Author's Notes: This is my first LOTR fanfiction that I've ever put up
anywhere and it has yet to be proofread so I would really appreciate any
feedback. but as it is my first story, please be kind. Like this story, I
have a lot of others that are work in progress so bear with me. The more
reviews and comments I get, the more I can write and the better the stories
will be. Also, some of the Elvish may be incorrect so I'd appreciate any
help there too. This story is a bit of a mix between book and movie-verse
so there may be a few inconsistencies as well. None of these characters
save for Laurelen, Annuviel, and maybe others I make up are obviously not
mine. I am not profiting from this story so don't sue me!
"//..//" denotes Elvish dialogue
Italics denote dream sequences or flashbacks
Synopsis: As the Fellowship of the Ring travels on their quest, none know that Legolas carries with him a grievous heart due to centuries of loneliness and sorrow that nearly killed him long ago. But, in the darkness of a forest overshadowed by Sauron's minions, they meet a light that guides them all to something that shall change their lives and their stories forever. Will it be enough to lift Legolas' heart or only serve to add to its heavy weight?
WHAT STRENGTH IS IN OUR HEARTS By Terra Forever
CHAPTER TWO
Legolas heard dislike and annoyance in the girl's voice as she spoke in Sindarin but he kept calm though he kept a close eye on the end of the sharp blade that was far too close to his face for his liking. " //My lady, we would like to do so but our journey is not that easy. We must travel through these woods if we are to be successful.// "
The child said nothing for a moment as she studied the Company. It was a strange group and she had never seen the Hobbits nor the Dwarf. " //What sort of Company would travel with Elf, Man, Halflings, and Dwarf alike?// " She had heard stories of Men and their great weaknesses and eyed them suspiciously but it was Gimli who made her ill at ease the most. How could she trust such a band of strange peoples even if they did travel with an Elf.
" //We mean no harm,//" Aragorn replied in perfect Sindarin, " //but we are on a noble quest to rid Middle Earth of evil once and for all.// "
The Elvish girl looked at Aragorn with surprise. "//You know Elvish?//"
" //He is Aragorn, foster son of Lord Elrond Peredhil,// " Legolas announced knowing that Aragorn would not want a stranger to know his true identity.
"//Foster son of the Lord of Imladris?//" Her blue eyes studied Aragorn even more.
Legolas nodded. "//And I am Legolas Greenleaf son of Thranduil of Mirkwood. I know you are weary of those I travel with, but I assure you that all here are friends of mine and friends of Elves alike.//"
The stranger did not look entirely convinced but for some reason she felt she could trust them and she trusted the blond elf. He was a picture of Elvish beauty and reminded her of the Elf her mother often told her of before. Hearing his name and his heritage surely he could not be as evil as the fell creatures that resided in the dark woods.
Then, Gandalf stepped forward and gave his kind smile to the girl. "//My dear, we ask only that you let us pass. do you know a faster route that will lead us out of this forest without further incident?// "
The girl shook her head. "//You must keep to your path but this quest of yours intrigues me. I will help you out of this forest for I wish you all the best of luck. I believe that you are on a journey in which your allies are numbered. I know these woods well.//"
"//We do not wish to trouble you,//" Aragorn said, kindly. Whoever this Elf was he wondered her age for she looked young even for either human or Elf yet there was something that made her seem older. Though he lived most of his life with Elves he still had trouble telling their age.
At that the Half-Elven child smiled. "//There is no trouble. It would be a pleasure to rid these lands of those Orcs and the Shadows.//"
Legolas couldn't help but smile as well. She had much strength and spirit in her, making her quick to like. "//Thank you,//" he said, giving a small bow.
"//Do your other friends know Elvish?//" she asked although from their confused and wary expression she already guessed at the answer.
"//No,// " replied Legolas.
With a nod, the girl stepped toward the others and spoke in Westron tongue. "I hope that I will be able to help you on your quest at least as far as this forest extends north. My name is Laurelén,." She gave a slight bow and Frodo smiled but turned to the others as if asking if it was all right; could they really trust this stranger?
Gandalf gave a slight nod and introduced the rest of the Fellowship and himself. Gandalf's name rang a bell in Laurelén's mind. She asked him a few questions and when he asked how she knew of him, she told them that her mother told her stories of the past and she knew well the legend of the One Ring. Though to hear the name Gandalf was odd since she knew him more as Mithrandir. "You are taking on a great task, my dear Laurelén," Gandalf told her as she guided them on.
