Thank you to my brilliant reviewers. you're all so lovely! Thanks a bunch
Willow for checking the previous couple of chapters. Um. Cassie, Isabel and
of course the supreme Lady of Legolas! If I forgot anyone out, then I
apologise. This chapter is left on a big cliffhanger so I will try and
update before I go away from the week.
Leaving you there wouldn't do anything for my popularity.
Anna.
Chapter Ten: Determined destiny
"Eldarion, you are staying here!" Legolas cried and with a determined look on his face, mounted Hasufel.
"Oh yes," the man retorted sarcastically. "And what should I tell the wolves when they surround me? Don't worry, Legolas will be back soon?!"
The elf glared at him. "Don't be so immature," he hissed.
"Immature? Immature?!" Eldarion's voice was raised as he repeated the word that sounded absurd. "I'm not the one chasing away without proper armour and any help, to go and fight a creature of myth! Legolas, if in your dream he killed you once, then he will kill you again and this time, you won't wake from it!"
Legolas stiffened at this. Blinded by his own stubbornness, he did not see the sense in the man's words and instead heard only an insult.
Then his head pricked up and Legolas stared west. "Your father is coming." With that he urged Hasufel into a gallop.
"Legolas!" Eldarion shouted at the figure on the horse galloping in the direction of the Sea of Rhûn. It was to now avail.
The harsh winds blowing knocked his voice backwards and it was lost.
Eldarion plonked himself on the ground with an angry sigh and waited for his father to arrive.
~ One week later~
It had been hard travelling across the Brown Lands. There was very little food for both horse and rider. Elves can survive on very little, but Hasfel needed to replenish the energy he burnt off every day.
Luckily in the one of the saddlebags on Hasufel was a package of lembas bread. Legolas had once found them an enjoyable source of nourishment, but since the time when the Three Hunters had run, he found that the taste had gone. That was due to the fact that that was the only thing that kept them going, and partly due to the bitter taste in his mouth at leaving Eldarion.
It was true. Elessar was riding straight for his son, but it would take just under a day for him to get there. What if something had attacked Eldarion? The prince was trained only with his bow and sword, never hand-to- hand combat.
Legolas had skirted around the mountains at the foot of the Sea of Rhûn and now had his back to the iced over sea and was staring up at the peaks.
The summits were in the clouds, all of them, and they were blindingly white. Against such a bright colour, the greyness of stone was obvious. That was how Legolas noticed the abode of Gladrau the Dragon.
Near the base of the tallest mountain was the opening of a cave. The grey stone could still be seen, as the snow had not blown into the gap. From there, if the elf strained his eyes, he could see the occasional puff of smoke.
Gently, Legolas slid his long knife out of the sheath at his belt and twirled it between his long fingers. The blade was sharp and freshly honed. The silver reflected the sunlight and Legolas glimpsed his own eyes in the reflection. They were wide and afeard. In his anger, the prince had not noticed the growing fear in the bottom of his stomach. Legolas wished suddenly for the company of Eldarion.
For the man to say something funny to make him laugh, for when Legolas laughed, it seemed to everyone else that the sun shone out of his eyes. Eldarion loved dearly the elf's smile. Mostly, Legolas smiled uncertainly, and only when everyone else did. He was nervous of being caught out. But when he did smile or laugh, it was so joyous and cordial.
Legolas slid the elven knife back at his waist and with a deep breath of the cold air, walked silently towards the cave.
~
The elf warrior's face was grim and purposeful.
If Gladrau ever felt some form of apprehension and anxiety, it was now. For as the elf walked towards him, his light feet making no dent on the snow, he seemed to shine. Upon his brow was a light like a star. His golden hair was thrown over his shoulders and seemed to be made of the precious metal, melted and mixed with platinum and silver. His skin was as pale as a peal that had just been opened from its watery case.
At his slender waist was a long knife, no notches or nicks had blemished the shining blade, but Gladrau instinctively felt that it had been used many times in battle.
In his hand was a bow, a bow that struck dread into Gladrau's cold heart. This was no ordinary bow he realised.
The intricate design on it marked it as one of the Galdarim. The elves of Lorien had made this bow and they were the most skilled of the elves. The magic they possessed in the blood was passed through their fingers and into the very wood of the bow. The bowstring was made from fine strands of gold.... elven hair.
The arrows in his quiver were fletched with multicoloured feathers from some exotic birds... the birds that fluttered and flitted through Lothlorien.
