Duath uin Taur
"Darkness of the Forest"
By G. D. Gauss
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For disclaimer, rating, etc. see Chapter 1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 3 Homeward Bound
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Approximately one year after the Fellowship set out from Rivendell. The House of Elrond The Ring of Power has been destroyed and peace is restored to Middle- Earth.
The ranger threw a pack over his horse's rump and strapped it to the saddle. "Pray let us go over the Misty Mountains this time. I think we've enough of caves to last us for the rest of our lives."
Legolas smiled as he tightened the girth on his own saddle. "I assure you, Aragorn, we will not be taking the 'scenic' route. Even if we were, Moria's not exactly the place I'd go for a holiday. Besides, I wish to get home as quickly as I may, then return so that Gimli and I can start our travels."
Just as he mentioned the dwarf's name, the stout creature appeared on the doorstep of the Last Homely House. "I request you do not leave me here too long. I don't know how my patience will last with all these merry singing fools!"
"Are you sure you will not join us to Mirkwood, dear friend?" said Aragorn, shooting Legolas a grin. The elf grinned in return.
"Certainly not!" Gimli became irritated as it wasn't the first time he had been asked that question. "The desire to travel has worn out its welcome in my heart for the time being. I don't know about the two of you, but my weary feet need a bit of rest before I begin another journey."
"Understood, my friend," said Legolas, bowing his head. "I wish I too could rest awhile, but I must see my father again before we set out. It has been over a year since I've seen my family." He mounted his horse and Aragorn followed suit.
"Then let us be off," said the ranger, spurring his horse towards the path.
Lord Elrond then appeared on the doorstep beside Gimli. "Hurry back. One of our ships is bound for the undying lands and will set sail in two month's time. When you return Imladris may seem quite empty."
Aragorn's brows furrowed. "You will not be leaving at that time as well, will you?"
"No, I am staying until all of my people have left."
Gimli let out a huff. "I pray you do not leave me here that long!"
Legolas smiled. "Don't worry, Gimli. I do not plan to tarry at home quite so long."
Elrond raised his hand in farewell. "Safe journey, both of you."
With that, the ranger and the elf spurred their horses off down the path.
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Within half and hour's time, they made it to the edge of the valley. Above them, the clouds parted and gave way to the bright sun and blue sky. That morning, their journey threatened to be a damp one but it seemed that the weather took a sudden turn and light shone on their path.
They rode on at a brisk pace and were able to reach the base of the hills that lined the Misty Mountains by nightfall. The day after, they found the Old Forest Road, yet their journey through the hills went slower for the late winter winds hindered their pace. The weather remained milder than was usual however, and by evening they reached the Beorning, the wide open lands that would lead them to the edge of the forest.
Indeed, the very next afternoon they arrived at the outskirts of Mirkwood, but the sight before them brought a sudden dread into their hearts. The forest had been enveloped by a great evil some time ago, yet when the Dark Lord diminished, so did most evil. The very woods themselves were deteriorating. The shadow that hid in its midst was still evident, however. The magic that once held the beauty of the forest could no longer fight back and darkness now held it completely.
Aragorn closed his eyes. He almost hoped that when he opened them again, the sight before him would turn out to be only a dream. His eyes opened and was once again looking at Mirkwood the deceased. The trees were dead, a haze settled in their midst. Sunlight seemed to stop at its borders, afraid to venture into the dense darkness.
Legolas remained completely still beside him. Almost too still. Aragorn turned to look at his friend. The elf kept his gaze on the woods before him. "It happened so quickly. It wasn't like this when I left." Aragorn could hear the sadness in his friend's voice and he cringed. Legolas gathered up his reins. "Well, it won't get any better just by sitting here and staring. We must make haste to my father's palace. Whatever happens to the forest affects our kingdom as well and we must pray that no disaster has occurred." His voice quavered as he spoke. He tried to hold some optimism, but the current situation held little hope. Somewhere in there, the people of Mirkwood were imprisoned.
The two riders eased their horses forward, wishing to enter quietly and hoping their presence would keep unnoticed by any lurking in the shadows.
As the first wisps of mist swirled around them, their horses suddenly became restless and tossed their heads and pawed at the ground. They refused to move forward any more. No matter how the ranger and elf urged them or coaxed them they would not go a step further into the darkness. Legolas' horse suddenly reared onto its hind legs, throwing the elf prince backwards onto the forest floor. Aragorn's horse pranced to the side at its companion's sudden movements and the ranger slid off and took hold of the reins before the animal could throw him as well. Legolas managed to land somewhat on his feet and caught a hold of his horse.