Laurelén only smiled. "I will do as I must, Mithrandir, in order to help those around me. It is not unusual for me to help those wayfarers who wander here anyway."
"How came you to be out here in these wild woods," Legolas asked, reflecting the thoughts of the Fellowship.
A look of pain and confusion crossed Laurelén's face for a brief moment. "I do not rightly know, sir. My mother never completely answered my own questions and I feel that she does not entirely know either."
Legolas only nodded. This child was an intriguing mystery. Few Elves strayed far on their own and lived in forests such as these. Were they outcasts perhaps?
"Can she be trusted," Legolas overheard Boromir whispering to Aragorn. No doubt the Elven child heard as well but she made no sign of it.
Aragorn shook his head. "I do not know for sure but my heart tells me we can. I do not know how well we will fair in these woods without any sort of guide."
Laurelén listened as the two spoke not offended in the least. She understood that they were wary of their surroundings and she thought it to be better this way. "Do not think that this forest was always so dark and dreary," Laurelén murmured. "When I was younger, it was once filled with bright sunlight filtering through the trees. Even when winter touched these lands, it was still beautiful - never as barren as other places would normally be. It was a home to be proud of but the past few hundred years. it slowly darkened. I can only guess it was Sauron's reach extending farther and farther."
"We shall restore your home to its former self," Aragorn promised her, and with that his friends knew he meant to restore all of Middle Earth to its former beauty when it was untouched by Sauron.
"Aye, we shall restore what is rightfully good and filled with light," nodded Boromir thinking of his homeland. They were nearing Gondor on their route but he could not help but feel as if it was so far away to him, that perhaps he may never see the White City again.
Laurelén smiled and was glad to hear such words spoken out loud instead of remaining as hopeful thoughts left only in the mind. However, it was odd to see the smile on Boromir's face. She could see the kindness and sincerity in the man, but there was something else there that she did not like. Weakness, she thought. I see in him how the weakness of Man grows, yet in the other I sense a great strength that he does not even seem to know of.
Soon dusk came and wearily, the Company found a place to settle for the night. Laurelén volunteered to have first watch. She saw that the others needed rest, including those who made it seem as if their strength was unwavering, specifically that of the Elven Prince. "You cannot hide your weariness, Prince Legolas," Laurelén told her as she watched the others doze, the prince the only one almost refusing to sleep. Legolas was surprised that she called him by that title for none other in the Fellowship did. He wondered how she knew but realized that if she knew who ruled Rivendell she would know who ruled Mirkwood. "Do you fear that I will betray you or your Company?"
Legolas turned to her. "Nay, lady, but I cannot sleep peacefully until the end of this."
Laurelén saw the pain flicker in his blue eyes. How it so mirrored her mother's. She was told that Elves were a great people yet from the two Elves she now knew she saw nothing but sadness and a bright light that once was.
"//After this, you and your mother should travel to both Rivendell and Lothlorien; beauty there is incomparable.//"
"//What of your home? Is that not beautiful as well?//"
Legolas looked away and thought of his home, once the Great Greenwood but now named Mirkwood so named for the darkness that has covered much of the forests. "//It was. once. It is the most dangerous of the Elven lands now left on Middle Earth. It is still beautiful but there are great risks to see such beauty.//"
"//I'm sure it will be well worth it. Whether Imladris, Caras Galadhon, or Mirkwood, I think Mother would like those places, yet she refuses to go anywhere else. Is it the fate of Elves to be burdened as an immortal?//"
"//I do not know, Lady, but it makes one wonder whether or not immortality is as glorious as many mortals make it seem to be./"
"//I do wonder that myself so often.//" Then Laurelén shook her head. "//Prince Legolas, you should not call me Lady for if I am right I am centuries younger than you. Besides, I am no lady, simply Laurelén.//"
Legolas smiled. "//Only if you cease the princely title.//"
"//Then it is done,//" she acclaimed. "//Growing up with only Naneth I was never much for such formalities. But, please know that I still hold much respect for you. Now, enough of this speech - it is time for you to sleep. Should I sing you a lullaby?//"
The older Elf smiled and shook his head not missing playful tone in Laurelén's voice. "That won't be necessary, Laurelén, though I thank you for the offer."
