Chapter Two

An Unexpected Outbreak

Through out the many weeks Alanda and Legolas would walk together in the forests.  Their feet crunched on the orange and red fallen leaves.  They talked about everything. But in late November, and unexpected disturbance came.  Legolas and Alanda were going for their usual walk when Monilas came riding up on his horse, Legolas' stallion was following.

  "Your father needs you immediately.  The spiders are attacking homes in the Mountains."  This was very strange because the spiders normally left the elves alone and only fed on those who were not wise enough to stay away.

  "Oh dear," said Alanda as Legolas jumped onto his horses back.  Alanda swung on behind him and they raced for the palace.  Thranduil was at the gate waiting for them when they arrived.  He gave a hesitant glance in Alanda's direction and began speaking rapidly in elfish,

  "The spiders have joined together and are attacking homes.  I suspect that it is some evil work from Dol Guldur.  We must go into the mountains and push them back.  I am sending as many men as I can.  I give you a choice, go and fight, or stay here and take care of things for me.  If you chose to stay, I will ride with the men, otherwise I will stay while you go.  Both of us can not go, someone has to be left to take charge of Mirkwood should something happen."

  Legolas glanced worriedly at Alanda and then slowly said, "I shall ride with the men into the mountains," he paused, "When will we be leaving?"

  "As soon as the men are ready," Thranduil answered.  He looked at Alanda and said, "I will have someone send for you when they are ready."  He then quickly walked away.

  "I hope you can understand my decision," Legolas said as he looked sadly into Alanda's eyes.

  "Of course I do," she assured him, "You have to do what you must to protect the people of Mirkwood."

  "I hoped you would say that," Legolas said.  Alanda leaned into him as he held her tight.

  Just then Monilas rode up, "It is time to leave."

  "I shall be there in a moment," Legolas replied and turned back to Alanda.

  "I will miss you," Alanda started with tears in her eyes, "Come back to me for I fear that if you don't I shall die of a heart break."

       Legolas gave her one last kiss and rode off toward the gathered elves.  They took off right away toward the mountains.  Alanda stood there and watched them until she could no longer see them.  She stood there for some time after and started to sing to herself:

I pray you'll be my eyes, and watch him where he goes

And help him to be wise, in times that he won't know

Let this be my prayer, as he goes away

Lead him to a place, guide him with your Grace

To a place where he'll be safe

I pray he'll find your light, and hold it in his heart
      
When stars go out each night

Let this be my prayer, when shadows fill his day

Lead him to a place, guide him with your Grace

Give me faith so he'll be safe.
 
I ask that life be kind and watch him from above
 
I hope each soul will find another soul to love

Let this be my prayer, just like every child

Needs to find a place, guide him with your Grace

Give me faith so he'll be safe

  "O Elbereth, please keep him safe," Alanda whispered softly and slowly walked back home, already missing his touch and his smile.  That night she had many dreams.  They were mostly nightmares about the battle and elves dieing.  One time she even woke up crying.  Finally, after waking up for the fifth time she decided to get up.  'I don't think that I can take anymore of those dreams.'  She thought to herself.

       She went out into the forest and walked a while, praying that he was safe.  There was no news that day about the group.  This made Alanda worry even more.  That night she couldn't even fall asleep.  She figured it was for the best.  Her dreams might get even worse.

  "The longer he is away, the more I will worry," she muttered to herself.

       The next day there was still no news. She went to Saratu for comfort.

  "I am worried to," Saratu confessed, "You don't know this, but while you were confined Monilas and I... well we are together, for now."

  "That's wonderful," Alanda said, "I'm sorry I didn't notice.  I guess I have been a bit out of things."

  "It's all right.  I understand how you feel," Saratu said as she gave her friend a quick hug, which was something elves did do much.