CHAPTER 2
Journey to Strider
"ARAGORN!" The ranger spun round, but it was too late. This would be the last time he saw his friend alive. "No!" he ran as fast as he could over to his fallen companion, at that moment every thing was quiet, the last sounds of the dark beings was swallowed by the deadly silence. Aragorn knelt down beside the fallen elf and rolled him over, the shining blue eyes were no longer shining and bright, the once light and clean blonde hair was dirty, and the fair face that had always been glowing and full of life was extremely pail. The only color left was that of the blood that stained the high cheekbones and forehead.
"Legolas, don't die. You can't die, not now, not ever." There was fear in the mans voice, he had known the elf for so long. Legolas said nothing and just laid motionless in his arms, Aragorn stroked the elf's long blonde hair. He pulled Legolas closer to him; suddenly there was a new presence. Aragorn looked up; another elf stood in front of him. She was speechless as she drew the shiny orc dagger from her side; the blue and black robes she wore swirled around her like waves crashing against the shore. She walked behind Aragorn, finally she spoke. Her voice was soft and the elvish words were clear and meaningful, "Lasto an nin lalaith." (Translation: Listen to my laughter. This is an elvish insult) Then stabbed Aragorn in the back.
Aragorn woke with a jump; sweat dripped down his face. He looked around, then remembered where he was. He sat on his bed at the prancing pony inn, in Bree. He shook his head and went to look out the window then went and sat back down on the edge of the bed.
'That's the third time I've had the same dream in one week', he thought to himself. Something was wrong, Aragorn grabbed his long dark green coat from off of the chair and put it on. He walked over to the mirror, straightened out his shoulder length black hair and ran his hand across his beard. He put on his boots then picked up his bag and cloak from the end of the bed. After he made sure that he had everything, he fastened the cloak around his neck and pulled the dark hood over his head so that his face was not visible.
Aragorn made his way down to the bar; people were talking and shouting. He slipped through the crowd with ease and went and stood at the bar and waited for the bar keep to acknowledge his presents. A few people looked in his direction, but as soon as they thought that he was looking at them they went back to their drinks. Finally the bar keep looked over to Aragorn and walked over to him.
He was taller than Aragorn and was heavily built. He wore a dirty white shirt and a brown waistcoat and matching pants, he looked around uneasily. He ran a large hand over his balding head; "Leavin so soon Mr. Strider?" His voice was low, but his common accent was clear as day. Aragorn stood motionless, and stared at the man from under his hood. The bar keep shifted his weight slightly, his big moustache twitched as he sniffed the air. "I'll jus go get ya bill, Mr. Strider." Then he went and got the big book from under the bar. "That will be," but as he looked up Strider was gone and there was a pouch with some money in it left on the bar.
Aragorn mounted his horse and left Bree as fast as he could, something was going to happen. He knew that Legolas was in trouble, and that he would need help seeking the answers to his problem. I will journey to Rivendell, and then maybe Lord Elrond can help me shed some light on this strange dream.
Darkness started to creep over the Misty Mountains, which were in the far off distance. Legolas stopped his horse and shaded his eyes from the dyeing rays of the sun, with a slender hand. He looked around, but all he saw was clear grassland. "Hopefully Gandalf will be at Isengard," Legolas said as he lowered his hand and patted his horse on the side of the neck.
The last of the summers grass glowed golden and made a gentle rustling as the wind blew through it's long finger like strands. Legolas reached behind him and took out his traveling cloak from his pack, and fastened it around his neck. The wind blew strands of his long blonde hair across his face, as he looked around again his eyes shifted from their usual bright shimmering blue to a darker blue. Legolas reached in his pack again and pulled out a long piece of shiny green ribbon, he quickly braided his hair and drew the hood of his cloak around his head. "Noro lim, Kandayen" with that his horse began to gallop towards Isengard.
Legolas traveled for several hours, and finally the tower of Isengard could be clearly seen on the horizon of the moon lit sky. The night air was bitterly cold and it burned his face and hands with its icy fingers, in the far distance he could hear the faint sound of thunder, hopefully he could reach Isengard before the rain.
As Legolas reached the towering black gates that surrounded Isengard, the moon became totally blocked out by the dark storm clouds. He pulled back his hood and looked around, and then an icy drop of water fell from the dark clouds above, gently falling on his cheek and running down his face. Legolas looked up and another drop of rain fell on his face, he pulled the hood back over his head and pulled his cloak around his shoulders. Suddenly the black gates opened, their metal hinges creaking. Legolas was relived as he rode through; the rain began to fall heavily. He would be relived to get out of the wet. He rode down one of the many long straight roads that led to the tower that loomed ever closer. Many large, leafless, old trees stood tall on either side of the road. Their branches reaching out in all different direction like twisted arms reaching for invisible object.