With a nod, Laurelén looked away as if to signal that she will cease their chatter so he could go to sleep. Legolas lay down and closed his eyes, almost afraid to, but somehow feeling less heavy in his heart after his little conversation with the young Elf.
Laurelén looked at the Company and could not help but smile. Always her mother said that some day she will find her place and she felt it to be her place aiding the Fellowship. Laurelén believed that once all the evil was gone and all returned to the peaceful ways they once were, her mother's heart would lighten. She had never met anyone else save for the wanderers that passed her homes but never again did she see them. Her mother and Legolas were the only two Elves she had ever known. Both were troubled deep inside and she feared that she too would grow only to live in a hidden shadow of pain.
Hours later, as Laurelén began to wake Boromir, the next on watch, she heard something and the two froze. Looking around she saw nothing but heard the sounds, like soft whispers and moans. "It is not the wind," she said, "for there is none. Wake the others quickly and quietly."
Boromir nodded and proceeded to wake the rest of the Fellowship, as did Laurelén. Like Legolas and Aragorn she carried with her a bow and both were ready with their arrows. Aside from the bow and arrow he had a small dagger but no other weapons. "What is it?" asked Frodo looking around him but hearing nothing and seeing just as little.
"I do not know but we are being watched and I fear we are surrounded," replied the Elf girl. "It must be the Shadows of Sauron for they are the only things I can think of that would move this way."
"The Shadows of Sauron?" asked Pippin, not liking the sound of that at all.
"They are creatures that move in the shadows, silent and swift. Only in the cover of night do they roam. I have never seen their faces, for it seems they are not just shrouded by gloom but they are darkness itself," replied Laurelén. "They are Sauron's minions, as evil as a shadow of the Dark Lord would be.
"As if he didn't already have enough," muttered Merry. "Why do we do nothing?"
"Because we do not exactly know what to do," admitted Gimli.
"They are coming closer," Legolas whispered.
"I don't see anything," Pippin exclaimed, holding his sword tightly.
Laurelén closed her eyes and calmed herself, letting her other senses take control. She let the world around her tell her what was going on within it for her sense of sight is no use here. "Legolas, close your eyes," she whispered to the Elf next to her. "Tell me what you sense."
"I can feel their presence more now." Legolas replied. He could almost "see" the creatures they were up against and then he turned to the wizard. "Gandalf, shine brightly a light!" Without hesitation, Gandalf created a bright light from his staff and suddenly dozens of shadowy forms were revealed surrounding the Company. Legolas' bow sang its bittersweet tune as he drove his arrows into the creatures, rewarded by their squeals of pain. Laurelén's arrows went as quickly and just as well while the others engaged now able to see their opponents.
Gandalf struck a shadowy creature but nearly fell back after losing his balance if not for Laurelén 's aid. "Thank you Laurelén," he told her.
"Will you be able to fight and hold this light for us, Mithrandir?" she asked, worried.
"I will do my part so long as you and the others do yours. You must make sure that Frodo stays safe, Laurelén. He is the one who shall save us all. Above all he must live!" But he had great hope also for Aragorn for he saw a bright future in him and for all of Middle Earth. Laurelén did not need to be told this for Gandalf told her with his eyes.
With a nod, Laurelén jumped into the air, seeming to disappear, but really landing onto a branch and attacking from above. There seems to be no end to these creatures, she thought. They are evil spawned from the dark shadows of Sauron himself. A slight fear crept into the girl's skin but she quickly ignored it and fought on. She was beginning to run low with her arrows having used them the previous day to a great extent. Finally, she jumped down and joined the fight using her dagger, but everyone knew she was at a disadvantage with the smaller weapon.
"Stay close to me, Frodo Baggins," Laurelén commanded, holding the dagger out. Her eyes were set and serious and she looked much older than she was, the Hobbits noticed. "Mithrandir, know you not how to stop these creatures for good?"
"They are unlike any that I've ever encountered before," replied the Gray Pilgrim. "We must do what we can." He was actually hoping that Laurelén might know for she seemed to have encountered them before.
