Author's Notes: This is only my second LOTR fic and it has yet to be proofread by someone other than yours truly so feedback is definitely welcome but 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. I call Aragorn Estel or Strider more often here because I figured that to the Elves he is Estel as he was so named by his mother (or was it Elrond o.O) But, to Shihaku and other humans he is the Ranger named Strider. None of these characters save for those obviously not created by the great Tolkien and since I am not profiting from this story so don't sue me!
This sort of ruins things but just to clarify: Shihaku Japanese for Waning Moon… Yes I know, not very Middle Earth but in this story it's not "Japanese" it's just a race most of Middle Earth's inhabitants aren't aware of because it's supposed to be sort of extinct. I'm guessing the weird juxtaposition with the whole Japanese thing is probably due to my being a Japanese Major and a dork so bear with me. And I wrote this a long time ago.

I'm also aware of Shihaku's Mary-Sue-ness. It's not what I originally intended but whatever if she's a mary-sue then so be it. I wrote this a long time ago and I wrote it for fun and completely out of the blue because who knows where I get these things. Since I might actually start re-writing this or writing more chapters… she might improve but whether you love it or you hate it, the two people whom it matters most to are my sister and myself. And she loves her sappiness.

"/../" denotes Elvish dialogue

Italics denote dream sequences or flashbacks (also Elvish words)

. denotes telepathic dialogue

Synopsis: Set before the Lord of the Rings books. On a hunting trip Legolas discovers an assassination plot for Estel because some humans apparently know he is Aragorn, the true heir of Gondor. But Legolas is betrayed by a fellow Elf and as he rushes to warn his friend, he encounters a Ranger's aid who has more secrets hidden even from the Ranger herself. Will Legolas make it to Rivendell in time to warn his friend? And even if he does, will that be enough to save Estel?

THE SILVER LIGHT OF A WANING MOON

By Terra Forever

CHAPTER ONE

Legolas cursed for the infinite time that day, as he clutched his side, when he saw the trail of blood he was leaving. Blood or no, they will find me soon enough, he thought. I do not have the strength to keep going like this. He wished for his steed but knew the horse was tied fast to a tree thanks to the traitor, Norvelin. It was only hours earlier at the crack of dawn when the Elven Prince was forced to run from his prey. The night before, Norvelin, then trusted as a friend, warned Legolas of his findings: a band of men he overheard to be after Strider. Immediately, Legolas and Norvelin rushed to find the group and spy on them to find out their true goals and they overheard the band's plans to assassinate the Ranger knowing well that he was Aragorn son of Arathorn. That was the first time Legolas thought of a curse in his head. He told Norvelin to make ready and return home to tell Thranduil of their discovery while he would head for Rivendell and hope to catch the Ranger at the house of Elrond.

But, in the morning, Legolas found himself to be at the end of Norvelin's dagger, the tip already piercing his fair Elven skin. "I'm sorry, dear Prince, but I'm afraid that I cannot let you warn the Ranger."

"Norvelin." Legolas' blue eyes met with Norvelin's, neither losing to the other's heavy gaze.

"That would ruin all hour plans."

Legolas cursed upon the betrayal by one he once called friend and quickly managed to strike out at Norvelin, surprising the other Elf. The warrior fell back to the ground just as Legolas grabbed his weapons. The Elven Prince rushed to his horse but was halted by the arrows striking the ground before him; he was now surrounded by the men he was spying on just the night before. "Why are you doing this, Norvelin?"

"He does not deserve the throne," came the cold reply. The traitor brushed a few stray strands of his golden hair from his face as he stood up. He smoothened his dark brown tunic and looked hard at Legolas.

"/And who would? You/"

"No, of course not. But, someone much stronger."

"/You will not succeed/"

"Oh but I think we will, Prince. Kill him."

The men charged at Legolas who fought as well as he could, blocking and dodging. He was able to rid himself of a few mortal pests with his finely tuned skills but there were many more men than he had seen the night before. But Legolas would not let them win. He refused to be taken down by such a group. Unfortunately, as the Prince concentrated on the men, Norvelin moved out of his sight and came from behind. But it seemed Illuvitar was on his side for something triggered in Legolas' mind, warning him of some oncoming danger and dove aside. He let out a hiss when he felt a sharp blade kiss his side. Norvelin did not waste a moment and lunged for the Prince again but Legolas was already on his feet and rushing from the fray. He was not one to run from a fight but he was injured and his mission was now to warn his friend; his pride would have to wait. I have to get away from them and to Imladris, he thought. With every step he took, Legolas doubted his success, yet tried nevertheless for the thought of the danger that awaited his friend urged him on.

