne, whereas Legolas would remain a Prince forever unless his Father met an untimely death or was called over the sea. A steward bearing a tray of food interrupted his musings and he spent a pleasant few minutes enjoying his repast. After a final check on his patient, he made himself comfortable in the large armchair by the fire, and was soon fell into a light sleep, knowing he would hear if Thranduil roused.
It was not the King who awakened him, but the light of the first rays of the morning sun as it shone through the open window. Legolas arrived shortly after with a breakfast tray, and they were both surprised when Thranduil sat slowly up in bed and asked for a glass of wine. Mithrandir merely raised an eyebrow and nodded permission.
"How are you this morning, Father?" he asked as he handed the goblet to his father. The King took a few small sips and replied,
"Well enough to know that the wine is not chilled enough!" Aragorn entered the room in time to hear the King's words and everyone laughed with relief to see that Thranduil was now obviously fully recovered. "I believe I remember something about you and Legolas rescuing me from those Orcs," he said to Aragorn, "I would like to hear what happened."
"We were just about to head back to the palace to seek shelter from the approaching storm, when Legolas saw you in the distance. He was curious as to why you were in the forest, in such inclement weather and without your guards." Legolas shot Aragorn a look that suggested that his last statement was not very helpful.
"I thought it unusual for you to be hunting alone, so I decided to follow you." Legolas explained, noting that Thranduil was not looking particularly pleased at this moment.
"You decided to FOLLOW me?" he asked, a storm brewing in his eyes.
"We BOTH decided," interrupted Aragorn, trying to redeem himself in his friend's eyes.
"And well they did, wouldn't you agree Thranduil?" asked Mithrandir calmly in an attempt to prevent any further outrage. "If not for your son's skill with the bow, the Orcs would have taken you to Dol Guldur. Aragorn's herbal tea helped prevent the poison from taking a stronger hold."
"In the circumstances it was fortunate," he agreed. Glaring at his son and his friend he warned, "However, do not think to make a habit of such behaviour, either of you! I think that Legolas and Aragorn should leave us now, for I wish to speak in private with Mithrandir."
"No, let them stay. I have reason to believe that this concerns them as well." Although he could not see the future, Mithrandir was sure that the two heirs of their Kingdoms were to take a great part in the destiny of Middle Earth, that there was a reason that Man and Elf had become friends once more.
"What news did you have for me that you deemed it necessary to meet in secret?" Asked Thranduil as Legolas and Aragorn exchanged triumphant looks, for they had been very curious about the secret meeting.
"The news from the last Council meeting does not bode well. There is much evidence that the Necromancer is not just a minion of Sauron, but the Dark Lord himself. If this is the case, then it must be considered that the One Ring has been found."
Thranduil was startled by this news, he knew well of the spread of Darkness and Shadow throughout his own realm, something his own Elvish powers could hold art bay, but not destroy. The One Ring was a different matter altogether, for if it was returned to its Lord, the battle of the Last Alliance would have all been in vain.
"I assume that the Dark Lord does not have it yet?" he asked.
"No, but I believe it has passed to the creature Gollum. I have not yet been able to find him, but neither has the Dark Lord." Mithrandir said. "However, once he is found, I will need a safe place for him to stay, somewhere out of Sauron's reach. I had hoped that you would provide such a place." It was apparent that the King was not happy to comply with this request and was surprised when Legolas spoke up,
"Father, we must do this, if the creature can be found. Any news of the One Ring must be kept from the Shadow." Thranduil had told his son many tales of the battle against Sauron, and of his fears that he had not been totally defeated.
"Legolas is right, Your Majesty," dared Aragorn. "This evil cannot be allowed to flourish. I will search throughout the land and should I find him, I will bring the creature, Gollum, here for safekeeping."
"So be it." Thranduil grudgingly agreed. He turned to face his son, "Should Gollum be found, he will be your responsibility."
"Excellent. I thank you for that Thranduil." Mithrandir said, pleased that all was going to plan. "Aragorn and I should make haste to Rivendell, to inform Elrond of our intentions. The sooner the search for the creature begins, the better."
It was with sadness that Aragorn said farewell to the Elves of Mirkwood, for he had enjoyed his time there, and he knew that he would miss the company of his friend. Legolas accompanied Aragorn and Mithrandir to the edge of the forest and bid a fond farewell to the Istari.
"Take care of that father of yours, young Prince," Mithrandir said lightly.