The fight continued and soon the Company grew weary as they tried to move on and escape from the rest of the Shadows, but the creatures pressed on. "It's no use," Boromir cried out in exhaustion. "They just keep coming!"
Legolas narrowed his eyes. "We mustn't give up," he shouted.
"Gandalf, can that light of yours shine any brighter?" asked Aragorn, turning to the wizard as he shoved one of the creatures to the side.
"Not much more," Gandalf shook his head. The light shone just a little brighter but it was enough for the time. The creatures screeched in pain. "The light does pain them but what we need is the true light of the sun!"
"That is not for another few hours," Frodo gasped, afraid of what that meant. Despair crept now from the corners of his mind ready to overtake him.
Laurelén looked around her, trying to find some way that she could detain their enemies and they could flee ahead for a little bit, but she saw nothing that could aid them. Just then, she saw a creature headed for Gandalf, charging at the Grey Wizard. "Mithrandir!"
He saw the rushing creature and he uttered some words, forcing it back, but not before its shadowy limb touched Gandalf's staff and the light flickered, almost going out. This is not good, he thought. They will try to put out the light themselves, he thought. They can absorb it. He turned to Elven Prince. "Legolas, you are the next brightest aside from this light! You will be their target!"
Legolas had already noticed this but said nothing, not sure if what he thought was true. Now Gandalf's words confirmed his fears and he grit his teeth. Legolas turned to Laurelén who was having trouble with only her dagger and he knew that even if she was only part Elvish, she had the characteristics of an Elf, the blood of the Firstborne outweighing the other that she had. "Laurelén be on your guard!"
"If they touch them," Aragorn turned to Gandalf, referring to the two Elves, "what should happen?"
"They can drain them of their energy but I truly do not know. I can only hope it will not kill them for it is a difficult task to keep your opponent from touching you somehow." This is true devilry that even Saruman could not have created. He feared now for the two Elves more than ever.
"Even dead they could probably still pose as a threat," Gimli muttered, annoyed and angry that this was taking so long.
But, finally, the band of dark creatures grew thinner and soon it seemed that the battle would be over. Frodo, leaned heavily against a tree, his energy being spent far too quickly. He wasn't sure how much longer he could last. Unlike the Orcs these creatures were much faster and harder to strike. While he knew that their touch would have little to no affect on him, he still almost feared to be so close to such evil.
"Frodo, are you alright, sir?" Sam asked, looking at him worriedly.
"Aye, but I know not for how much longer, Sam. I'm afraid that I was not meant for battle." He lowered his head.
"Don't say such things, Frodo," Pippin chided him. "None of us ever expected to do this yet look at how far we've gotten! It'll all be for naught if you should give up now, Frodo."
"For once he said something intelligent," Merry quipped.
Frodo smiled but it was soon replaced by a grimace when they were forced to defend themselves again. Meanwhile, Gimli swung his axe round and round, side to side, up and down, cutting anything in his way. Though most of his movements only served to diminish his strength, as his blows were not fast enough for the swift creatures of night. Though in the short term his rolling and ducking was saving his life, as he grew more tired, the creatures could still overtake him. But, he heard the exchange between Hobbits and he took those words to heart, swinging harder and faster now, determined to show the shadows the true strength of Dwarves.
Boromir did not like his foes any more than the others. He too almost longed for Orcs or maybe even Wargs in their place. Even if they came in great numbers they were easier to defeat. But he did not like these new shadowy creatures mostly because they reminded him all too much of nightmarish figures, nightmares which always won over him. Aragorn too felt a similar feeling and that pushed him even more to end this fight. These creatures were certainly testing his expert swordsmanship skills.
Suddenly there was a small cry and all heads turned to Laurelén as she fell to the ground, a small gash on her forehead. She was about to be struck by a creature when Legolas dove for her and both rolled to the side safely. "Are you alright?" Legolas asked, lending her a hand.
Laurelén nodded but the blow to her head led everything to spin about. The Mirkwood Prince hoped she had inherited the healing abilities of Elves. "I will be fine." She raised a hand to her head when she saw something in the corner of her eye. "Tira ten' rashwe (Look out)!" Laurelén shoved Legolas aside just as a shadowy limb reached out for them. She rolled to the opposite side and forced herself to her feet. Legolas was about to do the same but as he stood, he was attacked from behind. Just as he turned to confront his attacker, he felt something sting his face and he opened his mouth as if to cry out in pain but no sound came out. Though a painful countenance filled his eyes, contorting his face, as he fell to the ground. Laurelén screamed his name and rushed to kill the creature. But, before she could take a step it was already moving to slay the vulnerable Prince.