Gladrau delved deep in his memory and back into a previous age.
flashback
Gladrau Firestarter.
The name brought a shiver to even the most hardened warrior.
One of the last of the mighty dragons. Smaug? Pah. Still hidden in his burrow, he cared more for jewels and trinkets of men than the knowledge that your name stirred fear everywhere.
The mighty red dragon swooped over plain, dale, hill and river. He didn't care for what he took and eat, or for what he burnt in the way. One day, Gladrau had awoken with a mighty hunger for the dainty morsels that were elves, as food.
He had lifted to the sky, so large and bloated was his shape that he near blocked out the sunlight and darkness fell over the Golden Woods as Gladrau swooped down.
There was elves patrolling on a border, they were resting next to the Nimrodel. A sweet song came forth from their throats and they sung like nightingales. It was such a sweet sound, and it angered Gladrau so much.
He wanted some game so first of all he just swooped over them. They shrieked and started firing arrows at him. They were all deflected by the hard dragonscales.
Gladrau swiftly tired of this game, for although the arrows bounced off his hide, it was getting frustrating to see such tempting food running around and screaming.
He headed towards one. Taller than all the others, he looked to be the eldest of the four. He had silver hair, a stubborn chin and calculating green eyes. His rich clothes far too rich for a normal patrol elf, showed his high status. He was Celeborn, husband to Galadriel, Lady of Light. In his hands was a bow already set with an arrow.
The bow was beautifully elaborate. The wood looked frail but it showed no signs of breaking as it was bent back in an elegant crescent shape. The golden string rested against the marble shriek of the elf and as Gladrau raced towards him, he fired.
The arrow flew straight and landed in the belly of the dragon.
Celeborn made no foolish sounds of rejoicing, but as Gladrau slowed down, he fired again and again.
Wound into the string of the bow was the golden hair of Galadriel. It lent magic to the bow and thus to the arrow.
Gladrau wheeled to the side when he felt the stabbing pain in his gut. With a shout of anger, he lowered his mouth and breathed flames over the elves.
End flashback
Only one managed to escape. Celeborn stood, the bow still in his hands. He surveyed the bodies of his friends with unblinking eyes. He could not believe it. Celeborn looked at the sky where the form of Gladrau was sluggishly flapping away and vowed that somehow he would have revenge on the dragon.
If it were not him that did the act of retribution, then he would see to it that someone else did.
That night, Celeborn returned to his wife.
Galadriel stood, her fair features grave and inside she was weeping for the deaths of the elves. Celeborn she whispered to him silently.
Galadriel?
Come with me the elf woman took her husband's hand and directed him towards the Mirror of Galadriel. All the time during their long marriage, Celeborn never again looked in the Mirror.
He bent over and silently Galadriel filled the basin up. The silver water rippled and changed shape before Celeborn's eyes.
In the water he saw the form of an elf appear. He was still young and dressed in black: he was mourning. The angle of the water changed and Celeborn could clearly see the elfling's face.
He had wide blue eyes that were sorrowful and had such intense emotions in them. He saw wisdom and a burning anger. He had high cheekbones set in flawless ivory skin and had a small rosebud for lips. His golden hair was very similar to Galadriel's in colour but it was as straight as an arrow.
Legolas Greenleaf Galadriel said. He will be the one when everyone has gone
When everyone has gone? Celeborn wondered.
Galadriel nodded her head and lowered her eyes to the water once again. Following the eyes that had seen the future, Celeborn watched as the water again changed shape.
He saw boats crossing the sea. Their white sails were billowing out with wind and looking closer, he could see that they were being steered by elves....
Celeborn saw himself at the back of the boat, looking back at Middle-earth.
Celeborn, his wife got his attention again. We will be leaving this world in the future. We leave Middle-earth in the hands of men
"Men?" Celeborn burst out. He had not many dealings with the race of mortals, but he had found them to be cunning and sly, and not always truthful in their words.
"Men," Galadriel echoed.
All the elves will go except one who will turn back and be the last leader of the elves, that is until he will come to Valinor also
No Celeborn said in unbelieving silence.
Yes Galadriel assured him. But that time is many years away
How can I reach this Legolas?
The Mirror of Galadriel shifted and Celeborn was staring down at an image of nine people. One was unmistakable as Mithrandir- the Grey Pilgrim- there was two other men. One Celeborn could only place as a man of Gondor. He had the same grey eyes and shifty look that the Lord found common among them. Then there was another man.