Finally Legolas reached the main entrance to the tower that shot up towards the sky and disappeared in to the darkness. He dismounted and took the traveling pack off of the horse and flung it over his shoulder. He looked at his horse and whispered elvish words in to its ear. The elf walked gracefully up the dark black steps to the big wood doors. They opened slowly, and out from the shadows stepped a tall figure dressed in gray robes, the stone on the end of his staff lighting up the darkness.
"Hello, and how is the young prince of Mirkwood?" Legolas smiled and pulled the hood of his cloak back, his cheeks were flushed red from traveling in the bitter cold and his hair was damp from the rain. " You know I don't like to be called young, I am 2,391 years old." Gandalf laughed, his gray eyes lit up at the elf's comment, and he adjusted his grip on his staff. " You are young compared to me. So how is your father, and yourself." " My father is doing as well as can be expected and I," he paused " I'm doing as well as can be expected as too." Gandalfs brow creased slightly, his long gray hair fell over his shoulders, and his long graybeard shifted as he readjusted his position. "Come, you can tell me all about it once we go sit down by the nice warm fire." Legolas nodded and followed the old wizard down the long dark corridor, he shuddered at the darkness and his eyes shifted in to a dark blue-green. There's something not right about this, get a hold of your self Legolas. Stop worrying about everything and get a grip! Legolas shook his head and continued down the corridor after Gandalf.
Aragorn set up camp in the foothills of Weathertop, the wind had picked up speed and it was raining every so often. He wished that he had rested back in the Midgewater mash, but he knew that he had to get to Rivendell as quickly as he could. Aragorn had set up a small campfire and hand made himself something to eat, he sat sheltered under a tree. Thunder rumbled through the sky, Aragorn sat with his back against the tree, his sword drawn incase anything challenged him. He was fighting the weariness that threatened to put him to sleep, but finally he gave in.
Gandalf sat in one of the large chairs by the great oak fireplace; Legolas sat in the one across from him. The elf prince sat with his legs crossed, and he rested his chin in the palm of his hand and stared blankly in to the fire. "So what is the purpose of your being hear?" Legolas looked up at Gandalf, " There is something threatening the elves of Mirkwood, and I have been sent on a mission to gather all those who are willing to help us defeat what ever evil it is." Gandalf sat back in his chair and nodded slightly, "What makes you say that these beings are evil?" "I sent scouts to investigate and only six out of the fifteen returned. I have already been to Rivendell and talked to Lord Elrond, he is arranging a council meeting in four days time to discuss the matter further. I was wondering if you would join me in my mission." " I will help you Legolas, I have known the Mirkwood elves too long to let any harm come to them." Legolas sat back in his chair and smiled, " Thank you, this means a lot to me and my father." Gandalf raised his head slightly, his gray eyes flashed in the flickering firelight. " How are things between you and your father these days?" Legolas looked at Gandalf, then looked round nervously, " I rather not speak of that right now, is there some where I might be able to retire for the night?" The wizard stood up and regarded Legolas with worried look, then sighed. He guessed that there had been some sort of confrontation between the prince and his father before he hand left to go to Rivendell. "You may spend the night in hear, then in the morning we can set out." Legolas nodded, "I thank you again, rest well." Gandalf smiled and walked out of the door, he glanced quickly over his shoulder and saw a tear roll down Legolas's face. He continued to walk back to the main study chamber in the great tower, "What have you done this time Thranduil? What have you done?"
The sun slowly began to rise over the hills, the rain had stopped and the short grass sparkled like a sea of pearls and diamonds. Birds flew high up in the sky and the faint cry of hunting eagles was carried in the damp morning breeze.
Aragorn opened his eyes; he was lying in the ground, his sword in hand. He sat up and rubbed his eyes, then finally realized that it was morning. Slowly the ranger stood up and looked around for his horse, and was relived to see it standing where he had left it. Water dripped off of the tree branches on to the leafy ground, The ranger brushed leafs off of his damp, dirty cloths and sheathed his sword. The horse walked over to it's master and nuzzled at his back; Aragorn turned around and took the reigns, " I'm a big fool, one hell of a big fool." He stroked the horse's long muzzle and grabbed the rest of his things. Aragorn stretched his body then mounted his steed, "Now to Rivendell." He gently kicked his horse in the side and went galloping off in the direction of Rivendell.