"Farewell, Mithrandir, until next time." Legolas turned to Aragorn, who was waiting to take his leave,
"Farwell, my friend. I know not when we will meet again, but rest assured we will!" He said as Aragorn drew him into a brotherly hug.
"Yes, it may be some time until I return, but you need not remind me that for an Elf the time will pass in the blink of an eye."
My Friend, My Brother
Chapter 4 Secrets are Revealed
The rapid healing power of Elves was a wonder Aragorn had witnessed many times, yet he was still amazed to see that after only two brief hours, Thranduil had awoken and was sufficiently recovered to make the trip back to his Hall.
It was almost midnight and to their relief, the clouds disappeared, allowing the soft light of the full moon to cast eerie shadows around them as the four made their way through the forest. Legolas was leading the way for he could see easily in the dim light. Thranduil and Mithrandir followed, the Elf King occasionally needing to rest his hand on the shoulder of the Istari for support. Aragorn followed a short distance behind, senses on the alert and ready to defend should there be more orcs about.
They arrived back at the palace without further incident, and the King was settled comfortably in his bed with Legolas hovering over him, still concerned at how pale and drawn he looked. The strain of walking whilst still weak from the poison had drained his energy and it was not long before Thranduil once again fell asleep.
"Your father will be fine, there is nothing to worry about." Mithrandir said reassuringly. "Aragorn, on the other hand looks as if he is about to collapse. How long is it since you have eaten?" He asked the young man who was sitting on the end of the bed, also looking pale.
"We broke our fast at sunrise, but have not eaten since." He replied as he felt the pangs of hunger he had been trying to ignore. So much had happened since they left this morning on the tree-climbing venture, he had forgotten about meals.
"I think it would be wise if you both go to the kitchens and find yourselves something to eat." Noticing that Legolas was reluctant to leave, he told him that he would watch over Thranduil until he awoke. "Oh, and Legolas," he added as the Elf headed for the door, "please have some refreshments sent for this old wizard, at least I have sense enough to know when I am hungry."
After he had organised for food and wine to be sent up to his father's chambers, Legolas set a platter of fresh bread, various cheeses and a selection of fruits on the table and poured himself and Aragorn some wine. They ate in silence and Aragorn quickly cleared his plate, only now realising how hungry he had been. Finally sated, he decided that all he needed now was a nice relaxing smoke of his pipe.
"If you wish to spoil the air with that weed of yours," Legolas said with a smile, "I suggest we go outside into the garden, for I prefer the comfort of starlight to smoke."
"How did you know what I was thinking?" Aragorn asked, eyeing his friend warily. As far as he was aware, Elves could not read minds.
Legolas laughed, "You always look for your pipe after a meal." That was true, Aragorn had to admit. He felt a twinge of pleasure that the Elf had noticed his behaviour. Out of deference to his friend's dislike of the pipe, Aragorn chose a spot well away from the tree Legolas was sitting under and they remained in comfortable silence for a while. Finally Aragorn asked,
"What do you know of Mithrandir? Who is he? From where does he come?"
"Perhaps you should ask him yourself," Legolas suggested enigmatically, "I only know that he has held 'secret' meetings with my father on several occasions and that he appears to be a wizard, but I do not know the extent of his powers. Nor do I know where he is from, he just arrived here one day."
"Thranduil did not object to an outsider in his forest?" Aragorn asked. "I thought no-one but Elves were permitted in his Realm."
"You are not an Elf, but you are here." Legolas stated simply.
"Yes, and I am glad, for it may be, my friend, that we would never have met otherwise. It seems that I should not believe everything I hear!"
"Nor should I, for my father has often said that the race of Men is weak and untrustworthy, but I do not find you so, nin mellon."
Aragorn laughed, "Elrond says the same thing. I wonder if he and your father realise they actually agree on something."
"That is an amusing thought indeed," said Legolas and they both laughed. "It is not long until sunrise, I suggest we both take some rest." Aragorn's yawn showed that he was in total agreement and they retired to their rooms.
*******
While he watched over the sleeping King, Mithrandir sat contemplating the strange hand fate had dealt the two young ones who just left. Aragorn was the last of the kings of men, though he had chosen exile rather than the throne, whereas Legolas would remain a Prince forever unless his Father met an untimely death or was called over the sea. A steward bearing a tray of food interrupted his musings and he spent a pleasant few minutes enjoying his repast. After a final check on his patient, he made himself comfortable in the large armchair by the fire, and was soon fell into a light sleep, knowing he would hear if Thranduil roused.