"//..//" denotes Elvish dialogue
Italics denote dream sequences or flashbacks
Synopsis: As the Fellowship of the Ring travels on their quest, none know that Legolas carries with him a grievous heart due to centuries of loneliness and sorrow that nearly killed him long ago. But, in the darkness of a forest overshadowed by Sauron's minions, they meet a light that guides them all to something that shall change their lives and their stories forever. Will it be enough to lift Legolas' heart or only serve to add to its heavy weight?
WHAT STRENGTH IS IN OUR HEARTS By Terra Forever
CHAPTER TWO
Legolas heard dislike and annoyance in the girl's voice as she spoke in Sindarin but he kept calm though he kept a close eye on the end of the sharp blade that was far too close to his face for his liking. " //My lady, we would like to do so but our journey is not that easy. We must travel through these woods if we are to be successful.// "
The child said nothing for a moment as she studied the Company. It was a strange group and she had never seen the Hobbits nor the Dwarf. " //What sort of Company would travel with Elf, Man, Halflings, and Dwarf alike?// " She had heard stories of Men and their great weaknesses and eyed them suspiciously but it was Gimli who made her ill at ease the most. How could she trust such a band of strange peoples even if they did travel with an Elf.
" //We mean no harm,//" Aragorn replied in perfect Sindarin, " //but we are on a noble quest to rid Middle Earth of evil once and for all.// "
The Elvish girl looked at Aragorn with surprise. "//You know Elvish?//"
" //He is Aragorn, foster son of Lord Elrond Peredhil,// " Legolas announced knowing that Aragorn would not want a stranger to know his true identity.
"//Foster son of the Lord of Imladris?//" Her blue eyes studied Aragorn even more.
Legolas nodded. "//And I am Legolas Greenleaf son of Thranduil of Mirkwood. I know you are weary of those I travel with, but I assure you that all here are friends of mine and friends of Elves alike.//"
The stranger did not look entirely convinced but for some reason she felt she could trust them and she trusted the blond elf. He was a picture of Elvish beauty and reminded her of the Elf her mother often told her of before. Hearing his name and his heritage surely he could not be as evil as the fell creatures that resided in the dark woods.
Then, Gandalf stepped forward and gave his kind smile to the girl. "//My dear, we ask only that you let us pass. do you know a faster route that will lead us out of this forest without further incident?// "
The girl shook her head. "//You must keep to your path but this quest of yours intrigues me. I will help you out of this forest for I wish you all the best of luck. I believe that you are on a journey in which your allies are numbered. I know these woods well.//"
"//We do not wish to trouble you,//" Aragorn said, kindly. Whoever this Elf was he wondered her age for she looked young even for either human or Elf yet there was something that made her seem older. Though he lived most of his life with Elves he still had trouble telling their age.
At that the Half-Elven child smiled. "//There is no trouble. It would be a pleasure to rid these lands of those Orcs and the Shadows.//"
Legolas couldn't help but smile as well. She had much strength and spirit in her, making her quick to like. "//Thank you,//" he said, giving a small bow.
"//Do your other friends know Elvish?//" she asked although from their confused and wary expression she already guessed at the answer.
"//No,// " replied Legolas.
With a nod, the girl stepped toward the others and spoke in Westron tongue. "I hope that I will be able to help you on your quest at least as far as this forest extends north. My name is Laurelén,." She gave a slight bow and Frodo smiled but turned to the others as if asking if it was all right; could they really trust this stranger?
Gandalf gave a slight nod and introduced the rest of the Fellowship and himself. Gandalf's name rang a bell in Laurelén's mind. She asked him a few questions and when he asked how she knew of him, she told them that her mother told her stories of the past and she knew well the legend of the One Ring. Though to hear the name Gandalf was odd since she knew him more as Mithrandir. "You are taking on a great task, my dear Laurelén," Gandalf told her as she guided them on.
Laurelén only smiled. "I will do as I must, Mithrandir, in order to help those around me. It is not unusual for me to help those wayfarers who wander here anyway."