Legolas woke early, the sunlight splintered through the paneled glass windows. He pushed himself up off of the floor, and blinked his eyes a few times. The fire had burned in to nothing and the room was extremely cold and dark except for the few rays of sunlight. He stood up stiffly and pulled his cloak round him for warmth, then went to his pack and pulled out a leaf pouch that contained elvish way bread. Legolas went and sat back down in one of the chairs and ate his way bread, he sang to him self softly in his own language. Gandalf walked to the door, "Good morning Legolas, did you sleep well?" The elf stopped singing and looked at the wizard, he smiled. " Yes, as well as one can sleep on the floor." He finished his way bread and stood up. "Are you ready to set off?" Gandalf nodded, with that Legolas picked up his pack and followed the wizard down the corridor that he had walked through the night before, until they reached the main doors. Gandalf put on his pointy gray hat and opened the doors. Legolas stepped out in to the fresh morning air and inhaled deeply then exhaled slowly, he was relived to be out in the sunlight again.
Birds flew up to the top of the tower, then down to the trees. There was a faint breeze and the air was scented heavily with the night's rain.
Gandalf had the horses ready and waiting, Legolas placed his pack on the back of his horse and mounted with ease. Just as the sun came over the mountains, the elf and wizard set off back towards Rivendell.
"This is not expectable! How can you just sit and do nothing, when there are others in trouble?" Lord Elrond was now standing; he looked around the table. The other members of the Rivendell council had gone silent at their leaders sudden anger. None of them dared to make eye contact with the Lord of Rivendell; instead they lowered their heads and gave each other sideward glances. Lord Elrond finally sat back down in his chair, he had arranged this small council to try and get support. The prince of Mirkwood would be coming back soon, and he wanted to show that the Rivendell elves were willing to help. One of the other council members finally spoke out, "Well what are we meant to say? You fully well know what King Thranduil is like, Later on he will just throw it back in our faces." "How do you know? He may do that or he might not, you should not judge people so quickly." Every one turned to see Aragorn standing in the doorway; the council member flew out of his chair. "I will not stand hear and be dictated to by some one who is younger and less experienced than me." With that the elf left the council chamber, Lord Elrond sighed. "This discussion will be continued later, council is adjourned." The other council members got up and walked passed Aragorn. Lord Elrond sat motionless until everyone except Aragorn had left, he went and sat down next to Lord Elrond. "Did you have to say that Aragorn? You know that Thindali is very opinionated." " But you don't really like him, I can see that. Why don't you replace him with a new council member?" Lord Elrond laughed, then realized that Aragorn was being serious, "You know I can't do that, it would look like I had done it for my own benefit. Just imagine what that would do." Aragorn sighed, he knew that Elrond was right. He sat back in his chair, "What brings you back to Rivendell, Aragorn? I hope you didn't travel all this way just to annoy my council members." Both human and elf laughed, a slight breeze blew through the room and there was the faint rumble of thunder. " I think that some thing is going to happen to Legolas.' Elrond's expression changed slightly, he picked his glass up off of the table and drank from it before he replied, " What makes you think this?" "For the past few days I have had the same dream." Lord Elrond placed his glass back down on the table, and sat back in his chair. The sleeves of his silvery gray and red robes fell over the arms of the chair. He could tell that whatever was in Aragorn's dream troubled him greatly. "What is in your dream, that is so disturbing?" " It starts with a battle, I do not know what foes I am facing, suddenly I will hear my name get shouted. When I turn around I see Legolas fall to the ground, I run over to him, but it is too late. When I roll him over and lift him in to my arms, he is dead. Everything seems to go dark then someone else comes, I don't know who this strange elf is but she wears blue and black robes. She walks towards me and draws an orc dagger from her side, then she walks around behind me and says 'Lasto an nin lalaith'." Lord Elrond leaned forward slightly, his brow creased at what Aragorn said. " Is that it, or is there more to this dream of yours?" Aragorn sighed, "There is more, this may disturb you. I can say that it has disturbed me greatly." "Continue please." "After she speaks to me she stabs me in the back ,and then this is where I usually wake up. That's the whole story, I don't know who she is and why Legolas dies. My only guess is that something is going to happen." The lord of Rivendell stood up and straightened out his robes, he regarded the ranger with a worried look. He didn't know what to tell Aragorn, this was something that he didn't have the answer for. "The only advice I can give you is to wait and see what happens. See if your dream progresses. Never before have I heard of something like this, you may stay hear if you wish. Legolas should be returning tomorrow." " Legolas has already been hear?" "Yes, didn't I tell you?" Aragorn shook his head and stood up. " No, you didn't. why was he hear?" "The realm of Mirkwood is in danger from some dark beings, he came to talk to me almost three days ago. I am concerned about him, he seemed to be a bit on the edge." The ranger stood up and headed for the door, "Thank you for your time." Lord Elrond nodded and with that the ranger disappeared round the corner. He walked down the long winding corridor and back to the main gates. He mounted his horse and rode out of the gates and through the forest as fast as his horse would go. He made his way to the plains at the edge of the Rivendell border, he looked across the horizon, but saw nothing.