Hours later he was still on the run. He knew that the men must have been excellent trackers especially led by an Elf who knew him enough to predict his actions. Damned traitor, thought Legolas. "Ngh." He fell to his knees when everything began to spin. He grit his teeth, angry that he had been wounded and betrayed so easily. Such a fool I am! He could be miles ahead of Norvelin and his gang, but his injury would not allow him any great speed. Looking up and trying to regain clear sight, he realized he was lost. Wonderful. What sort of Elf am I if I get lost n the forest of my home and cannot even warn my friend? Can it get any worse?

Of course it could. Legolas swallowed a groan when he heard the nearly silent movement of creatures above him. Spiders, Legolas thought. I have been running too far South. He thought it fortunate that at least they weren't Orcs who had a great hatred of Elves. Though both creatures had deadly poisonous attacks, death at the hands of Orcs would be more excruciating. Getting to his feet, Legolas held out his bow and arrow and shot the first of the black creatures that were closest to him. The Prince was glad that while his side ached, his aim was not greatly affected. When the spiders began to close in, he began to run as fast as he could but it was no use. He was surrounded. Legolas turned and ducked just as three arrows struck a nearby tree, the sound of consecutive 'kathunks' far too loud and close to him than he would have preferred. Norvelin and the men were now upon him. His quick movements were tearing his wound and more blood spilled to the ground, drawing the attention of the large spiders even more. How am I going to get out of this one?

Norvelin gave a deep, throaty laugh. "So the Prince is in a tight corner. What will you do now that you have no one to save you? Neither your court nor your friend, Strider, or rather Aragorn, is here to help you now, Legolas."

Legolas glared at the Elf but said nothing. He still wondered how he let himself be so easily fooled; how did he miss the stench of this foul snake?

"I will let you choose, Legolas, your death: the spiders or my men?"

"You have not won yet, Norvelin!"

"Oh but I think I have." The Elf skewered a spider crawling toward him and kicked it aside. Two of the men came to his side. "This, my good men, is how spiders catch their prey. They must be delighted for they will soon feast upon royal flesh." He laughed maniacally and Legolas fought to keep from rolling his eyes. He always did hate Norvelin's laugh as a friend or foe. How he wanted to slice Norvelin's throat and have him try laughing as his blood spewed from the wound. But, he was worried about his own injuries.

Norvelin laughed again when Legolas was forced against a tree by the surrounding creatures. A few strayed to Norvelin and his men but they were more intrigued by the bleeding Prince who fought valiantly but fruitlessly. Legolas grit his teeth as he kicked and stabbed the spiders around just barely noticing the one above him. Norvelin smiled and watched as the spider jumped from its nest above the Prince and landed on his back before he could get away. Legolas gave a cry and threw the spider off his back, but not before its fangs could rip his skin. "It will be over then. The poison will soon take its effect." Norvelin sheathed his blade.

Legolas refused to die now. I have to warn Estel! But, true to Norvelin's words his limbs grew heavy and soon he fell to the ground, vision blurring. His body was already weak from the blood loss thus allowing the venom to spread faster. "Estel." A spider quickly lunged toward his crumpling body but was quickly stopped in its tracks by an arrow. Legolas looked up to see a dark figure leap down from above and engage with the spiders and Norvelin then everything became dark.

"Who are you?" demanded Norvelin, taking out his long dagger, gripping it tightly in his hand, ready to fight. The two men beside him aimed their arrows at the figure but they crumpled to the ground, lifeless with a small knife embedded deep into each forehead. Norvelin narrowed his eyes. "Answer!" I did not even see him move, he thought.

The figure whipped around to face Norvelin after disposing of the remaining spiders. "My name is of no consequence to you."

Norvelin tried to see under the shadow of the hood placed over the figure's head but saw nothing but darkness. He knew only for sure that the person before him was a Ranger. It is not Strider, he thought. "You have no business here."

"I believe I do." With that, the Ranger dove forward, sword in hand. Norvelin blocked the blade and found himself to be on the verge of losing as they engaged in a duel.

This Ranger is good, he thought. As he held the Ranger's blade still with a thrust, his other hand grabbed for a hidden knife. He swung to strike as he parried but the Ranger dodged and jumped back with amazing speed.