"How came you to be out here in these wild woods," Legolas asked, reflecting the thoughts of the Fellowship.
A look of pain and confusion crossed Laurelén's face for a brief moment. "I do not rightly know, sir. My mother never completely answered my own questions and I feel that she does not entirely know either."
Legolas only nodded. This child was an intriguing mystery. Few Elves strayed far on their own and lived in forests such as these. Were they outcasts perhaps?
"Can she be trusted," Legolas overheard Boromir whispering to Aragorn. No doubt the Elven child heard as well but she made no sign of it.
Aragorn shook his head. "I do not know for sure but my heart tells me we can. I do not know how well we will fair in these woods without any sort of guide."
Laurelén listened as the two spoke not offended in the least. She understood that they were wary of their surroundings and she thought it to be better this way. "Do not think that this forest was always so dark and dreary," Laurelén murmured. "When I was younger, it was once filled with bright sunlight filtering through the trees. Even when winter touched these lands, it was still beautiful - never as barren as other places would normally be. It was a home to be proud of but the past few hundred years. it slowly darkened. I can only guess it was Sauron's reach extending farther and farther."
"We shall restore your home to its former self," Aragorn promised her, and with that his friends knew he meant to restore all of Middle Earth to its former beauty when it was untouched by Sauron.
"Aye, we shall restore what is rightfully good and filled with light," nodded Boromir thinking of his homeland. They were nearing Gondor on their route but he could not help but feel as if it was so far away to him, that perhaps he may never see the White City again.
Laurelén smiled and was glad to hear such words spoken out loud instead of remaining as hopeful thoughts left only in the mind. However, it was odd to see the smile on Boromir's face. She could see the kindness and sincerity in the man, but there was something else there that she did not like. Weakness, she thought. I see in him how the weakness of Man grows, yet in the other I sense a great strength that he does not even seem to know of.
Soon dusk came and wearily, the Company found a place to settle for the night. Laurelén volunteered to have first watch. She saw that the others needed rest, including those who made it seem as if their strength was unwavering, specifically that of the Elven Prince. "You cannot hide your weariness, Prince Legolas," Laurelén told her as she watched the others doze, the prince the only one almost refusing to sleep. Legolas was surprised that she called him by that title for none other in the Fellowship did. He wondered how she knew but realized that if she knew who ruled Rivendell she would know who ruled Mirkwood. "Do you fear that I will betray you or your Company?"
Legolas turned to her. "Nay, lady, but I cannot sleep peacefully until the end of this."
Laurelén saw the pain flicker in his blue eyes. How it so mirrored her mother's. She was told that Elves were a great people yet from the two Elves she now knew she saw nothing but sadness and a bright light that once was.
"//After this, you and your mother should travel to both Rivendell and Lothlorien; beauty there is incomparable.//"
"//What of your home? Is that not beautiful as well?//"
Legolas looked away and thought of his home, once the Great Greenwood but now named Mirkwood so named for the darkness that has covered much of the forests. "//It was. once. It is the most dangerous of the Elven lands now left on Middle Earth. It is still beautiful but there are great risks to see such beauty.//"
"//I'm sure it will be well worth it. Whether Imladris, Caras Galadhon, or Mirkwood, I think Mother would like those places, yet she refuses to go anywhere else. Is it the fate of Elves to be burdened as an immortal?//"
"//I do not know, Lady, but it makes one wonder whether or not immortality is as glorious as many mortals make it seem to be./"
"//I do wonder that myself so often.//" Then Laurelén shook her head. "//Prince Legolas, you should not call me Lady for if I am right I am centuries younger than you. Besides, I am no lady, simply Laurelén.//"
Legolas smiled. "//Only if you cease the princely title.//"
"//Then it is done,//" she acclaimed. "//Growing up with only Naneth I was never much for such formalities. But, please know that I still hold much respect for you. Now, enough of this speech - it is time for you to sleep. Should I sing you a lullaby?//"
The older Elf smiled and shook his head not missing playful tone in Laurelén's voice. "That won't be necessary, Laurelén, though I thank you for the offer."
With a nod, Laurelén looked away as if to signal that she will cease their chatter so he could go to sleep. Legolas lay down and closed his eyes, almost afraid to, but somehow feeling less heavy in his heart after his little conversation with the young Elf.