The sun was already at its peak by the time Legolas and Gandalf were halfway back to Rivendell, they had stopped to rest. Gandalf sat on one of the large rocks that were scattered around the few trees that were across the grasslands. Legolas had climbed up one of the trees and was exploring its vast canopy of golden leaves. The elf had found himself a comfortable place to sit among the branches. He untied the green ribbon that he had used to braid his hair, and ran his fingers through the long light blonde strands. Now there was a slight waviness to the long blonde hair that fell over his shoulders, he sighed as his thoughts trailed back to Mirkwood. Legolas hoped that nothing to bad had happened in his absents, because he knew that if his father was in one of his moods, then all the wrath of the Mirkwood king would be directed towards him. The thought of his father's wrath made him shiver; he twisted the green ribbon round his fingers. The sun shone down on the grassland with great intensity, Legolas had completely blocked out everything going on around him. He started to feel the heat of the sun growing uncomfortably hot; he loosened his green and gray tunic, but found little relief from the heat. He unfastened his belt then took off his tunic, then gracefully dropped to the ground. Gandalf was still sitting on the rock smoking his pipe, and looking across the vast expanse of the grassy planes. Legolas straightened out the blue shirt he had been wearing under his tunic, and walked over to his horse and put his tunic in his traveling pack, then strapped his quiver to his back. He made his way over to the rock where the wizard was sitting, and climbed up on to the rock and knelt down next to him. "Are you ready to depart Gandalf?" "Yes, quite ready. You were up in that tree for a long time." "I was just gathering my thoughts, I hope Lord Elrond will be able to help." "I'm sure he will. Are we going straight to Rivendell?" Legolas sat and considered the time they had left; he looked at the position of the sun and realized that it was mid afternoon. " I hoped that I would have time to find Strider." " Strider?" Gandalf gave Legolas a confused look. " Yes, Strider. His real name is Aragorn, but when he's traveling he's known as Strider." "Oh yes, I know now. Lord Elrond's foster son." Legolas stared blankly off in the distance; Gandalf put his pipe away and climbed down off of the rock. He picked up his staff, then looked back at Legolas who was still looking off in to the distance. " Legolas, are you ready?" The elf looked over to the wizard and nodded, he jumped off of the rock and went over to his horse. He gave a quick glance back in the direction he had been looking, then mounted his horse. "To Rivendell, Legolas!" Gandalf shouted has he galloped past the elf with immense speed. Legolas smiled, "Noro lim, Kandayen." With that his horse went galloping off in the direction of Rivendell.
Aragorn sat in the long grass; he had been waiting for hours. Every now and then he thought he saw Legolas, but it would only be the patrolling scouts. He sighed; he would wait all night if he had to. The ranger looked out across the grassy plains again; he squinted as he saw a large black speck on the horizon. He blinked his eyes and realized that it was more scouts, Why are you just sitting around and waiting? Get off of your backside and try to find Legolas! Aragorn shook his head, and sighed. He knew that if he just sat and waited, Legolas would show up sooner or later, but the voice inside his head kept on nagging him. Why are you just sitting around and waiting? Get off of your backside and try to find Legolas! Why are you just sitting around and waiting? Get off of your backside and try to find Legolas! "All right!" he shouted as he stood up. He looked around and realized that he had shouted at himself, he got on his horse and sat and thought for a moment. "If I were Legolas where would I go?" he said to himself quietly. It was useless; Aragorn had no idea where the elf might travel. He gently taped his horse in the side with his heel and his hors began to walk. He looked around and decided to head southwest then turn back, for how long he would travel he did not know. Aragorn just hoped that Legolas would have arrived in Rivendell by the time he got back.
Darkness had come over the Misty Mountains, the moon shone clearly in the starry night sky, Legolas and Gandalf were almost back to Rivendell, the elf and the wizard continued to travel at a fast pace. Suddenly Legolas stopped; Gandalf came up beside him, " What do you see?" Legolas stared in to the distance, then turned to Gandalf. "Orcs! And they have found prey." "Come, we must see if we can help." They headed in the direction of the orc's, Legolas drew his bow and strung and arrow to it. When he was close enough he fired it. The orc fell to the ground, dead. A shower of arrows flew towards the orc's; hitting there intended targets. When Legolas had gotten closer he pulled one of his long knives and leapt off of his horse, he weaved and dodged the on coming orc's. One orc came up behind him, but he spun round and stabbed the orc in the head. Finally Legolas caught sight of the orc's victim, it was Aragorn. He made his way through the orc's and over to his old friend. "Long time no see." " Nice timing, Legolas. Where were you?" "Long story, I will tell you when we get back to Rivendell." Finally the remaining orc's fled back in to the darkness of the night; Gandalf rode over to where the ranger and the elf were standing. "Come we must head for the safety of Rivendell before more Orc's return." "That would be wise" Aragorn replied as he caught his breath. Legolas and Aragorn got back on their horses and the three companions headed back towards Rivendell.