He had an uncanny resemblance to the Kings of Men. Noble in face and solemn in features.
Aragorn son of Arathorn Galadriel revealed. He will be the first King of the Fourth Age of Men
Then there was a dwarf and four other small beings.
Halflings, of them you will find out more
Then there was an elf. He was dressed in the grey and green customary with the Greenwood elves. His long hair was partially tied back in one plait with two small braids running behind his ears.
The grandson of Oropher: Legolas
There was another picture of Legolas before the screen returned to its normal state. He was standing at the side of the man that was Aragorn and next to him was the dwarf. They seemed to be in some strange stone building and in his hand was the bow that Celeborn recognised as his own.
You know what you must do now, my love. Do not worry; Gladrau Firestarter will be slain Galadriel said offering the Lord some hope.
Will Legolas survive? Celeborn asked. One elf against a mighty dragon, even if he did have the bow of Celeborn, was slightly outmatched.
Of that, I am not sure
~
"Who dares disturb the sleep of the mighty Gladrau?" the voice bellowed out and Legolas stopped walking to stand defiantly at the cave entrance. He could only guess that was what he was staring at; it was pitch black.
"Someone with an odd to settle," Legolas replied, shouting over the howl of the wind.
A puff of smoke came out of the cave as Gladrau's response.
"What chance do you think an elf will have against a dragon?" Gladrau asked cockily.
"None," the prince replied truthfully and readied his bow. "But I'm hoping that at least I'll take you with me."
"Mighty confident," the dragon laughed. The sound reverberated around the mountains and nearby land. "For someone about to be killed."
"The Halls of Mandos will be a great adventure for me," Legolas said, hoping that his false bravado was not detectable.
"Well good," Gladrau chuckled. "For it will be the last thing you see."
"I challenge you to a fight!" Legolas suddenly burst out, an idea sprouting in his nimble mind.
"My dear elfling!" the dragon said congenially. "I thought that was what were doing originally."
"Really?" the elf cried sarcastically. "I was just here for the parley."
Gladrau's whole body shook as he laughed mightily. He had not come across such pluck in one who was about to look death in the eye. Legolas would be a worthy opponent, finally after all these years. Gladrau would take great enjoyment from slowly disemboweling him either that or roasting him alive.
"Name the place and I'll name the time!" Legolas said energetically.
"Okay," Gladrau said slowly. He had a slight niggling worry that Legolas was planning something. But if he was going to plan something, the place would be of more importance to name, rather than the night or day. Besides the dragon had equally good sight during the night. One handy trick that the dragons used to hunt their prey was their infravision. They could see in the dark by using bodyheat.
"The Sea of Rhûn," the Firestarter announced. "There is a particularly nice view of my mountains so that while you're dying, at least you'll still be thinking of me."
"Okay, and the time is..." Legolas paused. He didn't know whether it was the actor in him pausing for dramatic effect, or the calculating fighter trying to fool his enemy. "Daylight: noon."
Gladrau raised one large muscle above his eye and snorted slightly.
"After all," Legolas said agreeing with the giant creature. "I wouldn't be able to see the view at night."
"Of course," Gladrau concurred. "It looks particularly splendid at dawn or dusk, but seeing as you're so convinced, I'll go with you."
"Brilliant!" Legolas said clapping his hands enthusiastically. "I'll see you then."
Then with that Legolas turned around and tried to make his way out of the valley created by the mountains. He stumbled slightly and smiled sheepishly. "My good sir," he said.
"Please call me Gladrau if we're going to be like this," Gladrau said affably.
"Yes, Gladrau, could you give me a little burst of light?" Legolas asked with a slight smile. If only this dragon was in an elf form, he might be quite a nice person to talk to.
Gladrau beamed showing his perfect teeth again and nodded obligingly. Then as requested, blew out a small puff of fire.
It lit up the valley and Legolas thanked him with a wave and know more confident as to where he was going, set off back to Hasufel.
When Legolas finally reached the chestnut coloured horse he buried his head in his mane and let out a sickened groan. It had suddenly hit him what he had just been doing.
He had been joking and acting almost friendlily towards the killer of innocents. Gladrau had cold-bloodedly slain villages of people and had a reputation for killing a lot more than that. And Legolas had been laughing and exchanging comments as one would with a neighbour. Not as the closest of friends, but still very warmly and politely.