It was not the King who awakened him, but the light of the first rays of the morning sun as it shone through the open window. Legolas arrived shortly after with a breakfast tray, and they were both surprised when Thranduil sat slowly up in bed and asked for a glass of wine. Mithrandir merely raised an eyebrow and nodded permission.
"How are you this morning, Father?" he asked as he handed the goblet to his father. The King took a few small sips and replied,
"Well enough to know that the wine is not chilled enough!" Aragorn entered the room in time to hear the King's words and everyone laughed with relief to see that Thranduil was now obviously fully recovered. "I believe I remember something about you and Legolas rescuing me from those Orcs," he said to Aragorn, "I would like to hear what happened."
"We were just about to head back to the palace to seek shelter from the approaching storm, when Legolas saw you in the distance. He was curious as to why you were in the forest, in such inclement weather and without your guards." Legolas shot Aragorn a look that suggested that his last statement was not very helpful.
"I thought it unusual for you to be hunting alone, so I decided to follow you." Legolas explained, noting that Thranduil was not looking particularly pleased at this moment.
"You decided to FOLLOW me?" he asked, a storm brewing in his eyes.
"We BOTH decided," interrupted Aragorn, trying to redeem himself in his friend's eyes.
"And well they did, wouldn't you agree Thranduil?" asked Mithrandir calmly in an attempt to prevent any further outrage. "If not for your son's skill with the bow, the Orcs would have taken you to Dol Guldur. Aragorn's herbal tea helped prevent the poison from taking a stronger hold."
"In the circumstances it was fortunate," he agreed. Glaring at his son and his friend he warned, "However, do not think to make a habit of such behaviour, either of you! I think that Legolas and Aragorn should leave us now, for I wish to speak in private with Mithrandir."
"No, let them stay. I have reason to believe that this concerns them as well." Although he could not see the future, Mithrandir was sure that the two heirs of their Kingdoms were to take a great part in the destiny of Middle Earth, that there was a reason that Man and Elf had become friends once more.
"What news did you have for me that you deemed it necessary to meet in secret?" Asked Thranduil as Legolas and Aragorn exchanged triumphant looks, for they had been very curious about the secret meeting.
"The news from the last Council meeting does not bode well. There is much evidence that the Necromancer is not just a minion of Sauron, but the Dark Lord himself. If this is the case, then it must be considered that the One Ring has been found."
Thranduil was startled by this news, he knew well of the spread of Darkness and Shadow throughout his own realm, something his own Elvish powers could hold art bay, but not destroy. The One Ring was a different matter altogether, for if it was returned to its Lord, the battle of the Last Alliance would have all been in vain.
"I assume that the Dark Lord does not have it yet?" he asked.
"No, but I believe it has passed to the creature Gollum. I have not yet been able to find him, but neither has the Dark Lord." Mithrandir said. "However, once he is found, I will need a safe place for him to stay, somewhere out of Sauron's reach. I had hoped that you would provide such a place." It was apparent that the King was not happy to comply with this request and was surprised when Legolas spoke up,
"Father, we must do this, if the creature can be found. Any news of the One Ring must be kept from the Shadow." Thranduil had told his son many tales of the battle against Sauron, and of his fears that he had not been totally defeated.
"Legolas is right, Your Majesty," dared Aragorn. "This evil cannot be allowed to flourish. I will search throughout the land and should I find him, I will bring the creature, Gollum, here for safekeeping."
"So be it." Thranduil grudgingly agreed. He turned to face his son, "Should Gollum be found, he will be your responsibility."
"Excellent. I thank you for that Thranduil." Mithrandir said, pleased that all was going to plan. "Aragorn and I should make haste to Rivendell, to inform Elrond of our intentions. The sooner the search for the creature begins, the better."
It was with sadness that Aragorn said farewell to the Elves of Mirkwood, for he had enjoyed his time there, and he knew that he would miss the company of his friend. Legolas accompanied Aragorn and Mithrandir to the edge of the forest and bid a fond farewell to the Istari.
"Take care of that father of yours, young Prince," Mithrandir said lightly.
"Farewell, Mithrandir, until next time." Legolas turned to Aragorn, who was waiting to take his leave,
"Farwell, my friend. I know not when we will meet again, but rest assured we will!" He said as Aragorn drew him into a brotherly hug.
"Yes, it may be some time until I return, but you need not remind me that for an Elf the time will pass in the blink of an eye."