"I will deal with you later," promised the Ranger. The Ranger knew well that Legolas' injuries needed treatment or he would not last long with the venom coursing through his veins. Slinging the Elf's arm over the Ranger's shoulder, the figure disappeared into the woods leaving Norvelin steaming. "I will not let you get away so easily." Norvelin narrowed his eyes. But then a smile found its way to his lips. He was not worried.

Sometime later, Legolas opened his eyes only to see darkness. For a moment he froze and kept his eyes only partially open so he could assess his environment. It took his eyes a moment to adjust and soon he could see the faint outline of trees. He heard the sounds of a forest and wondered if he had been captured. The trees told him he was still in the forests of Mirkwood but he knew not where. He racked his mind and remembered the figure that killed the spiders around him before they could attack his fallen body. It was no Elf. Was it a Ranger? Strider? He tried to move but found his body was not so cooperative and argued with a strong jolt of pain. Legolas could not stifle a gasp.

Hearing the quick breath, the Ranger turned to the barely conscious Elf. "/Do not move/" whispered the Ranger.

Legolas opened his eyes at the Elvish words and saw the figure of the Ranger approaching him. Sindarin? It is not Strider - but who else could it be? That voice is not deep -this Ranger is fairly young.

"/The venom's effects are nearly gone, but your injury is serious, Master Elf. It would be wise for you to rest longer./ "

"/Who are you? Why is it you know Elvish so well/"

There was a pause for a moment. "I go by the name Shihaku, Prince Legolas of Mirkwood," came the reply now in the Westron tongue as if to tell him to drop the subject of her knowledge of Elvish. "That is all you need know for now." Though most Rangers were allies of the Elves, this Ranger's fluency was rare among them. Even Estel's Elvish was not this clear and cleanly spoken.

So you know who I am, he thought. He wanted to pursue the question but the Ranger was right, it did not matter at the moment. "Thank you for saving me, but I'm afraid I cannot rest for I am on a most urgent quest."

"Oh? Aside from trying to keep yourself alive?"

"Another life more important is in grave danger." Legolas forced himself to sit up and ignore the pain in his side. "I trust that you know of Strider."

"What Ranger does not?"

Legolas nodded. "There is a band of assassins after him and I must warn him."

"What makes you think that Strider will not be able to take care of himself?"

"I do not doubt his abilities, Shihaku, but he is in danger nonetheless and needs to be warned. One of the assassins was a trusted Elf who may try to gain Strider's trust."

"He does not trust so easily."

"No, but the smallest hint of it will be enough. Will you help me or not? I must go warn Strider at Rivendell." Legolas was growing weary, especially of this argument. Why couldn't this Ranger see that Aragorn was in danger?

Shihaku stared at Legolas and saw that despite his exhaustion and pain there was still fire in his eyes. Nothing would stop him except for Death. "Very well. I do not think you would survive on your own to Rivendell for it is a long journey."

"Norvelin will already be on his way. We must reach Imladris first."

"We shall, Prince. But now you must rest. What good will you do for Strider if you die so soon?" Shihaku had no particular liking for anyone, much less this Elf, but Legolas had to be a friend of Strider's otherwise he would not be so intent on saving the man's life. The Ranger leaned forward to lay Legolas back down. It was then that the Shihaku's face came into view from the dark shadows of the forest, unmasked by the hood.

"You are a woman!"

"Indeed," she sighed. "Is that really a surprise?"

Legolas shook his head. "Forgive me. My senses failed me now and I should have realized it sooner."

"So rest and regain them for anyone without his senses will not survive long in a battle with his foes." The last thing Legolas remembered before slipping back into sleep was the Ranger's brilliant blue eyes. He did not want to sleep, not trusting Shihaku entirely. Legolas was not one to trust easily but Norvelin had earned it after nearly a century of hunting parties together. After the breaking of that bond, Legolas knew better than to trust any stranger, mellon or not. He was not sure if Shihaku was another ploy to get to Estel but at least for now, for saving his life, she had earned some trust. But, he would keep a careful eye on her.

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Mellon - friend

Thanks Angie for being bored enough to read my story!

Welp, for everyone else, how was it? Let me know but try not to beat me over the head with flames.. The more reviews I get the better the future chapters will be! Oh yeah, links to reliable Elvish words/phrases etc anyone?