Legolas felt his stomach churning as he remembered Lina. "Oh forgive me," he whispered to the stars.
They did nothing but glow.
"What would you do anyway?" he asked angrily. "Nothing!"
They still glowed and suddenly Legolas burst out laughing at his folly. Tears started running down his cheeks as he laughed and then he realized that they were not joyful tears but sorrowful ones and then he cried even harder.
~
The sun rose the next day above a clear and cloudless sky and Legolas met his opponent on the still iced surface of the Sea of Rhûn.
Gladrau's heavy feet did not crack the ice nor did his body heat melt it. And for this Legolas was thankful.
They were in the middle of the Sea and if the ice were to suddenly crack then Gladrau would be able to easily fly away. Legolas would be left to swim in the frozen waters and although the elf could swim and fairly ably, water that cold would freeze your heart and limbs before you could start to swim.
Gladrau's yellow eyes were half-closed and he averted them from Legolas. It was hard because the prince was staring at him with a mixture of awe and fear.
The dragon was like a tree to an ant in comparison to Legolas. One swat of his paw would probably break Legolas' frail vertebrae.
Gladrau was calm yet was slightly excited. He had not fought an enemy he considered worthy enough, in millennia. He wanted to play by the rules and otherwise he would have unleashed his fiery jaws or opened his mesmerizing eyes. Gladrau was slightly annoyed at the feeling most people had against some of the older beasts of the world. They had dignity and did not like to be treated as though they had no morals.
Yes they did kill whenever they liked, but if called to a duel, then they would fight correctly.
Legolas tilted his head back to look at the sun. It was nearly overhead. He looked down and then realised that he had no shadow.
"It is time," Gladrau rumbled.
"Indeed," Legolas replied softly. All former confidence and show of bravery he had put up was gone. "Eldarion my love, forgive me," he whispered.
With another look up at the sky and a wistful sigh Legolas turned to his opponent. His throat was as dry as the Brown Lands during the summer.
"Turn away," Gladrau ordered going by the rules of duels used by the dragons during fights over territory and females.
Legolas turned his back from the dragon and stared at the mountains. They were indeed very beautiful. The snow caught by the sun was so white and so pure.
"In the count of three we begin," the dragon said. "One...."
Goodbye Eldarion.
"Two....."
I hope this works.
"Three....."
Goodbye fair world.
~
*Ahem*
If you wouldn't mind reviewing.?
Leaving you there wouldn't do anything for my popularity.
Anna.
Chapter Ten: Determined destiny
"Eldarion, you are staying here!" Legolas cried and with a determined look on his face, mounted Hasufel.
"Oh yes," the man retorted sarcastically. "And what should I tell the wolves when they surround me? Don't worry, Legolas will be back soon?!"
The elf glared at him. "Don't be so immature," he hissed.
"Immature? Immature?!" Eldarion's voice was raised as he repeated the word that sounded absurd. "I'm not the one chasing away without proper armour and any help, to go and fight a creature of myth! Legolas, if in your dream he killed you once, then he will kill you again and this time, you won't wake from it!"
Legolas stiffened at this. Blinded by his own stubbornness, he did not see the sense in the man's words and instead heard only an insult.
Then his head pricked up and Legolas stared west. "Your father is coming." With that he urged Hasufel into a gallop.
"Legolas!" Eldarion shouted at the figure on the horse galloping in the direction of the Sea of Rhûn. It was to now avail.
The harsh winds blowing knocked his voice backwards and it was lost.
Eldarion plonked himself on the ground with an angry sigh and waited for his father to arrive.
~ One week later~
It had been hard travelling across the Brown Lands. There was very little food for both horse and rider. Elves can survive on very little, but Hasfel needed to replenish the energy he burnt off every day.
Luckily in the one of the saddlebags on Hasufel was a package of lembas bread. Legolas had once found them an enjoyable source of nourishment, but since the time when the Three Hunters had run, he found that the taste had gone. That was due to the fact that that was the only thing that kept them going, and partly due to the bitter taste in his mouth at leaving Eldarion.
It was true. Elessar was riding straight for his son, but it would take just under a day for him to get there. What if something had attacked Eldarion? The prince was trained only with his bow and sword, never hand-to- hand combat.
Legolas had skirted around the mountains at the foot of the Sea of Rhûn and now had his back to the iced over sea and was staring up at the peaks.