Laurelén looked at the Company and could not help but smile. Always her mother said that some day she will find her place and she felt it to be her place aiding the Fellowship. Laurelén believed that once all the evil was gone and all returned to the peaceful ways they once were, her mother's heart would lighten. She had never met anyone else save for the wanderers that passed her homes but never again did she see them. Her mother and Legolas were the only two Elves she had ever known. Both were troubled deep inside and she feared that she too would grow only to live in a hidden shadow of pain.
Hours later, as Laurelén began to wake Boromir, the next on watch, she heard something and the two froze. Looking around she saw nothing but heard the sounds, like soft whispers and moans. "It is not the wind," she said, "for there is none. Wake the others quickly and quietly."
Boromir nodded and proceeded to wake the rest of the Fellowship, as did Laurelén. Like Legolas and Aragorn she carried with her a bow and both were ready with their arrows. Aside from the bow and arrow he had a small dagger but no other weapons. "What is it?" asked Frodo looking around him but hearing nothing and seeing just as little.
"I do not know but we are being watched and I fear we are surrounded," replied the Elf girl. "It must be the Shadows of Sauron for they are the only things I can think of that would move this way."
"The Shadows of Sauron?" asked Pippin, not liking the sound of that at all.
"They are creatures that move in the shadows, silent and swift. Only in the cover of night do they roam. I have never seen their faces, for it seems they are not just shrouded by gloom but they are darkness itself," replied Laurelén. "They are Sauron's minions, as evil as a shadow of the Dark Lord would be.
"As if he didn't already have enough," muttered Merry. "Why do we do nothing?"
"Because we do not exactly know what to do," admitted Gimli.
"They are coming closer," Legolas whispered.
"I don't see anything," Pippin exclaimed, holding his sword tightly.
Laurelén closed her eyes and calmed herself, letting her other senses take control. She let the world around her tell her what was going on within it for her sense of sight is no use here. "Legolas, close your eyes," she whispered to the Elf next to her. "Tell me what you sense."
"I can feel their presence more now." Legolas replied. He could almost "see" the creatures they were up against and then he turned to the wizard. "Gandalf, shine brightly a light!" Without hesitation, Gandalf created a bright light from his staff and suddenly dozens of shadowy forms were revealed surrounding the Company. Legolas' bow sang its bittersweet tune as he drove his arrows into the creatures, rewarded by their squeals of pain. Laurelén's arrows went as quickly and just as well while the others engaged now able to see their opponents.
Gandalf struck a shadowy creature but nearly fell back after losing his balance if not for Laurelén 's aid. "Thank you Laurelén," he told her.
"Will you be able to fight and hold this light for us, Mithrandir?" she asked, worried.
"I will do my part so long as you and the others do yours. You must make sure that Frodo stays safe, Laurelén. He is the one who shall save us all. Above all he must live!" But he had great hope also for Aragorn for he saw a bright future in him and for all of Middle Earth. Laurelén did not need to be told this for Gandalf told her with his eyes.
With a nod, Laurelén jumped into the air, seeming to disappear, but really landing onto a branch and attacking from above. There seems to be no end to these creatures, she thought. They are evil spawned from the dark shadows of Sauron himself. A slight fear crept into the girl's skin but she quickly ignored it and fought on. She was beginning to run low with her arrows having used them the previous day to a great extent. Finally, she jumped down and joined the fight using her dagger, but everyone knew she was at a disadvantage with the smaller weapon.
"Stay close to me, Frodo Baggins," Laurelén commanded, holding the dagger out. Her eyes were set and serious and she looked much older than she was, the Hobbits noticed. "Mithrandir, know you not how to stop these creatures for good?"
"They are unlike any that I've ever encountered before," replied the Gray Pilgrim. "We must do what we can." He was actually hoping that Laurelén might know for she seemed to have encountered them before.
The fight continued and soon the Company grew weary as they tried to move on and escape from the rest of the Shadows, but the creatures pressed on. "It's no use," Boromir cried out in exhaustion. "They just keep coming!"
Legolas narrowed his eyes. "We mustn't give up," he shouted.
"Gandalf, can that light of yours shine any brighter?" asked Aragorn, turning to the wizard as he shoved one of the creatures to the side.