"ARAGORN!" The ranger spun round, but it was too late. This would be the last time he saw his friend alive. "No!" he ran as fast as he could over to his fallen companion, at that moment every thing was quiet, the last sounds of the dark beings was swallowed by the deadly silence. Aragorn knelt down beside the fallen elf and rolled him over, the shining blue eyes were no longer shining and bright, the once light and clean blonde hair was dirty, and the fair face that had always been glowing and full of life was extremely pail. The only color left was that of the blood that stained the high cheekbones and forehead.
"Legolas, don't die. You can't die, not now, not ever." There was fear in the mans voice, he had known the elf for so long. Legolas said nothing and just laid motionless in his arms, Aragorn stroked the elf's long blonde hair. He pulled Legolas closer to him; suddenly there was a new presence. Aragorn looked up; another elf stood in front of him. She was speechless as she drew the shiny orc dagger from her side; the blue and black robes she wore swirled around her like waves crashing against the shore. She walked behind Aragorn, finally she spoke. Her voice was soft and the elvish words were clear and meaningful, "Lasto an nin lalaith." (Translation: Listen to my laughter. This is an elvish insult) Then stabbed Aragorn in the back.
Aragorn woke with a jump; sweat dripped down his face. He looked around, then remembered where he was. He sat on his bed at the prancing pony inn, in Bree. He shook his head and went to look out the window then went and sat back down on the edge of the bed.
'That's the third time I've had the same dream in one week', he thought to himself. Something was wrong, Aragorn grabbed his long dark green coat from off of the chair and put it on. He walked over to the mirror, straightened out his shoulder length black hair and ran his hand across his beard. He put on his boots then picked up his bag and cloak from the end of the bed. After he made sure that he had everything, he fastened the cloak around his neck and pulled the dark hood over his head so that his face was not visible.
Aragorn made his way down to the bar; people were talking and shouting. He slipped through the crowd with ease and went and stood at the bar and waited for the bar keep to acknowledge his presents. A few people looked in his direction, but as soon as they thought that he was looking at them they went back to their drinks. Finally the bar keep looked over to Aragorn and walked over to him.
He was taller than Aragorn and was heavily built. He wore a dirty white shirt and a brown waistcoat and matching pants, he looked around uneasily. He ran a large hand over his balding head; "Leavin so soon Mr. Strider?" His voice was low, but his common accent was clear as day. Aragorn stood motionless, and stared at the man from under his hood. The bar keep shifted his weight slightly, his big moustache twitched as he sniffed the air. "I'll jus go get ya bill, Mr. Strider." Then he went and got the big book from under the bar. "That will be," but as he looked up Strider was gone and there was a pouch with some money in it left on the bar.
Aragorn mounted his horse and left Bree as fast as he could, something was going to happen. He knew that Legolas was in trouble, and that he would need help seeking the answers to his problem. I will journey to Rivendell, and then maybe Lord Elrond can help me shed some light on this strange dream.
Darkness started to creep over the Misty Mountains, which were in the far off distance. Legolas stopped his horse and shaded his eyes from the dyeing rays of the sun, with a slender hand. He looked around, but all he saw was clear grassland. "Hopefully Gandalf will be at Isengard," Legolas said as he lowered his hand and patted his horse on the side of the neck.
The last of the summers grass glowed golden and made a gentle rustling as the wind blew through it's long finger like strands. Legolas reached behind him and took out his traveling cloak from his pack, and fastened it around his neck. The wind blew strands of his long blonde hair across his face, as he looked around again his eyes shifted from their usual bright shimmering blue to a darker blue. Legolas reached in his pack again and pulled out a long piece of shiny green ribbon, he quickly braided his hair and drew the hood of his cloak around his head. "Noro lim, Kandayen" with that his horse began to gallop towards Isengard.
Legolas traveled for several hours, and finally the tower of Isengard could be clearly seen on the horizon of the moon lit sky. The night air was bitterly cold and it burned his face and hands with its icy fingers, in the far distance he could hear the faint sound of thunder, hopefully he could reach Isengard before the rain.
As Legolas reached the towering black gates that surrounded Isengard, the moon became totally blocked out by the dark storm clouds. He pulled back his hood and looked around, and then an icy drop of water fell from the dark clouds above, gently falling on his cheek and running down his face. Legolas looked up and another drop of rain fell on his face, he pulled the hood back over his head and pulled his cloak around his shoulders. Suddenly the black gates opened, their metal hinges creaking. Legolas was relived as he rode through; the rain began to fall heavily. He would be relived to get out of the wet. He rode down one of the many long straight roads that led to the tower that loomed ever closer. Many large, leafless, old trees stood tall on either side of the road. Their branches reaching out in all different direction like twisted arms reaching for invisible object.