The summits were in the clouds, all of them, and they were blindingly white. Against such a bright colour, the greyness of stone was obvious. That was how Legolas noticed the abode of Gladrau the Dragon.
Near the base of the tallest mountain was the opening of a cave. The grey stone could still be seen, as the snow had not blown into the gap. From there, if the elf strained his eyes, he could see the occasional puff of smoke.
Gently, Legolas slid his long knife out of the sheath at his belt and twirled it between his long fingers. The blade was sharp and freshly honed. The silver reflected the sunlight and Legolas glimpsed his own eyes in the reflection. They were wide and afeard. In his anger, the prince had not noticed the growing fear in the bottom of his stomach. Legolas wished suddenly for the company of Eldarion.
For the man to say something funny to make him laugh, for when Legolas laughed, it seemed to everyone else that the sun shone out of his eyes. Eldarion loved dearly the elf's smile. Mostly, Legolas smiled uncertainly, and only when everyone else did. He was nervous of being caught out. But when he did smile or laugh, it was so joyous and cordial.
Legolas slid the elven knife back at his waist and with a deep breath of the cold air, walked silently towards the cave.
~
The elf warrior's face was grim and purposeful.
If Gladrau ever felt some form of apprehension and anxiety, it was now. For as the elf walked towards him, his light feet making no dent on the snow, he seemed to shine. Upon his brow was a light like a star. His golden hair was thrown over his shoulders and seemed to be made of the precious metal, melted and mixed with platinum and silver. His skin was as pale as a peal that had just been opened from its watery case.
At his slender waist was a long knife, no notches or nicks had blemished the shining blade, but Gladrau instinctively felt that it had been used many times in battle.
In his hand was a bow, a bow that struck dread into Gladrau's cold heart. This was no ordinary bow he realised.
The intricate design on it marked it as one of the Galdarim. The elves of Lorien had made this bow and they were the most skilled of the elves. The magic they possessed in the blood was passed through their fingers and into the very wood of the bow. The bowstring was made from fine strands of gold.... elven hair.
The arrows in his quiver were fletched with multicoloured feathers from some exotic birds... the birds that fluttered and flitted through Lothlorien.
Gladrau delved deep in his memory and back into a previous age.
flashback
Gladrau Firestarter.
The name brought a shiver to even the most hardened warrior.
One of the last of the mighty dragons. Smaug? Pah. Still hidden in his burrow, he cared more for jewels and trinkets of men than the knowledge that your name stirred fear everywhere.
The mighty red dragon swooped over plain, dale, hill and river. He didn't care for what he took and eat, or for what he burnt in the way. One day, Gladrau had awoken with a mighty hunger for the dainty morsels that were elves, as food.
He had lifted to the sky, so large and bloated was his shape that he near blocked out the sunlight and darkness fell over the Golden Woods as Gladrau swooped down.
There was elves patrolling on a border, they were resting next to the Nimrodel. A sweet song came forth from their throats and they sung like nightingales. It was such a sweet sound, and it angered Gladrau so much.
He wanted some game so first of all he just swooped over them. They shrieked and started firing arrows at him. They were all deflected by the hard dragonscales.
Gladrau swiftly tired of this game, for although the arrows bounced off his hide, it was getting frustrating to see such tempting food running around and screaming.
He headed towards one. Taller than all the others, he looked to be the eldest of the four. He had silver hair, a stubborn chin and calculating green eyes. His rich clothes far too rich for a normal patrol elf, showed his high status. He was Celeborn, husband to Galadriel, Lady of Light. In his hands was a bow already set with an arrow.
The bow was beautifully elaborate. The wood looked frail but it showed no signs of breaking as it was bent back in an elegant crescent shape. The golden string rested against the marble shriek of the elf and as Gladrau raced towards him, he fired.
The arrow flew straight and landed in the belly of the dragon.
Celeborn made no foolish sounds of rejoicing, but as Gladrau slowed down, he fired again and again.
Wound into the string of the bow was the golden hair of Galadriel. It lent magic to the bow and thus to the arrow.
Gladrau wheeled to the side when he felt the stabbing pain in his gut. With a shout of anger, he lowered his mouth and breathed flames over the elves.
End flashback
Only one managed to escape. Celeborn stood, the bow still in his hands. He surveyed the bodies of his friends with unblinking eyes. He could not believe it. Celeborn looked at the sky where the form of Gladrau was sluggishly flapping away and vowed that somehow he would have revenge on the dragon.
If it were not him that did the act of retribution, then he would see to it that someone else did.