"We cannot ask them to take us further," said Aragorn, removing his pack from the horse's saddle. "They know where it's safe and where it isn't." He took off the horse's bridle and tied it securely to the saddle. Legolas took his bags as well, then removed the horse's bridle, attaching it to the saddle as the ranger had done. Both of the animals spun around and took off down the stretch of the fields back towards the mountain pass, towards home.
When the two travelers slung their packs over their shoulders, they turned without hesitation into the mists, knowing the situation could only get worse if they lingered. They began their long and treacherous trek through the tangled foliage and dense darkness.
The forest around them was strangely quiet. Even the elf's soft steps could faintly be heard. There were no birds, squirrels, or anything to scurry across their path. When Legolas looked around, he could plainly see why. No creature could possibly want to live in such a corrupted place. Not unless it were.
He was loath to think of any dark creatures they may meet on their way to the palace. His sudden remembrance of his people made his heart drop. He felt a coldness and dread inside. He was terrified of what awaited him in his own home. The odds were that his people were there, alive and well, but living in fear of the outside around them. He couldn't blame them for being scared. The stillness that surrounded him and his friend was quite frightening.
A twig cracking behind him made the prince whirl around, bow drawn and heart pounding in his ears above all other sound. He calmed himself when he realized it must have only been Aragorn, for he had not the softness of step that the elves possessed.
Legolas let himself breathe again. "I was afraid for a moment that something was hunting us from behind. It was only you, wasn't it?" Aragorn's frozen face of partial confusion caught the prince's gaze. "Wasn't it. Estel?"
The ranger shook his head slowly. "I have not yet even seen any twigs to step on since we entered the forest. I regret to tell you that it was not I who made that sound." A rush and a rustle in the brush to their left made the pair freeze with sudden terror. Nothing could be seen through the dense mist, but the constant feeling of darkness in their hearts suddenly deepened.
Legolas whispered in his friend's ear, "Let us make haste, do not worry about noise. I fear now we are being watched and followed, our presence has already been discovered." As if confirming their suspicions, a long and low howl pierced the silence only several hundred yards from where they now stood. The elf took Aragorn by the arm and they both rushed down the path, burying themselves deeper into the darkening dread.
At the top of a ravine, they could not see into the sudden drop below them. They made their way carefully down, making sure they had secure holds on a branch or vine if they should lose their footing.
Suddenly, only several yards from the very bottom of the dike, many pairs of eyes were visible glowing through the shadows.
By G. D. Gauss
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For disclaimer, rating, etc. see Chapter 1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 3 Homeward Bound
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Approximately one year after the Fellowship set out from Rivendell. The House of Elrond The Ring of Power has been destroyed and peace is restored to Middle- Earth.
The ranger threw a pack over his horse's rump and strapped it to the saddle. "Pray let us go over the Misty Mountains this time. I think we've enough of caves to last us for the rest of our lives."
Legolas smiled as he tightened the girth on his own saddle. "I assure you, Aragorn, we will not be taking the 'scenic' route. Even if we were, Moria's not exactly the place I'd go for a holiday. Besides, I wish to get home as quickly as I may, then return so that Gimli and I can start our travels."
Just as he mentioned the dwarf's name, the stout creature appeared on the doorstep of the Last Homely House. "I request you do not leave me here too long. I don't know how my patience will last with all these merry singing fools!"
"Are you sure you will not join us to Mirkwood, dear friend?" said Aragorn, shooting Legolas a grin. The elf grinned in return.
"Certainly not!" Gimli became irritated as it wasn't the first time he had been asked that question. "The desire to travel has worn out its welcome in my heart for the time being. I don't know about the two of you, but my weary feet need a bit of rest before I begin another journey."
"Understood, my friend," said Legolas, bowing his head. "I wish I too could rest awhile, but I must see my father again before we set out. It has been over a year since I've seen my family." He mounted his horse and Aragorn followed suit.
"Then let us be off," said the ranger, spurring his horse towards the path.
Lord Elrond then appeared on the doorstep beside Gimli. "Hurry back. One of our ships is bound for the undying lands and will set sail in two month's time. When you return Imladris may seem quite empty."
Aragorn's brows furrowed. "You will not be leaving at that time as well, will you?"
"No, I am staying until all of my people have left."
Gimli let out a huff. "I pray you do not leave me here that long!"
Legolas smiled. "Don't worry, Gimli. I do not plan to tarry at home quite so long."
Elrond raised his hand in farewell. "Safe journey, both of you."
With that, the ranger and the elf spurred their horses off down the path.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Within half and hour's time, they made it to the edge of the valley. Above them, the clouds parted and gave way to the bright sun and blue sky. That morning, their journey threatened to be a damp one but it seemed that the weather took a sudden turn and light shone on their path.