Finally Legolas reached the main entrance to the tower that shot up towards the sky and disappeared in to the darkness. He dismounted and took the traveling pack off of the horse and flung it over his shoulder. He looked at his horse and whispered elvish words in to its ear. The elf walked gracefully up the dark black steps to the big wood doors. They opened slowly, and out from the shadows stepped a tall figure dressed in gray robes, the stone on the end of his staff lighting up the darkness.
"Hello, and how is the young prince of Mirkwood?" Legolas smiled and pulled the hood of his cloak back, his cheeks were flushed red from traveling in the bitter cold and his hair was damp from the rain. " You know I don't like to be called young, I am 2,391 years old." Gandalf laughed, his gray eyes lit up at the elf's comment, and he adjusted his grip on his staff. " You are young compared to me. So how is your father, and yourself." " My father is doing as well as can be expected and I," he paused " I'm doing as well as can be expected as too." Gandalfs brow creased slightly, his long gray hair fell over his shoulders, and his long graybeard shifted as he readjusted his position. "Come, you can tell me all about it once we go sit down by the nice warm fire." Legolas nodded and followed the old wizard down the long dark corridor, he shuddered at the darkness and his eyes shifted in to a dark blue-green. There's something not right about this, get a hold of your self Legolas. Stop worrying about everything and get a grip! Legolas shook his head and continued down the corridor after Gandalf.
Aragorn set up camp in the foothills of Weathertop, the wind had picked up speed and it was raining every so often. He wished that he had rested back in the Midgewater mash, but he knew that he had to get to Rivendell as quickly as he could. Aragorn had set up a small campfire and hand made himself something to eat, he sat sheltered under a tree. Thunder rumbled through the sky, Aragorn sat with his back against the tree, his sword drawn incase anything challenged him. He was fighting the weariness that threatened to put him to sleep, but finally he gave in.
Gandalf sat in one of the large chairs by the great oak fireplace; Legolas sat in the one across from him. The elf prince sat with his legs crossed, and he rested his chin in the palm of his hand and stared blankly in to the fire. "So what is the purpose of your being hear?" Legolas looked up at Gandalf, " There is something threatening the elves of Mirkwood, and I have been sent on a mission to gather all those who are willing to help us defeat what ever evil it is." Gandalf sat back in his chair and nodded slightly, "What makes you say that these beings are evil?" "I sent scouts to investigate and only six out of the fifteen returned. I have already been to Rivendell and talked to Lord Elrond, he is arranging a council meeting in four days time to discuss the matter further. I was wondering if you would join me in my mission." " I will help you Legolas, I have known the Mirkwood elves too long to let any harm come to them." Legolas sat back in his chair and smiled, " Thank you, this means a lot to me and my father." Gandalf raised his head slightly, his gray eyes flashed in the flickering firelight. " How are things between you and your father these days?" Legolas looked at Gandalf, then looked round nervously, " I rather not speak of that right now, is there some where I might be able to retire for the night?" The wizard stood up and regarded Legolas with worried look, then sighed. He guessed that there had been some sort of confrontation between the prince and his father before he hand left to go to Rivendell. "You may spend the night in hear, then in the morning we can set out." Legolas nodded, "I thank you again, rest well." Gandalf smiled and walked out of the door, he glanced quickly over his shoulder and saw a tear roll down Legolas's face. He continued to walk back to the main study chamber in the great tower, "What have you done this time Thranduil? What have you done?"
The sun slowly began to rise over the hills, the rain had stopped and the short grass sparkled like a sea of pearls and diamonds. Birds flew high up in the sky and the faint cry of hunting eagles was carried in the damp morning breeze.
Aragorn opened his eyes; he was lying in the ground, his sword in hand. He sat up and rubbed his eyes, then finally realized that it was morning. Slowly the ranger stood up and looked around for his horse, and was relived to see it standing where he had left it. Water dripped off of the tree branches on to the leafy ground, The ranger brushed leafs off of his damp, dirty cloths and sheathed his sword. The horse walked over to it's master and nuzzled at his back; Aragorn turned around and took the reigns, " I'm a big fool, one hell of a big fool." He stroked the horse's long muzzle and grabbed the rest of his things. Aragorn stretched his body then mounted his steed, "Now to Rivendell." He gently kicked his horse in the side and went galloping off in the direction of Rivendell.
Legolas woke early, the sunlight splintered through the paneled glass windows. He pushed himself up off of the floor, and blinked his eyes a few times. The fire had burned in to nothing and the room was extremely cold and dark except for the few rays of sunlight. He stood up stiffly and pulled his cloak round him for warmth, then went to his pack and pulled out a leaf pouch that contained elvish way bread. Legolas went and sat back down in one of the chairs and ate his way bread, he sang to him self softly in his own language. Gandalf walked to the door, "Good morning Legolas, did you sleep well?" The elf stopped singing and looked at the wizard, he smiled. " Yes, as well as one can sleep on the floor." He finished his way bread and stood up. "Are you ready to set off?" Gandalf nodded, with that Legolas picked up his pack and followed the wizard down the corridor that he had walked through the night before, until they reached the main doors. Gandalf put on his pointy gray hat and opened the doors. Legolas stepped out in to the fresh morning air and inhaled deeply then exhaled slowly, he was relived to be out in the sunlight again.