That night, Celeborn returned to his wife.
Galadriel stood, her fair features grave and inside she was weeping for the deaths of the elves. Celeborn she whispered to him silently.
Galadriel?
Come with me the elf woman took her husband's hand and directed him towards the Mirror of Galadriel. All the time during their long marriage, Celeborn never again looked in the Mirror.
He bent over and silently Galadriel filled the basin up. The silver water rippled and changed shape before Celeborn's eyes.
In the water he saw the form of an elf appear. He was still young and dressed in black: he was mourning. The angle of the water changed and Celeborn could clearly see the elfling's face.
He had wide blue eyes that were sorrowful and had such intense emotions in them. He saw wisdom and a burning anger. He had high cheekbones set in flawless ivory skin and had a small rosebud for lips. His golden hair was very similar to Galadriel's in colour but it was as straight as an arrow.
Legolas Greenleaf Galadriel said. He will be the one when everyone has gone
When everyone has gone? Celeborn wondered.
Galadriel nodded her head and lowered her eyes to the water once again. Following the eyes that had seen the future, Celeborn watched as the water again changed shape.
He saw boats crossing the sea. Their white sails were billowing out with wind and looking closer, he could see that they were being steered by elves....
Celeborn saw himself at the back of the boat, looking back at Middle-earth.
Celeborn, his wife got his attention again. We will be leaving this world in the future. We leave Middle-earth in the hands of men
"Men?" Celeborn burst out. He had not many dealings with the race of mortals, but he had found them to be cunning and sly, and not always truthful in their words.
"Men," Galadriel echoed.
All the elves will go except one who will turn back and be the last leader of the elves, that is until he will come to Valinor also
No Celeborn said in unbelieving silence.
Yes Galadriel assured him. But that time is many years away
How can I reach this Legolas?
The Mirror of Galadriel shifted and Celeborn was staring down at an image of nine people. One was unmistakable as Mithrandir- the Grey Pilgrim- there was two other men. One Celeborn could only place as a man of Gondor. He had the same grey eyes and shifty look that the Lord found common among them. Then there was another man.
He had an uncanny resemblance to the Kings of Men. Noble in face and solemn in features.
Aragorn son of Arathorn Galadriel revealed. He will be the first King of the Fourth Age of Men
Then there was a dwarf and four other small beings.
Halflings, of them you will find out more
Then there was an elf. He was dressed in the grey and green customary with the Greenwood elves. His long hair was partially tied back in one plait with two small braids running behind his ears.
The grandson of Oropher: Legolas
There was another picture of Legolas before the screen returned to its normal state. He was standing at the side of the man that was Aragorn and next to him was the dwarf. They seemed to be in some strange stone building and in his hand was the bow that Celeborn recognised as his own.
You know what you must do now, my love. Do not worry; Gladrau Firestarter will be slain Galadriel said offering the Lord some hope.
Will Legolas survive? Celeborn asked. One elf against a mighty dragon, even if he did have the bow of Celeborn, was slightly outmatched.
Of that, I am not sure
~
"Who dares disturb the sleep of the mighty Gladrau?" the voice bellowed out and Legolas stopped walking to stand defiantly at the cave entrance. He could only guess that was what he was staring at; it was pitch black.
"Someone with an odd to settle," Legolas replied, shouting over the howl of the wind.
A puff of smoke came out of the cave as Gladrau's response.
"What chance do you think an elf will have against a dragon?" Gladrau asked cockily.
"None," the prince replied truthfully and readied his bow. "But I'm hoping that at least I'll take you with me."
"Mighty confident," the dragon laughed. The sound reverberated around the mountains and nearby land. "For someone about to be killed."
"The Halls of Mandos will be a great adventure for me," Legolas said, hoping that his false bravado was not detectable.
"Well good," Gladrau chuckled. "For it will be the last thing you see."
"I challenge you to a fight!" Legolas suddenly burst out, an idea sprouting in his nimble mind.
"My dear elfling!" the dragon said congenially. "I thought that was what were doing originally."
"Really?" the elf cried sarcastically. "I was just here for the parley."
Gladrau's whole body shook as he laughed mightily. He had not come across such pluck in one who was about to look death in the eye. Legolas would be a worthy opponent, finally after all these years. Gladrau would take great enjoyment from slowly disemboweling him either that or roasting him alive.
"Name the place and I'll name the time!" Legolas said energetically.