"Not much more," Gandalf shook his head. The light shone just a little brighter but it was enough for the time. The creatures screeched in pain. "The light does pain them but what we need is the true light of the sun!"
"That is not for another few hours," Frodo gasped, afraid of what that meant. Despair crept now from the corners of his mind ready to overtake him.
Laurelén looked around her, trying to find some way that she could detain their enemies and they could flee ahead for a little bit, but she saw nothing that could aid them. Just then, she saw a creature headed for Gandalf, charging at the Grey Wizard. "Mithrandir!"
He saw the rushing creature and he uttered some words, forcing it back, but not before its shadowy limb touched Gandalf's staff and the light flickered, almost going out. This is not good, he thought. They will try to put out the light themselves, he thought. They can absorb it. He turned to Elven Prince. "Legolas, you are the next brightest aside from this light! You will be their target!"
Legolas had already noticed this but said nothing, not sure if what he thought was true. Now Gandalf's words confirmed his fears and he grit his teeth. Legolas turned to Laurelén who was having trouble with only her dagger and he knew that even if she was only part Elvish, she had the characteristics of an Elf, the blood of the Firstborne outweighing the other that she had. "Laurelén be on your guard!"
"If they touch them," Aragorn turned to Gandalf, referring to the two Elves, "what should happen?"
"They can drain them of their energy but I truly do not know. I can only hope it will not kill them for it is a difficult task to keep your opponent from touching you somehow." This is true devilry that even Saruman could not have created. He feared now for the two Elves more than ever.
"Even dead they could probably still pose as a threat," Gimli muttered, annoyed and angry that this was taking so long.
But, finally, the band of dark creatures grew thinner and soon it seemed that the battle would be over. Frodo, leaned heavily against a tree, his energy being spent far too quickly. He wasn't sure how much longer he could last. Unlike the Orcs these creatures were much faster and harder to strike. While he knew that their touch would have little to no affect on him, he still almost feared to be so close to such evil.
"Frodo, are you alright, sir?" Sam asked, looking at him worriedly.
"Aye, but I know not for how much longer, Sam. I'm afraid that I was not meant for battle." He lowered his head.
"Don't say such things, Frodo," Pippin chided him. "None of us ever expected to do this yet look at how far we've gotten! It'll all be for naught if you should give up now, Frodo."
"For once he said something intelligent," Merry quipped.
Frodo smiled but it was soon replaced by a grimace when they were forced to defend themselves again. Meanwhile, Gimli swung his axe round and round, side to side, up and down, cutting anything in his way. Though most of his movements only served to diminish his strength, as his blows were not fast enough for the swift creatures of night. Though in the short term his rolling and ducking was saving his life, as he grew more tired, the creatures could still overtake him. But, he heard the exchange between Hobbits and he took those words to heart, swinging harder and faster now, determined to show the shadows the true strength of Dwarves.
Boromir did not like his foes any more than the others. He too almost longed for Orcs or maybe even Wargs in their place. Even if they came in great numbers they were easier to defeat. But he did not like these new shadowy creatures mostly because they reminded him all too much of nightmarish figures, nightmares which always won over him. Aragorn too felt a similar feeling and that pushed him even more to end this fight. These creatures were certainly testing his expert swordsmanship skills.
Suddenly there was a small cry and all heads turned to Laurelén as she fell to the ground, a small gash on her forehead. She was about to be struck by a creature when Legolas dove for her and both rolled to the side safely. "Are you alright?" Legolas asked, lending her a hand.
Laurelén nodded but the blow to her head led everything to spin about. The Mirkwood Prince hoped she had inherited the healing abilities of Elves. "I will be fine." She raised a hand to her head when she saw something in the corner of her eye. "Tira ten' rashwe (Look out)!" Laurelén shoved Legolas aside just as a shadowy limb reached out for them. She rolled to the opposite side and forced herself to her feet. Legolas was about to do the same but as he stood, he was attacked from behind. Just as he turned to confront his attacker, he felt something sting his face and he opened his mouth as if to cry out in pain but no sound came out. Though a painful countenance filled his eyes, contorting his face, as he fell to the ground. Laurelén screamed his name and rushed to kill the creature. But, before she could take a step it was already moving to slay the vulnerable Prince.