Birds flew up to the top of the tower, then down to the trees. There was a faint breeze and the air was scented heavily with the night's rain.
Gandalf had the horses ready and waiting, Legolas placed his pack on the back of his horse and mounted with ease. Just as the sun came over the mountains, the elf and wizard set off back towards Rivendell.
"This is not expectable! How can you just sit and do nothing, when there are others in trouble?" Lord Elrond was now standing; he looked around the table. The other members of the Rivendell council had gone silent at their leaders sudden anger. None of them dared to make eye contact with the Lord of Rivendell; instead they lowered their heads and gave each other sideward glances. Lord Elrond finally sat back down in his chair, he had arranged this small council to try and get support. The prince of Mirkwood would be coming back soon, and he wanted to show that the Rivendell elves were willing to help. One of the other council members finally spoke out, "Well what are we meant to say? You fully well know what King Thranduil is like, Later on he will just throw it back in our faces." "How do you know? He may do that or he might not, you should not judge people so quickly." Every one turned to see Aragorn standing in the doorway; the council member flew out of his chair. "I will not stand hear and be dictated to by some one who is younger and less experienced than me." With that the elf left the council chamber, Lord Elrond sighed. "This discussion will be continued later, council is adjourned." The other council members got up and walked passed Aragorn. Lord Elrond sat motionless until everyone except Aragorn had left, he went and sat down next to Lord Elrond. "Did you have to say that Aragorn? You know that Thindali is very opinionated." " But you don't really like him, I can see that. Why don't you replace him with a new council member?" Lord Elrond laughed, then realized that Aragorn was being serious, "You know I can't do that, it would look like I had done it for my own benefit. Just imagine what that would do." Aragorn sighed, he knew that Elrond was right. He sat back in his chair, "What brings you back to Rivendell, Aragorn? I hope you didn't travel all this way just to annoy my council members." Both human and elf laughed, a slight breeze blew through the room and there was the faint rumble of thunder. " I think that some thing is going to happen to Legolas.' Elrond's expression changed slightly, he picked his glass up off of the table and drank from it before he replied, " What makes you think this?" "For the past few days I have had the same dream." Lord Elrond placed his glass back down on the table, and sat back in his chair. The sleeves of his silvery gray and red robes fell over the arms of the chair. He could tell that whatever was in Aragorn's dream troubled him greatly. "What is in your dream, that is so disturbing?" " It starts with a battle, I do not know what foes I am facing, suddenly I will hear my name get shouted. When I turn around I see Legolas fall to the ground, I run over to him, but it is too late. When I roll him over and lift him in to my arms, he is dead. Everything seems to go dark then someone else comes, I don't know who this strange elf is but she wears blue and black robes. She walks towards me and draws an orc dagger from her side, then she walks around behind me and says 'Lasto an nin lalaith'." Lord Elrond leaned forward slightly, his brow creased at what Aragorn said. " Is that it, or is there more to this dream of yours?" Aragorn sighed, "There is more, this may disturb you. I can say that it has disturbed me greatly." "Continue please." "After she speaks to me she stabs me in the back ,and then this is where I usually wake up. That's the whole story, I don't know who she is and why Legolas dies. My only guess is that something is going to happen." The lord of Rivendell stood up and straightened out his robes, he regarded the ranger with a worried look. He didn't know what to tell Aragorn, this was something that he didn't have the answer for. "The only advice I can give you is to wait and see what happens. See if your dream progresses. Never before have I heard of something like this, you may stay hear if you wish. Legolas should be returning tomorrow." " Legolas has already been hear?" "Yes, didn't I tell you?" Aragorn shook his head and stood up. " No, you didn't. why was he hear?" "The realm of Mirkwood is in danger from some dark beings, he came to talk to me almost three days ago. I am concerned about him, he seemed to be a bit on the edge." The ranger stood up and headed for the door, "Thank you for your time." Lord Elrond nodded and with that the ranger disappeared round the corner. He walked down the long winding corridor and back to the main gates. He mounted his horse and rode out of the gates and through the forest as fast as his horse would go. He made his way to the plains at the edge of the Rivendell border, he looked across the horizon, but saw nothing.