"Okay," Gladrau said slowly. He had a slight niggling worry that Legolas was planning something. But if he was going to plan something, the place would be of more importance to name, rather than the night or day. Besides the dragon had equally good sight during the night. One handy trick that the dragons used to hunt their prey was their infravision. They could see in the dark by using bodyheat.
"The Sea of Rhûn," the Firestarter announced. "There is a particularly nice view of my mountains so that while you're dying, at least you'll still be thinking of me."
"Okay, and the time is..." Legolas paused. He didn't know whether it was the actor in him pausing for dramatic effect, or the calculating fighter trying to fool his enemy. "Daylight: noon."
Gladrau raised one large muscle above his eye and snorted slightly.
"After all," Legolas said agreeing with the giant creature. "I wouldn't be able to see the view at night."
"Of course," Gladrau concurred. "It looks particularly splendid at dawn or dusk, but seeing as you're so convinced, I'll go with you."
"Brilliant!" Legolas said clapping his hands enthusiastically. "I'll see you then."
Then with that Legolas turned around and tried to make his way out of the valley created by the mountains. He stumbled slightly and smiled sheepishly. "My good sir," he said.
"Please call me Gladrau if we're going to be like this," Gladrau said affably.
"Yes, Gladrau, could you give me a little burst of light?" Legolas asked with a slight smile. If only this dragon was in an elf form, he might be quite a nice person to talk to.
Gladrau beamed showing his perfect teeth again and nodded obligingly. Then as requested, blew out a small puff of fire.
It lit up the valley and Legolas thanked him with a wave and know more confident as to where he was going, set off back to Hasufel.
When Legolas finally reached the chestnut coloured horse he buried his head in his mane and let out a sickened groan. It had suddenly hit him what he had just been doing.
He had been joking and acting almost friendlily towards the killer of innocents. Gladrau had cold-bloodedly slain villages of people and had a reputation for killing a lot more than that. And Legolas had been laughing and exchanging comments as one would with a neighbour. Not as the closest of friends, but still very warmly and politely.
Legolas felt his stomach churning as he remembered Lina. "Oh forgive me," he whispered to the stars.
They did nothing but glow.
"What would you do anyway?" he asked angrily. "Nothing!"
They still glowed and suddenly Legolas burst out laughing at his folly. Tears started running down his cheeks as he laughed and then he realized that they were not joyful tears but sorrowful ones and then he cried even harder.
~
The sun rose the next day above a clear and cloudless sky and Legolas met his opponent on the still iced surface of the Sea of Rhûn.
Gladrau's heavy feet did not crack the ice nor did his body heat melt it. And for this Legolas was thankful.
They were in the middle of the Sea and if the ice were to suddenly crack then Gladrau would be able to easily fly away. Legolas would be left to swim in the frozen waters and although the elf could swim and fairly ably, water that cold would freeze your heart and limbs before you could start to swim.
Gladrau's yellow eyes were half-closed and he averted them from Legolas. It was hard because the prince was staring at him with a mixture of awe and fear.
The dragon was like a tree to an ant in comparison to Legolas. One swat of his paw would probably break Legolas' frail vertebrae.
Gladrau was calm yet was slightly excited. He had not fought an enemy he considered worthy enough, in millennia. He wanted to play by the rules and otherwise he would have unleashed his fiery jaws or opened his mesmerizing eyes. Gladrau was slightly annoyed at the feeling most people had against some of the older beasts of the world. They had dignity and did not like to be treated as though they had no morals.
Yes they did kill whenever they liked, but if called to a duel, then they would fight correctly.
Legolas tilted his head back to look at the sun. It was nearly overhead. He looked down and then realised that he had no shadow.
"It is time," Gladrau rumbled.
"Indeed," Legolas replied softly. All former confidence and show of bravery he had put up was gone. "Eldarion my love, forgive me," he whispered.
With another look up at the sky and a wistful sigh Legolas turned to his opponent. His throat was as dry as the Brown Lands during the summer.
"Turn away," Gladrau ordered going by the rules of duels used by the dragons during fights over territory and females.
Legolas turned his back from the dragon and stared at the mountains. They were indeed very beautiful. The snow caught by the sun was so white and so pure.
"In the count of three we begin," the dragon said. "One...."
Goodbye Eldarion.
"Two....."
I hope this works.
"Three....."
Goodbye fair world.
~
*Ahem*
If you wouldn't mind reviewing.?