They rode on at a brisk pace and were able to reach the base of the hills that lined the Misty Mountains by nightfall. The day after, they found the Old Forest Road, yet their journey through the hills went slower for the late winter winds hindered their pace. The weather remained milder than was usual however, and by evening they reached the Beorning, the wide open lands that would lead them to the edge of the forest.
Indeed, the very next afternoon they arrived at the outskirts of Mirkwood, but the sight before them brought a sudden dread into their hearts. The forest had been enveloped by a great evil some time ago, yet when the Dark Lord diminished, so did most evil. The very woods themselves were deteriorating. The shadow that hid in its midst was still evident, however. The magic that once held the beauty of the forest could no longer fight back and darkness now held it completely.
Aragorn closed his eyes. He almost hoped that when he opened them again, the sight before him would turn out to be only a dream. His eyes opened and was once again looking at Mirkwood the deceased. The trees were dead, a haze settled in their midst. Sunlight seemed to stop at its borders, afraid to venture into the dense darkness.
Legolas remained completely still beside him. Almost too still. Aragorn turned to look at his friend. The elf kept his gaze on the woods before him. "It happened so quickly. It wasn't like this when I left." Aragorn could hear the sadness in his friend's voice and he cringed. Legolas gathered up his reins. "Well, it won't get any better just by sitting here and staring. We must make haste to my father's palace. Whatever happens to the forest affects our kingdom as well and we must pray that no disaster has occurred." His voice quavered as he spoke. He tried to hold some optimism, but the current situation held little hope. Somewhere in there, the people of Mirkwood were imprisoned.
The two riders eased their horses forward, wishing to enter quietly and hoping their presence would keep unnoticed by any lurking in the shadows.
As the first wisps of mist swirled around them, their horses suddenly became restless and tossed their heads and pawed at the ground. They refused to move forward any more. No matter how the ranger and elf urged them or coaxed them they would not go a step further into the darkness. Legolas' horse suddenly reared onto its hind legs, throwing the elf prince backwards onto the forest floor. Aragorn's horse pranced to the side at its companion's sudden movements and the ranger slid off and took hold of the reins before the animal could throw him as well. Legolas managed to land somewhat on his feet and caught a hold of his horse.
"We cannot ask them to take us further," said Aragorn, removing his pack from the horse's saddle. "They know where it's safe and where it isn't." He took off the horse's bridle and tied it securely to the saddle. Legolas took his bags as well, then removed the horse's bridle, attaching it to the saddle as the ranger had done. Both of the animals spun around and took off down the stretch of the fields back towards the mountain pass, towards home.
When the two travelers slung their packs over their shoulders, they turned without hesitation into the mists, knowing the situation could only get worse if they lingered. They began their long and treacherous trek through the tangled foliage and dense darkness.
The forest around them was strangely quiet. Even the elf's soft steps could faintly be heard. There were no birds, squirrels, or anything to scurry across their path. When Legolas looked around, he could plainly see why. No creature could possibly want to live in such a corrupted place. Not unless it were.
He was loath to think of any dark creatures they may meet on their way to the palace. His sudden remembrance of his people made his heart drop. He felt a coldness and dread inside. He was terrified of what awaited him in his own home. The odds were that his people were there, alive and well, but living in fear of the outside around them. He couldn't blame them for being scared. The stillness that surrounded him and his friend was quite frightening.
A twig cracking behind him made the prince whirl around, bow drawn and heart pounding in his ears above all other sound. He calmed himself when he realized it must have only been Aragorn, for he had not the softness of step that the elves possessed.
Legolas let himself breathe again. "I was afraid for a moment that something was hunting us from behind. It was only you, wasn't it?" Aragorn's frozen face of partial confusion caught the prince's gaze. "Wasn't it. Estel?"
The ranger shook his head slowly. "I have not yet even seen any twigs to step on since we entered the forest. I regret to tell you that it was not I who made that sound." A rush and a rustle in the brush to their left made the pair freeze with sudden terror. Nothing could be seen through the dense mist, but the constant feeling of darkness in their hearts suddenly deepened.
Legolas whispered in his friend's ear, "Let us make haste, do not worry about noise. I fear now we are being watched and followed, our presence has already been discovered." As if confirming their suspicions, a long and low howl pierced the silence only several hundred yards from where they now stood. The elf took Aragorn by the arm and they both rushed down the path, burying themselves deeper into the darkening dread.
At the top of a ravine, they could not see into the sudden drop below them. They made their way carefully down, making sure they had secure holds on a branch or vine if they should lose their footing.
Suddenly, only several yards from the very bottom of the dike, many pairs of eyes were visible glowing through the shadows.