The sun was already at its peak by the time Legolas and Gandalf were halfway back to Rivendell, they had stopped to rest. Gandalf sat on one of the large rocks that were scattered around the few trees that were across the grasslands. Legolas had climbed up one of the trees and was exploring its vast canopy of golden leaves. The elf had found himself a comfortable place to sit among the branches. He untied the green ribbon that he had used to braid his hair, and ran his fingers through the long light blonde strands. Now there was a slight waviness to the long blonde hair that fell over his shoulders, he sighed as his thoughts trailed back to Mirkwood. Legolas hoped that nothing to bad had happened in his absents, because he knew that if his father was in one of his moods, then all the wrath of the Mirkwood king would be directed towards him. The thought of his father's wrath made him shiver; he twisted the green ribbon round his fingers. The sun shone down on the grassland with great intensity, Legolas had completely blocked out everything going on around him. He started to feel the heat of the sun growing uncomfortably hot; he loosened his green and gray tunic, but found little relief from the heat. He unfastened his belt then took off his tunic, then gracefully dropped to the ground. Gandalf was still sitting on the rock smoking his pipe, and looking across the vast expanse of the grassy planes. Legolas straightened out the blue shirt he had been wearing under his tunic, and walked over to his horse and put his tunic in his traveling pack, then strapped his quiver to his back. He made his way over to the rock where the wizard was sitting, and climbed up on to the rock and knelt down next to him. "Are you ready to depart Gandalf?" "Yes, quite ready. You were up in that tree for a long time." "I was just gathering my thoughts, I hope Lord Elrond will be able to help." "I'm sure he will. Are we going straight to Rivendell?" Legolas sat and considered the time they had left; he looked at the position of the sun and realized that it was mid afternoon. " I hoped that I would have time to find Strider." " Strider?" Gandalf gave Legolas a confused look. " Yes, Strider. His real name is Aragorn, but when he's traveling he's known as Strider." "Oh yes, I know now. Lord Elrond's foster son." Legolas stared blankly off in the distance; Gandalf put his pipe away and climbed down off of the rock. He picked up his staff, then looked back at Legolas who was still looking off in to the distance. " Legolas, are you ready?" The elf looked over to the wizard and nodded, he jumped off of the rock and went over to his horse. He gave a quick glance back in the direction he had been looking, then mounted his horse. "To Rivendell, Legolas!" Gandalf shouted has he galloped past the elf with immense speed. Legolas smiled, "Noro lim, Kandayen." With that his horse went galloping off in the direction of Rivendell.
Aragorn sat in the long grass; he had been waiting for hours. Every now and then he thought he saw Legolas, but it would only be the patrolling scouts. He sighed; he would wait all night if he had to. The ranger looked out across the grassy plains again; he squinted as he saw a large black speck on the horizon. He blinked his eyes and realized that it was more scouts, Why are you just sitting around and waiting? Get off of your backside and try to find Legolas! Aragorn shook his head, and sighed. He knew that if he just sat and waited, Legolas would show up sooner or later, but the voice inside his head kept on nagging him. Why are you just sitting around and waiting? Get off of your backside and try to find Legolas! Why are you just sitting around and waiting? Get off of your backside and try to find Legolas! "All right!" he shouted as he stood up. He looked around and realized that he had shouted at himself, he got on his horse and sat and thought for a moment. "If I were Legolas where would I go?" he said to himself quietly. It was useless; Aragorn had no idea where the elf might travel. He gently taped his horse in the side with his heel and his hors began to walk. He looked around and decided to head southwest then turn back, for how long he would travel he did not know. Aragorn just hoped that Legolas would have arrived in Rivendell by the time he got back.
Darkness had come over the Misty Mountains, the moon shone clearly in the starry night sky, Legolas and Gandalf were almost back to Rivendell, the elf and the wizard continued to travel at a fast pace. Suddenly Legolas stopped; Gandalf came up beside him, " What do you see?" Legolas stared in to the distance, then turned to Gandalf. "Orcs! And they have found prey." "Come, we must see if we can help." They headed in the direction of the orc's, Legolas drew his bow and strung and arrow to it. When he was close enough he fired it. The orc fell to the ground, dead. A shower of arrows flew towards the orc's; hitting there intended targets. When Legolas had gotten closer he pulled one of his long knives and leapt off of his horse, he weaved and dodged the on coming orc's. One orc came up behind him, but he spun round and stabbed the orc in the head. Finally Legolas caught sight of the orc's victim, it was Aragorn. He made his way through the orc's and over to his old friend. "Long time no see." " Nice timing, Legolas. Where were you?" "Long story, I will tell you when we get back to Rivendell." Finally the remaining orc's fled back in to the darkness of the night; Gandalf rode over to where the ranger and the elf were standing. "Come we must head for the safety of Rivendell before more Orc's return." "That would be wise" Aragorn replied as he caught his breath. Legolas and Aragorn got back on their horses and the three companions headed back towards Rivendell.